Philips Unveils Three Affordable New Soundbars — Including One With PS5 And Xbox Series X HFR Support

Forbes - Feb 3rd, 2025
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Philips has launched a new range of affordable soundbars in Europe, designed to enhance the home audio experience with features catering to both movie and gaming enthusiasts. Key among these is the B8500 model, which supports 4K/120Hz passthrough, making it ideal for use with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Priced at €349, it offers 5.1 channels and 300W power, featuring a stylish design with a Satin Chrome Sheen finish. Also notable is the B8200 model, launching in August for €299, which boasts a compact design suitable for low-standing TVs and supports Dolby Atmos through HDMI’s eARC system.

These new soundbars signify Philips' strategic expansion into the home audio market, providing cost-effective options with impressive technological capabilities. The B6100, the most economical at €249, rounds out the lineup, delivering robust sound with 2.1 channels and 200W power. This launch is significant as it marks Philips' commitment to offering high-quality audio solutions accessible to a broader audience, enhancing the integration of advanced audio technologies into everyday home entertainment setups. The move could potentially disrupt the market by setting new standards for affordability and performance in home audio systems.

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RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a detailed overview of Philips' new soundbar range, offering valuable information on features and pricing. However, it lacks depth in terms of source quality and transparency, with no clear citations or expert commentary to support the claims. While the piece is timely and relevant to consumer electronics enthusiasts, its promotional tone and absence of critical analysis limit its impact and engagement potential. The article is clear and accessible, but readers seeking comprehensive coverage may find it lacking in critical perspectives and broader societal implications.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides a detailed overview of Philips' new soundbar range, including specific models, features, and pricing. However, some claims require verification, such as the compatibility of the B8500 with PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles and the exact functionality of the Philips Entertainment App. The article is mostly accurate but lacks detailed citations or references to Philips' official announcements or third-party reviews to substantiate its claims.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the technical specifications and features of Philips' new soundbars, offering little in the way of alternative perspectives or critical analysis. There is a lack of commentary from industry experts or consumer reviews that could provide a more balanced view of the products' potential impact or shortcomings. The piece leans towards a promotional tone rather than a critical examination.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly presents the features and specifications of the new soundbars. The language is straightforward, and the technical details are explained in a way that is accessible to a general audience. However, the absence of a critical perspective or expert analysis might leave some readers wanting more depth.

5
Source quality

The article does not cite specific sources or provide direct quotes from Philips or industry experts. It appears to be based on a press release or similar source, but without clear attribution, it is difficult to assess the reliability of the information. The lack of diverse sources or expert commentary limits the depth and credibility of the reporting.

4
Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding its sources and the basis for its claims. There is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, such as whether the author received information directly from Philips or if there is any affiliation. The methodology behind the article's conclusions is not explained, leaving readers without a clear understanding of how the information was gathered.

Sources

  1. https://www.flatpanelshd.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1738227813
  2. https://www.tpvision.com/blog/new-2025-philips-soundbars/
  3. https://beamstart.com/news/philips-unveils-three-affordable-new-1738605700822
  4. https://www.whathifi.com/news/philips-new-soundbar-line-up-features-dolby-atmos-dts-x-and-stylish-discreet-designs
  5. https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/philips-tv-audio-new-soundbars-2025-4586632