Mitsubishi offers several tiers with this year's LCD flat panel models, and the LT-46144 is in their upper 144 series, just below the company's premium Diamond line. Thus this set is a bit pricier than other models in similar screen sizes, but unless you need the advanced features of the Diamond line, the 144 series sets might be a good way to get a very top-of-the-line model without completely breaking the bank.

All of Mitsubishi's LCD models this year feature a super-thin frame that is just about an inch thick, which makes the flat panel set seem even sleeker from the front. Thanks in part to the thin black bezel, you'll see a bright and crisp picture and not a whole lot more.

But it's what's under the hood that makes for the very fine picture. The LT-46144 uses Mitsubishi's Full Spectrum Color, Tru1080p processing and Color 4D video noise reduction to deliver lifelike images, as well as PerfectColor and Smooth120Hz processing to ensure that you see more fluid and smoother fast-moving images. If you play video games at all, this is a great feature to have, especially for racing simulations and sports games where the action moves side to side a lot. The LT-46144 features A/V adjustments that are memorized by input, along with quick pre-set video modes to ensure you can always get a good looking picture.

This year, Mitsubishi has added x.v.Color support to their models, but there is still a lack of devices that take advantage of the technology. So unless you plan on getting Sony's (second-generation at least) Blu-ray player, or other products that will utilize the x.v.Color feature, this doesn't add much. For higher-end sets, especially those that you won't likely replace for a while, we think this might be a good feature to have. But again it shouldn't be the final deciding factor.

The LT-46144 isn't short on connections, either. While it offers Easy Connect functionality to make getting hooked up a snap, videophiles will appreciate the numerous inputs, which include three rear HDMI 1.3 inputs and two rear component video inputs with stereo inputs. Most impressive is the fact that Mitsubishi adds a side component video input along with a side USB input for use with thumb drives for the display of digital photos.

This set also includes a Dolby Digital/PCM coaxial audio output, which is a nice feature if you are using a number of devices with digital audio. This will ensure that you don't have to upgrade the audio receiver to accommodate everything. The partially illuminated universal remote control is easy to program and can command up to five devices, while the illuminated buttons make sure you won't be hunting around in the dark. While it isn't their top of the line, the Mitsubishi LT-46144 has enough features that this 46-inch set can easily transform a living room into a home theater worthy of a movie mogul.

Pros: Three rear HDMI inputs, high contrast picture, side USB input
Cons: A little pricey for the screen size

Warranty
1 year, limited