LG HLB54S Soundbar with integrated Blu-ray review.

The LG HLB54S is one of the first soundbars to integrate a Blu-ray drive, a natural progression from the popular DVD endowed soundbars. This particular one from Korean manufacturer LG makes it's debut in the more high-end price bracket that's not normally attributed to this particular brand. So, we're expecting a lot of snazzy features and a top specification to justify the higher than expected price.

Luckily, the HLB54S doesn't disappoint in this respect. First off, being as the primary function of the soundbar is to deliver audio, the soundbar has been specially 'tuned' by LG audio supremo Mark Levinson to deliver a substantial 430w of audio oomph. It's also a pretty piece of kit with the body covered by a glossy black giving way to silver surrounded disk opening, a row of touch sensitive buttons and a larger than expected visual display screen.

Looks are one thing, size is another. Or, more specifically, the dimensions. It's not a lumping great object and is in fact incredibly slim but the depth rocks up at a slightly awkward 189mm meaning that you might have to do some rejigging with the rest of your AV kit and also pretty much rules out mounting it on the wall, unless you're a builder who fancies a bit of demolition or building-in stud work!