Philips HTS8100/37 Theater System Review

Overall 4.00 of 5 view all 2 reviews

guy48065
Romeo, MI

Convenient--but limited

Music Lover, somewhat tech savvy, computer literate

Pros

integrated unit

Cons

Doesn't deliver on connectivity

OCT

2008

The Philips HTS8100/37 is a very nice little package for playing DVDs, CD's, MP3 discs. Works best with the shiny little discs--watch out if you really need iPod or USB connectivity. It appears the software this soundbar is built around isn't as current as the devices it's intended to function with. My 80GB iPod Classic (current model at time of review) isn't supported (no reason given in the manual or on the Philips website). "Device not recognised" is all I see when I plug my 4GB Sandisk "Cruzer" in. The thumbdrive is FAT32 file system as mandated in the owner's manual. No mention of this on Philips Customer Support webpages.

Pictures of the soundbar & subwoofer always omit the wiring. The consumer is supposed to believe it doesn't need wires, I guess. The iPod dock has its own cable, the sub has a fat umbilical that carries the soundbar AC power, FM antenna (!), as well as the sub frequencies. Plus of course wires to/from the TV. Still neater by far than a typical component home theater system. At least the mounting plate for the soundbar is a hollow channel with lots of openings to help with wire management.

The all-important remote is well laid-out but someone missed the boat by not making it programmable or a learning remote like virtually all home theater receiver remotes are these days. It can't even control my Philips TV.

Little complaints aside this is a nice all-in-one receiver for a small room, apartment or cottage. It has the capability of being flash upgraded via CD-R so I'm hoping the iPod and USB issues will be addressed.

Last edited on Oct 06, 2008

Philips HTS8100/37 Theater System is recommended by guy48065

Review inappropriate? Copyright violation?

add guy48065 to my friends list add to my favorites subscribe to feed

Search Amazon.com for Philips HTS8100/37 Theater System prices

Comments about guy48065’s Review

More Philips HTS8100/37 Theater System reviews

Key Features	Included Components Receiver • DVD Player Number Of Speakers 2 Speakers and Subwoofer Playable Disk Types DVD Video • VCD • SVCD • DVD-R • DVD-RW • DVD+R • DVD+RW • CD (Audio) • CD-RW Playable File Formats MPEG2 • DivX • MP3 • WMA • MPEG1 Remote Control Yes Front Speaker 2 Way
Audio	Surround Sound Dolby Digital® • DTS® • Dolby Pro Logic II
Tuner	Built-in Radio Tuner AM • FM
Miscellaneous	Product ID 42715026 UPC 609585127272
Product MPN	MPN HTS8100/37
DVD	Number of Discs 1 Inputs Analog Audio x 1 • RF (TV) x 1 • Digital Audio (Coaxial) x 1 Outputs Composite x 1 • Component x 1 • HDMI x 1 TV Resolutions 720p (750p) • 1080i (1125i) • 1080p (1125p) Front Panel USB 1.1 • MP3 Line-in
Playback Features	Playable Disk Types DVD Video • VCD • SVCD • DVD-R • DVD-RW • DVD+R • DVD+RW • CD (Audio) • CD-RW Playable File Formats MPEG2 • DivX • MP3 • WMA • MPEG1 Remote Control Yes