Mitsubishi WS-55813 Diamond RPTV Review

WS-55813 Features & Favorites

Having just published an article on the various display format technologies, we are happy to find that some of the best pictures are still being shown with CRT technology. As DLP and LCoS improves (not to mention drops in price) the digital formats may outperform the analogue CRTs. Until, then however, if you want the absolute best picture, and size and weight are not an issue, CRT technology will get you where you want to be.

Before launching into what will be a productive review year for Audioholics as we take on measuring and reviewing many different display types, I wanted to make sure we reviewed a top of the line CRT-based system to help set our standard. Mitsubishi's Diamond series of rear projection CRT televisions has been around for many years and has established itself as a leader in the field of analogue displays. CRT technology still holds top position for picture quality, accurate black levels, and color detail - characteristics that the digital contenders are trying to match.

Features and Favorites

I'm famous for starting my reviews with lists. I do this for several reasons. First, it enables me to set up what I really enjoyed or found difficult in a product. Second, it gets to the heart of the matter quickly for those not willing to read a typical 6-8 page Audioholics review. I want people to take away at least a little bit of information before they move on. In viewing the Mitsubishi WS-55813 for a period of two months I was able to really get a feel for how the set functioned and what made it stand out from others in its class. Here are some of the favorite features I found useful and the things that really standout about this RPTV:

• Diamond Shield
  I've heard the Diamond Shield disparaged by some, but the simple truth is that it works. The Diamond Shield sits atop of the first two elements of the Mitsubishi screen, the Fresnel lens and lenticular screen. It is basically a third screen coated with a thin film that disperses reflected light, serving to reduce glare and improve the viewability of the TV with the presence of large amounts of ambient light.
• 64-Point Digital Convergence
  While not as good as a service manual and a set of calibration tools, the 64-point convergence system will allow you to keep the set converged and compensate for many problems that may occur over the life of the set (Thinking of moving? You probably need this feature.)
• Memory Card Front Inputs
  Got a digital camera? Now you can plug the memory card right into the TV and play back all of your latest photos. Unlike Sony, or other companies that have a vested interest in supporting only their own technologies, Mitsubishi allows you to view all the major formats: MultiMediaCard , SD Memory Card, SmartMedia, CompactFlash, and MemoryStick (insert your favorite copyrights and trademarks here).
• 480p Upconversion of all 480i Inputs
  I made a special DVD disc from some 480i source material and examined the 480p upconversion of the Mitsubishi versus the 480p upconversion of my Yamaha DVD-S2300 MK2 reference player. I was pleased with the performance of the integrated scan converter. It did an excellent job, and was edged out only slightly by the Yamaha's Faroudja decoding engine in terms of edge clarity.
• Inputs, Inputs, Inputs...
  If you have a flagship receiver, you may not care about a plethora of inputs... If, however, you prefer to send your video sources directly to the monitor, then the three component video (480i/480p/1080i), DVI, FireWire, VGA and three s-video/composite connections should make you very happy indeed.

WS-55813 Setup and Calibration

One of the things I found to be impressive about the Mitsubishi was the sheer number of inputs it possessed. With this set, there is no reason whatsoever to have to utilize the switching capabilities of your home theater receiver. The only connection type it did not have was HDMI - and since this is a relatively new format, we won't begrudge the Diamond Series for not having it. Here is a list of the inputs found on the Diamond Series TVs:

• DVI
• VGA (640 x 480 only)
• Component (2)
• DTV/RGBHV (no 720p support)
• Composite/s-video (2 rear/1 front)
• Firewire IEEE 1394 (2 rear/1 front) - limited functionality (no audio/video)
  
• 
  
• Memory Card support (front inputs) see previous info on card types

Input Selection

Switching between inputs is as simple as hitting the Device up or down buttons on the remote control which advances you to the next (or previous) input. In addition, you can hit the Device Menu button which brings up an on-screen menu (as seen on the right). Once this menu is activated, you can move to the input you would like and hit the Enter button on the remote to select. This is also how you access the Memory Card inputs.

Normally, having all these inputs would make navigation a bit of a chore, but Mitsubishi allows a couple of neat things to offset this potential problem. First (and this is rare) they allow direct selection of any inputs via IR commands - making macros on a universal remote control much more powerful. The ability to select inputs directly is not unique to the Mitsubishi - but rare. Nearly all televisions and display devices have opted for a round-robin approach to selecting inputs. As an aside, the direct input selection isn't readily apparent from the remote, but it was available by bringing up the Device Menu and activating the particular input. So, to program that input into a universal remote, point the Mitsubishi at the remote once you've gotten it ready to select the desired input.

Secondly, Mitsubishi has lessened the "massive input" syndrome by allowing you to use their NetCommand system to turn off inputs that aren't being used (more detail on this will follow). This allows you to simplify the number of inputs that you would need to switch through to go from, say, Component-1 to your digital camera's Memory Stick. I personally opted to utilize my Integra DTC-9.4 processor's up-conversion and switching capabilities and occupy only a single set of component inputs on the Mitsubishi for the most part. Exceptions included: watching HDTV via antenna, peering through photos from the Memory Stick card slot, and utilizing the front A/V inputs for watching camcorder video.

I was unable to get the Mitsubishi to display video or audio from my Sony TRV-25 MiniDV camcorder via the FireWire inputs. I was, however, able to control the camera's playback functions via FireWire. Considering that the analogue audio and video could be routed to the TV via the front inputs using NetCommand, playback of camcorder content was possible and fairly convenient compared to other TVs where you would have to use the camcorder itself (as opposed to the TV remote control) to handle the playback. Add the automatic "Windows-like" configuration, and you have a nice touch that will be even nicer once more FireWire compatibility is added.

Calibrating the Television

When you receive a new TV you don't anticipate having to do much to enjoy excellent picture, but the truth is, there is only so much time on the assembly line to properly calibrate the set - resulting in a decent, but not detailed specification to which the units are calibrated. In addition, many units are "tweaked" so that they look more pleasing to the eye - at the sacrifice of accuracy (see side bar). For many people, this is good enough. Our recommendation, for those of you wanting to both increase the quality of your display, and extend the life of a CRT-based unit, is to at least go through the basics and set up your television for proper brightness and contrast levels.

Mitsubishi was unable to deliver a service manual to us in time for the review, preventing us from doing a true ISF calibration. Instead I will illustrate some of the significant notations made during my user-level calibration of the WS-55813.

Utilizing the Milori ColorFacts CF6500 I tweaked the brightness (black level), contrast (white level), saturation (color/chroma), sharpness, and hue (tint) to within respectable levels. Keep in mind that to truly get the best possible performance out of a CRT rear projection television, you will need to have the service manual, a professional set of calibration tools and the knowledge of how to make the necessary adjustments to the CRTs. Here are some of the before and after measurements as shown by the Milori ColorFacts 5.0 software:

WS-55813 NetCommand and Resolution

NetCommand: Mitsubishi's "Cut Above the Rest" Approach to Input Configuration

NetCommand is an amazing piece of software and firmware that takes the confusion and hassle out of programming your television remote control to handle your other A/V components. It was obviously conceived by some genius Mitsubishi keeps hidden in a dark closet somewhere in their California headquarters. Because I have read several reviews on the Mitsubishi, and none of them have gone into any kind of detail on the NetCommand system, I felt it would be a travesty to take the "easy road" and gloss over it.

Starting from Scratch

Beginning your NetCommand adventure is simple. Turning on the TV for the first time presents you with the NetCommand initial setup screen. If you accidentally cancel out of this or want to set up NetCommand later, just hit the TV Menu button, select Setup , and select Initial above the Edit NetCommand menu. This will allow you to configure your equipment, including a receiver, DVD player, cable box, satellite receiver, VHS player and camcorder. There are several preconfigured settings and manufacturers for use in the NetCommand configuration system. I was able to quickly select my cable box and receiver. For devices not on the preconfigured equipment list, the Mitsubishi WS-55813 provides a rather convenient learning system.

Learning New Devices

To learn new devices, simply select Other for the device/manufacturer name. Then you can select the Learn button to learn the remote control for that device. Here's the neat part - the Mitsubishi learns the remote control directly. You point the source remote at the TV while selecting which function you wish to learn. The Mitsubishi remote control is used for the duration of programming to select the correct functions and navigate through the NetCommand programming functions.

Physical IR Setup

In order to get your learned devices functioning from the Mitsubishi you must utilize the included IR Emitter cables. The WS-55813 includes two cables. A quadruple IR emitter cable (controls up to 4 devices) and a double IR emitter cable (controls two devices). These emitters plug into the rear of the television and then can be affixed easily so that their IR emitting diodes can send IR signals to the controlled devices.

Video Resolution and Noise Comparison

I wanted to see how well the WS-55813 resolved high resolution video. Before sorting through my movie collection, I ran through some of the AVIA test patterns and was pleased to see that the Mitsubishi could (easily) play back high resolution images up to the maximum resolution of 540 lines (the theoretical limit for DVD's native format).

I noticed no apparent video noise in the AVIA 100 TVL and 200 TVL wedge resolution test patterns. The source was the Yamaha DVD-S2300 MK2 reference DVD player utilizing its 480p component video outputs.

WS-55813 Understanding the Product Lines

Mitsubishi has a rather lengthy, if confusing, line-up of televisions. Here's the basic idea and breakdown of their sets in order of cost and feature sets:

1. Silver Series

• 42" - 65" RP CRT display options
• MonitorLink Input for optional HD-5000 DHTV Receiver/Controller
• PerfectColor color system for 6-color control
• Advanced MultiMedia Video Processor (not available in 42" model)

2. Silver Plus Series

• 42" - 65" RP CRT display options
• Adds NetCommand-IR device control system
• Adds Quad-field Focus (helps edge focus on extreme corners of viewing area)
• Adds DefinEdge Velocity Scan Modulation (VSM)
• Adds fully-illuminated multi-brand remote
• Upgraded "Plus" cosmetics

3. Gold Series

• 48" - 73" RP CRT display options
• Adds NetCommand 3.0 (digital and analogue control)
• Adds five-format Memory Card reader
• Adds FireWire interfaces with HAVi software for control customization
• Adds DTV-Link compliance for compatibility with new HD cable box standard
• Adds third-generation HDTV receiver
• Removes QuadField Focus

4. Gold Series Plus

• 48" - 65" RP CRT display options
• Adds QuadField Focus
• Upgraded "Plus" cosmetics
• Adds 2-way coaxial speakers (not available in 48" model)

5. Platinum Series

• 65" - 73" RP CRT display options
• Adds Tru-Focus lenses for higher resolution & brightness, better color and focus
• Adds improved 2-way 6" speakers with 1.5" tweeters
• Upgraded "Platinum" cosmetics with high-gloss burl finish
• Upgraded gold-plated connectors

6. Diamond Series

• 55" - 65" RP CRT display options
• Adds 9" CRTs in the 65" model
• Upgraded cosmetic with piano black finish
• Adds fine-pitch lenticular screen for improved horizontal resolution
• Adds anti-glare DiamondShield

7. Alpha Series 82" LCoS Rear Projection

• Replaces CRT RP technology with LCoS rear projection
• 1080p x 1920 HDTV resolution
• Full computer input capability up to native 1080p x 1920 plus support for VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA, WXGA, with multi-format scaling.
• Simultaneous viewing of windowed PC and HD/ED/SD/analogue content
• 200W user-replaceable lamp

Hopefully this clears up any confusion and helps define the Mitsubishi line more clearly. As you can see, the Diamond Series is their top of the line CRT series with all the options Mitsubishi has to offer. The Alpha Series is another creation entirely and would honestly be too large for Audioholics to review now or in the foreseeable future.

Delivery and Installation

After making arrangements for white glove delivery of the review unit, the Mitsubishi arrived at my doorstep and was installed by a crack team of professional heavy lifters... the number of grunts heard as they relocated the unit to the "first" floor of my raised beach home made me thankful I wasn't the one doing the lifting. At 200 pounds and over 71,000 cubic inches, this television physically represents one of the main reasons digital televisions, while not necessarily better quality, are becoming increasingly popular due to their reduced weight and volume.

The television comes in a box and is wrapped in a combination of protected cardboard, popcorn foam and thin foam sheathing, keeping the unit safe from scratches and damage during shipment. There are wheels on the bottom which facilitate push-pull movement once the TV is situated on either a hard surface or flooring material (it had no problems being pushed over our Berber carpet.) You'll need to situate the TV near its final destination and then push it back towards the wall once you have made all of the video and audio connections.

The build quality of the Mitsubishi WS-55813 is exceptional. Most RPTVs are unable to support any weight whatsoever on the top of the unit. The Mitsubishi has a rather strong, but thin frame that surrounds the screen. It is covered with the same piano finish as the rest of the unit, and can support a reasonably-sized center channel speaker, such as the Axiom Audio VP150, which weighs about 17 pounds. I placed a somewhat larger RBH center channel on top and the Mitsubishi appeared to be able to handle the additional weight, but I removed it so as to not risk long-term damage. Even though the set may not appear to bow or sag, over time it is never a good idea to push your luck with placing heavy items on top of even a well-built RPTV.

WS-55813 Viewing Evaluation & Conclusion

After running the measurements and test patterns I decided to pop in a few movies to see how the Mitsubishi played some of my favorite test scenes. I chose the following movies and scenes because of color reproduction and detail.

DVD: Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo is one of my new favorite DVDs for seeing color depth and hue. Look at the scenes in the Dentist's office where Pixar had a lot of fun integrating a ton of detail and "set design" elements into the fish tank. There is a tremendous amount of color and fast movement, allowing for a thorough test of the Mitsubishi's ability to deliver a stunning picture. Look especially during the introductory scenes when Nemo is first meeting the other "captives". As with CRT technology in general, the bright picture and color is best in class and is only now being challenged by newer digital technologies. In comparing this picture to an older NEC LCD front projector, for example, it's like viewing color for the first time - the saturation difference is so great. One other thing I like about digital animation is that it allows you to examine the tight convergence in a real-world application. Finding Nemo has some excellent hard contrast throughout the film that shows dramatic color juxtapositions and really demonstrate the television's ability to show off its strengths.

DVD: The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers

I always love to call up the beautiful scenery during the scenes shot in Rohan and also within Fangorn Forest . There was so much set design put into these scenes that it's a great est of your display's ability to render the exquisite detail that is present in these scenes. The lush Fangorn forest was meticulously assembled from casts of selected bark and included (quite literally) tons of moss and actual tree limbs to deliver the final effect that was a detailed replica of a living, breathing ancient forest. Viewing these scenes on the Mitsubishi with the Yamaha reference player enabled me to see, for the first time, some excellent details that I had missed on previous viewings of the DVD.

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (even before this year's Return of the King 11 Oscar sweep) won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects - and for good reason. The incredible time and effort put into both the CG scenes and physical set design really shows. Just examine the scene detail when Frodo, Samwise and Faramir are attacked by the Ringwraith's winged creature at Osgiliath. The skin texture on the flying beast is incredibly detailed as is the background set of Osgiliath as it falls to the forces of Sauron. In general, a great amount of detail is to be found in this movie, but especially pay attention to the beautiful New Zealand scenery. It lends itself to an incredible source for seeing just how pleasing your display can render the images.

DVD: Pirates of the Caribbean - Curse of the Black Pearl

This movie, as I've mentioned before, is an excellent way to test the limits of your system's black levels. Take a look at the scenes which take place in the dungeons and where the pirate treasure is hidden. Here you will see the strength of the Mitsubishi in its full glory. Black levels are reproduced with amazing accuracy. If you expect to see this type of black level reproduction on a digital set, be prepared to wait a year or two, or shell out quite a bit of money. A flagship rear projection television like the WS-55813 easily wins this category without breaking a sweat.

One thing I did notice was that, as I mentioned previously, the initial contrast and brightness settings were set way off from optimal. This is, unfortunately, very common in television as people like to see bright sets in the showroom floor and a properly calibrated set would probably look dull and out of place. In reality, once the Mitsubishi is set up correctly, you will notice an amazing amount of shadow detail that you would have missed before setting the correct levels.

Conclusion

The Mitsubishi is a top performer. It will outclass just about anything on the market today and does so at a reasonable price. Its user-calibration options are extensive and I found its ease-of-use to be perfect for those wanting maximum flexibility and options without sacrificing simplicity. The ability to handle just about any input format, including a majority of today's Memory Card formats puts it a cut above even the latest digital televisions on the market.

While some people prefer the flat or lighter technologies of plasma, rear projection DLP or LCD, you will simply not find the same color depth, contrast ratio (black level and dark detail) that you will get with this flagship rear projection CRT television. I would recommend this television for those people looking for the highest quality performance and who are not opposed to sacrificing a little weight or size savings in order to get the best picture quality possible.

Mitsubishi WS-55813

MSRP: $3999

The Score Card

The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:

Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating

Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.

Audioholics Rating Scale

• — Excellent
• — Very Good
• — Good
• — Fair
• — Poor

Metric	Rating
Detail and Resolution
Deinterlacing & Scaling
Contrast and Black Levels
Color Reproduction
Calibration Options
Build Quality
Ergonomics & Usability
Ease of Setup
Features
Remote Control
Performance
Value