Mitsubishi 735 Series DLP HDTV

The Mitsubishi 735 DLP HDTV series reviewed includes three model sizes; the 73 inch WD-73735, 65 inch WD-65735 and 60 inch WD-60735. They are all large screen sizes because that is one of the inherent advantages of rear projection DLP HDTVs; a price advantage for screen sizes 60 inches and larger. All models display Full HD 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080 HxV pixels). Although the 735 has a single DLP chip, a five segment color wheel is used to minimize any chance of rainbow effects.

The front of the Mitsubishi appears to be all display as the surrounding bezel is comparatively very thin. The slim depth and compact bezel make for a small form factor for a rear projection HDTV.

Key features of these models are the Full HD resolution, 3D readiness, good black levels and NetCommand for simple one remote control of multiple AV devices. DLP HDTVs are naturally a good display technology for fast moving on-screen action such as sports or games. DLP technology from Texas Instruments has an order of magnitude faster response time of eight-microseconds compared to response times measured in milliseconds for LCD displays. Another advantage or rear projection DLP HDTVs is their low power consumption which can be around half of other display technologies.

3D Capability of Mitsubishi 735 Series DLP HDTVs

The latest Texas Instruments Dark Chip 4 Digital Micro-mirror Device (DMD) has allowed Samsung to offer 3D picture capability. The DMD is able to generate separate left and right images which are necessary for stereoscopic (3D) viewing. To view 3D you need to purchase active shutter glasses which has a layer of glass containing liquid crystal sandwiched between a polarizing filter. The liquid crystals of the shutter glass lenses darken alternatively to ensure that the correct left and right views are displayed to the correct eye. To watch 3D you connect your Mitsubishi to a 3D source, plug in the transmitter, place the DLP HDTV in 3D mode and put on the 3D glasses. The availability of 3-D content is presently limited however; 3-D cinema releases have been taking off in recent times (eg. Meet the Robinsons, Monster House, Beowulf, Journey to the Centre of the Earth and The Mummy III).

Deep Color and x.v.Color

Deep Color Technology, commonly associated with x.v.Color, is also included in the Mitsubishi 735’s features. Deep Color refers to the larger (deeper) number of bits available to represent colors. The extra colors (or color steps) available with Deep Color provides benefits with current video material such as reducing false contouring (banding) because of the greater number of color steps available giving smoother gradations of color.

The Mitsubishi 735 series DLP projection HDTVs also support the new xvYCC Color Standard (referred to as x.v.Color). It should be considered as a future proofing addition as, apart from some camcorders, there are no broadcast or consumer high definition sources available which support the wider color range of the xvYCC color standard.

Mitsubishi’s DLP HDTV range has passed verification tests by Simplay Technologies for performance and interoperability. Included in the testing regime is verification of proper implementation of Deep Color and x.v.Color.

Video Processing

Video quality is more noticeable on a high resolution HDTV where any defects are magnified. The ability of a HDTV’s video processor to improve image quality and remove any noise or artefacts is an important purchase consideration. Video processing technologies built-in to the Mitsubishi Diamond series 735 DLP HDTVs include:

Six color processing for enhanced color saturation. Rather than using only the red, green, and blue primaries to create all on-screen colors, this system analyzes the video signal and extracts the three secondary colors (cyan, yellow, magenta).

Color 4D Video Noise Reduction is Mitsubishi’s suite of advanced algorithms for separating video noise from fine detail for cleaner crisper images. The algorithms work across four dimensions – horizontally, vertical, within each frame and across multiple frames.

SharpEdge, an edge-definition signal processing system, enhances horizontal and vertical edges (no jagged edge distortions).

Plush 1080p is Mitsubishi name for their scaling processor technology for converting other resolution video sources for the native 1080p resolution of the display. Accurate scaling is essential for a quality HDTV.

Tru1080p Processing For optimum image quality, Mitsubishi passes 1080p video signals through video processing as 1080p as no scaling is required for a signal matching the native resolution of the display.

Optimization Modes for Video Source and Lighting Conditions

Film Mode automatically detects and applies film-decoding correction for images that originated on 24-frame-per-seconds film cameras and were converted to 30-frame-per-second video for broadcast (3:2 pulldown conversion).

Picture Mode provides options for different lighting conditions and includes Natural (night), Bright (daytime) and Brilliant (strong light). High ambient light destroys picture quality so it’s well worth taking the trouble to control ambient light and get the best results from your HDTV purchase.

Game Mode optimizes picture and video processing for gaming consoles as factors such as processing lag affect enjoyment when gaming but, not noticeable during video playback.
Picture Settings offered by Mitsubishi include; contrast, brightness, color (adjusts intensity), tint (adjusts red-green ratio), sharpness, color temperature and video NR (noise reduction).

Connectivity Mitsubishi 735 Series DLP HDTV

Easy Connect

Easy Connect works like the auto detection of a newly connected device by a PC operating system. One recognized, you can assign a name to an input. There is an Input Selection menu for easier location of connected devices by name.

Multi-Brand Remote

The multi-brand IR remote control has main function buttons illumination and is pre-programmed to operate Mitsubishi and other manufacturers components such as Cable Boxes, DTV Receivers, Satellite Receivers, VCRs, DVR, Laser Disc Players, DVD Players/Recorders, DVRs, A/V Receivers, Audio Amplifiers, and CD players.

NetCommand For HDMI Devices

Through implementation of HDMI 1.3’s CEC functionality the remote can operate some functions of compatible HDMI devices able to receive commands through the HDMI cable without any setup. For example, compatible A/V receiver’s connected via HDMI will power on with the Television’s remote control and automatically switch inputs to the correct audio input when you select an audio/video device in the TV’s Input Selection menu. NetCommand also allows the TV’s remote control to operate Play, Pause, Stop, Record, Search and Menu functions of compatible VCRs, DVD players and DVRs via HDMI connection.

PC Connection

Options for connecting the Mitsubishi 635 models to a PC include using a HDMI cable, HDMI-DVI cable or HDMI cable with DVI adapter. For sound the stereo RCA input needs to be connected to your PC. The following PC video formats are supported; VGA, W-VGA, SVGA, W-SVGA, XGA, SXGA, WXGA, PC 720p, and PC 1080p. There is no VGA style analog PC input.

USB Photo Port

The Mitsubishi 635’s USB Photo Port lets you load and view digital JPEG image files up to 5 MegaPixels on your large screen. The USB port is located on the front of the HDTV for easy connection of a digital camera, USB thumb-drive or USB card reader. Photos can be viewed individually, as thumbnails (10 at a time) or in a slideshow (adjustable times).

Connections include:

composite/component combined (front)
S-video (rear)
2 component video (rear)
3 HDMI v1.3a (rear)
Stereo Audio Input for PC/DVI source

Mitsubishi 2008 DLP HDTV Range Features Overview

Mitsubishi C8 Series DLP HDTV

Key features of Mitsubishi’s entry level DLP HDTV

6-Color Processor
PerfectColor
Tru1080p Processing
4D Video Noise Reduction
Easy Connect
Front USB Input
3 Rear HDMI 1.3 Inputs

Add the following features to the C8 models features

Deep Color
Plush1080p
Video Modes: Brilliant/Bright/Natural/Game
3D Readiness
Front Component Video Input
2 Rear Component Video Inputs

Mitsubishi 736 Series DLP HDTV

Add the following features to the 735 models features

DeepField Imager
NetCommand IR
Front HDMI Input

Mitsubishi 835 Series DLP HDTV

Add the following features to the 736 models features

Smooth 120Hz
PerfecTint
DarkDetailer
SharpEdge
Wired IR Input

Resources

Texas Instruments 3D HDTV Technology (pdf)

Tweak MY TV Data Base of User Menu settings for Mitsubishi HDTVs. Recommended settings, based on field data collected by technicians performing professional calibrations, are designed to improve a HDTV’s manufacturer-factory preset settings for enhanced picture performance.

CNet Comparison of Power Consumption of Display Technologies