(July 29, 2010) Approximately 700,000 Samsung DLP HDTV owners can’t view 3D content either from DirecTV or from cable providers. That’s because Samsung does not offer the special adapter that’s needed to convert 3D cable and satellite signals to the DLP compatible “checkerboard” format.
While Mitsubishi began shipping its 3DC-1000 3DC-A1 “checkerboard” converter this month it is designed for exclusive use with its own brand DLP 3D TVs. (For an explanation go here.) A company called Tru3D now offers an adapter kit that permits using the Mitsubishi 3D-A1 with 16 models of 2007 and 2008 Samsung DLP 3D-capable rear projectors (see the list below).
We spoke with CTO of Tru3D, Tony Welch. His company’s kit consists of the Mitsubishi 3DC-A1 and a box preloaded with a Mitsubishi 3D TV EDID code that “spoofs” the converter into passing a HD 3D signal player to a legacy Samsung 1080p DLP HDTV from either a cable box, a DirecTV box or a Blu-ray player.
The Tru3D adapter kit costs $289.99 plus shipping. It includes the ($100 retail) Mitsubishi 3DC-A1, 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-BDT300 and DMP-BDT350 Blu-ray players can output the checkerboard format and are compatible with listed Samsung TVs, thus allowing 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.
This Tru3D Kit DOES work GREAT with our Sammy HL-67A750 67″LED/DLP. The Guys @ Tru3D bent over backward to get this to work with a MYRIAD of different TV’s, even walking us through setup after 9PM one NIGHT on the phone ! Some DirecTV 103 Programs have AMAZING Resolution/Color/and Depth…looks like HALF-a-MILE ! GOOD People!
Is True 3D at half resolution is not true 3D?
Think about it folks. Blu-ray 3D offer 1080 lines of resolution.
can you use the bdt300 to watch regular 3d movies and will the ssg 1000 glasses work with seeing 3d?
I have both the 67in Samsung and the 60in Mitsubishi tvs. Can this box be used on both. I hate to have to buy one for each tv.
It’s great to see that somebody is trying to take care of the customers that Samsung has left out in the cold. Too bad this device doesnt support my Samsung plasma TV, but hope that will change with updates or a future model!
Patrick,
What brand of 3D glasses do you use?
Do you need to use the TriDef Pro Pack ?
DMP-BD300 and DMP-BD350, looks like these should be DMP-BDT300 and DMP-BDT350 players.
Hey, if your pc has a bluray optical drive and you don’t mind using it to send full bluray-3d content to your legacy Samsung 3d-hdtv, then Cyberlink’s
“PowerDVD 10 Ultra 3D” ($99 & free trial) is for you. This software plays back full bluray-3d disc many 3d-formats including checkerboard! I use Cyberlink’s software to watch full bluray-3d discs on my legacy Samsung plasma, the 2009 PN50B450, and the results are great!