1) The hardware
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The hardware is almost perfect.
- The cables are long enough (can not understand another review!)
- Connectors are unfortunately (as so often the case) proprietary, if the cables should not have to reach so lend a hand.
- The sound is extremely good! Not only a beautiful bass, but also good mid and high tones
-. The main unit incl player looks good, the fan and the drive are practically inaudible during operation.
However, there are three flaws:
- The biggest faux pas is that the display on the HTS * top * is attached. It's off the couch so do not read! While many functions can be controlled via HDMI, but you want to simply change the input channel (eg radio), you have to get up to.
- The main unit is quite deep, it fits this only as straight to the TV cabinet. For the dimensions given in the product description some space for the cable still has to be expected.
- The wiring for the dock is quite puzzling: it is a cable for HTS, a second (composite) cable, however, the TV! Who has no Composite input on the TV, so the dock can not be used for videos. In addition, the cable is much, much too short! It is just enough to place the dock next to the system (But then ranges possibly the cable to the TV on the length not more)
2) The Software
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The software is mediocre to poor.
- The absolute basic functions, namely the contemplation of discs or from NetTV work as expected with no problems.
- NetTV is somewhat awkward to use, the on-screen keyboard (for example, when entering the wireless password) is very fiddly to use.
- The design and handling of the software is reminiscent of the late 90's, and is no longer appropriate in an age of iPhones and tablets.
- In some places, the software is not very well thought out. If you want to hear, for example, only radio and turns the HTS, then turns on HDMI-CEC and the TV on. If you switch this off, and the HTS turns off via HDMI CEC! So you have to either press the Source button directly, or the HTS on, select the source and then turn off the TV picture.
- The HTS compatible not good with my Philips TV, a 42PFL5405 / H. It is not yet clear whether it is up to the system or the TV. I have my HTS now be exchanged even me, the error, however, still occurs. The following is the problem: If you have EasyLink normally activated and set up and has the HTS as audio and video source is activated (eg, while looking a DVD or the benefit of NetTV) and then on (and hence the HTS) from the TV, then start then the HTS no longer together with the TV. You must first disable and re-enable EasyLink to use this feature of HDMI can. This is a very annoying problem! Since I do not know, however, whether it is on the HTS or on TV, it flows in my letzendliche evaluation, and is only mentioned for completeness.
3) The Instructions
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The manual is used paper.
- In the manual is absolutely nothing useful in there. The Ersteinrichtungs tool from a HTS steers through all the steps and issues, and shows on the screen is exactly the same help as shown in the instructions.
- If you specifically looking for additional information, you will not find in the manual.
- Important things are mentioned, for example, that you can use only certain SD cards with the HTS, and not all. Which SD cards are the reveals exclusively the on-screen help.
- Interesting information are described unnecessarily complicated: you can for example, connect the keyboard and mouse to the HTS. A great feature! In the manual it says only that it is possible a Human Interface Device Connect. Which average consumer knows that the keyboard and mouse are respectively to the HID?
4) The Customer
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Customer support is a disaster.
Because above-described error I turned to the Philips customer service.
- First, I tried it via email, and only get a text modules mail in which was how do I enable EasyLink. When I pointed out that what is past, there was no further reaction.
- I then tried it by phone, first in the HTS technical department. There I had with colleagues, just to make sure, go through my EasyLink settings and thereafter give my version of the software. After that, I was redirected to the TV department, because it probably would not be a problem with the HTS. There but none was reached, I should therefore call straight back there.
- Later I called the television department. About an ID that I have specified, the account manager was able to read my case - but still wanted to be sure, go through my EasyLink settings. After a Ableich software version he wanted to finally put calls again on the HTS department - but has left it to my protest. He was finally out that it would be an error in the HDMI cable.
- I've tried this outrageous theory anyway, and lo and behold! It's was not. I tried to call it again there, but this time was further directed by the TV department in the HTS department, since the problem was reasonable to assume there. Putting through was unsuccessful, so I should call directly once there.
- Direct I reached anyone after many minutes on hold.
- I tried it then via chat. The clerk wrote in a hell of a snail's pace, leaving me - just to make sure! - My EasyLink settings go. Though the chat lasted a total of more than 1 1/2 hours, but I was not connected and could (finally!) Make the clerk my problem credibly. She said that it was in my case, a defective HTS me to it for repair.
- I decided against it and have it replaced instead handled by Amazon. But, the problem still exists. So goes my "battle" with the customer of Philips in the next round.
Conclusion
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The HTS is not a bad system, in particular because of the very good sound and silent drive. Anyone watching most or DVD looks and expected little from NetTV, will probably not be disappointed. Nevertheless, for the price simply needs to be in there more.
