The HC1500 is a native 720p (can handle up to 1080p) projector which provides high definition for the home at an affordable price. This DLP technology projector produces a bright 1600 ANSI for a home theater projector and has an excellent 2500:1 contrast ratio for delivering image quality.

The DLP chip for the Mitsubishi HC1500 is a Texas Instrument DDP3020 DLP chip with BrilliantColor processing technology. BrilliantColor technology utilizes a color-processing algorithm and system level enhancements to enable higher brightness while providing truer and more vibrant colors. The technology enables a greater brightness increase in mid-tone images in HD projection. A seven segment color wheel goes with the single DLP chip and as with any such projector design you should have a test viewing of the projector to see if you are susceptible to seeing any rainbow effects.

Unusually for this type of entry level projector, it has a 12V trigger making it possible to connect up a motorized screen. In low power (brightness) mode, the HC1500 DLP projector operates at a comparatively quiet 25dBA noise level providing no distracting competition to the speaker volume.

The projector weighs only 6.5lbs which combined with both vertical and horizontal digital keystone correction makes setup easy enough to consider the projector as one to stored and brought out for special occasions or movie nights. Lens shift is a better method of squaring up the projected image but, could not really be expected with an entry level, budget priced projector such as the Mitsubishi HC1500. There is a manual zoom and focus adjustment behind the lens.

Projection lamp replacement is a significant cost of projector ownership and it’s nice to see the Mitsubishi HC1500 has a long 3000 hours (low mode) lamp life. Regular filter cleaning is a factor which contributes to longer projector lamp life so Mitsubishi’s filter free design is going to extend lamp life without any effort on your behalf. The task of lamp replacement is also made easier with a convenient side loading lamp design. The projector itself is backed by a 1-years parts and labor warranty.

Operation

On the projector itself there are 7 buttons for input selection, keystone correction, power and menu browsing. You could set up without a remote but, the Mitsubishi does come with one backlit for finding the right button in low ambient light viewing conditions. The on-screen menu system is well designed and logical for easy navigation.

A bonus with the HC1500 is an RS-232c for remote projector control using a personal computer. PC-controllable functions include power on/off, changing input signal, commands covered on the control panel and remote control and menu settings.

Connections

Importantly there is a HDMI connection which comes along with component, S-video, RCA, RGB: Mini D-sub 15pin and the before mentioned RS-232c. Full details are in the specification below.

Resources

Mitsubishi HC1500 Data Sheet – PDF

User Manual – PDF

Controlling the HC1500 projector using a personal computer – PDF

Projection Screen Selection
8 Tips to Extend Projector Lamp Life
Replacement Projector Lamps and Bulbs

Some comparative projectors to look at might be the Optoma HD70 and the Panasonic PT-AX100U.

Customer Reviews and Prices for Mitsubishi HC1500 LDP Home Theater Projector

If you would like to see some customer reviews there are a considerable number at

Amazon where it is a best seller having a 5/5 star rating.

See Newegg.com for user reviews and a price for the MITSUBISHI HC1500 DLP 720p Home Theater Projector

Check Buy.com pricing and customer reviews for the Mitsubishi HC1500 Home Cinema Projector – 1280 x 720 WXGA – 1600lm – Manual Zoom also.

Also available from TheNerds.net
Mitsubishi 1600 Lumens XGA DLP Projector

Specifications Mitsubishi HC1500 720p High Definition DLP Home Theater Projector

Imaging Technology	0.62″, 1-Chip DMD, 12 deg. LVDS, DarkChip2 DDP3020
Brightness/Lumens	1600 ANSI Lumens
Native Resolution	1280 x 720
Maximum Resolution	1280 x 1024
Viewable Size	40-275 inches diagonal
Contrast Ratio	2500 : 1 (on/off)
Color Wheel	7-segment (RGBWRGB)
Lens Throw Ratio	1.59 – 1.97
Zoom & Focus Adjustment	Manual Focus & Zoom Lens
PC, MAC Compatibility	Yes
Scanning Frequency	[H] 15 – 80 kHz, [V] 50 – 85 Hz, [Dot Clock] max 110 MHz
Interface	NTSC, PAL, SECAM: 480i/p(525i/p), 576i/p(625i/p), 720(750p 50/60Hz), 1080i (1125i 60Hz), 1080i (1125i 50Hz), SCART (RGB 1V sync)
Computer/Video Input Support	RGB: Mini D-sub 15pin x 1 HDMI x 1 Video: RCA x 1, S-VIDEO x 1, RCA (Y, CB, CR) x 1
Computer Monitor Loop-Out	No
RS-232 Communication Support	RS-232C (8pin) x 1 (Direct command is available)
Audio Speaker/Audio Out	N/A
USB Mouse Support	USB (Service use only)
Lamp Life/Backlight	3000 hours (low mode)
Usage Replacement Lamp	Replacement Lamp (VLT-HC910LP)
Weight	6.5 lbs.
Dimensions (W x H x D)	12.2″ x 3.9″ x 9.6″
Power Consumption	280W/2.9A
Power Requirements	AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz
Service and Support	1-Years Limited Parts and Labor Warranty, 90-Days lamp warranty
Included Accessories	AC Power cable, RGB cable, RS-232C cable, Remote Unit (incl. battery), Light shade cover, Quick Start Card, User Manual, Safety Manual