5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 speaker systems are great... as long as you don't mind your living room being subjected to either a) spaghetti junction or b) extensive renovations and are prepared to stay single for a long time. If no (sensible choice), Philips has a solution...
It has come up with the 'HTS8100 Amibisound' – a slim (13cm) single speaker bar which can sit conveniently under a Flat TV yet claims to deliver dynamic, true cinema surround sound throughout the room.
How can this be? Well, to be honest, it isn't the first single speaker system to try and recreate a multi-speaker set up but it does so by 'steering' sound beams around the room rather than the time honoured method of reflecting them off walls. Philips says this approach makes the HTS8100 more flexible than other solutions and less reliant on a room's acoustics and layout.
Interestingly the HTS8100 is an all rounder too since it has an integrated DVD player complete with 1080i upscaling though the extra bass you will need to be connected to the matching external subwoofer. HDMI, Component, Coaxial and SCART ports are fitted into the rear of the unit while there is the provision to connect a Philips universal dock to playback music and videos from an iPod or Philips GoGear (what?) through the system.
The HTS8100 goes on sale in July with a £699.99 RRP (already discounted to £449 at Amazon) and is likely to compete with the £600 Sony RHT-G800 (now £499 on Play) for the right to save your relationship...
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