HDGURU.Com » 3D HDTV

Samsung’s Legacy 3D HDTV Owners Get A Reprieve

Gary — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:59:56 +0000

Around 700,000 Samsung DLP HDTV owners can’t view 3D content from DirecTV and cable providers. The reason: a special adapter is required to convert cable and satellite 3D signals to the DLP compatible “checkerboard” format. Samsung does not offer one.

Mitsubishi began shipping its 3DC-1000 “checkerboard” converter this month, however, it is designed to only be used with its branded DLP 3D TVs. (For an explanation go here.) A company called Tru3D is now offering an adapter kit which permits using the Mitsubishi 3D-1000 with 15 models of 2007 and 2008 Samsung DLP 3D capable rear projectors (see the list below).

We spoke with Tony Welch, CTO of Tru3D. His company’s kit consists of the Mitsubishi 3DC-1000 and a box that is preloaded with an EDID code of a Mitsubishi 3D TV that “spoofs” the converter into passing an HD 3D signal from an cable box, DirecTV box or Blu-ray player to a legacy Samsung 1080p DLP HDTV.

The Tru3D adapter kit costs $289.99 plus shipping. It includes the ($100 retail) Mitsubishi 3DC-1000, an EDID “spoofer” with preloaded code and all necessary cables. Compatible glasses (such as XpanD 102), required for viewing 3D are not included.

The 3D TV adapter kit only supports the following Samsung 3D DLP HDTV models:

Samsung HL-T5076S 50″ 1080P DLP
Samsung HL-T5087S 50″ 1080P) LED DLP
Samsung HL-T5089S 50″ 1080P LED DLP
Samsung HL50A650 50″ 1080P DLP
Samsung HL-T5676S 56″ 1080P DLP
Samsung HL-T5687S 56″ 1080P LED DLP
Samsung HL-T5689S 56″ 1080P LED DLP
Samsung HL56A650 56″ 1080P DLP
Samsung HL-T6176S 61″ 1080P DLP
Samsung HL-T6187S 61″ 1080P LED DLP
Samsung HL-T6189S 61″ 1080P LED DLP
Samsung HL61A650 61″ 1080P) DLP
Samsung HL61A750 61″ 1080P LED DLP
Samsung HL67A750 67″ 1080P LED DLP
Samsung HL72A650 72″ 1080P DLP
Samsung HL-T7288W 72″ 1080P DLP

Ordering information is at the Tru3D website.

Note: Panasonic’s 3D compatible DMP-BD300 and DMP-BD350 Blu-ray players can output in the checkerboard format and are compatible to listed Samsung TVs allowing the playback of 3D Blu-ray discs without the adapter kit. However you will still need the Tru3D kit if you want to view DirecTV or cable 3D content.

Industry sources indicate (lower priced) cable/satellite solutions for listed Samsung HDTVs may become available in the near future. We will publish an update, if and when they are announced.

Edited By Michael Fremer

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

Copyright ©2010 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

The All Star Game In 3D-Review

Gary — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 01:51:56 +0000

(July 17, 2010) On July 12, 2010 DirecTV nationally broadcast the Major League Baseball (MLB) All Star Game in 3D. Fox Network produced the program for exclusive telecast on the N3D channel 103. The format used was 720p side-by-side. Fox’s production was excellent, adding another dimension to America’s favorite pastime.

Unlike last week’s Yankees-Mariners game reviewed here, the All Star game came off with hardly a hitch. There were many close-up shots which emphasized the 3D effect, no quick cuts (which can cause eye fatigue), many shots made in the technically superior field level camera position, limiting overhead views to the minimum necessary for a proper production.

We never saw the wandering camera focus that was present on the Yankees game. We observed the game on the Panasonic TC-P50VT25 plasma and the Samsung UN55C8000 LED, recording it on the DirecTV’s HR22 and HR24 DVRs so we may use it as source material in our upcoming review of Sony’s KDL-52HX909.

The Panasonic displayed the game with virtually no ghosting (crosstalk) while the Samsung revealed some occasionally, usually limited to shots of the stands and outfield players. Overall both displays were acceptable with much less crosstalk then occurred in the Yankee game.

Out of sync audio was the only problem observed, with the 3D cameras shooting the announcers or booth commentator Will Ferrell. He made comic quips and announced the starting lineups. It’s funny how an audio problem that was solved decades ago cropped up, while the tough technical challenges of live 3D came off so well.

Our favorite scenes were the shots behind the hitter during the pitches and assorted close-ups of the field during plays. Fox also treated us to superb slow-mo 3D replays.

You really need to experience MLB in 3D to appreciate it. To date, baseball and golf are the sports best suited for 3D. Props to Fox Sports for its outstanding first effort, they obviously tested, retested and rehearsed their new production techniques prior to airtime and it showed.

3D Quality A

Content A

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

LG Debuts Its First US 3D HDTVs With An Offer

Gary — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:36:48 +0000

(July 12, 2010) LG joins Panasonic, Samsung and Sony offering 3D capable HDTVs along with a compatible Blu-ray player and active shutter glasses.

Starting today, purchasers of either an LG LX9500 (photo above) or LX6500 3D ready LED (LCD) HDTV and the LG BX580 3D ready network Blu-ray player ($350 retail) will receive two free pair of LG 3D AG-S100 active shutter glasses ($179.99 retail per pair) plus a coupon redeemable for a free copy of the IMAX 3D Blu-ray disc “Under The Sea” ($29.95 est. retail) along with a $100 Instant Rebate.

The top of the line LX-9500 is available in 47″ and 55″ screen sizes. Features include 1080p Backlit LED with local dimming, 10,000,000:1 rated dynamic contrast, 480 Hz with scanning backlight, intelligent ambient light sensor, 4 HDMI inputs, NetCast internet entertainment (including Yahoo widgets, Vudu, YouTube, Picasa photos) WiFi with optional adapter, wireless HD with optional adapter and USB input for music and video (JPEG/MPEG-4/DivX HD).

The 9500s utilize LG’s 240 zone led local dimming (55″ model) backlighting. It has a super slim .92″ wide bezel and has a depth of just 1.3″. It is the only LED 3D series that is THX certified. The 47″ 47LX9500 retails for $4300, the 55″ 55LX9500 retails for $5400.

The LX6500 series (photo above) is available in 47″ and 55″ screen sizes. It features a 1080p edge lit LED (LCD) panel with local dimming, 8,000,000:1 rated dynamic contrast, 240 Hz refresh with scanning LEDs, wireless HD (included), WiFi ready with optional adapter, 4 HDMI inputs, NetCast internet entertainment (including Yahoo widgets, Vudu, YouTube, Picasa photos) and a USB input (JPEG/MPEG-4/DivX HD). The 47″ 47LX6500 retails for $2700 and is available now on Amazon for $2150.65 with free shipping. The 55″ 55LX6500 retails for $3600 and is available on Amazon for $2988.98 with free shipping.

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

Yankees vs. Mariners in 3D-First Review

Gary — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 20:11:00 +0000

(July 11, 2010) Yesterday, DirecTV (along with Cox, Verizon FiOS, Comcast, Cablevision, Time Warner Cable, Blue Ridge Communications and Service Electric Broadband Cable) brought the first major league 3D baseball game to HD subscribers in the NY and Seattle areas. To paraphrase Chico Escuela (Garrett Morris) “Baseball can be very, very good for 3D.”

The telecast gave a new perspective to the game, highlighting the physical space and interaction of the fielders as well as the pitcher to the batter like no other prior broadcast. You need to see it to appreciate it. My perspective shifted from distant spectator in a 2D HDTV broadcast to an umpire’s eye view and “you are there” immersive feel. However, the program was not without a number of distracting and annoying technical glitches.

The 3D program used “side by side” 720p, (photo above) yielding a resolution of 640 x 720 per eye. We evaluated the game on two 3D TVs, a Panasonic 50″ TC-P50VT25 plasma and a Samsung 55″ UN55C8000 LED (LCD) TV. The DirecTV broadcast was recorded on its HD22 and HD24 DVRs as well as the Cablevision signal on a TiVo Premier and Cablevision supplied HD DVR. We could not detect any visual differences between the providers.

Granted it is a major league first, some of the problems observed are avoidable and would greatly enhance a future broadcast on DirecTV 3D. They are:

Focus- Often, after a shift from one camera view to another there would be one second or so soft focus before the image would snap into sharp view. It became a major distraction and appeared to be electronic glitch.

Another focus issue: I have always admired how great the camera operators covering Major League Baseball maintain optical focus while tracking a play. The left field and home plate operators were not up to the standards set by major league camera men. A number of times the operator would hunt for the optimum focus (this occurred after the camera switch was made).

Electronic Score: Like the World Cup in 3D, the score graphic is placed in front of the screen (called negative Z-axis); while the field view perspective is behind the screen. This creates a brain/eye conflict, and can contribute to fatigue. I plea to the network powers, please get the graphics to be at the screen plane whenever there is a distant field view.

Crosstalk: Ghost images occurred infrequently on the Panasonic, but often on the Samsung. It was most apparent during high contrast situations, i.e. the player seen in front of the black wall in center field or an overhead shot contrasting the player’s uniform against the grass.

Breaks: There were no commercials during the game, just DirecTV promos and wonderful shots of Seattle. Unfortunately, there were times when the 3D cameras were not properly setup for the distance to the subject. This was very apparent with a shot of a seagull and a close-up of fish mongers at the Pike Place market.

We recall the growing pains experienced with the first sportscasts of HD and firmly believe the learning curve can come quickly for Major League Baseball and make it a “must see 3D” viewing experience. Overall, the debut demonstrates how sports will drive 3D adoption. We look forward Tuesday’s All Star Game in 3D on DirecTV.

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

Mitsubishi’s 2010 HDTV Line

Gary — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 03:30:03 +0000

(July 8, 2010) Earlier this month, Mitsubishi introduced its 2010 HDTVs to the press at its New York City line show. For 2010 Mitsubishi is offering a its 2nd generation 3D capable laser powered 75″ Digital Light Processor (DLP) rear projector, 6 LED LCDs in three series and 13-3D capable DLP rear projectors in four series.

Its flat panels and rear projectors represent a significant departure from any other vendors’ product lines. All 2010 Mitsubishi HDTVs are 1080p, and all are big screens with sizes from 40″ -55″ for LED flat panels and 60″ and above for DLP Cinema rear projeciton HDTVs.

LaserVue TV

The L75-A91 features a 75″ screen with a depth of 15″ and an available wall mounting bracket. It is the only TV available using three (red, blue, green) lasers. Mitsubishi increased efficiency over the previous generation, lowering power consumption to just 128 watts.

The L75-A75 features include: Cinema Color for a color gamut similar to color seen in digital projector equipped commercial movie theaters; StreamTV Internet Media (including VUDU movies, Pandora music and Flickr and Picasa photo);12-bit signal processing, 4 HDMI inputs; USB media input, 3D (Blu-ray, cable and satellite) capability with its optional ($399) 3D starter pack consisting of the 3DA-1 3D adapter, two pairs of Mitsubishi 3D glasses, an IR emitter and a Disney 3D Blu-ray demo disc.

3D DLP Home Cinema TV

The rear projection line-up features screen sizes from 60″ to 82″. Mitsubishi is the only remaining rear projection TV manufacturer. For a consumer seeking a really big screen at a very reasonable price (see chart below), consider a Mitsubishi DLP. Yes, they are deeper than a flat panel (i.e. 15.1″/60″ screen size, 16″/65″, 17.9″/73″) however; the majority of flat panels end up on stands or in wall units negating any advantage to a thinner design. There are four series, the C10 series (pricing NA), the 638, 738 and 838 series

All have 3D capability and feature a six color processor, 1080p (2D) and four picture modes. The step up 738 series adds StreamTV™ Internet Media, Wireless Internet Ready (Optional Adapter) 1080p 5G 12-bit Video Processor, 120Hz, Advanced Video Calibration and a Universal Remote Control. The top of the line 838 series adds 16 Speaker Immersive Sound Technology (more on this below), 32W Total System Power, Bluetooth A2DP Audio Streaming, Center Channel Mode, Surround Pre-amp outputs, Variable Subwoofer Output, New Cosmetics w/Blue Light Accent, Dark Detail Enhancer, PerfectColor and PerfecTint Color Management, ISFccc Advanced Video Adjustments, 4 HDMI™ with CEC, NetCommand Remote, a Wired IR input and a USB Media Input (Photos & Music).

The 3D Capabilities of DLP

Every Mitsubishi DLP can play 3D content with the use of the optional 3D Starter pack. The result, is a very bright image that is virtually free from crosstalk artifacts often seen with LED and LCD 3D displays. This is due to the very high switching speeds of the DLP chip. They are far faster than any LED lit LCD HDTV. The Mitsubishi reproduces 3D at the same resolution as broadcast over cable or satellite at 960 x 1080 resolution per eye.

Later this summer, Mitsubishi will be providing a free firmware upgrade to the 738 and 838 series products that will eliminate the need for the 3DA-1 converter for 3D viewing. The sets will be able to be viewed by simply using a pair of Mitsubishi 3D glasses and connecting the infra-red emitter.

Unisen Immersive Sound LED TVs

Mitsubishi line of LED LCD HDTVs offers features not found in any line other flat panel HDTV. All models include Mitsubishi unique built-in surround sound bar which reproduces movie and TV soundtracks in surround sound without rear speakers! All the Mitsubishi Unisen LED TVs sound far clearer and can play much louder without audible distortion than any other HDTV on the market today.

All models are LED edge lit, providing superior color and lower power consumption than the old fashioned CCFL lamps found in many other LCD TVs.

All models are either 120Hz or 240Hz depending on the series. It breaks down as follows (from the Mitsubishi press release.)

” All 154, 164 and Diamond 265 series Unisen Immersive Sound LED TV models for 2010 include Edge-Lit LED Backlight, Multi-Speaker Immersive Sound Technology with Variable Subwoofer Output and Center Channel Mode, StreamTV^™Internet Media, new Thin Depth Design, True120Hz, Energy Star^™4.0 Qualified, Clear Contrast Panel, Plush 1080p^®5G 12-bit Digital Video Processing, 6-Color Processor^™, 4 HDMI^™, Deep Color^™and x.v.Color^™, Easy Connect^™, USB Media Input, and Detachable IEC Power Cord.

The MDEA 164 series is available in 40, 46 and new 55-inch screen sizes, and in addition to the features above, includes 16-Speaker Immersive Sound Technology, Built-in Wireless Internet, Bluetooth A2DP Audio Streaming, EdgeEnhance^™, DeepField Imager^™and Advanced Video Calibration.

The MDEA Diamond 265 series is available in 46 and new 55-inch screen sizes. In addition to all features within the 154 and 164 series, each Diamond model includes 18-Speaker Immersive Sound Technology, True240Hz, new Thin Depth Design with Blue Light Accent, Plush1080p^®5G 18-Bit Digital Video Processing, iPhone Remote Control App, Audio Calibration Microphone, Perfect Color^™, PerfectTint^™, ISFccc^®Advanced Video Adjustments, NetCommand, and Wired IR input.”

The chart below contains the prices and availability and screen sizes of the Mitsubishi 2010 DLPs and LED TVs

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

DirecTV’s New 3D Channels-Exclusive HD Guru First Review

Gary — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:23:13 +0000

(July 5, 2010) On July 1, DirecTV began broadcasting the first 24/7 3D channel in the USA with the launch of N3D, a DirecTV exclusive. Simultaneously, DirecTV debuted its all 3D “video on demand” (VOD) channel (available as downloads via the Internet) as well as the first linear pay per view 3D channel.

N3D uses “side by side” images (meaning left and right views are squeezed in an 1920 x 1080 frame) to deliver content to 3D TVs.

The programming currently available on N3D includes excerpts from “Guitar Center Sessions with Jane’s Addiction and Peter Gabriel”. Documentary programs include: ”Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia”, “Wild Safari: A South African Adventure”, “African Adventure: Safari in Okavango”, “S.O.S. Planet”, and “Encounter in the Third Dimension”. The last four titles are now also available on the 3D VOD channel.

To make our evaluations we used two DirecTV DVRs, the HR22 and HR24, with one DVR connected to a Panasonic TC-P50VT25 50″ plasma 3D TV $2499.99 Amazon, another to a Samsung’s UN55C8000 LED 3D TV.UN55C8000 $2815.28 Amazon

We discovered most of the N3D programs are broadcast in 1080p/24. The remainder are in 1080i. “Side by Side” means the resolution is 960 x1080 pixels per eye or exactly one-half the “Full HD” of 3D Blu-ray disc titles. Viewed on 50″ and 55″ 3DTV’s, all content appears as sharp or sharper as programs seen on ABC and Fox HD channels (they’re shot in 720p -1280×720 resolution).

Today we cover four 3D programs, to be followed later this week with evaluations of the ESPN FIFA World Cup games, the first 3D NASCAR broadcast of the Coke Zero 400 from Daytona and other programming.

We graded each by 3D quality, with a letter grade of A (for excellent) to F (for failure), with explanations and comparisons (where needed) between the 3D image quality of the Samsung LED and Panasonic plasma.

Wild Safari: An South African Adventure 1080p/24 (channel 103-N3D) 1080i (VOD)

3D Quality D+

Content C

Wild Safari is a 3,000 mile journey through Africa for elephants, cape buffalo, rhinos, leopards and lions. Scenes appear to be shot with the 3D rig improperly configured or some other major technical problem. Regardless, the result is hard on the eyes and contains numerous segments with visible crosstalk (left eye information leaking to the right eye and vice versa seen as ghosts), on both 3D TVs. Stay away.

S.O.S Planet 1080p/24 (channel 103-N3D) 1080i (VOD)

3D Quality A-

Content C

Narrated by the late, great, Walter Cronkite, S.O.S. Planet is part live action and part animation. It covers the environmental issues of deforestation, global warming, air pollution and over fishing. Cronkite lectures the audience, aided by some great 3D animated sequences including a mobile that zooms about 2 feet from your face. Virtually crosstalk free on the Panasonic, moderate crosstalk is visible on the Samsung in many of the computer generated sequences. With fish swimming in the middle of your room and an octopuses’ tentacle reaching out to you, adults and children will marvel at the 3D effects.

African Adventure: Safari in the Okavango 1080p/24

3D Quality F

Content C+

“African Adventure 3D: Safari in the Okavango” is another travelogue, taking place on the Okavango River Delta. Zoologist Liesl Eichenberger covers African wildlife (you guessed it, more lions and elephants).

As with any new technology, people try to rush in to get on the ground floor. Safari in Okavango is poorly shot 3D, making viewing a strain, as ones eyes try to compensate for the discrepancies. The cause appears to be an incorrect setting of the 3D rig, such as the lenses of the two cameras being spaced too far apart (called interocular) for the subject to camera distance, or another major technical error.

We wish DirecTV management prior to airing would have caught the poor quality of this documentary. At this time we feel it would be best for DirecTV to take it off the air and only rebroadcast it if it can fixed in post production.

Encounter In The Third Dimension 1080p/24 (channel 103-N3D) 1080i (VOD)

3D Quality B+ (after picture adjustment see text)

Content A

Combining live action with computer generated images Encounter In the Third Dimension mixes the history of 3D, with clips from 3D’s “Golden Era” (1952-1954), segments of 3D amusement park attractions and a nice 3D animated short. Classic clips include “Money From Home” with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, shot in Technicolor and three channel stereo, however the brief glimpse is in black and white. Add a song performed by Elvira, Mistress of the Dark and narration by Harry Shearer and it adds up to a 3D compilation that entertains young and old.

The overall picture quality is very good, although the live action characters look somewhat flat. Note, the image appears to be improperly transferred with blacks appearing as gray, requiring the viewer to reduce the TV brightness control to its lowest setting on the Panasonic and to “7″ on the Samsung. Virtually no cross-talk appears on the Panasonic and infrequently on the Samsung, which makes Encounter In The Third Dimension an ideal choice to show off your new 3D TV to friends and family.

—–

To learn how to receive the new DirecTV 3D channels go here, learn about deals on a new DirecTV 3D capable DVR or receiver here

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

Vizio’s New HDTVs

Gary — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 01:32:33 +0000

(June 28, 2010) Vizio introduced the remainder of its 2010 HDTV models at the CEA line show in New York City last week. Included within its thirteen new models are three “Full HD 3D” TVs.

All Vizio 3D TVs feature 480Hz (240 Hz refresh plus scanning back lighting). Vizio calls it 480Hz SPS. The 42″ model has edge lit LED local dimming while the 47″ and 55″ are LED backlit with 120 zones of LED dimming. Vizio did not announce pricing, though Vizio executive Ken Lowe said the company does not like to offer products above $2000 street price. Its 3D TVs arrive in Q4 2010 through its Vizio’s dealer network which includes Wal-Mart, Target and warehouse clubs i.

All 3D sets offer Internet apps (via Wi-Fi wireless connection), Bluetooth audio, 5 HDMI inputs, SRS Audio “Studio Sound HD” and a QWERTY keyboard remote (though no Internet browser). Unlike the 3D models shown at the January CES show, the preproduction demo model uses conventional infra-red sync for the 3D glasses. Vizio dropped the 72″ 3D model shown at CES from the line.

The new TruLED HDTV (2D) local dimming models offer 240 Hz SPS (120 Hz with scanning backlight) in the 55″, 47″ and 42″ screen sizes. They ship in July 2010. There are120 zones of local dimming in the 55″ model, 160 zones in the 47″ and 128 zones in the 42″. The chart below lists the main features of the entire new line.

Lowe demonstrated how quickly consumers’ initialize Vizio’s VIA internet apps after removing a new TV from the box. They are the only company to date (we are aware of) that claims all firmware updates are performed automatically when the set is turned off. This eliminates the time consuming and bothersome task for purchasers to constantly check to confirm they have the most up-to-date firmware which assures top performance and optimized functionality.

Vizio also showed a prototype of its proposed 65″ 3D LED LCD that uses passive 3D glasses. Lowe said the passive 3D model will ship in the first quarter of 2011 at a price to be announced at a future date. Like all other passive 3D models, the 65″ provides a half of “Full HD” resolution of 1920 x 540 per eye. We stood around 12 feet from the display to avoid distraction by the 540 line structure.

Listed below are the model numbers, main features, screen sizes, pricing and availability for the upcoming 2010 models.

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

Monster’s New 3D Glasses

Gary — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:41:38 +0000

(June 25, 2010) This week Mitsubishi, Monster and Vizio introduced to the New York area press their final 2010 product releases. In Part 1 we cover Monster’s new 3D glasses, we’ll follow with articles on Vizio’s and Mitsubishi’s new TVs.

Monster announced its entry in the “Universal” 3D eyewear market. It’s called Monster Vision Max 3D. Their new glasses employ significant differences from the Sony, Panasonic, Samsung and Mitsubishi designed active shutter eyewear. All the TV manufacturers to date use infra-red pulses to sync up the 3D TVs frame sequence to their respective 3D eyewear. The Monster active glasses system is the first to use radio frequency for synchronizing to a 3D TV’s sequential left-right frames. By doing so, Monsters 3D glasses system can eliminate IR interference problems encountered when there is more than one 3D display in the same room, a major obstacle for dealer showroom demos. They also eliminate the possibility of the glasses losing sync due to a person walking in front of the TV’s IR emitter or from interference with room lighting.

The Monster Vision Max 3D (MVM3D) glasses employ Bit Cauldron’s “Heartbeat” technology. The system’s transmitter converts the TVs infra-red 3D sync pulses into a radio signal. The Monster transmitter uses the 2.4 GHz radio frequency equipped with a ZigBee chip. Placing it directly in front of a 3D TV will block the sets built-in infra-red emitter. Moving it away from the 3D TV allows the use of the set maker’s 3D eyewear in addition to the MVM3D glasses.

The glasses have two modes Bit Cauldron calls “date” and “marry”. In the “date” mode the glasses will automatically sync to the nearest RF transmitter. In the “marry” mode it will only sync to a specific transmitter signal. In “date” mode you can take Monster glasses and transmitter from your home and bring them over to a friend’s 3D TV, and your glasses will automatically sync.

If dealers equip their demo 3D TVs with Monster transmitters and place the associated glasses in the “marry” mode, they will automatically sync to only the designated 3D TV and will be immune to the interference caused by the RF sync signals emanating from other demo 3D TVs equipped with Monster system. By marrying each pair of glasses to a specific 3D TV in the showroom, dealers will be able to demonstrate a number of adjacent 3D TVs. OEM 3D glasses supplied by the set makers can’t be used for multi TV side by side demos, as each 3D TV floods the room with its own infra-red signals, often preventing proper sync resulting in a poor viewing experience. Currently, the only way to view a 3D demo in a room with two or more adjacent 3D TVs is to shut off the other 3D TVs in the room or block the IR emitters of all but one TV at a time.

On the technical side, the Bit Caldron design uses shutters made from linear polarized material. Monster claims it uses a neutral tint, as opposed to slightly green tint on the Samsung and Mitsubishi branded glasses or yellow, like the Sony and Panasonic glasses. This will result in a skewing of color if you have your 3D TV adjusted to its factory glasses, i.e. images will be too blue when viewing a Panasonic 3D through the MVM3D glasses. If Monster 3D glasses are not mixed with another brand, one may be able to compensate for the skewed color via the TVs user controls.

How detrimental is skewed color to the overall viewing experience? We plan color tests of the Monster glasses. A spokesman said they will ship us a review sample next month.

Because of the color issue, we feel the term “Universal” can really only apply to proper 3D synchronization, as every brand of glasses is tinted with a different color and intensity (except Mitsubishi and Samsung branded eyewear which appears to be chromatically identical).

Monster had a new Sony 3D TV on hand. Sony’s factory supplied glasses use other polarization for its active shutter lenses, which cause color shifts and very significant crosstalk issues with a slight head tilt, when viewing 3D content (link). Switching to the linear polarized MVM3D glasses, the color shift and crosstalk did not occur as I tilted my head to the side; however the image became progressively darker as the tilt increased.

One additional note. Using the Monster system, each TV must have its own sync transmitter, and therefore its own timed sync pulse. We still know of no way one can have two or more 3D TVs in the same room allowing a viewer to watch different 3D content on each TV at the same time with a single pair of glasses. Consumers and dealers will need to have Monster transmitter and a glasses paired to each 3D TV in the room.

Physically the glasses are quite large, with only a single nose piece offered. Woman and small children as well as persons with small noses may have issues keeping the glasses from sliding off. A booth spokesman said Monster plans other styles and versions for smaller heads in the future.

The MVM3D glasses use a built-in rechargeable lithium polymer battery that recharges via a miniature USB jack. Battery life between charges is 80 hours, according to Mentz.

The Monster Vision Max 3D system consists of one pair of Monster 3D glasses and the IR to RF transmitter will ship in September 2010 at a retail price of $249.95 per set. Additional Monster Vision Max 3D Eyeglasses will carry a retail price of $169.95, $30 less expensive than Samsung’s rechargeable glasses (excluding $80 additional for one RF transmitter).

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

HDTV Owners Need To Be Aware of Firmware Updates

Gary — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:32:46 +0000

(June 22, 2010) In the days of standard definition analog television, you would take your new TV home, plug it in and watch it. It played exactly as the engineers intended it, only requiring tweaking of the user controls to optimize the available settings, or hiring an ISF calibrator to make fine adjustments via the set’s service menu. For better or worse, those days are over. Today, TV makers design their mid and high end HDTVs (including 3D sets) and Blu-ray disc players to be electronically factory modified after purchase. To get your new TV to perform as best as it can, (in some cases simply properly) you’ll need to get the set’s firmware periodically updated. Unfortunately, all TV retailers queried never tell the buyers of the necessity to perform updates at the time of purchase!

What’s Firmware?

It’s a hardware device, computer instructions and data that reside as read-only software on that device. HDTVs and Blu-ray players’ functions and performance criteria are governed by the software. If it’s not updated with the latest implementation and instead used in the “out of the box” condition, your display may not be functioning as intended by the manufacturer. With “just in time” manufacturing and major retailer demands for equipment makers to ship new product by a specific date or face major financial penalties (such as cancelled orders), equipment makers often deliver products to the retailer and end user that cannot function as they should in order for the manufacturer to meet the retailer’s deadline. The solution, a firmware update to bring the TV up to spec, supplied by the set makers’ websites or servers.

2010 Model Issues

We are in the process of testing a number of 2010 model HDTVs and Blu-ray players. All to date have required firmware updates to enhance performance, add or correct a number of performance functions and in the case of Blu-ray players, allow the playing some newly released discs. Without a firmware update, early and current Blu-ray players can’t play all new discs because disc authoring continues to change.

Why Don’t Retailers Tell You About Firmware Upgrades

Investigating “assisted selling” local stores (Best Buy, Sears, PC Richard and 6 Ave Electronics), we never observed a salesman informing the customer that upgrades are available, or needed and then instruct the buyer as to how to perform them. Nor have we ever heard a salesman ask if the customer was aware the new TVs and players need Internet connectivity near the player to easily perform upgrades. All these stores offer services to connect an HDTV or Blu-ray player to your home Internet router. Best Buy is the only chain we’ve seen advertise Internet connectivity services through its Geek Squad department.

We don’t know why they don’t tell you, however a possible reason, no local retailer suveyed has the Internet connected to their store demo TVs and Blu-ray players. Yes, often the hot new 3D TV demonstration unit does not perform nearly as well as its capable, until the installation of the latest firmware.

How To Upgrade

To perform a firmware upgrade an HDTV requires at least a USB port, memory card slot, Ethernet connector or wireless connectivity. Firmware is either downloaded to the memory device from your Internet connected computer, then inserted into the TV or one can make a direct connection to manufacturer’s server via the Ethernet or wireless Internet connection on the display. The means to obtain the download may vary depending on the brand. The update may be available by direct Internet connection or a download to USB drive or other memory device. However, it is often the case the set maker’s server is where the update first becomes available. Since an Internet connected TV doesn’t need the owner to mess with a PC and memory device, it is the fastest and best way to update your TV or Blu-ray player.

All Internet connected TVs tested to date require the owner to request a firmware download via the TVs on-screen graphics. Panasonic Blu-ray players allow you to opt-in for automatic downloads. It constantly checks for updates and seamlessly downloads and installs them as they become available, keeping your player always up to date.

When shopping for a Blu-ray player or mid to high end HDTV in an assisted store (i.e. Best Buy) ask about your options to get the latest firmware before you leave the store. Inquire how much it will cost to get them to run an Ethernet cable from your router to the TV’s home location, so you can get all the performance and functionality you paid for.

Edited By Michael Fremer

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

Compatible 3D Glasses? No Such Thing

Gary — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:59:32 +0000

(June 18, 2010) Contrary to recent widely published articles, so called “Universal” 3D glasses have compatibility issues. Glasses such as those recently introduced by Xpand sense the infra-red synchronization pulses emitted by 3D TVs and automatically time the shutters within the glasses to properly open and close to the on-screen 3D content.

However, these “Universal” glasses do not match the vendor-specific color characteristics of each TV maker’s factory supplied 3D glasses, resulting in skewed color.

Samsung’s and Mitsubishi’s 3D glasses (which are cosmetically nearly identical, which indicates they are most likely sourced from Samsung) have a greenish tint, while Panasonic’s and Sony’s have an amber tint that blocks some blue (though the degree of tint appears to be different on both brand’s lenses). When displaying stereoscopic content, Samsung, Sony and Panasonic 3D TVs automatically compensate for the 3D glasses’ filter characteristics.

If one were to use a non-tinted set of shutter glasses on a Sony or Panasonic 3D TV, the image would appear too blue, giving skin tones and objects a more Na’vi or Smurf tinge. On a Samsung the image would appear more purple. Therefore, “universal” glasses can’t really be a solution.

Last week we asked (by email) an Xpand executive for a comment, but have not yet received one.

HD Guru predicts that with demand growth for 3D TVs, (US 2010 sales estimates range widely from 1.2-4 million units) glasses prices will drop precipitously from the current $129-$199 range to around $25-$100. We estimate the price drops will begin within a few months and continue for the next 18.

In the past week Amazon (and select Samsung dealers) began giving 2 free pairs of Samsung 3D glasses and a free 3D capable Samsung Blu-ray player with the purchase of its 7000 series 3D LED LCD models. The LED LCD UN40C7000 is currently Amazon priced $1665.98. The retail price of the 40″ 3D HDTV is $2000, the starter kit with two pairs of glasses and “Monsters vs. Aliens” 3D disc is $350 and the BD-C6900 retails for $400, resulting in savings of over $1084. Other 7000 models are the UN46C7000,UN55C7000. The offer expires 11:59 PST June 19, 2010.

Edited By Michael Fremer

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email