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LG's 2013 sound bars get bigger, add built-in Bluetooth and Netflix

LG is showing off four new sound bars at CES 2013, including the NB3730A with built-in Wi-Fi and streaming-video services.

Matthew Moskovciak Senior Associate Editor / Reviews - Home theater
Covering home audio and video, Matthew Moskovciak helps CNET readers find the best sights and sounds for their home theaters. E-mail Matthew or follow him on Twitter @cnetmoskovciak.
Matthew Moskovciak
LG NB3730A
LG NB3730A LG

LAS VEGAS--You can get Netflix on your TV, gaming console, Blu-ray player, smartphone, laptop, tablet, AV receiver, and now, finally, you can get Netflix in a sound bar, too.

LG is rolling out four new sound bars at CES 2013, including the NB3730A, which has built-in Wi-Fi and a limited suite of streaming-media services including Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu Plus, Vudu, and Pandora. That's the first sound bar I've seen with streaming-media capabilities, but I'd be surprised if people were willing to pay much extra for the functionality, especially with the superior Roku LT available for just $50.

LG is also offering three other models, which the company details in the bottom half of the chart below:

LG 2013 sound bars and HTIBs comparison chart
Click to enlarge. LG

All but the entry-level NB2030A feature built-in Bluetooth and a wireless subwoofer. The top two models come in a new, larger size, designed to match 47-inch TVs, which reflects the rising popularity of larger-screen HDTVs. And while a single HDMI input on the NB4530A is nice, it's not necessary if you end up using your TV as a switcher.

LG has not announced pricing or availability for any of its new sound bars.