About the Samsung HW-H551
Sit back and enjoy the show
Sit back and enjoy the show
Do you find yourself constantly on the edge of your seat when you watch TV? If so, maybe it's because you're having trouble hearing your TV's tiny built-in speakers. If so, get the Samsung HW-H551 sound bar system so you can finally kick back and relax. This sound bar and wireless subwoofer deliver clear, detailed sound with more than enough volume to wash over you as you lounge on your couch. The only reason to sit on the edge of your seat should be a tense scene in a movie.
Setup options make thrilling sound easy
The slim HW-H551 can rest on your TV stand or be mounted on your wall. You can place the subwoofer just about anywhere. It syncs wirelessly with the sound bar, so you don't have to run long wires to enjoy deep bass response that TV speakers can't deliver. Powerful bass means those action movies will explode with life in your living room. Worried those loud scenes will wake sleeping children or spouse? The Smart Volume feature prevents drastic changes in volume, either during a movie or while watching TV with annoyingly loud commercial interruptions.
Bluetooth features mean more than just music
Keep your smartphone around when you're near this sound bar. It's got Bluetooth onboard, so you can wirelessly stream music from your device to the bar for rich, full-range sound that fills your room. You can even turn on the sound bar with your Bluetooth-compatible device by simply pairing them. If you have a Bluetooth-compatible Samsung TV, you can connect the HW-H551 to it wirelessly, giving you a little more setup flexibility. That's a lot more Bluetooth functionality than we're used to seeing in sound bars or most other home audio components.
A USB port, too
The HW-H551 has another cool feature not found on many sound bars: a USB port. You can load up a thumb drive with your favorite digital music, pop it in the rear-panel port, and leave it there, so you always have music cued up and ready to play. Even with a wall-mounted bar, you won't lose access to the USB port. The HW-H551 includes a USB cable and adapter, so you can use thumb drives without direct access to the rear-panel port.
Product highlights:
Sound bar:
- slim profile is ideal for wall-mounting beneath a flat-panel TV
- 80 watts x 2 (RMS) built-in amplification
- built-in Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from compatible smartphones, tablets, and computers
- SoundConnect feature lets you wirelessly connect your compatible Samsung HDTV to your sound bar via Bluetooth
- 5 listening modes: Music, Voice, Sports, Cinema, and Standard
- surround sound expansion widens the soundfield for balanced sound across more seating positions
- Dolby® Digital and DTS® decoding
- USB port lets you play digital music files from a thumb drive
- Samsung's Crystal Sound Pro digital signal processing filters out distortion and noise for clearer sound
- front-panel display shows selected input
- HDMI in/out with Audio Return Channel
- Anynet (HDMI-CEC) function lets you control sound bar with your Samsung TV's remote
- optical digital audio input
- 3.5mm minijack input (miniplug-to-miniplug cable included)
- 37-3/16"W x 2-1/8"H x 2-5/8"D
- weight: 4.9 lbs.
Subwoofer:
- 6.5" woofer
- 160 watts (RMS) built-in amplification
- bass reflex (ported) enclosure delivers powerful bass response
- connects wirelessly to sound bar for easy placement
- 11-1/2"W x 14-9/16"H x 11-3/4"D
- weight: 16.5 lbs.
General:
- 3D video pass-through via HDMI
- bracket and hardware included for mounting bar to a wall
- remote control with subwoofer level control
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # HW-H551
What's in the box:
Samsung HW-H551 owner's manual
- Active soundbar (HW-H551)
- Wireless powered subwoofer (PS-WH551)
- AC power adapter (w/ attached 5' DC cord)
- 5' AC power cord
- Remote control (AH59-02612B)
- 2 "AAA" batteries
- Wall-mount bracket
- 2 Wall-mount holders
- 2 Screws
- Right-angle USB adapter
- 7" USB extension cable (w/ a male USB type-A connector on one end and a female USB type-A connector on other end)
- 5' Stereo minijack cable
- Ferrite core
- User Manual
- Quick Setup Guide
Customer reviews for Samsung HW-H551
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More details on the Samsung HW-H551
Features & specs
General | ||
---|---|---|
Design | Bar | |
Amplification | Self-powered | |
Separate Subwoofer | Yes | |
Wireless Surrounds | --- | |
Number Of Channels | 2.1 | |
Surround Formats | ||
Dolby Digital | Yes | |
DTS | Yes | |
Dolby Atmos | No | |
DTS:X | No | |
Audio Enhancements | ||
Dialogue Enhancement | No | |
Auto Volume | Yes | |
Night Mode | --- | |
Virtual Surround | Virtual Surround | |
Room Correction | No | |
Audio Connections | ||
Optical Digital Inputs | 1 | |
Coaxial Digital Inputs | None | |
HDMI ARC Input | Yes | |
HDMI eARC Input | No | |
3.5mm Stereo Analog Inputs | 1 | |
RCA Stereo Analog Inputs | None | |
USB Type-A Input | Yes | |
Subwoofer Output | Wireless | |
Audio Specs | ||
Tweeter | --- | |
Midrange | --- | |
Woofer | --- | |
Subwoofer Driver | 6.5" | |
Enclosure | Sealed | |
System Frequency Response | Not Given | |
Sound Bar RMS Power | 160 | |
Subwoofer RMS Power | 160 | |
Video Connections | ||
HDMI Inputs | 1 | |
HDMI Outputs | 1 | |
Video Specs | ||
HDMI Version | 1.4 | |
HDMI Video Pass-through Resolution | 1080p | |
HDR Video Compatible | --- | |
Control | ||
Includes Remote | Yes | |
Voice Control | No | |
Control by App | No | |
HDMI CEC | Yes | |
Remote IR Passthrough | No | |
Learns TV Remote | Yes | |
Audio Streaming | ||
Bluetooth Connectivity | Built-in | |
Bluetooth Audio Playback | Yes | |
Bluetooth Transmitter Mode | No | |
Online Music Sources | --- | |
Apple AirPlay | No | |
Chromecast built-in | No | |
Amazon Music | --- | |
Apple Music | --- | |
Pandora | --- | |
SiriusXM | --- | |
Spotify | --- | |
TIDAL | --- | |
TuneIn | --- | |
YouTube Music | --- | |
Files on Your Network | No | |
Wi-Fi Networking | ||
Built-in Wi-Fi Version | None | |
Bands | N/A | |
Other Info | ||
Wall-mountable | Yes | |
Mounting Bracket Included | Yes | |
Sound Bar Size (inches) | 2-1/8H x 37-3/16W x 2-5/8D | |
Sound Bar Weight | 4.85 lbs | |
Subwoofer Size (inches) | 14-9/16H x 11-1/2W x 11-3/4D | |
Subwoofer Weight | 16.52 lbs | |
Speaker Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
Speaker Labor Warranty | 1 Year | |
Amplifier Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
Amplifier Labor Warranty | 1 Year |
Product Research
Features
Wireless Audio Soundbar System: The Samsung HW-H551 wireless audio soundbar system is a 2.1-channel audio system that lets you experience a rich, powerful virtual surround sound from just two active speakers; a soundbar & wireless subwoofer. The slim, compact Samsung HW-H551 's soundbar can be mounted on the wall or placed on a table-top, while the wireless powered subwoofer can be positioned anywhere in the room to achieve maximum audio performance. The system offers HDMI, optical, stereo minijack, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Active Soundbar: The soundbar is a self-powered, two-channel speaker which provides enveloping virtual surround sound from a single speaker. The soundbar includes multiple full-range drivers housed in an acoustic suspension (sealed) enclosure. The soundbar features a built-in 80 watts x 2-channel amplifier to drive its speakers. The soundbar is designed to be mounted directly below or above your flat-panel HDTV in a horizontal orientation. The soundbar can be placed on a shelf or table-top. The soundbar also includes a wall-mount bracket which allows you to fix the speaker to your wall. The soundbar offers analog audio and digital audio/video connections (including HDMI), as well as Bluetooth connectivity.
Wireless Powered Subwoofer: The wireless powered subwoofer receives its low-frequency audio signal wirelessly from the soundbar via 2.4GHz transmission. There are no cords to connect, except the AC power cord. You can place the wireless powered subwoofer up to 33' away from the soundbar. The wireless powered subwoofer features a rear-firing 6.5" woofer inside a bass-reflex cabinet with a rear-firing port. The woofer is powered by a built-in 160 watt amplifier.
Crystal Sound Pro: Crystal Sound Pro amplifies this home audio system with the latest in sound clarity. It filters out distortion and noise so you can enjoy near professional sound quality.
Surround Sound Decoding: The Samsung HW-H551 wireless audio soundbar system employs decoders compatible with Dolby Digital, DTS, and Samsung's Sound Effect modes.
- Dolby Digital: This is the standard audio signal format used on DVDs, and other purely digital media. This surround technology delivers high-quality digital audio of up to 5.1 discrete channels to produce a directional and more realistic effect.
- DTS: DTS provides a discrete 5.1 channel digital audio signal for both music and movie content and uses less compression than Dolby Digital for richer sound.
- Surround Sound: This feature adds depth and spaciousness to the system for a virtual surround sound effect.
- Sound Effects: The Samsung HW-H551 offers 5 different sound effects modes (Music, Voice, Sports, Cinema, and Standard), depending on the type of content you want to enjoy.
Connections
HDMI 1.4 Input/Output: The soundbar of the Samsung HW-H551 wireless audio soundbar system is fitted with an HDMI 1.4 input and HDMI 1.4 output. HDMI transmits video and audio signals simultaneously for a simpler connection, and provides a clearer picture and better sound. The unit's HDMI input and output support 3D-video, Deep Color, and x.v.Color pass-through. The HDMI output also supports ARC. You should connect your Blu-ray player or satellite/cable box directly to the HW-H551's HDMI input and then connect the soundbar system's HDMI output to your flat-panel TV's ARC-enabled HDMI input.
- 3D: The HW-H551 can pass through 3D video from 3D-ready Blu-ray players to 3D-ready TVs, via HDMI (1.4). You will also need compatible 3D-ready glasses and 3D-video content.
- Deep/x.v.Color: Deep Color allows more accurate color reproduction with deep color depth. The unit also supports x.v.Color; meaning it's ready for x.v.Color discs, such as AVCHD discs (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format).
- ARC: The unit's HDMI output also supports the ARC function. This allows you to connect your Blu-ray/DVD player or satellite/cable box directly to the system's HDMI input and connect the system's HDMI output to your television for audio from the wireless audio soundbar system or your TV. Your TV must also be ARC compatible.
Bluetooth Technology: The Samsung wireless audio soundbar system features built-in Bluetooth (v.2.0) for wireless audio streaming and Samsung's new TV SoundConnect function.
- Bluetooth A2DP: You can wirelessly stream audio from your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone (like your iPhone or Android) to the Samsung HW-H551 and enjoy music with high quality stereo sound, all without wires. The HW-H551 does not control your Bluetooth-enabled device; you will continue to control your music from your Bluetooth-enabled device. Song/artist information will also still need to be viewed from your Bluetooth-enabled device.
- SoundConnect: You can simplify the installation of the HW-H551 by eliminating the need for a wired connection between a Bluetooth-enabled Samsung TV and the soundbar. Simply plug the soundbar and the subwoofer into AC power and follow the simple pairing instructions to wirelessly connect the soundbar to select Bluetooth-enabled Samsung TVs. SoundConnect is only available one select 2013 and 2014 Samsung 3D TVs (LED Series 6400 or higher and PDP Series 5510 or higher).
Note: Due to the differences in Bluetooth technology, some Bluetooth enabled devices may be incompatible, function improperly, or may not support all features when used with the Samsung HW-H551.
Analog + Digital Inputs: The Samsung HW-H551 wireless audio soundbar system features both analog (3.5mm) and digital (optical) audio inputs.
- Optical Digital Input: The Samsung HW-H551 wireless audio soundbar system's soundbar is equipped with an optical (toslink) digital input to connect your television, Blu-ray/DVD player, or satellite/cable box. The digital optical output terminals of most newer flat-panel TVs only send an audio signal in 5.1ch when receiving Dolby Digital/DTS surround sound from the TV's built-in tuner, network connection, or connected USB device; and will output only 2ch stereo from sources connected to the TV via HDMI, or RCA (like your Blue-ray/DVD player or satellite/cable box).
- AUX Input: The Samsung HW-H551 's soundbar features a stereo audio minijack (3.5mm) input to connect your analog television or other analog audio component.
Note: To get the best audio performance out of the Samsung HW-H551, use the system's HDMI input and optical digital input to connect your Blu-ray player and satellite/cable box. Then connect the system's HDMI output to your TV's HDMI ARC input. By connecting your Blu-ray player and satellite/cable box directly to the soundbar system, you'll gain Dolby Digital/DTS decoding from these two sources.
USB Port: You can connect and play music files from external USB mass storage class devices (such as smartphones, MP3 players or USB thumbrives) using the soundbar's rear-panel USB (type-A) port, right-angle USB adapter, and included USB extension cable. The HW-H551 supports USB devices formatted in FAT16/32 with MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, or OGG music files. You can control basic playback functions; such as Play/Pause, Fast-Forward/Backward, Previous/Next Track, and Repeat/Random. The system will also charge (5V/0.5A) your connected USB device.
Software Upgrades: Samsung may offer upgrades for the system's firmware in the future. Upgrades will be possible by downloading firmware upgrades to a USB thumbdrive and connecting the thumbdrive to the soundbar's USB port.
Controls
Audio Settings: The Samsung wireless audio soundbar system provides various audio adjustments to customize your listening experience.
- Smart Volume: This function will regulate and stabilize the volume level against a drastic volume change in case of a channel change or scene transition.
- AV Sync: AV Sync can be used to help sync video to audio when connected to a digital HDTV. Video may look slower than the audio if it is connected to a digital TV. If this occurs, you can adjust the audio delay time to match the video. You can adjust the AV Sync from 0 to 300ms.
- Tone Control: You can independently adjust the system's Bass & Treble from -3 to +3.
- Subwoofer Level: You can independently adjust the volume of the wireless powered subwoofer from -6 to +6, using the system's remote control.
- Speaker Selection: This function enables you to select between listening to audio from your TV or audio from the active soundbar system when connected via HDMI.
Remote Control: The included IR remote control provides wireless operation of the Samsung HW-H551 system and can also be used to control your connected Samsung TV. The remote control has a TV hotkey that enables you to perform various operations with the simple press of a button. You can adjust the volume or change the channel on the Samsung TV. Other unique remote control features include:
- Smart On: When used with a 2013 or 2014 Samsung LED-LCD or Plasma TV, you will be able to power on the soundbar and control the volume right from the TV's remote.
- Anynet+: Anynet+ is a convenient feature that offers linked operation with other Samsung components (up to 12) that have the Anynet+ feature, and lets you control those products with one Samsung remote control. To operate this function, you must connect Samsung HW-H551 wireless audio soundbar system to an Anynet+ Samsung TV using an HDMI cable.
Auto Power On/Off: The Samsung wireless audio soundbar system offers Auto Power On/Off functionality.
- Power Link (Auto On): The wireless audio soundbar system is automatically turned on when you turn on your TV or any device connected to the wireless audio soundbar system with an optical cable.
- Auto Off: If a TV or any device connected to the wireless audio soundbar system is off and there is no audio signal, the soundbar system will turn off after 20 minutes.
The Samsung HW-H551 replaces these items
Samsung HW-F551
- 150-watt subwoofer
- Built-in Bluetooth® for audio streaming from compatible smartphones, tablets and laptops
- SoundShare™ feature allows wireless connection via Bluetooth between system and select Samsung HDTVs
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