Nov 17, 2010 17:11 GMT  ·  By

You don't often get something for free in the consumer electronics space but Mitshubishi just announced they are to release a firmware update for some of their 3D ready HDTVs that will improve the 3D functionality of these units, free of charge.

This software update is meant to come to the 738 and 838 series Mitsubishi 3D-ready TVs that are available as 60, 65, 73 and 82-inch offerings, to make them support all the mandatory 3D signal formats prescribed by HDMI 1.4a.

What this actually means is that users would now be able to connect the upgraded Mitsubishi 738 and 838 3D TVs directly to a wide array of 3D sources, such as Blu-ray players and satellite and cable set-top boxes, without the need for an additional 3D adapter.

This new update will be available free of charge, Internet connected 738 and 838 series HDTVs downloading the update automatically, with minimal user intervention.

Those users that haven't yet connected their TVs to the Web can do so now, or download the update from Mitsubishi's website to a USB stick which can then be used for bringing the TVs firmware up to date.

Furthermore, Mitsubishi can also provide its users with such a USB drive upon request, for a nominal fee.

"Size and speed are crucial to enjoying the most realistic, immersive 3D TV viewing experience, and Mitsubishi leads the market on both fronts," says Frank DeMartin, vice president, marketing at Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America.

"With this new 3D TV software update, we keep our customers on the leading edge of 3D home entertainment, and they can now experience a full range of 3D TV content on our cinema-like large screen 3D TVs."

According to Mitsubishi's website, the automatic upgrade process has already begun, the TV having to be turned off for at least 30 minutes for the firmware to download.