Mitsubishi Diamond WD-65831 65 in. HDTV DLP TV

We have been using Mitsubishi projection systems for nearly 25 years, our first being a 40" front projection in 1980. Since then we have had two other units that have served us well. I purchased the 65" late last year after the model was released as a new model for 2007. We wished to have a HDTV 16:9 system to compliment our HDTV DTV system and our local HDTV broadcasting. The unit itself is small enough to sit on a platform (which you need to purchase) and sits fairly close to the wall which is an improvement over the first and second generations of rear projection TV's. The 65" size is perfect for moderate to large rooms. Optimum sitting distance from the screen is about 12 to 15 feet. If you sit too close you will be moving your head to follow the action. The sound is not that great and must be plugged into a receiver to take advantage of better sound. The fans (of which there are 5) are quiet and move quite a bit of air (more on that later). My first impression of this model was "fantastic." We were so impressed with the connectibility that I purchased a digital capable Denon receiver to take advantage of the simplicity of connecting the video from our DTV receiver and the TV using HDMI cabling. The remote control was pretty good, nice layout and easy to understand. The manual is concise and easy to understand. With the HDMI cabling, hookup cannot be easier. If you do not have a HDTV DBS receiver then you will use the normal yellow video and red/white audio connectors or if you have a cable use the normal cable connector. If you do not have a HDTV source, you will be purchasing one since you will not be satisfied with watching normal 4:3 mode for very long.

Now that bad news.
Our first problem occurred when the TV kept shutting down due to over- heating. A warning on the screen indicated that the "cooling" system was not working and the TV would shut down in a few minutes. Eventually, I could not start the TV without the warning coming up on the screen.

Initially our contact with customer service was quite satisfactory. The situation only got worse. With no service center willing to come down to our town for service (only 38 miles away) I was not willing to take the unit to the service center due to its size and weight which could cause damage to the TV if I moved it. I worked with Mitsubishi to allow a capable service here in our town to perform the service. They have had the unit a month and cannot get the service tech center to assist them with getting parts, troubleshooting the TV and communication in general. I called both the regular customer service line a expressed my complaints again and got nowhere. I called the Tech Service line and they did not help either. The local service company said it may be "months" before the part they ordered to be shipped to them since the model is so new, there are no shelf parts available. And if that part is not the culprit (tech service requires) that they will have to order an additional part only after sending the first one back. Consequently, an incredible amount of time is wasted between troubleshooting, calling tech support, ordering parts, delivery of parts, calling tech support, ordering new parts....you get the idea. The local service people do not like to work on Mitsubishi for that reason. But they said that most of the major TV manufacturers are getting as bad as Mitsubishi with getting parts and obtaining tech support. In Mitsubishi's case, there are only THREE service people at tech support. That is for the entire USofA!

In conclusion: I give the unit one star only based on the problems with getting service. If I had good service and parts availability I would give it four stars. In no way does it deserve five stars.