The SoundBar (HTS8100) integrates Philips' proprietary Ambisound technology with an amplifier, DVD player and FM Tuner in one wall-mountable unit and one subwoofer.

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"Ambisound allows consumers to enjoy 5.1 surround sound performance without the hassle of multiple speakers or wires. The system provides powerful surround sound sporting a thin design that matches any FlatTV and fits in any living room, not relying on walls to bounce or reflect sound around the room,"said Philips Consumer Electronics Australia General Manager, Matthew Moran.

The company says the product comes in response to research conducted by Philips finding that consumers want a 5.1 sound experience but with fewer components. According to its global study, Philips found many consumers don't like to install five or more speakers and their associated wires and 60 percent don't even unpack one or more of the speakers that go with their conventional home theatre system.

The Ambisound SoundBar features five amplifiers, integrated into a single horizontal bar (hence the name), but can still provide a surround sound experience due to various inbuilt technology including array processing and driver positioning, Philips claims. The system also features a 3-band equaliser and DoubleBASS. In terms of video, the SoundBar offers high definition upscaling and Faroudja DCDi.

RRP: $1,299.95

See: www.philips.com.au