Mitsubishi Announces LCD TV With Integrated 16-speaker Surround Sound System

Irvine (CA) - If you have been trying to figure out how to run cables through your walls to set up a surround sound system for your TV or if you just don’t like the look of speakers scattered over your living room, this may be an interesting alternative. Mitsubishi’s new 120 Hz LT-series already integrates a surround sound speaker system.

Mitsubishi actually calls its sound system "Integrated Sound Projector" (iSP), which is a fancy name for a fancy technology that consists of a row 16 speakers positioned below the screen in inside the TV casing. The manufacturer claims that the iSP "creates a new immersive audio experience with innovative sound technology that exceeds what is currently being offered on the market."

According to the manufacturer, the technology reproduces true 5.1 surround sound from its speaker cabinet attached. Through the use of an advanced algorithm, Mitsubishi claims that the iSP delays the sound varying intervals to each of the 16 speakers. As a result, the speaker generates 5.1 distinct sound beams that are focused both directly and indirectly to the listener.

Settings of the iSP can be adjusted through a graphical user interface. Viewers can enter specific room dimensions as well as the location of the main listening area to improve the audio performance. The on-screen display lets users adjust the location and sound level for each of the five surround channels. The output level for the sub woofer is also directly controllable from the remote control, Mitsubishi said.

Mitsubishi will begin selling the 46" (model LT-46149) and the 52" (LT-52149) in July for $3299 and $3699, respectively.

We’ve had chances to listen to several surround sound projectors over the last year, and while some have produced convincing output, a true 5.1 surround system will always sound better in every way. These projectors are useful if you have space constraints, but many of them are fairly pricey.