Philips HTS9800W review

Philips HTS9800W Review

Reviewed by: Richard Arrowsmith

Reviewed on: 4 January 2007

If you have a compatible display with digital connectivity, the player can upscale standard-definition DVDs to near high-definition 720p and 1080i signals. Image quality isn't quite as impressive as true hi-def content, but this feature offers an obvious improvement in performance and is the easiest way of breathing new life into your existing DVD collection.

The amplifier is a digital design that's said to offer greater efficiency and less signal deterioration than typical analogue models. And a total of 800W amplification is powerful enough to fill a large room and have your neighbours banging on the walls.

The accompanying 6.1-speaker system includes an extra centre-rear channel that creates ambient surround effects with more cohesive steering than the usual 5.1-speaker set ups. All speakers also feature omni-directional Neodymium ribbon tweeters that radiate high frequencies in a 360-degree pattern, which opens up an even wider sound stage and enhances high-pitched clarity.

The additional speaker means this is one of the few all-in-one systems that features Dolby Digital EX 6.1 surround processing as well as the more recognisable Dolby Digital EX, DTS and Pro Logic II systems, which can be used to decode film soundtracks or manufacture surround effects from stereo sources.

Wireless rear channels ease installation by eliminating long cables and, although the associated receiver appears oversized, it uses more advanced 2.4GHz technology with less interference than outdated RF or infrared designs.

You can expect to spend some time assembling, positioning and connecting the system, but a user-friendly menu system supported by an intuitive remote makes using it easy. Speaker levels and delay settings can be easily adjusted, although you have to calculate your own delay times using speaker distances. It pays to use a tape measure and a sound meter if you want to precisely tune the system for the best performance.

Performance
Although single-system performance is unlikely to equal separates, this package comes close and can be considered the class leader at this price.

The future-proof specification deserves to be accompanied by a high-definition display, as the quality of upscaled images using HDMI far surpasses that of analogue. Image detail is undiminished in dark scenes and digital artefacts only appear in the outer backgrounds of only the most complex scenes. Colours are bright and vibrant, while deep black levels give realistic contrast and perspective.

The sound is equally impressive. The inclusion of an extra speaker, with seamless steering, creates an immediately enveloping experience. You'll appreciate this more by raising the levels of the slightly underpowered rear channels. The powerful subwoofer integrates well with the other speakers, providing extra oomph in explosive scenes. You can crank the system up without the sound distorting.

Music performance lacks a little timing and high frequencies can occasionally sound bright depending on what you're playing, but compared to equivalent systems it's more than capable.

Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Nick Hide