The Mitsubishi HC3800 supports 1080p videos with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. It employs the Texas Instruments DLP technology, with 1300 ANSI Lumens and features a 4,000:1 contrast ratio. It was unveiled for the first time at CEDIA 2009.

Design
This handsome projector with a glossy black finish measures 5.1” (H) x 13.6” (W) x 10.6” (D) and weighs only 7.7lbs. It is an entry level home theater projector, sporting an RGB color wheel, a Diamond series glass lens with 1.5x  zoom range, a 5,000-hour lamp life in eco mode, anamorphic lens modes and a two year warranty with a one-year or 500-hour warranty on the lamp.

Besides having an amazing lamp life that lasts an average of 5,000 hours, the designers of HC3800 were thoughtful enough to design the chassis to have a top access lamp, allowing users to replace the lamp without taking down the projector if it is ceiling mounted.  This design simplifies lamp replacements without having to turn the projector around, or dismount it. 

Setting up and calibrating the Mitsubishi HC3800
Users may choose to place the projector on a shelf or mount it to the ceiling. The manufacturer recommends a universal projector mount for mounting purposes.

Setting up this Mitsubishi system is easy.  The input connections are clearly labeled and the buttons on both the unit and remote control are easy to use.  The system turns on fast and also has a short cool down turn-off time.

There are several connections, including the important HDMI, S-Video, Component Video, Composite Video and VGA. However, there is only one of each type, and there is no dedicated DVI-HDCP input.  Users accustomed to setting up and operating projectors will know that DLP projectors are harder to set up than LCD projectors, and this system is no exception. However, users may require to set up this system, perhaps only once in its product life cycle.

Users need to remember that there is no optical lens shift, so the HC3800 needs to be installed with the lens approximately parallel to the top or bottom edge of the screen. This will vary with distance, however.

The menu system on HC3800 is easy to navigate. The words choices are logical with options one can expect from the selection.

While the user manual has some illustrations, it is slightly too wordy. However, it is elaborate with informative tables that guide users of how far the projector needs to be, at which setting, for a screen of what size, at what distance between the projector and the screen. Yet, some details are too elaborate for an average user who might become frustrated for wanting of simple instructions.

Features
Latest DLP® Chip
Mitsubishi uses the latest DLP chip in HC3800, enabling smooth, true reproduction detailed images with no noise or quality deterioration.  The dense micromirrors complement the 0.65 DLP® chip, greatly reducing light fusion by improving the aperture ratio. 
Native 1080p and HDMI connectivity
The HC3800 comes with a HDMI connectivity to stream uncompressed digital formats, allowing output of high definition resolution with minimal quality loss, up to 1080p.
Color Management
The system employs an advanced color management for both primary and secondary colors. Each of these colors can be adjusted individually without affecting the color quality of other colors. 
Diamond Lens
It has a 4-cluster, 13-piece all-glass lens to deliver excellent focusing performance with 1.5x magnification of high definition images.
RS232 support
Supporting RS232 means that the device is compatible with other third party control devices, encouraging the possibility of using only one remote for all the devices for the user’s convenience.

Performance
HC3800 is able to deliver accurate colors.  Reds have lots of depth without being oversaturated, something that users should look out for in any display systems, where it is a projector or a tv. Colors are clear and crisp, and there is no hint of pastel tones.  To achieve this near perfection, users only need to set to the Cinema mode. Some seasoned users may wish to tweak the systems, but turning on the Cinema mode will have accomplished the task. 

There are several modes with different brightness applied.  The Sports mode, for example, generates 1074 ANSI lumens with low lamp reduction to 851 lumens, while the Cinema mode marks 734 ANSI lumens with low lamp reduction to 580 lumens.

The system projects exceptionally sharp image. The throw ratio is 1.38 – 2.06:1, which gives users plenty of space depending on the screen size.  In terms of performance, users will find that there is great value for money, as this entry level DLP projector is able to offer clear, sharp images.

However, for some reasons, there may be some problems with color uniformity of the projection.  Users may report up to 35% errors, and screen brightness varies across the surface of the screen from one side to another.

Pros and Cons
The Mitsubishi HC3800 is small and light weight, which is a trendy, modern requirement for most modern homes. The menu system is easy and there are no dust blobs due to the sealed light path. Projection image is of good quality, and there is exceptional true contrast ratio.

Users may encounter some problems with color uniformity in which brightness differs from one side of the screen to another.

Conclusion
Users can expect good value purchase of this system.  The colors are life-like, there is excellent contrast and the lens is accurate.  Even though the set-up may be a little more work than a comparable LCD projector, its performance certainly outweighs this slight problem.