While Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and other manufacturers are just introducing their first 3D HDTVs, Mitsubishi has been selling 3D-ready DLP HDTVs since 2007.
Granted, Mitsubishi's 3D sets use DLP technology, so they're not as sleek or slim as their plasma and LCD counterparts. But if you want a larger screen for less money, and you don't plan on mounting your set, DLP is worth considering. We had the chance to experience Mitsubishi's 3D last week at a press event in New York City and we were impressed.
Now that there's finally something to watch in 3D, the company has released its 3D Starter Pack, which will bring a third-dimension to its existing 3D-ready DLP TVs. (Here's a full list of compatible sets.) The $399 3D Starter Pack (3DC-1000), which will be available in early July, includes two pairs of active shutter glasses, a 3D emitter, a 3D adapter with remote, an HDMI cable, and a Disney 3D showcase Blu-ray disc with trailers of A Christmas Carol, Alice in Wonderland, and Toy Story 3, among others.
Mitsubishi's 2010 DLP 3D TVs were unveiled back in April and range in size from 60 to 82 inches and are priced from $1,199 to $4,499. Add $400 for the 3D Starter Pack to the 60-inch entry-level 638 Series set, and you've got a 3D set-up for around $1,600. (To compare, a 58-inch 3D Panasonic TC-P58VT25 plasma sells for $3,399.95.)
We caught part of a World Cup game on the 73-inch WD73838 ($2,799); the picture was crisp, colors were rich, and the 3D was immersive; it was comparable to what we've seen in 3D Panasonic, Samsung, Sony 3D TVs. The set also includes a 16-speaker (32-watt) sound system, which sounds much fuller than the integrated speakers you'll find on most HDTVs.
If you want your 3D supersized, the company also announced the pinnacle of its 3D lineup, the 75-inch LaserVue TV (L75-A91), which features Cinema Color mode, as well as StreamTV, with more than 100 Web apps including Facebook, Pandora, and VUDU 1080p movie streaming. It sells for $5,999. Competing 3D LCD and plasma HDTVs from other manufacturers top out at 65 inches.
For more details on Mitsubishi's 3D DLP HDTVs, go to Mitsubishi's Web site, and check back at PCMag.com for full reviews soon.