Philips 2.1 500Watt 1080I DVD Home Theatre System HTS6500/37

by Philips

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.1 x 33.1 x 20.8 inches ; 38.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 38 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000F2M19Q
• Item model number: HTS6500/37
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #63,194 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

Amazon.com

Combining style and performance, this elegant and hassle-free system indulges you with endless hours of viewing and listening pleasure. So sit back and immerse yourself in movies and music in the comfort of your home.

Feature List

• SonoWave for full, no-fuss multichannel surround sound
  The SonoWave surround sound system, powered by a full multi-channel amplifier, uses an advanced digital sound processing technology that provides multi-channel surround sound from fewer speakers. By positioning independent drivers at precise angles, a powerful multi-channel surround sound is produced and experienced in any room shape and size.
• HDMI digital output for easy connection with only one cable
  HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It is a direct digital connection that can carry digital HD video as well as digital multichannel audio. By eliminating the conversion to analog signals it delivers perfect picture and sound quality, completely free from noise. HDMI is fully backward-compatible with (Digital Video Interface) DVI.
• Video Upscaling for improved resolution of up to 1080i
  With Video Upscaling you can increase the resolution of SD (Standard Definition) video signals that DVD uses to HD (High Definition) so you’ll be able to see more details thanks to a sharper, more true-to-life picture.The resulting HD video output signal can be fed to an HD display through HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface).
• High definition JPEG playback for images in true resolution
  With High Resolution JPEG playback, you can show up to 2 Megapixel resolution on your Flat TV (FTV). Now you can view your digital pictures in their true resolution, without loss of quality or details.
• Superwoofer with 8" driver delivers a powerful performance
  Superwoofer with 8" driver meets the demands of the most discerning listener through providing more power and volume, thereby maximizing the bass experience.
• USB Direct plays photos and music from USB flash drives
  Simply plug your device into the USB port on your Philips DVD system. Your digital music and photos will be played directly from the device. Now you can share your favorite moments with family and friends.
• MP3 Direct for music playback from Portable Media Players
  MP3 Direct uses plug n’ play technology that allows direct playback of MP3 content via your Home Theatre System by simply plugging in your portable MP3 player to the built-in headphonejack. Now you can enjoy the superb sound quality of your Philips Home Theatre System while playing your favorite music from your portable MP3 player.
• Movies: DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, (S)VCD, DivX
  Multi-format playability allows you to play most disc formats for maximum disc compatibility and viewing pleasure.
• Music: CD, MP3-CD, CD-R/RW & Windows Media™ Audio
  Multi-format playability allows you to play most disc formats for maximum disc compatibility and listening pleasure.
• DivX Ultra for enhanced playback of DivX media files
  

Product Description

Combining style and video performance with Sonowave for full, no fuss multichannel surround sound. HDMI digital output for easy connection with only one cable. Video upscaling for improved resolution of up to 1080I. High definition JPEG playback for images in true resolution. Super woofer with 8" driver delivers a powerful performance. USB direct plays photos and music from USB drives. MP3 Direct for music playback from Portable media Players. Movies: DVD, DVD+R/W, DVD-R/W, (S)VCD, DivX. Music: CD, MP3-3CD, CD-R/RW & Windows Media Audio. DivX Ultra Certified for enhanced playback of DivX Videos.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars not durable, June 15, 2006

By 

Joseph Miller "joemnz" (Big Sky, MT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Philips 2.1 500Watt 1080I DVD Home Theatre System HTS6500/37 (Electronics)

This system is very easy to hook up and sounds great. Perfect for anyone looking to simplify their home entertainment system. When you compare the HTS 6500 to other 2.1 systems considering price and sound, the HTS 6500 easily wins.

I'm guessing that the first review for this product had the set-up wrong. If you use a cable box, make sure to connect the audio from the dvd player directly to the cable box.

Hopefully the tray doesn't malfunction as the 1st reviewer mentioned...so far so good.

***update*** I've had my system for less than 4 months and the player will no longer recognize DVDs. It will read and play CDs without any problems. I am in the process of contacting Philips for service, I'll update with the quality of their response...
***update*** I sent my DVD player back to Philips. They sent me a new one within 2 weeks. Works great, very happy w/ the service at Philips.

***update #2*** I've now sent this system back twice. The Philips rep denied any mass problems with these systems eventually unable to recognize DVDs. I've read several reviews with the same complaint as mine. Even funnier, the FedEx man told me when we dropped off my newest unit that he had the same system and after returning it twice for not recognizing DVDs has moved on to another brand/ system. I no longer believe that this is a 5 star product.

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Philips In A Box, June 13, 2006

By 

Kris A. Robinson "Kegguzzler" (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Philips 2.1 500Watt 1080I DVD Home Theatre System HTS6500/37 (Electronics)

Here is the deal. I had been shopping all of the 2.1 Surround Sound Systems on the market. I call them Virtual Surround Sound Systems. I researched the Bose 3 2 1, Denon S301 , and Sony. However I could only listen to the Bose, and sony products. My Best Buy did not have the Denon in stock. I'll break down each item.

Bose 321 GSX. Cost $1299-$1599 Demo sounds great, picture looks good but does not have HDMI output. The reviews I read from other customers said the DVD player was terrible. I could not find one Demo that would let me play my own DVD. This made me think Bose was hiding something.

Denon S301. I was pumped about this product. Cost 1300-1600 Does have HDMI Output. I could not find one negative user review on this product. I didn't want to purchase one until I could hear the sound.

Sony, $799.00 This is the worst 2.1 on the market. The sound is terrible and does not have HDMI output.

Philips, DIVX ULTRA I stumbled onto this product by accident while surfing the web. It was just released on June 06. I could not find any user reviews at the time of purchase. However CNET had written a description of the unit while they were at CES 2005. (CES is a huge home entertainment technology show in Vegas every year) This product does have HDMI output and cost far less than any other 2.1 on the market. $399.00. Amazon has it for $308.00. I figured for that price I have to try it. I hooked it up last night. Easy to install. I reccomend reading the operators manual. In the manual it talks about how to set up the system in the Menu options to your needs. You can choose options such as Video and Audio Output type, How far your speakers are spaced apart, the room type (cement walls or wood) How far you sit from the speakers. This helps. I tested the system the same way I test all systems. I popped in Saving Private Ryan, the part when they are storming the beach. The picture was awesome and the sound was great.

Obviously a 7.1 or 5.1 is the only way to achieve actual surround sound. If space or laziness prohibits you from ordering a 5.1 product I'd say the Philips DIVX Ultra is for you.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Sound From A Compact System!, May 4, 2007

By 

K. A. Walsh (Eatontown, NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Philips 2.1 500Watt 1080I DVD Home Theatre System HTS6500/37 (Electronics)

We have several televisions in the house, like most families...but we have the "A" System in our Basement Den. That's a Sony 51" Widescreen TV, and various components that make up an outstanding, full blown 5.1 system. We have a smaller 32" Widescreen TV in our living room, which had just a DVD Player and a Super VHS Player hooked up to it with no surround system at all.

About a week ago, our DVD Player went on to the scrap heep...and I thought I might as well look at various Home Theater In A Box (HTIB) systems with a built in DVD Player. My daughter and I visited several stores, but we both knew that my wife wanted no wires hanging around the living room. So we either had to get something with wireless surround speakers or a 2.1 system that simulated 5.1. After not seeing anything we liked, I did some research and found this system at Amazon...and boy, am I glad we bought it!

The sound that comes from this system is just *phenominal*, and is an outstanding substitute for a full blown 5.1 system. The speakers are small and compact, yet deliver quite a punch; the sub-woofer delivers great lows as well. We tried it out with the opening scene from "Revenge of The Sith" and were absolutely blown away...it really did sound like a true 5.1 system with sounds all around you.

Next I tried out various formats (music DVDs, CDs, my iPod via the MP3 Direct connector, and various modes of Dolby Digital and DTS surround modes). They all worked *flawlessly* and produced superior sound and vision. I cannot tell you how impressed and happy my whole family is with this system, especially my wife who has no wires hanging around the TV or the living room.

While I don't have an HDMI interface on the TV for this system, here's what I used to get the most out of it. Since we have a digital cable box, I used the s-video out from that box into my TV and connected the Digital Coax output to the proper input on the Philips system. I also used the component video outputs on the Philips and hooked them up to my TV. The speakers and subwoofer were a breeze to set up as well. After making the recommended adjustments by Philips to make the set up work for my living room, it was on to some great entertainment!

The remote is easy to use, and going from one input/output in the system to another is a snap. Other reviewers may have problems with the sound, but if you follow the instructions and adjust the surround experience to the proper type of music and/or DVD Theme (Action, Sci-Fi, Drama, etc) you will be delighted. Another plus for this system is the fact that it plays PAL DVDs from Europe and converts them to NTSC format flawlessly. Caveat: They must be Region 0; however, there is a work around via a handset hack which will allow you to play any region and make this a true multi region/format player as well. Just do a Google on the topic, and you'll find out how to do this. It works, too! I also purchased an extended warranty from Philips which adds another two years to the existing warranty for about $50 USD.

This system is perfect for small rooms in the house, a dorm room, or if you want no cluttering of wires with amazing sound.

Highly recommended!