TechRadar Verdict
A well featured system that does very little wrong
Pros
- +
Highly attractive
80GB hard drive
Great pictures
Cons
- -
Occasional problems with dialogue
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Among this LG system's many snazzy features is an 80GB hard-disk drive, which allows you to rip CDs in MP3 format and create a library of your favourite music - as well as store JPEGs for instant playback.
It also features an HDMI socket with upscaling to 1080i, and LG's Virtual Sound Matrix, which artificially creates a wider soundstage through the stereo speakers.
Aesthetics are stunning. The main unit boasts a high-gloss black finish, with a row of touch sensitive controls and a five-line display giving track information. The main stereo speakers are of the bookshelf variety. The sub features a large circular LED that makes it look ultra-funky.
Setup is straightforward thanks to the logical and easy-to-navigate onscreen menus and a nicely designed remote handset.
Linked up to a decent flatpanel TV via HDMI, LG's J10HD delivers superb DVD pictures, with powerful colours and deep blacks that help to make detail look pin-sharp. It's every bit as good as more expensive systems around.
These impressive pictures are backed up by solid sound performance. In straight stereo mode, the sub can muster a menacing amount of bass when need be, but if a subtler touch is required then it's equally at home.
Switch to the Virtual Sound Matrix and you're greeted by a much more expansive sound stage, which is better suited to the grand, sweeping visuals of our test movie, 300. It's not perfect however; dialogue can sound a bit forced and jumps disconcertingly when the camera pans left or right - something that's partially rectified by activating the vocal mode.
Overall the J10HD is a sensational system, not only delivering top-notch performance but also offering enticing features, such as the 80GB HDD. Recommended.
