March 3, 2009
Eindhoven, The Netherlands - Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) received a gold iF product design award in the audio/video category for the HTS 8140 and HTS8150 home theatre systems, which combine the DVD player and front speakers in a single, elegant unit.
No need for rear speakers
The second-generation SoundBar range, released in 2008, is the successor to the range of home theatre systems first launched by Philips in 2007. Using Ambisound audio technology, the Philips SoundBar creates the impression of surround sound without the need for separate rear speakers. Six separate loudspeaker drivers are incorporated in the SoundBar, which produces an immersive, multi-channel listening experience. Only the subwoofer, necessary for the low-range tones, is separate. Even the DVD player is integrated into the unit.
Insight based design
To ensure a preferred and relevant design solution a considerable amount of global focus group testing was carried out for these products. Participants were shown three different representations; first of all sketches, then a model, and finally a prototype. Their input was fed back into the design process each time. The design identity of the products was also thoroughly tested, because it was being aligned with other Philips products. The HTS8140, for instance, has a high-gloss black finish to match high-end flat TVs, while the HTS8150 is white to complement the Philips Aurea. Both home theatre systems are the same width as 42-inch sets.
Improved audio performance
Other signature details include a touch-sensitive ring on the front for altering settings like volume. This gives the user visual feedback by glowing brighter at the spot where it is touched. Glass was the chosen material for the unit's sliding door to make it more distinctive. The overall look was deliberately chosen to enhance the perception of flatness. The audio performance has also been improved, with the new systems giving a much better experience in terms of surround sound as well as music playback.
Demand for simplicity
"Research has shown that a lot of people would like to have a cinematic sound experience in their living rooms, but without the clutter of many speakers and wires, In addition to this, people were looking for a system that really would compliment their new flat TV" says Mieke de Schepper, Director of Consumer Marketing for Home Cinema Sound at Philips Consumer Lifestyle.
One of the world's key design competitions
The iF product design award is extremely prestigious, and its significance is recognized throughout the design world and beyond. More than 20 internationally recognized jurors, consisting of designers and entrepreneurs, engage in critical discussion and debate to select the winning products from a total of 2808 competing entries originating from 39 different countries. Since its inauguration in 1953, the iF design award has been an enduring accolade for outstanding design. Companies and design studios use the iF seal as a visible symbol of product and service quality.
The awards ceremony will take place on March 3 in Hanover, Germany, to coincide with the opening of the CeBIT exhibition. All winning products will be on public display. The iF Yearbook will be launched on the same day.
Information on all Philips iF award winning products can be found at: www.design.philips.com.
Further information on Philips Home Theater Systems can be found at:
http://www.philips.com/hometheater
For more information:
Philips Design
Communications/Awards
Ms. Annemieke Strous
Tel: +31-40-2759066
E-mail: Annemieke.Strous@philips.com
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 121,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.
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