Full resolution and 3000 lumens
It is not really fun to sit alone in front of a small TV set, more so together with your friends and family in front of a large screen, perhaps enjoying a barbecue and some drinks at the same time. These are the reasons to follow the “public screenings” trend.But it can even be better - if you have a powerful projector, you can organise your own “family and friends” screening: in your living room, terrace or garden. No annoying travelling, no drunks next to you, but a relaxed get-together after the game, lower costs, better quality of food, these are only some advantages of a large screen projection at home.
Nevertheless, a large screen projection for sports at home sets special demands on the technical properties of the projector being used. First and foremost, it should be bright as nobody wants to watch football in a dark room. A lot of light is required in order to gain sunlight. Basically you can say that at least 2000 lumens are required to achieve good image results in a more or less bright room, from 3000-4000 lumens and higher it gets really bright. Of course, a projector should be as compact as possible and should not cause any installation problems. And as we live in a high resolution age, Full HD resolution would be a welcoming and promising advantage. 
Up until now, these kinds of projectors (Full HD, 3000 lumens) were hardly affordable, costing more than many thousands of Euros. Mitsubishi, probably the most well-known home cinema manufacturer, has recognized the signs of time and is currently offering one of the first affordable Full HD light cannons on the market: the HC3900. It is not only supposed to produce light but it also meets high demands of image quality (colours, contrast, and sharpness).
You can currently buy the HC3900 for €1900 together with the corresponding Full HD receiver. This sounds at first to be the ultimate World Cup offer – but is it really? In this test we did not only check it theoretically but we also did a practical test, providing examples of use, as is required of a world cup projector.
1. Equipment and technology
The first look at the external appearance reveals its home cinema origins, as the casing is very similar to the HC3800. Its black colour though is not very suitable for living rooms, but its dimensions of 34x27x13 cm and its weight of ca. 2.5 kg meets the demands of a compact chassis. It is hard to believe that such a tiny projector is capable of providing so much light. Our test will clarify this...
In order to combine the large amount of light with such compact dimensions, DLP technology was chosen. It certainly does not only represent an ideal compromise when it comes to costs but as a “party projector” it is much more resistant to external influences you would usually come across in a garden. Dust, nicotine and barbecue smoke therefore do not constitute any problems. 
Identical to the HC3800:connection board of the HC3900
With 1x composite, 1x S-Video, 1x YUV, 1x RGB (VGA) and 1x HDMI the connection board does not provide extravagant luxury, but everything for a useful integration into a home cinema is included. With the trigger output and the serial interface even automations are possible within certain limits. Current signals can be processed, even 1080p with 24Hz original cinema frequency many home cinema enthusiasts are focusing on.
1.1 Installation
The projection lens is located on the front left and the zoom and focus can be manually set up. It consists of 13 full glass elements.
Zoom and optics are manually adjusted directly on the lens 
With a variable zoom range of 1.4 to 2x, the projection distances have been adapted to normal living room conditions. Therefore, the HC3900 allows for striking image sizes even from moderate distances. This is particularly useful for FullHD.
Also in this domain significant improvements in comparison to previous models can be observed. Gone are the days when DLP projectors needed especially large rooms. Unfortunately you are still not provided with the additional luxury of an optical lens shift.Furthermore, the typical DLP offset (vertical shift of the image alignment), you can see in the drawing and table above. You still need to plan the room to a certain extent before you make the purchase.
2. Operating
The established menu structure, which for generations has consisted of a vertical configuration of symbols and labels, has not changed.
 The image menu
All parameters are divided into four main categories, which are characterized by graphic symbols. The first category includes the functions necessary for image calibration.
Contrast, brightness as well as gamma distribution and white balance can be adjusted. As is the case with the previous model, apart from various presets, you can individually adjust the gamma curve in three sections (low, medium, high).
In the second category, more presentation and installation options of the projector can be used. A keystone correction allows for a tilted installation (though not recommended) of the projector.
In this category, lamp mode, image alignment as well as an integrated grating test pattern, the latter makes sharpness and zooming easier to adjust during the installation, are of interest.
The third category includes a further option for signal adjustment (e.g. black level using the “default” function). The NTSC optimisation function that is defined in a misleading way and does indeed influence the deinterlacer is very interesting.
If you have lost track of the many adjustment parameters, you can escape with the function “general reset”, which returns the projector back to its original delivery condition.
The fourth category deals with parameters that are relevant for the signals. Overscan (in the case of PC playback) and image position can be influenced here.
The info screen ultimately provides an overview of the essential signal details, such as resolution and image refresh rate as well as the previous lamp’s life-span.
In general, it is a very solid operating system. Even though we are not provided with countless detailed functions, all essential adjustment parameters are included.
The menus can be controlled by a practical remote control that is exemplary in this price range. It is a fully-fledged version that lies well in your hand.
As an alternative, the projector can also be controlled directly on the chassis. For this purpose, all relevant main keys are positioned on the top of the device. 
As was said for technology and equipment also applies to installation and operating - no extravagant luxuries, but focus on essential features, that allow for a good and adequately varied use.
3. Image quality
As already mentioned in the introduction, we want to analyse the HC3900 particularly on image quality in low light conditions in order to determine whether it is a perfect World Cup projector. Therefore we first examine its metrological conditions.
3.1 Colours
First we examine the colour presentation and therefore start with a particularly exciting subject as far as projectors with a high light output are concerned. As our regular readers already know from various tests and special features, high light outputs trade off a significant loss in colour accuracy. Only in very rare cases can the lumens indicated in the factory presets be combined with appropriate colours.
We will measure the colour space as here light is most effectively optimised by moving the colourisation of the basic colour green. For this reason, the colour segments in the colour palette are changed in DLP projectors.
Primary colours of the HC3900
The measurement diagram of the HC3900 supports this approach. The basic colour green had been slightly tuned towards yellow, which for our eye conveys much more light onto the screen. Objectively, this means a departure of the video standard. The question remains whether this compromise is acceptable in favour of the high level of brightness. The decisive factor is the colour mixture of the primary colours shown above and the resulting colour temperature of grey levels.
In the case of projectors, it is often suggested to choose the factory presets as they come closest to the intended application. The settings “Colour temperature standard”, “Brilliant colour O” promise neutral results – but far from it:
Factory preset “Cinema/Standard”
The resulting colour mixture shows a clear surplus of red, which causes a far too warm image. Despite inaccurate colours, this loses additional light.
Therefore it is crucial to find the right setting. If you know “where to twiddle”, then it is not difficult at all. You go to the image menu, choose colour temperature and select “Variables”. Then go to the submenu and choose the “Standard” preset. Even though this seems illogical at a first glance, in this submenu the “Default” setting does not only affect a different colour distribution but it also puts more light onto the screen.
 For better results choose “Variable/Standard”!
Our measurement shows a very good approximation to the D65 video standard for the RGB mixture. Despite high light output the projector is rather colour neutral.
With up to 90% brightness, it is in no way inferior to selected home cinema models. Only when it is nearly white do you have to make colour compromises in favour of brightness.
Perfect settings!
The HC3900 becomes a real football projector when you change the option “brilliant colour” to “10” (see settings above) based on this setting. By doing so, the colours loose accuracy but remain within tolerable limits.
“Good“ RGB distribution with regard to the enormous light output
The HC3900’s colour portrayal is therefore positively surprising. Once defaulted correctly, the projector shows a true colour presentation, which does not show too much tendency towards green or yellow as is usually the case with almost all other “light cannons”. Due to the primary colours which have not been adjusted very exactly, it is not possible to attain absolutely perfect colours but it is within acceptable limits. We have not seen such a good compromiss of brightness and colour accuracy in this price range for a long time.
Note:
The factory preset “Increased Brightness” unfortunately fails its purpose. With 2700 lumens neither the maximum light output is reached nor is the colour representation acceptable.
Stay away from the "High Bright" setting!
3.2 Brightness & Contrast
But how bright is the projector in practice? We begin with the setting recommended above with accurate colour temperature (Brilliant Colour 0). With a light output of approximately 850 lumens, the projector achieves solid values but it is far from being a World Cup projector.
Fortunately, brightness can be adjusted to fine resolution levels using the Brilliant Colour function and the lamp system, until we reach the maximum. And indeed, the projector does achieve brightness of up to 3300 lumens and with quite good colours and therefore even surpasses the factory presets.
Light & contrast values HC3900
Factory setting:
Gamma "Cinema", colour temperature "Standard", Brilliant Colour "0", Lamp “Low"
Lumens: 540
Contrast: 605:1
Setting "D65":
Gamma "Cinema" colour temperature "Variable/Standard," Brilliant Colour "0" to "2", Lamp “Low "
Lumens: 850
Contrast: 1000:1 to 1500:1
Setting "World Cup":
Gamma "Sport," colour temperature "Variable/Standard," Brilliant Colour "10", Lamp "Hi"
Lumens: 3300
Contrast: 2700:1
The contrast lies between 1000:1 and 3000:1, depending on the setting. These are solid and presentable values for a DLP projector, that allow for high image plasticity as they are achieved without any tools at all, such as adaptive aperture controls. Of course, the HC3900 cannot keep up with contrast-optimised home cinema projectors à la HC7000. If you manage to reduce scattered light in your living room, it can however counter with a high ANSI contrast, our two test samples reaching about 480:1.
The brightness distribution ex factory, too, is adequate with regard to application, even though it fails the video standard of 2.2. This is done on purpose in order to guarantee a picture with good deep dimensions in darker areas with low light. Optionally, you can also reach a perfect adjustment with the target value of 2.2 using the gamma menu.
Also, as far as brightness and contrast are concerned, the HC3900 is not disappointing. It does in fact reach its factory indications in realistic conditions and good screen quality, we praise the manufacturer for his honesty and non-exaggerated “marketing hype”!
3.3 Sharpness / Resolutio
Being a Full HD projector, the HC3900 should also cut a fine figure with regard to sharpness. We have tested signal processing and optics with finely resolute patterns.
It turns out that the optical elements provoke a slightly bluish colour fringe which however is quite normal and does not affect sharpness significantly. Also as far as pixels, the smallest structures, are concerned the projector is capable of showing them in a clearly differentiated way.
With regard to signal processing, the projector has inherited the characteristics of its optimised home cinema brother^, the HC3800. The signal electronics adequately use the possibilities of high resolution and further converts even “inferior” PAL material to two megapixels without large scale artefacts.
 Horizontal and vertical scaling of PAL 
Signal electronics ex factory tends to have double contours, which you can, however, get under control well using the projector’s sharpness menu.
The signal electronics manages to adequately convert conventional PAL material to the projector’s native resolution and guarantees a good sharp impression. Even in the case of native Full HD feeding it does not show any deficiencies, but even shows the smallest details pixel by pixel.
It does not look so good with the De-interlacing. For processing incoming semi-images only a Pixelworks PW388 is available, as in 2004, too. De-interlacing is accordingly weak in the case of film footage: it shows a weak film mode, the De-interlacer loses its rhythm even with small movements and causes loss of details. Even fixing the switch in the “film” mode in the menu “NTSC optimisation” does not show any improvements. This does not look very good, but can be compensated for by a cheap progressive scan player (preferably with a HDMI output).
It seems to be better with video footage which makes out the majority of our television programmes. According to the motion adaptive method, unmoving image parts are automatically put together from two successive half-images, the even lines of one half-image, the uneven lines of the other one. This method does not work with moving image elements, as the half-images due to different snapshots do not match. Moving image parts are highly interpolated in resolution.
The conclusion is quite simple - the HC3900’S internal signal processor is well suited for watching sports and television. For feature films however, you should try and find a (better) progressive scan player.
4. The HC3900 as a World Cup projector, three practical examples!
This was the theory. But does the HC3900 qualify for a World Cup projector? We have tested three current methods for you:
4.1 Garage
If you install the projector in a garage, you are taking the advantage of being able to put the screen in a shadow.
At the same time, the projector and the audience are protected from sudden rain showers, if need be, but if the sun is shining they can also make a barbecue and celebrate in front of the garage.
The HC3900 suits this constellation very well. As the pictures show, its 3300 lumens in our World Cup setting are enough to create an adequately bright image. The screen is in no way inferior to a television set.
4.2 Pavilion
If you have a garden or a patio, an even more beautiful installation is possible. A pavilion in dark blue, dark green or black provides you with the necessary shade. Bright pavilions (beige, yellow, white) are not recommended as they let in too much light.
Three dark side walls without windows are also indispensable, as the sun goes through the smallest gaps. Furthermore, the screen should be placed as far inside the pavilion as possible so as to guarantee maximum shade.
The HC3900 also achieves good results in this combination, but you have to place the pavilion in a favourable position with regard to the sun. Not until the evening does the image quality show its full potential. Using the projector at lunch time without any clouds is not recommended. But the atmosphere in the garden compensates for this and the screen is still better than many public screening.
4.3 BlackScreen
If you, however, want watch in your weather-proof living room together with your family and friends we recommend the “BlackScreen” by Maxlum. As we have explained in various special editions, this screen in combination with a suitable projector, which is bright enough, reaches an extraordinary image plasticity and brightness very close to a plasma TV.
On the “Day of Daylight Projection” at the Projector Villa of Projektor AG ijn May 2010 we were able to test the constellation of the BlackScreen and the HC3900.
The result: The light output of the HC3900 is strong enough to supply the BlackScreen with the necessary light. Even in a non-darkened room, this combination allows for a 2m TV screen at home.
The result was so convincing for us and the audience at our event in Cologne that in the next weeks we will publish a detailed installation special for this combination.
Anotheradvantage of the BlackScreen variant is that the projector also allows for high performance in the evening or in a darkened room when showing films. With the dark screen, it can use its high ANSI contrast and its good on-off contrast and therefore creates a far more three-dimensional image than other projectors on a conventional white screen, as the BlackScreen almost completely consumes the scattered light in the room. This makes the HC3900 a practical all-round projector.
5. Conclusion
Mitsubishi does not promise too much: the HC3900 in fact represents a projector with a high light output that is suitable for projecting in places, which are not completely darkened. Its compact dimensions, the reliable technology and a good balance of brightness and colour accuracy make it unrivalled. 
Then only in very rare cases does a high light output of more than 3000 lumens combine well with acceptable colours. Most presentation projectors appear far too greenish and do not allow for a credible colour representation. With the recommended setting above, the HC3900 does not suffer from this problem! With its Full HD resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, the HC3900 offers another characteristic that makes it unique considering the price. Costing €1990, it is currently the cheapest Full HD projector in this “light category”, especially when you consider the good image characteristics. At this price you get a projector that does not only allow you to enjoy sports but also films in the evening. Points of critique are the limited installation flexibility and signal processing details, as for example the moderate De-interlacing. 
The HC3900 is recommended to everyone who is looking for a universally usable high resolution projector with compact dimensions at a fair price. Its light output and good contrast make it suitable for almost any location, especially in combination with the Maxlum BlackScreen. This combination allows for the “giant TV screen” at an affordable price...
6. Assessment
+ Good processing, compact size
+ A lot of light with good colours
+ Flexible installation
+ Moderate DLP artefacts
+ BlackScreen compatible
- Not much installation flexibility
- Slight colour fringe depending on the zoom
- Reduction of sharpness at the corners
- PAL film mode of de-interlacer does not work well
- Possible rainbow effect for sensitive viewers
Mitsubishi HC-3900 | Total Rating:2 (Good) | | Equipment | 2.4 (Good -) | | Operation | 1.8 (Good +) | | Technology | 2.4 (Good -) | | Image | 2.3 (Good -) | | Price Performance | 1.4 (Very Good -) |
(All evaluations refer to the respective projection and the current state of technology. A direct system comparison is therefore only conditionally possible!)
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