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General discussion

LG Electronics HTIB

Dec 21, 2005 12:29AM PST

Hello,

Does anyone have any recommendations on LG Electronics HTIB systems? Good / bad ? Cannot find much on them, I am specifically interested in the LHY-518 model. I really like the models not offerred in the US, but I am guessing these won't work with US DVD's etc or if I could even purchase them.

Thanks,

Joe

Discussion is locked

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LHY-518
Dec 28, 2005 10:32PM PST

I'm very interested in the LG LHY-518 too. I've purchased a couple of bargain basement HTIB's and have continually been disappointed. The LG model seems to have everything I'd need (DVD recorder, VCR, plus great power) for a very good price. The only 2 stores that even mention it on their websites are Best Buy and B&H Photovideo, but on Best Buy it's "not currently available for purchase" and on B&H it's by special order only. I contacted LG directly and they said the unit is very new and that is should be in more stores after Jan 1st '06. I've heard good things about other LG electronics (plasmas, LCD), so I think I'll give the LHY-518 a go when I can find out a little more info on it.

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its decent...
Dec 29, 2005 7:37PM PST

its decent...i think the speakers are too cheap of a quality and they break very easily. we had 2 on display and the front speakers have a tendency to tip over and break. never used the dvd recorder functionalit, but lg tends to make pretty good dvd burners for HT in my opinion.

sound was decent, but there isnt really a kick to it. we have to crank it all the way up in our store in order for it to sound decent. there are a lot of ambient noise, but still...we dont have to crank up anything for a yamaha or panasonic HTIB.

i'd say for the price, stay away. you can get a dvd burner for $200 and buy or piece together your own system which will sound better.

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Hands-on this weekend
Jan 3, 2006 10:39PM PST

I went to my local Best Buy this weekend, and they had the LHY-518 on display. Looks great, sound was very good. I think the other guys' post (sounds like he works at Best Buy)is missing the point from my viewpoint. The entire reason I want one of these is having all features in one unit, versus "piecing together" a system. I hate having to have separate units for every task (plus having a millions wires running everywhere). As for the front speakers tipping over, they are tall/slender so I can see this happening. However, I can think of several ways to prevent this, so this won't stop me. After seeing the unit, I'm planning on purchasing one next month.

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Price down to $499 at Best Buy
Jan 4, 2006 9:57PM PST

Just another FYI, according to Best Buy's website (you still can't buy it online, you have to go to store), they've got this unit on sale for $499 now.

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LG LHY 518 is real nice!!!
Jan 10, 2006 6:48AM PST

I bought this system a week ago. I have no complaints about it whatsoever. I am not an audiophile or anything of the sort, so some may take my opinion for a grain of salt.

I picked the LG system up for $499 at best buy and it has been worth every penny. I had seen the system in the store for a few weeks now. I have been searching for a new home theater system. Ive heard good things about JVC and Yamaha systems so I was skeptical about the LG system because they're not known for they're audio systems. When I finally decided to buy a system it was between the LG (1200 W) and a Yamaha system (900 W) that was more expensive than this one. Both systems were next to each other in the Best Buy store where I purchased the unit. The sales rep told me he preferred the Yamaha, but to me the LG was much more clear. Also, the LG looked nicer and it had a dvd recorder. I was still skeptical though because of all that was included and the relatively cheap price. I decided to go with the LG despite my doubts, and the system hasn't let me down.

First, the system looks really good. The front speakers are stands as some have previously said, and they are seem to be very durable. I don't know what would make them fall down on their own. The satellites and center speaker designs are done very nicely. The receiver which includes a dvd recorder also looks nice.

The sound on this system is very clear. I have heard no noise from this unit as one had described earlier. This system has a lot of kick to it. I can't even turn it up to 50% of the volume without disturbing the neighbors (I live in an apartment). Usually I keep the volume at 25%. The subwoofer is 300 W and I love it. It subwoofer rocks my living room. The subwoofer is massive and it also looks nice.

It took me about an hour to setup the system. No problems at all. Very quick and simple.

Like I said I am by no means an audiophile, but I love this system for the amount of money I paid. And I love the overall design. I can see how it was built to go along with one of the LG flat screen displays. If you have any doubts go to Best Buy, and listen to it and compare it to all the other systems.

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LHY 518 record capability?
Jan 23, 2006 12:07AM PST

I know this unit has a VDR and DVD Recorder, will the cross record? I'm close to buying one myself and haven't been able to find any info about that in the docs.
I get the impression you can record to DVD from any input source, but not FROM the VCR, and the VCR can record from any source INCLUDING the DVD. Is this correct?
thanks from Texas
jac

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Manual Available at LG website
Jan 26, 2006 1:22AM PST

Not sure, but you can download the manual for the LHY-518 at the LG Website. Go the www.lgusa.com and follow the path to the 518 and the manual's there in PDF format. I'd think it has all the dubbing specs. Hope this helps.

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Buyer beware of models not offered in the states.
Jan 26, 2006 9:27AM PST

LG makes some wonderful products, including HD-TV's.
The LHY-518 isn't a bad deal for $500. I caution all
on the risks of buying models not intended for U.S.
consumption. (compatability, warranties, etc.)

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Will post results
Jan 26, 2006 11:55PM PST

I bought one of these systems (LHY 51Cool yesterday at Best Buy. $599 on sale for $569 -$50 mail in rebate = $519
I will hook it up today but first impression is excellent. Now that I have one in my hands, I can supply the answer a question I posed a few days ago. Dubbing.... You can dub between the DVD and the VCR in either direction. In fact there's a button labeled "DUB" on the controls. Today I'll get the system hooked up and report back how I feel. It's going into a pretty good size room, 25' x 30', 1/2 of which is the "theater" portion.

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Anxious to hear your feedback
Jan 28, 2006 5:16AM PST

I'll be purchasing one in a couple of weeks. I look forward to hearing your experience with this unit.

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Any Feedback?
Feb 16, 2006 9:36PM PST

Just curious how you like the LG HTIB? I'm going to purchase one in the next month or so and would like to hear any positives or negatives on the system. Thanks!

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JUST BUY THE T.V. PERIOD
Jan 28, 2006 7:38AM PST

Then buy your speakers, amp etc. seperate,. Its more fun and you will have a system that works and sounds much better than a htib. also spend as much money as you can afford on speakers , good quality speakers will last a lifetime, and complete injoyment good luck stewart

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You Are 1000% Correct...People Need To Get The Best Speakers
Feb 17, 2006 2:13AM PST

...They can!

'Cause once you have them, if you're happy, they last a lifetime.


Hard to believe people cheap out on something as important as speakers!!!