High Performance, High Value

Well-designed and logically laid out, the OSD only suffers from a lack of placement options—the choices are either top left or bottom right screen corners. This limitation won’t trouble most users, but for those that opt for the widescreen 2.40:1 anamorphic route, the menu system is outside of the visible screen area when in widescreen mode—I’d have preferred a vertically-centered screen left and right OSD placement options for better anamorphic compatibility.
 
Remote Control

A comfortable size, the Mitsubishi’s remote control features a sculptured back panel for improved grip, and is backlit with amber color tone, which is a big plus. It also features direct source input buttons, another big advantage over most projector remote controls. There are three picture memory buttons, and there are also direct buttons for all of the important picture control and lens adjustment functions, another big plus.
 
Recommended Settings
Color: -3
Tint: 0
Sharpness: 0
Color Temperature: Medium/User
HD size (1:1 pixel-to-pixel): 100%
Gamma: Video (comes closest to 2.2)
Auto Iris: Off

Conclusion

Mitsubishi scores high marks with its HC5500. High points include the latest 3LCD 1080p imaging panels, the Silicon Optix Reon video processor, Mitsubishi’s excellent motorized optical adjustment system, and dual anamorphic scaling modes (this is the first generation of Mitsubishi projectors to include those features). Overall excellent picture quality is testament to good design and smart product management. The HC5500 is as quiet a projector as I’ve ever heard (or not heard, in this case).
          
 At its $2,295 list price, the HC5500 is definitely a cut above some other models in its price class, but when you factor in the current $300 rebate and bonus free replacement lamp promotion that runs through the late spring (a $459 value that might even be extended further), the HC5500 by far leads the pack in terms of performance and high value in affordable 1080p front projection.