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PHILIPS B5106 2.0 Soundbar: features, specs and who it suits
A 60W Philips B5106 (TAB5106/37) 2.0-channel soundbar with HDMI ARC, optical and audio-in, Roku TV Ready support, three sound modes and wall-mount brackets.
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The Philips B5106 (model TAB5106/37) is a 60W, 2.0-channel soundbar for adding clearer dialogue and fuller sound to a TV. It connects by HDMI ARC, so the TV remote can control its volume, and it is labelled Roku TV Ready for smoother setup with Roku televisions.
What 2.0 channels means
A 2.0 soundbar has left and right channels and no separate subwoofer. That keeps the setup simple, with a single bar and a power adapter. In general, it improves speech clarity and volume over built-in TV speakers, but it doesn't create surround or overhead effects the way larger systems with extra channels do. Philips rates this one at 60W.
Three sound modes
Philips says there are three preset modes to make voices, music and movies more distinct. Presets typically adjust the equalizer, for example lifting the mid-range for speech or widening the sound for films. Try each with content you know well and leave it on the one that sounds best in your room.
Connections
- HDMI ARC: one HDMI cable to a compatible TV carries audio back to the bar and lets the TV remote handle volume.
- Optical input: useful for TVs without an ARC port.
- Audio-in: a wired input for a music source.
- Wireless pairing: Philips says you can pair a smartphone, laptop or tablet for bigger sound.
Check your TV's back panel to see which of these it offers.
Roku TV Ready
Philips says the Roku TV Ready badge means easier setup, quick access to sound settings, and compatibility with a Roku remote when the bar is connected to a Roku TV. It is aimed at Roku TV owners, but the bar uses standard inputs and can be used with other TVs through the connections above.
Design and placement
The bar measures about 38.4 x 7.1 x 4.8 inches (97.5 x 18 x 12 cm) and weighs 3.7 lb (about 1.7 kg). Philips describes a geometric trapezoid shape and says it can sit on a TV stand, mount on a wall or go on any flat surface, with wall brackets built in. A wall mount bracket is included in the box. Consider the height of your TV's stand or feet, since some bars sit in front of the screen.
What's in the box
Power cord, 2 AAA batteries, power adapter, remote control, wall mount bracket, quick start guide and warranty card.
Who it suits
It suits anyone upgrading thin TV speakers in a bedroom, apartment or small living room, especially if they want one-remote control and a simple setup. It is less suited to people who want a subwoofer or surround effects.
What to check before you buy
- TV ports: confirm your TV has HDMI ARC or an optical output.
- Width: about 38.4 inches suits many 40-inch-plus TVs, but measure your stand.
- Wall mounting: check the mounting distance and that your wall type suits the brackets.
- Bass expectations: a 2.0 bar without a subwoofer has limited low-end.
- Remote: confirm how your TV remote handles volume over HDMI ARC.
The short version
- A 60W, 2.0-channel soundbar with a trapezoid design.
- HDMI ARC, optical and audio-in, plus wireless pairing with phones and tablets.
- Roku TV Ready, with three preset sound modes.
- Table or wall use, with brackets included.
- About 3.7 lb and 38.4 inches wide.
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