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Samsung HW-Q90R vs Sony HT-ST5000

Which Soundbar Is Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      Style - BarStyle - SubwooferStyle - SatellitesDimensions - BarDimensions - SubwooferDimensions - SatellitesBack - BarBack - SubwooferBack - SatellitesBuild QualityIn The Box
    Sound
      Stereo Frequency ResponseStereo Frequency Response With Preliminary CalibrationStereo SoundstageStereo DynamicsStereo Total Harmonic DistortionCenterSurround 5.1Height (Atmos)Sound Enhancement Features
    Connectivity
      Physical Inputs - BarAudio Format Support - ARCAudio Format Support - Full HDMI InAudio Format Support - OpticalLatencyWireless PlaybackOther Input SpecificationsConnectivity - SubwooferConnectivity - Satellites
    Additional Features
      InterfaceBar ControlsRemoteVoice Assistants SupportAppOther Features
    Comments

Products

Samsung HW-Q90R
Sony HT-ST5000

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated Apr 14, 2025 12:36 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated Sep 24, 2024 01:23 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Samsung HW-Q90R Picture
Sony HT-ST5000 Picture
Channels
Locked
Channels
Locked

Our Verdict

Samsung HW-Q90R

Sony HT-ST5000

The Samsung HW-Q90R is a much better soundbar 7.1 setup than the Sony HT-ST5000. The Samsung has a more neutral frequency response that makes it better suited to a wider range of music and film genres. Not only can it also get much louder, but it compresses and distorts less at max volume. Its surround performance is also better since it comes with rear speakers, but if you're tight on space you may prefer the more compact Sony setup.

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Variants

  • HW-Q90R
  • HT-ST5000 (Black)

Review

See Samsung HW-Q90R Review
See Sony HT-ST5000 Review
8 
0 

Check Price

Standard
HW-Q90R
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
HT-ST5000
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Standard
HW-Q90R
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
HT-ST5000
SEE PRICE
B&H
Standard
HW-Q90R
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
HT-ST5000
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Standard
HW-Q90R
SEARCH
B&H
Black
HT-ST5000
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Standard
HW-Q90R
SEARCH
Samsung.com
Black
HT-ST5000
SEARCH
Sony

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 
 

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0.0
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Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-ST5000 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-ST5000 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-ST5000 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
N/A

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
N/A

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
N/A
Show Text 

Back - Bar  

Back photo - bar 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-ST5000 Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Bar Mounting 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Back - Subwoofer  

Back photo - sub 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-ST5000 Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Back - Satellites  

Back photo - satellites 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-ST5000 Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Mounting 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build quality photo 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-ST5000 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo  
 

Samsung HW-Q90R In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-ST5000 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

HDMI Cable Length 
 

Lock m (Lock ft)
Lock m (Lock ft)

Digital Optical Cable Length 
 

N/A
N/A
Show Text 
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

N/A
N/A

Stereo Setup 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Raw Frequency Response  

Samsung HW-Q90R Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response Small  

Samsung HW-Q90R Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Tested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Channels 
 

Locked
Locked

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

N/A
N/A

Frequency Response Calibrated  

Samsung HW-Q90R Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Suggested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

Lock
Lock

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

Lock
N/A

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

Crosstalk  

Samsung HW-Q90R Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Crosstalk Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

N/A
N/A

Dynamic Range Compression  

Samsung HW-Q90R Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

THD  

Samsung HW-Q90R THD Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 THD Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Center 
 

N/A
N/A

Center Setup 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response  

Samsung HW-Q90R Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Surround 5.1 
 

N/A
N/A

Surround Setup 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response  

Samsung HW-Q90R Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock

7.1 Rears 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Height (Atmos) 
 

N/A
N/A

Height Setup 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

H Frequency Response  

Samsung HW-Q90R H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

N/A
N/A

Room Correction 
 

Locked
Locked

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Locked
Locked

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

Locked
Locked

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Bass Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Treble Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

EQ 
 

Locked
Locked

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Height Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Connectivity

Physical Inputs - Bar 
 

Physical inputs bar photo 1 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Physical inputs bar photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Physical inputs bar photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Physical inputs bar photo 2 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Physical inputs bar photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Physical inputs bar photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Optical Audio In 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI ARC 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI Out 
 

Locked
Locked

Full HDMI In 
 

Locked
Locked

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

Locked
Locked

RCA In 
 

Locked
Locked

USB for Files 
 

Locked
Locked

Ethernet 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support - ARC 
 

N/A
N/A

eARC 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS-HD MA (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked

5.1 PCM (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

5.1 PCM 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support - Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Latency 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency Video  

Samsung HW-Q90R Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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To see product videos

Sony HT-ST5000 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see product videos

ARC 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Optical 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Full HDMI In 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Wireless Playback 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth 
 

Locked
Locked

Wi-Fi 
 

Locked
Locked

Chromecast built-in 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple AirPlay 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Other Input Specifications 
 

4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Connectivity - Subwoofer 
 

Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Connectivity - Satellites 
 

Physical inputs satellites photo 1 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Physical controls satellites photo 1 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sat Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Display 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

Remote 
 

Remote photo 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Universal Remote 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

Locked
Locked

Google Assistant 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple Siri 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

App 
 

App image 
 

Samsung HW-Q90R App image Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sony HT-ST5000 App image Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

App Name  

Locked
Locked

iOS  

Locked
Locked

Android  

Locked
Locked

Acts As A Remote 
 

Locked
Locked

Controls Soundbar's Settings 
 

Locked
Locked

Casts Device Files 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Other Features 
 

Power Saving 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control) 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Check Price

Standard
HW-Q90R
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
HT-ST5000
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Standard
HW-Q90R
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
HT-ST5000
SEE PRICE
B&H
Standard
HW-Q90R
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
HT-ST5000
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Standard
HW-Q90R
SEARCH
B&H
Black
HT-ST5000
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Standard
HW-Q90R
SEARCH
Samsung.com
Black
HT-ST5000
SEARCH
Sony
Back to Top

Samsung HW-Q90R

Sony HT-ST5000

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 1 year ago

Samsung HW-Q90R vs Sony HT-ST5000: Main Discussion

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