LG announces 2013 line-up of audio and video products with Smart TV functionality

LG Electronics has announced its 2013 audio and video line-up, which will be on display at CES in Las Vegas. The new line-up features the BH9430PW 9.1-channel speaker system, NB4530A Sound Bar, BP730 Blu-ray player with Smart TV features, the ND8630 Dual Docking Speaker and the NP6630 Portable Speaker. LG states that these products show LG’s commitment to delivering users good audio, above average Smart TV functionality, an intuitive user experience and cutting-edge 3D technology.   “A home theater system is much more than just a TV and speakers; it’s a comprehensive package,” said Havis Kwon, President and CEO, LG Home Entertainment. “LG offers superb audio and video products to help consumers realize a truly immersive home cinema experience. By implementing advanced technologies, CINEMA 3D features, smart connectivity and control, LG will continue to lead the audio visual segment in 2013.” Upcoming products from LG The BH9430PW is a surround sound speaker system designed for a movie viewing experience. The 9.1-channel system adds four additional channels to the typical 5.1 setup, which helps in delivering an improved audio performance. LG claims that with this speaker system, sound is produced by the four multi-directional tallboy speakers. The 3D Surround Processor analyses content to distribute sound in multiple directions while maintaining the appropriate balance level. LG states that it has also opted to use high-tensile Aramid fibers in the construction of the sound cones, which helps in resulting in a wider range of sound, including deep bass with minimal sound distortion.   Serving as a smart hub, the BH9430PW is compatible with NFC technology for wireless content mirroring. It also has other Smart TV capabilities such as web browsing. The BH9430PW also includes an iPod dock to charge devices and provide access to stored content.   The BH9430PW also comes equipped with a new feature for late night viewing – the Private Sound Mode. This feature lets users feed the system’s sound directly to their smartphone via Wi-Fi to make sure that the rest of the family does not get disturbed. The NB4530A Sound Bar has a slim design with a black and silver finish. LG claims that the Sound Bar produces rich audio with 2.1 channels, 310W speakers and LG’s 3D Surround Processor. All these features are packed into a single compact, manageable speaker unit to maximise space savings. LG adds that the 35mm tall Sound Bar is ideal for a premium TV. Supporting HDMI with an Audio Return Channel (HDMI ARC), the Sound Bar plays audio from the TV without requiring additional cables. It is also Bluetooth-enabled to assist in wireless audio streaming from smartphones, tablets and laptops. The Sound Bar’s installation options include wall-mounted, standalone or in and close proximity to the TV. It is also possible to connect the NB4530A wirelessly with LG’s latest TVs. The Sound Bar uses the 3D Surround Processor to improve the audio experience of watching the TV. The BP730 offers a range of Smart TV features including Video-On-Demand (VOD) and wireless connectivity options. LG claims that the availability of premium VOD services such as Hulu Plus, Pandora, Netflix and YouTube is on the rise. Expanding its partnerships with content providers, LG is able to provide users access to the latest entertainment with or without Blu-ray discs. The BP730 also supports Near Field Communication (NFC) for wireless content mirroring from smartphones and other external devices.   The BP730 is operated with the LG Magic Remote, enabling users to navigate the system’s control options with point—and-wheel based actions. The Blu-ray player also uses a dual core processor to handle the All-in-One search function. This feature simultaneously collects search results for VOD and apps and displays them in the same browser for quick access to content. LG claims that the BP730 provides crisp picture quality in 2D as well as 3D.  The ND8630 Dual Docking Speaker supports dock-and-play for both iOS and Android mobile devices. The 80W speaker charges the batteries of all docked devices. It can also recognise and wirelessly play music files saved on smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop PCs that support Bluetooth and Apple’s AirPlay. LG claims that the speaker’s cylindrical design also offers a visually appealing direct docking option. In addition, the Mood Lamp creates a soft lighting effect, while the Smart Sensor analyses the amount of illumination being provided by ambient light sources.   The NP6630 is LG’s newest portable speaker. The 20W unit supports Near Field Communication (NFC), AirPlay and Bluetooth to wirelessly stream music from a range of mobile devices. LG claims that the speaker is a combination of portability and functionality, keeping tunes playing for extended periods of time, even in the most remote locations.