LG LHB535

Pros: It's an all in one solution.

Cons: Speakers and amplifier could be better.

Summary: ***UPDATE***

Firmware update for LHB335, LHB535, LHB975

1. Reason of change
This firmware is disabled "Audio watermark" DRM

2. Version : HB.8.31.300.C

This is the new Cinavia DRM that has all the PS3 owners in a uproar, if you download anything from the net and it has the 'watermark' the audio will be disabled. If you upgrade you will be not be able to watch new mkv,avi,avcd,wmv,mp3,vob,ect... copies from the net.

This is pretty nasty stuff, all network enabled blu-ray players will be getting this (lg).

Be warned!

*** UPDATE ***

I got this HTIB with my LG 50PK750 TV, it's was free. So I can't complain about the price, as a all-in-one unit it's pretty solid. I'm using the passive sub that was included, it has enough bass. I've read that the speakers suck, I had a set of Fluance Speakers that I bought and never really hooked up. So the factory speakers were replaced, keep that in mind if you are getting this. I've seen deals online for other speakers bundles and this could be a way to make this HTIB acceptable.

The receiver has a built in ipod dock and a bluray player. Both are cheaply attached, but they work well. The WIFI/DLNA/Media Player features is what set this HTIB apart from the others. I use a media server, Twonky (I believe something was included in the TV, nero's stand alone media server). The receiver is DLNA so playing my existing media was a easy, it plays MKV files and that's what most of my collection is. Over WIFI playing 720p video is no problem, so if you download broadcast TV shows it's not an issue watching anything (I don't condone piracy). I use a wired connection now, but wireless worked good.

The GUI sucks, at times it too slow. I switched to list mode, it makes things a little faster. I have seen it update it self, once its connected to the internet it will check for updates. I wish the TV would do that. The apps of the receiver are solid, Pandora is cool and the other built in applications work good.

Inputs are fine, it has two HDMI and a bunch of analog inputs. I have it connected to a Motorola STB, it switches between inputs with no lag or issues. I've read of problems with other TVs, it does have a system link feature (but my TV is LG, so it's supported).

If my TV wasn't hooked up to cable (or I should say a STB) I could use the included remote to control the TV and HTIB. I do wish it had separate input buttons for its inputs, having to use the GUI is lame (my harmony remote would work better). The remote is not back light or universal, that's weak.

I think you would have a hard time finding something that's ALL-IN-ONE that does what this unit does. It's a good offering, just keep in mind it's a HTIB and not separate components. For the price I paid (nothing) it was a pretty sweet deal.