3da-1 and Direct TV 3D, July 21, 2010

I bought this adapter on Amazon for use with my Mitsubishi WD-73736 TV, Direct TV satelitte receiver, and xpand DLP link X102 glasses. To view Direct TV 3D channels, you need an HD receiver model H21 or higher. Model H20 will not work, as it will not get the software update necessary to view 3D programming. The physical size of the adapter is about 5″x4″x1″. It can sit horizontally or vertically with the included stand. It is supplied with an HDMI cable, AC adapter power supply, emitter VESA cable, and a two button infrared remote control with battery. There are detailed instructions for the hook up of the adapter, TV, and the video output device (in my case a Direct TV H21 receiver). Basically, you plug in the AC adapter and plug it into the back of the adapter. If using non DLP link shutter glasses, you will need to plug in the supplied emitter cables from the adapter to the TV, and the non supplied VESA cable that comes with your shutter glasses from the adapter to your emitter. Next hook up the supplied HDMI cable from the adapter directly to an HDMI input on your TV. The last step is to hook up a non supplied HDMI cable (CAT 2 high speed V1.3 will do), from the adapter to your video source (in my case a Direct TV H21 receiver). I tuned to one of the Direct TV 3D channels 103,104,106 and I kept getting a message on my Direct TV receiver that my TV was not 3D ready. Finally in frustration, I changed the cable that runs from the 3DA-1 adapter to my TV from the HDMI 1 input to HDMI 2. The TV auto detected this change, and I named the input “satelitte”. The Direct TV receiver finally recognized my TV as one of the elite allowed 3D models and I started to receive the 3D signals. I was then able to switch back to HDMI 1 input on my TV with no problems. There must be some sort of handshake signal that was initiated by the TV’s auto detect of the incomming signal on HDMI 2 input. Once I was allowed access to the Direct TV 3D signal, I tried connecting the 3DA-1 adapters output signal through my Sony AV receiver (which has a version 1.3 HDMI switch) to my TV. It did not work, and I again received that dreaded message that my TV was not 3D ready. Save yourself some grief and if using this adapter to view Direct TV, use only direct HDMI cable connections between the Direct TV receiver and the adapter and the TV and the adapter, otherwise, you will not get the 3d signal. Once properly connected, the 3DA-1adapter works great and will auto detect 2D and 3D signals and automatically adjust its output accordingly. There is a slight (about 5 to 10 second) time lag when switching between 2D and 3D signals. The adapter has two green lights on it’s front panel, one for power on and one for 3D mode. The power on light is self explanatory, and the 3D light comes on whenever a 3D video input signal is detected. The included remote control comes with a supplied battery and two buttons (power and 3D mode). The power button turns the adapter on and off, it must be turned on to view 2D or 3D signals. The other button turns 3D mode on and off. If viewing 3D, the adapter will automatically sense 3D and light the 3D light on the adapter. Remember to use the TV’s setup menu to enable the “3D mode” and select “reverse” if using xpand 3D DLP link glasses. The 3D button on the remote seemed to have no effect once a 3D signal was auto detected by the adapter. Kudos to Mitsubishi for making this product available for Mitsubishi DLP owners. The 3D looks fantastic, as good as any theater! If you are in the market for a 3D blue ray player, I highly recommend the Panasonic BDT350. It has a selectable 3D output mode for the checkerboard 3D output format that is required by the Mitsubishi and Samsung 3D ready DLP TV’s, no adapter is required and it even works through a V1.3 HDMI switcher. I give the 3DA-1 adapter a 4 star rating instead of 5, because getting it to work with Direct TV was a pain, and it would be nice to have an automatic on/ off feature with the detection of an input video signal.

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One more thing when using the PS3, September 30, 2010

I received my adapter yesterday and am using it with the DLP link glasses. One small item that I ran into when setting up the adapter with my Mitsubishi 73873 DLP HDTV and PS3 (FW ver. 3.5) was that there was a final step to get these items to work together with the Blu-ray 3D media.

1. Attach HDMI cable to from PS3 to the adapter.

2. Attach HDMI cable from adapter to T.V.

3. Turn on T.V.

4. Set you T.V. to 3D mode by pressing Menu button then moving to 3D mode category and change to “Yes”.

5. Set Reverse option to “Yes” (only if you are using the DLP link shutter glasses).

6. Turn on the PS3, then turn on the adapter (you should not have to use the select button on the remote. The adapter will automatically set itself to the correct “checkerboard” mode.

7. You will see a window that says “3D Mode Normal” when the PS3 menu opens. This is the adapter turning on.

8. On the PS3, go to the Setup screen -> Select Display Setup -> Automatic discovery -> Press “X” button to save.

9. Turn on shutter glasses and insert 3D media.

Make sure you complete step 8 to tell the PS3 to enable 3D display modes. If you skip this step your 3D media (Blu-ray 3D) will not recognize that it is in a 3D compatible player and restrict you to 2D mode.

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It works! Can save money by not buying starter pack, August 3, 2010

I bought this and the xpand dlp glasses, which is quite a savings over the combo package. It worked with my wd73737 mitsubishi. So far I have watched the X Games via comcast cable and it was fun. They also have 3D comericials. Its pretty good, definitely a must have. Im not sure that it was as “in-your-face” close as a movie theatre, but so far the programing has been very limited.

Some things I didn’t expect include that you must leave the 3d adapter turned on ALL the time (if it is off your cable tv will not pass through). Im not so pleased though that I have to waste electricity or put wear and tear on the device by having the thing on 24-7 or go back there and disconnect it when not in use.

Also, one must use the adapter if one is also using a blu-ray machine if that blu-ray machine (e.g. Sony’s X57 model) does not utilize the checkerboard format. So, if you have both cable and blu ray you have to switch wires to the adapter depending on what you are watching because the adapter has only one hdmi imput. One could connect a checkerbox format blu ray machine directly to the mit without an adapter (I was told panasonic makes a checkboard 3d output blu ray machine) if one has one. If you dont mind connecting and disconnecting your various 3D imputs into the adapter then it works very well. It plays both cable and blu rays.

That said, I am going to rate this 5 stars because it WORKS and I appreciate very much Mitsubishi supporting their customers by making this product to bring older Mits up to 3d.

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Excellet TV overall, Oustanding when viewed from front and center, September 25, 2011

As of this writing (Sept. 25, 2011), I’ve had the Sony XBR-55HX929 for just over two months, so I thought it was about time I shared my impressions of it. Nothing I have to say differs significantly from what other (positive) reviews have said, but I thought I’d contribute to the collective wisdom.

Let me start off with a bit of context: I have had, at least briefly, five HDTVs since March 2011: a 62″ Mitsubishi WD-62525 (a rear projection TV with 720p native resolution), a Panasonic TC-P55ST30 (plasma), a Samsung PN59D6500 (also a plasma), a Samsung UN55D6900 (an LED edge-lit LCD), and the Sony XBR-55HX929 (LED backlit LCD with local dimming). The Mitsubishi died in late March and I have been searching for a replacement. As you can see, I’ve tried out just about the full array of TV technologies. My search has ended with the Sony XBR-55HX929, and I am very happy with it. I will compare the Sony with some of the other sets I’ve had below.

There are a number of concerns that owners or prospective owners of the Sony have had, so let me address those. First, the build date. I ordered my set from Amazon.com on July 9, it shipped on the 13th and was delivered the 20th. It was assembled in Mexico in March 2011.

The dreaded “crease”: Yes, mine has the crease (a slightly darker “line” that appears along the sides of the image on many of these Sonys, usually on the left and right, but sometimes along the top and bottom edges, about an inch in from the bezel). I have fairly faint creasing on both the left and right sides. It seems a bit darker towards the bottom of the screen.

However: I agree with many owners and contributors to discussion forums that under normal viewing circumstances–when you are watching “real content” rather putting up a uniform (or nearly uniform) field of color for inspection purposes–I never notice it. My wife has never noticed it, nor has anyone who has come over to see the set. I can see it on the PS3′s home screen, but that hardly bothers me. It surprises me a bit that I say this, since I am quite picky and minor imperfections often irritate me to no end (this is one reason I’ve gone through all the sets mentioned above!). If I could see it when I viewed typical content, I’d return the set. But I don’t. As it is now, I wouldn’t dream of returning the set.

So, my view is that the “crease” issue should not deter you from getting the Sony XBR-HX929. If you don’t need a new set right away, by all means wait a couple of months and perhaps there will be a reliable stream of crease-free sets (though a recent comment from Sony UK has me somewhat doubtful). If you must buy now, I don’t think the crease should scare you away from this set. (Well… I’m a bit torn about this actually: Despite what Sony UK has recently said, the crease is probably a manufacturing defect, and a top-of-the-line item shouldn’t have manufacturing defects. So, I can sympathize with those who do not want to give Sony money for releasing a very expensive product with such a defect.)

Like some others, I am planning to put a call it to Sony to report the crease. The more they hear about it, the more likely they are to do something. Also, if there is a recall, or an offer to replace sets with the crease, etc., I would certainly be interested in taking Sony up on that.

Picture quality: I’m using David Katzmaier’s (from CNET) recommended settings. Viewed from straight on, front and center, at eye level, the picture is outstanding (4.5 or 5 out of 5 stars). The blacks are truly black–deep, inky, and virtually indistinguishable from the bezel, especially when you view from a high-quality source like a Blu-ray. It is the only TV of those I’ve owned with blacks as deep as the Panasonic plasma’s. These deep blacks make for excellent contrast, which (along with strong shadow detail and good gamma) gives the image natural depth and that “pop” that impresses viewers so much.

Colors are both rich and realistic. Shadow detail is excellent. Blu-ray movies I’ve watched on this set so far include Toy Story 3, Baraka, Master and Commander, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Rango. All looked absolutely fantastic (though I give the overall nod to Toy Story 3). Best in-home theater experiences I’ve ever had. I am consistently “wow-ed” by the picture on this set.

Comparison with the Samsung UN55D6900 LCD. The colors on the Samsung were excellent (once I got the user-adjustable settings right–which is relatively easy on the Samsung thanks to its RGB-only mode: one of the things I like better about Samsung than the Sony). Still, the Sony’s are at least as good (I didn’t do a side-by-side, simultaneous comparison, so it is difficult to say for sure which was better). However, there is one area in which the Sony clearly and, in my view, crucially bests the Samsung. The Samsung is an edge-lit LED-LCD (as are all of the upper end…

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Outstanding TV, June 20, 2011

I waited 4 months for the TV just to make sure I wasnt going to miss something in my search for a new TV. I’m glad I waited. As a disclaimer I will say that the 3D aspect of the features were insignificant to me and my wife. I just wanted the best 2D picture I could find and right now I dont even own any 3d glasses, so it was a minor issue. I had looked at all the models and it was between the Samsung 8000 and LG W6500 and perhaps the Sony if it measured up (as it was late in releasing). Alot of things to like on all three models and I had looked at the LG and Samsung 20 times. Head on the Samsung has an outstanding picture. Even with slight angles the color saturation dropped as did the blacks etc. The LG kept them much better and with the Passive 3d and lower price I was pretty sure thats what I would be buying but opted to wait for Sony just so I wouldnt kick myself later.

I would have. Seen side by side, all three of them, there was simply no comaprison and even my wife who is very uninterested commented on how much nicer the over all picture was (all sets in the store were set on vivid with no other adjustments). With even steep angle viewing the Sony lost far less than the Samsung and even the LG. The full array makes a huge difference and from 30 ft away the Sony leapt out in clarity, depth with virtually no judder (shudder, blurring) or whatever they call it. Picture is phenominal. It is as clean and pretty shut off as a TV can be. The Gorilla glass is ver nice, you can just use a nice clean rag and glass cleaner and it comes out beautiful Also while opening a cd case two fell out of my hand and hit the front. Probably wouldnt have hurt anything else but not a mark.

CONS: Why I gave it 4 stars and not five. The directions stink and I just generally figured stuff out and the “internet” side of it is very slow (but thats why I have a Mac). The stand which is well designed and suitably robust still has a potential flaw and mine sags ever so slightly to the right but apparently Sony is sending someone out to see it which is impressive as I dont think they have alot out there. Lastly, it’s expensive and it was hard to justify almost a thousand more in comparison to the LG but to me the picture warranted the difference. To others possibly not. Overall I am glad I waited. Compare them if possible side by side, close your eyes and sign the check it’s probably worth it!

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More Than I Expected, July 11, 2011

It’s hard to still be amazed after spending almost 00 on a TV, but this television still has me just as impressed with it as much the first time I fired it up. I had been on the verge of buying a new 3D since Dec. 2010, almost snagging a Samsung UN46C7000 from Amazon for a sweet price the day before Chirstmas… Fortunately, I waited. I did as much research I could do through forums and local electronic stores, but it is impossible to get a true sense of a TV’s capabilities without running your own content on them, so I really took a chance on Sony’s flagship to deliver more than the competition and enough to justify the price tag. My first experience with the TV, after the general start-up settings of course, was throwing on the Legend of the Guardians 3D blu-ray. This is not only the best 3D experience I have had so far, but the single greatest movie experience I have ever had. Although the film itself has it’s flaws, the level of detail and the fluidity of the 3D motion was breathtaking! It is the movie I show my buddies to show off what my TV and 3D itself is truly capable of. I have seen first generation Samsung 3D TV’s in relative’s houses and noticed a good deal of ghosting, something that I did not see the current generation fixing either, but this is virtually nonexistent on the Hx929. Blooming is an issue many have been having with Sony LED’s for some time now, but I have not personally experienced this even though I watch it from off angles frequently. Another concern that has been put to rest was the response delay when playing video games. Gran Turismo 5, Crisis 2, and Killzone 3 all looked absolutely stunning, and no noticable delay or blurring even outside of “Game Mode.” I spent a couple hours fidling with with display settings that other owners and CNET have posted, but have found that I enjoy the preset settings “Standard” and “Vivid” the most. As far as pure picture quality goes, this is leaps and bounds better than my 2 year old Samsung plasma it replaced, and still offers more clarity and deeper blacks than the rest of the 2011 LED lineup. I have not used any of the internet browser or “widgets,” but my PS3 can run most, if not all, that the TV can offer with an easier to navigate XMB. I can’t vouch for the TV’s built-in sound either, but I assume that they are underwhelming like most TV speakers these days. Anyone investing this much money into their home theater should pick up a decent sound bar at least. I have a Pioneer VSX-1020-K receiver with Sony front, side, and rear speakers (These are an incredible value!), and the whole package makes me miss my room whenever I am at the movie theater. Overall, if you are looking for the absolute best in HD/3D picture quality and are less concerned about the price at checkout, this is the best manufacturers have to offer. If you are looking for a good picture at a bargain price, the Samsung UND7000 or 8000 are probably more suitable. For myself, I was already going to spend about 00 on a new TV, spending a few hundred more for the best available made more sense and I am happy that I did.

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