Mitsubishi WD-82838 3D DLP HDTV Reviewed
- By: Adrienne Maxwell,
HTR Product Rating
- Performance
- Value
- Overall
Disagree with our product rating? Email us and tell us why you think this product should receive a higher rating.
Mitsubishi has been offering 3D-ready rear-projection TVs for several years, so the company currently has a fairly extensive line of big-screen 3D-capable models. The new 838 Series is Mitsubishi's top-shelf RPTV line, which means it's loaded with the company's most advanced features and imaging technologies. The series includes screen sizes of 82, 73 and 65 inches. We have not performed a hands-on review of the WD-82838, but here is an overview of the TV's features. In the 3D realm, Mitsubishi TVs use a different display technology from the 3D signal format introduced by the Blu-ray Disc Association; so, to watch 3D Blu-ray movies, you need to purchase a special adapter (the 3DA-1, $99) or a 3D Blu-ray player that can output the Checkerboard display format (like Panasonic's DMP-BDT350). You'll also need to purchase active-shutter glasses of either the DLP Link or IR emitter variety. Mitsubishi offers the 3DC-1000 3D Starter Pack ($399) that includes the 3D Adapter, two pairs of active-shutter glasses, the IR emitter, an HDMI cable and a Disney 3D Blu-ray Showcase disc.Additional Resources
• Read professtional 3D HDTV reviews from HomeTheaterReview.com's staff.
• Find 3D Blu-ray players to pair with the Mitsubishi WD-82838 3D DLP HDTV.
Beyond its 3D capabilities, this 82-inch, 1080p DLP rear-pro utilizes the company's Plush 1080p 5G 12-bit video processor and Smooth120 technology, as well as Immersive Sound Technology--which is Mitsubishi's name for the integrated sound projector that uses 16 tiny speakers to project sound beams around the room to simulate a surround sound experience. You can add the WD-82838 to a home network via wired Ethernet or the optional AzureWave AW-NU231 WiFi USB adapter ($69), and this TV includes Mitsubishi's StreamTV Internet platform, with access to VUDU video-on-demand, Pandora, Flickr, Picasa, Facebook, Twitter and more. An interesting perk is the built-in Bluetooth A2DP audio streaming, which allows you to wirelessly stream audio from devices like the iPhone and Blackberry for playback through the higher-quality sound system. The WD-82838 measures 48.5 x 73.2 x 22.7 inches, weighs 143.1 pounds and has EnergyStar 4.0 certification.
The connection panel includes four HDMI inputs, three component video inputs and one RF input to access the internal ATSC and Clear-QAM tuners (no PC input). Many higher-end TVs have cut the number of component video inputs to one, which makes this TV a good choice for someone with several legacy components. The HDMI inputs accept both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 signals, and one is located on the side panel for easy access. The TV includes dual USB ports: The back-panel USB port supplies power to accessories, while the side-panel USB port supports the WiFi adapter and media playback. The WD-82838 features a subwoofer output to mate an outboard subwoofer with the sound projector, as well as a center-channel input to use the TV's speaker system as the center channel in a true surround sound system. The Ethernet port is located on the rear panel, as is the "3D Glasses Emitter" port and the IR-NetCommand output that allows for integration into a more advanced control system.
The WD-82838 does not appear to offer as many advanced picture adjustments as you'll find in some higher-end TVs, but it includes the essentials. In addition to four preset picture modes, you get ISF Day and ISF Night modes. The basic video setup menu offers just two color-temperature presets, noise reduction and DeepField Imager and EdgeEnhance controls. Advanced options include PerfectColor and PerfectTint to adjust the saturation and hue of the six color points, as well as the ability to enable or disable Smooth120 technology. If you select the ISF Day or Night picture mode, you can access more-advanced adjustments, but the owner's manual does not describe exactly which adjustments are available. The TV offers six aspect-ratio options.
The SoundPro menu includes manual and automatic setup options for the integrated sound projector (a microphone is included for automatic setup). The manual setup menu allows you to set the TV location and general room dimensions, and you can adjust the beam angles and channel levels. Other audio setup options include four preset sound modes (stereo, surround, music and night), as well as bass, treble and balance controls and the ability to adjust the level of a connected subwoofer. The generic Level Sound function is designed to minimize volume discrepancies; the TV lacks advanced audio-leveling technology from Dolby or SRS.
A special 3D setup menu allows you switch 3D playback on or off, select the Checkerboard or Side-by-Side source format, select the type of glasses (DLP Link or IR Emitter), and reverse the glasses' L/R effect.
Competition and Comparison
Compare the Mitsubishi WD-82838 with its competition by reading the reviews for the Samsung UN55C7000 3D LED LCD, the Panasonic TC-P54VT25 3D Plasma, and the Sony KDL-55HX800 3D LED LCD. Learn more about 3D HDTVs by visiting our 3D HDTV section.
High Points
• The WD-82838 is 3D-ready, and its 82-inch screen is much larger than what you'll find in the flat-panel 3D TV realm right now.
Featured Audio-Video News
Are AV Retailers To Blame For Lofty High End AV Prices? -
The audio video has been in a state of flux or some time, splitting sales up between specialty dealers, big box stores, and online sellers. However, the dealers may have had more to do with this than they think.
Latest 3D HDTV Reviews
Panasonic TC-P55ST50 3D Plasma HDTV Reviewed -
According to Adrienne Maxwell's review, Panasonic has stepped up their game with the 55-inch TC-P55ST50 plasma HDTV, in both aesthetics and performance. The company has set the 2012 bar high.
Toshiba 47TL515U 3D LED LCD HDTV -
Toshiba continues to offer entries into the 3D HDTV marketplace, using both available technologies. The 47TL515U LED HDTV is a passive 3D HDTV television. Adrienne Maxwell puts it to the test to see how it measures up.
Home Theater Review's 2011 Best Of Awards -
For a third time, the editorial staff of Home Theater Review have examined the year's offerings in AV gear and decided what they deem to be the best in every category. Find out who is the best of the best.
Samsung PN59D8000 3D Plasma HDTV Reviewed -
Samsung continues to embrace 3D technology by introducing the PN59D8000 plasma HDTV, which has the ability to convert 2D content to 3D amongst other features. Adrienne Maxwell takes a look at all the features.
LG Electronics 50PZ550 50-inch 3D Plasma HDTV Reviewed -
Andrew Robinson sat down with the LG Electronics 50PZ550 50-inch 3D Plasma HDTV and ran the television through a battery of tests. And at each and every turn the 50PZ550 managed to impress him.
Sharp LC-52LE835U 3D LED LCD HDTV Reviewed -
While Sharp is offering the 52-inch LC-52LE835U LED HDTV at a reasonable price, especially given the television's 3D-capability, the company may still have some ground to make up.
LG 60PZ950 Plasma 3D HDTV Reviewed -
If you are looking for a 3D plasma, or just a plasma with a large screen, the LG 60PK950 is definitely worth your attention as it provides a lot of screen real estate and features at a reasonable price.
Panasonic TC-P50GT30 3D Plasma HDTV Reviewed -
Home Theater Review contributor Adrienne Maxwell got the Panasonic TC-P50GT30 3D plasma HDTV in for review and put it through a series of tests, including a faceoff with another 3D HDTV.
Sony KDL-46EX720 3D LED LCD HDTV Reviewed -
Adrienne Maxwell got the new Sony KDL-46EX720 3D LED HDTV in for review and putting through a battery of tests and was impressed with what she found given the price of the HDTV.
Samsung UN55D8000 55-inch Class LED 8000 Series 3D HDTV Reviewed -
Three years ago we would have told you that a paper-thin HDTV with no real edge would have been impossible. Today Samsung has delivered but how does this HDTV hold up to thicker sets that actually have an edge on them? Andrew Robinson puts this Samsung through a battery of tests for you.
Home Theater Review on Facebook
Home Theater Review on Twitter
Comment on this article
I appreciate the effort to review a DLP in this day and age of LED/LCD 5000HZ razor-thin induced ignorance, but there isn't anything here I couldn't read on Mitsubishi's website. I own a 1080P Mitsu DLP that is a few years old, and it is a GREAT TV. I concede it isn't wall-mountable, and yes you can squeeze a little more detail, black level, and "smooth" (make everything look like a soap opera) motion out of the latest flat panels. But that being said, I think it is the most movie-theater like picture with amazing color you can get, short of a full blown front projector and screen. And the bang for the buck as far as screen size is ridiculous. I would love to see some more hands on reviews of the latest DLP technology, especially Mitsu's Laservue.
I agree with AVPilot - I think this more an overview instead of a true test. I also own a 65" and 73" and really prefer the picture over that of flat panel; I love movies, and movies just scream for size (as do football games etc). I have played with the 3-D with programming off Direct TV and it is amazing and - - - BIG! I do not feel as though I am looking through a portal as when watching those flat panel sets at 50" and under. Lastly, the Diamond model they are talking about here - well I think that they are going to have a software upgrade and you will NOT have to have any kind of adaptor to make the 3-D work.
Great website with lots of useful information. However, to maintain credibility, please stop calling these write-ups "Reviews" when you do not even have the product in your posession. Perhaps the phrase "First Impressions" could be used, like I have seen in other publications. Thanks.
I've had two Mitsubishi 65's since 1993...first the boxey Diamond series, then the newer table top 1080p TV. I recently purchased the 82" Mitsubishi without the speakers or the WD-82738 model 5 weeks ago. I just had it professionally calibrated and I am literally at the concerts now. I thought I was there already before with my 65", but the added screen size has made all of the difference in home theater watching. I first started with a RCA CRT 36" and started designing and building speakers in 1995. The larger the speakers got, it seemed to me that a larger screen was needed to compliment the sound quality and sound quantity. I finished up about a 650 lb (15hz tuning) subwoofer with a 21" XBL2 woofer and 4 18" passive radiators and my newest 130 lb center speaker with dual 12" hand built midwoofers. The alarms went off that I needed a bigger screen again. I was contemplating removing one of my ceiling fans and going to projection but then the light became an issue as well as the partial demo of one wall, and the WAF.
I stumbled across the Mitsubishi 82" in a box store and I just had to have it. After the calibration, the music concerts and movies are so real. Skin tones are perfect, big beautiful blue eyes from some of the singers make me feel like we are staring at each other. (Just the girls) The glitter of the guitars and light shows from the concerts make everything just pop out at you! I am running my video through the Denon 5308CI(A) receiver with the HQV video processor. What a fantastic marriage of two very fine components!. Yes, a few more dollars for the extra screen space is well worth it. My review doesn't need 5 gold stars at the top.....the Mitsubishi is the star!
I have the 82837 since early December; I bought the lesser model because I run thru a Denon AVR731 and did not need the speaker upgrade; the TV is beautiful! Neighbors are stunned at the size and quality; there was a software upgrade, so an emitter is NOT needed; I have the Viewsonic 3D glasses, but am waiting on the Optomas; watched the BCS championship in 3D with DirecTV and it was STUNNING!!!
Post a Comment
You are encouraged to post your comments using Facebook on HomeTheaterReview.com. Simply sign in to your Facebook account below and post away.