Philips Expands Accessories Lineup

By John Laposky -- TWICE, 6/15/2009

New York — Philips Consumer Lifestyles announced shipping dates for new accessories that will become available in the second half.

On display were new A/V accessories, including a wireless HDMI system (see p. 60) and a new universal remote control.

In remotes, Philip's SRT9320 Prestigo universal remote control can control up to 20 devices regardless of component type or brand.

An onscreen wizard guide allows setup without the need for a PC, manual or the Internet. The SRT9320 is also capable of learning most features and functions from other remotes.

A 2.8-inch color touch-sensitive back-lit LCD screen displays color channel icons for direct access to favorites.

The macro activities feature allows the remote control multiple devices at once with one-touch commands, such as “Watch a movie” or “Listen to CD.”

Software can be periodically upgraded via a USB connection.

The remote will be available in August at suggested retail of $199.

Among other previously announced A/V products on display and available now were two new surge protectors, including a small travel model (SPP2110WA) with three protected outlets and two USB ports that will retail for $21.99m as well as three new digital TV antennas.

A host of headphones were also on display, among them the Philips Tapster SHB7110 Bluetooth stereo headset/headphone for music-capable phones. The headset can wirelessly switch between phone calls and music with one touch.

The angled acoustics design adjusts the speaker tube to ensure precise sound and a comfortable fit for all ears, Philips said.

The Tapster also features FullSound, a Philips-patented technology that restores sonic details to compressed MP3 music. A Natural setting is optimized for the most natural reproduction of music, ideal for voice-dominated music. A Dynamic Bass setting emphasizes deep frequencies in bass-driven music.

EverClear technology minimizes echo and background noise for clear conversations.

The rechargeable headset offers up to six hours of music playback and seven hours of talktime. It automatically powers down when not in use to save battery life.

It ships with three sizes of silicon ear bud pads for a secure fit, a protective carrying case for headset and optional ear hooks.

It will be available in August at a suggested retail of $149.

In portable accessories, Philips showed a wide variety of DLO-branded iPod and iPhone cases, portable charging and power sources in the company's Power2Go and Jumpstart Rechargeable lines, as well as three new protective cases for Amazon's Kindle e-reader.