Mitsubishi LaserVue goes up against Kuro
Man, it sure would be nice if we could do this comparison here at CNET.
Mitsubishi's LaserVue TV (not actual size).
(Credit: Mitsubishi)The first third-party side-by-side comparison we've seen between Mitsubishi's LaserVue rear-projection TV and Pioneer's Elite Kuro plasma appeared at TheTechlounge Friday, and according to its authors, the LaserVue more than held its own against what's widely regarded as the best TV on the market.
Author Cameron Baker and editor Kurtis Kronk sat down before a 60-inch Kuro and a 65-inch LaserVue at a San Antonio, Texas, HDTV retailer and watched a pair of Blu-ray movies: Ice Age: The Meltdown and Iron Man, along with Pioneer's Kuro test disc. They were unable to get their hands on a distribution amplifier for true side-by-side comparisons, apparently, so they based their observations on watching "the scenes back-to-back on each display a few times, juggling HDMI connections," and on still photos.
A still from TheTechLounge's comparison.
(Credit: TheTechLounge.com)The authors gave a slight edge to the Mitsubishi's handling of scenes with lots of motion, and noted that the set's lenticular screen ("sparkles") may have been more noticeable than on other DLPs. They also noted surprisingly non-blasted-out colors on the Mitsubishi, something we were surprised to hear given how heavy-handed colors appeared in previous LaserVue demos we've experienced. As the above photo illustrates, however, there are definitely differences between the two sets' handling of red.
As always, we'll reserve our judgment until we can get the LaserVue into our own lab to pit against some of its tough competition, including the Kuro and Sony's LED-based LCD. Hopefully, the company sends us a review sample sooner rather than later.
What do you think? Will the LaserVue challenge the best flat panels available, or will it fail to live up to the hype? Sound off in comments.
(Via EngadgetHD)
David Katzmaier reviews HDTVs for CNET. 
Of course there will be a privileged few who will purchase a LaserVue at any cost, but I?m wondering if the sales numbers will be enough to sustain this product for Mitsubishi over the long haul.
As for the head-to-head comparison with the Kuro, I will leave that up to David Katzmaier. I am anxious to hear what he has to say once he gets his hands on one of these sets.
Smart shoppers will wait until this gets under $3k, otherwise this technology will die alongside DLP.
What's the quality and reliability of the Mitsubishi LaserVue? I don't think LaserVue will last and besides who the hell wants a rear-projection set?
-The laser should have infinite life span
,- It shoud be able to display a "pure" black
- There are no "burn-in" issues with the screen
- Less weight, less heat, less power consumption
- Greater light output (and the whole screen should not dim on bright scenes, like plasma)
Interesting that those watching the demo noted " a slight edge to the Mitsubishi's handling of scenes with lots of motion." Another plus, though unexpected.
This technology has GREAT potential. Obviously, these first sets cost more to recoup R&D, but if this catches on then prices should drop after the first models. Certainly they provide comparable bang-for-buck when comparing screen sizes, then add in the benefits above and the cost seems more reasonable.
I appreciate all your comments and hope that you will get whatever you need for your viewing pleasure. I believe the mitsubishi Laservue is an awesome development in the hdtv industry.I believe that it will be only a matter of time before they can level out thier pricing. Competition will do it naturally.You can wait to get one at that time. But for we who desire to get the best now, I feel that it is a great investment.I am currently putting out more details about the laservue for you so you can decide if its what you want.Go ahead and check it out:
http:laservue-hdtv.blogspot.com
I hope you find what you are looking for.
Peace,
David
- by DavidDB UK June 5, 2009 4:06 PM PDT
- Im greatly heartned by the comparisons with the Kuro and the short review, I spent 15 years heading up a famous Laser Display co so had an interest in DLP since its invention, The long wait for laser diodes in RGB with the kind of reliability and consistent outputs is finally over.
- Like this Reply to this comment
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(10 Comments)I have hover always had a nagging worry about the specular nature of laser light and no amount of filtering I know of will stop you noticing it once you have picked up on it. But I was repaired to wait to see one for myself before worrying too much.
When I saw "and noted that the set's lenticular screen ("sparkles") may have been more noticeable than on other DLPs." above I really worried as a TV reviewer may have actual picked up on the laser "sparkles" and put it down to the screen.
A quick test would be of you focused on the "sparkles" and moved your head for left to right, I suspect you would quicky become aware its a property of the Laser Light. I hope I am proved wrong or it could become a real deal breaker for many.
On the up side is costs, a cost of a 32" version should fall quickly - there's little in there that's not cheap to manufacture and scaling up is just a case of cutting a larger sheet of plastic and turning the lasers up a touch.
So let the early adopters pay out to start the supply chain but trying to pitch yet another new unproven tech at premium prices is gadget suicide.
I sit 7 feet away from a 32" 1080p and im well happy as long as I am alone, Lasers could offer me a temporary solution when I got a bunch of friends over for a match - Giant screen - lightweight low cost I could be tempted.