Mitsubishi Electric

A1: 3D TV is used as a generic term for a display technology that lets home viewers experience TV programs, movies, games, and other video content in a 3D stereoscopic effect using active shutter glasses.

A2: Prior to 2010, there have been 3D DVD titles that have come to market that use anaglyph glasses, which use lenses tinted red and cyan (or other colors) which are used to combine two false-color images. The result seen by the viewer is discolored and usually lower-resolution than the new method. The principal improvement of today's 3D technology is the use of active shutter and passive eyewear which are high contrast and provide for a better higher video resolution experience. Today's 3DTVs also have technology that enables 3D images to be rendered on screen as intended by the content providers.

A3: 3DTV is a large screen, immersive experience. Many consumers have experienced 3D feature films at 3D movie theaters. The DLP technology is the technology used in majority of 3D cinema theaters. DLP is also the technology used in Mitsubishi 3D-Ready and Mitsubishi 3D TVs! In theaters, passive polarized 3D glasses are mainly used to view 3D movies. Most present day 3DTVs utilize active shutter glasses.

A4: No. There are a percentage of humans that suffer from stereo blindness, the inability to properly see stereoscopically (different images for each eye). According to the College of Optometrists in Vision Development*, they often have good depth perception, which relies on more than just stereopsis, but cannot perceive the depth dimension of 3D video presentations. Some stereo-blind viewers can watch 3D material with no problem as long as they wear glasses; it simply appears as 2D to them.

* http://www.covd.org/Home/3DStereoVision/tabid/258/Default.aspx

A5: Yes. Everyone watching programming on a 3D TV must wear 3D glasses to properly see the 3D effect. Without 3D glasses, the image on the screen will appear doubled, distorted, and unwatchable. Currently, a technology does not exist which allows a single TV to display both 2D and 3D content simultaneously without 3D glasses.

A6: For the most part, if the device in question was manufactured prior to 2010, it will not be able to output the 3D format. One exception to this statement is that Sony Playstation (PS3) owners can update their gaming console to enable it to play the 3D Blu-ray discs. Even for products manufactured in 2010, you need to check the manufacturer's specifications. The specifications need to actively indicate support for 3D. If support for 3D is not indicated, the device is not compatible with the new HDMI 1.4a 3D signals.

A7: For the most part, if the device in question was manufactured prior to 2010, it will not be able to output the 3D format. One exception to this statement is that Sony Playstation (PS3) owners can update their gaming console to enable it to play the 3D Blu-ray discs. Even for products manufactured in 2010, you need to check the manufacturer's specifications. The specifications need to actively indicate support for 3D. If support for 3D is not indicated, the device is not compatible with the new HDMI 1.4a 3D signals.

A8: Our testing has shown that HDMI Category 2 High Speed type cables, which have been available for several years, are suitable for the 3D signals outlined in the HDMI 1.4a standards.

A9: The home video arms of several major motion picture companies have announced plans to begin selling in 2010 3D Blu-ray discs of 3D movies that have recently been in theaters. Mitsubishi does not have knowledge of exact plans by these companies but during the summer and into the fall selling season, more titles should become available. In April of 2010 Comcast, Time Warner and Cox Communications provided limited broadcast of the Masters tournament in 3D for 2 hours per day in selected markets. DirecTV has several 3D channels, including ESPN3D.

A10: Yes, all Mitsubishi 3D Ready TVs are compatible with DLP Link glasses. In addition, these TVs have a VESA jack for an external synchronization emitter for non DLP Link glasses. This provides the user with maximum flexibility and choices of glasses.

A11: No. For active shutter glasses, the glasses need to be synchronized to the display of images on the TV. This is normally done by a synchronization emitter. The most common type of emitter send IR (infrared light) signal to the glasses. Other types can be RF, Bluetooth, special white image etc. This means the glasses and emitter must match. The DLP Link system uses special white images for synchronization. The DLP Link white image signal protocol has been standardized so DLP Link type glasses from all manufacturers should work with all DLP TVs that support DLP Link. However, DLP Link TVs must be DLP TVs, not plasma or LCD. For IR type of emitters, currently there is no standardized protocol for the format of actual IR signal. This means the glasses and the IR emitter must be designed to match each other. This is also true for RF types of glasses and emitters. The CEA and glasses manufacturers are working together to establish standardized IR signal protocols however until that work has been completed there is no guarantee that glasses from one manufacturer will work with the emitters from another manufacturer. There is a standardized connection jack for separate synchronization emitters. This standard was established by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association). Mitsubishi provides this jack on all of the Mitsubishi 3D Ready and 3D TVs. Most separate synchronization emitters, IR, RF or other type, are designed to use a VESA jack and are compatible with the Mitsubishi TV. Please return to this site for updates on 3D glasses as the information becomes available.

A12: There are several different formats for 3D signals possible; however the HDMI 1.4a specifications defined some types as mandatory for transfer over the HDMI cable. Most signals will be one of these types of mandatory signals. These fall into 3 general categories:

1. Frame Packing - a very high resolution 3D signal that requires a lot of bandwidth - this is not suitable for most broadcasting over Cable TV systems or Satellite systems. It is very suitable for Blu-ray disc and gaming systems. For the USA, there is 1080p at 24 frames per second - sent by Blu-ray players and 720p at 60 frames per second expected to be used by gaming consoles. Both of these are HDMI 1.4a mandatory signals.
2. Side-By-Side - These types of signals are suitable for broadcast applications. This type of signal is where a normal video frame actually contains two frames (one for each eye) and if not processed as a 3D signal would look like two pictures side by side on the screen of the TV. In the USA most of these signals normally will be 1080i 60 fields per second, some cable boxes and satellite receivers may have settings that convert these to 720p 60 frames per second. Mitsubishi recommends you set your cable box or satellite receiver to send the original signal un-converted. Only Side-by-side 1080i 60 fields per second is a HDMI 1.4a mandatory signal, all others are optional.
3. Top-and-Bottom - These types of signals are also suitable for broadcast. This type of signal is similar to Side-by-Side where the normal video frame actually contains two frames except the normal frame is divided in haft top to bottom. Again the in the USA most of these normally will be 720p 60 frames per second, but can be 1080p 24, frames per second. Some cable boxes and satellite receivers may have settings that convert these to 1080i 60 fields per second. Mitsubishi recommends you set your cable box or satellite receiver to send the original signal un-converted. Only Top-Bottom 1080p 24 frames per second and 720p 60 frames per second are HDMI mandatory, all others are optional.
4. Checkerboard - The Checkerboard format is really designed as method of displaying 3D on the TV and is not one of the HDMI 1.4a 3D signals. However Checkerboard signals can be transferred over normal high speed HDMI cables. The Mitsubishi 3D TVs display 3D using the checkerboard format so the Mitsubishi 3D Adapter is designed to convert the Frame Packing, Side-By-Side and Top-and-Bottom signals mentioned above to the checkerboard format.

A13: At the current time Mitsubishi does not sell glasses or IR emitters separately. Samsung SSG-2100AB glasses are compatible with Mitsubishi IR emitter, other Samsung models may also be compatible. Xpand 103 glasses are compatible with the Mitsubishi IR emitter. There are many other manufacturers who sell 3D glasses that are compatible with the Mitsubishi 3D Ready and 3D TVs, RealD, NVidia, and XpanD to name a few. Other brands of glasses compatible with the Mitsubishi IR emitter may become available in the near future.

A14: The emitter does not limit the number of glasses in use. Other factors may provide other types of limits. Glasses further away than 20 feet distance. Glasses outside of the 100 degree (50 degree on each side of center) horizontal viewing angle. Something blocking the IR signal to the glasses (such as another person between the viewer and the IR emitter), halogen and fluorescent lighting.

A15: When an HDMI cable is connected between two devices, there is a packet of data communication sent called the EDID (Extended Display Identification Data), which is basically used to confirm compatibility between the two devices. Some older AV receivers which accept HDMI do not have the most current HDMI version 1.4a 3D signal format specifications preloaded into their software, and therefore will refuse to accept the incoming signal. The end result is that nothing is sent from the source device since it's been determined that the location it's attempting to send to can not accept that format of signal. Different manufacturer's source devices may generate any number of error messages to this effect, or even have no error message at all when this occurs. Try bypassing the AV receiver and connect the HDMI cable from the 3D source device directly to the Mitsubishi 3D Adapter or 3DTV.

A16: Please contact the device manufacturer or cable provider to ensure you have the latest software available for that device. A new software version may be needed in order to play a 3D movie or a 3D event.

A17: In order to enjoy 3D movies, 3D games, and 3D broadcast content on 2007-2009 3D Ready Mitsubishi TVs, owners can purchase the new Mitsubishi 3D Adapter, 3D eyewear and emitter and a source device (such as a 3D Blu-ray player, set-top cable box, etc), or the Mitsubishi 3D Starter Pack that includes a 3D Adapter, 2 pair of 3D eyewear and matching emitter. The 3D Adapter is designed to accept all of the HDMI 1.4a required and several of the optional 3D signals for the USA and convert those to the checkerboard format required by the Mitsubishi 3D Ready TVs. If your 3D source device (such as your 3D Blu-ray player, cable box or satellite receiver) is able to send a 3D signal already in the checkerboard format, you will only need 3D eyewear and matching emitter or DLP Link 3D eyewear that does not require an emitter. Please check the specifications for the 3D source device for the types of 3D signals it provides. Some Blu-ray players and PC drivers are able to provide checkerboard format 3D signals.

A18: The models listed below:

2007 3D Ready TVs (the feature is named FX Gaming):

The 833 Series: WD-57833, WD-65833, WD-73833

2008 3D Ready TVs:

The C8 Series: WD-60C8, WD-65C8, WD-73C8

The 735 Series: WD-60735, WD-65735, WD-73735

The 736 Series: WD-65736, WD-73736

The 835 Series: WD-65835, WD-73835

The LaserVue A90: L65-A90

2009 3D Ready TVs:

The C9 Series: WD-60C9, WD-65C9, WD-73C9

The 737 Series: WD-60737, WD-65737, WD-73737, WD-82737

The 837 Series: WD-65837, WD-73837, WD-82837

2010 3D Ready TVs:

The C10 Series: WD-60C10, WD-65C10, WD-73C10

The 638 Series: WD-60638, WD-65638, WD-73638

The 638 CA Series: WD-60638CA, WD-65638CA

The LaserVue A91: L75-A91

2010 3D TVs:

The 738 Series: WD-60738, WD-65738, WD-73738, WD-82738

The 838 Series: WD-65838, WD-73838, WD-82838

2010 3D TVs (738 and 838 Series only):

With Software Version of 012.06 or higher, the adapter is not required for HDMI 1.4a mandatory 3D signals, however the adapter remains compatible with the TVs and can be used for optional 3D signals that may not be supported by the TV software. Click here to see details about the new TV software.

A19: The adapter will power up only when there is a source device connected to the HDMI IN and that device is powered on.

A20: Contact MDEA Customer Relations at 800.332.2119

A21: Some HDMI switches can be used if they are simple switches, some AV Receivers which are HDMI version 1.4a compliant can be used.

A22: The adapter will pass whatever type of audio is supported by the TV it's connected to and available from the source device. If the TV is a two channel audio (stereo) TV, then the adapter will not pass the 5.1 audio, it will output PCM stereo audio. If, on the other hand, the TV supports 5.1 audio (WD-xx838 series), then the adapter will pass the 5.1 audio since those models have the 16 speaker sound bar, which is 5.1 compliant.

A23: Make sure that the TV has 3D enabled. Connect the emitter directly to the TV (bypassing the Adapter), if it lights up then verify the cabling.

A24: Make sure emitter is positioned correctly so that it is positioned directly at the glasses. Also, make sure the glasses are powered on.

A25: Make sure emitter is positioned correctly so that it is positioned directly at the glasses. Also, make sure the glasses are powered on.

A26: A "Black Picture" indicates either the video received is 'black' or the video received is a format the TV cannot read/understand. To correct this, try cycling the mode on the adapter to the pass-through mode or unplugging and re-plugging in the AC to the TV.

The information contained in this Question and Answer document is based on the best information available at the time of publication. The information in this document could include technical inaccuracies and MDEA assumes no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness. MDEA provides this information on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. This information may be modified, updated, and/or withdrawn by MDEA without notice.

In order to display 3D images. Mitsubishi 3D Ready DLP Home Cinema TVs require the use of a 3D source device coupled with the Mitsubishi 3D adapter or other source devices that support checkerboard display formats for display of 3D games, 3D broadcasts from terrestrial/cable/satellite and 3D Blu-Ray disc content. In all cases an emitter and matching 3D active shutter glasses or DLP Link active shutter glasses are required in order to view 3D content.

Mitsubishi 3DTVs (738 and 838 series) currently support the side-by-side 3D signal format. For support of other 3D formats, such as top-bottom and frame packing (3D Blu Ray standard), Mitsubishi 3DTVs will require the use of a 3D source device that outputs the 3D checkerboard format or a 3D source device coupled with the Mitsubishi 3D adapter. In all cases an emitter and matching 3D active shutter glasses or DLP Link active shutter glasses are required in order to view 3D content.

The Mitsubishi 3D Adapter, Model 3DA-1 may be used to display 3D content only when connected to a Mitsubishi 3D Ready TV or a Mitsubishi 3D TV. A 3D source device coupled with the Mitsubishi 3D adapter is required to support display of 3D games, 3D broadcasts from terrestrial/cable/satellite and 3D Blu-Ray disc content.