PRESS RELEASE
Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Philips today announced that its first soundbar with detachable speakers, the Philips Fidelio Soundbar HTL9100, has been awarded ‘Home Theater Innovation 2013-2014' by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). This is the 20th award won by Philips for innovation in audio, visual and multimedia since the inception of the EISA awards. The soundbar features detachable wireless side speakers that, when removed, transform the soundbar from virtual Surround Sound to a 5.1 Surround Sound experience on demand.
The completely wireless detachable speakers render the back surround channels for a true wireless surround experience, providing a smart solution for consumers who want the option of a true 5.1 Surround Sound experience in an elegant design, and without the clutter of extra cables. The accompanying wireless subwoofer is down-firing and has a sleek tower shape that minimizes its footprint.
In its citation, the EISA jury commented: "The Philips HTL9100 is no ordinary soundbar. If needed, the detachable, battery-powered side speakers can be put anywhere in the room where they will receive rear-channel sound wirelessly, providing true ‘Surround on Demand' via the onboard Dolby and DTC 5.1 decoders. With the subwoofer also working wirelessly, and connectivity including Bluetooth for music streaming, two HDMI inputs and an ARC-compatible output, installation is fast and foolproof. Philips' Smart Equalization sensor will also adjust the soundbar's sound depending on whether it is mounted to a wall or flat on a stand. An energetic, detailed audio performance and slim, unobtrusive design completes this forward-thinking, innovative product. Hook it up to your TV and enjoy."
The speakers operate via Philips' proprietary wireless audio technology so there are no wires, leaving consumers free to place them wherever they like. By using proprietary wireless audio technology, the transmission is uncompressed and the frequency the surround speakers operate at is different than that of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which means no network interference. When fully charged the detachable surround sound speakers offer up to 10 hours of stellar sound and automatically recharge when connected to the main unit.
For added convenience, the Fidelio Soundbar includes a second HDMI port that allows users to easily link their media system or games console. For music playback it connects wirelessly to any Bluetooth-enabled device, so the only wires needed are for power and a link to the TV, ensuring the design stays as striking as possible. The sleek jet-black design is an elegant shape reminiscent of a plane's wing and features high-end finishings that are certain to make it a focal point of any room. The HTL9100 is available at a suggested retail price of £699.
About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2012 sales of EUR 24.8 billion and employs approximately 115,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.
