Mitsubishi WD-65C9 65 Inch DLP

Mitsubishi WD 65C9

1080p Flat panel Home Theater

General Impressions.

From the start of a movie to the end, you can’t help but be awed by this great TV!  Its edge-to-edge screen (the side and top borders are barely more than half an inch thick), multiple HDMI ports, and easy on-screen menu, the Mitsubishi WD-65C9 65 inch TV is a winner.  After 3 months of watching it, and having bought many other large-screen TVs before this one, the Mitsubishi WD-65C9 DLP has been a real pleasure.

Primarily, I watch movies (DVDs and Blu-Rays) and play video games (PS3).  I considered the larger 73 inch Mitsubishi TV, but decided the slightly smaller size would not matter. In hindsight, I’m glad I went with this 65″ one.

The Deciding Factors.

What makes this TV a clear winner to me? Let’s start with the good, and then consider important things to know before purchasing this TV.

The Basics.

With TVs and monitors, the screen size is larger than the physical dimensions of the display itself.  This is because the size is measured diagonally.  For the Mitsubishi 65C9, this means the TV is really 58″ wide, by 38″ tall (from the base, excluding the matching stand).

Remember that, as a DLP projection TV, it is deeper than your standard LCD or Plasma display.  The Mitsubishi 65C9 is roughly 17″ deep.  Keep in mind that the back does get slightly warm. It needs airflow due to the bulb. 

Placement.

In the back, the bulb/fan is slightly recessed. You could probably shove the TV against a wall. I recommend giving it at least two inches of “breathing room”. 

Have in mind where you want the TV to go. Just because you want the biggest TV available, doesn’t mean it is the best for the room you have in mind.  Generally, I’d say this TV is good at a viewing distance of 7 to 12 feet (3 or 4 meters/metres). 

Viewing.

As a DLP TV, it doesn’t have a great viewing angle. So, you will want your seating positioned directly in front of the screen as much as possible. The farther from the TV you are (or the larger the room) the more off-center your view becomes of the TV. This results in reduced picture quality from that viewing angle.

The Technology.

What is DLP?  What is the difference between this and the typical “flat-panel” TV.  DLP is Digital Light Projection. DLP displays use a DLP chip, made of millions of mirrors which reflect a “digital image” onto a screen. 

While the technology itself is well established (invented in the 80′s), today’s DLP sets are a far cry from the early projection TVs.  The modern DLP TV gives you a full 1080p Hi-Definition image that looks great! 

Performance.

DLPs boast deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. The colors can be adjusted using the on-screen menu, if needed.  Also, since DLP technology is just light projected on the screen, no burn-in worries. Leave a movie paused during dinner, or play a video game with a heads-up display for hours without fear of screen damage. This is problematic with Plasma displays, but not with DLP!

Issues.

One thing to consider with a DLP TV, however, is what’s called the “rainbow effect”.

The Rainbow Effect.

It is produced by a spinning color wheel that the light passes through when reflected back towards the screen. It results in fast-moving, bright-colored (usually white) objects trailing a slight red, blue, or green after-effect. 

This was very noticeable to me at first, since it is not seen in LCD or Plasma displays. However, you get used to it. It’s barely noticeable anymore, and some people don’t even see it.

The Bulb.

The other issue with DLP technology is the dreaded ‘bulb’.  DLP is powered by a lamp. Like all lamps, the bulb will eventually need to be replaced. You may have read horror stories of lamps costing hundreds of dollars.

DON’T buy a bulb from a 3rd-party vendor. They will just rip you off with outrageous costs.  Buy a replacement bulb directly from Mitsubishi for only $99. To order one, go to the Mitsubishi TV website.

The Features.

This TV has an abundance of connectors!  As with most modern TVs, the Mitsubishi 65C9 has 3 HDMI ports. This is a must to play Hi-Def Blu-Rays or connect to a PS3/Xbox 360.

Connectors.

It has three Component inputs (the red/blue/green cables) and standard RCA audio inputs. One of these Component/RCA inputs is located on the right-hand side of the TV for easy access. 

The back has an RCA audio output, plus a Digital Coaxial audio output, for audio pass-through to a receiver or compatible speakers.  There is an output for a 3D Glasses device (this a 3D-ready TV with the purchase of a 3rd-party package from nVidia).

NOTE: It lacks an RGB input for connecting a standard computer. However, for a computer with an HDMI out port (or a DVI out), you can connect it via the HDMI port (for a DVI out, you would need a DVI-to-HDMI connector).

On-screen menu.

The menu can be called user UN-friendly. You must remember to press the ‘Enter’ button on each category to advance and change the setting.  Hardly any display menus are similar so this menu is no harder to learn than a typical one. 

Once you master it (and you will be using the menu rarely), it starts to make sense and looks sleek, which compliments the design of the TV. 

The menu offers standard color/picture adjustments. This includes 3 presets and a ‘custom’ with audio adjustments.

The remote.

The remote is small, but fits nicely in the hand. All the navigation buttons are located at the top, conveniently close to your thumb. The numberpad is below.

Outside the menu, there is a button labeled ‘Activity’ on the remote.

It lets you select your various video inputs. Initially, you set it up in the menu and label each of input with a variety of predefined labels (i.e. DVD, Blu-ray, Xbox, PS, PC, etc).  Then, you use the ‘Activity’ button to select what you want to do.

Watch a DVD.
Play your Xbox.
etc.

It is a nice feature. You do not have to memorize each input connection.

Miscellaneous Features.

There are channel, volume, and ‘Activity’ buttons behind a small front panel on the base of the TV. This is good when you misplace the remote and want to watch a movie without it.

Other Considerations.

TV stand.

Mitsubishi makes a matching stand which I highly recommend buying. It has a groove in the top that the TV base slides into to ‘lock’ the TV in place. This is great if you fear accidentally knocking the TV off the when you walk past it. 

The stand is the MB-S60/65. I’ve heard the MB-S60/65 works as well, so maybe that’s worth investigating.  Keep in mind that the stand itself will probably cost an additional $300-$400. 

Sound.

I have never used the built-in speakers. My surround sound speakers are used instead.  While the included speakers sound adequate for the news, you would be doing yourself a big favor having crystal-clear audio with your great picture. I recommend getting a surround sound system for this TV.

Should You Buy It?

All in all, I am very impressed with the Mitsubishi WD-65C9 DLP.  The colors are great and the TV is BIG!

Whether playing games, or watching a stunning Blu-ray movie, it’s no mystery to me why I feel this is one of my best TV purchases ever!

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