May 7th, 2009
Philips rolls out 2009 U.S. home theater lineup. Will anyone buy?
While a major force in Europe, the Philips brand has never caught on in the same way across the pond, unable to compete with the Samsungs and Sonys in reputation or the Vizios in cut-rate pricing. Philips disclosed pricing and availability details on its 2009 lineup of U.S. home theater products to Engadget yesterday—will it change its luck in America this time around?
A quick look at its new slate doesn’t reveal any breakthrough innovation that will make consumers run right out to Best Buy. Instead, Philips is making new HDTVs that are thinner and more energy efficient, two bandwagons every TV maker is jumping on. Its new FlatTV 6000 and 7000 series (pictured) feature frames 45 percent thinner than their predecessors, allowing a 42-inch model to occupy about as much space as an older 37 incher. The 7000 sets all include 2ms response rates and 120Hz refresh rates, along with Halo-Free technology to lessen the “halo” effect on fast moving action. Pricing for the 7000 series starts at $1,499, while you can get a 37-inch 6000 series set for $799.
The 7000 series is one of three Eco lines, along with the 3000 and 5000 series. Philips claims the 42-inch 7000 set uses 80 percent less energy in standby power compared to last year’s equivalent, and also uses 59 percent less power when the TV is on. Philips even regrinds imperfect bezels to use them for newer ones.
Philips is finally introducing a Blu-ray home theater system, the $599.99 HTS 5100B, as well as a new Blu-ray player, which is priced at $299.99, but lacks any kind of network connection to compete with other Blu-ray players that can stream from online video services. The company is also releasing a pair of soundbar solutions, with the $299.99 HSB3280 being promoted to gamers who might appreciate its game effect sound settings (Shooting/Sports/Action/Arcade).
Is Philips doing anything worthy of your interest? Do you already own a Philips HDTV? Let us know in our TalkBack section.
Sean Portnoy spent several years as an editor at Computer Shopper magazine, most recently serving as online executive editor. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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