At IFA 2016, Philips is bringing Dolby Atmos to the living room with a new soundbar named Fidelio B8. It will launch in Europe in October and be cheaper than Samsung’s Atmos soundbar.

Philips Dolby Atmos soundbar
Like Samsung and Yamaha, Gibson (who is responsible for Philips’ audio products) believes that Dolby Atmos can elevate the movie experience in the living room. That is why the company is launching its first soundbar based on Dolby’s object-based audio technology.


The soundbar is called Philips Fidelio B8, is only 5.3 cm in height, has 18 built-in speaker units, and has a wireless 8” subwoofer delivering 220W output. By letting sound reflect off the walls and ceiling, the soundbar can create a surround experience with the help of Atmos technology and up-firing units, says Philips.

- ”It is an amazing experience: A traditional soundbar gives you surround sound in two dimensions but with Fidelio B8 you can hear the helicopters flying over your head. Or if it rains in the movie, it sounds like it is raining in your living room,” said John Bundgaard from Gibson Brands, who is responsible for Philips’ audio products.


Besides handling movie sound, the soundbar can play back music via Bluetooth. It is equipped with two HDMI inputs that can be used for connecting external players as well as one HDMI input with ARC (audio return channel) for the TV. It also has optical, coaxial and 3.5mm jack.

Philips Fidelio B6 with Dolby Atmos will be exhibited at IFA 2016 in Berlin later this week. It will launch in Europe in October for 999 Euro. It will also be available in the US.

 
 Specifications 
 
 400W total output 
 
 5.1.2 channels – 18 units
 
 220W wireless subwoofer 
 
 Dolby Atmos and Philips' Ambisound technology 
 
 
 
 Integrated up-firing speakers for overhead sound experience
 
 
 Dedicated center channel to enhance voice clarity
 
 
 Bluetooth (aptX), AAC and NFC 
 
 
2x HDMI, HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial, 3.5mm jack