CES 2009: Mitsubishi Projectors
posted:
1/25/2009 11:35:00 AM
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CES 2009
I popped into the Mitsubishi projectors booth to check out the latest offerings from the company. Last year we reviewed the HC4900, so one of the units I was looking forward to seeing was the HC5500 (which was the replacement for the 4900) as well as the new Diamond Series Projectors.
First up was the flagship HC7000U (of the Mitsubishi Diamond Series Projectors), which was loaded with features and had a fantastic blue chassis. Because it was dark in the booth, it was difficult to discern the color at first, but when it caught the light you could see just how deep and rich the color is. As for the specs, it boasts 72,000:1 contrast as well as anamorphic widescreen lens options to take the projector to 2.35:1 or 16:9 aspect ratios. While the projector boasts some of the mist impressive capabilities and features, it will only be available through custom home theater installers for a price around $3,995. The other Diamond Series HC6500U will be available at Best Buy Magnolia stores and ill retail for about $2,995.
The next projector we checked out was the 1080p HC5500. As I mentioned, this was the successor to the HC4900 and not much has changed in terms of the physical design. However, several key improvements were made, most notable a second v1.3 HDMI port was added. This was one of the things that kept me from giving the HC4900 a full ‘A’ last years review. In addition, the contrast has been boosted to 14,000:1 and the lumens are at 1,200. I am looking forward to getting my hands on this projector to see how it stacks up compared to last years model. It is currently available at several retails at an MSRP of $2,295.
The last projector I looked at was the 720p DLP based HC1600U. This is the base unit for Mitsubishi’s Home Theater line, but this would be considered a workhorse for most applications. With 1700 lumens, HDMI and PC inputs, 2500:1 contrast and screen sizes up to 275 inches, it is capable of doing anything you can throw at it. The HC1600U is currently available for under $999 at many retailers.
Once again, I was impressed with Mitsubishi Projectors and their CES lineup. They continue to offer innovation, affordability and multiple options for all projector uses. We hope to be able to bring you a review of the HC5500 later this year.
First up was the flagship HC7000U (of the Mitsubishi Diamond Series Projectors), which was loaded with features and had a fantastic blue chassis. Because it was dark in the booth, it was difficult to discern the color at first, but when it caught the light you could see just how deep and rich the color is. As for the specs, it boasts 72,000:1 contrast as well as anamorphic widescreen lens options to take the projector to 2.35:1 or 16:9 aspect ratios. While the projector boasts some of the mist impressive capabilities and features, it will only be available through custom home theater installers for a price around $3,995. The other Diamond Series HC6500U will be available at Best Buy Magnolia stores and ill retail for about $2,995.
The next projector we checked out was the 1080p HC5500. As I mentioned, this was the successor to the HC4900 and not much has changed in terms of the physical design. However, several key improvements were made, most notable a second v1.3 HDMI port was added. This was one of the things that kept me from giving the HC4900 a full ‘A’ last years review. In addition, the contrast has been boosted to 14,000:1 and the lumens are at 1,200. I am looking forward to getting my hands on this projector to see how it stacks up compared to last years model. It is currently available at several retails at an MSRP of $2,295.
The last projector I looked at was the 720p DLP based HC1600U. This is the base unit for Mitsubishi’s Home Theater line, but this would be considered a workhorse for most applications. With 1700 lumens, HDMI and PC inputs, 2500:1 contrast and screen sizes up to 275 inches, it is capable of doing anything you can throw at it. The HC1600U is currently available for under $999 at many retailers.
Once again, I was impressed with Mitsubishi Projectors and their CES lineup. They continue to offer innovation, affordability and multiple options for all projector uses. We hope to be able to bring you a review of the HC5500 later this year.
