LG Electronics is set to use the 2013 CES Show to show off a new range of Blu-ray home theatre systems and docks.
Among the new range are four Blu-ray systems that incorporate a 3D Blu-ray player and LG’s Smart TV application platform.
In the new 2013 range LG is expanding stereo Bluetooth to all four models from two and adding Sound Privacy, Wi-Fi-certified Miracast technology, 4K upscaling, 2D-to-3D conversion, and Web browsing to selected models.
The Sound Privacy feature uses a home’s Wi-Fi network to stream HTiB audio to an app-equipped smartphone or tablet, from which users can listen to the HTiB’s audio via headphones. An app will be available for Android devices and possibly for iOS devices, said Tim Alessi, LG’s new product development director.
Miracast technology, certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance, uses Wi-Fi Direct to wirelessly stream audio and video from Miracast-enabled mobile devices to the HTiB without connecting to a home’s Wi-Fi network. LG uses Intel’s WiDi technology in its TVs to make the wireless connection between TVs and mobile devices.
Conversion of 2D video to 3D is included in two models for use with some early 3D TV sets that don’t convert 2D images, Alessi said. Upscaling to 4K is included in the top two models for use with future 4K TVs that might lack 4K upscaling, he noted.
In another advance, all but the opening-price model feature Aramid Fiber speaker cones, a type of Kevlar used in audiophile speakers and in the aerospace industry. The stiff but light material is said to enhance sound accuracy.
Like last year, all four feature embedded Wi-Fi, remote control via smartphone apps, iPod/iPhone/iPad-certified USB port, and playback of audio and video stored on a USB-connected hard drive or USB stick.
The two top two models feature HDMI switching with two HDMI 1.4a inputs and one 1.4a output with audio return channel. The two lower priced models feature optical audio input to connect to a TV, which would be used to switch video sources.
All four models decode Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio.
