How to choose and set up a Philips home theater

The transnational company Philips was founded back in 1981. Over its 40-year history, the company has repeatedly changed its priority areas of activity. But it increased its recognition thanks to the manufacture of high-quality consumer electronics. In our review, we will consider one of the types of Philips household appliances, namely home theaters.
Philips HTB3580 home theater is an exquisite solution for a room or hall [/ caption]

General information about speaker systems from Philips

All Philips branded home theaters are designed and manufactured with the latest technology. They differ in compact size, special quality of spare parts and assembly. Philips acoustic panels are available in 2.1, 3.1, 5.1 and 6.1 formats. Which implies a complete set of 1 subwoofer and 2, 3, 5 and 6 satellites, respectively. The 2- and 3-channel models use Virtual Surround Sound technology to improve sound quality. It creates the illusion of more sound sources.
Virtual Surround Sound – an innovative solution from Philips that improves the sound of speakers [/ caption] Philips Ambisound technology, which provides full-range surround sound, is used in five-channel models. Philips soundbars are equipped with audio inputs as standard, to which any external media can be connected using a cable. There is also a Bluetooth connection option.

The premium series devices are complemented by optical cables. They will allow you to play discs of any format – from CD and DVD to Blu-ray.

TOP 10 best models of Philips home theaters: price of the end of 2021

After analyzing 87 Philips home theater models, we have created our ranking of the best products in this category. It took into account the technical characteristics of the devices, user reviews and the cost of Philips home theaters.

10th place: Philips HTS5550

The average cost is 13,750 rubles. The Philips HTS5550 home theater model is not new, but it has very good technical data and is always loved by users. It is a one-piece system with a set of 5.1 speaker systems. The parameters of the main unit are 43.5 cm * 58 cm * 35.8 cm, weight – 3.56 kg. The dimensions of the front and rear speakers are 26 cm * 110 cm * 26 cm, the weight of each is 3.73 kg. Subwoofer weighing 5.25 kg. The width of the sub is 19.6 cm, the height is 39.5 cm, and the depth is 34.2 cm. 3D-directional speakers provide maximum surround sound. The total power of the speakers is 1200 W; frequency range – 20-20,000 Hz. Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital and DTS decoders are used. Thanks to the applied DoubleBASS technology, we get a deep and rich sound of the subwoofer. The frequency range of the sub is 40-150 Hz.
Home theater Philips HTS5550 reads discs such as CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD R, DVD RW. Supports DivX, VCD, SVCD, MPEG1, 2 and 4, MP3, JPEG, Picture CD and others. Connection to other devices is cable. As an additional option – FM radio (87.5-108 MHz).

Note. All information about the pros and cons of Philips Cinema is based on feedback from real users.

Advantages

The main advantages of the Philips HTS5550 DC:

• low cost;
• great design;
• high-quality surround sound, high maximum volume;
• good power;
• “Omnivorous”, reading various discs and formats.
• availability of 3D option;
• sufficient wire length.

disadvantages

Among the disadvantages are the following:

• lack of support for MKV format;
• does not support external media with NTFS.

9th place: Philips HTS3539

The average cost of Philips HTS3539 is 16,500 rubles. Home theater Philips HTS3539 is in many ways similar to the previous model, but recognized as more advanced. It is also a one-box system with a 5.1 speaker system. Dimensions of the main unit – 36 cm * 58 cm * 24 cm, weight – 2.4 kg. The size of the front and rear speakers – 24 cm * 100 cm * 24 cm, weight – 1.6 kg; the power of each is 100 watts. The weight and size of the subwoofer are as follows – 2.6 kg, 26.5 cm * 16 cm * 26.5 cm, respectively; power – 100 watts. The frequency range of the home theater is 20 – 20,000 Hz.
Home theater HTS3539 reads DVD and CD discs, formats MPEG1,2,4, SVCD, VCD. This model also features DivX Ultra technology, which combines the ability to play DivX files with multi-language support and embedded subtitles. The device is connected via HDMI, optical S / PDIF input, USB (type A). There is also a composite AV output (RCA) and a stereo audio input (RCA), which allows you to play music from a smartphone, tablet, MP3 player or laptop through the DC. Sound quality. One of the leading standards of multichannel sound is used – Dolby Digital. In addition, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS decoders are used. In addition to the DC itself, the basic package includes a remote control, HDMI cable, antenna and documentation.

Advantages

• stylish appearance;
• good sound quality with realistic spatial cues;
• high definition of the image, thanks to HDMI connection;
• convenient control, support for EasyLink option.

disadvantages

• there is no wireless connection;
• hum may be heard at high volume.

8th place: home theater Philips HTS3357

The average cost is 18,895 rubles. The HTS3357 home theater system allows you to enjoy surround sound and high-definition images. Like most in the Philips lineup, the model is a single-unit with five speakers. The total power of the speakers is 600 W; frequency range – 40 – 20,000 Hz. Unlike previous home theaters, Philips HTS3357 has improved sound – there is a digital amplifier class “D”, night mode. It is also possible to customize the equalizer; options for working with images (rotation, zooming, slideshow with music).
The connectors for connection are the following: HDMI, S-VIDEO, AUX, component video output, composite video signal CVBS, speaker connectors, 2 digital coaxial inputs, USB, linear MP3, FM antenna output, AM / MW, Scart output.

Advantages

• high quality sound and image;
• the presence of various options, additional playback settings;
• there is a karaoke mode, radio.

disadvantages

A small strip, about 20 pixels, that appears in the lower right corner of the screen every 15-20 minutes.

7th place: Philips HTS5200

The average cost is 18,895 rubles. The Philips HTS5200 is a one-box system with a 2.1 speaker panel with a total output of 400 watts. The frequency range of the home theater is 20 – 20,000 Hz. High-frequency speakers, passive subwoofer. This model uses Crystal Clear Sound technology, which gives you perfectly clear detailed sound. It is also possible to play files from USB-drives.

Advantages

• Good sound with a “presence” effect.
• Modern stylish design.
• The presence of a large number of useful functions for setting up playback.
• It is possible to connect an additional docking station for comfortable playback of files from an iPhone or iPod.
• Counting points in karaoke – allows you to have fun with the company.

disadvantages

Inconvenient inclusion of the timer – only through the menu.

6th place: Philips HTS5540

The average cost is 23 850 rubles. The format of the speaker system of the Philips HTS5540 DK is 6.1, the total power is 1200 W. It also differs from the above models in the presence of more improved functions. There is a possibility of wireless connection of rear speakers and touch control of the system.

Advantages

• Premium sound quality, deep bass.
• The ability to play different formats.
• Beautiful design.
• Good build quality.
• Good power.
• Ease of use.

disadvantages

• Low-informative display.
• Slow response of DC when playing files from external media.

5th place: Philips HTD5580

The average cost of Philips HTD5580 is 26 655 rubles. The Philips HTD5580 is a 5.1 DVD home theater system that delivers deep theater-like surround sound. Sound power – 1000 W. Speaker system with dual inverters, Bass-Reflex and Dolby Digital. Image in Full HD 1080p quality.

Advantages

• The presence of a built-in Bluetooth module, which is responsible for wireless streaming of files to the DC.
• Microphone volume control.

disadvantages

Not found.

4th place Philips HTB7590KD

The average cost is 27,990 rubles. This model is also a one-box system with 5.1 speaker and Blu-ray. The total power of the speakers is 1000 W; frequency range – 20 – 20,000 watts. Among other things, the new CinemaPerfect HD standard is also used here, which significantly improves the quality of playback – it reduces noise and makes the picture clearer.

Advantages

• Premium image quality.
• The ability to connect to the Internet.
• 3D support.
• Wireless connection of rear speakers.

disadvantages

The bulkiness of the tuner.

3rd place: Philips HTS5580

The average cost is 27,990 rubles. The Philips HTS5580 is a 5.1 home theater digital system that delivers outstanding deep surround sound. Reads a wide range of formats from all types of discs, external media or portable players. The total power of the speakers is 1200 W, the frequency range is still 20 – 20 000 Hz. This model uses Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio Essential, DoubleBASS and others.

Advantages

• Wireless speaker connection.
• 3D option.
• Premium sound and picture quality.

disadvantages

Unusual shape of the remote control.

2nd place: Philips HTS5131

The average cost is 35,430 rubles. Philips HTS5131 is a 2.1 format model with a total power of 400 watts. This model has the ability to connect to wired or wireless Internet; access to YouTube and Picasa. Technologies such as Virtual Surround Sound, Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD and others are used.

Advantages.

• Sounds good.
• EasyLink option available.

Disadvantages.

No headphone output.

1st place in the ranking of the best Philips home theaters for 2021-2022: Philips HTS8161

The average cost is 47,200 rubles. The cherry on our cake is the Philips HTS8161 model. The Philips HTS8161 Blu-ray Home Theater delivers HD surround sound from just one source. Its power is 500 W, the frequency range is 20 – 20,000 Hz. This model uses a number of technologies that greatly affect the quality of reproduction and sound. Ambisound, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD deliver high definition 7.1 surround sound, compensating for the low speaker count. Deep Color technology delivers vibrant colors with over a billion colors. BD-Live helps you download content from the Internet to Blu-ray Disc. Technologies DoubleBASS, FullSound, xvColor and others are also used.

Advantages

• High quality sound and picture.
• Convenient touch panel for volume and playback controls.

disadvantages

The cable for connecting the subwoofer to the DC is very thick. Philips HTS3560 home theater review – what you need to know: https://youtu.be/LRpav3B9Q9s

Should you buy home theaters from Philips

Philips home theaters are renowned for their quality. These are modern materials and reliable assembly. All products are presented in different price categories. The “sophistication” of devices and the availability of additional improved options depend on the cost. However, even the most budget models will be able to provide deep surround sound and clear image playback.

Criterias of choice

When choosing a Philips home theater, it is important to consider a number of features:

• technical data of the device;
• availability of the necessary improved options;
• speaker format;
• playable disc types, file formats;
• type of device connection, etc.

Connecting to a TV

TV connection is standard. Depends on the available connectors on the DC and TV. The most common option is to connect using an HDMI cable. This type of pairing ensures uninterrupted signal and high-quality clear reproduction. As a rule, the cable is included in the kit. There are also the following connection options:

• using an optical cable (IN and OUT jacks) . Requires additional setup of audio and video signal;
• via a coaxial cable (Coaxial IN and Coaxial OUT connectors);
• using a tulip cable ;
• through SCART connectors, S-VIDEO, and others .

How to connect a Philips home theater to a TV via an optical cable:
Cinema connection [/ caption]

Note! If the connectors on your home theater and TV do not match, you can use an adapter.

Important! When connecting the DC to the TV, both devices must be de-energized.

Possible malfunctions of different models of Philips cinemas and solution of the problem

Now let’s look at the most popular problems and their solutions.

1. When you turn on the home theater Philips SW 8300 writes “Starting” and does not react to anything. – In this case, the problem may lie with the firmware or peripheral devices, including the drive.
2. The LX8200SA does not open the drive. – We recommend that you check the connection of the drive to the power supply, check it with a mechanic or contact a service center.
3. Sometimes the Philips LX8300SA home theater will go into sleep mode immediately after being turned on. – A software update is required to resolve the issue.

Repair of the famous Philips hts5540 home theater model – video instruction: https://youtu.be/F9izPscxlHM Complex breakdowns are eliminated in service centers.