Philips SoundBar HTS8100 to simulate surround sound in one speaker

We're not entirely convinced that a single speaker could ever replace or even come close to simulating true 5.1 surround sound speakers, but that hasn't stopped companies from manufacturing products that try to do just that. The latest one that we've spotted is Philips' SoundBar HTS8100, a single three-foot long piece that uses "Ambisound technology" and "Smart Surround" processing, which is supposed to replace those pesky speakers that you already spent hours properly mounting in your living room. Still, Sci Fi Tech wasn't all that impressed, calling the CES booth demo "a little shill," -- but if you disagree with their assessment, the SoundBar can be yours this coming June for $1,000. Hmm, how 'bout if we told you that it has an integrated DVD player? It does.

[Andy @ Jan 8th 2007 10:27AM]

I'll be the first to call bullshit.

No 4-speaker setup can simulate a 5.1 setup, let alone a 3 or 2 speaker setup (I'm talking to you, Bose), much less a one speaker setup. "Virtual surround" in any shape or form, is just BS playing with the phase, and even less when considering the variation of environments.

While most of them are also BS, the only "Virtual surround" systems worth listening to are headphone-based ones, like Dolby Headphone, or binaural technologies like holophonics. Holophonics is particularly impressive, but has to be recorded with special equipment.

[John Bassett @ Jul 14th 2008 4:53AM]

You're a bit broad with your comments there. Have you heard of stereo dipole systems?

[Jonathan Keim @ Jan 8th 2007 10:30AM]

These people aren't looking for what works, they are looking for what sells.

[sean @ Jan 8th 2007 10:51AM]

what does "shill" mean anyway?

[kOa7 @ Jan 8th 2007 11:10AM]

Yes, we know. No one is claiming it is as good as a real 5.1 setup. It's a simulation for people who don't want 5.1 speakers. The reviews of the Yamaha, Polk and other solutions say they work well for what they are, with limitations. Big surprise. Anyway, thank for defending those helpless consumers who might have had compromised sound!

[Ken @ Jan 8th 2007 1:21PM]

I am an owner of Yamaha YSP-1, the one with 42 drivers. You will be surprised at how effective it is in simulating surround. Don't knock it until you try it (Bose being exception, of course).

[MarvinK @ Jan 8th 2007 3:48PM]

I still can't believe these systems are selling for $700+... I think the combination of convenience and cost would be compelling for some, if it were a more reasonable price for something that clearly is not targeted to those who are more concerned about sounds. Those concerned about sound on a budget would be better off looking at the av123 x-series or something similar. These seems more like it should be competing with the $300-500 crappy HTIB solutions... and priced accordingly (especially from companies who are already selling cheap HTIB solutions).

[ss7 @ Jan 8th 2007 3:59PM]

This is competive to the Yamaha, it's doubtful that the 'simuated' sound is as good as the Yamaha...but it is a far better product then the POLK

[john @ Jan 8th 2007 4:24PM]

I bought the Yamaha DSP-800. It's basically the same thing as this. In no way is it a room shaking home theater set-up. After tweaking the setup it does simulate surround sound quite well by bouncing audio of the walls of your room.

[Dany @ Jan 26th 2007 12:01PM]

I have an HTS6510 it is a 3 speaker setup 2 Sonowave speakers and a Sub woofer. The system works beautifully as if I have true 5.1.(And the room does shake)
So it may be possible that the HTS8100 could deliver.

[GOPAL PRASAD @ Oct 3rd 2007 1:00AM]

since i have been love to all Philips product beacuse Sound quality is xlent but i want following >Multimedia speaker system having great looking, 5.1 ch, remote,FM/AM,USB INTERFACE FOR SOUND INPUT/OPUT,6000 W TO 8OOOW PMPO ,WITH SMART DISPLAY ETC I HAVE TO WANT BEFORE DIPAWALI
THANK TO PHILIPS

[Duty Guy @ Jun 16th 2008 3:24PM]

This unit is awesome. I have musician friends who are audiophiles and they are completely blown away by how well this system simulates 5.1 No, you won't get those random creaks/crickets behind your ears, but it doesn't mean this unit isn't competitive. Besides the great speaker sound, the bass from the sub is thumping. It has an integrated DVD player that "upconverts" standard dvds to "near-HD quality" . . . and you can tell. You can use the iPod docking station to play your music library while charging the iPod, and it has all of the conversion cradles so no iPod is without a home. Great unit that remedies the problem of having lackluster speakers on a flat screen tv and not wanting to hassle with real 5.1 And at just over $600 it is a real bargain.

[john kirk @ Jun 24th 2008 11:57AM]

is this really good . i have a yamaha ysp1 but was thinking of changing it for either the philips or the samsung hxt -810 .can you advise me how to lop through my sky hd and my blu ray player to either of these units .

[Akie @ Mar 24th 2009 4:28AM]

How does the USB work?
Does it just play audio file?
Is it only flash memory, or can you connect a hard drive?
Will it play DiVX files on a hard drive?