Mits XD480U for HDTV

[3D Guy]

Hi everyone! :wave:

Kinda new to the HDTV world and am still awaiting the arrival of my Mitsubishi XD480U DLP projector. I was wondering if anyone has used this particular model yet for viewing HDTV content? I know it's not a "true" HD projector (4:3 native, 16:9 supported) but it boasts some great features like 3000 lumens, 5000 Hr lamp ecomode, 2200:1 contrast, etc.

I currently have DirecTV but plan to make the upgrade to HDTV eventually. Does anyone know 1st hand how well this PJ performs for viewing HDTV content? Once I make the jump to HDTV, should I feed the HD signal to the PJ's 15 D-SUB (VGA?) input, and DVD player (Denon 1910 or 2910. Can't decide which to buy) to the PJ's DVI input, or is there a better way to hook up these components for better video quality?

Or would I be better off sending it back when it arrives and getting a different model that is "HDTV ready"? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

[wifeB8]

Is there a reason you decided to go with a 4:3 projector as opposed to a widescreen 16:9 format?

The projector appears to have some very nice features. It looks like it will serve as a nice dual use system for business and home theater use. However, if the projector will be used primarily for home theater, and if you are planning to make the jump to HDTV a 16:9 projector would offer a better rewarding experience. Even if you watch a lot of 4:3 material depending on the black levels of the projector the side pillars can be made dark enough so that they are almost unnoticeable.

..............Or would I be better off sending it back when it arrives and getting a different model that is "HDTV ready"? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

Ultimately, it will depend on your viewing habits, available content and preference for a 4:3 or 16:9 format.

[3D Guy]

Thanks for replying!

The two main reasons I decided on this one were:

1) Price. Released in Nov at MSRP $6,499.00 and I got it for $2990.00 incl S&H. Plus it has all the "bells & whistles" (sRGB, Mit's CineView & ColorView processing, SXGA capable, etc).

2) Screen size. I have a very looooong living room w/ seating area about 25' - 30' from the wall and want a really large screen. I thought the 3000 lumens would help with this, since there's a fair amount of ambient light in here. I really like the 5000 hr lamp in ecomode (running at 2300 lumens) w/ the recently upgraded 1 YEAR warranty on the lamp too, since they're around $400 - $500 to replace.

If anyone knows of a comparble PJ that is "HDTV ready" for under $3000.00 please post them so I can check them out.

Also, please see my #1 post about hookup suggestions for these things with DVI-D and component inputs w/upconverting DVD player. Thanks!

[wifeB8]

.............Also, please see my #1 post about hookup suggestions for these things with DVI-D and component inputs w/upconverting DVD player. Thanks!

What you have suggested would be the way to go. STB HDTV signal to the component inputs on the projector and use the DVI connector on the projector to hook up the upconverting player via its DVI or HDMI port. These new players only allow upconversion thru the DVI or HDMI interface. I currently use an HDMI to DVI cable to pass the signal to my projector from my dvd player.