Customer Reviews

LG LHB335 1100-Watt Network Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System, Black

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

I recently purchased a LG LHB335 BluRay all in one surround sound home theater system from Best Buy. The center and right rear speakers emit a whistling noise that sounds like a teapot when boiling. Not quite that loud, but enough to be a very undesirable noise in a new unit. I took the first one back, BB gave me another. Same thing. Then another. Same thing. I have connected it to another location with speaker wiring and a Monster Power supply and yes, it does the same thing! I called LG and they said they have no reports on this problem, but when a search is conducted, many people are complaining. Until this issue is resolved, I would suggest not buying this unit!

EDIT---More details:
The LHB335 has a horrible "Tea Pot" whistling noise emitted from the center speaker. It also comes from the right rear speaker at times. It is so annoying that I took it back to Best Buy. Exchanged for another and same thing! I relocated the unit on a different electrical circuit and that did not help. Bought an expensive Monster power supply due to Best Buys recommendation which did NOT help at all. They asked me to try unit #3 and it also had the same noise! To make sure that it was not just a building electrical problem, I installed it in a friends home. SAME ISSUE! I called LG to discuss the problem and they said they had no reports of such a problem. That is NOT true. The internet has many comments regarding this speaker noise issue. After talking with some friends, they too have returned units with the same problem. I really liked the features of the LHB335, but will not buy another one unless LG can assure me that it will be one that does not whistle!

Edit--Even More Details:
2/24/2011--With all of the positive comments I've seen posted, especially with claims that the noise has been fixed in units manufactured after June 2010, I thought I'll try another one for the basement game room. The price has been coming down drastically, and no wonder with all the bad PR, so I picked one up for $249 from Amazon. I received the unit in a couple of days, set it up (I can do it very quickly since I've been through more than a few of these) made the tweaks for inputs and presto..... No whistle... however there was NO SOUND AT ALL!!! After turning it off and on a few times the sound began working. But the sound would quit and then restart after 3-5 seconds. After talking with LG's deplorable customer service group, they said, "We haven't had any reports of that problem, send it to us and we will look at it." Once again LG displays horrible concern for their customer satisfaction! So it is going BACK TO AMAZON and I will never ever even consider another LG product!!!! So be forewarned.... LG does NOT mean Life is Good.... it means Lots of Grief!!!

I purchased an LG television last fall and have really enjoyed it. When I needed a new combo system I found this LG system that fits my needs. It is the only one in this price range that allows you to hook up already existing speakers. Most units have those little plastic plugs that make you use their speakers. My U-verse DVR has an ethernet plug so the internet hookup was easy. It has an iPod dock and you can control your music playback onscreen. I have really enjoyed using the online capabilities. Netflix is adding more movies all the time and you can even view photos saved with Picasa(Google). Creating your own radio station using Pandora is icing on the cake. All-in-all, a great unit for the money.

We have a very simple setup, with 90% of our use being watching cable company's DVR on the TV. We purchased the upgraded 535 model, returned it, and purchase this 335 model as well. Same exact problems on both, with an added problem (one of the worst) on this 335.

PROS:
- Very easy to set up
- Small speakers (i.e., wife-friendly size/dimensions)
- Wired internet worked quickly/easily
- LG updates downloaded quickly, installed easily (wired internet)
- HDMI input on the device is nice (can use HDMI switcher for multiple devices)
- Support for internet streaming is nice (YouTube, Netflix, etc.)

CONS:
- Sound quality is horrible
- Omnipresent tea-pot "whistling" through speakers
- Popping sounds changing LG's input
- Popping sounds using DVR (even with each channel change)
- Awful "reverse" communication through HDMI to DVR


Let me give some more details on the CONS above.

Sound Quality
The 535 and 335 models both had this same problem. The sound from these speakers is best described as extremely "tinny." All dialogue sounded nasally, like the actors had a cold. It's not a subtle thing. It's very noticeable, omnipresent - and completely distracting. We tried to adjust the speaker volumes, but the sound quality did not improve. The subwoofer had no "sweet" spot. It seemed to either produce almost non-existent low end or a dull "woofing" that was obviously too much - and nothing in between.

Our previous all-in-one home theater was nothing special, and is 5 years old already; and it never sounded this bad. Even our TV's built-in speaker (also nothing special) sounds significantly better than the LG. To us, the poor sound quality of the LG was enough to outweigh any of the positives this box has. We tried out the various sound field options (pcm movie II, etc.), but it simply didn't add enough of the missing rich, warm middle range. The new Sony and Samsung HTIBs have significantly better sound (though each has downsides, like no HDMI input on Sony, and Lip Sync issues on the Samsung). Funny enough, I would compare the overall sound quality of this unit to the new Sony HT-CT150 soundbar/sub HTIB.


Omnipresent Tea-Pot Whistling Sound
As others have reported, my LG 335 had the annoying, always on, whistling sound from one of the front speakers (right, in our case). This happened as soon as the LG was powered on, and even if the LG had nothing connected to it, and the volume down and muted. We took the left/front speaker (which made no whistle when connected to the LG's left/front out) and connected it to the right/front out, and the whistle was there. So it seems like the issue is not the speaker or speaker wire, but really an issue with the LG receiver itself. I didn't bother testing the rears, but others have mentioned it was whistling from back there too. If the whistling was the only issue, it would be reason enough to not buy this product.


Popping Sounds Changing LG Inputs
When you change the LG inputs from anything to anything, you hear a popping sound in all speakers. It's not loud, but it's loud enough to hear it from the couch's normal TV-viewing position. The popping happens regardless of listening volume level and even with sound muted. It happens whether you change inputs from the face of the box or using the remote. It happens no matter what you had connected to the HDMI ports (or if those devices were powered off) and even with nothing connected in/out HDMI. We called LG support on this. We triple-checked speakers were correctly connected, that there were no power/speaker wire cable crossovers and did their normal troubleshooting steps (reset the box, download all current LG updates, etc.). The popping persists. I don't know if this is merely a defective unit or a problem with all their boxes, but it is a pretty annoying thing.


Popping Sounds Using DVR
The same popping sound from above (changing LG inputs) also happens during normal operation of our cable company's DVR. Change the channel on live TV, it pops (every time!). Play a recorded show, it pops. Switch to On Demand, it pops. Our DVR is Time Warner's DCH3416. It was connected from the DVR's HDMI out to the LG's HDMI input. The LG's HDMI out was going to the TV's input. As basic as it gets. The popping happened whether the DVR was connected to LG's HDMI input #1 or #2. The popping happened with a second DVR box (we have two of them, same model). The popping happened even when no devices were connected to the other inputs. We don't hear the popping if we connect the DVR to the TV directly (and TV optical audio out to the LG input). So it's unlikely to be a defective DVR. Again, I don't know if this is a defective unit or a problem with all LGs, but it happened with both the 335 and 535 we tried.


Reverse Communication through HDMI
I realize that HDMI is a "bi-directional communication cable" (meaning, devices can "talk" to each other either direction along a single cable), but what the LG is doing is clearly a bug. Check this out.

So you've got a typical setup like us. You've got a DVR (HDMI out) going to your LG (HDMI in) and a second HDMI from LG (HDMI out) to your TV (HDMI in). You're happily watching cable TV shows. Now you shut off your devices when you're done watching. Next time you turn things on, you can no longer see video or hear audio.

You'd get an on-screen message saying it could not display anything. In researching this more, we found the DVR had a user settings, where you can set the "4:3 Override" mode. The factory default is "480i," which will display standard-definition programs in 480i (720x480), but will automatically change to 1080i (1920x1080) when watching high-definition programs. This "switching" between resolutions messes up the LG, which results in the error and shutting off the video/audio.

So the easy solution was to set the "4:3 Override" mode to "Off" in the DVR which will create a widescreen version of standard-definition programs (adding black bars on left/right of picture). The result is that the cable DVR box now STAYS on 1080i resolution no matter what kind of program you are watching. The LG likes this, and is able to display video/audio properly. We'd be happy as a clam is this was the end of the story.

But now you turn off the TV. When you turn off the TV (leaving the cable DVR box on, and the LG on), the LG resets the cable DVR box to "480i" mode, and the LG no longer can display video/audio. That means that the TV sent info back along the HDMI cable to the LG, and the LG proceeded to send info back along the HDMI cable to the DVR. It's the strangest thing we've ever experienced.

The net result is, every time you turn off the TV, the cable DVR box was unviewable the next time your turned on the TV!

Obviously, this was completely unacceptable. After working with LG support, there was no solution. I don't know if this was a defective LG unit (vs. a problem with all their units) or a problem specifically with our DCH3416 model DVR (i.e., newer DVRs might not have this issue?). But since we have two DVRs (same model), and the same thing happened with both... and we had this same issue on both the 335 and 535 we tested, I don't think it was a defective DVR unit. It appears to be an issue with the LG units.

There was another setting in the DVR to change audio from "pass through" to something else, which fixed the popping sounds (only using DVR, it still popped changing LG inputs), but because the DVR kept resetting as described above, the popping would return each time the TV was shut off. So the HDMI reverse communication issue would ensure that the popping continued and the DVR's video was unviewable EVERY time you shut off the TV.


Summary
Even if the popping sounds were not there, and the DVR was not resetting each time the TV was shut off, there still remain the biggest issues of all - the omnipresent whistling and the very poor sound quality. Those alone are reason enough to get a different product. If LG ever releases a firmware upgrade to fix all this stuff, you'd still be left with low sound quality - but at least it makes this unit a viable option (if you're willing to sacrifice the sound a bit).



Our other research in case you're interested...



Other Products We Tried
We also bought (and returned) the Sony HT-CT150 soundbar/sub HTIB. It has 3 HDMI inputs (no Blu-Ray, no streaming, no real surround) and had sound quality on par with the LG 335. We bought (and returned) the new Samsung HT-C6500 (the best sounding, WAY better than this product), which would have been perfect except it had lip sync issues. We bought (and returned) the new Sony E570 (no HDMI inputs, but very good sound) with the idea of using the TV as the HDMI hub, and running TV optical audio out to the Sony just for sound. This would have been the perfect solution, but our TV is old, and the optical out (which we learned too late) does not pass the HDMI audio along. We also bought (and returned) the new YHT-S400 soundbar/sub HTIB. It sounded on par (or slightly better) than the Sony HT-CT150, but was expensive for what it was.


Conclusion
At the moment, all the HTIBs (1) in this price range, (2) with internal Blu-Ray and (3) with HDMI inputs have unacceptable issues (to us, at least)... assuming you use the HTIB as the "hub" for all our incoming sources. I recommend you get a decent HDMI receiver and grab the $135 Panasonic BD65 (Blu-Ray with streaming).

Let me first off say that I have an old Mitsubishi HD 65" rear projection CRT television that just won't quit. Because of this, I decided to invest in an HD Fury II to convert HDMI to RGBHV (or VGA). I'm glad we did. Because that gave us one HDMI input, we were limited. The LG LHB335 gave us the option to run our DirecTV HD receiver's HDMI output, through the LG LHB335 and to the TV. I couldn't have found that more convenient.

The noise that people are complaining about, is just non existent on mine. Either I lucked out, or they fixed the issue and I have an updated revision. I've turned everything off, except the LG unit, put the speaker up to me ear and heard nothing.

It's not bone crushing loud, but the sound is respectfully good. The iPod connector is a HUGE plus, AM/FM tuner, USB, network capabilities are well worth the investment. For what we use it for, in a nice, darker room, where it's not normally loud to begin with, we have a good experience watching movies. It just amazes me what this thing can do for the price.

The interface is simple, but a little sluggish. I suppose if they lose the animation, it would perform a little bit better, but because of everything else it does, it's a small trade off. I've seen worse .. .. have you looked at the Pioneer receivers?

Because of the reviews, I was skeptical when I received it so I kind of just threw it all together to get a feel for what it can do. Tomorrow, I'll make it more permanent. It's here to stay. I've known people that have paid $300+ for just a Blu-Ray player alone. This gives me my 5.1 surround ... from my DirecTV receiver ... because of the HDMI "through" ports.

It's the perfect, low cost 5.1 surround sound Blu-Ray capable system for us that still lets us hold on to our old (but trusty) sets. LG has been notoriously known for making units that are compatible with a lot of different standards. Anyone remember the old DVD player/HD tuner with VGA output - yep, used that, too. Worked GREAT ... LG ... Life's Good.

For everyone that is having problems with their speakers emitting sounds, have you tried using bigger wire? 20 gauge is not very good and could eliminate feedback. Also I would suggest running HDMI and Optical audio for anything whether it be xbox ps3 or cable box. I have installed this unit this way and it sounds amazing. People giving this unit bad reviews while using RCA or component connections are just uneducated. I am using 12 gauge quality speaker wire and I have not had any problems. While the provided wire gave me your whistling sound.. So if you really arent audio savvy dont give a product a negative review plz.

Purchased this system for a small home office. Feature list has everything you could want. Set it up, which took 2 hours, not an abnormal set up time for me. Started it up and the first thing I noticed was the sound of a Tea Kettle whistling. Only it was coming from the right front and center channels, not my kitchen.
I called LG and they said I should do a Firmware Update. Did the update, had the same Tea Kettle noise. Called LG again and they sent an RGA to repair the defect. Three weeks later LG shipped the unit back to me. Plugged it in and had the Tea Kettle noise again. The invoice for that repair said that the LG tech did a Firmware update!! I just did that! Called Lg again, told them the noise was still there so they sent me another RGA.
Three weeks after that I called LG to see what was going on and the Customer Service person said "The tech said we are unable to repair this item.". I had to call them to find this out, they did NOT call me. Were they ever going to call me and give me the bad news? They offered a buy-back, so I got my receipt and shipped the unit back. Still waiting on the check.
Bought a Sony BDVE500W for a $150 more than I paid for the garbage LG and havn't been disappointed.

UPDATE****
LG made good, and refunded my purchase. It's still garbage though. Check out Sony's new line up of internet enabled home theater systems.

This is an awesome stereo with Blu Ray cabpabilities. Needs to have a larger hardrive or supplimentation but works well and responds online to several entertainment providers. However as usual "the Man" keeps you from straying too far. It doesn't yet give the user the option of which provider to stream. This unit by LG is set up for Netflix and others are set up for Blockbuster streaming. In three years this will be off the chain but for right now its great and I like it alot.

I have had this system for a little short of one month. I did a lot of research and read all of the bad publicity about this unit but I specifically wanted and LG surround to couple with my LG 47LH40 and I couldn't beat the price point. I was holding onto reports that LG had fixed the previous issues and I would get a good unit but I purchased locally prepared to have to deal with returns or repairs if there was a whistle issue.

I got a unit that was built September 2010 and I am happy to report that I have absolutely none of the issues that people have previously reported. I primarily use the system to stream Netflix and play Xbox 360 hooked up with HDMI.

With that context built. I will write this review. I tried to keep it as succinct as possible.

Sound: The sound is acceptable but it is not at all a great system. While watching movies (especially non-HD) the sound can be shallow and tinny but for the most part it is acceptable. The subwoofer adds depth but like any receiver powered woofer it does not hit hard by any means. The surround speakers are clean and get the job done. For sound I rated this a 3 out of 5, if I could I would have given it a 3.5 I don't think 3 was appropriate but it definitely isn't a 4.

Picture: The bluray looks fantastic. It's a fast unit and displayed on a 120hz television I have had minimal artifacting. The black levels look great and the colors are vibrant and lush. I also have an Xbox 360 hooked up through this unit using HDMI and it also looks great.

Functionality: I have this unit coupled with an LG 47LH40 lcd. The two units run of the same remotes out of the box which was a great feature. The menu for this unit is easy to navigate and the remote set up very well. Anyone with previous experience with an extensive remote and menu will know what to look for and be very familiar with this setup within hours.

Internet Features: The internet features are great and I have taken advantage of almost all of them regularly. To optimize our experience I have this unit wired to my router and have had zero issues resulting from the bluray.
Pandora Netflix are both 5 stars. I have had previous experience with both and this units runs both programs significantly better; fast and more efficient. Netflix also recently added HD streaming which look great on this unit.

Overall: I'm very pleased with the purchase. I think it's a great set up for someone who doesn't take A/V too seriously and doesn't want to spend a lot.

I will do my best to answer questions regarding the unit so feel free to ask. The LHB335 has had a bad wrap, I hope I wasn't just one of the lucky few to get a unit that works properly and LG has actually fixed the problems that plagued the model.

I just set up my system, and was excited to try it out. My thoughts after 3 days:

- It has a startup time with a progress bar. 15 seconds or more. Not sure if all Blu-Ray players do, but my old dvd home theater system just turned on.

- The interface is clunky, slow, and ugly

- The remote has a weird layout, many buttons are tricky (easy to press the wrong one), and its huge.

- You can't have HDMI in, component out. Minor complaint, but still annoying.

- No component in or RCA in for older devices... but there's a RCA video out. On a Blu-Ray? Why?

- The teapot noise probably occurs on 100% of the systems. I thought mine was fine (it doesn't occur all the time) but sure enough, last night while sitting on the netflix queue page, it was whistling like a teapot. Probably a shielding problem, so it can't be fixed.

- Speakers look nice, and there's plenty of wire to route the surround speakers to where they need to go. The color coding on the wires was handy for setup.

- AM antenna? Again, why?

- It took a lot of fiddling after setup to get the rear speakers to make good noise. I had to boost their volume quite a bit even though they're closer to me than the front ones.

- Accidentally turn your unit off while playing X-Box? Get comfy, it takes over 30 seconds to turn all the way off and cycle back on again. Then it takes 5-10 seconds to realize you were using HDMI-in and swap to that on its own.

- It says it's a 1100-Watt system. The back of the unit says it's 150 Watts. Riddle me that.

- iPod dock requires that little plastic dock adapter that came with your iPod that no one manages to hold on to.

- USB ports are behind the spring-loaded door that covers the disc tray. Not a deal breaker in itself, but I have no idea why it has to be like that.


You know, now that I've typed all this out, I think this is enough reason to return it. It's only 3 days old and already I have found several things to bewilder and annoy me.

My advice: Keep shopping, folks.

Whistling noise comes out of center speaker. Looked up online and see other people having the same issue. Its bearable at times, but sometimes it is not. LG won't admit it a flaw and I have to pay them to get it fixed.

Other than that, its a great unit. I love playing videos with a USB stick and having Pandora and Netflix.