Mitsubishi HC5000 (aka HC5000BL) 1080p LCD MSRP $4,495

[Grubert]

Panels: 3x 0.7" LCD (inorganic D6 C2Fine)
Resolution: 1920x1080
Brightness: 1,000 (standard) / 750 (low mode)
Contrast: 10,000 :1 (using dynamic iris)
Noise 19db
Lens: focal length: 24 - 38 mm; 17 glass elements; powered zoom, focus and lens shift
Lens shift: Vertical 75%, horizontal 5%





Video processing: Silicon Optix Reon-VX

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)

Video inputs: 1 x HDMI (HDCP), 1 x DVI-D, component, D-Sub 15, S-Video, composite
Lamp life: 5,000 hours (eco mode)
Dimensions (w x h x d): 334 x 125 x 352 mm (approx. 13" x 5" x 14")
Weight: 5.6 kg (approx 11 lb)

List price in Europe: €3,990
Availability: October 2006

Images:


European model in white (black reserved for the US)


Remote


Control panel on top of projector

Official site

Product sheet

CEDIA press release:

MITSUBISHI ANNOUNCES 1080p PROJECTOR FEATURING REON-VX HQV VIDEO PROCESSING


San Jose, CA—(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® 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.

[Grubert]

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

[tristartristan]

It looks like my shoes box!

[Ericglo]

The conversion price brings it to around $5000. That may not be what they price it for in the U.S. though. We now know of a Mits and a Panny. Cedia should be interesting.

Ericglo

[VirusKiller]

A small feature, but I do like the fact that it's got a DVI-D input. Far more sturdy than HDMI.

[dangc]

This looks very promissing! I really wish that they would publish a native non-IRIS enhanced CR too.

I think this will have to come in less than $4K street to sell state side...If this was C2Fine then we may be willing to pay more but as many have predicted I don't think we will see C2Fine until next year.

[darinp2]

Originally Posted by VirusKiller

A small feature, but I do like the fact that it's got a DVI-D input. Far more sturdy than HDMI.

If it doesn't take component digital video signals that are common to HDMI (YCbCr), but only RGB then I consider that a fairly big negative. Source devices seem to have a lot more issues going to DVI inputs with RGB than to HDMI inputs with YCbCr. The 5U D-Theater box clips BTB and WTW to DVI inputs and has never been fixed, the current HD DVD player has color conversion problems to standard DVI ports and not standard HDMI ports, and I believe the Samsung BluRay player clips to standard DVI and not to standard HDMI, for instance.

--Darin

[sfogg]

"...If this was C2Fine then we may be willing to pay more but as many have predicted I don't think we will see C2Fine until next year. "

The other thread on this said this was using D6 panels. C2Fine (as I understand it) was based on D5. So maybe Epson is jumping over C2Fine and moving straight to D6?

Shawn

[millerwill]

Kinda disappointing that it's not bright like the WD-2000. Does the prefix 'HC' signify something different than 'WD'?

PS I was hoping for a 1080p version of the WD2000.

EDIT: Ah, I didn't catch that this was an LCD rather than a DLP. Need to read the title of the thread more closely!

[tvted]

Does anyone market snap on pj covers like those they make for mobile phones?
Gosh that's ugly.

ted

[Bear5k]

Originally Posted by darinp2

If it doesn't take component digital video signals that are common to HDMI (YCbCr), but only RGB then I consider that a fairly big negative. Source devices seem to have a lot more issues going to DVI inputs with RGB than to HDMI inputs with YCbCr. The 5U D-Theater box clips BTB and WTW to DVI inputs and has never been fixed, the current HD DVD player has color conversion problems to standard DVI ports and not standard HDMI ports, and I believe the Samsung BluRay player clips to standard DVI and not to standard HDMI, for instance.

For those without an HDMI video processor, I wholeheartedly agree. The Broadcom chip(?) that clips the head and toe room should die a violent, fast death. However, we're stuck with it in several source units that are de rigeur for videophiles (being generous to the Samsung here). For those with an HDMI video processor, you actually get to be more worried about bypassing the projector's internal processor.

I personally prefer the ProjectionDesign idea of using the DVI form factor with HDMI electronics, but so far, few seem to be using that trick.

Later,
Bill

[inky blacks]

As Mitsubishi can now make a 3000 lumen single chip dlp projector with a 2000 to 1 contrast ratio, why can't they turn this new machine into a 3000 lumen LCD projector with a 5000 to 1 contrast ratio? 1000 lumens won't do it for me no matter how good the contrast.

Scotty, we need more power!

IB

[dstoe]

Just to let you know, cine4home has posted a preview on the Mitsubishi HC5000.

It is written in german, but babelfish might help you there.

cine4home HC5000 preview

[Eternal_Sunshine]

Originally Posted by dstoe

Just to let you know, cine4home has posted a preview on the Mitsubishi HC5000.cine4home HC5000 preview

And they claim the unit will have D6 panels with C2Fine!

[Grubert]

Thanks dstoe.

Also, powered focus, zoom and lens shift (vertical 75%, horizontal 5%)
Throw distance 1.55x - 2.45x if my calculations are correct.
Video processor is not actually Realta, but rather Silicon Optix Reon VX.

Contrary to what I posted elsewhere, it will have D6 inorganic panels.

And the price is not set in stone yet.

[Li On]

PLEASE, please, please, may there be NO vertical banding (nor brightness/color uniformity) problem...

regards,

Li On

[Digital2004]

well it's an lcd so there will be those issues
and a 720p DLP could still look sharper

anyway, this fall WILL be a killer fall with all those 1080p machines..... wooh wooh

[Cine4Home]

Originally Posted by Digital2004

well it's an lcd so there will be those issues
and a 720p DLP could still look sharper

anyway, this fall WILL be a killer fall with all those 1080p machines..... wooh wooh

Vertical Banding was mainly due to the organic panels, the new ones are vertically aligned / anorganic.. like SXRD / D-ILA... so no big problems to expect anymore ;-)

[JaniH]

Looking pretty good for an LCD. Any idea when we can expect to have first demo units for review?

[Bear5k]

Originally Posted by Grubert

Also, powered focus, zoom and lens shift (vertical 75%, horizontal 5%)

Powered zoom, focus and lens shift would be a great set of features for the constant height crowd, assuming Grubert's zoom calculations are correct. It would be even better if one could store these settings in memory locations for quick access.

Since this one is real, and the Panasonic is still only rumored, this is my new front runner for a replacement projector.

Oh, yeah, with 10,000:1 CR, I'm assuming a dynamic iris is used, but saw no mention of it in the Babelfish translation. Is one used?

Later,
Bill

[Carled]

WOW. Looks like I might be pulled back into the LCD fold.

[Grubert]

Originally Posted by JaniH

Looking pretty good for an LCD. Any idea when we can expect to have first demo units for review?

I guess at IFA (Berlin, 1-6 September)

[FremontRich]

Originally Posted by dstoe

Just to let you know, cine4home has posted a preview on the Mitsubishi HC5000.

It is written in german, but babelfish might help you there.

cine4home HC5000 preview

Babelfish?... LOL... the translation results often leave me more confused...

[Ericglo]

Originally Posted by FremontRich

Babelfish?... LOL... the translation results often leave me more confused...

I thought I was the only one. Cine, are you going to do an English translation?

Ericglo

[HoustonHoyaFan]

Originally Posted by Cine4Home

Vertical Banding was mainly due to the organic panels, the new ones are vertically aligned / anorganic.. like SXRD / D-ILA... so no big problems to expect anymore ;-)

IIRC the major reason for VB is the analog nature of the panel driver system. Inorganic based VAN system, like SxRD will help with CR and durability issues.

Sony talked about a new panel drive system, along with VAN, when they announced Bi:NA6, their competitor to C2Fine.

Bi:NA6 in a HS70 package would be dynamite!

[Cine4Home]

Originally Posted by HoustonHoyaFan

IIRC the major reason for VB is the analog nature of the panel driver system. Inorganic based VAN system, like SxRD will help with CR and durability issues.

Sony talked about a new panel drive system, along with VAN, when they announced Bi:NA6, their competitor to C2Fine.

Bi:NA6 in a HS70 package would be dynamite!

C2Fine has a new driving system (D6 hybrid driving) as well as less Vertical noise due to inorganic oriented film. Durability is another positive side effect...

[noah katz]

This sounds like a really nice machine, except perhaps for the smallish 160 W lamp. Is C2Fine supposed to be more light eifficient?

Ekkehart, when will you get to see it in action?

[Angeli662]

Originally Posted by tristartristan

It looks like my shoes box!

Ok I redesigned so you can now use it as a coffee table center piece.

[tvted]

Originally Posted by Cine4Home

Vertical Banding was mainly due to the organic panels, the new ones are vertically aligned / anorganic.. like SXRD / D-ILA... so no big problems to expect anymore ;-)

Cine4home,

Earlier reports of C2Fine claimed a different drive scheme that likely would have addressed issues like VB and scanline artifacting. Can you comment on whether these new panels incorporate said drive scheme?

EDIT: HoustonHoyaFan,
I see you beat me to it.

EDIT Too:
..and I see my question has been answered.

It moves to the top for my upgrade should it come. Now if only I can get those case replacements I was curious about.

ted

[tvted]

An claim of C2Fine was its ability to turn off the pixels. I am curious if this is indeed true and what the resultant black level is - talking about light leak from the housing, optics, etc.

Anyone ever painted a pj case - white is just so 70's.

ted