Mitsubishi Announces New 3D DLP TVs

 Rear-projection TVs look prehistoric compared to the wafer-thin flat-panel displays that fill electronics stores nowadays. But that doesn't mean they can't provide a lot of entertainment for the price.

While most manufacturers are off contemplating the virtues of edge-lit LED arrays and OLED displays, Mitsubishi is still cranking out their tried and true DLP rear-projection sets. The 2010 line brings a host of new features including internet streaming and 3D support. Divided between the 638, 738, and Diamond 838 series, every model comes with 3D DLP link, 1080p resolution, three HDMI inputs, a PC to HDMI input, and two component and composite video inputs each.

The 738 line adds StreamTV web capabilities, USB WiFi compatibility, and advanced video calibration options; and the top-of-the-line Diamond 838 series adds a built-in 16 speaker array, Bluetooth audio streaming, surround audio outputs, a subwoofer output, and a fourth HDMI input.

The displays come in at 60", 65", 73", and 82". They range in price from $1,199 for a 60" 638 base model, up to $4,499 for an 82" Diamond 838 model. Technology preferences aside, 60" is whole a lot of 3D TV for less than half the price of current 3D LCDs and Plasmas.

While Mitsubishi's TVs are capable of displaying 3D, their DLP component means they do it in a slightly different way. In order to watch a Blu-ray in 3D, you'll either need a player that's compatible with checkerboard 3D (unlike LCDs and Plasmas, which use a line-by-line pattern) or you'll have to buy Mitsubishi's 3DC-1000 adapter, which converts regular 3D signals to checkerboard. And don't forget a pair of compatible active-shutter glasses.