Laser TV

Each of our 3D Ready large-screen DLP HDTV’s feature a slim design, lightweight construction, and energy efficient operation,” said Frank DeMartin, Vice President of Marketing for Mitsubishi. “The first 3D content will be PC video games, followed by movies, then later sporting events and television sitcoms or other broadcasts.”

DeMartin says 3D content is already gaining in popularity and points to the recent theatrical success of movies such as Beowulf, The Hannah Montana 3D Concert, and this summer’s 3D Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Another exciting introduction is Mitsubishi’s LaserVue TV.

“LaserVue will raise the bar for large screen television by delivering twice the color at half the power of today’s HDTVs while at the same time providing an unparalleled 3D viewing experience. Mitsubishi has effectively engineered laser beams to function as the ultimate light engine for this premium large screen television product. Making laser TV a reality represents another history-making milestone in a long legacy of industry firsts for Mitsubishi.”

Look for the 65″ Laser TV – Model L65-A90 to begin shipping to retailers in North America by the end of September (3Q).  Details on when it actually goes on sale are not yet known, but speculation is that it might be not be available to buy until after Thanksgiving.

Note:  Mitsubishi’s answer to my question for clarification on shipping and availability was “I wish I had more information to provide at this point but please stay tuned.  Mitsubishi will be releasing more information within the next 60 days.”

Read more from RTO Online

QPC Lasers Inc, the manufacturer of lasers for consumer, industrial, defense and medical markets, revealed that the customer involved in its initial $12m laser TV development deal is Taiwan-based Asia Optical Co Inc (AOCI), a manufacturer of optical consumer electronics equipment and components.

“Less than eight months later [after agreeing the contract], we have delivered our lasers to spec and Asia Optical has already demonstrated a very large and impressive first image,” says co-founder and CEO Dr Jeffrey Ungar.

Mitsubishi is scheduled to release its laser-lit LaserVue TV this fall in the United States.  While the fanfare hasn’t been spectacular, the Asian electronic market may prove to be the testing ground for laser based display systems.  Australia based optoelectronic manufacturer Arasor and electronics firm ZTE of China have also secured the strategic support of the China Development Bank to provide large scale financing for their joint venture to produce six million laser engines for use in Asian displays, in a deal worth up to US $300 million.

Read the full Semiconductor Today article.