Mitsubishi was once a household name in the world of television, particularly with its line of DLP (Digital Light Processing) TVs. These innovative sets were known for their high-quality images, sleek designs, and affordable prices. However, like all good things, Mitsubishi’s DLP TV production eventually came to an end. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs, their impact on the market, and when the company finally stopped producing them.
A Brief History of DLP Technology
Before we dive into Mitsubishi’s DLP TV history, it’s essential to understand the technology behind these sets. DLP technology was invented by Dr. Larry Hornbeck of Texas Instruments in the 1980s. The first DLP TVs were released in the late 1990s, with Mitsubishi being one of the first companies to adopt this technology.
DLP TVs use a digital micromirror device (DMD) to produce images. The DMD is a chip covered in tiny mirrors, each representing a single pixel on the screen. These mirrors tilt to reflect light and create the images we see on the screen. DLP TVs were known for their high contrast ratios, fast response times, and wide viewing angles.
Mitsubishi’s Entry into the DLP TV Market
Mitsubishi released its first DLP TV in 1999, the WD-2000. This 50-inch set was a massive hit, thanks to its impressive picture quality and affordable price. The WD-2000 was also relatively thin and lightweight, making it a stylish addition to any living room.
Throughout the early 2000s, Mitsubishi continued to innovate and improve its DLP TV lineup. The company released a range of sets, from budget-friendly options like the WD-52525 to high-end models like the WD-73725. These sets were praised for their excellent picture quality, sleek designs, and innovative features like built-in HDTVs and surround sound systems.
The Golden Age of Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs
The mid-2000s were the golden age of Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs. The company was releasing new sets left and right, each one more innovative and feature-rich than the last. Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs were known for their excellent picture quality, with high contrast ratios, fast response times, and wide viewing angles.
One of the most popular Mitsubishi DLP TVs of this era was the WD-65831. This 65-inch set was a behemoth, with a massive screen and a sleek, silver design. The WD-65831 was also packed with features, including built-in HDTV, surround sound, and a range of connectivity options.
Competition and Decline
Despite Mitsubishi’s success in the DLP TV market, the company faced increasing competition from other manufacturers. Companies like Samsung, LG, and Sony were releasing their own lines of flat-panel TVs, including plasma and LCD sets. These sets were thinner, lighter, and more energy-efficient than DLP TVs, making them more appealing to consumers.
As the market shifted towards flat-panel TVs, Mitsubishi’s DLP TV sales began to decline. The company attempted to adapt by releasing its own line of LCD TVs, but it was too little, too late. In 2010, Mitsubishi announced that it would be discontinuing its DLP TV lineup.
When Did Mitsubishi Stop Making DLP TVs?
Mitsubishi officially stopped producing DLP TVs in 2012. The company’s last DLP TV, the WD-82740, was released in 2011 and discontinued the following year.
Although Mitsubishi is no longer producing DLP TVs, the company still supports its existing customers. Mitsubishi offers repair services and replacement parts for its DLP TVs, ensuring that owners can continue to enjoy their sets for years to come.
Legacy of Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs
Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs may be a thing of the past, but their legacy lives on. These sets were known for their excellent picture quality, innovative features, and affordable prices. Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs were also incredibly durable, with many owners still using their sets today.
In fact, Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs have become somewhat of a cult classic. Many enthusiasts still seek out these sets, praising their unique picture quality and nostalgic value.
Conclusion
Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs were a staple of the television market for over a decade. These innovative sets were known for their excellent picture quality, sleek designs, and affordable prices. Although the company is no longer producing DLP TVs, its legacy lives on. Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs remain a beloved part of television history, and their impact can still be felt today.
| Model | Release Year | Screen Size | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| WD-2000 | 1999 | 50 inches | First DLP TV from Mitsubishi, high contrast ratio, fast response time |
| WD-65831 | 2005 | 65 inches | Built-in HDTV, surround sound, range of connectivity options |
| WD-82740 | 2011 | 82 inches | Last DLP TV from Mitsubishi, 3D capability, built-in Wi-Fi |
In conclusion, Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs were a significant part of television history. These innovative sets were known for their excellent picture quality, sleek designs, and affordable prices. Although the company is no longer producing DLP TVs, its legacy lives on, and its impact can still be felt today.
What is DLP technology and how does it work?
DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology is a type of rear-projection display that uses a digital micromirror device (DMD) to produce images. The DMD is a chip covered in tiny mirrors, each representing a pixel on the screen. When light is shone onto the DMD, the mirrors tilt to either reflect light towards the screen or away from it, creating the images that are displayed.
The DLP technology was developed by Texas Instruments and was first used in projectors before being adapted for use in TVs. Mitsubishi was one of the first companies to adopt DLP technology for its TVs, and it quickly became a popular choice for consumers looking for a large screen at an affordable price.
What were the advantages of Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs?
Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs had several advantages that made them popular among consumers. One of the main advantages was their large screen size, which was often more affordable than other technologies such as plasma or LCD. DLP TVs were also known for their high contrast ratio, which resulted in deep blacks and vibrant colors. Additionally, DLP TVs were often thinner and lighter than other rear-projection TVs, making them easier to move and install.
Another advantage of Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs was their fast response time, which made them well-suited for fast-paced content such as sports and action movies. They also had a wide viewing angle, which meant that the image remained clear and vibrant even when viewed from the side. Overall, Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs offered a great combination of picture quality, size, and affordability.
What were the disadvantages of Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs?
Despite their advantages, Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs also had some disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages was the use of a lamp to produce the image, which had a limited lifespan and needed to be replaced periodically. This could be expensive and inconvenient, especially if the lamp failed after the warranty had expired. Additionally, DLP TVs were prone to a problem known as the “rainbow effect,” which was a colorful artifact that appeared on the screen due to the way the DMD worked.
Another disadvantage of Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs was their limited brightness, which made them less suitable for very bright rooms. They also had a lower resolution than some other TVs on the market, which could result in a less detailed image. Furthermore, DLP TVs were often noisier than other TVs due to the use of a fan to cool the lamp, which could be distracting in quiet rooms.
Why did Mitsubishi stop producing DLP TVs?
Mitsubishi stopped producing DLP TVs in 2012, after several years of declining sales. The main reason for this was the rise of other technologies such as LCD and LED, which offered better picture quality and were more energy-efficient. Additionally, the cost of producing DLP TVs had increased due to the need for more complex and expensive components, which made them less competitive in the market.
Another factor that contributed to the decline of Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs was the company’s failure to innovate and improve the technology. While other manufacturers were developing new features such as 3D and internet connectivity, Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs remained largely unchanged, which made them seem outdated and less desirable to consumers.
What impact did the rise and fall of DLP TVs have on the TV industry?
The rise and fall of DLP TVs had a significant impact on the TV industry. The success of DLP TVs in the early 2000s helped to drive down the cost of large-screen TVs, making them more affordable for consumers. However, the decline of DLP TVs also led to a shift towards other technologies such as LCD and LED, which have become the dominant technologies in the market today.
The rise and fall of DLP TVs also highlighted the importance of innovation and adaptability in the TV industry. Manufacturers that failed to innovate and improve their technologies, such as Mitsubishi, were left behind, while those that invested in new technologies and features, such as Samsung and LG, were able to thrive.
Can I still buy a Mitsubishi DLP TV today?
It is still possible to buy a Mitsubishi DLP TV today, although it may be difficult to find a new one. Many retailers have cleared out their remaining stock of DLP TVs, and Mitsubishi no longer produces them. However, it may be possible to find a used or refurbished DLP TV from a third-party seller, such as an online marketplace or a second-hand electronics store.
If you are considering buying a used DLP TV, it is essential to do your research and make sure you are buying from a reputable seller. You should also check the condition and specifications of the TV carefully, as well as the warranty and support options available.
What is the legacy of Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs?
The legacy of Mitsubishi’s DLP TVs is a mixed one. On the one hand, they played an important role in making large-screen TVs more affordable and accessible to consumers. They also offered a unique combination of picture quality, size, and affordability that made them popular among many viewers.
On the other hand, the decline of DLP TVs also highlights the risks of investing in a technology that may become obsolete. Mitsubishi’s failure to innovate and improve its DLP technology ultimately led to its downfall, and the company’s decision to exit the TV market altogether. Despite this, the impact of DLP TVs on the TV industry can still be seen today, and they remain an important part of the history of TV technology.