Mitsubishi announces three new DLP HDTV lines

Mitsubishi announced three new lines of 1080p DLP HDTVs today, including the flagship Diamond series.

We've got the full details below, but here's the short story. All of the DLP (digital light processing) HDTVs have at least three HDMI 1.3 inputs, along with support for x.v.Color (also known as xvYCC)--a new color space that offers 80 percent more color than standard ATSC color space.

These are the first displays we're aware of that have x.v.Color support, but for right now it's more marketing hype than a useful feature. The problem is that no Blu-ray or HD DVD discs or players support x.v.Color space. The only sources we know of are new camcorders such as the Sony Handycam HDR-HC7. So unless you're planning on shooting your own movies with x.v.Color, the expanded color space probably won't improve your viewing experience.

The new DLP HDTVs will continue to have the thin frame we saw on the Mitsubishi WD-65831, plus the depth is reduced by 25 percent. Of course, almost everyone is going slim with projection TVs, so we're looking forward to see how these new DLP HDTVs stack up against ultraslim models like the JVC HD-58S998.

Here's the full lineup of DLP HDTVs that Mitsubishi released today. Mitsubishi also announced new several new lines of LCDs today.

1080p DLPs

As mentioned before, all of these series have reduced depth, along with x.v.Color. They also have Mitsubishi's PerfectColor calibration tools, which better enable you to adjust the picture to your liking.

733 series

Models

• 57-inch WD-57733 ($2,500)
• 65-inch WD-65733 ($2,999)
• 73-inch WD-73733 ($4,700)

Features

• Three HDMI 1.3 inputs with Simplay HD certification
• Three component video inputs (two rear, one front)
• USB port for photo viewing

734 series

Models

• 57-inch WD-57734 ($2,799)
• 65-inch WD-65734 (no pricing)

Features

• Same as the 733 series, plus:
• PerfectTint, for additional customization of display settings.
• NetCommand, which is designed to let the TV control a rack full of A/V gear, much like a universal remote.
• An additional front HDMI input.

"Diamond" 833 series

Models

• 57-inch WD-57833 ($3,399)
• 65-inch WD-65833 ($3,999)
• 73-inch WD-73833 ($5,899)

Features

• Same as the 734 series, plus:
• FireWire port
• RS-232 input
• Smooth120Hz, which appears to be Mitsubishi's name for 120Hz refresh rate. A 120Hz refresh rate supposedly creates a smoother image during fast-motion scenes, although we have yet to test it with Mitsubishi or other manufacturers.
• TV Guide On Screen, a built-in electronic program guide.
• Game FX, which is 3D gaming functionality, although there are no current titles that support it.

[MilSF]

Samsung HL-T89S Series - x.v.Color, LED

"These are the first displays we're aware of that have x.v.Color support"

Well, Samsung has had the HL-T89S series out for a few months. It features the wider color gamut, though they don't advertise it a whole lot. it also uses an LED light source that gets rid of the color wheel. There is a 97 page owners' thread for the 89 and 87 series on AVForums:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=827799