3D TVs using LCD or plasma technology might have collected the lion’s share of press this year, but for those looking for some 3D goodness on an even larger scale Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America (MDEA) has announced its 2010 line up of 3D DLP Home Cinema TVs available in sizes up to a whopping 82-inches. The large screen TVs utilize the same core Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology used in 3D movie theaters which MDEA says is up to 1,000 times faster than LCD technology, providing for a more realistic, sharper 2D and 3D viewing experience.
Although it’s been lost in the avalanche of 3D TV releases from other manufacturers this year MDEA has actually been selling 3D-ready TVs since 2007 and was the first to demonstrate 3D TV at retail with the world’s first laser TV. The new 638, 738, and Diamond 838 series 3D DLP Home Cinema TV models for 2010 represent the fourth generation of 3D-ready TVs from MDEA.
In addition to the 3D capabilities the newly announced TVs integrate 16-speaker 5.1 channel Dolby Digital surround sound to deliver home theater audio, without the need for separate components. They also include Internet media streaming capabilities with StreamTV enabling instant access to a range of online content via over 100 different applications including Vudu movies, Pandora, Flickr, Facebook, Associated Press and The New York Times.
All 638, 738, and Diamond 838 series models for 2010 include 3D DLP Link, Brilliant/Bright/Natural and Game Modes, Plush 1080p, 3 HDMI with CEC, HDMI-PC Compatibility, 2 Component/Composite Video Inputs, and MDEA’s 6-Color Processor, which the company says provides significantly more color reproduction than typical flat panel TVs.
The MDEA 738 series is available in 60, 65, 73, and 82-inch screen sizes, and adds USB Wireless N Network Adapter Compatibility, a Plush 1080p 5G 12-bit Video processor, Smooth120, EdgeEnhance, DeepField Imager, Advanced Video Calibration, and a Universal Remote Control.
The top-of-the-line Diamond 838 series comes in 65, 73, and 82-inch screen sizes. In addition to all features within the 638 and 738 series, each Diamond model includes 16-Speaker Immersive Sound Technology with 32W total system power, Bluetooth A2DP Audio Streaming, Center Channel Mode, Surround Channel Outputs, Subwoofer Output, Dark Detailer, PerfectColor, PerfecTint, ISFccc Advanced Video Adjustments, 4 HDMI with CEC, NetCommand, and Wired IR Input.
One word of warning though. Mitsubishi’s 738 and 838 series currently support the side-by-side 3D signal format. For support of other 3D formats, such as 3D Blu-ray standard top-bottom and frame packing, Mitsubishi 3DTVs will require the use of a 3D source device that outputs the 3D checkerboard format, a 3D source device coupled with the Mitsubishi 3D adapter, or other source devices that support checkerboard display formats for display of 3D games, 3D broadcasts from terrestrial/cable/satellite and 3D Blu-ray disc content.
In all cases an emitter and matching 3D active shutter glasses or DLP Link active shutter glasses are required in order to view 3D content. They will also require an emitter and matching 3D active shutter glasses or DLP Link active shutter glasses are required in order to view 3D content.
MDEA’s 638 series is available in 60, 65 and 73-inch screen sizes ranging in price from US$1,199 to $1,999, while the 738 series is also available in an 82-inch screen size with prices ranging from US$1,399 to $3,799. The Diamond 838 series is available in 65, 73 and 82-inch sizes with prices from US$2,199 to $4,499.