Rear-projection TV test results

Although sales of rear-projection microdisplays have dropped off sharply as flat-panel models have gotten both bigger and cheaper, they're still the least-expensive route to truly big screens 60 inches and larger. We recently tested several 1080p models, ranging in size from 65 to 73 inches. Here's how they fared:

Mitsubishi LaserVue L65-A90, $7,000
This high-priced 65-inch set from Mitsubishi, dubbed LaserVue (click on image at right for a closer look), is among the first TVs to use a laser backlight instead of a bulb (or LED). As part of the purchase, the company sends a customer-service rep to the home to make sure it's set up properly.

• Highs: The set has bright images and impressive contrast, with deep black-levels and rich colors. Overall picture resolution was good. The cabinet is very thin (10.5 inches) for a rear-projection set, and it has four HDMI inputs, including one on the front panel.
• Lows: Some images were noticeably soft, sometime looking almost out of focus, and there was a subtle moving graininess, or video noise, in images, which could be speckles from its laser light source. Images had a pink cast to them, which we were able to reduce via the picture controls, and a "hot spot" was evident in the lower-center of the screen when a darker full-screen image was displayed. The TV seems to have an internal "floating" screen that bobbles around slightly if the TV is bumped, which was distracting.
• Bottom line: Though this laser-lit set did some things well—most notable good detail, deep blacks and vibrant colors—overall performance was a bit disappointing, as noted, especially considering its high price.

Samsung HL67A750, $2,500
This 67-inch Samsung set uses an LED backlight, so you don't need to replace the bulb after 3,500 to 5,000 hours of use. Because LED sets don't require a spinning color wheel, they minimize the chance of viewers experiencing a color-streaking artifact known as the rainbow effect, common to DLP sets.

• Highs: The overall picture quality of the HL67A750 was quite good, with excellent HD resolution, very good black levels and fine color accuracy. Its onscreen menu system is very easy to use.
• Lows: Picture detail looked a bit soft compared to the best plasma and LCD models. Our test model had very slight misconvergence, which could likely be fixed by a skilled service technician.
• CR's take: This big 1080p DLP is a strong performer worth considering by those looking for a jumbo-sized set.

Mitsubishi WD-73835, $4,700
This 73-inch Mitsubishi model is the largest rear-projection set we've ever tested. It has four HDMI inputs, including one on the front panel. Controls and inputs are hidden behind a flip-up door that when closed leaves the set with a seamless bezel design.

• Highs: Very good black levels, just shy of the very best TVs, and vibrant colors. The set's backlight can be adjusted.
• Lows: High-definition resolution was only good, not great, and colors, though vibrant, weren't the most accurate. More disturbing was a defect that caused jagged edges on the vertical lines in our test patterns.
• CR's take: While overall picture performance was fine, image detail was marred by the defect that caused jagged edges to appear on vertical lines in our test patterns, which is amplified on a screen this large. It's more evident with text and graphics than typical TV fare, especially if you're sitting within 9 or 10 feet from the screen.

Mitsubishi WD-65736, $2,500
This 65-inch Mitsubishi model has four HDMI inputs, including one on the front panel. Controls and inputs are hidden behind a flip-up door that when closed leaves the set with a seamless bezel design.

• Highs: HD resolution was good, though a notch below the best flat panels, with rich-looking colors.
• Lows: Picture detail was a bit soft, and the edges of graphics were slightly jagged, though this would be noticeable on typical TV content. Colors, though generally fine, weren't the most accurate.
• CR's take: This big-screen Mitsubishi set performs well, if not spectacularly, with fairly detailed images and colors that were vibrant, if not completely accurate.

Comments

[JCitizen]

I own a 61" Samsung LED DLP, and I have had plasma and new LCD owners gawk at my screen in disbelief at how much better it looks! I should get at least 30,000 hrs out of the LED light engine before replacement.

As long as you mount this TV to the proper height, their are no viewing angle problems. I've had guests that for some reason didn't mind setting at 170 degress to the screen, even though they could have sat directly in front of it. I think the screen is so big that it looks normal to them, especially when aspect ratio stretch is in mode. I like the full screen even if the signal is 4:3.

The only problem is Samsung greedily dropped this TV just to force the US market to buy their over priced LCD LED sets! I can't find it anywhere on the market, even as a refurb!! People have snapped up all that are left! I can't blame them, but the situation makes me angry, because it took a VERY affordable superior technology, that was invented in America off the market. Moderator please correct me if I'm wrong, but Texas Instruments DLP is the only production chip still made in America, and it seems they don't want to give any business to US citizens or let us remain employed! Because of the difference between the yen and the dollar, the US made equipment is way cheaper to build and sell, especially in their markets. Are they afraid we will take over their business?

How do foreigners expect us to pay for their stuff, if we don't have a job? Seems foolish to me!!!

[Gene Kennedy]

We have had the Mits 65 inch DLP for a little over a year. We got it at Circuit City as an "open box" purchase, so we got it reasonably cheap (+/- $900). The initial ownership period was difficult, as the set required servicing within a week of purchase. When we turned the set on, we got an "overheating" message, then the set turned itself off. Of course Circuit City did nothing at all to help us, but the unit was picked up, repaired, and then dropped off by Mitsubishi, all within a matter of a few days, and at no charge. Since then, this T.V. has become a much loved member of the family. I was in a position to purchase pretty much any T.V. that I wanted, but I chose this set because I felt that it was the best over-all buy, when considering all the aspects of picture quality, picture size, and of course, cost. We have had owners of high-end plasmas and other types of high-def units comment on the great picture we have. My biggest complaints are that this T.V. runs HOT - and this is a consideration in southern Georgia where we live. Also, the fan is a little loud for my liking. But these small issues to the side, we really love the T.V., and if your goal is to get the most bang for your buck, a large rear projection set is a great way to go. I would purchase it again, and I would encourage due consideration to a prospective purchaser. I agree that this type of set has gotten a "bad rap," and most unfairly, in my view.

[KC Cialon]

About bulb replacement, my mitsubishi rear projector (not digital) is 10 years old! still don't need a new bulb!!! I bought it used from craiglist in 2005 (manufacuring date on the back is 1999) its a 50inch, it is used about 5 h/day

[Kevin Stailey]

Would like to start off by saying that the bulb replacement issues for Rear Projection DLP's is simply not true. I have 5 friends with newer versions of theses each with well over 4 or even 5 years and still no bulbs need replacing. Picture quality is as good today as the day they bought them. 2nd to this is the fact that most DLP manufacturers have gone to LCD Bulbs which require replacement even less frequently. I have had my 73835 from Mitsubishi for about 4 months (Christmas 08). I have it currently connected to a fairly new (Not HDMI Yamaha 7.1 Home Theatre AV Receiver) Yamaha HT Rcvr. Will be upgrading to a new Onkyo soon. Even though the connection is a component Red Blue Green RCA Cable (Monster Cables) the picture is superb. it is sitting perpendicular to a large bay window that has a good deal of daily sunshine coming right in and yet the picture is clearly visible and vibrant and for the record, I am a picky SOB when it comes to sound and picture quality. I compared plenty of TV's before purchasing, looked at Plazma, LCD Flat Panels but really wanted a big picture. You know, go big or stay home. Well, the others stayed home, I got the Mitsubishi 73 inch not only for the size but the price was outstanding as well. under 2 grand, in fact we haggled the price fron 1995.00 to 1795, bought a bunch of stuff so bargaining in a bad economic time was to my advantage. Any about performance. The blacks are sharp and crystal clear, no trails or graying out. I don't know where some of the other reviewers got theirs but mine is near perfect. I am a huge Nascar fan and saw many TV's that had that imaging problem where it seems like the picture is always trying to catch up to itself. I hate that. LG has a scan system that does away with it and this TV by Mitsubishi has a similar feature builtin, forget the name, but the bottom line is, it works. Hi def even though it's a component connection is very very good. Can't wait to see it after the Onkyo is hooked up and an HDMI is run to it though I can't believe it could improve that much but some say it really does. If that's true then this is going to really rock on a TV that already gets a solid 9 to 9.5 out of 10 in my book.

[John Staat]

Concerning bulb replacement....Mitsubishi's C series, 735 series, 736 series, and 835 series all take bulb 915B403001. The Warrenty covers the original bulb for ONE YEAR from date of purchase. After that, www.mitsuparts.com sells a replacement for $99. I think Mitsubishi is getting an undeserved bad rap from several previous posts.

[Joe]

I have owned my 60" Mitsubishi DLP TV for about 3 months now and have not had any problems. The picture is great at 1080P. I have read all the horror stories about the bulb replacement cost. I have a friend who bought one 1 year ago and is just replacing his bulb now. He tried to talk me out of the purchase but I did not listen because in terms of the way my TV is being used vs his there is no comparison. He runs his TV about 16 hours a day (stay at home mom and grown kids) every day. Mine is in our bedroom and is usually on no more than 2 hours a day. At that rate I should get about 3-5 years worth of use on the bulb before replacement. I can live with that because I only spent $999 for the set new. My friend spent over $2K for his a year ago. In comparison to buy a traditional LCD flat panel in the 60" or larger range was $3K-5K. At that cost and the way I use the TV I will never spend that much for replacement bulbs in my lifetime. Who knows in the future replacement bulbs with longer life may become available or then again this may turn out to be the next 8 track player and go obsolete. It sure is a nice TV now and I love watching it when I have the time.

[Michael F]

I purchased a Mitsubishi WD57-831 (DLP) rear-projection TV set, and the bulb burned out in 10 months. The maintenance contract I had with Fry's Electronics allowed a free bulb. You MUST get a maintenance contract with ANY DLP. These bulbs cost nearly $300, and burn out quickly.
Also: My DLP tends to go off color toward yellowish, and attempts to correct this color shift cause other color problems.
I would not buy a DLP rear-projection TV, ever. Stick with Sony or Samsung, they seem to be the best in my opinion.

[Gary M Parish]

I've had the original 56" Samsung DLP model Hl-S5679W with the LED light source for over two years. Not only does it not need a color wheel, but it also does not need a fan to cool a projection bulb. The LEDs are instantly on and don't need to warm up to get to full brightness. With fewer moving parts (no color wheel or fan motors) and no bulb to replace this TV has been extremely reliable as compared to friends and family members now on their second or third replacement bulbs.

[Robb]

I have had a Mits DLP for over three years, still with the original bulb. Now don't get me started about the rest of it! Let's just say that things have been ok since I had the chassis rebuilt, just as long as I only use the HDMI input and not component or s-video!

[Danny]

Mitsubishi DLP WD-52327
TV is expensive, and no one tells you you have to replace the bulb every 11 months which is close to $300.00. We did not want to rent a Television and this is what is seems like!
Do not buy one. The picture is dark

[Papasan]

I have a Mitsubishi DLP. The only negative thing I have about it is that the projection bulb is expensive and needs replacing about every 14 months... This is not covered in anything you read or hear about for the DLP TV's and is very expensive at approximately $235.00 for a bulb replacement module from Mitsubshi.

Personally, I will never purchase another DLP TV because of the expensive cost of replacing the bulb.

Thanks
Papasan