The 246 Series is one of Mitsubishi's top-shelf Diamond Series LCD lines; as such, it boasts a number of advanced performance technologies and features. The line includes screen sizes of 46 and 52 inches. We have not performed a hands-on review of the LT-52246, but here is an overview of the TV's features. This 52-inch, 1080p LCD has a traditional fluorescent backlight (as opposed to LED backlighting), 16-bit processing, and a 10-bit panel, and it features Mitsubishi's Variable Smooth120Hz Film Motion technology to reduce motion blur and film judder.
The generous input panel includes four HDMI 1.3a, three component video, and two RF inputs to access the internal NTSC, ATSC, and ClearQAM tuners (there is no dedicated RGB/PC input). The HDMI inputs accept 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 signals. Mitsubishi is one of the few companies that still offers a CableCARD slot that allows you to enjoy your premium HD cable content without a separate set-top box. The TV Guide Daily program guide is available, but picture-in-picture functionality is not offered. One of the component video inputs is located on the side panel, as is a USB port that supports JPEG playback and the GalleryPlayer feature for displaying high-quality artwork (this port doesn't support music or video playback). There is no Ethernet port for connection to a home network.
The setup menu includes the essential picture adjustments but lacks some advanced options found in other high-end LCDs. You get four picture modes (brilliant, bright, natural, and game) and an adjustable backlight, but there are only two color-temperature options (high and low), and the TV doesn't offer precise white-balance controls to fine-tune the color temperature. Gamma adjustment is absent, but the PerfectColor and PerfectTint systems allow you to adjust the hue and saturation of the six main color points. The Smooth120Hz menu differs from previous Mitsubishi incarnations; instead of high, standard, and off settings, you can perform incremental adjustment to produce the desired level of smoothness in film motion. The TV offers six aspect-ratio options for SD content and four options for HD content, including a full native mode to view 1080i/1080p signals with no overscan.
The LT-52246 has an attractive design, with an ultra-thin, gloss-black bezel that features blue accent lighting; a swiveling base is included. This TV lacks the five-in-one soundbar that Mitsubishi offers with some of its LCDs, including the 149 Series. Instead, you get a basic two-channel system, with speakers placed along the bottom of the panel. There's a subwoofer output on the backside to direct low-frequency information to an external subwoofer. Audio setup options include bass, treble, and balance controls, normal and expanded sound modes, and a level sound feature to minimize volume discrepancies. You have the option to enable an audio-only screensaver when listening to audio sources through the TV.
Read about the high points and the low points of the LT-52246 on Page 2.
Finally, the back panel features an RS-232 port to integrate the TV into an advanced control system, as well as an IR jack that can serve as either an input for an external control system or an output, if you set up the TV's NetCommand system to control other devices.
High Points
• The LT-52246 has a 1080p resolution and will accept 24p sources via its HDMI inputs.
• Smooth120Hz technology helps reduce motion blur, and the new setup menu gives you more flexibility to tailor the amount of motion interpolation used to reduce judder in film sources.
• The TV has an attractive design and numerous connection options, including a CableCARD slot.
• LCDs can be very bright, which makes them a good choice for a brightly lit viewing environment.
• An RS-232 port is included.
Low Points
• This LCD uses a traditional fluorescent backlight, so its black level is not as good as that of a higher-end LED-based LCD.
• LCD viewing angles are only average.
• The USB port doesn't support music playback, and there's no Ethernet connection to access Web features.
Conclusion
The LT-52246 offers Mitsubishi's most advanced imaging technologies and numerous connection options in an attractively designed cabinet. It lacks some high-end features, like LED backlighting and Web connectivity, but is otherwise a good option in the 52-inch category.
Additional Resources
• Read more LED HDTV reviews from the staff at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Find a Blu-ray player to get the most out of the LT-52246's picture.
