A new type of products emerged late last year, and LG added a new soundplate to the category at CES 2014. LG also has new wireless soundbars for TVs and a multi-room speakers system to take on Sonos.
LG’s 2014 audio line-up
LG’s new soundplate complements the existing model. The LAB540W is a higher-end model, designed to fit under 32- to 55-inch TVs. It is a 320 W 4.1 system that can simulate surround by sending audio in multiple directions. It also has a wireless subwoofer, a built-in 3D Blu-ray players and LG’s Smart TV functionality (no information on whether it is webOS or the old Netcast platform).
LG’s new soundplate
Additionally, LG has numerous new soundbars planned for 2014. The different models are designed for a variety of TV screen sizes from 42 to 55 inches, but two common features are; the wireless subwoofer; and Soundsync that wirelessly connects the soundbar to a LG Smart TV. The most expensive NB5540N model supports 24-bit audio, whereas the other NB4540N and NB3540N have no support.
LG’s new soundbar comes in several sizes
Lastly, LG introduced a new multi-room speaker system, designed to take on Sonos. The NP8740 speaker supports 24-bit audio and runs on mesh network technology, connecting to WiFi via either 2.4 or 5 GHz, meaning that it runs on your existing WiFi network at home. Several speakers can be added and you can decide how to control them; all speakers can play simultaneously or you can play different songs in each room.
LG’s new multi-room speaker
Sonos has a tight grip on the multi-room audio market so it will be interesting to see if some of the new contenders in this market can make an impact. Samsung also announced a “Sonos killer” at CES 2014.
