Review: Mitsubishi WD-65736 great for HD viewing
Posted by Dennis Sellers 
Oct 7, 2008 at 8:00am
This is a first for us, but Macsimum News recently had a chance to test drive the Mitsubishi WD-65736, a very, very sweet 65-inch rear projection TV that works great with two of my favorite Apple-related goodies—the AppleTV and the Logitech Harmony remote. It also has a sweet price point; you can pick it up for around US$2,000 or less.
Let me just say that the picture quality is stunning, especially in high-def (it supports 1080p). I haven’t sprung for a Blu-ray player yet (and may not), but I did recently purchase a good up-converter DVD player with HDMI connection—and watching an “up-converted” movie on the WD-65736 is a pleasure. Ditto for viewing HD content from my cable provider (Comcast). The he picture is great from any angle and from a distance and close up.
The key to the WD-65736’s exceptionally accurate and vivid color is Mitsubishi’s 6-Color Processor. Instead of using only the red, green, and blue primaries to create all on-screen colors, this system analyzes the video signal and extracts the three secondary colors (cyan, yellow, magenta). Individually processing these six colors yields greater overall accuracy.
However, on the other hand, non-HD content is noticeably blurry, especially with 480i on a 65-inch screen. On the other hand, you probably won’t buy this baby for watching non-HD video. But if you do, it’s almost hard to view after being treated to the marvelous HD quality.
The built-in speakers are adequate, if not exceptional. Of course, if you’re going to spring for a 65-inch TV you’ll probably also fork out the moolah for a true home theater system and/or a Surround Sound speaker set-up. If not, the WD-65736’s speakers are decent enough, though you’ll want high-quality sound with high-quality video. It even sports technology for watching 3D movies (though you’ll need special glasses).
Set-up is easy and connection peripherals is a breeze. Just plug in your DVD player, DVR, game console, satellite receiver, etc., and the WD-65736 “senses” it. You’re asked, via the onscreen menu, to verify the devices, then you’re good to go. What’s more, the TV comes with a manual that’s as comprehensive and easy-to-use as any television manual I’ve ever used.
Here’s the specs for the WD-65736:
° 65-inch widescreen HDTV (16:9 aspect ratio)
° Built-in digital (ATSC) and analog (NTSC) tuners for over-the-air TV broadcasts (antenna
° Built-in QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required)
° Smooth Picture 1080p DLP system (1920×1080 pixels)
° 6-Color Processor for more realistic color
° Built-in stereo speakers (10 watts x 2)
° Partially illuminated multibrand remote control
° NetCommand with IR learning component control system (includes HDMI-CEC)
° Picture settings memory for each video input
° Eight A/V inputs, including: onecomposite video, one S-video, three component video (two rear, 1 front); four HDMI (three rear, one front) ; two RF inputs for antenna/cable signals; coaxial digital audio output for Dolby Digital; front USB port for digital photo playback; 3D-ready (requires 3D glasses and IR emitter, and a PC).
The TV measures 58.25 by 39.5 by 15.5 and weighs 75.4 pounds. It comes with a one-year warranty.
The big downside to the WD-65736: Mitsubishi won’t let me keep it. But if you have the money and are looking for a widescreen TV, give this one a (HD) look.
Macsimum rating: 8 out of 10.
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Contributor
Dennis Sellers
Dennis has been a newspaper editor/reporter (seven years) and teacher (seven years). He has over 4,000 magazine, newspaper and online articles to his credit. He has also covered the Mac and tech industries for over a decade for such online publications as MacCentral, MacMinute and now MacsimumNews.
