LG LST-3410A Review and Discussion

This is my second attempt at posting. If a duplicate, please delete!

I recently completed my review of the LG LST-3410A High Definition Personal Video Recorder. I usually can't share my findings publicly, but in this case, I was given permission. I know many out there are interested in hearing some first hand information regarding the product.

This follow on to the LG Zenith HDR230, is a very capable High Definition DVR. It adds a usable EPG, Digital Cable Tuning (Clear QAM), FireWire connectivity for a limited number of D-VHS tape decks and MV video cameras, and the storage upgradeability that hobbyists are looking for. Some of the shortfalls include lack of support for the most common cable set top boxes (such as Scientific Atlanta), lack of the ability to playback while recording, limited FireWire peripheral support, and no S-video input for cable / satellite services. Also, the unit failed to archive HD content to a FireWire connected D-VHS tape deck. This last problem may be an issue with the deck, or the cable used. Stay tuned for an update.

While it doesn't compare with a TiVo device in terms of ease use, it will appeal to the early adopter of HD DVRs.


The unit was tested with over the air digital broadcast (standard and high definition), direct connection to Time-Warner cable (Richfield, MN) for analog, digital standard definition and high definition, and connection to Time-Warner Cable though a Scientific Atlanta HD STB. The unit was then connected to a Sony KP57WS510 RPS television via Component, and DVI connections, as well as a to a Samsung HLN4365W DLP Projection Television via DVI and S-Video. Last, a JVC HM-DH30000U D-VHS deck was connected using FireWire.

The unit was simple to setup and configure, once you read that you have to use the front panel controls to select the primary output connection and format. The unit found all cable and off air sources in the first attempt at autoscanning. The network labels (with graphic logos) were very nice.

The picture quality, both real time and recorded is fabulous for digital content. Analog tuned content is not improved noticeably by the device.

I took to using the device with the remote control quickly. Another reviewer found the remote large and cumbersome. Perhaps it was more comfortable for me because I have been using the "little sister" unit, the Zenith HDR230. The remotes are very similar.

I was shocked that the unit could not be configured to control the Scientific Atlanta cable box provided by Time Warner. I would have loved to have a chance to test the included IR blaster. I was also shocked there is is S-Video input for the unit.

As already mentioned in this forum, the unit cannot playback content while recording. This is IMHO a very bad thing. Interestingly, when archiving a recorded show to a firewire device, you can tune live HD content, but not watch another previously recorded program.

Support for FireWire drives to extend storage capability would be nice. However...

I was allowed to open the case of the unit. I snapped a few photos. Before I closed the case, a 180 GB hard drive accidentially fell into the unit. It was formatted in a matter of seconds, and the menus suddenly showed I had over 17 hours of recording capacity. I of course paniced, trying to return the unit to its original configuration before anyone found out. Somehow, the original drive and the 180 GB drive were connected configured as master and slave. The unit only showed 17+ hours of storage. It seems two drives are not supported in the unit.

The TV guide service functioned OK. One bug I found is that when I configured the unit to not tune to several channels, the deleted channels remained in the guide. Perhaps waiting overnight would have cleared this issue. Again, stay tuned...

Another minor bug is that the EPG guide allowed me to schedule two programs at the same time. I cleared the second program. I wonder what would have happened if I left it. Something else for me to try.

The biggest disappointment for me was the complete failure of archiving a program to a D-VHS deck. Our deck is in the supported list. I was able to control the deck with the device's remote and a firewire cable. Everyting seemed to be archiving just fine, but when I tried to play back the program from the D-HVS deck, I would get about one frame every few seconds, no sound, and a ton of decoding artifacts. I had similar problems playing back pre- recorded D-VHS content through the unit. Now, I was using a firewire cable with a adapter. The problem might have been caused by the firewire cable. I'll retest soon.

So, all and all, an OK unit. There is clearly room for improvement.

Hope this is useful to all of you.

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The unit did not recognize the 2nd drive to format it.

Yes, so long as you don't try any trick plays (rewind, FF, etc.).

You cannot tell the unit where to find the guide data -- it just finds it. Yes, you can put a larger hard drive in the unit, just not two drives.

Oh, sorry! They can't be posted to AVS forum. I'll try to e-mail to you directly.

Yep, you can tell it to repeat record a show every week. No ability to avoid recording reruns, and it won't find episodes on other channels.

I let the unit update a second night, and the channels I deleted were taken off the guide. I guess I just need to be more patient.

Other tests still pending. 'Tis the Season, ' Ya know.

well, it was the cable. I replaced it and archiving works great!

You can control the 1394 device with the 3410a remote.

All output of the 3410a is controlled at the time of setup using hard buttons on the front of the unit. There is no way from the remote to vary the output settings.

I like this box more all the time!