LG LHB535 Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System

LG LHB535 can be grouped along with the first set of 2010 line-up which came along with the integrated Wi-Fi and Blu-ray player. None of its competitors at this price includes HDMI inputs while LHB545 has two, which is enough to add a game console and a cable box. It features a Wi-Fi while its competitors, HT-C5500 from Samsung and Panasonic’s SC-BT300 will demand an adapter to be bought additionally. Its sound quality is definitely not impressive but will be suitable for casual listeners. LHB535 Home Theater System is a good deal for its price tag but cannot be denied that it is not among the best sound systems in 2010.

LHB535 home theater system has a plastic trim all along its body and gives a sleek look. The main unit measures wide by 16.9-inches, 2.5 inches in height and 11 inches deep. The unit has four identical speakers and a thin center speaker along with a passive subwoofer. The main four speakers are small that they will be unnoticeable when placed in a living room. Although a stylish package, the plastic cabinet gives it a cheap look. But we have to be satisfied with it when considering the price.

In the main unit, on pressing the center of the front panel flips down an iPod dock. Six playback buttons will be found at the right side just below the volume controller. To the left side, a flap which covers the USB port and a Blu-ray drive. Overall it is compact despite so much functionality. The included remote works well and is well designed to be placed in our hands. Volume control button are big enough and are placed at the centre and just above the volume control are the playback buttons. It would have been nice if direct inputs were given for the HDMI as it is difficult to navigate through the GUI.

Using the GUI, all the functions of the LHB535 can be controlled using the onscreen controls. It would make easier for first timers but others can perform it with the remote. The onscreen interface is simple and menu options are clean. But it would have been much easier if there is a brief description for options.

The built in iPod dock is an additional benefit but as it is much sleek it requires a separate dock and a wire. Tall-boy speakers lack is pretty standard but it is to be noted that its competitor Panasonic SC-BT330 includes it. Although Wi-Fi has now become standard in this range of systems it was required to purchase a separate dongle but LHB535 is one step ahead by having a in-built unit. Lack of on board memory disappoints as we need to use an external memory drive to use BD-Live features.

LHB535 also streams video, audio from a PC connected in a network. LGB535 plays DivX HD files with no trouble. It includes media software, Nero’s MediaHome 4 Essential which works well and is also possible to use the built-in media service with WMP. LHB535 supports onboard decoding for DTS sound track formats and Dolby at high resolution, but although lacks DVD-Audio or SACD.

Setting up the system is pretty basic with just connecting all the speakers and powering it on. LHB535 doesn’t disappoint with its performance as the sound quality was clear and sound effects filled all over the room.

Its Blu-ray performance is pretty satisfying and it looks much similar to the BD570 a standalone from LG.