Mitsubishi WD8200U WXGA Large Venue DLP Projector Review

WD8200U Build Quality and Pro CE Features

Mitsubishi introduced its ultra-bright, dual-lamp WD8200U projector last summer, but we weren't able to come up with an excuse to review it until Super Bowl weekend. The DLP projector uses 1280 x 800 (WXGA) 0.65" DMD chip with Dark Chip 3 technology. What really separates this "man" from the boys, however, is the use of its dual 330W UHP lamp, which can operate the projector in dual-lamp mode for maximum brightness (in this case 6500 lumens) or non-stop sequential mode. With each lamp needing only one hour of shut-down time every week, this feature enables users to configure their lamp settings appropriate for applications that run non-stop 24/7/365 operation or in areas with variable ambient light.

The projector is also equipped with Mitsubishi's "Super Resolution", an exclusive menu-driven Mitsubishi Electric algorithm where the user can enhance the sharpness of a projected image. While we don't typically advocate software image-sharpening DSP modes, this one actually looks pretty great. The projector also offers user-interchangeable color wheels that can be swapped out for either brightness-intensive or color-intensive applications. The WD8200U comes with the high-brightness color wheel and users have the option to purchase the exchangeable six-segment color wheel that emphasizes richness and depth of colors.

Inputs abound on the WD8200U, with HDMI, DVI-D, component, composite, S-video, VGA (HD15) and connections for RS-232C and wired remote controls. While all the "flavors" are represented, there aren't any multiples of each of the input types. All this means is that those who are looking to use multiple sources may need to engage a video processor or switcher in conjunction with the system.

Professional CE Features

For commercial integrators who are going for placement flexibility and custom screens, Mitsubishi's WD8200U also offers geometric warping so images can be created on curved screens or surfaces, in either front- or rear-projection mode without the typical blurring at the edges. Mitsubishi actually designed the feature with museums, planetariums, malls and casinos in mind - it allows almost limitless applications. The WD8200U also brings new edge-blending and color matching technology, which allows you to stack projectors side-by-side or vertically to create a single large image from multiple images. This is actually a very efficient method CE professionals use to create super-sized screens with high brightness.

The WD8200U offers a unique "heat pipe" cooling system that serves to absorb heat and funnel it away from the projector. Since the system uses no moving parts to do this, the cooling is accomplished with the addition of no noise, allowing the WD8200U to operate at around 28 dBa SPL in low mode.

For aligning an image to the screen, a motorized horizontal and vertical lens-shift gives you near-infinite placement options (though the shift limits are somewhat restricted) and a motorized focus and zoom make final adjustment quick and easy. You can always tell the truly pro models as they don't involve having to use a ladder when focusing and zooming the final image. Continuing the professional focus, the company also added a new self-cleaning filter system that includes an automated rotating filter that allows users to schedule filter rotations automatically or manually on an as-needed basis. The filter itself is a reusable mesh that has an estimated maintenance span of up to 10,000 hours (under normal operating conditions). That's about 5 lamp cycles at maximum usage, or 2.5 lamp cycles in low output mode. When the filter needs cleaning, you simply rinse and dry it, reinstall and reuse the filter, which generates less waste, saves money and decreases overall cost of ownership.

So what if you want to use this projector in a long-throw scenario? How about a short-throw scenario? What if it needs even more flexibility and requires Zoom functionality? Mitsubishi has it covered. The company offers multiple optional lenses (in additional to the Standard Zoom) that supports various room configurations and throw distances. These interchangeable lenses support a throw ratio range of 1.3 up to 9.0 front projection, plus a zero-axis 0.8 rear throw distance. We used a wide angle lens which screwed onto the included Zoom lens, giving us the ability to project an image onto the rear projection screen for our Super Bowl party. The lens-exchange process on the WD8200U was extremely simple and when necessary, even removing the entire lens assembly is a very straightforward process.

For professional installers, the WD8200U includes an RJ45 connection for networking control that supports Crestron as well as AMX remote management solutions. For service, the projectors come with Mitsubishi's three-year limited warranty on parts and labor plus a one-year/500-hour limited warranty on the lamp. As with all Mitsubishi installation projectors, each is covered by the Express Replacement Assistance (ERA) Program, a nationwide comprehensive service that offers next business-day replacement for down units under warranty coverage.

WD8200U Remote, Menu,Viewing Evaluation & Conclusion

We liked the remote control for the WD8200U and the way it intelligently laid out all of the controls. The incredibly helpful Lens Shift and Powered Zoom/Focus controls are just below the navigation control pad and the inputs are all accessible at the top of the remote. It was also very simple to navigate the menu and change settings, including basic Brightness and Contrast calibration of the projector. We especially enjoyed working with the Geometry functions and the Arc control, having never used a projector that facilitated such an easy method to compensate an image when projected on a curved surface.

All of the menu functions are easy to access, and the interface, while not fancy, is straightforward - with the major categories across the top and the subsequent submenus accessible below. Everything can be controlled with the remote's directional control pad and the entire system is intuitive and simple to use.

Physically, one of the nice features of the Mitsubishi WD8200U is the inclusion of a terminal cover, a plastic shroud that clips on to protect and cover the input and power connections. We have this on our Epson 9700UB reference projector and it really makes for a cleaner installation.

Viewing Evaluation

As they say, the proof is in the pudding - and the Mitsubishi WD8200U creates an excellent image. It's extremely bright, but with color accuracy that is often difficult to reproduce at high lumen output. Even with both lamps firing, the Mitsubishi made our test material look absolutely stunning.

Though there was a ton of light output, black levels were still reasonable

These buildings showed absolutely no moire affect during this test scene we use often for testing such things

Batman Begins looked fantastic and the contrast was impressive

Super Bowl XLV came through with vibrant colors, though we waited until the Post Game show to take our pics

Conclusion

I have been having a great time lately reviewing commercial projectors and experiencing the features and advantages of really powerful display devices. In particular, the Mitsubishi WD8200U is designed to deliver incredible flexibility, superb color and brightness, and allow for easy installation into the most difficult scenarios. Curved surface? 24/7/365 performance requirements? No problem. The best thing about this projector is that it just works. And at a street price under $7k it's actually a great deal for those who need powerful output, accurate color, and flexible placement options. This is a real winner and a project CE professionals are going to jump on once they see what  it can do. We've got high recommendations for this one.

Mitsubishi WD8200U DLP Projector

MSRP: $8,995

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America
9351 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, Calif., 92618
www.mitsubishi-presentations.com

About Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Presentation Products Division
Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America's Presentation Products Division markets an extensive line of professional presentation, front-projection, high-definition home entertainment, and rearprojection video wall cube display systems and digital signage monitors that are designed with DLP® or LCD technology, and is known for its award-winning, high-quality, accurate color reproduction technology. Products are sold through authorized distributors, resellers, retailers and system integrators throughout the United States and Mexico. Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America is located at 9351 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, Calif., 92618. For more information, please call 888-307-0312 or visit http://www.mitsubishi-presentations.com.

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
Contrast and Black Levels
Color Reproduction
Noise Reduction
Build Quality
Ergonomics & Usability
Ease of Setup
Features
Remote Control
Fit and Finish
Performance
Value