Philips unveils ultrasleek home-theater sound bars

Philips has four new home-theater sound-bar packages hitting the market over the next few months--and they're quite fetching.

David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews

Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.

Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials

Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer

See full bio

David Carnoy

Jan. 12, 2009 9:49 a.m. PT

2 min read

The HSB2351 has an integrated DVD player and subwoofer for $349.99. Philips

Philips doesn't have a big presence at CES this year but it does appear to have some noteworthy products, especially when it comes to its new line of home-theater sound bars. The company's announced four new sound-bar packages, each geared to a slightly different target consumer.

Here's the rundown of the various products:

Model: The HSB2351

*All-in-one sound bar features integrated DVD player and subwoofer with 300 watts of total power

*Space-saving sleek design fits easily on an entertainment center or can be mounted on the wall

*Dolby Virtual Speaker for theater audio experience and HDMI 1080p with video upscaling

*MP3 Link for music playback from portable media players, USB 2.0 for media playback from USB flash drives, and a built-in FM tuner

Available in April with a suggested retail price of $349.99

Model: The HSB2313

*Ultra-thin speaker system with wireless subwoofer for a streamlined look

*Dolby Virtual Speaker for theater audio experience and HDMI 1080p with video upscaling

*Triple HDMI in and aux-in to connect TV, Blu-ray player, or set-top box

*MP3 Link for music playback from portable media players, High speed USB 2.0 for media playback from USB flash drives, and a built-in FM tuner

Available in May with a suggested retail price of $399.99

Model: The HSB2303

*Super narrow sound bar fits perfectly under your HDTV or on a table stand. Features an external subwoofer for an enhanced sound experience.

*Dolby Virtual Speaker for theater audio experience and HDMI 1080p with video upscaling

*MP3 Link for music playback from Portable Media Players, High speed USB 2.0 for media playback from USB flash drives, and a built-in FM tuner

Available in March with a suggested retail price of $299.99

Model: The HSB3280 (Philips is calling this the "Ultimate Gaming" system)

*Super sleek sound bar with ultramodern, exposed speakers and front AV inputs for ultimate convenience. Wireless subwoofer eliminates extra cables.

*Triple aux-in connects TV, DVD player or set-top box in one simple step

*Dolby Prologic II and Dolby Virtual Speakers technology for theater audio sound

*Special game-effect sound settings (Shooting/Sports/Action/Arcade) to enhance the gaming experience.

*Smart remote control system--one remote for system and TV

Available in January with a suggested retail price of $299.99