Mitsubishi HC3000U HD-Compatible DLP Home Theater Projector - Product Review

2. Inclusion of both HDMI and HD-Component inputs

3. 1280x768 (720P) Native Pixel Resolution - 16x9 native aspect ratio.

4. Center Mounted Lens - Very logical design - Makes positioning in smaller rooms especially easy.

5. Easy one button On/Off Procedure

6. Easy to use remote - in combination with onscreen menu functions

7. Excellent user manual and startup guide

What I Didn't Like or What Could Be Improved

2. No Motorized Zoom or Focus Function - must be done manually at lens. This can make the ceiling mounted option more cumbersome to work with, if you need to adjust the focus or zoom settings.

Note: Although the high lens angle of the HC3000 actually makes mounting on the ceiling easier (the high lens angle then projects downward), in terms of positioning the projector in relation to the screen surface, unless you never need to reset the focus or zoom at the unit is ceiling mounted, you may need a short ladder or footstool handy to make these adjustments after ceiling installation is maintained.

4. Could also use DVI input as well - in addition to HDMI and HD-Component inputs. Although HDMI is becoming more of a standard on newer HD-capable televisions and source components, there are still a great number of source components that feature DVI outputs. Instead of going though the plug adapter process, it would just be nice to include both a direct HDMI and DVI connection option.

5. Replacement Lamp Cost: $299. Although the price of the replacement lamp for the HC3000 is more reasonable than many other projectors in this range, it seems that the cost of replacement lamps for video projectors is still high. If the object is to bring the cost of both purchase and long term use of video projectors to the mainstream level, the cost of replacement lamps needs to brought down a little more in some cases and lot more in others.

In addition, both the instruction manual and quick start guide were very easy to understand; a novice should have no problem installing and using this projector.

Although the HC3000 is not in the same price class as high end video projectors, it none-the-less is an excellent performer. I found the color quality and contrast levels exceeded my expectations.

In addition, the HC3000's practical center mounted lens design makes it easy to position and line up with the screen, especially in smaller rooms. On the other hand, the lack of motorized zoom and focus does limit the flexibility in using as a ceiling mounted unit, unless the user does mot expect to have to adjust these parameters after installation.

The HC3000 is definitely a welcome entry into the video projector market and is illustrative of a trend that is making high quality video projection available to the average consumer. With a list price of $2,500, the HC3000 is a hard one to pass up.

If you are in the market for your first home theater video projector, definitely check out the Mitsubishi HC3000.

I give the Mitsubishi HC3000U DLP Video Projector a solid 4.5 out of 5 Stars.