Price Paid:  $3749.00 from The Big Picture

Summary:
I was in the market for an HDTV and had narrowed the choices down to the Pioneer Elite Pro 520HD and the Mitsubishi Diamond WS-55909. For weeks I went back and forth; one day the pioneer the next the mitsubishi. The pioneer had better stretch modes, more user friendly owner adjustable picture settings and a superior line doubler. The mitsubishi had a better HD and progressive DVD picture. The mitsu also had a better price, firewire, a digital tuner, anti-glare shield, an upgrade card and a slightly larger picture. So, I added a Silicon Image (DVDO) Iscan Pro line doubler and bought the mitsubishi. The mitsubishi's Picture is stunning. The Iscan Pro improves the standard definition performace of a VCR, cable, laser disc, satelite tuner or camcorder significantly. The stretch modes remain the only weakness compared to the pioneer. Depending on your setup the Havi control system made not suit all AV systems. I prefer to use my Pre-Pro for all switching functions. After using my set for almost 2 months I am still stunned and amazed at the picture produced by the WS-55909. It is crisp, sharp, and accurate right out of the box. I plan to have it professionally calibrated to further refine the picture performance, but I will be surprised if it is a major improvement. I am still trying to figure out how to best simplify the remote operation, but I don't expect it to be too big of an issue. If you choose to purchase the Mitsubishi WS-55909 and are able to add an external line doubler, I am convinced that you will own the absolute "BEST" rear projection HDTV system on the Market today. This unit is being replaced this fall by a new model with updated HAVI programing. But if you can get a good price on this one, jump on it. You will definitely not regret it. My system includes: Mitsubishi Diamond WS-55909 HDTV Monster "Z" and Audioquest 4 series video cables Silicon Images Iscan Pro Line Doubler with Better Cables Silver Serpent video cables Integra Research RDC-7 Pre-Pro Integra Research RDV-1 DVD-Audio/Video Player Aragon 8008X5 Power Amp Hafler HD-120 power amp Outlaw Audio ICBM Bass management system Granite Audio #560 power cord Tice Powerblock 3B High Power RCA Super VHS recorder/player Pioneer 704 laserdisc player Pioneer dual cassett tape deck 2 Otari MX5050B reel to reel tape decks Atlantic Technology

Strengths:
HD and Progressive picture quality, looks, upgradability, HD tuner

Weaknesses:
stretch modes, HAVI limitations

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer 45" rear projector

Price Paid:  $3999.00 from Big Screen Store

Summary:
Originally purchase the 65inch Integrated Platinum Plus. And that unit was great, but way too big. So I called the salesperson at the store and wanted to return/exchange the unit for a similiar model in 55inch. The only unit with firewire and all of the goodies was this model. But it has even more features. So does size matter???? NO!!!! I just stare in amazement at the HDTV from the ant. and marvel at the quality of the DVD picture. Due to the stores crappy exchange policy I stepped up $200 to an awesome set. So there isn't anything to be mad about. I just sit back and enjoy.

Strengths:
none

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Mitsu 65869