Philips home theater: quality technology at an affordable price

Despite the large number of advanced technology for reproducing audio and video content produced by manufacturers, most modern consumers prefer to opt for already trusted brands. In particular, this applies to Philips home cinemas (DCs), which inspire customer confidence due to the world-famous name of the company. Is this enough to make a rational decision to buy Philips equipment? What technical characteristics deserve special attention when choosing a DC system from the manufacturer in question? And also, what products of the Philips range are included in the rating of the best home cinema? Let's get it right.

About the manufacturer

Philips history dates back to 1891. Then Gerard Philips, together with his father Frederick, decided to organize a factory for the production and further sale of bulbs. After 4 years, the younger brother of Gerard, Anton Philips, was added to the number of founders. It was the last participant who subsequently managed to conclude an agreement with the “representative” of the Winter Palace in Russia for the first large supply of his goods. This deal gave impetus to the spread of the "glory" of the corporation around the world, which was later even personally noted by the Queen of the Netherlands.

In 1999, Philips “ancestors” were recognized as the best entrepreneurs of the 20th century.

Today, the world famous brand considers the goal of its production to create innovative projects that can significantly improve the quality of life of consumers. Among such developments, it is possible to note equipment for medical facilities, and lighting devices, household appliances, gadgets for beauty and health, as well as devices for playing audio and video content, including home theaters.

About product

The basic delivery set of the Philips DC system is no different from the standard equipment of similar equipment from other brands. Traditionally, it includes:

• VHS - VCR / DVD - player / 3D projector (in other words, any signal source);
• amplifier (converts a signal of insufficient power to the “proper form”);
• AV - receiver (a device for decoding digital formats of various types into "readable" by a specific device model);
• columns (traditionally 5 or 7 pieces);
• subwoofer (emphasizing the transfer of low frequencies, bass);
• LCD TV / plasma panel / 4K or HD PC monitor (or any device that can take on the "role" of the display device);
• connecting wires (if we are not talking about a wireless recreation center with their partial or complete absence).

Separately, it is worth noting the generally accepted designations of home theater manufacturers (xx) associated with the number of components of a speaker system kit, where the first indicator is the number of speakers and the second is subwoofers. So, having seen the characteristic 5.1 in the device’s passport, the buyer can count on 5 speakers (floor, wall, rear, etc.) and 1 subwoofer. It is advisable to add that such an acoustic system is best suited for the user who does not have a large free space in the room where the direct installation of the recreation center is planned.

For maximum volume with a relative "purity" of sound, the indicator of the total power of the speaker system is responsible. On average, it varies from 650 watts to 1000 watts. It is highly recommended not to choose equipment with the maximum possible characteristic under consideration for further use in the apartment, due to the excessive noise of the device, which can cause discomfort not only to other family members, but also to neighbors.

The type of player indicated in the passport or the instruction manual for the device makes it clear to the buyer what quality image he will receive “on output”.The most popular today is Blu-ray - a player that can play video in 4K quality.

In addition to the type of player, the buyer should also pay attention to supported file formats. The vast majority of top representatives of the Philips lineup read MKV, MPEG4, DivX, DivX HD, AVCHD, MPEG1, MPEG2, VCD, SVCD, WMA, MP3, JPEG.

However, not only the compatibility of the device is the basis of high-quality transmission of audio and video stream. Impedance, sensitivity and frequency are basic characteristics that deserve their detailed consideration. Considering that the impedance illustrates the resistance of the acoustic system of the current in the power network when connected to an external amplifier, it is important to check the correspondence of this indicator for the speakers and the device itself that converts weak signals. From the sensitivity, as well as from the frequency, of the chosen Philips theater, the volume and “saturation” of its sound directly depend. Accordingly, the higher these indicators are for a specific model of a recreation center, the more appropriate is its choice among other analogues.

Of course, the additional options that are built into most of the “representatives” of the Philips DC lineup will become a significant “bonus” for the buyer. The most common of them include:

• built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth;
• Smart TV
• 3D playback support;
• FM and TV tuner;
• DLNA support (the ability to "link" several devices into a single network);
• DivX Ultra (providing support for video subtitles and multiple audio tracks);
• parental control;
• child protection;
• bass reflex (correcting bass sound);
• karaoke;
• USB ports.

In addition to the internal characteristics of the acoustic system from Philips, it is important for the buyer to pay attention to the material used in the manufacture of the device case. In this case, you should not save when buying plastic speakers. Optimal would be the choice in favor of if not wooden (expensive, high-quality material), then at least MDF - columns.

Philips home cinemas, like similar devices from other manufacturers, are not without drawbacks. The most significant of them are:

• the quality of the material used to make the connecting cables;
• ill-conceived dimensions of the speakers, in particular the floor;
• easily soiled surface of the case of functional parts;
• low speed of the device.

In fairness, it is worth mentioning the significant advantages of using the systems of the Dutch manufacturer of recreation centers, which can create maximum comfort for your user:

• modern system design;
• high-quality sound;
• high-quality image transfer to the display device;
• reasonable cost of equipment of the segment under consideration with high rates of its power.

Top models

HTB3580G

• Acoustic installation type: floor
• Audio Channel Format: 5.1
• Total acoustic power: 1000 W
• Subwoofer Frequency Range: 20-150W
• Subwoofer Power: 166 W
• Multimedia: MKV, MPEG4, DivX, DivX HD, AVCHD, MPEG1, MPEG2, VCD, SVCD, WMA, MP3, JPEG, BD (Blu-ray Disc), Blu-ray 3D, BD-R, BD-Re, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD R, DVD RW
• Additional options: progressive scan, zoom to HD, built-in FM tuner

The ideal price-quality ratio of this Philips home theater model will please buyers who do not want to overpay for the set of functions that are not used in real life and are provided by the manufacturer of the equipment in this segment.

HTD3570

• Acoustic installation type: floor
• Audio Channel Format: 5.1
• System frequency range: 20 W - 20 kW
• Total rated power: 200 W
• Subwoofer Power: 50 W
• Multimedia: DVD / VCD, MPEG4, MP3 / WMA, Audio CD, JPEG
• Additional options: bass reflex, magnetic shielding, parental control, built-in FM tuner

The compact design dimensions of this model along with the quality of its “performance” will allow the buyer to enjoy using the purchased Philips home theater for a long time.

HTB3520

• Acoustic installation type: shelf
• Audio Channel Format: 5.1
• System frequency range: 20 W - 20 kW
• Total rated power: 1000 W
• Subwoofer Power: 166 W
• Multimedia: Smart TV, FM tuner, Bluetooth, NFC chip, karaoke, Karaoke Mix, DVD / VCD, MPEG4, H.264, AVCHD, MKV, MP3 / WMA, JPEG
• Additional options: support 3D, DLNA, BD Live, parental control, progressive scan

A multifunctional home theater system that allows its user not only to enjoy high-quality surround sound when playing audio and video content, but also to sing songs using the karaoke option.

HTS3373

• Acoustic installation type: floor
• Audio Channel Format: 5.1
• System frequency range: 20 W - 20 kW
• Total rated power: 1000 W
• Subwoofer Power: 167 W / Channel
• Multimedia: FM tuner / memory 40 stations, DVD / VCD, MPEG4, MP3 / WMA, Audio CD, JPEG
• Additional options: DVX ULTRA, parental control, progressive scan

A high-quality home theater model that provides its user with high playback power of audio and video stream with moderate power consumption.

HTB4510

• Acoustic installation type: shelf
• Audio Channel Format: 5.1
• System frequency range: 20 W - 20 kW
• Total rated power: 1000 W
• Subwoofer Power: 167 W / Channel
• Multimedia: Smart TV, FM tuner, DVD / VCD, MPEG4, H.264, AVCHD, MKV, MP3 / WMA, Audio CD, Super Audio CD, JPEG

Additional options: magnetic shielding, bass reflex, 3D support, BD Live, parental control, progressive scan

The high-quality 5.1 acoustic system of the home theater under consideration, thanks to the support of 3D sound, provides its user with maximum immersion in "another reality", and the built-in equalizer allows you to "adjust" the reproduced frequency range in accordance with personal preferences.

Philips home theaters are rightfully considered to be one of the highest quality devices in their segment. Surround sound with an external compact design can not leave indifferent buyers of advanced technology. Having carefully studied the above information, choosing the most suitable device will not cause difficulties even for a person who is not versed in technology.