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Even though Mitsubishi no longer manufactures TVs, you can always purchase the best Mitsubishi TV secondhand at budget-friendly prices. Since these televisions incorporate slightly outdated technology, they’re no match for the best TVs on the market today. However, if smart features are of little significance to you and you don’t mind a heftier TV build, look no further.
Mitsubishi TVs were packed with features ahead of their time back in 2011 when they were still in production. These features include enormous screen sizes for true cinematic experiences, immersive surround sound, 3D viewing, and stunning color contrast ratios. Of course, they can’t hold a candle to modern televisions.
Keep reading our buying guide to learn everything about Mitsubishi TVs, from what they offer to important considerations before shopping for a second-hand TV.
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has a Full HD screen resolution and a decent array of ports for external connectivity. It also has a built-in HD TV tuner.
The Mitsubishi WD-82737 is an 82-inch HDTV with an impressive 120Hz refresh rate to keep images smooth and clear during transitions. The TV’s 1080p resolution delivers excellent picture clarity, and its 16:9 widescreen picture format lets viewers experience film and movies precisely as movie directors had envisioned them. The TV also comes with an integrated HDTV tuner to be able to receive over-the-air HDTV broadcasts via its antenna and a 6-color processor so that it can process and produce images with a broader range of color. Unfortunately, some might find its 150-pound weight quite challenging to handle.
This TV comes with three HDMI ports that will accept digital signals from 480p to 1080p, and three component video inputs for connecting DVD players, recorders, cable boxes, or satellite receivers. Once a new input is connected, the TV prompts for a name to be assigned to it, making it easy to locate any new devices by name. This TV is also built to be energy efficient since it has an Energy Star rating, and its use of Plush 1080p 5G technology makes it possible to convert lower-resolution content to HD quality.
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This large screen display has excellent sound, a wide port selection, and supports Internet connectivity for access to a wide range of streaming options.
This 82-inch TV from Mitsubishi is easily the largest in its range, and since it is 3D-ready, it is an ideal option that users can opt for to enjoy 3D content. The TV uses DLP technology, which is touted to be up to 1,000 times faster than LCD technology. Its audio is also quite exceptional since the TV comes with a total of 16 speakers to produce 5.1 channel surround sound. Inside is an integrated HDTV tuner for receiving over-the-air broadcasts, and with support for Bluetooth streaming, owners will also be able to wirelessly stream audio to the TV. Still, it is pretty bulky and may take up a lot of space.
To enhance contrast and improve clarity, especially when viewing dark scenes, the TV uses Mitsubishi’s proprietary Dark Detailer technology, resulting in increased depth. Owners will also have access to an extensive media library where users can choose from more than 100 different streaming applications and browse through thousands of movie and TV titles. The TV’s use of Plush 1080p 5G 12-Bit video processing also ensures that lower resolution signals are converted to 1080p for a sharper picture. Its port selection is also quite good since it has four HDMI, one Ethernet, and two USB ports.
Award: BEST FOR GENERAL VIEWING
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is pretty well designed and has good color. It is also easy to operate and has an HDTV tuner.
The Mitsubishi Diamond Series WD-82838 is a large 73-inch 3D TV with a 1080p screen resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate to eliminate screen judder during fast action scenes. Released in 2009, this display comes with an integrated HDTV tuner that allows it to receive over-the-air HDTV broadcasts. Its port selection is also pretty impressive since it includes three HDMI inputs and three component video inputs. However, it does not have a USB port.
This display has also been certified to have met all the Energy Star Efficiency Standards, making it an excellent option for anyone who might not want to increase their electricity costs after purchasing. Its 6-color processor can process and produce images with up to six different main colors instead of three, and thanks to its 16:9 widescreen picture format, users will also be able to view pictures exactly as film directors intended them to.
Award: BEST FOR SIMPLE OPERATION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is an HD TV that doesn’t have too many bells and whistles. It’s got great color, and is considerably lighter in weight compared to other Mitsubishi TVs.
The Mitsubishi WD-65735 is a 65-inch 1080p TV that was released in 2007. It boasts three HDMI inputs, two rear component inputs, and a front USB photo input. Weighing only 75 pounds, it is relatively easy compared to other Mitsubishi TVs to maneuver, and it also features a set of speakers that produce pretty good sound. The TV also comes with a special Color 4D video noise reduction feature and uses DLP technology for its image processing. However, it does not have a USB port.
This display is very easy to set up and comes with only four video modes to choose from. There’s Brilliant, Bright, Natural, and Game, and with a Video Noise Reduction Color 4D feature built into the TV, users will be able to enjoy a clearer picture when watching content in HD quality.
Award: BEST FOR WIRED CONNECTIVITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has a wide range of connectivity options, and delivers an immersive listening experience thanks to its 16 speakers and 5.1 surround sound. It has a high refresh rate for smooth, fast action scenes and supports Bluetooth audio streaming.
This 73-inch TV from Mitsubishi delivers High Definition 1080p picture quality and renders motion pretty well thanks to its Smooth120 technology. Its 120Hz refresh rate also keeps screen stutter at bay, and since it is also a 3D HDTV, owners can also opt to purchase 3D glasses for an immersive viewing experience. Its use of DLP technology over LCD technology means that images appear a lot sharper and clearer, and since it comes with four HDMI ports, two USB ports, one digital output, and one subwoofer output, this TV offers a wide range of options for wired connections. However, its 96.6-pound weight might be quite difficult to handle.
This TV is also capable of clear, concert-quality sound since it features up to 16 speakers built into it. The speakers are located on the bottom of the front bezel and are able to produce 5.1 surround sound for immersive listening. Its use of x.v.Color technology also ensures that pictures appear rich and well-saturated, and since it features Bluetooth connectivity, users will be able to stream audio from any Bluetooth-enabled device to the TV.
Award: BEST FOR PICTURE QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: It comes with many different features that work to enhance picture quality, and also has a decent array of wired connections.
This is another 73-inch Mitsubishi TV that is capable of High Definition 1080p picture quality, as well as a Dark Detailer feature that enhances contrast by displaying deeper blacks. The TV also comes with Mitsubishi’s DeepField imager, ideal for optimizing brightness and contrast for a well-balanced picture. Its 20-watt speaker system delivers room-filling sound, and since it also features Mitsubishi’s proprietary PerfectColor technology, owners will be able to carefully adjust the color palette with six color controls. However, its 21.5-inch rear projection may inconvenience buyers who do not have a lot of space on their TV cabinets.
The display also features a decent selection of port options that include two HDMI ports, one Analog input, one Digital audio input, Composite AV inputs, and two DVI audio inputs. Its SharpEdge feature ensures that images have focused edges between objects and scene backgrounds, and since it comes with an ATSC tuner, owners will be able to watch local content minutes after switching it on.
The Mitsubishi company was established as a shipping firm back in 1820 by an ambitious young man named Yataro Iwasaki. Today, it’s a globally integrated enterprise that operates ten business segments, one of which is the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO). Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, MELCO is a multinational electrical equipment manufacturing company that was established on 15 January 1921.
The MELCO product line includes air conditioners, electric motors, pumps, train systems, and much more. It also manufactured television sets before price competition with other big-name manufacturers forced it to exit the market in 2011.
Though the manufacturing of Mitsubishi TVs has come to a standstill, you can always purchase these trusty machines secondhand. If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution for TV viewing with decent picture and sound quality, these TVs are worth considering if you find one.
(Pro 1) TV supports 3D display: If you want a truly immersive TV viewing experience with images that appear to pop out at you, you need a TV that can switch to 3D mode at the press of a button, and Mitsubishi provides just that. However, you’ll require extra accessories such as 3D glasses, a 3D emitter, and a 3D-compatible DVD player.
(Con 1) Outdated TVs: The Mitsubishi brand is no longer a contender in the TV-making industry. It stepped out in 2011 due to price competition with top-of-the-line brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Panasonic. This means that there are no new Mitsubishi TV sets on the market, so you’ll have to choose from the limited second-hand options available. When doing so, check the usage, lifespan, and age of the television.
(Pro 2) More screen size for less money: Mitsubishi TVs had developed their niche in the market by selling enormous screen sizes starting from 65 inches up to 92 inches, a size equivalent to home theatres. If that isn’t enough, you get all this screen size without having to break the bank.
(Con 2) Old-fashioned Rear Projection TVs: Rear projection display technology was a popular choice among TV viewers back in the day when LCD technology was exorbitantly priced. Unlike today’s flat and stylish LCDs, like the best LG TV, these TVs featured a lamp or bulb inside the machine that gave them a boxy look.
Samsung and Mitsubishi were the last manufacturers of this display technology before RPTVs faded into obscurity. While Samsung upgraded its TVs back in 2008, Mitsubishi held on for another three years, marketing itself as the only TV brand that makes home-theatre-sized TVs with RPTV technology. Another drawback of this display technology is that it reproduces lighter black levels than advanced flat-panel displays.
(Pro 3) Integrated 16 Speaker Sound Projectors: A massive advantage of rear projection TVs that’s difficult to find with today’s more sleek LCD models is superior sound quality. Mitsubishi TVs have “soundbar quality” surround sound emulators that discard the need to attach external speakers to your TV.
(Con 3) Remote Control Lacks Ergonomic Design: All the keys on the remotes are of the same size and shape, making it difficult to tell one key apart from the other by feel or location. Even the four major function buttons look the same and have no illumination feature or tiny key bumps, and the remote controls feature a cursor that hardly ever works. The remotes also lack a dedicated key to switch between aspect ratios, indicating that a universal remote is required when operating this TV.
As mentioned, you can only purchase Mitsubishi TVs second-hand on sites like eBay or directly from a previous owner. Though this will save you a considerable amount of money, you’ll have to be content with the outdated technology that comes with an old TV. So, if you’re getting one of these, you’ll want to get some high-end TV accessories to make it more updated. However, if you don’t want one of these and prefer an updated display, take a look at our review of the LG 55″ Cinema 3D Smart TV.
When assessing the features and quality of a Mitsubishi second-hand TV, exercise caution so that you don’t end up with a faulty unit or a television set that doesn’t match your expectations. That said, opting for a second-hand TV can prove to be an excellent purchase decision. With nearly 100 years of experience under its belt in providing high-quality and reliable products, it’s impossible to go wrong with this evergreen brand.
But, there’s nothing wrong with looking at other brands, like Sony TVs, or different model types, like 3D projects and 3D TVs.
These TVs will make for a splendid addition as a wallet-friendly second TV for either your or your children’s bedroom. They have excellent screen size-to-price ratios, plenty of connectivity options (three HDMI and three component video inputs), and an almost “all-screen” look that contributes to a more immersive experience.
Plus, the screen’s sheer size, coupled with stunning color ratios and 3D content viewing, will make your living room feel like a home theatre in no time. However, note that it was too early for the Mitsubishi brand to incorporate the smart technology that you now find on most TVs, like the best Roku TV. This means you’ll miss out on in-built smart features, but you can still connect it to an external streaming device.
Since Mitsubishi TVs were popularly known for manufacturing rear-projection TVs, their lifespan functions differently than today’s more commonly used flat-screen LCDs and LED TVs. The bulbs or lamps found in the RPTVs dictate the number of years the TV lasts before the lamp burns out and needs replacement.
One major upside to RPTVs is that, unlike plasma TVs that last only up to 50,000 hours before the TV is rendered useless, and RPTV can last for decades as long as the lamp is changed after every 8,000 hours of viewing.
However, there are ways to increase the lamp’s lifespan while getting maximum performance. As soon as you get the TV from the second-hand seller, lower the color settings to a point where it doesn’t compromise picture quality. This will ensure the lamp doesn’t burn out quickly. It’s also essential to replace the air filters in your home so that dust doesn’t accumulate on the lamp and overheat it. Of course, you can still purchase a Mitsubishi replacement lamp when yours does quit working.
Before committing to a purchase with a seller on sites like eBay and Gumtree, you’ll want to give more preference to sellers who describe the item’s condition in detail. Make sure to read the warranty, return, and shipping policies so that even if you receive a defective item, there’s no reason to worry. Consumer electronics like TVs are high-value items, so you need to double-check with the seller if anything raises a red flag.
According to the manufacturer, all parts are warranted for one year from the original purchase date. But, since you’ll be buying a second-hand TV manufactured before 2011, the company’s warranty period would have been voided a long time ago.
Second-hand electronics sold on sites like eBay generally have a money-back guarantee if an item doesn’t arrive, is faulty, or doesn’t match the listing. You can also benefit from eBay’s SquareTrade protection plans for mechanical and electrical failures. This plan has a 1-4 years coverage for new, refurbished, and even used items like the Mitsubishi TVs. However, you’ll want to double-check if the TV you’ve selected is backed by SquareTrade protection.
