Friday, May 29, 2009

Mitsubishi's 2009 TV Lineup Includes Intriguing 3D Sound

Mitsubishi took the wraps off of its 2009 HDTV lineup on Wednesday, highlighting a new series of LCD TVs that feature a unique speaker system that can provide a virtual surround-sound listening experience.

In addition, the company announced updates to the company's line of 3D-ready rear-projection televisions that are available in screen sizes up to 82 inches.

Mitsubishi's newly branded "Unisen" line of 1080p LCD televisions is comprised of the 151-, 153-, and 249-series models that all feature 120-Hz refresh rate technology as well as an integrated 16-channel "intelligent" speaker system that the company claims will provide a Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound listening environment by directing audio waves throughout the room. The series' sound beaming technology can be optimized using an on-screen interface where the user can enter room dimension details, and the 153- and the 249-series also includes a microphone which can be placed in the prime listening position for semi-automated audio calibration.

The Unisen line will also feature a thin bezel design that measures less than one inch across, and all models meet the requirements for Energy Star v3.0. Screen sizes will range from 40- to 52-inches across, and the company expects to start shipping models to retailers in May.

Unisen 249 Diamond Series
46-inch: $2,799.00
52-inch: $3,299.00

Unisen 153 Series
40-inch: $1,999.00
46-inch: $2,399.00
52-inch: $2,899.00

Unisen 151 Series
40-inch: $1,799.00
46-inch: $2,199.00
52-inch: $2,599.00

Mitsubishi's 2009 rear-projection television (RPTV) lineup highlights the value and energy efficiency offered by this quickly shrinking display category. Branded as its "Home Theater TV" series, Mitsubishi's new 737- and 837-series 1080p televisions feature an "activity-based user interface" that reminds us of the control configuration offered by Harmony universal remotes. Both series also feature a new video calibration mode, 12-bit color processing, and 120Hz display technology that help minimize artifacts caused by differences in the frame rate of the source video and that of the TV. The 837-series includes ISFccc advanced video adjustments that typically features lockable day and night picture presets. Mitsubishi's Home Theater TV models are available now.

737 Series
WD-60737 (60-inch): $1,499.00
WD-65737 (65-inch): $1,799.00
WD-73737 (73-inch): $2,499.00
WD-82737 (82-inch): $4,199.00

837 Series
WD-65837 (65-inch): $2,199.00
WD-737837 (73-inch): $2,999.00
WD-82837 (82-inch): $4,999.00