Surround sound system<TEST

JVC TH-L1 300

Thrilling sound quality, 1080p switching and multimedia compatibility at a price that wont break the bank
The TH-L1 from JVC is a one-box surround system with a difference. Not only is it designed to deliver 5.1 sound from a DVD player, but it also accommodates an iPod, USB ash drives and even 1080p video sources. The 360W system consists of a vertically mounted main unit, styled in moody black with snazzy blue lights, ve small cubic satellite speakers and a compact 100W subwoofer.
Plug in your iPod here There are two HDMI inputs and one output on the main unit The remote is cluttered but not difcult to use

RATINGS

STYLE EASE OF USE FEATURES PICTURE SOUND VALUE OVERALL

TEST SCENE

>Finding Nemo

Socket to them

The rear of the main unit is packed with sockets. There are two HDMI inputs and one output, which allow you to loopthrough a 1080p video signal but sadly the system wont decode Dolby Digital and DTS bitstreams carried over HDMI. On the front is a port that allows you to connect, charge and control your iPod using the supplied remote, and you can even watch movie les from an iPod video. Its joined by a USB input that handles MP3, WMA, JPEG, WAV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 (ASF) les. Setup is quick and easy, thanks to the use of labelled speaker cables while the onscreen setup menu is
THE REAR OF THE MAIN UNIT IS FULL OF SOCKETS, INCLUDING TWO HDMI INPUTS
well designed and smartly presented. The remote is cluttered but doesnt take long to master. Despite its diminutive speakers, the system is capable of producing a surprisingly muscular sound with our test DVD of Finding Nemo. The scene in which Dory and Marlin are chased by sharks is especially exciting thanks to excellent surround channel steering and well-controlled bass output, which gives explosions and crashes plenty of bite without overpowering the other channels. Whats more, expert channel separation allows you to easily discern each of the sonic elements such as dialogue or delicate rear effects, even during loud scenes. Impressive it may be, but its worth pointing out that you can get better
sound quality from a separates system, but it would cost a lot more and affordability is the real point of a system like this.

Swinging sixties

With CDs, the system turns in an enjoyably well-rounded performance, treating the pseudo-1960s soul of Amy Winehouses Back To Black with the care and respect it deserves. MP3 les played from a USB ash drive sound dynamic, JPEG les look terric and the unit also plays a healthy range of MPEG-4 codecs, although DiVX sadly isnt one of them. Its also frustrating that video les and onscreen menus can only be viewed using the analogue video connections and not HDMI. But dont let that put you off: the JVC TH-L1 is an impressive system that delivers excellent sound quality for the money, and the inclusion of USB and iPod connections is the icing on the cake
When the shark chases Dory and Marlin, the crashing sound effects are clear and sharp, plus the sub reproduces exploding mines with real gusto

AT A GLANCE

FEATURES 1080p video switching 360W power output iPod & USB connections Decodes Dolby Digital, DTS & Pro Logic II 3 DSP modes MP3/WMA/JPEG/WAV/ MPEG-4(ASF) playback Progressive scan output CONNECTIONS 2 x HDMI inputs 2 x component video inputs 3 x S-video inputs 3 x composite video inputs HDMI output Component video output S-video output Composite video output 3 x stereo audio inputs 2 x optical digital audio inputs Electrical digital audio input Springclip speaker terminals iPod input USB 2.0 port Headphones jack www.jvc.co.uk 0870 3305000
Loop two 1080p sources through the systems HDMI inputs
Plug in your USB device and play les through the systems speakers
Delivers decent sound quality with hearty but well-controlled bass

WHC SEPTEMBER 2007 65

WHC61.blu_jvcl1 65

5/7/07 18:04:32