This document is a user manual for the Philips Fidelio B97 Soundbar 7.1.2. It provides comprehensive instructions on how to connect, set up, and use the soundbar, as well as information on maintenance and troubleshooting.
Function Description
The Philips Fidelio B97 is a 7.1.2 channel soundbar system designed to enhance your audio experience for movies, music, and other media. It features a main soundbar unit, a wireless subwoofer, and two detachable wireless surround speakers. The system supports various audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, and offers multiple connectivity options for integration with TVs and other digital devices.
Usage Features
General Operation:
The soundbar can be controlled via the main unit's buttons or the included remote control. The main unit features volume controls, a play/pause button for Bluetooth playback, a source selection button, and a standby/on button. A display panel and LED indicators provide visual feedback on the soundbar's status, power state, Wi-Fi network connection, and active audio sources.
Connectivity:
- HDMI (ARC/eARC): Connects to your TV for high-quality audio from TV programs, supporting advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS:X with compatible HDMI 2.1 cables.
- HDMI IN 1 / HDMI IN 2: Connects to digital devices such as Blu-ray players, DVD players, or game consoles, allowing video to be displayed on your TV and audio played through the soundbar.
- OPTICAL IN: Connects to an optical audio output on your TV or other digital devices.
- AUDIO IN (3.5mm jack): Connects to audio outputs from devices like MP3 players.
- Bluetooth: Allows wireless audio streaming from Bluetooth-enabled devices such as smartphones and tablets. The soundbar supports Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP profile.
- Wi-Fi (Wireless Operation): Enables connection to your home Wi-Fi network for multi-room audio, Chromecast(audio), AirPlay2, Alexa 3PDA, and Spotify Connect. This allows control via the Philips Sound app and streaming from various services.
Sound Customization:
- Preset EQ Modes: Select from predefined sound modes like MOVIE (surround listening), MUSIC (two-channel stereo), VOICE (clear human voice), and SPORT (stadium atmosphere). A CUSTOM EQ option is available for personalized settings via the Philips Sound app.
- Bass/Treble Adjustment: Adjust low and high frequency levels to suit your preferences. These adjustments are effective in MOVIE, MUSIC, VOICE, and SPORT EQ modes.
- IMAX Enhanced Mode: Engages or disables IMAX Enhanced mode, which is automatically detected and engaged for compatible content or can be manually set for DTS 5.1 bitstreams.
- Surround Mode (SURR): Offers options like UPMIX (up-mixing for all speakers, even with fewer audio channels), STD (standard mode for original sound delivery), and A-I (Dolby Atmos media intelligence for vocal enhancement and surround effects).
- Dynamic Range Control (DRC): Applies dynamic range control to Dolby or DTS bitstreams (not available in BT/AUDIO IN/Play-Fi mode).
- Dialogue Control (DLG CTRL): Improves dialogue clarity by adjusting the tonal balance (supported in DTS:X stream only).
- Dolby Atmos Height Effect: Select from ATMOS 00 (minimal), ATMOS 01 (small), ATMOS 02 (medium), or ATMOS 03 (big) to adjust the height surround effects.
Speaker Configuration:
- Wireless Subwoofer: Automatically pairs with the main unit for enhanced bass. Manual pairing is also possible if needed.
- Detachable Wireless Surround Speakers: Two speakers can be docked into the main unit or placed wirelessly to the left and right of your seating position for a true surround sound experience. They automatically pair with the main unit and have LED indicators for battery level and connection status.
- Speaker Level Adjustment: Adjust the volume levels for the subwoofer (SUB), center speaker (CTR XX), side left speaker (SIDE L XX), and side right speaker (SIDE R XX).
Multi-room Audio:
- Play-Fi Multi-room: Built-in Play-Fi allows the soundbar to sync or group with other Play-Fi enabled speakers for multi-room music playback, controlled via the Philips Sound app.
- Chromecast(audio) / AirPlay2 / Alexa 3PDA: Supports casting audio from compatible devices and apps when connected to Wi-Fi.
Display Settings:
- Display Brightness: Adjust the brightness of the display panel (HIGH, MID, LOW).
- Display Auto Off: Enables or disables the automatic turn-off of the display.
Power Management:
- Auto Standby: The soundbar automatically switches to standby if no source button is pressed for 15 minutes and no audio/video playback is detected.
Maintenance Features
Cleaning:
- Use only a microfiber cloth to clean the product.
Software Updates:
- Wi-Fi Update: The Play-Fi system and audio system (firmware) can be updated via Wi-Fi through the Philips Sound app. The app checks for newer software versions and guides you through the update process.
- USB Update: Firmware can also be updated via a USB flash drive. Users need to download the latest software from the Philips support website, unzip it to a folder named "update.zip" in the root directory of the USB drive, and then plug the drive into the soundbar's USB port. The update process is initiated by pressing and holding specific buttons or selecting "UPGRADE" in the settings menu.
Battery Management:
- Remote Control: Requires 2 AAA batteries. Instructions are provided for insertion and replacement.
- Detachable Wireless Surround Speakers: These speakers have built-in batteries that charge when docked into the main unit or via a USB-C charging cable. LED indicators show the battery level (white for full/over 20%, flashing red for low/under 20%, flashing red then off for near empty/under 10%).
Troubleshooting and Support:
- The manual includes a troubleshooting section to address common issues related to sound, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Dolby Atmos, and Play-Fi.
- Users are advised to visit www.philips.com/support for extensive online support, including user manuals, quick start guides, video tutorials, FAQs, and contact information for consumer care.
- The manual emphasizes safety precautions, including avoiding electric shock, fire hazards, overheating, and contamination. It provides guidelines for proper product placement, battery handling, and wall mounting.
- It advises against attempting to repair the product yourself to maintain warranty validity.
Compliance:
- The product complies with European Directive 2014/53/EU for radio interference requirements.
- Information on proper disposal of old products and batteries is provided, adhering to European Directives 2012/19/EU and 2013/56/EU.