Mitsubishi's WD-52628 is a 52-inch HDTV that utilizes digital light processing (DLP) technology to produce a lively high-definition picture in a slender tabletop cabinet.

The black-framed wide-format screen is ideal for movies and HD programming, and the slim area below the screen is home to quick-access composite and FireWire inputs.

The picture is digitally processed to display high-definition 1,080i content at 1,080p. The WD-52628's color wheel has six segments, making it possible to fine-tune the color more precisely than on most comparable-size TVs. This color wheel design (as opposed to the more traditional three-segment type) also reduces the rainbow effects that sometimes plague DLP sets. Brightness and contrast are intensified by Mitsubishi's DeepField Imager, while the edges of objects are more cleanly defined using the SharpEdge tool.

The WD-52628 maximizes the audio output along with the video, relying on four stereo speakers rated at 20 watts of total audio output. The volume can be maintained at a constant level by activating the steady sound feature.

Convenience features include TV Guide On-Screen's 8-day interactive program guide for selecting viewing choices, memory for audio/video settings for each video input, and two picture settings for each input to accommodate the different viewing requirements that occur during the day or night. The PIP function makes it possible to watch two full-height screens at once, view a smaller PIP window, or preview three programs at once in POP mode. All of the buttons on the universal remote control illuminate, so using it in the dark is a snap.

The WD-52628 really comes into its own when connected to other components, which can all be coordinated via on-screen menus using Mitsubishi's NetCommand system. Connection options include three composite video/S-video inputs (one on the front panel), three component video inputs, two HDMI inputs with DVI stereo audio (one is also compatible with a computer's VGA output), three FireWire connectors (one front), two RF inputs for antenna and cable sources, one digital audio output, one fixed stereo audio output, one independent record output, and two G-link IR emitter outputs.

One of the things that sets the Mitsubishi WD-52628 apart is the generous feature list, offering access to TV Guide On-Screen, twin-tuner picture-in-picture functions, a CableCARD slot, and five memory card slots to accommodate most card formats used by digital cameras.

Warranty
1 year parts and labor