LG busted out their new LAP340 (dubbed the LG Soundplate) at the 2013 CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) Expo in Denver, CO. The Soundplate is a minimalist designed sound system optimized for optimized for flat panel HDTVs.
Jay Vandenbree, senior vice president, home entertainment, LG Electronics USA
“The tradeoff for the ultra thin TV design has been smaller speakers, which has led to a surge in demand for supplementary home audio devices. “We’re augmenting our already robust line of soundbars with the LG SoundPlate to give consumers yet another alternative for powerful home entertainment sound in a compact, attractive design.”
And what a tradeoff it has been! Mr. Vandenbree couldn’t have hit the nail on the head any squarer. The single biggest complaint I’ve heard from users is exactly that, sound quality on even some high end flat panels is horrid. I know my own flat panel suffers from tinny and under-powered speakers. The only real solutions have been slightly better quality sound bars with giant subwoofers. Or a full fledged surround sound system that can be bulky and unsightly. I’m a huge fan of minimalism, especially in homes, and this LG Soundplate looks to be an excellent sound solution. Here’s how LG describes it in detail.
LG PR Statement
The LG SoundPlate provides high-quality audio while maintaining a minimally obtrusive aesthetic. Despite a profile only 1-3/8 inches (35 millimeters) high, the LG SoundPlate is equipped with a robust 4.1 channel sound system complete with dual built-in subwoofers.
Its 120W output is boosted by a unique internal structure and LG’s proprietary acoustic tuning system, which makes it easier to hear dialog and other discrete sounds when watching TV shows or movies. To further enhance sound quality, this unit features LG’s Bass Port system, which reduces harmful vibrations from within the speaker enclosure. LG’s Cinema Mode feature optimizes the LAP340’s surround sound capabilities, creating an immersive field of multidirectional audio.
For additional functionality, LG’s Sound Sync, which is driven by Bluetooth® capabilities, enables users to pair the device with other compatible devices, such as phones, so consumers can wirelessly stream music when in range. As an added bonus, this feature helps reduce cable clutter in the living room by pairing your compatible LG TV to the SoundPlate wirelessly.
From an aesthetic perspective, its low profile and sleek matte finish make it an attractive choice for any home theater set up. It is primarily meant to act as a pedestal, ideal for 32 to 55-inch class TVs, but is compact enough to fit in shelving units or TV stands.
LG expects to have these bad boys in stores by next month, no word on pricing just yet.
Last Updated on April 16, 2024.
