May 18, 2009
By Mark J. Pescatore
There's lots to like about the Mitsubishi XD530U DLP projector, which packs 3000 lumens and native XGA resolution into a sturdy portable chassis. 
The center lens design features manual zoom and focus rings that are physically separate from each other, so you won't bump one while adjusting the other. The rear connections are neat and uncluttered, while the on-board control panel is simple and clean. Lamp replacement should be relatively easy with its top load design.
You get plenty of source options on the XD530U, including RCA video and S-Video with shared stereo audio, two RGB inputs, and DVI. There's also monitor and audio out ports, RS-232, and USB connectivity as well.
This is not the projector to borrow for the big game. While image quality from my Lost in Space DVD was certainly acceptable, both video and S-Video images suffer from aliasing, particularly in scenes with motion. RGB computer images are noticeably nicer, with crisp PowerPoint presentations and spreadsheets.
What separates the XD530U from the pack is its wireless connectivity. Attach the supplied antenna, which rotates so you can find the best angle for tabletop use or ceiling installation. It only takes a few keystrokes and a quick software download to connect your laptop. An administration screen can help you manage multiple sources (the projector supports approximately 30 simultaneous computer connections).
As we've seen with other projectors, the convenience of wireless comes at some sort of performance cost. The tradeoff for the XD530U is a loss of resolution — your crisp XGA imagery will be replaced by less impressive but still more than acceptable SVGA.
If you try to maintain a higher resolution, the frame rate will be severely reduced (and the image will still suffer). A wired LAN option is also available if you have wireless issues. Unfortunately, Mac support is not available for either option.
Audio is a minor complaint. The built-in two-watt speaker is fair, but there's no way to adjust anything but the volume. And there's no way to adjust the volume except through the remote control — no menu setting, no on-board volume control. Also, you can't mute the sound without muting the picture as well.
I really like the on-screen menu. It appears as a line of six icons, each clearly identified with a text-based description when highlighted. Most users won't need to go past the image settings, but you have specific menus for installation, wireless, and more. The menus are well organized and navigation is reasonably intuitive.
A bare-bones carrying case does little to inspire confidence, with very little padding on the sides and bottom. The best-protected part of the carrying case is the exterior accessory pocket, which is roomy enough for the remote and cables but not large enough for papers or files. The XD530U is a tight fit, with little room for the antenna — you'd be smart to remove it before transport to avoid breakage.
While the remote fits comfortably in your hand, it could stand to lose a few buttons. Note to all projector manufacturers: You don't need a separate button for each input, and you really don't need separate on/off buttons.
The Mitsubishi XD530U (estimated street price $2,500) is all business, and that's not a bad thing. It excels in the important areas for professionals: good images from computer sources, simple wireless connectivity, and design elements that simplify installation and maintenance. The projector is also available without wireless (model XD520U-G) with an estimated street price of $1,300.
Mitsubishi XD530U DLP Projector
SCORE: .gif) PROS: Good images from computer sources, simple wireless connectivity, and design elements that simplify installation and maintenance. CONS: Fair audio, poor volume control, bare-bones carrying case. BOTTOM LINE: It excels in the important areas. MSRP: $2,500 CONTACT: www.mitsubishi-presentations.com 
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