HDTV sets are moving into a new direction, or dimension. The next major update to home theaters, coming in 2010, is 3-D technology. In fact, some HDTV 3-D sets are already on the market, and Mitsubishi has two 3-D-ready Home Theater TV lines ranging is size from 60 inches all the way to 82 inches. The 737 and 837 Home Theater TV series are DLP sets with 1080p resolution, and play high-definition 2-D content as well as 3-D content such as the upcoming Blu-ray 3D discs, content servers, and video game systems.

For 3-D content display, the sets require nVidia GeForce 3D Vision glasses, which are available through a partnership with nVidia. The television has an IR emitter, which provides a hardwire communication bridge between the set and content source like a media server. The IR emitter then sends a signal to the 3-D glasses to sync them to the independent left and right signals being displayed on the TV. As there are currently limited players of 3-D content for home use, a Mitsubishi representative at a local press event in New York City this week said he could not factually answer how many sources can be connected to the set at a time.

The 737 Series offers sets ranging from 60 to 82-inches in size with suggested retail prices ranging from $1,499 to $4,199. The 65" set sells online at Amazon.com for $1,399. The same size set in the 837 Series lists for $1,869.99. The Mitsubishi WD-82837, an 82" set, is available for $3,999 (links below). To promote 3-D-Ready technology Mitsubishi will have demo stations at retailers across the U.S. with sets from the Home Theater Television lines and nVidia glasses for consumers to experience the technology first-hand. The manufacturer already has demo fixtures at 150 stores nationwide. "The challenge?  Customers are still skeptical," said Michael Press, senior sales specialist at Mitsubishi. "Customers need to see it for themselves."

Mitsubishi plans to make an official announcement at the Consumer Electronics Show next month in Las Vegas to outline its efforts to make its current television models compatible with future formats to ease the 3-D transition.

Where to Buy: 

• nVidia GeForce 3D Vision glasses on Amazon.com
• Mitsubishi WD-65737 65-Inch 1080p 120Hz Home Theater DLP HDTV on Amazon.com
• Mitsubishi WD-65837 65-Inch 1080p 120Hz Home Theater DLP HDTV on Amazon.com
• Mitsubishi WD-82837 82-Inch 1080p 120Hz Home Theater DLP HDTV on Amazon.com