LAS VEGAS —
LG is expanding its assortment of
HTiBs equipped with 3D Blu-ray player to four from
three and expanding its soundbar selection to three
from one at International CES.
LG is debuting four 3D Blu-ray 5.1-speaker HTiBs,
all incorporating LG’s smart-TV platform to access online
audio and video services. They ship in February.
This year’s models feature an expanded roster of
smart-TV content partners, and like last year’s 3D
models, they access LG’s app store to download almost
200 free and paid-for apps.
The top two HTiBs are also LG’s first U.S. HTiBs
with proprietary 3D sound technology, an algorithm
said to synchronize audio with 3D picture depth when
playing back 3D video. The 3D sound technology also
works with 2D video.
The top two models also feature HDMI 1.4a output with
audio return channel, and the two are the first LG HTiBs
with HDMI standby passthrough, enabling users to connect a cable or satellite box to the HTiB’s HDMI
1.4a inputs and play back video through the HTiBconnected
TV even when the HTiB is off.
Also new this year is embedded Wi-Fi in all models.
All four models also feature remote control via
iPhone and Android apps, iPod/iPhone-compatible
USB port, and playback of audio and video — including
DivX HD video and MKV — on a USB-connected
hard drive or USB stick. Pricing hasn’t been finalized.
The 2012 line starts with the 5.1 BH6720S, which
features satellite speakers with 15-degree tilting bases.
The step-up BH6820SW lacks satellite speakers with
tilting bases but adds wireless surround speakers.
The BH9220BW 5.1-channel system adds stereo
Bluetooth, two HDMI 1.4a inputs, HDMI standby
passthrough, larger speakers without tilting bases, the
upward-firing driver in each left and right front and rear
speaker, and wireless surround speakers.
The top-end adds front floorstanding tower speakers
and smaller, wireless surround speakers.
In soundbars, there are three new models, two with stereo Bluetooth, one with wireless subwoofer, and
one with embedded subwoofer. Pricing was unavailable.
All feature Dolby Digital DTS 5.1 decoding. One
features three HDMI 1.4a inputs and one HDMI input.
The 80-watt NB2520A, sized for 37-inch TVs, is a onepiece
model whose subwoofer is embedded. It features
three HDMI 1.4a inputs and one HDMI 1.4a output. It
ships late in the first half; the other two ship in March.
