Mitsubishi LCDs get 16 speakers apiece

Sixteen speakers come standard on the Mitsubishi LT-249 series. Go ahead, count 'em.

(Credit: Mitsubishi)

Not to be outdone by LCD TV makers touting LED backlights, 240Hz refresh rates, and stratospheric prices, Mitsubishi brings its own twist to the game of HDTV step-up-oneupsmanship with its Unisen models, each of which sports a new 16-speaker audio system.

Nestled below the pursed lips of the simulated image above, you'll find 16 speakers, an array that even when turned off should impress visitors to your living room.

When turned on, according to Mitsubishi, the "intelligent speakers...direct perfectly balanced audio waves beside and behind you to reproduce 5.1 surround sound and create an unprecedented depth of sound experience." We haven't tested the system, but on paper it sounds a lot like the principle employed by virtual surround speakers like the Polk Surround Bar.

Given the price of third-party surround bars, the entry-level LT-151 series doesn't seem too expensive.

(Credit: Mitsubishi)

If Unisen performs as well as such speaker systems, it will certainly represent the best TV sound we've ever heard. The question, of course, is whether it's worth it. The Polk bar above costs about $1,000, and less expensive options like the Zvox 325 ($299) are also available that do a solid job of simulating surround.

Then there's the myriad true surround systems out there with actual rear speakers--although they're not direct competitors to Unisen, since the biggest benefit of simulated surround is lack of rear speakers, wires, etc.

Mitsubishi's three series of Unisen models include 40-, 46-, and 52-inch sizes, and the least expensive, the 40-inch LT-40151, costs a suggested retail price of $1,799. Compared with competing 120Hz LCDs, like Samsung's LN40B650 ($1699) or Sony's KDL-40V5100 ($1499), that's not a massive premium.

On the surface, Mitsubishi's new sets look pretty appealing for people who want better sound from their TVs, and perhaps the company's picture quality has improved over last year's models, such as the LT-46148. We'll know more when we can get one in for review.

All of Mitsubishi's Unisen models will be available in May. Pricing and step-up details follow.

• Mitsubishi LT-151 series, entry-level with 120Hz with dejudder processing, subwoofer output, Advanced Video Calibration system, thin bezel
  • 40-inch LT-40151 ($1,799 MSRP)
  • 46-inch LT-46151 ($2,199)
  • 52-inch LT-52151 ($2,599)
• Mitsubishi LT-153 series, step-up adds 10-step variable dejudder, NetCommand system, PerfectTint adjustment
  • 40-inch LT-40153 ($1,999)
  • 46-inch LT-46153 ($2,399)
  • 52-inch LT-52153 ($2,899)
• Mitsubishi LT-249 series, flagship line adds InternetMedia readiness, ISF adjustments, dual-driver extended-range sound
  • 46-inch LT-46249 ($2,799)
  • 52-inch LT-52249 ($3,299)

[Michael Yeo]

Most or all Plasma and LCD TVs speakers deliver very mediocre sound quality even with talk shows. It only sounds good when turn on the Home Theatre Sound system and It is rather cumbersome to always having to turn on the latter particularly if the hall is big.

As mentioned in the review : "When turned on, according to Mitsubishi, the "intelligent speakers...direct perfectly balanced audio waves beside and behind you to reproduce 5.1 surround sound and create an unprecedented depth of sound experience." We haven't tested the system, but on paper it sounds a lot like the principle employed by virtual surround speakers like the Polk Surround Bar".

With such sound quality, I can anticipate that the new Mitsubishi LCD TV would be a good selling point and with reasonableprice as compared with other more 'popular' brands.

The only item in the specification that is not mentioned is the Contrast Ratio. This will determine the picture quality just like some brands such as Panasonic which has 1,000,000:1.

If the Contract Ratio is 1,000,000:1, it would be a perfect TV with extremely good sound quality.

[Invictus1000]

I am picking one of these up in the morning from a Mitsubishi manufacturing center in my area. The had a tour truck come by today with all their new tv technologies on display. I walked into the truck and sound was blaring from the new batman movie and I automatically thought to myself " Thats a nice surround sound system!" So I looked at a few tvs and eventually made my way to where all the noise was coming from and it was coming from an awesome looking Lcd tv hung up on the wall and I could not believe it. These things rock out! As part of the tour they were allowing people to buy these Tv's before they are released to the public. I was kind of suprised also at the fact there is no contrast ratio ratings. I will update my comment tomorrow with a review of the tv once I get it up and running since there are no other reviews to be found.