January 7, 2009 8:00 AM PST

LG LHB979: LG's flagship 2009 home theater system includes a host of extras

by John P. Falcone
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LG LHB979 (Credit: LG)

Unlike Panasonic and Samsung, LG didn't offer any home theater systems with built-in Blu-ray players in 2008. No problem: the company gets to hit the ground running in 2009 with fully loaded Blu-ray models like its flagship home theater system, the LHB979. The 5.1-channel system takes its design cues from last year's DVD-only LHT888, with champagne-glass front-tower speakers and smaller rears that can be connected wirelessly (obviating the need for front-to-back speaker wires in the room). LG boasts that the LHB979 is "tuned by renowned audio expert Mr. Mark Levinson," but we'll have to wait until we audition the final shipping model to determine whether that marketing hype translates into actual sonic performance.

(Credit: LG)

In addition to the requisite integrated iPod dock, the LHB979 includes support for streaming from online Netflix, CinemaNow, and YouTube. The other big extra is the inclusion of two HDMI inputs, so the LHB979 can be used to toggle audio and HD video between external sources such as DVRS, cable/satellite boxes, and game consoles. Look for the LG LHB979 to hit stores in May 2009 (price TBD).

Note: This post has been updated from the original version with some corrections on product specs.

John P. Falcone covers home theater and network entertainment products. He's been writing for CNET since 2002.
Topics:

CES - Home audio,

CES - Home video

Tags:

LG LHB979,

Blu-ray,

home theater,

Netflix,

HTIB,

Mark Levinson,

CES 2009

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by rebekahrose July 14, 2009 4:47 AM PDT
All the information I've found on this system is from Jan '09 expecting a May '09 release date. Have there been any updates on when the LHB979 drops? I emailed LG and their response was that the retailers control the drop date, which really doesn't make any sense to me.
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by andyshannon3 August 22, 2009 11:34 AM PDT
This system does not seem to be available anywhere as of late August 2009, and it was supposed to be released 3 months ago? I was interested in this system, but it doesn't even show up on LG's website anymore, so I think they may have scrapped it and it will never be released.
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by dbaccaro August 25, 2009 2:59 PM PDT
I found out about this HTiB directly from LG's VP of Public Affairs and Communications. <br /> <br />Sorry, model LHB979 is not available in the U.S. (nor will it be). We have two current Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Systems, the LHB953 and the LHB977. Check them out at www.LGusa.com. Thank you for your interest in LG Electronics. <br /> <br />Cordially, <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />John I. Taylor <br /> <br />Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications <br /> <br />LG Electronics USA, Inc. <br /> <br /> <br />I think it's a mistake not to have this available in the U.S.A.. But, what do I know? I didn't even go to college!
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by brent merchant November 9, 2009 9:20 PM PST
i was waiting patiently for this htib to come out , only to find out it was all in vain. What would it hurt lg to make this item available in the states. It is beautiful!
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by elafair December 22, 2009 9:28 PM PST
I contacted LG's customer service today (12/22/09) and was told this model (LHB979) is still scheduled to be released--eventually. The service rep was professional and took my info and said I would be contacted when this HTIB is available. I asked the rep if he knew the reason(s) for the delay, but was told he had no info on this. I won't hold my breath so we'll see. Maybe it's the economy and LG decided to focus on its lower cost HTIB's, or perhaps there was a fallout with Mark Levinson who was supposed to be involved with the tuning of this unit. Whatever the reason, it's a shame! If this system sounds as good as it looks (and is reasonably priced), then it would be a home run!
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by bogus555 February 3, 2010 4:36 PM PST
This article refers to the LHB979 as LG's 2009 home theater flagship. Funny, this ship never sailed. And if this is the flagship, what should I think of the rest of the fleet? Why did CNET never follow up to inform us this product is unavailable. If it were available, I'd purchase it today. After all the effort to develop this beautiful system, why would LG management decide to withhold it? I guess that's why I don't make management decisions.
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