Ekkehart - my German is even worse than my Korean, Russian or Samoan. Could you summerize the main points of the article? The screen shots look amazing - is this a quantum jump over any other LCD's out there now? Do you still get the LCD haze in brightly lit (or mixed lighting) scenes?

I'm ready to step out of LCD technology for my next projector but probably won't be able to afford anything else in a 1080p. Does this hold its own with DLP?

Is vertical banding COMPLETELY eliminated?

How big of a deal is no 1080p/24 support on this machine which the Pearl has?

Actually there's no such mother-of-all giant called Mitsubishi. All those companies you see with red three-diamond logo are not legally related nowadays, they merely share the same ancestor.

Mitsubishi Electric, which makes the projectors, is way smaller than Matsushita.
According to Mitsubishi Corp's website, both Mitsubishi Electric Corp and Mitsubishi Motors Corp are part of the Mitsubishi group of companies.

Thanks Ekkehart, and thanks for the summery Grubert.

Btw, what does "leg-printing" really mean? It sounds good... I think.

Thanks Ekkehart, and thanks for the summery Grubert.

Btw, what does "leg-printing" really mean? It sounds good... I think.


beindruckend ("bein" = leg, "drucken" = to print) = "leg-printing"

A small typo amplified for comic effect by babelfish. :D

Actually it's "beeindruckend" = impressive.

Thanks Ekkehart. I've just been reading a babelfish translation.

No screendoor at 1.5x viewing distance. That is great news! Likewise the apparently excellent implementation of the Reon XV chip. Looks like I'll be able to make do with my existing SD video processor and use the Mits when I go HD.

Mind you, in the words of babelfish:

We can summarize our first meeting with the HC5000 with a word: Leg-printing! :D

Are you using babelfish to translate the text one paragraph at a time? Every time I try to hit the HC5000 page directly (so I can translate the entire Web page), I get a translation error because the page is re-routing traffic to the main Cine4Home.de Website.

Thanks Ekkehart for the early reports on both the HC5000 and the "Pearl." Your hard work is appreciated.

Thanks to Grubert as well for the summaries.


Ekkehart! The BIG question: now that you have tested a Sony Pearl and seen the HC5000, how do the two compare? Assuming the $1000-ish price difference remains (be it MSRP, MAP or dealer pricing) do you think the Sony Pearl's picture justifies the higher price? Is the HC5000 a "step down" in any way so that the lower price is necessary in order to compete? Or do we simply have a case where there are two better-than-expected 1080p options for less than $5000?

:D

Jon


I'd like to know this too. Thanks.

gremmy try this google translation. (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cine4home.de%2Findexmain.htm&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools)

Thanks Ekkehart for the early reports on both the HC5000 and the "Pearl." Your hard work is appreciated.

Thanks to Grubert as well for the summaries.





I'd like to know this too. Thanks.

gremmy try this google translation. (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cine4home.de%2Findexmain.htm&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools)

I can't use that google translation because my PC is behind a proxy that will not allow me to use google translation tools. I can use altavista babelfish, however. But it doesn't work because of the redirection I mentioned above.

beindruckend ("bein" = leg, "drucken" = to print) = "leg-printing"

A small typo amplified for comic effect by babelfish. :D

Actually it's "beeindruckend" = impressive.
Thanks!

I can't use that google translation because my PC is behind a proxy that will not allow me to use google translation tools. I can use altavista babelfish, however. But it doesn't work because of the redirection I mentioned above.

Yahoo has a translator that worked well for me. Just search cine4home and click on the "translate this page" it'll pull up a Mitsubishi add and a link to the main page is just above it, it's quite faint. This seems to work quite well, once you're in translate mode it will translate any page you click onto.

I dion't think this pj is going to work for me.

Apparently, the noise level is around 19 railways so it will be far to loud for my room (at least that's what the Google translation said..) :)

Gary

I dion't think this pj is going to work for me.

Apparently, the noise level is around 19 railways so it will be far to loud for my room (at least that's what the Google translation said..) :)

Gary

dB = Deutsche Bahn (German railway), just as VW in the Pearl model # always gets translated as Volkswagen!

Yahoo has a translator that worked well for me. Just search cine4home and click on the "translate this page" it'll pull up a Mitsubishi add and a link to the main page is just above it, it's quite faint. This seems to work quite well, once you're in translate mode it will translate any page you click onto.

Thanks. I finally got it to work!

All I can say is "Leg Printing!!"

Seriously, those screen shots look very good -- especially Robots. Of course, Robots is the easiest material to display of the shots shown. But even that Orlando Bloom movie (I forget the name) looks pretty good.

I dion't think this pj is going to work for me.

Apparently, the noise level is around 19 railways so it will be far to loud for my room (at least that's what the Google translation said..) :)

Gary

That must be some fan! :D

Thank goodness for that - 19 railways in low mode sounded quite scary. It would probably be Clapham Junction in High Mode :p

Thanks for pointing out why the error occurred - seems perfectly simple when you understand it.

Gary

These translations are like the old "Mad Libs" we used to do as kids! This is cracking me up!

:D

"Owing to the trouble of the Japanese and German Mitsubishi team, optimal demonstrating conditions are ordered. Congratulation!"

These translations are like the old "Mad Libs" we used to do as kids! This is cracking me up!

:D

"Owing to the trouble of the Japanese and German Mitsubishi team, optimal demonstrating conditions are ordered. Congratulation!"


From the pearl review, this was my favorite:

One buys a projector like the Sony VPL-VW50 predominantly for a reason: One would like to avoid coming HDTV material...

But this was pretty good too:

Very much to the disappointment of our marketing leader Uli long one

Are you using babelfish to translate the text one paragraph at a time? Every time I try to hit the HC5000 page directly (so I can translate the entire Web page), I get a translation error because the page is re-routing traffic to the main Cine4Home.de Website.I copied and pasted the whole page text in one go...

wikipedia mitsubishi will clarify it for you.

According to Mitsubishi Corp's website, both Mitsubishi Electric Corp and Mitsubishi Motors Corp are part of the Mitsubishi group of companies.

Sorry if you read this twice. I posted on another thread but this thread might be more appropriate. Im kinda a newb so forgive me but i have three questions regarding the Mits HC5000. In another thread someone said the following:

"however i imagine that Mitsubishi will be able to counter such threat with the simple reminder that the HC5000 offer one of the best video processing solutions for watching DVDs and cable TV, which is something that neither competitors have to offer" !


What does this mean in practical terms? I know a couple years ago i watched a friends presentation projector for regular cable TV and the picture was awful. Does the Mits have some technology to help improve for TV watching (maybe for hdtv broadcasts or normal?)

Also, I have a great room that is aprox 18 feet across and the ceiling is too high to mount from (over twenty feet), so I want to mount a shelf on the back wall which would put the projector 18 feet from the other wall where I will have a screen mounted. Because of a cutout on the mounting wall I cant mount the projector directly lined up with the screen on the opposite wall (will have to offset about two feet to the right). From the specs will the Mits be able to do this and still have a good picture perfectly lined up?

Lastly will 1000 lumens be enough for a room that I wont be able to completely darken since light can bleed from several windows down a hall for example where window coverings is not an option.

Thanks in advance to anybody who cares to tackle these questions!

I copied and pasted the whole page text in one go...


Hey man, a fellow UKite interested in the HC5000 eh?

I dion't think this pj is going to work for me.

Apparently, the noise level is around 19 railways so it will be far to loud for my room (at least that's what the Google translation said..) :)

Gary


That is too funny!

Hey man, a fellow UKite interested in the HC5000 eh?Hi gandley. Yeah. The advantages vs. the Pearl seem to be price, weight and decent HD processing. So I can feed it with 1080p scaled SDI sources via my existing Crystalio (I) VP. No upgrade to VP needed in the short term.

The report about no visible screendoor at 1.5x is a clincher for me. Apparent lack of 24 or 48Hz 1080p input annoying but not critical. Most of my library is 50Hz PAL and I've never noticed much judder with my R1 titles.

Oh, and Nexnix is a Mits stockist so we can buy with confidence in the UK.

Cheers!
Joel

Regarding SDE, any opinions how visible it will be in HC5000 compared to 720p DLPs.

Regarding SDE, any opinions how visible it will be in HC5000 compared to 720p DLPs.

according to people who have just seen the HC5000 at IFA in Germany it has at least way less SDE than the current 720p LCD projectors.

cine4home posted in their preview, that they didn't see any SDE at the standard 1.5x distance.
some people even said that they couldn't see any SDE at 2m away from the 3.5m(!!) wide screen in the demo booth.


sounds good enough for me :)

Any places taking pre-orders for this projector?

cine4home posted in their preview, that they didn't see any SDE at the standard 1.5x distance.
some people even said that they couldn't see any SDE at 2m away from the 3.5m(!!) wide screen in the demo booth.Some people are bothered by screendoor more than others, so I think it would be much more informative to compare screendoor visibility to other projectors, not just say they couldn't see it at some distance. Quite a few thinks 720p DLPs are completely free of SDE, so pardon my scepticism. ;)

But I believe we'll get more opinions quite soon. I wish I were in Berlin right now.

edit: Just wanted to thank Cine4Home for their preview. Really, really appreciate you guys taking your time in the middle of all the hassle to enlighten us.

Hi gandley. Yeah. The advantages vs. the Pearl seem to be price, weight and decent HD processing. So I can feed it with 1080p scaled SDI sources via my existing Crystalio (I) VP. No upgrade to VP needed in the short term.

The report about no visible screendoor at 1.5x is a clincher for me. Apparent lack of 24 or 48Hz 1080p input annoying but not critical. Most of my library is 50Hz PAL and I've never noticed much judder with my R1 titles.

Oh, and Nexnix is a Mits stockist so we can buy with confidence in the UK.

Cheers!
Joel

Sounds good, thanks for the heads up with nexnix.

Any places taking pre-orders for this projector?

Don't know about the States, but up here I pre-ordered mine from Quebec Acoustic.

Hi gandley. Yeah. ..... Apparent lack of 24 or 48Hz 1080p input annoying but not critical. Most of my library is 50Hz PAL and I've never noticed much judder with my R1 titles.

Cheers!
Joel

I can't see why 1080p/24 can't be enabled down the road via a software update to the Reon chip. This might be a non issue if that is possible.

I can't see why 1080p/24 can't be enabled down the road via a software update to the Reon chip. This might be a non issue if that is possible.

I hope you're right! If that is possible it would really make this a steal. It has the potential to be a PJ that one can keep for a very long time.

My main concern is the DI. I hope the Mitus has a decent one. Chances are good that it will be good since everything else has appearantly been done so well.

will these Lcd's suffer from yellowing and degredation of the panels that current LCD's exhibit. Or are they now using inorganic panels?

The D6 C2Fine panels in the HC5000 are inorganic. :)

Good evening guys,

My collegue Ekkehart spend some time at the Mitsubishi exhibition on the IFA fair in Germany.

There he checked at first the new model Mitsubishi HC 5000. His result is very very good. No shading, no vertical bending. Pictures like the Sony Pearl. Yes, these was his answer to my question. "which one is better". In the moment the japanese developers are going to fix the adaptive iris. The challenge is, to create the same iris as good as the Sony Pearl construction. This is a praise-worth goal.

And also the HC-5000 is the quietest projector of the world in the moment. The 19db aren´t a marketing gag, it´s reality. And at last, it´s the first home cinema projector with anorganic D6 Panel by Epson.

a hard and very interesting fight of LCD, S-XRD and DLP is going to start. It looks in such a way, that all technologies now equivalently.

Greetings from Germany
Uli from the Cine4home Team - Marketing line

the HC 5000 has an fantastic sharpness and the HQV programming is one of the best, that Ekkehart has seen up to now.

Good night,guys all over the world. It´s an fantastic forum Next time, we are going to change more information at this area. :)

Uli @ C4H

I mean inorganic D6 Panels ( not anorganic ).

sorry, to long time without the english language. But I´m going to improve it, if I use this plattform sometimes. :D

Greetings Uli

Thanks for the update :)

I mean inorganic D6 Panels ( not anorganic ).

sorry, to long time without the english language. But I´m going to improve it, if I use this plattform sometimes. :D

Greetings Uli


No worries, your English is fine. ;)

Thanks for the update and for the hard work. It's very much appreciated.

So Ekkehart said that in his opinion, the HC5000 at this point, looks to be better than the "Pearl?" Did I read that right?

Thanks again Uli.

I guess my bigges concern at this momment is the screendoor.

1.5x distance from screen is way more then i wanted or expected. The point of 1080p is to be closer to screen isnt it?

Is that a translation error or was that correct?

1.5x distance from screen is way more then i wanted or expected. The point of 1080p is to be closer to screen isnt it?

I believe the review stated that the SDE wasn't detectable at 1.5x distance, which doesn't mean it is or isn't visible at closer distances (1.1x-1.3x, where most people tend to view from). There's still plenty reason to be optimistic until more reports come in.

I agree.

1.5 was as close as he got to the screen, that was the impression that I got.

Edit, I thought someone else said that they were 1.5 meters away from the 3 meter wide screen and didn't see screen door.

I would be happy with 1x i dont need it to be smooth with my face against the screen.

However if it was smooth at 1x why would they state 1.5x? not like they didnt have a chance to get closer. Unless its a translation error I shall remain a little pestimistic about the screen door.

edit. google can't translate the word used and what was translated and posted here said 1.5x 1.5 meters would be awsome that's why im asking if its a translation error because it could be cleared up pretty easily.

Dont worry im not screaming the sky is falling just hoping cine4home can clear it up is all =)

first, to compare both ( hc 5000 and pearl ), we´ll need an device with functional adaptive iris in our test labour. But to your question. Ekki said, if the adaptive iris is as good as sony pearl, it´s a very big competitor to the Pearl. End results after his "extrem testing" :D

SDE is so subjectively. Most opinions, that I heard today, are it´s much more better with the new D6 1080 panels. And this are also people, which are critical with D5 panel SDE. ...but I think, it´s better for you, to test it by yourself.

Good night guys - I´ll need a longer nap :o

Uli @ C4H

Thanks for the clarification Uli. Now go get yourself some much needed rest. :)

you are meaning this sentence:

"Aus ca. 1,5 fachem Betrachtungsabstand zur 3,6m(!) Leinwand war keine Rasterung zu sehen."

it means 1,5 multiplied with 3,6 metre is 5,40 metres !!!

Ekki saw a film on a screen with 3,6 metre width. And his seat was 5,4 metres removed from the screen. ...and he´s a very critical guy ;-)

bye - Uli

Uli

Thanks I looked it up in a german to english dictionary. fach had too many meanings for me to figure out but i figured it meant times in the way it was used.

But it also sounds like he was talking about what he observed from his seating position so you might be able to sit closer without seeing sde =)

Thanks for your update

Danke Vielmals! Uli (and Ekkehart)!!

Thanks for all the updates Uli! This is exciting stuff going on! :)

does the 5000 have lens shift? is it suitable for roof mounting?

does the 5000 have lens shift? is it suitable for roof mounting?

I wouldn’t put it on the roof, rain could be an issue.

I would not have considered an LCD until now. This looks promising, but I don't know too much about the technology.
Does an LCD have the potential convergence issues that the Ruby suffers from.
I come for the single chip DLP camp and although we have our own issues, convergence is not one of them
Thanks

I wouldn’t put it on the roof, rain could be an issue.

Ill put a tarp over it of course.

LOL

seriously, ceiling mounted.... If it a projector that can be ceiling mounted. from my search, i dont think it has a big lens shift like the sanyo or panasonic?

seriously, ceiling mounted.... If it a projector that can be ceiling mounted. from my search, i dont think it has a big lens shift like the sanyo or panasonic?

It apparently has pretty good vertical lens shift, but not much horizontal. The first post of this thread says 75% vertical, 5% horizontal.

Does an LCD have the potential convergence issues that the Ruby suffers from.
I come for the single chip DLP camp and although we have our own issues, convergence is not one of them
Thanks
All 3 panel devices ( DLP, LCD, or LCOS/SxRD) need to be converged. At 1080p the required tolerances are extremely small!

I hope skogan and other mates from the hidef disc forums will get the 'probably' joke. ;)

I probably do ;)

Time to sell my Panny 900. 1080p Projectors from panny & sanyo can't be far away.

I probably do ;)

Time to sell my Panny 900. 1080p Projectors from panny & sanyo can't be far away.

It seems you will only have to wait until November to get the new 1080p Panasonic AE1000 which is going to use the same D6 C2fine panels as the Mitsubishi HC5000.

See here:

http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/77645/from/rss09

With the recent post from Uli stating that the HC5000 will accept 1080p/24 and display it at an even multiple of 24, this projector is starting to look more and more attractive. The verdict is out on how well the DI will work as compared to the Pearl, but this is looking to be one hot projector.

I believe that it will upconvert the 24p to 48p if I remember correctly from the reading which is great news. I cant wait to see some head to head with the Pearl.

I have had some issues with other projector brands so warranty is very important to me. Does anyone know if Mitsubishi will offer 3 years like their other higher priced projectors or will they go cheap and offer 1 year?

Dont know if this link has been posted yet,

http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/projectors/products/homeuse/hc5000/index_b.html

Mitsubishi was very quick to market with the new at the time 768P DMD HC3000, and it was a great execution, at least as good as any of the subsequent entries (IMO), which makes me very hopeful that a) the HC5000 will be out soonish, and b) it won't have any large flaws. Uli's comments about the dynamic iris made it sound like it wasnt working at IFA, but hopefully they manage to come up with a mode that doesnt white shift too much (tries to maintain white levels constant when clamping down the iris.) I like the idea of dynamic iris', as long as they dont have very noticeable artifacts like in the Z4. I would also be interested in seeing how the non DI and intra-frame (ANSI/single frame) contrast is, compared to LCOS and DLP.

Mitsubishi was very quick to market with the new at the time 768P DMD HC3000, and it was a great execution, at least as good as any of the subsequent entries (IMO), which makes me very hopeful that a) the HC5000 will be out soonish, and b) it won't have any large flaws. Uli's comments about the dynamic iris made it sound like it wasnt working at IFA, but hopefully they manage to come up with a mode that doesnt white shift too much (tries to maintain white levels constant when clamping down the iris.) I like the idea of dynamic iris', as long as they dont have very noticeable artifacts like in the Z4. I would also be interested in seeing how the non DI and intra-frame (ANSI/single frame) contrast is, compared to LCOS and DLP.

I am hoping that the reason that Mits chose not to audition the DI at IFA is because it's not perfected, and not simply because its performance is sub-par.

When critical features of a product are not auditioned this close to launch time, it just makes me a bit nervous. I have the same reservations regarding the Pearl's video processor.

Dont know if this link has been posted yet,

http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/projectors/products/homeuse/hc5000/index_b.html

Great link! The spec mentions 1000 lumens - does anyone know how close to reality Mits's specs usually are regarding lumens? On that basis do you expect this to be either on the bright side or dim side (iris notwithstanding)?

for the calculation section on ths link, if you have a100" screen does that mean the projecotr can only be placed between 3.11 and 5.01 meters?


http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/projectors/products/homeuse/hc5000/calculat_b.html

for the calculation section on ths link, if you have a100" screen does that mean the projecotr can only be placed between 3.11 and 5.01 meters?


http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/projectors/products/homeuse/hc5000/calculat_b.html

Correct.

Measure from screen to lens! Everthing else willl be out of zoom range.

It seems you will only have to wait until November to get the new 1080p Panasonic AE1000 which is going to use the same D6 C2fine panels as the Mitsubishi HC5000.

If mitsu is $4K then I guess panny/sanyo will be around $3.5K - sending them to the other forum !

Anyone know what the D6 1080 panel alignment tolerances are likely to be?

Anyone know what the D6 1080 panel alignment tolerances are likely to be?

Very good question. Anyone who has access to these Mits engineers should ask this question and point out that panel alignment is one way that the HC5000 could potentially distinguish itself from the Pearl.

One for Ekke and Uli I think! I just read a second-hand comment about a Ruby with a two pixel misalignment. :eek: :eek: :eek: Gave me goose bumps!

for the calculation section on ths link, if you have a100" screen does that mean the projecotr can only be placed between 3.11 and 5.01 meters?


http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/projectors/products/homeuse/hc5000/calculat_b.html

Good link but sadly I dont think it will work in my new room. But then I dont even know which PJ will.....I need quite a bit of Vertical shift. If I am reading that correctly I wouldnt be able to have it work with a 106" screen from a 10 foot ceiling when the top of the screen is 73" (a little over 6') from the floor. It looks like you would need the PJ 25% of the screen height above the screen in order for it to work. 25% of the screen height (52" in my case) is 13" so the PJ would have to be mounted at 86" or less for my room....my distance to the screen is about 16'.

One for Ekke and Uli I think! I just read a second-hand comment about a Ruby with a two pixel misalignment. :eek: :eek: :eek: Gave me goose bumps!

Wow, that would be like watching 3D movies without the special glasses! :D

whats going to be the warranty for this puppy vs. the pearl? And how is mits with service?

If mitsu is $4K then I guess panny/sanyo will be around $3.5K - sending them to the other forum !

Maybe, but this forum is $3500MSRP and up. I doubt we will see any 1080p pjs under $3500 MSRP until the next Cedia.

Ericglo

panny will probably retail or msrp at $3499. am i guessing? yes i am. But its an educated guess. So with that do we need to include tax and put it in the 3500 and over or not include tax and put it in the <3500 forum? hmmm lol jeff

whats going to be the warranty for this puppy vs. the pearl? And how is mits with service?

The warranty on the Mits. is a good question. The pearl seems to have a 2 year. If the Mits. comes in with a 2 or even a 3 year that could be the absolute deciding factor for me, on buying the Mits. Then again I said the samething before I found out the Mits. will support 1080P/24, but the warranty being better would add the icing to the cake. If anyone could answer this ? it would be appreciated. I have owned 3 Hitachi P. Two TX100's and one HDPJ52. The reason I had so many, is because I kept having panel and bulb problems. Hitachi finally gave me an upgrade w/the 200(HDPJ52) for no extra cost. That crapt out also.
I finally got my money back directly from Hitachi after the third one. The Hitachi projectors only have a 1 year Warranty.

My first and oldest projector is the SVGA Mits. SL1U, data projector. It has over 4000 Hrs. on the bulb and still ticking, with no other visible defects. My point is, what good is a projector if it doesn't last. If the Mits. 5000 comes with a 3 year, then they have faith in their product, and thats the direction I'm going.

Just want to Thank Uli for all his updates on info for the Mits.

Thanks a lot Ekkehart!

Main points:

The demo setup was first-rate: totally black room, 3.6m-wide 2.35:1 screen, and the sources were a Sharp Blu-ray Recorder, a Toshiba HD-XA-1 and the Toshiba RD-A1 (hidden from the public!).

Because of the big screen, the iris was off, so the projector was at native contrast. Nonetheless, the result was good, even twilight scenes were very immersive.

No colour weakness was noticed.

No screendoor at 1.5x.

No VB or uniformity problems.

That's the gist of it.

Grubert - you mentioned the demonstration used a 2.35:1 screen which intrigued me. Was there an additional lens (horizonatal expansion or vertical compression) attached to the projector or was the image just zoomed?

whats going to be the warranty for this puppy vs. the pearl? And how is mits with service?

I don't know if this wiil be of any help, but here in France, warranty is 3 years on site.

H.

Does anyone know if the on board Reon VX will have selectable features/functions, or is it going to be all ON, or in case of 1:1 (hopefully w/o overscan) all OFF?

I'm interested in potentially using the Detail Enhancement and Noise Reduction functions, but no de-interlacing or scaling.

Dont know if this link has been posted yet,

http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/projectors/products/homeuse/hc5000/index_b.html

The specs describe a DYNAMIC iris, that adjusts automatically. Does anyone know if it can also be set manually? Would be nice to be able to open up the iris during the day, for more lumens (and some loss of CR), and then close it down at night (less lumens but better CR). The iris of the Optoma HD-81 works this way (and also has an automatic, 'dynamic', option too.)

The specs describe a DYNAMIC iris, that adjusts automatically. Does anyone know if it can also be set manually? Would be nice to be able to open up the iris during the day, for more lumens


Yes, it can be set manually ;)

Regards,
Ekkehart, www.cine4home.de

Yes, it can be set manually ;)

Regards,
Ekkehart, www.cine4home.de

I read on a site that the HC5000 will be available in standard black or optional white. Is this correct?

Yes, it can be set manually ;)

Regards,
Ekkehart, www.cine4home.de

Viel dank, Ekkehart!

panny will probably retail or msrp at $3499. am i guessing? yes i am. But its an educated guess. So with that do we need to include tax and put it in the 3500 and over or not include tax and put it in the <3500 forum? hmmm lol jeff

Since it is based on MSRP - it goes to the other forum, IIRC.

Is it my imagination or have the horizontal and vertical input frequencies disappeared from the official spec?

http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/projectors/products/homeuse/hc5000/spec_b.html

Since it is based on MSRP - it goes to the other forum, IIRC.

OK, does it really matter if it is under by $1?

Ericglo

OK, does it really matter if it is under by $1?

Ericglo

It only matters because projectors over $2K get little attention on the other forum. Less than $1K and you've really got something. :)

a nice link where you can find and download a lot of interesting stuff of IFA..including HC5000...
http://ifa2006.net/

Very good question. Anyone who has access to these Mits engineers should ask this question and point out that panel alignment is one way that the HC5000 could potentially distinguish itself from the Pearl.

If I read it correctly, the cine4home review of the preproduction Pearl unit only showed .75 pixel vertical misconvergence for one of the panels. The other panels were perfect. A very good result. Hopefully, the final production units will be just as good.

If I read it correctly, the cine4home review of the preproduction Pearl unit only showed .75 pixel vertical misconvergence for one of the panels. The other panels were perfect. A very good result. Hopefully, the final production units will be just as good.

Exactly why I used the word "potentially".

Is it my imagination or have the horizontal and vertical input frequencies disappeared from the official spec?

http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/projectors/products/homeuse/hc5000/spec_b.html

they are back. now with 24p, too :)

But what about the rumoured 48p?

I read on a site that the HC5000 will be available in standard black or optional white. Is this correct?


From what I know the HC5000 will be available in black in the USA. In Europe only in white though...


I have seen the black version and it is very nice looking. :)



Regards,
Ekkehart

But what about the rumoured 48p?

That's a good question. Why isn't that listed in the specs?



From what I know the HC5000 will be available in black in the USA. In Europe only in white though...


I have seen the black version and it is very nice looking. :)



Regards,
Ekkehart


Thanks for that info. Black would be great for me. :)

That's a good question. Why isn't that listed in the specs?



I thought 48p was a display rate. The corresponding input rate was 1080p/24.

I thought 48p was a display rate. The corresponding input rate was 1080p/24.

It is. I was just curious as to why they haven't mentioned 48Hz output capability in the specs/features. Sorry I wasn't clear about that.

It is. I was just curious as to why they haven't mentioned 48Hz output capability in the specs/features. Sorry I wasn't clear about that.

I should have been more clear too. :D What I meant was that I think that the video compatibility section lists input, not output. I could be wrong though.

You're right it does list input. :)

For someone like myself that doesn't have an external VP I think seeing 48Hz output written somewhere on the feature list might help sell the product.

Then again I'm new to world of PJ's so what do I know. Obviously from my posts not much. :D

The IFA interview video posted in an earlier link had the Mitsubishi rep saying the HC5000U was going to be 3999Euros MSRP. I would guess the MSRP here would be the same, except in dollars, i.e. $3999? Even if the street price is lower, Mitsubishi may try and keep the flagship MSRP up there to try and get some more acceptance in the retail chain.

Hi,

...

I have seen the black version and it is very nice looking. :)

Regards,
Ekkehart

Black would be great for me too, but living in EUrope and from what Ekkehart said, we're though stuck with white here!? Another marketing stupidity! :mad:

Hugo

Hi,



Black would be great for me too, but living in EUrope and from what Ekkehart said, we're though stuck with white here!? Another marketing stupidity! :mad:

Hugo


You have to consider that unfortunately, the enthusiasts with need for a black machine are a minority. In Europe, nearly everyone prefers a white machine due to the light living-rooms.

This has nothing to do with stupid marketing, these are all decisions which have to be made to keep the costs down.

Regards,
Ekkehart

A similar situation exists with the Sharp Z3000 - White only in Europe, Black only here.

Hi Ekkehart,

You have to consider that unfortunately, the enthusiasts with need for a black machine are a minority. In Europe, nearly everyone prefers a white machine due to the light living-rooms.

This has nothing to do with stupid marketing, these are all decisions which have to be made to keep the costs down.

Regards,
Ekkehart

Sorry to disagree with you and the Mitsubishi politically correct singing.

Good marketing is when you offer the choice to the customer, even though this is in VERY little quantities.

Bad marketing is when you impose, whatever it is.

Making costs decrease, sure this is the best way to go, but this doesn't imply that you have to leave smartness in the cellar!

Have a nice WE.

Hugo

Hi Ekkehart,



Sorry to disagree with you and the Mitsubishi politically correct singing.

Good marketing is when you offer the choice to the customer, even though this is in VERY little quantities.

Bad marketing is when you impose, whatever it is.

Making costs decrease, sure this is the best way to go, but this doesn't imply that you have to leave smartness in the cellar!

Have a nice WE.

Hugo


I hope we can agree that the people getting paid to make marketing decisions at Mitsubishi probably have more of a handle of what will threaten their market share than we do.

Your opinion is borne out of frustration that you cannot get the color you want, while their opinion is the product of research, education, experience in the field and at that specific company, and with their entire customer base, and with the realities of their own expense sheets and marketing strategies.

Plenty of companies have a business model that shoots for price-control at the expense of customization options and/or variety, and many of these are successful businesses.

I hope we can agree that the people getting paid to make marketing decisions at Mitsubishi probably have more of a handle of what will threaten their market share than we do.

Your opinion is borne out of frustration that you cannot get the color you want, while their opinion is the product of research, education, experience in the field and at that specific company, and with their entire customer base.

Plenty of companies have a business model that shoots for price-control at the expense of customization options and/or variety, and many of these are successful businesses.

Do you mean that minorities are always wrong?... and should be kept to silence? Because only Big Brother knows!

Hugo ;)

Do you mean that minorities are always wrong?... and should be kept to silence? Because only Big Brother knows!

Hugo ;)

Of course not. I'm saying that there are many different business strategies that a company can use, and the right strategy for a particular situation depends upon many factors. Sure, companies can (and do) make mistakes, but even I have a hard time believing that the failure to provide black as an option in Europe is going to hurt Mitsubishi's bottom line, near or long term. But, I am the first to admit that the guys and gals working at Mitsubishi have much more information regarding this strategy than I, so I really don't have any leverage with which to speculate. And it sounds like you don't either.

Yeah... and I want a Ferrari-red one.. Shame on them for not providing it :D How politically incorrect!!

After all, you have always the option to paint it the way you want it ;-) The bottom is dark anyway an the top can be removed easily...

:p

Ekkehart

import the black one from the US. It will probaly work out cheaper as well.

Yeah... and I want a Ferrari-red one..
Ekkehart

Ferrari red? Now you're talkin!! That would match my theater color scheme! :D

are all you guys leaning toward the Mits or the Pearl? Picture will be close I think and pricing could be within $500 of each other. One thing is warranty and service, not to mention reliability. I don't care if it's pink (well sorta ;) ) if the pj is reliable, great picture, good bang for the buck, good service/warranty, yadda yadda yadda. ALL of my pj's have been sony lcds but this Mit's, from the reports thus far and talking to projectorpeople.com lends the favor towards the Mits.

Hard to say without seeing them, but at this point I am leaning toward the Mits. It sounds like the Pearl processing is lacking somewhat and many feel you need an external VP to get the most out of it. I dont feel one should have to spend ~$2000 extra on top of the projector price to get the unit looking great. The Mits has an excellent VP already, is cheaper, I could use my old mount and screen, etc.....But, when I see the units next weekend for myself I will probably have an even better idea. If the Pearl ends up clearly better without need for an external VP that would be great.

Personally if the price is only $500 difference, the Pearl is a no-brainer. SXRD is already proven to be excellent display technology whereas we're taking as an article of faith that the new LCD panels will put LCD on an even footing with DLP and SXRD. Maybe it will happen, but I'll have to see it for myself (and have the experts agree) before I'm convinced.

I'm not very concerned about the processing either, because:

A) Sony always uses proprietary processing and it always ends up being well regarded;
B) The processing should have SOME improvement over the Ruby, and the Ruby has been (just slightly) well regarded itself; and
C) If Sony had a complete nervous breakdown and for once released a PJ with awful processing, I plan on using quality DVD, HD-DVD players etc that should have pretty good processing on their own.

The only reason I'd be tempted by the Mits is it's amazing 5K hour lamp life - but of course that's nothing to take at face value either. If the price difference is $1K to $1.5K difference then there would be some agonizing.

Hope your right HTcrazy. A lot of people feel the ruby requires an outboard processor from my reading, and most hope the Pearl will simply be as good as the Ruby in this reguard. I dont think anything at this point is a no brainer since we have not seen either. Chances are you are right, but maybe the 5000 ends up being pretty amazing. If the processing is indeed better on the 5000 it could be the thing that makes it compete with the Pearl in real world picture quality.

Having said all this though, I am not biased either way and I simply want the one that produces the best picture without an outboard scaler. Fun times.... :)

A lot of people feel the ruby requires an outboard processor from my reading..
I do not recall a single Ruby owner making such a claim! I suspect most are not using a VP!

There is a difference between saying the Ruby can be improved by one of the latest generation Gennum(sp) or Realta based processors, particularly for Video sources, and saying it requires an outboard processor.

The majority of current pjs can be improved with a Crystallio class processor, the HC5000 will likely be no exception.

I sure hope you are right and the reading I have done is wrong, but like I said whatever produces the best image overall is the one I will throw my hard earned cash at. Cant wait for Cedia and I cant believe it is happening 15min from my house!

I don't recall seeing it anywhere - anybody know when you'll be able to buy on of these babies? I see Fall 2006 - anything more specific? Will AVS sell this unit?

Hope your right HTcrazy. A lot of people feel the ruby requires an outboard processor from my reading, and most hope the Pearl will simply be as good as the Ruby in this reguard.


I sure hope you are right and the reading I have done is wrong, but like I said whatever produces the best image overall is the one I will throw my hard earned cash at. Cant wait for Cedia and I cant believe it is happening 15min from my house!


Could you please quote or link where you read that it needs an outboard scaler? I think Darin told me that he was more than satisfied with the onboard scaler in the Ruby.

Ericglo

Could you please quote or link where you read that it needs an outboard scaler? I think Darin told me that he was more than satisfied with the onboard scaler in the Ruby.

Ericglo

The Ruby improves drastically with both the VantageHD and the Crystalio II. It is upto each owner to deceide if it is sufficent without. Myself isnt that impressed with the onboard processing. The 1080i film-material processing is very good, but even that improves a lot with the for an example with the VantageHD.

Well I'm in a situation where $4000 is stretching my budget already. For me, an external video processor is not an option. I also watch a large variety of sources: 480i standard digital satellite (Bell ExpressVu), 480i videogames from GameCube and PS2, 480i/480p DVD, 480p videogames from GameCube, PS2 and Xbox, 720p videogames from Xbox360, 720p/1080i HDTV from digital satellite and 1080i/1080p HD-DVD/Blu-ray (haven't got this yet, but I will soon :) )

So to me, it's very important that the onboard video processing is of high quality. I know that 480i digital satellite isn't going to look very good no matter how good the video processor is, but I also know from experience that some video processors can make 480i SDTV watchable while others can make it so bad that it hurts to look at it!

So to me, it matters very little if (as an example only) the Pearl, say, looks a bit better than the HC5000 when fed a pristine 1080p source. I want to know which one looks best with all other sources of different resolutions or interlaced formats using its own built-in video processor. One problem I find with shows like CEDIA is that there is often only one source being fed to the projectors and it is typically the highest quality source available. This makes sense, of course, in order to make the projector look its best on the show floor. But in the real world, I still watch a lot of 480i SDTV and other 480i sources. So I want to know which built-in processor is going to do the best job with the worst source! :p

By the way, does anyone know if the Reon VX can accept a 480i source via HDMI input? From the sounds of it, it may be a better deinterlacer than the Faroudja chip in the Oppo 971. If that's the case, then feeding it a 480i output from the HDMI output of the Oppo 970 may be a really good solution for DVDs!

Jon

By the way, does anyone know if the Reon VX can accept a 480i source via HDMI input?It's a question of the PJ accepting 480i over HDMI rather than the VX chip. But yes, the HC5000 will accept interlaced SD sources. The HQV processing should do a nice job.

Some more pics:

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/2136/mitsubishihc5000gi4jb2.jpg
Remote

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/1680/mitsubishihc5000gi2ld3.jpg
Top panel controls

Anybody know if the HQV processing can be switched OFF or is automatically bypassed if the input via (HDMI) is 1920x1080P (24P or 48P)?

Can the projector even input 48P and display it?

I already have an outboard scaler and I'd rather not do double conversion :)

From the pics, looks like there is no functional difference between HDMI and DVI inputs. :)

Hey Ericglo! Just do a search on the ruby and some reading through those threads and you will read what I am talking about. I wish I could give you an exact link, but it would take a bit of searching. If you are interested, do a search and you will read what I am talking about.

Hope your right HTcrazy. A lot of people feel the ruby requires an outboard processor from my reading, and most hope the Pearl will simply be as good as the Ruby in this reguard. I dont think anything at this point is a no brainer since we have not seen either. Chances are you are right, but maybe the 5000 ends up being pretty amazing. If the processing is indeed better on the 5000 it could be the thing that makes it compete with the Pearl in real world picture quality.


As Hoya said, good external scalers will benefit any projector, but even though most don't use a scaler it hasn't prevented the Ruby from being King around here for quite awhile now.

There are some LCD artifacts that I've gotten tired of such as LCD haze in mixed brightness scenes etc. And having seen how amazing SXRD technology is, for nearly the same price I'd definitely go so SXRD. Of course the proof is in the puddin' but for me, my projector is on the fritz and I need something quick so I won't have time to wait for endless user reviews. I have to pick a technology and go with it.

Hopefully you'll have plenty of time to wait for reviews and a couple months after as the "gotchas" start being known/documented allowing you to be more pragmatic, get the best bank per buck etc.

I agree HTcrazy. I am going to try and be patient for a few months to see how the user reviews pan out if I cant make a clear winner at Cedia, but I may just pull the trigger on the Pearl as well since I have lusted after a Ruby for months now but did not want to spend that much. I dont think we can go wrong either way and both should be verry impressive! :)

I just recently saw a Ruby for the first time and thought it looked awesome, so I know I will like the Pearl. It just seemed so much cleaner looking than the lcd projectors I have owned (Z3 and AE900). I cant wait to upgrade!

From what I know the HC5000 will be available in black in the USA. In Europe only in white though...


I have seen the black version and it is very nice looking. :)



Regards,
Ekkehart

Here a look on the black version :D

cu, Stephan

I just recently saw a Ruby for the first time and thought it looked awesome, so I know I will like the Pearl. It just seemed so much cleaner looking than the lcd projectors I have owned (Z3 and AE900). I cant wait to upgrade!

That's good to hear since I have a pearl on order....have had nothing but sony lcds as far back as '97.

Here a look on the black version :D

cu, Stephan
Black version looks AWESOME! But I'm gonna stick w/ my Pearl pre-order.

Black version looks AWESOME!.....

I agree. That's a great looking PJ!

Thanks for the pic xraycer and welcome to the forums.

Here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8398760&&#post8398760) a look on the black version :D

cu, Stephan



... a black version that won't be available in Europe (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8390789&&#post8390789). :mad: (the same Ferrari-red as mentionned by Ekkehart (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8393287&&#post8393287) :D )

Hugo ;)

The white casing suits me fine.

I want black... :(

I like the black alot....

Definitely black.

Always bet on black.

you tell em Wesley Pipes !! lol ;) jeff

I cant wait for this weekend and all the reviews esp. this one and the panny! Dont forget ur cameras when you go!!!! Wish I could be there.-- jeff

Always bet on black.

Now there's a quote from a movie that I'd like to see on HD DVD.



I cant wait for this weekend and all the reviews esp.

That's for sure. I'm hoping that there will be enough info that I can start leaning towards one of the PJs in my sig.

From
http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/projectors/products/homeuse/hc5000/spec_b.html

"Computer compatibility VGA 640 x 480 ~ SXGA 1280 x 1024
Sync on Green available"

If this thing can't take 1920x1080p from a PC and pixel map it, no thanks.

I also like it black, but the FULL HD logo on the front really gives it some flash.

"Computer compatibility VGA 640 x 480 ~ SXGA 1280 x 1024
Sync on Green available"

If this thing can't take 1920x1080p from a PC and pixel map it, no thanks.

Lets hope that's only a limitation of the vga/analogue PC input, and not digital DVI.

Gary

I also like it black, but the FULL HD logo on the front really gives it some flash.

The only flash you have to worry about is muzzle flash when my sister shoots you for buying it. You should have never married her you could have had cooler toys like me.

Contents of the first post updated. :)

Nice pic Grubert. I can't wait to see this baby hooked up with the single yellow composite cable! But seriously I hope that full hd label peels off easily as it will be upside-down when ceiling mounted.

Press release:

Sep 13, 2006 10:30

Mitsubishi Announces 1080p Projector Featuring Reon-VX HQV Video Processing

SAN JOSE, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 13, 2006 Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc. has raised the bar once again for price/performance with the introduction of their new HC5000BL 1080p projector, featuring the latest LCD technology and integrated Reon-VX HQV(R) video processing from Silicon Optix for $4495 (MSRP).
"After months of careful evaluation, we chose HQV processing for our new 1080p projector because it brings out amazing detail and clarity of high-definition (HD) material, from strands of hair to freckles on faces," said James Chan, director, product marketing, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics, America's Presentation Products Division. "For regular DVDs and standard-definition (SD) material, HQV processing does an incredible job of making SD material approach HD quality."

Mitsubishi's HC5000BL has integrated Reon-VX HQV processing, which provides true HQV four-field, motion-adaptive, per-pixel, HD deinterlacing to deliver the sharpest, most detailed HD images possible. The HQV multi-directional diagonal filter removes any "jaggies" and/or stair-step artifacts from deinterlaced video sources without blurring the image, while sophisticated HQV noise-reduction technology removes the noise and artifacts caused by compression.

The HC5000BL is designed with new inorganic LCD panels that are more durable and provide a more color-consistent, even-toned image than previous generation LCD panels. The LCD optical engine is enclosed to prevent dust from entering it, which decreases the number of particles landing on the LCD panels and keeps the image cleaner.

Using Mitsubishi's exclusive algorithms to control its dynamic iris, the HC5000BL also boasts one of the highest contrast ratios available today, achieving an unprecedented 10,000:1 for the most exacting features in dark areas of an images. These new algorithms detect and maximize color information as well as luminance, creating realistic detail in film noir and action flicks.

With up to 5000 hours of lamp-life (in Low mode), HC5000BL owners won't have to change lamps often. But when that's necessary, the new projector's design makes lamp replacement quick and easy. Through an easily accessed lamp housing, users simply switch lamps without having to take the mounting structure apart or physically handle the projector.

The HC5000BL provides HDMI and DVI connectors, allowing for a true digital-to-digital link between the projector and its image sources. Available in standard black or optional white, the 1000-ANSI-lumens projector offers powered lens shift and powered zoom for easy installation and setup, making it perfect for home theater environments.

"We are thrilled to be working with one of the true experts in projection," said Ney Christensen, VP of Sales, Silicon Optix. "Mitsubishi is breaking new ground in delivering 1080p projection along with HQV processing at this amazing price."

Price, Availability, Warranty

The suggested retail price of Mitsubishi's new HC5000BL is $4495. It will be available in October 2006 through authorized Mitsubishi dealers. The projector comes with Mitsubishi's two-year limited warranty on parts and labor, plus a 90-day warranty on the lamp.

For more information on HQV processing, please go to http://www.HQV.com.

So MSRP is $4500, just 500 less than the Pearl. I bet the street prices will leave a bigger gap between the two.

So MSRP is $4500, just 500 less than the Pearl. I bet the street prices will leave a bigger gap between the two.

One would hope so!

I'm hoping the street price will really sag on the mitsu over next spring, the slightly higher MSRP is kinda hampering my plans.

So MSRP is $4500, just 500 less than the Pearl. I bet the street prices will leave a bigger gap between the two.
I thought MSRP on the Pearl was $5,499 with MAP $4,999?

I thought MSRP on the Pearl was $5,499 with MAP $4,999?

$4,999 was the price listed at SonyStyle. Not sure what "MAP" stands for.

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=tv_FrontProjectionTVs&ProductSKU=VPLVW50&TabName=specs&var2=

Not sure what "MAP" stands for.Minimum Advertised Price.

Dan

It's on sale at Sony Style for $5000. You'd think they would be selling for their own MSRP.

One would hope so!

I'm hoping the street price will really sag on the mitsu over next spring, the slightly higher MSRP is kinda hampering my plans.

It should, the Pearl will put pressure from the top end being SXRD technology and the Panny will put pressure on the low end as it sinks down into the low $2K's over the coming months. Given the competition (just that we know about now) I'd expect the price-to-move of the Mitz to be around $3K when the dust settles. Say between $3K and $3.5K.

If I can get one for 3K that would be really really sweet.

Would the HC5000 be bright enough for a 102" Wide matt white screen in a dark room?

Would the HC5000 be bright enough for a 102" Wide matt white screen in a dark room?

No problem.. Plenty bright.

What I really really want is a shootout between all the under $5000 MSRP 1080p projectors that will be out by the end of the year. From the sounds of it, that would only include the Pearl, HC5000 and AE-1000U, but the Epson 1080 might show up as well and perhaps the JVC or a 1080p DLP will enter this market as well.

As far as a 1080p pj for around $4000 by Christmas goes though, I think it'll be between those 3.

Everyone's expecting the Panny to be the cheepest, but I'm not so sure. Manual lens shift and in house processing certainly point to a lower price though. I'm wondering if the HC5000 may actually end up having a hard time being in the middle or these 3 in terms of price. The Pearl may deliver the better out and out image for not much more money, while the Panny may deliver nearly the same image as the HC5000 but for less money!

To me, I think it all comes down to the internal processor/deinterlacer/scaler and the final image that is produced as a result. This Mitsu still has my favor, but I'm really hoping for a shootout and soon!

Jon

There's no way the Epson 1080p will be around $5K. They were asking $4500 for the 800 last year. The current 720p with external scaler is listing at $6K i believe...and Epsons sell as list..there is no street. The 1080 model will be north of the Pearl.

Complete lack of sales very often adjusts a manufacturer's attitude on pricing.

BB

Complete lack of sales very often adjusts a manufacturer's attitude on pricing.

BB

With most manufacturers that's the case but Epson is a strange egg in that regard, specifically with the HT units.

Seeing as they basically supply the market with the LCD panels in the first place and they get bucks from just about every LCD unit sold - it's very probable that they are bound by contracts with the companies they supply as to how they can compete in the marketplace with their own products. Why else would the Mit's be first to the market with C2 Fine panels when Epson makes them?

I'm torn between the Pearl and Mits, but I think the Mits will work better for my room setup. But I have my current pj shelf mounted at the top of the screen height. I just flip it over since it's a flat Panny 500. But the Mits looks like it's not even on top. So wouldn't it be difficult to shelf mount it above the screen?

I know someone mentioned it being able to be 25% above or below the screen, but if it's above, you still have to flip it over, right? How would you get it level?

No, I don't think so, it's 25% up or down so on a 50" high screen you could have the center of the lense up to 12.5" above the top of the screen without flipping it.

Wow, that would be sweet. I know someone said there Sony HS51 would do that, but I still find it hard to believe. I guess I'm used to my Panasonic that has to be flipped. If that's accurate, I think that puts the Mits over the top for me. I would have to do a fair amount of work to accomodate the Pearl because I have my current PJ in a home made box to hide it.

http://aycu02.webshots.com/image/2561/2003612073899137497_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003612073899137497)

Question to people who have seen the Mits up close: is it possible to attach filters to the optics?

Do we yet know the offset of this projector? Neutral position for lens shift might not be the middle position where projector is placed at the center of the screen.

Product brochure: http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/projectors/download/catalog/hc5000_catalog.pdf

Lens shift:

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/6977/lshc5000sl3.jpg

I will be glad when there is a complete review that shows actual lumens rather than theoretical ones. I understand our German friends will be doing this soon.

As far as 1920 x 1080 resolution projectors that we can actually buy within the next month for under $5000, I guess it really comes down to this Mitsu HC5000 and the Sony Pearl. As such, a thorough head-to-head seems vital. The specs between the two (other than physical size and weight) are all really really close and the price is close as well (at least going by MAP).

For me, it's all going to come down to which of the two can give me the best image for ALL my sources. I actually expect that the Pearl will outperform the HC5000 when fed a pristine 1080p source. Afterall, the SXRD panels have higher native contrast and much higher fill factor as well as faster response times. But for 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i sources, the internal video processor/scaler/de-interlacer is going to come into play and that could have a large and significant impact. I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of picture quality on the pristine 1080p sources (which I'm darn sure are still going to look fantastic on the HC5000!) if it means that my other non-1080p sources look better.

So I guess it really boils down to HQV-Reon VX vs. the single-chip video processing solution from Sony in the Pearl. My guess is that the Reon VX chip is going to be superior. Combine that with what should still be a slightly lower price, a smaller, lighter package (while I'd do what I have to with the Pearl, the HC5000 will be easier to ceiling mount because of its smaller size and weight) and a slightly quieter fan and I'm all but set to buy this HC5000 as soon as I can read or hear a couple of reviews.

The Pearl doesn't have to blow the HC5000 away since they're so close in price. But I think that it does have to be better in order to justify that higher price. If the internal VP can't compete with the Reon VX in the HC5000, then that'll certainly settle this for me.

What an awesome time in front projection! :D

Jon

Even though MSRP between the two is only $500 different, I think street prices will be much farther apart (see the Cedia HC5000 thread). For me, if the difference is greater than $1K, I'm going to take a hard look at the Mits and $1.5 will get it done. Less than $1K and I'd have to go with the Sony. (prefer the brand AND the technology)

I agree that the processing isn't a big concern for me though you bring up a good point about non-HD content. Still, Sony has always done a good job in the past with their own processing and in this case I doubt it would be much of a downgrade from the Ruby.

Can't wait for the head to head :).

There's no way the Epson 1080p will be around $5K. They were asking $4500 for the 800 last year. The current 720p with external scaler is listing at $6K i believe...and Epsons sell as list..there is no street. The 1080 model will be north of the Pearl.

This link indicates epson 1080p price of under $5k. No availability date given, unfortunately.

http://www.audioholics.com/cedia/cedia2004/EpsonPowerLite1080projecto.php

I am as well just waiitng for someone to get their hands on one of these units.

I want to go with the pearl but i also want to project a 133 diag screen so i would have to use max zoom. In that case the contrast will drop to around the same the mits is suposed to output.

Pearl will still have greater native contrast though.... Ofcourse how well the Mits implements their DI is still unknown.

SDE was a concern but it sounds like 1.2x shouldnt be an issue.

The lcd might give the perception of a sharper image so that could be a plus. (althought I remember people used to claim dlp gave a smoother image then lcd and that was a plus. Now it seems people are saying dlp give a sharper image then lcos and thats a plus. guess its the sweetspot? or maybe people just cant decide if they want a film like image or a video like image?)

I dont mind the processing that much I'd rather get the projector that gives that best image from a 1080p source. I can always upgrade with an external processor at a later date and it would be cheaper then replacing my projector.


Hopefully the Mits will have a good implementation for the DI.

too many factors making me flipflop lol.

http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/projectors/download/catalog/hc5000_catalog.pdf

In case anyone hasn't seen this, here's the catolog.

Are D6 lcd panels the same as Cine2Fine?

Can the 5000 accept a 1080p signal through its component input?

I posted this question in the other thread as well in hopes that I could get an answer.

Are D6 lcd panels the same as Cine2Fine?
The D6 panels are the latest generation of LCD panel from Epson with Crystal Clear Fine or C2Fine technology. Here's a press release from last year that will help you.

http://www.epson.co.jp/e/newsroom/2005/news_2005_05_24.htm

Checked out the catalog and the diagram of the pj for vertical lens shift seems to clearly show it never needs to be inverted, so that one is finally put to rest (I realize others were already sure of it).

So I'm buying this one. I can pop it in my old place without any changes.

I was thinking of the Pearl, but you know, everyone's jumping on the Pearl bandwagon. I think I want to be a little counter-culture on this one and go Mits! Otherwise, who will they have to argue with about who has the better picture! :D :D

Checked out the catalog and the diagram of the pj for vertical lens shift seems to clearly show it never needs to be inverted, so that one is finally put to rest (I realize others were already sure of it).

So I'm buying this one. I can pop it in my old place without any changes.

I was thinking of the Pearl, but you know, everyone's jumping on the Pearl bandwagon. I think I want to be a little counter-culture on this one and go Mits! Otherwise, who will they have to argue with about who has the better picture! :D :D

So I'm thinking pretty much the samething. This PJ would fit perfectly in replacement of my PJTX200. Plus my brother-in-law got probably the first pearl in the US, through Alan. If I was to purchase the Pearl. There would be nothing for us to argue about, besides maybe whose got the better screen. :D

Waiting for up close reviews, but definitely leaning towards the purchase of the Mits. Nothing to do with price. Very excited.

Checked out the catalog and the diagram of the pj for vertical lens shift seems to clearly show it never needs to be inverted, so that one is finally put to rest (I realize others were already sure of it).

So I'm buying this one. I can pop it in my old place without any changes.

I was thinking of the Pearl, but you know, everyone's jumping on the Pearl bandwagon. I think I want to be a little counter-culture on this one and go Mits! Otherwise, who will they have to argue with about who has the better picture! :D :D

That's funny Jack'I am thinking the Mit to.Plus it has more lens shift and processing.BUDDA

It's interesting that, now the Pearl is available, a lot of the talk is of its (minor) flaws - shading, light leakage, convergence, etc. I hope that when the Mits hits the streets all the great feedback we've had so far is translated into a great product.

http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/projectors/download/catalog/hc5000_catalog.pdf
Anyone spot that it ships with an RS-232 cable? That's promising!

It's interesting that, now the Pearl is available, a lot of the talk is of its (minor) flaws - shading, light leakage, convergence, etc. I hope that when the Mits hits the streets all the great feedback we've had so far is translated into a great product.Isn't this the case with every single projector released so far? I expect the same thing to happen with HC5000 also.

Checked out the catalog and the diagram of the pj for vertical lens shift seems to clearly show it never needs to be inverted, so that one is finally put to rest (I realize others were already sure of it).

So I'm buying this one. I can pop it in my old place without any changes.

:D :D

The catalog is the same diagram we looked at before. How does it clearly show the project in an upright position when shelf mounted. I can't see it (maybe I'm missing something.

The catalog is the same diagram we looked at before. How does it clearly show the project in an upright position when shelf mounted. I can't see it (maybe I'm missing something.It shows clearly that the projector is in an upright position because the projector in the picture is in an upright position (feet down). ;)

Isn't this the case with every single projector released so far? I expect the same thing to happen with HC5000 also.Hey! I'm trying to remain wildly optimistic here! :D

The catalog is the same diagram we looked at before. How does it clearly show the project in an upright position when shelf mounted. I can't see it (maybe I'm missing something.
The other diagram we had seen didn't have any orientation of the pj in it, it was just a rounded rectangle. The new one shows the feet and the shape of the lens assembly that all stay in the same orientation from the low to middle to high picture.

So does it look like the intake and exhaust are on the sides? Hmm, I may have to alter my home made box configuration for better ventilation.

What I personally find amazing is that we're talking about a LCD projector competeing in a real out and out, head to head way at all! I mean, in the past we could use price, higher resolution for that price and installation flexibility (lens shift and large zoom range) as reasons to justify the purchase of a LCD projector, but it was always a given that we were sacrificing out and out picture quality in the process when compared to DLP or LCOS projectors. That's still happening a little bit in this case, but if the price of the Pearl and HC5000 really do end up being within $500 of each other, it really says something that the HC5000 would be considered at all!

To me, it's DLP that really has to prove itself now. Unless there are some sizeable price drops before release, single-chip 1080p DLP projectors are going to hit the market at a significantly (at least to us middle class folks :p ) higher price while offering less (or no) lens shift, much smaller zoom range and be louder than their LCD and LCOS competition. To me, that means they better darn well have a better out and out picture in order to justify lacking in those areas.

Thing is, I'm really not complaining! No matter how you cut it, this is GREAT for buyers! Prices are just going to keep coming down and it looks like they'll do so quite quickly! I mean the Pearl went from being $5500 MSRP to selling for $5000 right off the bat from Sony themselves! Mitsu seems darned aggressive in pricing as do Optoma and BenQ. To have them all slugging it out while putting out such high quality products seems almost too good to be true!

Jon

Jeez, I just purchased my Mits HC3000U from Jason in August now I'm salivating over this projector... :p

It's interesting that, now the Pearl is available, a lot of the talk is of its (minor) flaws - shading, light leakage, convergence, etc. I hope that when the Mits hits the streets all the great feedback we've had so far is translated into a great product.

Funny you should mention this. The main reason that I am back to considering the HC5000 is because of the "shading" on the Pearl. You know, I find the term "shading" to be a cute little word that almost seems to minimize the issue. Over in the RPTV forum, they refer these SXRD color continuity issues as lots of different things, but "shading" is not one of them.

I realize that someone is going to want to pop up and remind us that no projector is perfect. But these kinds of color problems in an SXRD device scare the heck out me, since I know the history here. This is just my opinion -- I'm not trying to sway anyone or change anyone's mind. I am simply trying to make the best decision for myself, and I do not want to buy a Sony SXRD projector that displays pink and green on white-field images. Contrary to what many say, these will be clearly visible on some content. Case in point: You know, sometimes, the screen really is a uniform white field. Snow scenes and foggy scenes also bring them out. And if you plan to search the Web on your projector, get ready for lots of multi-colored fun on Google and lots of other Web sites. I have seen this sort of problem on the Ruby too, but people don't complain about it on the Ruby, so it must not be much of a problem or else the people who own them are not sensitive to it.

If companies like Brillian and JVC can achieve uniform whites with LCOS, Sony really should be able to do this too. Why they do not is beyond me.

I still might end up buying a Pearl. But for now, I am waiting for more feedback on the Pearl and the Mits before I decide.

That pdf does say that it's 75% up or down for vertical shift.

... if the price of the Pearl and HC5000 really do end up being within $500 of each other, it really says something that the HC5000 would be considered at all!


I think it still comes down to price. Even though MSRP is $500 apart, people are pre-ordering the HC5000 in Japan already for more than $1K under MSRP. For that kind of price difference many people (like myself) will consider new and improved LCD even if we thought SXRD is the better technology.

I honestly don't think any LCD projector that streets for just $500 under the Pearl will have much of a chance.

BTW certain companies like Epson seem to hold out for the price regardless of the competition. Others like Sony and Panasonic like to price leading mavericks - and Sanyo comes a few steps behind playing me too with Panasonic. Where does Mits fit in? Do they typically price to move and keep up with the leaders, or do they lag or seem less responsive with PJ pricing?

I think it still comes down to price. Even though MSRP is $500 apart, people are pre-ordering the HC5000 in Japan already for more than $1K under MSRP. For that kind of price difference many people (like myself) will consider new and improved LCD even if we thought SXRD is the better technology.

I honestly don't think any LCD projector that streets for just $500 under the Pearl will have much of a chance.

BTW certain companies like Epson seem to hold out for the price regardless of the competition. Others like Sony and Panasonic like to price leading mavericks - and Sanyo comes a few steps behind playing me too with Panasonic. Where does Mits fit in? Do they typically price to move and keep up with the leaders, or do they lag or seem less responsive with PJ pricing?

I think they are generally price competitive, but it's so hard to judge over the past few years because of the rapid changing technologies and advances.

It's interesting that you would equate Sony with being a price leading maverick. My experience, at least here in Canada, is that Sony puts out quality products but retailers tend to overprice them because of the "name".

I would wait to see what a direct comparison between the two would yield before speculating on their head to head value. I think the Mits will be a tremendous value by general standards on its own, as will the Pearl obviously.

But, I also think there could be a tremendous value advantage for the Mits with the HQV Reon chip for those of us that don't have video processors and have a lot of SD DVD's and a player that can output 480i via HDMI.

Either way I don't think anyone will disappointed with either unit - exciting times indeed. ;)

From
http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/projectors/products/homeuse/hc5000/spec_b.html

"Computer compatibility VGA 640 x 480 ~ SXGA 1280 x 1024
Sync on Green available"

If this thing can't take 1920x1080p from a PC and pixel map it, no thanks.




It doesn't easily take 1920x1080 as an input over hd15. We were able to get an acceptable image with a little tweaking of timing. ymmv

"But, I also think there could be a tremendous value advantage for the Mits with the HQV Reon chip for those of us that don't have video processors and have a lot of SD DVD's and a player that can output 480i via HDMI."

Has it been confirmed that the mits will accept 480/576i via HDMI?

It doesn't easily take 1920x1080 as an input over hd15. We were able to get an acceptable image with a little tweaking of timing. ymmv

There's also the option of getting one of the new video cards that has HDMI out and HDCP support.

"But, I also think there could be a tremendous value advantage for the Mits with the HQV Reon chip for those of us that don't have video processors and have a lot of SD DVD's and a player that can output 480i via HDMI."

Has it been confirmed that the mits will accept 480/576i via HDMI?


I don't know if it's been "confirmed" per se but, the specs indicate that is does.

The specs listed on their site;

"Video signals: NTSC / NTSC 4.43 / PAL (including PAL-M, N) / SECAM / PAL-60
480i/p(525i/p), 576i/p(625i/p), 720p(750p 50/60Hz), 1080i(1125i 50/60Hz),
1080p(1125p 24/50/60Hz), (1080i(1250i 50Hz) is not available); SCART (RGB + 1V sync)"

I don't know if it's been "confirmed" per se but, the specs indicate that is does.

The specs listed on their site;

"Video signals: NTSC / NTSC 4.43 / PAL (including PAL-M, N) / SECAM / PAL-60
480i/p(525i/p), 576i/p(625i/p), 720p(750p 50/60Hz), 1080i(1125i 50/60Hz),
1080p(1125p 24/50/60Hz), (1080i(1250i 50Hz) is not available); SCART (RGB + 1V sync)"Those signals are combined from all the inputs. For example most likely you can't input say 1080/24p via s-video, so this means all of those signals may not be usable with HDMI also. :) I would be positively surprised if 480/576i is possible via HDMI, since this is still a little awkward signal and to my knowledge no projector yet (?) accepts this signal.

Pearl has already sold for 3.5 on ebay. Run an expired ad search, you'll see what happened last week. Awesome, i think that having two competitors like these will result in a spring buying spree.

As for DLP, it is becoming more and more like the tube amp 2 channel vinyl record, dear to some, history to others. Film reels and color wheels will be history soon.

I would be positively surprised if 480/576i is possible via HDMI, since this is still a little awkward signal and to my knowledge no projector yet (?) accepts this signal.

Wouldn't that be due to the fact that no PJ has had an outboard quality processor like the HQV or Gennum to date?

It doesn't easily take 1920x1080 as an input over hd15. We were able to get an acceptable image with a little tweaking of timing. ymmv

Vid Card or pj timing? If pj, is timing control readily accessible from User Menu or is there an accessible Service Menu?

Will the DVI_D input handle 1080p? Since the unit only has 1 HDMI input, this is somewhat of an issue for us HTPC users who also wish for next gen optical devices.

ted

If I find one for $2900 (under $3K) I am in......

Pearl has already sold for 3.5 on ebay. Run an expired ad search, you'll see what happened last week. Awesome, i think that having two competitors like these will result in a spring buying spree.

As for DLP, it is becoming more and more like the tube amp 2 channel vinyl record, dear to some, history to others. Film reels and color wheels will be history soon.

Tube amps are still the best guitar amps.Allways will be.But i like all of the other technologies.Pearl for 3.5 would be sweet. ;) BUDDA

Still no more new info on this PJ??

I don't think we'll hear much until these things go on sale...

It appears to be available now. I've found it at a Mitsubishi Online Dealer. (I don't believe forum rules allow posting the dealer name, but it's someone known to AVS posters from another Misubishi thread.) And the price is significantly under the MSRP.

OK Bob, stop being a boyscout and spill. Have you verified they have one in stock? They're probably doing a preorder since they're not even due to be released in Japan until the 12th of this month. Hmmm, Thursday the 12th - probably moved it back from Friday the 13th. :D

If they actually DO have one in stock, this thread is about to take off.

its pre order, price is at $4999, so more than the pearl. Perhaps the price is wrong?

Thou im probaly lookin at a different site

:D I finally broke down and just bought the Pearl. So could you guys do me a favor? If the HC5000 turns out to be the better projector, please do not tell me! :D

Just kidding. Hopefully someone can run some real tests on this unit soon! :D

Quick, Gremmy! Unsubscribe from this thread.

-tony

its pre order, price is at $4999, so more than the pearl. Perhaps the price is wrong?

Thou im probaly lookin at a different site

Wasnt the MRSP $4599: I thought is was set at about $500 less than the Pearl. THe site I saw the $4999 price at said call for availablity; maybe trying to capture the really early adopters.

:D I finally broke down and just bought the Pearl. So could you guys do me a favor? If the HC5000 turns out to be the better projector, please do not tell me! :D

Just kidding. Hopefully someone can run some real tests on this unit soon! :D

Back away from all non-Pearl threads and I'd even recommend this entire forum once you have your Pearl configured and tweaked. Feel good that you have a breakthrough price/performance projector at the time you bought it, and make sure you have nothing to do with this forum by the time people start posting their "I just got my new Pearl for $3K" or their "My Panasonic AE 1000 for $1800 kicks A$$ on the Ruby" threads. ;)

OK Bob, stop being a boyscout and spill.

On my honor, I will do my duty to God and my country,
To the projector and USA,
For the betterment of home theater EVERYWHERE.

I didn't verify availability because I'm afraid if I do, my scout ethics will require that I do myself a good turn and order one.

EDIT:

According to a post further down in this thread, AVS has an order of these coming to them now. In the past, I've found Jason at AVS to be helpful with excellent support and always competitive prices, so AVS would be a good first place to start shopping.

:D I finally broke down and just bought the Pearl. So could you guys do me a favor? If the HC5000 turns out to be the better projector, please do not tell me! :DYou cannot have made the wrong choice, gremmy, because I, too, chose the Pearl. How about that for a (AV) science forum?

Dan

On my honor, I will do my duty to God and my country,
To the projector and USA,
For the betterment of home theater EVERYWHERE.

I didn't verify availability because I'm afraid if I do, my scout ethics will require that I do myself a good turn and order one.


Wow you were right and what's more, they expect stock in this Friday! I wish I hadn't gone to the site now, because I'm awfully tempted. I planned on upgrading sometime next year, but the HC5000 is awfully tempting. I must exercise restraint.....

Jeez, I just purchased my Mits HC3000U from Jason in August now I'm salivating over this projector... :p


When's delivery?

On my honor, I will do my duty to God and my country,
To the projector and USA,
For the betterment of home theater EVERYWHERE.


Brings tears to my eyes. :o

On my honor, I will do my duty to God and my country,
To the projector and USA,
For the betterment of home theater EVERYWHERE.

I didn't verify availability because I'm afraid if I do, my scout ethics will require that I do myself a good turn and order one.
Wow. I see a 1080p LCD projector my future (possibly within the year) if this is where prices are going to start from! :eek:
-Matt

Double Wow. It's pre-ordering for $500 less than the above site a certain Japanese importer as well! Good times ahead.
-Matt

do you think it will be brighter than the Pearl? I'm not going to bawk at a small price difference.....I just want the rez, the contrast, and brightness that can rival my Sony HS20!

Sounds like the Pearl is pretty bright throwing ~800 lum calibrated.

So if this pj is available now, how come knowone here has one yet? I really want to see a head to head comparison with the pearl. Come on you guys, get out your credit cards!

I found a site that is accepting orders for this pj at WELL under MSRP. Very exciting indeed.

Nice find Boblinds!!!

I won't give any exact prices but they're preordering them in Japan . It can't be long after they're introduced that you should be able to find them for $3K on the street IMO, and unless they're seen as a significant step down from the Pearl, that will be my magic price point.

Does AVS sell them? Not that I am buying one anytime soon.

The Pearl throws about 700 lumens calibrated in high mode. In low mode, it's significantly less (I seem to remember less than 400 lumens).

Its not out for delivery yet, some dealers perhaps wants preorders but they will not be able to deliver just yet.

I just received the latest version of this one (have had one presample without iris a couple of weeks) and the IRIS is not yet tweaked to its fullest. They say this one is at 95%.

Havocsi,

C'mon man, get typing. Spill the beans on your impressions of the image quality. Of particular interest is the brightness of the projector and its native contrast (IRIS disabled).

So if this pj is available now, how come knowone here has one yet? I really want to see a head to head comparison with the pearl. Come on you guys, get out your credit cards!

Does AVS sell them? Not that I am buying one anytime soon.

Jason from AVS told me yesterday that they will be shipping sometime later this month.

So AVS does sell them. Maybe we should harass Jason to put together a powerbuy.

This is what my dealer had to say. By the way he sells both the Sony Pearl and the Mits HC5000, so I don't think he is bias (can't say for sure).

This is what he said when I asked him the price on the Pearl. He gave me a very good price for both of them about a $600 difference between the Sony and Mits. I won't tell you who it is as I respect this form, so don't ask.

"There is, however, an interesting option that I am morally obligated to mention (note that I'm not trying to muddy the water). Mitsubishi just shipped the new HC5000's. We have several en route to us...arriving Friday/Monday. This model was involved in a shootout with the Sony VPL-VW50 and our team felt that it was at worst a tie, at best they gave the Mitsu a slight nod in terms of image performance."

Interesting.... Very Interesting :)

Daniel

This is what my dealer had to say. By the way he sells both the Sony Pearl and the Mits HC5000, so I don't think he is bias (can't say for sure).

This is what he said when I asked him the price on the Pearl. He gave me a very good price for both of them about a $600 difference between the Sony and Mits. I won't tell you who it is as I respect this form, so don't ask.

"There is, however, an interesting option that I am morally obligated to mention (note that I'm not trying to muddy the water). Mitsubishi just shipped the new HC5000's. We have several en route to us...arriving Friday/Monday. This model was involved in a shootout with the Sony VPL-VW50 and our team felt that it was at worst a tie, at best they gave the Mitsu a slight nod in terms of image performance."

Interesting.... Very Interesting :)

Daniel

Nice...let the battle begin!

So AVS does sell them. Maybe we should harass Jason to put together a powerbuy.

He's already a step ahead of you. :D

Daniel,
Did you have any details as to the shootout such as comparisons of brightness, contrast, video processing, etc.?

The Mitsubishi has a clear edge in image processing with motion-adaptive, per-pixel deinterlace for 1080i, whereas the Sony has inferior motion-adaptive, region-based deinterlace for 1080i signals.

I suspect the Mitsubishi will outperform the Sony on 1080i HDTV material from broadcast, cable, and satellite sources, where the per-pixel deinterlace gives it a significant advantage. However, I also expect the Sony to win any comparison done with properly flagged IVTC content (like HD-DVD), and any comparison using an external deinterlace solution like the DVDO iScan VP50.

Daniel,
Did you have any details as to the shootout such as comparisons of brightness, contrast, video processing, etc.?

No details at all, what I posted was from the one and only e-mail I got. Take it for what it is worth. By the way when he couldn't get me the Pany AE900 he recommended the Sony HS60 when they carry the Mits HC3000 (not that this tells you anything since it was LCD(AE900)/LCD(HS60) as apposed to LCD(AE900)/DLP (HC3000), but it tells me he isn't necessarily Mits bias).

Does this help clarify? I didn’t think so
:p

Daniel

I can comment some on the HC5000.

It is definetly very sharp, they have succeded very well with the optics on this one. The processing is also top-notch (as expected) and we actually prefer to let the mitsu handle the processing compared to the DVD-players we have tested against it.

We have had two different ones, the first one without a working IRIS and a second one with an IRIS that is not fully implemented (mitsu says 95%). The second one has a lot better blacklevel with its working IRIS and it also produces better colors than the pre pre sample.

It is also plenty bright, we have no problem with using it on a 135" studiotek. I have not had the time to do all measurements on it yet but I would guess it does produce not very far of the specs in terms of luminance.

Thanks for the comments, Havocsi. What about screendoor?

Havocsi -

I know its not fully implemented but can you give some impressions on the DI?

That is very rencouraging, especially with respect to the light output. You mentioned that it is plenty bright on a 135" StudioTek. Was this with the projector in low lamp mode? Also, if you do get a chance to take measurements, could you check the light output at minimum and maximum zoom.

Any light spill? Thanks for the initial review.

Havocsi,
With the 2nd gen pj you got, how did shadow details look? Did it come close to the same as the pearl. I saw the pearl at a store, but it did lack the lumens that I was looking for. Keep the comments coming!

sounds like in a week or so we will get a lot more information. hoping cine4home posts something soon......

This is killing me :) Pearl or Mits... I have a feeling I'm not the only one in this boat...

lol no your not.

any info on whether it has a vertically stretch mode?

Uli from Cine4home said that they are hoping to do their shootout Pearl, HC5000 and whatever else on Oct 28/29. Seems so far away.

hopefully they will preview the unit before then?

FYI...my stock order is enroute. I will have my review up with the Pearl likely next week.
Whoo hoo!

This is killing me :) Pearl or Mits... I have a feeling I'm not the only one in this boat...

Scoot your a$$ over and hand me an oar. :)

Jason... that would be awesome if you could get a review of the 5000 up pretty soon and some +/- compared to the Pearl. I am dying to get one of these 2 as a lot of people are I am sure. It has been verry hard not jumping on the Pearl and waiting for some good reviews of the 5000. Look forward to your review :)

Pertaining to the post on the powerbuy...no can do. Mitsu is very protective of this piece. In fact, there are already some places posting extremely low pricing. Rest assured they will NOT be getting any units at that price and likely will be losing the line. It's a very protected piece.

Scoot your a$$ over and hand me an oar. :)
My boat has the Panny in it too! Especially after the glowing reviews of the AX100 from PJC.