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Philips SA6145 4 GB
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Michael Jeulin-L
Test date: January 3, 2008
Test date: January 3, 2008
WAV: a non-compressed audio format
This player only reads a few audio formats (simple MP3 and WMA).
Also, in its software suite there is no audio file converter. You will therefore have to do this manually unless you already have only WMA or MP3 files.
However, to our great surprise, by synchronizing the player with Windows Media 11, it was possible to read WAV files, which wasn't the case with the same tracks via drag and drop.
The SA6145 is a large format video and audio player in Philips GoGear family. Mostly destined for video, it has integrated speakers and an imposing LCD screen equipped with a glossy TN 3.5 inch (320 x 240 pixels) panel. It also integrates 4 GB of flash memory and has a battery which is supposed to run 20 hours of music or 5 hours of video. So it's finally with some delay that Philips launches itself on the portable video player market. Let's see if this product has what it needs to impose itself in a domain that is already quite competitive.
As is the current trend, the Philips SA6145 has a glossy black body that is very sensitive to finger smudges and scratches. The back side is covered with fine quality black and gray plastic and the overall look is very attractive. Buttons are firm and the product seems solid making the SA6145 rather pleasant to hold in your hand.
Audio performance
We were impatient to test this new player and we immediately launched some of our favorite tracks; however this was a big disappointment due to mediocre sound quality. Sound reproduction isn't clear, basses are heavy and mediums and highs aren't too present or precise. In addition, volume lacks strength and there is quite a bit of interference heard in pauses. On the other hand, the integrated speakers could allow multiple listeners if you want to share a video, clip or music.
Next, this player suffers from an enormous defect. Any control adjustment (navigation, change of setting, etc.) while listening to audio tracks affects sound quality. Even basic adjustments like changing tracks or adjusting the volume causes interference:
Here is another illustration of this with the audio profile:
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The cuts in the track correspondent to each adjustment on the SA6145.
Video performance
None of our videos were able to be directly read on this player (even our WMV files because settings weren't the same). We first had to convert them to WMV with the supplied software and unfortunately, it was impossible to convert Divx format videos. As for conversion time of other files this was long. Plan on 1 hour to encode 5 clips totaling 247 MB. Finally, once we have the videos playing on this device, we regret being so patient. There were large compression defects in all videos. In addition, the TN screen adds its own downsides: pixels are too noticeable, blacks are washed out, and solarization effects are visible. In short, it's not made for video either.
Pluses
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Design and finishing touches
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Integrated speakers
Minuses
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No foam pads with earphones
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No carrying case/bag or dust cloth
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Bugs and parasite noise
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Mediocre audio and video quality
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No Divx conversion
This portable player has some major downsides and doesn't seem well conceived. It will have problems imposing itself on the current competitive market.
