LG has unveiled a so-called Sound Plate, which is a speaker concept similar to Panasonic’s speaker board. The 3.5 cm speaker box can be placed underneath a TV. LG also debuts new soundbars.
LG LAP340 sound plate & new soundbars
Is two a trend? LG and Panasonic seem to agree that a flat speaker box is the new hot audio product in a time when TVs are so thin that they can barely house speakers. The speaker box is an alternative to a soundbar, says LG.

LG calls it the Sound Plate. It can sit underneath your TV
LG’s Sound Plate – or LAP340 – is only 35mm in height, and is housed in a strong, black cabinet. LG claims that it can deliver 4.1 channel sound, based on several speakers and two built-in subwoofers. The speakers can project sound in multiple directions, and LG says that sound is richer than you would think because of a neodymium magnet speaker concept.
The Sound Plate has been optimized for 32 to 55 inch TVs and can sit underneath the actual TV or be placed on furniture below the TV. It supports Bluetooth for easy connectivity with smartphones and tablets.

LG is also releasing two new soundbars for 47 and 55-inch TVs
LG is also releasing two new soundbars called NB4530A and NB5530A. The NB4530A is a 2.1 channel soundbar with 310W output, says LG. It has a slim 35 mm design in black and silver finish, and offers HDMI with ARC (audio return channel). The subwoofer is wireless and the soundbar has been designed for 47-inch TVs.
LG’s NB5530A is larger and matches the lengths of 55-inch TVs. Besides that it is basically identical.
The new products will be exhibited at IFA 2013 next week.