At 52 inches, the WD-52631 is the smallest entry in Mitsubishi's DLP HDTV lineup, but that in no way implies this is a bare-bones model. Indeed, the WD-52631 boasts 1,080p resolution and an impressive picture. However, this set lacks some key features, so make sure it meets your needs before spending your hard-earned money.

With the assistance of a pixel-sharing technique called "wobulation," the WD-52631 offers a native resolution of 1,920X1,080, and all incoming signals are upgraded to 1,080p. This DLP set employs a six-color light engine and Mitsubishi's TurboLight150 lamp system, resulting in a bright and vivid picture with very realistic colors. Video noise reduction and Mitsubishi's Tru1080p processing keep artifacts and interference to a minimum,

With its integrated ATSC tuner, the WD-52631 can decode and display high-definition signals from over-the-air and cable sources without the need for an external tuner. This set also has a QAM tuner for displaying basic digital cable. However, there is no CableCARD slot, so if you want premium channels or plan to use interactive options like Pay-Per-View or on-demand services, you'll need a cable box.

The WD-52631 has the convenience features you would expect from a DLP HDTV in this price range, including two color temperature settings, multiple picture formats for standard and HD content, audio/video settings memory for each input and a universal remote control. There are a number of PIP and split-screen viewing options, but the WD-52631's single-tuner design requires a second video source to enable them.

The internal audio system is standard for a large HDTV, with 20 total watts of audio output from the below-the-screen stereo speakers. Automatic volume leveling keeps the sound at a consistent output during commercials or channel switches. We'd recommend using the coaxial digital audio output to route the sound to a home theater receiver and speakers.

The connection selection is fairly broad for an HDTV in this size range. In addition to a set of composite video/S-video inputs on the front panel, the WD-52631's rear panel has two RF inputs, two more composite video/S-video inputs, two HDMI inputs that accept 1,080p sources), two component video inputs, a DVI PC input, a pair of IEEE 1394 connections, a composite video output and the digital audio output. The WD-52631 features Mitsubishi's ClearThought Easy Connect, which makes linking associated components very intuitive. The TV configures itself for each component as it is plugged in, asking you to identify each component and then making it accessible through on-screen menus.

While it doesn't distinguish itself from the pack in some areas, the vivid picture of the Mitsubishi WD-52631 may tempt you to overlook its shortcomings.


Pros: 1,080p picture, six-color light engine produces very realistic colors, ClearThought Easy Connect makes adding additional components a breeze
Cons: Unimpressive audio, no CableCARD slot, single-tuner PIP

Warranty
30 days screen, 1 year parts and labor