4. Looks And Handling, Continued

Installation was very easy. Once connected to our DVD player, the HC 2000 recognized sources automatically and optimized its adjustments in a few seconds. The power zoom and focus are an appreciable plus that will save time spent with your arms up in the air trying to make adjustments. The vertical lens shift lets you raise or lower the picture to suit your screen height. On the other hand, there's no horizontal lens shift, which means you'll have to place the projector precisely in line with the center of your screen. Obviously, there are adjustable feet-which are particularly solid and stable-and all the usual functions, such as keystone correction, that run-of-the-mill projectors offer.

But what's under the hood is what's really impressive about the HC 2000. Nothing but the best: An HD2+ DLP imager with a resolution of 1280 x 720, with all-new micromirrors capable of tilting + or - 12°. The contrast ratio has been greatly improved, with a specification of 3600:1. The 8-segment color wheel has a selectable speed of 4 x or 5x. This feature is intended to cut down on the rainbow effect, but also to accentuate the black depth and reduce video noise in the signal. Video processing is handled by a top-of-the-line Trident chipset that eliminates stair stepping, video noise and other imperfections in the source. And to make things perfect, Mitsubishi has also lavished care on the cooling aspects, using an optical system that's completely sealed, a silent fan and an exhaust conduit covered with a sound-insulating material.