Projection Televisions started the HDTV market yet they are now being overshadowed by newer technologies – Plasma, LCD, and even LED-based LCDs. In fact, Mitsubishi is the only company left that is still able to release projection TVs these days. Samsung still had a projection TV released last year but did not have one this year anymore. This sudden decline can be attributed to the sudden decrease in demand for these types of HDTVs.

Late last year and this year, Mitsubishi still thrives on the Projection TV market and released several models. One of them, and the largest at that, is the Mitsubishi WD-82837 – an 82-inch rear-projection HDTV that is DLP-based (Digital Light Projection). This humongous TV showcases several new features which allow it to display awesome images still despite its size.

Fantastic Features, Remarkable Performance

There are some people who hesitate to buy huge TV screens like the WD-82837 because they have the impression that as the size of the display gets bigger, the images get distorted, particularly, pixelated. This is not always the case, though. And the main reason of the pixelation on huge screens is that the source device cannot match the resolution of the display, and the source definitely is not HD. If used properly and correctly, the Mitsubishi WD-82837 performs pretty well.

Some of the features that are included in this model are Smooth 120Hz video processing for smoother rendition of fast-moving objects, the Perfect Color Adjustment, Advanced Video Calibration, as well as enhanced user interface. In addition, there’s also the Perfect Tint which takes color adjustment and contrast to the next level, ISF advanced video control, and the NetCommand feature, which lets the user manipulated other attached devices through the on-screen menu.

The picture quality in this Mitsubishi WD-82837 is truly stunning. Despite the huge size, the images still come out richer compared to some plasma and LCD TVs. The color accuracy is almost perfect, and tie it up with the deep black levels of the display. Indeed, realistic images will be produced. Although the unit lacks dejudder processing, it is not really noticeable because of the sharpness and clarity of the scenes.

A small setback for this model is the volume of sound that comes out of its internal speakers. Sound quality, per se, is good, but needs to be amplified, especially when watching movies. Anyways, it is almost a given already to buy a home theater system together with an HDTV purchase.

The Mitsubishi WD-82837 is really one of the best performers among the huge HDTV arena. Despite the few issues mentioned, the features and performance still outweigh these shortcomings. In addition, this giant model is more efficient and definitely less expensive than other LCDs or plasmas with almost the same size. This HDTV is one of the best the money can get considering the quality and luxury 82 inch screen size.

HLT5087SAX is a HDTV of the other generation, it doesn’t use LCD or Plasma fill the screen but LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), which are common in other applications (e.g. to show when the HDD drive is reading or when the TV is on) but not until lately have been used more often in the HDTV industry. The pricing model for this rare technology is not that high, the Samsung HLT5087SAX one can get for $1,416.98 with free shipping, (about $583 lower than the list price) (see the update at the bottom).

DLP screens use a sophisticated microscopic mirrors chip (produced by Texas Instruments, the creator of DLP) and LEDs to produce the colors on the screen. In this model Samsung has used a new technology that allows the lamps to last as long as it is needed, previous models had to have the lamps replaced every few years, which resulted additional costs for the customer, but with HLT5087SAX this is no more and will last longer than any LCD or Plasma. As for the color, it is superb Samsung DLP exceed the NTSC color specification so movies look as never before. The Cinema Smooth feature makes the screen appear more like in the cinema, reducing the grid that was sometimes showing in the older DLP HDTVs, actually you could look at the screen from few inches and see no pixels!

As the title suggests this is a fully 1080p capable model, with a 10,000 to 1 dynamic contrast ratio. It is equipped with 3 HDMI connectors and also a PC connector which allows displaying up to 1920 x 1080 resolution of your desktop.

The overall design of the set is brilliant, it doesn’t have the thick frames known from flat panels, here we have a very thin bezel allowing the screen to fill almost the whole HDTV.

The sound is astonishingly good as for just two speakers. It gives a nice surround effect thanks to SRS TruSurround. Even using it to a regular broadcast user can feel the depth in the sound.

If you are not afraid of new technologies and want to have screen quality better than similarly priced LCD and Plasma screens then have a look at Samsung HLT5087SAX as it is one of the best in its class.

Update:
Unfortunately this model is no longer available, so if you would like a DLP HDTV you can consider: Mitsubishi WD-60737, Mitsubishi WD-65737 or have a look at our most popular HDTVs.