Mitsubishi HC5000BL 1080P Projector Incorporates Silicon Optix’s Reon-VX chip

Mitsubishi 1080P HC5000 Projector Incorporates Silicon Optix’s Reon-VX chip

On September 13, Mitsubishi introduced its 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution home theater projector, the HC5000. It is available in standard black or optional white.

Of most interest is the inclusion of Silicon Optix Reon-VX high performance video chip which provides motion-adaptive, per-pixel, high-definition (HD) de-interlacing. Compared to other deinterlacing methods, motion adaptive methods have been found to provide superior performance independent of the amount of motion in a frame or the frame rate used.

Silicon Optix gained some significant recognition last December when it was selected as a 2006 Technology Pioneer by the World Economics. Technology Pioneers are companies that have been identified as developing and applying highly transformational and innovative technologies in the areas of energy, biotechnology and health, and information technology (IT). Paul Russo , Chairman and CEO of Silicon Optix Inc. commented at the time, “To be a named as a Technology Pioneer for 2005 in the Information Technology category is truly an honor. This award is a validation of our leadership position in the digital video processing markets and a tribute to our technology, employees and financial strength. Our revolutionary REALTA IC and REALTA HQVTM (Hollywood Quality Video), capable of 1 trillion operations per second, enable the real time pixel-by-pixel processing of HDTV signals.”

Most projectors have converted video using vertical interpolation which reduces vertical resolution and blurs/softens an image. Motion adaptive deinterlacing as employed by Silicon Optix takes advantage of the information available in different regions of a video. It is adaptive because it segments each image in a video into moving and stationary regions and applies the most accurate deinterlacing algorithm to each. Generally, it applies temporal methods to static regions and spatial methods to motion/action regions.

The work of the Silicon Optix Reon-VX processor doesn’t stop with deinterlacing. A multi-direction diagonal filter removes any jagged edges or artifacts without blurring the image, while sophisticated noise reduction technology removes the noise and artifacts caused by compression.

As these methods are applied to individual pixels in each video image one can understand why 1 trillion operations per second are required.

There are some other noteworthy inclusions in the HC5000 specification:

5,000 hour lamp life,
An auto/dynamic iris which increases detail and improves contrast levels (quoted at 10,000:1),
Side access to lamp to allow the lamp to be replaced without taking down the projector (when ceiling mounted),
Noise levels as low as 19dBA (conversation is in the 60 – 70 dBA range),
A two year parts and labor warranty.

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Mitsubishi HC5000 Lamp (MPN: VLT-HC5000LP)

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MITSUBISHI BREAKS THROUGH WITH 1080P HC5000BL PROJECTOR

USB Slot Quickens Total Presentation Time, Supports Collaboration

IRVINE, Calif., September 13, 2006 –Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division, known for award-winning, high-quality presentation and display products, today introduced its 1080p home theater projector, the HC5000BL. Based on the latest LCD technology and High Quality Video (HQV) high-performance video processor from Silicon Optix, Mitsubishi’s HC5000BL offers true 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution for the highest definition of detail and action, and performs seamlessly with the latest Blu-ray or HD DVD technology.

“Our new HC5000BL brings the best of the best to our customers,” said Frank Anzures, product manager, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division. “We have the latest technology, the latest features, and the highest quality performance available today.”

The HC5000BL is designed with new inorganic LCD panels that are more durable and provide a more color-consistent, even-toned image than previous generation LCD panels. The LCD optical engine is enclosed to prevent dust from entering the engine, which decreases the number of particles landing on the LCD panels, and keeps the image cleaner.

Mitsubishi’s HC5000BL delivers HQV through Silicon Optix’s Reon-VX chip, which provides true HQV four-field, motion-adaptive, per-pixel, high-definition (HD) deinterlacing that delivers the sharpest and most detailed HD images possible. The HQV multi-direction diagonal filter removes any “jaggies” and/or stair-step artifacts from deinterlaced video sources without blurring the image, while sophisticated noise reduction technology removes the noise and artifacts caused by compression.

Using Mitsubishi’s exclusive algorithms to control its dynamic iris, the HC5000BL also boasts one of the highest contrast ratios available today, achieving an unprecedented 10,000:1 for the most exacting features in dark areas of an image. These new algorithms detect and maximize color information as well as luminance, creating realistic detail in film noir and action flicks.

With up to 5000 hours of lamp-life (in low mode), HC5000BL owners won’t have to change them often, but when it’s necessary, the new projector offers a design that makes replacement quick and easy. Through an easily accessed lamp housing, users simply switch the lamps without taking the mounting structure apart and physically handling the projector.

“The HC5000BL provides HDMI and DVI connectors, allowing for a true digital-to-digital link between the projector and its image sources. Available in standard black or optional white, the 1000 ANSI lumens projector offers a powered lens shift and powered zoom for easy installation and set up, making it perfect for home theater environments.

“We always enjoy bringing super high-performance products to the marketplace, especially when they’re at a price point that will ‘wow’ our customers,” said James Chan, director, product marketing, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division. “With HQV and the latest in LCD panel technology, we have produced a 1080p projector for a 1080p source that makes even SD or lower resolution signals look fantastic.”

Availability, Warranty

The suggested price of Mitsubishi’s new HC5000BL is $4495 and will be available in October 2006 through authorized Mitsubishi dealers. The projector comes with Mitsubishi’s two-year limited warranty on parts and labor plus a 90-day warranty on the lamp.

About Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Presentation Products Division

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division markets an extensive line of professional presentation and front-projection home entertainment display systems and is known for its award-winning, high-quality, accurate color reproduction technology. Products are sold through authorized distributors, resellers, retailers, dealers and system integrators throughout the United States. Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America is located at 9351 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, Calif., 92618. For more information, please call 888-307-0312 or visit www.mitsubishi-presentations.com.

About Silicon Optix

Silicon Optix Inc., a privately held fabless semiconductor company, is the leading supplier of advanced programmable video/image digital processing integrated circuits (ICs). The company’s products are driving three unique technologies into a broad range of markets: a patented, powerful, array-based programmable DSP for digital video that can perform one trillion operations/second, enabling real-time pixel-by-pixel processing of HDTV; industry-leading and Hollywood-proven software algorithms from Teranex; and proprietary eWARP™ geometry processing. Silicon Optix’s mission is to leverage these innovative technologies into ICs that will enable the next generation of digital video/image capture, transmission, distribution, editing, storage, and display solutions, with an initial focus on large-area digital displays, including front and rear projection. Silicon Optix is headquartered in San Jose, California, with operations in Hanover, Germany; Orlando, Florida; Taipei, Taiwan; Shanghai, China; and Toronto, Canada. For more information about Silicon Optix, please visit the company’s website at www.siliconoptix.com.

Read the full press release by Mitsubishi.