Mitsubishi Rolls Out New LaserVue Set

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 6/23/2010

New York - Mitsubishi formally unveiled here Wednesday the next-generation model in its LaserVue series of laser-illuminated HD DLP rear-projection TVs.

Mitsubishi's Frank DeMartin demonstrates the LaserVue 75-inch L75-A91 ($6,000) with a laser-based light engine and 3D capability.

Model L75-A91 ($6,000 suggested retail), which began a very limited rollout in May, has now ramped up distribution to a wider range of core Diamond-series dealers across the country, said Max Wasinger, Mitsubishi sales and marketing executive VP, adding that the company will limit the promotional hype for the set to reflect available supply.

The new projection set, which is being distributed to select dealers with trained sales support, features an improved laser-based light engine, limited IPTV functionality, a larger-screen size and reduced price. It will also continue to support 3D TV playback, and is the first set to include Cinema Color mode.

The laser light engine is said to be highly energy efficient, measuring more than 50 percent less energy consumption than EnergyStar qualifications, according to the company.

The set features a 75-inch screen size - 10 inches larger than the previous model -- and is being introduced at a $1,000 lower price tag than the 65-inch model was, said Frank DeMartin, Mitsubishi marketing VP.

Other key features include True120Hz frame rate for smooth motion, Energy Star 4.0 compliance, a Clear Contrast panel, 1080p resolution with 5G 12-bit digital video processing, six-color processor, four HDMI inputs, Deep Color and x.v.Color support, Easy Connect, a USB media input, wired IR input, EdgeEnhance, DeepField Imager and advanced video calibration.

The set consumes approximately 128 watts of power, exceeding new Energy Star qualifications by 50 percent, Mitsubishi said.

The new cosmetic design reduces the width of the bottom bezel, offering more screen area and less cabinetry.

Starting in July, Mitsubishi said it is supporting the latest 3D playback in all of its 3D DLP TV models available since 2007 by offering a 3D Starter Pack -- model 3DC-1000 ($399) -- containing two pairs of active-shutter glasses, a 3D IR emitter, a sample 3D Blu-ray Disc from Disney, and a 3D adapter with remote that will enable viewing 3D from HDMI 1.4 3D signal sources, such as 3D Blu-ray players and multichannel TV service providers.

 Mitsubishi is also now selling the 3D adapter, model 3DA-1, as a stand-alone for a $99 suggested retail. It will convert side-by-side, top-bottom and frame-packing 3D signal formats as prescribed by HDMI 1.4a for display on all 3D-ready and 3D DLP Home Cinema TVs.

The 3D adapter will support Mitsubishi 3D-ready DLP TVs shipped since 2007, as well as this year's 638 series of 3D-ready DLP Home Cinema TVs and new LaserVue 3D-ready TVs.

Mitsubishi said it will provide 3D signal format upgrades for both the 738- and 838-series 3D DLP Home Cinema TVs by late summer 2010 to update these models to meet the 3D requirements of HDMI 1.4a.

The company is also preparing to ship in July its Diamond 265 series Immersive Sound LCD TV line featuring the 46-inch LT-46265 ($2,499 suggested retail) and 55-inch LT-55265 ($3,199).

The 265-series models include 18-speaker Immersive Sound Technology, 240Hz smooth-motion frame-rate technology, a thin depth design with blue light accent, 1080p resolution with 5G 18-bit digital video processing, iPhone remote-control app, audio-calibration microphone, Perfect Color, PerfectTint picture-adjustment systems, ISFccc advanced video adjustments, NetCommand and wired IR input.

Mitsubishi is also working with Polk Audio to provide a 50watt subwoofer -- PSW-I8M ($399) -- that will connect with the 265-series sets to enhance the surround capabilities of the 18-speaker Immersive system.