The Philips HTL7180 Fidelio soundbar ($799) brings real surround sound back to the soundbar category by including a pair of surround speakers that detach from the sides.
Wireless Surround Speaker
The surround speakers are wireless, bestowing a lot of flexibility in placement. Philips rates the battery life at eight hours, but with heavy use (i.e. movies with lots of surround sound), you may get less than that.
Single-Speaker Mode
When attached to the main unit, the Fidelio acts as a regular soundbar, and can produce “virtual” surround sound.
Surround Mode
When detached, the modular speakers act as left and right surrounds, while the center unit becomes the front left, right and center channels.
Indicators
The LED indicators on the front show the input engaged, as well as the volume.
Detached Speaker
Whether detached or not, the surround speakers require no stands.
Connector
Each surround speaker connects to the main unit via a proprietary connector.
System
The complete Philips Fidelio soundbar system, including subwoofer and remote control.
Connectors
The unit has connectors for HDMI, standard RCA and coaxial/optical digital audio.
Subwoofer
The Fidelio subwoofer is a couple of feet tall.
Simple Hookup
Here’s the extent of the “controls” on the subwoofer.
Remote Control
The remote has controls for volume, mute, bass, treble, inputs and the various modes.
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