The Mitsubishi LT-52244 is the company's flagship LCD set, and is part of their top-of-the-line Diamond series. This model lives up to that distinction, and while expensive, offers everything a serious videophile could want in an LCD set. This 1080p model is sleek and stylish, and because of its size is a tad deeper than the other LCD models, but at just 1/10 of an inch it is hardly worth mentioning. At just 5.7-inches deep, this set is wall mountable, and at just under 100 pounds it could almost be considered a featherweight for a flat panel display.

This year's line of Mitsubishi LCD HDTVs feature a super thin bezel frame just an inch thick, so from the front you'll see the clear bright picture and not much else. Because the casing is so small, it will make for an even more impressive image. About the only compliant we have is that Mitsubishi doesn't make a larger flat panel than this 52-inch model--there are only a few LCD sets on the market larger, but this should still be a consideration.

The LT-52244 doesn't come up short with advanced features however. It uses Mitsubishi's Full Spectrum Color, Tru1080p processing and Color 4D video noise reduction to deliver lifelike images, and as a true step up, this model also features Plush1080p, PerfecTint, PerfectColor and Smooth120Hz processing to ensure that you see more fluid and smoother fast-moving images. There is also the addition of TV Guide Daily and NetCommand to ease the control of your various A/V devices.

The five-band partially illuminated universal remote control is easy to program and can be used to take command of all your home theater devices, even in low light conditions. The A/V adjustments are memorized by input, along with quick pre-set video modes to ensure you can always get a good looking picture. As with the other Mitsubishi models, the LT-52244 has added x.v.Color support, but there is still a lack of devices that actually utilize the technology. But if you are interested in Sony's latest generation of Blu-ray players or camcorders--which actually use the technology--then it might be a great feature to have available.

The Diamond line series is Digital Cable Ready with a CableCard slot for cable box free operation, and include an RS232C input for advanced home theater installation. This model offers three rear HDMI 1.3 inputs and two rear component video inputs with stereo inputs. What we found really impressive is the number of connections, as they've added a set of side components inputs along with an additional side HDMI input. This makes the TV great for use with video game consoles such as the Xbox 360 Elite and the PlayStation 3. There is even a side USB input for use with thumb drives for the display of digital photos. This model also features a rear Dolby Digital/PCM coaxial audio output, ensuring that you don't have to upgrade the audio receiver to accommodate everything. The LT-52244 series set proves that a Diamond line TV is a videophile's best friend.

Pros: Four rear HDMI inputs, high contrast picture, side USB input
Cons: Maximum size in diamond line is 52 inches, x.v.Color still mostly hype at this point

Warranty
1 year, limited