If you're looking for a DLP TV with phenomenal color and sharp-as-a-knife resolution but don't need a humungous screen, the 57-inch Mitsubishi Diamond WD-57833 DLP HDTV is a value-focused option worth checking out. This model delivers all the bells and whistles of Mitsubishi's largest-screen model, but at a price tag that's considerably smaller ($1800 at time of writing). Let's face it, a 57-inch set can still deliver a movie theater-quality viewing experience, especially in a smaller room where you're sitting fairly close to the screen, about seven to eight feet away.

The all-digital DLP (digital light processing) technology uses millions of microscopic mirrors mounted on tiny hinges to reflect a digital image onto a screen. With those mirrors (each about one-fifth the width of a human hair) switching on and off thousands of times each second, a DLP TV delivers a phenomenally detailed and sharp grayscale image. James Bond's tux looks black as pitch on this unit, for instance, not dark gray and washed out like it does on other rear-screen projection TVs.

The Mitsubishi Diamond WD-57833 DLP HDTV takes DLP's impressive ability to deliver deep blacks one step further by improving on what has traditionally been one of the technology's weaker areas: color. This model one-ups traditional DLP color processing by employing several unique features designed to project colors that are vibrant and real-looking. Most notably, this model uses a very effective 6-Color Light Engine to produce images using six separate colors. You can really see the difference in comparison to models that use the traditional method. By generating yellow, cyan and magenta directly instead of just combining red, green and blue, you get brighter, more realistic-looking individual colors and a wider range of color, as well as whiter whites.

Another feature that impressed us is the 4D video noise reduction system. It filters video noise in four dimensions: horizontally, vertically, within each frame and between frames of video. The WD-57833 also has a feature that minimizes motion blur, particularly in fast-moving scenes like action movies or sports. We tested the feature on a football game, and didn't notice a single instance of motion blur. It's also got a setting that allows the viewer to tweak the tint on each of the six colors separately, affording a welcome amount of color control.

One of the prime criticisms with DLP TVs is the fact that some (but not all) people notice streaks of color dubbed the "rainbow effect," especially if they're moving their eyes quickly across the screen. The 6-Color Light Engine seems to all but eliminate that potential streaking. (In our testing, we didn't experience a rainbow effect on this model, but since different people have different sensitivities to the phenomenon, be sure to check it out for yourself in the store before you buy.)

In addition to the smaller-than-most 57-inch screen, the thin frame and unobtrusive cabinet contribute to a compact profile. It's 13.9 inches deep. That's much larger than flat-panel HDTVs (LCDs and plasma sets tend to be around three to four inches deep), but as far as rear-projection models go, this one has a very slim profile. This TV's design has taken into account the importance of easy connectivity. It includes three rear HDMI 1.3 inputs, a USB input, two rear component inputs and a front component input, perfect for connecting a gaming system.

The Mitsubishi Diamond WD-57833 DLP HDTV is a color-packed, sharp and relatively inexpensive--albeit smaller than most--DLP option.

Pros: Excellent color and control, price, good connectivity
Cons: Smaller screen, relatively bulky frame

Warranty
1 year, limited