Harman-owned JBL has launched its new ‘5.1’ soundbar, which is set to replace the now defunct Philips Fidelio, following the collapse of Gibson brands.
The new JBL 5.1 soundbar mimics Philip’s [nearly three year old] offering, featuring pull apart rear speakers.
Sources have informed SmartHouse, Harvey Norman has secured exclusive local distribution of JBL’s 5.1, whilst JB Hi-Fi will range the new ‘Bar 3.1’.
In a press release, JBL has confirmed its ‘Link Bar’ with Google Assistant will land in Australia later this year.
JBL’s Bar series is marketed as slender “high-performance” soundbars with Bluetooth 4.0 for “superior” music streaming.
Available in several models the range includes; the Bar Studio, Bar 2.1, Bar 3.1 and Bar 5.1.
JBL Bar 5.1 – now available from Harvey Norman for $995
The Bar 5.1 features two detachable rear speakers, which can be placed around a room to create a surround sound effect. Rear speakers are battery powered, rechargeable, wireless and feature a 10 hour battery life.
The 5.1 is the “most advanced” in the BAR series, and claims to deliver a “flagship sound experience”.
Further information is available on JBL’s website here.
JBL Bar 3.1 – now available from Harvey Norman for $695
The Bar 3.1 claims to offer “best-in-class” surround sound, with a 10″ wireless subwoofer, and 450W total system power.
With JBL SoundShift, the 3.1 instantly switches between TV, sound and mobile/tablet inputs.
Further information is available on JBL’s website here.
The Harman and Samsung owned subsidiary claims the soundbars deliver “theatre-quality sound” to fill any room – a fact which was demonstrated at a press event in Sydney last night, via a cinema screening of Mad Max: Fury Road.
JBL’s Link Bar claims to be the industry’s first soundbar powered by Android TV with built-in Google Assistant:
“The Link Bar turns any TV, regardless of make or model, into a Smart TV. Just by saying ‘Hey Google’ you’ll open the door to a world of programming available hands-free through Android TV,” JBL asserts.
Further information on JBL’s Link Bar is set to be provided in Q3Y18.
Boasting easy set-up, JBL’s Bar series features multiple connection points including HMDI, HDMI ARC and Optical and AUX wired connections.
The 3.1 and 5.1 feature multiple 4K HDMI pass-through inputs for connection with Blu-Ray players, game consoles and more.
The soundbars are programmed to respond to the TV’s remote, eliminating the need for multiple controllers.
JBL Bar 2.1 – now available from Harvey Norman for $495
Marketed as an “entry-level” soundbar, JBL’s Bluetooth enabled Bar Studio is tailor made for smaller rooms.
For more power, users have the option of the Bar 2.1 – an “intermediate” soundbar with a wireless subwoofer.
Further information is available on JBL’s website here.
