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.
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.
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.
Next page: Companion combo
COMMENTS
:)
true. they are different things though really.
how many BMW/merc owners would like to drive a 20 year old maestro or how many people living in a nice 5 bed house could live in a bedsit.
you get used to some things and going backwards is hard.
how many life threatening situations have you been in? i have had a few... i still hate tv speakers :)
The secret is....
....not to let yourself get into that truly awful situation where you cant stand average TV audio.
I'd dread to think how some would manage if faced with a truly life threatening situation.
plus
you can get wireless rear speakers now. my father in law has some on his sony system
wires everywhere?
its not hard to stick wires in nice trunking or under carpets or even in the walls.
i guess ive been into home cinema for 15 years i just cant go back to terrible sound.
when we moved recently i had no amp & speakers for 2 night and it was horrible. just TV speakers
fair enough....
i also guess you dont know anyone into AV and HC. a decent system like mine can sound amazing but then again i paid a fair bit for my onkyo 709 and B&W 5.1 system.
