Mitsubishi HC5500 Home Theater Projector: Summary, Competition, Pros and Cons-1

All of the 3LCD projectors mentioned have much better zoom range, and all have better lens shift range as well. The DLP projectors; the Optomas and BenQ W5000, also have only 1.2:1 zoom lenses, although each has slightly different throw distances. The BenQ W5000 also has lens shift (the Optomas do not), with almost exactly the same range on the lens shift, as the W5000.

While the addition of a dynamic iris significantly improves black level performance, the competition is tougher these days. The Epson – the reigning black level champ under about $4000, is definitely a cut above, in this regard. Of the others mentioned, all are roughly comparable in black levels to the Mitsubishi. Further below, I’ll look at how it stacks up to several of the aforementioned projectors.

Mitsubishi HC5500 Projector: Pros, Cons, and Typical Capabilities

Mitsubishi HC5500 Projector: Pros

• One of the most affordable 1080p projectors
• Brighter than most 1080p projectors when comparing “best” color modes
• Very good color after calibration
• Extremely sharp image
• Dynamic iris, for improved black level performance
• Very good shadow detail
• Excellent gamma controls
• Extremely quiet operation
• Longest life lamp – 5000 hours in eco-mode, for low cost of operation
• Compact form factor
• One of the least expensive 1080p projectors
• Low image noise
• Very good manual, with reasonable explanations for many functions

Mitsubishi HC5500 Projector: Cons

• Limited placement flexibility due to 1.2:1 zoom lens, no match for other 3LCD projectors, and no better than DLP projectors
• Lens shift is more limited than other 3LCD projectors, the same as the BenQ DLP, but of course better than the Optoma projectors, none of which have lens shift
• No horizontal lens shift (rarely an important issue)

Mitsubishi HC5500 Projector: Typical Capabilities

• Average brightness in “brightest mode”
• Manual
• Good Menus, but nothing exceptional
• Range of the remote control
• Lamp life in full power mode
• Black level performance
• 2 Year warranty is typical, although longer than some competitors

Mitsubishi HC5500 Projector: Competitive Aspects

The HC5500 is not only more expensive than its predecessor, but improved to the point that the extra few hundred dollars it sells for, is easily justified. That said, though, how does it stack up against the competition. I’ve already addressed the general physical placement issues above, so here’s a quick take on how it compares in other ways. Also, note that the HC5500 is one of the first new home theater projectors released in the second half of 2008, and understand that most new home projectors hit in September thru January, so many of these projectors mentioned will have newer models replacing them in a few months.