Home Theatre/TV: Mitsubishi HC3100 DLP Projector – 55

At a price of $4499 for a native 720p widescreen DLP projector, Mitsubishi has set a new value benchmark with the HC3100.

In fact, this compact and lightweight projector even goes one better because it actually has a WXGA (15:9) panel with a resolution of 1280 x 768 pixels as opposed to the more common 1280 x 720 pixels. This format offers a couple of worthwhile advantages. Firstly, it means that XGA and WXGA computer signals can be shown full frame without scaling or cropping. This is great for computer gaming and any internet surfing you might be doing.

Secondly, it means that widescreen 16:9 video images can still be shown in full frame 1280 x 720 resolution but the extra 48 lines of resolution on tap can be used to move the image up and down on the screen like a diluted form of lens shift, which the Mitsubishi does not offer. This helps avoid the use of digital keystone and makes setup slightly more flexible for a projector that is a little limited in terms of where it can be positioned in a room because of only a 1.2x zoom ratio and a pronounced throw angle offset.

The HC3100 is unprepossessing to look at but it has one of every kind of video input you could want (including HDMI), excellent manual zoom and focus controls with a smooth, positive action, and a terrific backlit remote with all the buttons you will use most often readily to hand. On-screen menus are not as attractive and nor do they get out of the way when making adjustments, but they are comprehensive and easy to navigate.

Internally, the HC3100 uses the latest DarkChip3 DMD panel for excellent black levels and boosted contrast, but it also has several other notable tricks up its sleeve. For one, the six-segment colour wheel offers a choice of 4x and 5x rotation speeds. If DLP rainbows are bothering you, go for the 5x speed but if not, the 4x speed will provide better colour gradation.

Secondly, the Mitsubishi sports a mechanical iris with two settings. By opening the iris up or stopping it down you can choose between brighter, more dynamic images for the likes of daylight sports or improved contrast and deeper blacks for movie viewing.

Finally, but perhaps more importantly, the HC3100 incorporates the BrilliantColor technology from Texas Instruments. When activated, BrilliantColor immediately boosts brightness, but not at the expense of blacks and shadow detail. Instead, midtones and highlights are bumped up to give increased definition to these parts of the image without over-saturating colours. The result is a visibly livelier image.

On the whole, the HC3100 produces a very engaging performance. Black levels and contrast are excellent, while colours are nicely balanced, accurate and well-saturated with very good skin tones. Motion is handled well with just a little jitter in panning shots, and while there is a little bit of image noise it is nothing significant and the image remains satisfyingly sharp. Sometimes, however, I wasn’t so sure about the scaling, with artefacts popping up from time to time in both animated and live action movies.

Still, at the price the Mitsubishi offers real value.

TED GIBBONS

Mitsubishi HC3100 DLP projector $4499

Contact: bdt.co.nz

SPECIFICATIONS

Display technology: DLP
Native resolution: 1280 x 768 pixels
Brightness: 1000 lumens
Contrast ratio: 4500:1
Inputs: HDMI, Component RCA, S-Video, Composite video, PC VGA, Serial control
Outputs: 12v screen trigger
Dimensions: WxHxD: 310 x 100 x 245mm
Weight: 2.8kg

PROS

Excellent image with plenty of adjustment

CONS

Limited positioning options

VERDICT

Performance + price = value

Aesthetics: 80%
Performance: 90%
Features: 88%
Functionality: 85%
Price Value: 92%

Overall: 87%