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LG HLX56S net savvy 3D Blu-ray soundbar combo

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Fall from Gracenote

File support across a network is also strong. The system plays MKV, AVI, AVCHD and MOVs content without issue. Music support extends to MP3, WMA, WAV and AAC.

LG HLX56S Network 3D Blu-ray home cinema system

Aesthetically pleasing? The front mounted USB port features a captive cover

The Blu-ray component within the HLX56S is 3D compatible and comparable in performance to other LG disc spinners. It’s a slow loader though, taking upwards of 70 seconds to deliver the menu on the Java heavy Goldfinger disc. Simpler platters, such as Lou Reed’s Berlin, are good to go in 32 secs.

Incidentally, I used the aforementioned Lou Reed concert disc to trial the system’s Gracenote powered Music ID service, designed to identify music snippets from TV shows and movies. You might think that a concert disc would make track identification ridiculously easy, but the Gracenote media database came back blank. Obviously not a fan of The Velvet Underground.

LG HLX56S Network 3D Blu-ray home cinema system

The usual suspects plus an interface for the supplied iPod dock cradle interface

Blu-ray image quality is great, with plenty of fine detail and image depth. The player doesn’t exhibit any foibles with 3D content. Sonically, the HLX56S is a real surprise. Thanks to that spirited Class D amp, the system has genuine presence and represents a serious sonic upgrade for wafer-thin TV sound systems.

You can tinker with audio presets, but these generally undermine rather then enhance. Clear Voice, Bass Blast and Clear Voice all thicken or thin the soundstage. I found it sounded best left in Bypass for stereo content. Multichannel source material can be decoded for a faux surround effect. Taken more as an extended soundfield than genuine surround, this is rather effective.

LG HLX56S Network 3D Blu-ray home cinema system
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