I am considering upgrading my 65 inch rear projection Mits (WS-65411). I had it ISF calibrated and it has a beautiful picture. I had been thinking of replacing it with the Samsung LED DLP, but saw where they are now discontinued, and from what I can tell, are not producing anymore DLP sets. I believe that means that Mits would be the only player left in the game making DLP sets. Other than DLP, I don't see other options for me right now. I want something close to the same size as my 65 inch Mits, no less than 60. I am hesitant about Mits DLP due to the lamp issue and replacement lamp cost. If my current Mits had an HDMI input, I wouldn't even think of replacing it. It's just that I cannot utilize the fullest potential of my Blue Ray player. It down converts the component connection to 480p. So, that is keeping me from experiencing the 1080p, much less 1080i.
What are my options and what are your thoughts?
Many, many thanks in advance!

It is my understanding that the Mitsubishi bulbs are now only about $99.

One of your 3 component inputs will accept 1080i. If that is already in use, you may need to use a component video switch or an AVR to switch the sources. Blu-ray discs should play at 1080i. However, SD DVDs will only be output at 480p over component.

I am considering upgrading my 65 inch rear projection Mits (WS-65411). I had it ISF calibrated and it has a beautiful picture. I had been thinking of replacing it with the Samsung LED DLP, but saw where they are now discontinued, and from what I can tell, are not producing anymore DLP sets. I believe that means that Mits would be the only player left in the game making DLP sets. Other than DLP, I don't see other options for me right now. I want something close to the same size as my 65 inch Mits, no less than 60. I am hesitant about Mits DLP due to the lamp issue and replacement lamp cost. If my current Mits had an HDMI input, I wouldn't even think of replacing it. It's just that I cannot utilize the fullest potential of my Blue Ray player. It down converts the component connection to 480p. So, that is keeping me from experiencing the 1080p, much less 1080i.
What are my options and what are your thoughts?
Many, many thanks in advance!

Based upon my experience, the lamp issue has been resolved due to the lamp housing having been redesigned. With the redesigned housing, the lamp currently in my set (WD-65831 has over 5500 hours and still going strong) replaced the previous inferior design which was I believe was prone to an overheating problem.

Ever notice we use the word "upgrade" when we mean "change for the sake of change"?

I have 1080i on my Dish Network via component. That's no problem.
Blu Ray downconverts all Blue Ray and SD DVDs to 480p over component. It won't even play Blu Ray discs at 1080i over component.
What it comes down to is that I have no DVI or HDMI inputs. I wish Mitsubishi had a part that you could add on, but I guess I can wish in one hand.....................

It is my understanding that the Mitsubishi bulbs are now only about $99.

One of your 3 component inputs will accept 1080i. If that is already in use, you may need to use a component video switch or an AVR to switch the sources. Blu-ray discs should play at 1080i. However, SD DVDs will only be output at 480p over component.

I have 1080i on my Dish Network via component. That's no problem.
Blu Ray downconverts all Blue Ray and SD DVDs to 480p over component. It won't even play Blu Ray discs at 1080i over component.
What it comes down to is that I have no DVI or HDMI inputs. I wish Mitsubishi had a part that you could add on, but I guess I can wish in one hand.....................

You have to set the DMP-BD35 to output 1080i over component. And it will have to be connected to the 1080i component inputs (DTV). The other two component inputs will not accept higher than 480p. You also want to make sure that HDMI Video Mode is turned off, otherwise component will only output 480i. The BD35 will not upconvert SD DVDs over component, but it will play Blu-ray at 1080i if connected to the 1080i component input.