Mitsubishi: Promise Module Update

HDTV Forum · Post by **HDTV Forum** » Wed May 19, 2004 4:49 pm

Went to the Mitsubishi course today and here is the scoop.

The Promise Module, PM, is an external box that is mounted on the back of the TV. The DTV video inputs on the TV will be disabled and switched over to the PM. The PM has RGBHV/YPbPr with audio inputs, S-video and composite with audio monitor outputs, a coaxial digital audio output, 3 1394 in/out jacks, HDTV control port for the early models, software upgrade bay and of course antenna in jack - antenna not included.

The PM is ordered from Mitsubishi directly via customer service at 800-332-2119 for $995. The parts are sent to the customer and the software is sent to the assigned Mitsubishi Authorized service center.

The PM is permanently mounted, modifications performed and the TV AC plugs into the PM and the PM AC to the wall. The audio monitor out is connected to the TV

HDTV Forum · Post by **HDTV Forum** » Wed May 19, 2004 4:50 pm

I ordered the Promise Module Monday and I've read the spec sheet which I downloaded from avsforum.com. Since the module is an OTA tuner does it have a signal strength function built in? I did not see any mention of that in the spec sheet nor did I see any mention of what menu options and setup options etc. that would be added. If there is no signal strength function how does one aim one's antenna for maximum signal strength?
Thank's

Mike

HDTV Forum · Post by **HDTV Forum** » Wed May 19, 2004 4:51 pm

>>does it have a signal strength function built in?

No

>>If there is no signal strength function how does one aim one's antenna for maximum signal strength?

Using the existing NTSC broadcasts. Switch your TV's tuner to outside antenna and point the antenna. In most cases the DTV signal is comming from the same tower as the NTSC signal which is easily confirmed using antennaweb.org. If you are dealing with multipath issues then a signal meter would not help much anyway.

It would be nice if there was one. I have used a number of STB which did have it but signal strength is simply not enough info. We also need a mulitpath reading for the signal on our STB. This will become very important once NTSC is turned off because then we no longer have some sort of consumer reference to figure this stuff out.

Richard F. Fisher

HDTV Forum · Post by **HDTV Forum** » Wed May 19, 2004 4:52 pm

If you are interested in what menu options are available you should be able to check out the menus of the integrated models at your local store. I have an integrated Mits and everything Richard has described seems to be exactly like my setup. The only difference is I do not have to switch between Analog and digital mode, I just switch between inputs (there are two analog antenna inputs and digital antenna input) there are also inputs for 480 and 1080.

Chuck

HDTV Forum · Post by **HDTV Forum** » Wed May 19, 2004 4:52 pm

Richard, with the Promise module will I be able to receive HD signals through my cable box( which I currently have through Comcast) and receive over the broadcasts for the stsions I cannot recieve through HDcable. Thanks

Frank

HDTV Forum · Post by **HDTV Forum** » Wed May 19, 2004 4:53 pm

>>Richard, with the Promise module will I be able to receive HD signals through my cable box( which I currently have through Comcast)

Don't know. If it is not scrambled the odds are in your favor. Ask them what transmision standard they are using. The Mits supports QAM.

>> and receive over the air broadcasts for the stations I cannot recieve through HDcable.

That is not a problem.

Richard Fisher