Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)If you don't care about Smart TV, the LHB976 is a good system and essentially the same as the LHB975, with a few improvements:
1. Wired subwoofer. This eradicates the main criticism of the LHB975 (wireless connection to subwoofer would fail).
2. 3d blu-ray.
3. Updated and faster interface (especially for Netflix).
So why only two stars? Because I hate being misled. The LHB976 is nothing like LG's Smart TV, despite the advertising.
DISCLAIMER: I originally had the LHB975 and the subwoofer failed (a common problem). After waiting weeks for a replacement part and being told I would be charged $70, despite falling within the warranty period, LG changed their mind and offered to refund my system. Impressed by this move, I purchased the LHB 976 to replace the old system. Despite my doubts about buying another LG system, I was excited by the descriptions on LG's website of the "revolutionary" Smart TV and fantastic new remote.
LG's website claims that when you buy the LHB 976, "you get ... an LG Smart TV experience, next generation in entertainment organized within a simple interface." That's a joke. There is nothing in this system that's at all "revolutionary" (LG's language). You don't get anything like the Smart TV features available with the ST600 or competitor systems. For example:
1. No Magic Motion Remote Control. In fact, I'm not even sure that it would work with the system if purchased independently.
2. No Hulu Plus. This makes no sense to me. Samsung, Sony, Google TV, and even LG's other "Smart TV" devices have Hulu Plus... just not its Blu Ray players or home theater systems. LG should be honest about this, especially for people hoping to use Hulu to replace Cable.
3. Inferior interface. No website viewing. No antenna/cable input. Apps can't be viewed simultaneously with live TV. The few "customizable apps" are a joke. Amazon, Vudu, Netflix, etc. are great -- but those have been available on Netcast for years in essentially the same format.
In sum, it's absurd to advertise this system as "Smart TV" with a "next generation" of content when it provides less than what Roku, Samsung, Sony, Google TV, Apple TV, and a Windows Media/Boxee setup has been providing for some time now. On the other hand, if you only care about the 3d blu-ray system with decent sound quality for the price, this is fine (I don't have 3d tv so I can't review the quality of the 3d, but the sound is the same as the LHB 975 as far as I can tell).
If there's any justice, LG should ship out the ST600 to customers buying the LHB 976 -- especially those who stick with the LG brand out of (misguided?) loyalty. Otherwise, what's the point of this system instead of a competitor's?
Click Here to see more reviews about: LG LHB976 1100W 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System with Smart TV and Integrated Wi-Fi
(March 2011)
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