Philips B5/37 Fidelio Soundbar Speaker (Black)

I did have to use an optical cable to plug it into my DVR since my TV is older and did not have HDMI arc option.

I have spent hours trying to get this to work with my television. Just can't get it to work. I have tried to call Philips for help. That is a very frustrating experience. It is impossible to get the correct department. Just keep transferring me to people who have to transfer me to other people who have to transfer me to other people. I will never buy another Philips product as long as I live.

The setup did not work as in the published manual and 2 of the speakers does not turn on at all for some reason ...

What a piece of S***!!!!! Philips didn't even send me a working link to get it going. I've had it for a month now and still not working. Try brag about their customer service and that never open. $734 down the drain?

Brilliant sound. Really easy to setup. I was initially a bit skeptical about using wireless satellites, but they work fabulously. Really impressed.

Fantastic system.

I've owned a variety of home audio, home theater, and soundbar setups over the years. The former two categories are a bit easier to evaluate than soundbars for a variety of reasons, but I'll do my best here. Soundbars are seeming a commodity, but many try to offer something unique which can make comparisons a bit indirect, as we have here. This unit comes swinging with a few clear positives: * wireless rear units * some HDMI support (2 barely scratches the surface for me, but for many users that's enough) * ARC support on the HDMI (if your TV is less than 2 years old this can be very handy) * Bluetooth with some enhanced protocols and NFC to boot * You can use as three separate Bluetooth speakers * limited room correction (spacial calibration) and some enhanced DSP modes It also starts off with some limitations * relatively small sound bar (no room for larger drivers or greater spacing) * small sub (physics are what they are) * battery powered portable speakers more of an as needed satellite than a permanent solution * only 2 HDMI (ARC may help, but not with my TV) * no USB for media (firmware only) * many users may not get the most out of it FYI it does come with a wall mount If I had to some up my impressions of this unit, I'd say it was clever. It's not the best sounding unit, but it does a lot with a little (quite literally in the case of the overall volume of space this tiny setup uses). The dockable and removable satellite speakers that can work as standalone Bluetooth speakers as well as the mic for the spatial calibration is rather clever. The audio processing that happens to give this unit a larger than reality feel is clever, and the overall experience is a bit unique from other sound bars. It doesn't so much work the way you expect it to, and you need to work on its terms. That being said, the flexibility is there. It can work with HDMI, either as a two way switch or using ARC, but it can also work with digital coax, optical digital, and analog in. Bluetooth works in a few ways, and you can use the portable wireless speakers as you see fit. You actually have three separate Bluetooth speakers! In the end this is all a great way to make the most of a modest system, but there are always compromises. The battery powered satellites limit their use as a permanent home theater setup and the main sound bar is a bit week too. If you appreciate the variety of uses this offers and make the most of it, it's a great system. Many users simply want a good soundbar, and for the price, it's not that good (in that traditional role). The sound quality is good, but far from great. If you want a great sound get a BIC America FH-56 Surround Sound Bar with BIC Acoustech PL-200 and a decent 5.1 or 7.1 receiver (it's not a powered sound bar). If you've read this or otherwise familiarized yourself with what it does and how it works and it all sounds good--I recommend this. It's really novel and well thought out. If this seems confusing or has stuff you don't think you'd use, well you may want to try something else.

Right to the point. This speaker system sounds great. For us it is a perfect fit and is a great choice for those who fit into a similar niche. We just moved and are now renting a home, so we're not interested or able to wire a better sound system. The house we have already has the setup for this, but we're wanting to avoid the hassle and the fact our two young kids tend to yank and pull at anything within reach. Our previous system got tugged at enough that required regular wire stripping and reattachment by me. The sound is full and vibrant. No, it's not a full speaker system with a separate tuner, so you're not going to get the biggest sound, however, that's not our goal. We want a full sound that can fill the space but don't need to be like a movie theater. We mostly listen to music during the day, and have movies/television in the evening after the kids go to bed. The flexibility of this system really is what makes it stand out. The two satellite speakers serve as non-permanent surround sound rear speakers or independent bluetooth speakers--either just one or as a team. So can be deployed throughout the house. I connected using my phone and my laptop quickly and with a consistent signal. They are battery powered, which means they have to be recharged by attaching them to the main speaker bar, but for us this means they can be put up and out of the way during the day and add even more flexibility. Setup is very easy. I had it up and going without looking at the manual. The bar can be mounted on the wall or set up on a shelf. We have our television over the fireplace mantel, so this goes on the mantel. The remote offers significant control without being overwhelming. Everything is done with the remote and that includes controlling bass and treble. The bass can be heard/felt in other parts of the house when it is at +2 or more, so I like I can set it quickly depending on what is happening. Control rear speaker volume, setup the automatic balancing, switch between inputs, balance for movie or music. Offering a lot of convenience. Some drawbacks. Not very many inputs. Two HDMI inputs, which is fine if you have a newer television with Audio Return Channel, but is a bit limiting for us because our TV is a 2011 model that doesn't have this. Also has component and optical inputs, so can definitely work as long as you're willing to be flexible. TV and Blu-ray using the HDMI and my XBox with the Optical. That's enough for us. The second drawback is that the satellite speakers don't seem to automatically reconnect if the system has been turned off and turned back on. Connecting them again is as easy as attaching them to the sides, which is really easy to do, but just a bit of inconvenience. They hold a good charge and last quite a while, all our uses in a given day (5+ hours), but I've not had it on a sustained amount to test exactly how long they last. My third concern is the life of the batteries. This is a great system now, but as the batteries are charged and discharged they'll eventually degrade, which limits the life of the system itself. This is certainly not an immediate problem. All in all, this soundbar offers significant convenience and flexibility. The sound is very good, and can get quite loud, though not meant to compare to a full sound system. It is immersive without being overwhelming, and doesn't require any wiring or installation beyond the basics in connecting to components. Really ideal for us, for apartment or condo life, and anywhere where flexibility and convenience is important without wanting to sacrifice sound quality.

Its been a month that I have been using the Philips B5 soudbar. I am very happy with the overal experience. It was simple to "unbox" and set up. I could do it myself without much off an effort. Sellers inputs helped as well. Detachable speakers is the " differentiator" and it does make a difference. I have been watching TV a lot more these days :-) Enjoying the Movie ( sorround) mode. Even music sounds better on this and my family as well has got a liking to it. It doesnt take a lot of space and deliver a nice sound. So very happy with the purchase.

Not worth of its cost, low sound out out, often going to standby when it is in voice mode. Person from service center advised to keep it in Movie mode???? when u r shifting to another channel in the TV the soundbar is also changing from Aux to HDMI mode. Not a peaceful experience.

I did a few weeks of research before I plopped up the cash for this purchase, and for my purpose the Philips Fidelio was perfect. I have it attached below my 55 inch Plasma and PS4 and after a month of use for music (via bluetooth, optical audio out connected to PS4) and film viewing (PS4, TV stereo out) I can say: 1) These are great for a casual consumer use. They have literally given every wire and output imaginable. The speakers on the side are incredibly convenient, just pop out on the side and reasonably powerful. But most importantly, are totally wireless! 2) Sound quality is very good, especially from the optical audio out wire. It won't fill the hearts of a true-blue audiophile, but the sound fills the room, is clear and precise, the bass from the sub-woofer is rich, and the modes for different usage ("movie", "voice, and "music") really make the difference. They are also pretty loud at only 60% of the full volume, so you have to be careful about irritating you neighbors. 3) The surround sound is 4.1 and pretty great. The calibration seemed like a gimmick to me at first, but it actually makes the difference. Watching Captain America: Civil War, literally thundered around the room when Iron Man flew around the airport. And then watching a quieter drama like 12 Years A Slave, the dialogues, even the whispered ones were crisp and clear, even the subtle sound design of the forrest in the BG seeming to ooze out of the walls in my study. Listening to music from Spotify, it felt like being in the center of a concert. There are a few cons though: 1) The stereo sound is unimpressive: The auxiliary sound that connects directly to my TV is pretty OK. Better than the TV, but with too much reverb even at low bass. Try and mainly stick to the HD sound from the optical out. 2) Its 4.1. Surround Sound: At the price and even lower, you could get speakers that give true SS with 5.1 channels. They may not be as convenient as this though, but it's still something to keep in mind. Overall this was a great purchase, something I am very happy with! I look forward everyday to pumping my music and watching my films in the evening through the set!

Absolutely brilliant.... The sound is perfect, whether you are watching a movie, or listening to music, or a news show. So clear, and not harsh at all, at higher volumes. A show piece by itself! and the wireless surround, pure genius! All in all, a wonderful package.... Go for it. Am never much of a TV addict, but this has made me rediscover the joy of TV viewing!

This home theatre is pure joy. Love the bass. No hassle installation if you have a smart TV - just get a HDMI cable and plug it in HDMI-ARC port.