Previewed last week for the press was Mitsubishi’s latest line of 120Hz flat panels with Integrated Sound Projector, which entails 16 speakers placed along the bottom edge of the set. The array is meant to reproduce 5.1 surround sound by varying the times in which the speakers fire off sounds. Mitsubishi is claiming the technology to be easy to use and fairly straightforward which I tend to agree with based on the demo.
Setup is fairly basic, but can also be modified for the home theater buffs to adjust for couch placement and other minute details to optimize where sound should be going. For example, let’s say your couch isn’t in the middle of the room directly in front of the TV, but it’s actually to the left by 10-feet or something. The iSP setup allows you to shift your virtual couch to the left so you still get the center channel effect and so forth. Further details after the jump.
There will be a 46- and 52-inch model that will be available next month for $3,299 and $3,699, respectively.
IRVINE, Calif. — June 30, 2008 — Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc. today announced the introduction of their Ultra Thin Frame Premium Flat Panel TV with Integrated Sound Projector (iSP). The new Premium Flat Panel TVs with iSP deliver built-in sound capabilities that will transform the home entertainment experience with innovative sound technology by offering consumers an integrated home theater TV solution without the need for additional speakers or extra wires – all using a single remote control. Mitsubishi’s new Premium Flat Panel TV with Integrated Sound Projector product line up will come in 46″ (LT-46149) and 52″ (LT-52149) models.
“Mitsubishi’s new Premium Flat Panel TV with iSP creates a new immersive audio experience with innovative sound technology that exceeds what is currently being offered on the market,” said Frank DeMartin, vice president, marketing, at Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America. “The new Premium Flat Panel TV with iSP is ideal for consumers who have been craving a complete home theater TV solution without the complicated set-up and operation.”
How iSP Works
The integrated sound projector (iSP) reproduces true 5.1 surround sound from a single speaker cabinet attached below the TV screen. The speaker enclosure houses a 16-speaker array that creates a 5.1 channel sound field. Through the use of an advanced algorithm, the iSP delays the sound varying intervals to each of the 16 speakers. As a result, the speaker generates 5.1 distinct sound beams that are focused both directly and indirectly to the listener.
Easy to Set-up and Use
Simplicity and superb performance make the Mitsubishi Premium Flat Panel TV with iSP one-of-a-kind. The new models provide high quality performance picture and sound with simple set-up and user-friendly operation enabling a unique total home theater package.
One of the key features of the integrated Sound Projector is its simple graphical user interface. Out-of-the-box, the iSP is set up to deliver optimal sound in a typical room setting. In a matter of minutes, the user can easily enter specific room dimensions as well as the location of the main listening area. The iSP calculates the beam angles to provide the best sound for the room environment. If a user chooses to further fine tune the surround sound, the iSP provides the ability to position each channel via a test tone and an easy-to-use graphical user interface. Through the simple on-screen display, users can adjust the location and sound level for each of the five surround channels. The output level for the sub woofer is also directly controllable from the remote control.
The new Mitsubishi Premium Flat Panel TV with iSP is also extremely easy to use. The Digital Cable Ready feature (CableCard) offers connection to digital cable without the need for a set-top box. With a simple user interface and audio supported by HDMI and PCM, the Premium Flat Panel TV is designed to deliver optimal sound in typical room settings and supports easy connection to DVD and Blu-ray players.
“The Mitsubishi Premium Flat Panel TV with iSP represents a significant milestone in our strategy to deliver a richer and easy-to-use home theater entertainment experience that meets strong consumer demand for simplicity and aesthetic purity within the home theater space,” said David Naranjo, director of product development at Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America. “The new Premium Flat Panel TV with iSP eliminates the need for separate audio components to provide a clutter-free home theater system that is also ideal for secondary home theater rooms such as bedrooms and smaller locations throughout the house where full-blown theater systems may not be practical.”
Product Features
Mitsubishi’s entire line of Premium Flat Panel TVs feature Smooth 120Hz Film Motion, taking 120Hz to the next level with dejudder for film originated content. In the conversion of film-to-video for display, 24Hz artifacts can be seen in slow panning scenes and Smooth 120Hz Film Motion eliminates this artifact for smooth, crisp, fast and slow action content.
Consumers can also turn the new Mitsubishi Premium Flat Panel TVs into a work of art with GalleryPlayer software which enables display of stunning high-definition art and photography. Users can select images from GalleryPlayer’s comprehensive library of licensed digital photography and reproductions from National Geographic, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and others. Customers may download the GalleryPlayer software at http://www.galleryplayer.com and load on to a USB drive for installation in all Mitsubishi Premium Flat Panel TVs.