Runco News

Planar Launches Industry Leading Lampless LED-based Home Projection System

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:57:00 GMT

Beaverton, OR - In September, Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR), a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, unveiled its Runco QuantumColor^TM Q-750i and Q-750d lampless LED projectors to Runco's worldwide dealer network. Dealers have responded very positively and have placed orders for hundreds of demonstration projectors for their showrooms in the first few weeks after announcement.

"The QuantumColor projectors mark a new era in video projection for the industry and for Runco. Lampless LED is the future of video projection and Runco, through its innovation, is the leader in this category," stated Planar CEO Gerry Perkel. "The QuantumColor projectors have it all - no lamp to replace, never-before-seen colors, high reliability, and low power consumption. The industry response is strong and our dealers have shown incredible support for the product by booking orders in record numbers, making the ‘Q' the best-selling demo product in Runco history."

Traditional home theater projectors utilize a lamp for illumination, which are expensive to replace, cause downtime and only last about 2,000 hours. Collaborating for more than a year with Texas Instrument's® DLP^TM business to create the technology for Runco's LED platform, Runco has engineered its QuantumColor products to eliminate all moving parts in the engine, including the mechanical iris and color wheel. Runco's InfiniLight^TM also boasts a 70-percent reduction in power consumption, a mercury-free illumination system, and InstantOn^TM, which eliminates the need to put the projector in standby mode. These breakthroughs combine to create an energy-efficient solution with high reliability.

Beyond light-source innovation, Runco QuantumColor projectors produce the largest color gamut ever available in front projection; achieving and exceeding the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) standard for the first time in home theater front projection. The QuantumColor projectors offer Runco's Personal Color Equalizer^TM (PCE), which enables owners to create color settings from the largest pallet ever available and to project images exactly to their preferences. Runco delivers flawless REC 709 Hollywood cinematic standard, Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) standards, and even the vast Adobe RGB color space. Runco PCE, which works just like an audio equalizer, allows each color (red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow) to be dialed up or down to exactly match an owner's specific taste - a capability never before available.

To ensure color adjustment doesn't spoil overall image integrity, Runco created its Runco SmartColor^TM (RSC) technology to maintain image realism and accuracy. RSC is a proprietary hue-compensation curve with gamut mapping, which maintains the integrity and true-to-life representation of flesh tones. Without this intelligence, flesh tones can look oversaturated, which results in people who look unnatural or sunburned. The flexibility of this incredible customizable image has been met with overwhelming positive response in the custom home theater market who have been using the same adjustment technique with high-end audio for years.

"Runco has been innovating and changing projection technology for years," noted Joel Silver, founder and president of the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF^TM). "An LED lampless light source is clearly the next step in front projection, and Runco's innovation in color gamut and customization puts its QuantumColor projectors well ahead of the pack."

In addition to debuting its QuantumColor projectors to the entire custom installation industry at CEDIA EXPO 2009 in September, Runco demonstrated the Q-750 to media at its headquarters in early November and at sponsored events in New York, Los Angles, Minneapolis, Denver, and Portland.

Runco's QuantumColor Series Q-750i features integrated video processing, and the Q-750d is paired with Runco's latest DHD controller/processor. Both the Runco QuantumColor Q-750i, with an MSRP of $14,995, and the Q-750d, with an MSRP of $17,995, are now shipping.

For more information on the Runco QuantumColor projectors, please visit www.HaveYouSeenTheQ.com.

Founded in 1987 and acquired by Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLNR) in 2007, Runco is a market leader in state-of-the-art projection systems, flat-panel plasma monitors, video processors and other components for the custom consumer market. Runco's innovations, including features that have become essential for the new digital high-definition capable televisions, have won numerous awards and citations from the world press. Runco continues to be a pioneer in the custom video display market. Planar Systems, Inc is a global leader of specialty display technology providing hardware and software solutions for the world's most demanding environments including hospitals, space and military programs, utility and transportation hubs, shopping centers, banks, government agencies, businesses, and home theaters.

Runco Shows Off Revolutionary New QuantumColor LED Projector, VX-33 Projector and OPAL Flat Panels

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 23:07:00 GMT

Demonstrating its innovative new video lines to dealers and end users all across the US, Runco showcases incredible advancements in video performance.

Beaverton, OR - Over the next few weeks Runco will be demonstrating its best-selling new Runco^® QuantumColor^{^TM} Q-750i LED projector, as well as multiple new 1080p flat panel displays with proprietary OPAL (Optical Path Alignment^TM), and it's ultra-bright VX-33i projector to its line of high-end video display solutions at events in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York City, Portland and Denver. The events will be open to dealers, press, and invited customers. On Thursday, November 19^th Runco is also unveiling the microsite for its QuantumColor projectors, www.HaveYouSeenTheQ.com.

"These events place Runco at the forefront of home theater video once again," said Adam Schmidt, general manager of Runco International. "Runco is at the cutting edge of revolutionary home theater display technology and is excited to sponsor events and create opportunities for dealers and their customers to see Runco's new products. We have the most innovative technology, the most refined product -- which are custom built-to-spec for every home theater -- and the most powerful marketing support. We showed the custom industry how Runco is back in the driver's seat at CEDIA EXPO in September and continue to prove it at these exciting events. Attendees can expect to be impressed."

Runco will show off two projectors, including the award-winning VX-22 home theater projector at the unveiling of the new Savant Experience Center at 88 Prince Street in New York City. Invited dealers will enjoy a guided demo and see the industry's latest technologies and home theater created by Runco dealer Theo Kalomirakis. The Thursday, November 19^th showings are by appointment. The Savant Experience is a permanent installation and is available for private tours by appointment.

The Los Angeles dealer event will be hosted by Runco, MK Marketing, Savant and Stewart Filmscreen on Thursday, November 19^th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Stewart Filmscreen's headquarters, 1161 Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance, CA. Runco's revolutionary Q-750i lampless LED home theater projector will be demonstrated, along with the Runco VideoXtreme VX-33d three-chip DLP projector, the new value-priced LightStyle LS-5 home theater projector, and two flat-panel displays: the XP-OPAL50 DHD 50-inch plasma display and the CX-OPAL65 65-inch LCD display. For more information, visit http://runcoeventnov19.eventbrite.com.

The Denver dealer event will be hosted by Runco, Momentum, and Stewart Filmscreen on December 3^rd and 4^th at the Hilton Garden Inn at 9290 S. Meridian Blvd, Englewood, CO. Runco will be demonstrating its new Q-750i LED home theater projector as listed in the LA event. For more information, visit http://RuncoDenverEventDec3.eventbrite.com.

The Minneapolis end-user event, which has sessions open to the public, takes place, Thursday, November 19^th from noon to 8:30 pm and Friday, November 20^th from 10 am to 5:30 pm at local Runco dealer Halsten Entertainment's Technology Fair, 7650 Wayzata Boulevard, in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Models to be demonstrated include the new Q-750i as well as the VideoXtreme VX-22 three-chip DLP projector and new OPAL plasma and LCD flat-panel displays. For more information, visit http://www.halstenentertainment.com.

The Portland end-user event will be hosted on Thursday, November 19^th from 4:30 to 8:30 pm at the Quadrant Systems' Open House, 437 SE Martin Luther King Blvd., in Portland, OR. The new LED lampless Q-750i will be demonstrated along with the VideoXtreme VX-22 three-chip DLP projector. For more information visit http://www.quadrantsystems.net.

For more information about Runco, please visit www.runco.com.

Runco Introduces Five New Performance LCD Displays

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:09:00 GMT

Featuring three new screen sizes and the company's exclusive OPAL image-enhancement technology, Runco broadens its line-up of flat panel video displays designed for unmatched image performance.

Beaverton, OR - October 29, 2009 - Runco^®, the leading brand in luxury video solutions, announces the newest additions to its Crystal Portfolio^{^TM} series of LCD displays: the CX-42HD; CX-OPAL42; CX-55HD; CX-OPAL55 and CX-OPAL65. Pairing Runco's sophisticated video processing and industry-leading OPAL^{^TM} (Optical Path ALignment) technology, Runco's new LCD flat panel displays reproduce spectacular 1080p HD imagery for rooms of distinction.

Runco's new LCD displays are ideal for custom home theater clients who demand an unmatched viewing experience in ambient-light environments. Complete with exceptional contrast, brightness and seamless connectivity to multiple sources, each is surrounded by an elegant, black-finish frame that bespeaks luxury. With these new models, the Crystal Portfolio 42-inch CX-42HD and CX-OPAL42, the 55-inch CX-55HD and CX-OPAL55, and 65-inch CX-OPAL65, now offer 120-hertz processing and OPAL technology. In support of Runco's strategy to provide its dealers, who represent the top echelon in the custom home theater market, with the products that meet their clients' exacting needs, these new displays join Runco's three other CrystalPortfolio LCD displays, four PlasmaWall displays and four CinemaWall plasmas to enable Runco dealers to meet any client requirement for flat panel displays.

Each new flat panel display features native 1920 x 1080 performance, as well as Runco's superb Vivix^{^TM} digital video processing technology to achieve outstanding picture quality with a wide range of both standard and high-definition source material. Engineered with ISF^{^TM} calibration standards for optimal video performance in any room, day or night, the new Crystal Portfolio LCDs feature advanced TFT active-matrix LCDs and includes Runco's discrete aspect ratio control with VirtualWide^{^TM} mode to fill the 16:9 screen with standard 4:3 images without loss of picture quality. Also included are discrete source, aspect ratio and power selection and a RS-232 interface to work seamlessly with automated control and system integration. Runco's new LCD displays offer the most advanced connections and greater compatibility to ensure a seamless installation with other audio and video components and automation controls.

Taking LCD imagery to the next level, Runco's CX-OPAL42, CX-OPAL55 and CX-OPAL65 feature Runco's award-winning OPAL image enhancement technology. OPAL is a unique combination of a proprietary panel application and enhancements to create stellar images. In rooms with high-ambient light, OPAL diminishes the diffused reflections to avoid uneven and scattered light that can cause soft or washed-out images. Runco's OPAL also increases image sharpness by reducing glare and increasing measured contrast ratio by more than three times that of standard flat panels.

Runco Home Theater products are built with quality and craftsmanship to ensure an amazing experience every time. All Runco displays feature a two-year RuncoCare standard warranty. Runco RedCarpet extended options are also available.

All Runco products are available exclusively through its trained authorized dealer network comprised of the best custom home theater dealers in the world.

The CX-42HD is shipping with a $3,495 MSRP; the CX-OPAL42 will ship in November with a $4,495 MSRP; the CX-55HD I shipping with a $7,995 MSRP; CX-OPAL55 ships in November with a $9,995 MSRP; and the CX-OPAL65 is shipping with a $17,995 MSRP.

For more information on Runco, please visit www.runco.com.

Runco Sets a Projector Benchmark with its LightStyle Series

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:10:00 GMT

Beaverton, OR - September 21, 2009 - Runco^®, the leading brand in luxury video solutions, today unveiled its LightStyle^{^TM} Series projectors. Comprising of the LS-3, LS-5, and LS-7 projectors, the Runco LightStyle Series combines flawless HD imagery and integration features with value pricing and sophisticated design elements that custom installers and their customers will revere.

"For more than 20 years, Runco has led the custom installation consumer electronics industry in video technology and innovation by manufacturing the finest home theater displays for the world's most discerning and well-heeled customers. Now, our LightStyle Series completes Runco dealers' projection portfolio by offering a never-before-seen combination of Runco performance and value price," says Gerry Perkel, CEO of Runco. "This new entry-level, performance series enables Runco and our dealers to offer the most complete range of pricing and performance projector options in the industry."

Designed from the ground up, each of the 1080p DLP^{^TM} projectors incorporates Runco's proprietary engineering, advanced features and performance enhancements to achieve an elevated home theater experience that belies their respective price points. Runco's LightStyle Series combines state-of-the-art DLP^TM-based SuperOnyx^{^TM} technology with Runco ConstantContrast^{^TM} and Vivix^{^TM} image enhancement and proprietary video processing to achieve deep black levels and significant contrast, each measuring above 10,000:1. All incorporate the ISF^{^TM} (Imaging Science Foundation) calibration suite for optimal performance in any room. These calibration tools feature day and night calibration memory settings, individual sharpness and noise reduction controls, programmable image memory selection keys, built-in test patterns and a dark room-optimized remote.

Designed to be incredibly reliable, and precisely for the specialty home theater market, Runco's LightStyle Series provides the utmost in installation flexibility, including six lens options on the three-chip LS-7, while the 1080p LS-3 and LS-5 offer two lens options, to meet varying room and screen sizes. Each includes ample horizontal and vertical lens shift (the LS-7 with powered capabilities) to achieve optimal imagery even without ideal room placement. Runco's intelligent horizontal and vertical lens shift technology is a revolutionary software function for home theater projectors; it prohibits lens shift outside the image area to eliminate shadowing or image clipping.

Unlike Runco's larger performance projectors that typically demand custom cabinetry and lifts, the LightStyle Series projectors are significantly more compact and can be easily affixed to walls or ceilings. The projectors are designed specifically to be visually stunning, featuring a deep-black finish and uniquely-designed chassis.

Runco Home Theater products are built with quality and craftsmanship to ensure an amazing experience. All Runco displays feature a two-year RuncoCare standard warranty. Runco RedCarpet extended service options are also available.

Runco products are exclusively available through its authorized dealer network.

Runco's LightStyle LS-3 and LS-5 will ship in November 2009 and the LS-7 will ship in early December 2009. MSRPs are as follows: LS-3 is $4,995, LS-5 is $6,995 and LS-7 is $15,495. For more information on Runco, please visit www.runco.com.

Runco Reveals Its Most Affordable VideoXtreme Projectors

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:11:00 GMT

The VX-3000i, VX-3000d and VX-3000d Ultra deliver a unique combination of performance, feature sets, and price-point to complete its full-range portfolio of custom projection systems.

Atlanta, GA - CEDIA EXPO 2009 - Today, Runco^®, the leading manufacturer of luxury video display solutions, adds three more projectors to its running tally of more than a dozen new product introductions at CEDIA EXPO 2009. Runco's new VideoXtreme^{^TM} projectors, the VX-3000i,

VX-3000d, and VX-3000d Ultra, offer new feature sets, greater flexibility and projection performance options never before available at their respective price points.

"Runco's refreshed portfolio of projection systems, including the new VX-3000 models, offers the most advanced and customized solutions to satisfy the diverse range of budgets and media environments of every video aficionado," said Ben Clifton, vice president of technology for Runco. "These new VideoXtreme projectors are ideal for Runco dealers, and their high-end clientele, looking for versatile, high-fidelity HD solutions for custom home theaters."

The VX-3000i, VX-3000d and VX-3000d Ultra are among a growing family of next-generation products from Runco offering an incredible combination of features and flexibility at an astounding price. Each VideoXtreme projector boasts 1920 x 1080 native resolution DLP^{^TM} light engines featuring Runco's powerful single-chip SuperOnyx^{^TM} DMD^{^TM} technology for bright, pristine, high definition images. The new models offer Runco dealers a vast number of customization options, from three product family choices to a dozen lens options and ample lens shift, for the ultimate installation flexibility.

Runco's new VideoXtreme projectors feature advanced Vivix^{^TM} digital video processing that enhances picture quality from standard video sources, as well as provide artifact-free scaling. The VX-3000i incorporates Runco's Vivix processing within the projection system, and the VX-3000d and VX-3000d Ultra offer external video processing and control via Runco's next-generation DHD video processor controller. Vivix, with VirtualWide^{^TM} and new VirtualCinema^{^TM}, which removes the black bars from letterboxed content for non-CineWide configurations and expertly widens 16:9 content to fit into a 2.35:1 screen with minimal distortion on projectors with CineWide lenses. This ingenious processing supports all video content and aspect ratios from any video source; not only does this technology enable the three new VideoXtreme projectors to handle native HD content flawlessly, it also enhances standard-definition content to near-HD quality. The VX-3000i, VX-3000d, and VX-3000d Ultra each provide an ample connectivity suite and seamless compatibility between nearly every video source and the projector..

The VX-3000i is the most affordable of Runco's VideoXtreme projector line. It delivers cinema quality projection, along with a variety of lens options, to provide custom installers with a more versatile projector. The VX-3000d is a step-up solution from its sister model as Runco's external DHD provides system integrators the ultimate installation flexibility with a single-wire connection from the projector to the DHD, which is rack-mounted next to all other components. Runco's VX-3000d Ultra also includes the latest DHD controller. It combines powerhouse features, including Runco's O-Path^{^TM} light path enhancement technology, CinOptx^{^TM} premium grade lens options, and AxiShift^TM multi-directional lens shift capability to produce bright, flawless images. All three VX-3000 models offer four different lens options, including Runco's legendary CineWide^{^TM} with AutoScope^{^TM} technology to properly reproduce 2.35:1 CinemaScope^{^TM} movies with unparalleled accuracy, full vertical screen image height, and eliminates useless black bars.

Runco Home Theater products are built with quality and craftsmanship to ensure an amazing experience every time. All Runco displays feature a two-year RuncoCare standard warranty with Runco RedCarpet extended options also available.

Runco's VideoXtreme VX-3000 series projectors will ship in November and are available exclusively through its authorized dealer network.

Each MSRP is as follows: the VX-3000i is $8,995; VX-3000d is $11,995; and the VX-3000d Ultra starts at $19,995.

For more information on Runco, please visit www.runco.com.

Runco Unveils the Future of Home Theater Projection

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:12:00 GMT

The revolutionary QuantumColor Series pairs game-changing, energy-saving LED technology with proprietary Runco engineering to create unsurpassed performance and unrivaled customization.

Atlanta, GA - CEDIA EXPO 2009 - September 9, 2009 - As the steadfast leader in luxury video solutions for more than 20 years, Runco^® has shaped the home theater projector market from its infancy. Today, Runco changes the landscape of custom home theater projection once again with the introduction of its QuantumColor^{^TM} Q-750i and Q-750d. The QuantumColor projectors maximize the benefits of Runco's new InfiniLight^{^TM} lampless LED illumination technology and pair it with proprietary engineering breakthroughs to create energy-efficient systems that deliver must-see projection performance.

"LED-based projection is incredibly complex and Runco has significantly invested to lead in this category," stated Runco CEO Gerry Perkel. "QuantumColor is a revolutionary solution that maximizes LED performance and offers a never-before-seen color gamut. But, having these features is only part of the magic. To make this a revolutionary new platform, Runco created proprietary technologies that harness the impressive color gamut to create images that are nothing short of stunning."

Working in close collaboration with Texas Instruments, Runco has invested considerable time to create never-before-seen color options for home theater projectors. QuantumColor projectors offer the most astounding arsenal of colors ever available in front projection, including DCI (Digital Cinema Initiative), Adobe RGB, sRGB, REC 709 and REC 601, to enable exact reproduction of any content. To harness these incredible color gamuts, Runco introduces its revolutionary new Personal Color Equalizer^{^TM} (PCE), a six-axis (R, G, B, C, Y, M) color adjustment that works like an audio equalizer and allows colors to be individually dialed up and down for every video source and multiple personal preferences. Runco's PCE enables custom integrators to achieve unprecedented colors that include those exactly defined by Hollywood's cinematographers and the color preferences that each individual viewer chooses for each source.

Color equalizing is revolutionary, but such a large color gamut can distort images if not coded properly. To eliminate unrealistic distortion, Runco developed Runco SmartColor (RSC^{^TM}), which is a proprietary hue compensation curve and gamut mapping technology that preserves lifelike, accurate flesh tones by increasing color saturation, without sacrificing the purity of other colors. True to Runco's Installer Dependant^{^TM} legacy, RSC enables custom installers to create color preference settings for their clients who, for example, want REC 709 perfect HD encoding when watching Blu-ray, but prefer incredibly green grass that pops off the screen when watching football-all without sacrificing or adjusting other colors, which leads to unrealistic flesh tones and oversaturation. QuantumColor projectors never lose color alignment as they automatically assess and adjust color calibration every time they are turned on.

"Runco has been innovating and changing projection technology for years," says Joel Silver, founder and president of the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF^{^TM}). "An LED lampless light source is clearly the next step in front projection, and Runco's investment in color gamut and customization puts its QuantumColor projectors well ahead of the pack. The innovation offered by Runco's Personal Color Equalizer easily enables accurate color gamut for all current sources."

Runco's proprietary technologies enable the Quantum Series to achieve a new level of customized HD video performance that, until now, has been unachievable. QuantumColor enables the projectors to produce immeasurable black/white contrast and new color standards, redefining projector specifications as we know them and demanding new ways to be measured. Runco's QuantumColor projectors are the first to measure ColorContrast^{^TM}, the ratio of a single color at its darkest (black) to its brightest by utilizing an incident light meter. The difference between these measured colors is greater than lamp-based projectors and ColorContrast enables colors to be "turned up" to achieve greater realism and dimensionality. The result is an unsurpassed visual experience that must be seen to be understood.

Runco's InstantOn^{^TM} feature provides a nearly-immediate projected image when turned on, just like a TV, whereas most lamp-based products require two minutes to warm up. InstantOn saves the QuantumColor owner both time and money, because the projector no longer needs to be left in standby mode, which consumes power when the projector is not in use. Runco's implementation of InfiniLight technology has enabled a solid-state illumination system that eliminates the need for a lamp, mechanical iris and color wheel; the absence of which provides enhanced reliability. In addition, Runco's QuantumColor projectors operate using a staggering 70-percent less power than lamp-based projectors. Having no lamp to replace, the projectors also eliminate the disposal of hazardous material, including traditional lamp composites, such as mercury and lead.

Each Runco QuantumColor projector offers two lens options to accommodate nearly every theater and various screen sizes. For the ultimate in viewing flexibility and enjoyment, each model is available with Runco's exclusive, award-winning CineWide^{^TM} and CineWide with AutoScope^{^TM} technology. These technologies reproduce 2.35:1 CinemaScope^{^TM} movies with unparalleled accuracy and full vertical screen image height, and eliminate useless black bars.

Runco's QuantumColor projectors have it all - no lamp to replace, never-before-seen colors, high reliability, low power consumption - available exclusively through the best dealers in the home theater business, the Runco authorized dealer network. Like all Runco Home Theater products, each are built with quality and craftsmanship to ensure an amazing experience. All Runco displays feature a two-year RuncoCare standard warranty and extended options are also available. RuncoCare is simple, convenient and offers the best protection in the industry.

Runco's QuantumColor Series Q-750i features integrated video processing, and the Q-750d is paired with Runco's latest DHD controller/processor. The Runco QuantumColor Q-750i will ship in November 2009 with an MSRP of $14,995. The Q-750d will ship a month later with an MSRP of $17,995.

For more information on Runco, please visit www.runco.com.

Runco Takes Xtreme Projection to the Next Level with its Stunning New VX-33 Projectors

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:14:00 GMT

Beaverton, OR - Runco^®, the leading brand in luxury video solutions, today introduced its VideoXtreme VX-33i and VX-33d, the latest additions to its broad portfolio of performance projectors. The Runco VX-33i and VX-33d are precisely engineered to bring the ultimate video experience to exceptional home theaters that boast cinema-sized screens.

The pioneer and leader in custom high-end projectors for more than two decades, Runco offers truly spectacular video reproduction with its VideoXtreme VX-33i and VX-33d. These stunning new projectors combine the industry's most advanced technology, an ingeniously engineered 3-chip DLP^TM light engine with 1080p SuperOnyx^TM DMD^TM, and Runco-proprietary video processing and scaling to create a truly enveloping and realistic experience. Utilizing proprietary O-Path^TM technology and ISF^TM exacting calibration standards, Runco ensures that light is efficiently culminated in the VX-33i and VX-33d to project ultra-high resolution and brightness, making the VX-33i and VX-33d the perfect projectors to complement even the largest projection screens (greater than 120-inch diagonals) found in the spectacular media rooms of today's luxury residences.

"This project represents Runco's legacy in high-end projection," said Gerry Perkel, Runco CEO. "Runco has always dominated in this elite market space and these new products give our dealers the solutions that will enable them to continue to own their markets."

The VX-33i uses Runco-proprietary integrated Vivix^TM video processing to ensure, superb scaling and the industry's most advanced aspect ratio control system. These unique processing elements enable the VX-33i to project flawless high-defintion material as well as transform all standard definition content to near-high-definition levels, while maintaining the native formats of TV and movies.

The VX-33d features Runco's advanced external DHD video processor controller. Runco's DHD combines all the advanced 1080p scaling and processing capabilities with greater compatibility than ever offered before and ease-of-installation from its discreet, rack-mountable form factor. It boasts Runco's advanced Vivix^TM 1080p processing with VirtualWide^TM and new VirtualCinema^TM aspect ratios, supporting all video aspect ratios without any loss of image integrity to achieve the best possible imagery from all video sources, and enhances all digital and analog signals to near-high-definition quality. Runco's external DHD also offers ample advanced connectivity, a complete selection of input, output and communication control ports, and seamless compatibility between nearly every video source and component.

Designed specifically for the custom installer who specializes in high-end theaters, the VX-33i and
VX-33d offer several proprietary CinOptx^TM lens options for greater flexibility during installation and to ensure that each media room can be perfected to the exacting demands of its owner. Both the VX-33i and VX-33d are available with Runco's exclusive, award-winning CineWide^{^TM} and CineWide with AutoScope^{^TM} technology. CineWide, the first and leading 2.35:1 projection solution, has since prompted industry-wide adoption; it was developed to properly reproduce 2.35:1 CinemaScope^{^TM} movies with unparalleled accuracy and full vertical screen image height, and eliminate useless black bars.

Runco's Video Xtreme VX-33i projector is now shipping and starts at $49,995 (MSRP). The VX-33d is shipping now and starts at $59,995. Runco products are available exclusively through its authorized dealer network.

For more information on Runco, please visit www.runco.com.

Runco Launches Preeminent DHD Video Processor

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:15:00 GMT

Beaverton, OR - Runco, the leading brand in luxury video solutions, today introduces its Digital High-Definition (DHD 3) external video processor controller. The Installer Dependent^TM high-performance Runco DHD 3 combines the industry's most advanced 1080p scaling and processing capabilities with improved compatibility and ease-of-installation that is demanded by Runco dealers, who represent the pinnacle of the custom integration market. .

Like all Runco products, the DHD 3 offers a full ISF^TM calibration suite to achieve the perfect picture in any viewing environment. The DHD 3 now makes calibration even more seamless, enabling individual display calibration through the controller and eliminating the need to access the on-screen display controls. Once proper calibration is achieved for one display, Runco's new Backup, Recovery and Clone (Runco BRiC^TM) tool allows the installer to apply the calibration settings, including preset commands, input timing, or connector, to other networked video displays. With simple "copy-and-paste" functionality, installers can easily save, recover and clone the settings for the networked displays. The DHD 3 offers an easy firmware upgrade, via USB or serial.

"Runco's BRiC was created to offer a quick and easy solution that will significantly reduce set-up and downtime for our installers and their clients, " says Ben Clifton, vice president of Technology for Runco. "The BRiC is a unique safeguard that only Runco can offer and it protects installers from losing settings in the case of unforeseen events. An installer can connect a laptop via a USB cable directly to the DHD 3 and save all the settings to a single file. Loading the custom settings back on to the DHD 3 - or on to another DHD 3 within the house - is just as easy."

The DHD 3 offers custom installers the most intuitive setup for today's high-performance media rooms, providing ample connectivity and seamless compatibility between nearly every video source and component with a complete selection of input, output (HDMI v. 1.3 with HDCP and RJ-11) and communication control ports. In addition to a simple installation, with all components connected discreetly into its rack-mountable form factor, the DHD 3 saves system integrators valuable time when integrating and calibrating the system with many installer-friendly enhancements, including the DHD 3 auto-detection for each video display connected to it via analog or HDMI inputs, as well the displays' color space and color gamut controls, simultaneously supporting up to eight displays.

Runco's DHD 3 is the first and only processor to feature Runco's advanced Vivix III^TM 1080p processing with Vivix VirtualWide^TM and new VirtualCinema^TM aspect ratios. It supports all video aspect ratios, and optimizes signal reproduction for Anamorphic, Letterbox and 4:3 aspect ratios, with VirtualWide converting 4:3 images to16:9 without any loss of image integrity. The DHD 3 achieves the best possible imagery from all video sources, supporting just about any consumer video source and content (480i/p, 576i/p, 720p and 1080p 24/25/30/50/60, 1080i 50/60/Aus, PC Modes), and enhances all digital and analog signals to near-high-definition quality. In addition, the DHD 3 matches output resolution, sync types and output formats to prevent "double scaling" and achieve exceptional 1080p output.

Runco's DHD 3 is seamlessly compatible with a wide selection of Runco flat panel LCD and plasma displays and projection systems, and offers significantly increased compatibility with consumer video sources that boast full 1080i and 1080p processing. It provides display control for most current Runco DHD 2-based products and is designed to support future Runco's forth-coming products and features.

The Runco DHD 3 now ships standard with several Runco projectors and panels. For more information on Runco or to find a dealer in your area, please visit www.runco.com.

Runco Announces Plans for CEDIA EXPO 2009

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:16:00 GMT

Beaverton, OR - Runco today announced its plans to launch more than a dozen new products and provide multiple presentations and demo venues at CEDIA EXPO 2009, September 9-13. Runco's plan includes a booth on the show floor (Booth 3069), as well as daily training sessions in rooms C-301 and C-302 inside the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

"Runco is a founding member of CEDIA and we will be at EXPO in a big way," says Gerry Perkel, Planar president and CEO, general manager for Runco. "There have been many rumors, misinformation and speculation about what Runco plans to do at EXPO so we want to make it abundantly clear that we will be there with an arsenal of new products. These new products, combined with our recent flat-panel announcements, are providing an improved roadmap across the board. We have made strategic investments in engineering and design and will proudly launch and demonstrate over a dozen new Runco products including new technology that will once again put Runco at the forefront of innovation for home theater."

Since last year's CEDIA EXPO, Runco has focused its efforts and made significant investments in successful dealer-centric programs and promotions. "Our goal has been to be laser-focused on our dealers when making decisions about where to invest and focus resources, and the resulting programs have helped our dealers create incremental revenue during challenging economic conditions," said Bob Hana, Runco's vice president of sales and marketing. "Our CEDIA EXPO plans will continue to be linked directly to our dealer's feedback, namely to bring some exciting, differentiated products to the channel and provide time and space for each Runco dealer to be trained effectively. As a result, we will have both a booth on the show floor and two large training rooms, as has been our practice for many years."

Runco's booth will be slightly different than in past years. Instead of incorporating multiple partners over a large footprint, the booth will focus on serving Runco's dealers. Runco's booth on the show floor will be a dealer-exclusive Runco Dealer Red Carpet Lounge, a meeting space oasis that will offer face time with Runco's sales team, tech support, marketing and inside staff, who will take dealers through the new products, programs and services in detail and help each customize Runco's offering to their dealership.

"CEDIA is an important partner for Runco," said Pippa Edelen, Runco's worldwide director of marketing. "Together we have created a plan in direct response to our dealers' feedback. We have realigned resources, invested heavily in our new products, and have dedicated significant training space so our Runco dealers, who represent the absolute pinnacle in the custom industry, will have a front-row seat to see the proof of that realigned focus. We are confident that this plan will help them achieve immediate sales, and that each of our dealers will leave CEDIA EXPO amped to be part of Team Runco."

Press is invited to an exclusive new product demonstration to be held on Friday, September 11, at 9:00 a.m., in Runco training room C-301. RSVP your front-row seat now with Caster Communications: kshort@castercomm.com.

Runco Unveils New Line of Plasma Displays

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:17:00 GMT

Beaverton, OR - Runco, the leading brand in luxury video solutions, today added multiple new 1080p plasma monitors to its line of high-end video display solutions. The five new CinemaWall^TM and PlasmaWall^TM displays are the world's first to feature Runco's exclusive OPAL (Optical Path ALignment) technology, as well as the most advanced video processor controller to date; Runco's DHD 3.

"As other manufacturers abandon the plasma category, Runco continues to offer the best and broadest portfolio of high-end plasma displays, in addition to our world-class LCD displays and front projectors," says Ben Clifton, Runco vice president of technology. "Our newest plasma models deliver the superior video performance and installation versatility that our custom installation partners, and their clients, demand."

Runco's exclusive display engineering produces deep black levels, impressive brightness and contrast ratio, and the most accurate colorimetry available on all its plasmas. Now, the new plasmas offer Runco's legendary plasma performance, combined with the latest image technology and connectivity and select models offer revolutionary OPAL technology and DHD 3 processing to take video optimization to the highest level available. Runco's proprietary OPAL technology, when paired with plasma, significantly enhances the black level, detail and clarity within dark scenes. It allows the smallest details within the darkest scenes to be vibrant without sacrificing the overall picture quality. Runco OPAL also reduces surface light reflections on the glass plasma screen, a common viewing distraction that plagues other manufacturers' plasma displays. Only available on Runco displays, OPAL provides a truly stellar viewing experience to achieve the best imagery, technology and HD performance in any plasma display application to date.

The new CinemaWall and PlasmaWall plasma displays also feature Runco's signature engineering and sophisticated video processing technologies, including exclusive Vivix^TM processing, VirtualWide^TM discrete multiple aspect ratio control, a broad array of video input choices, and ISF (ccc) calibration modes for reference level video quality in diverse lighting conditions. The CinemaWall XP-OPAL50 and XP-OPAL65 feature integrated video processing, while the PlasmaWall XP-OPAL50 DHD,
XP-OPAL65 DHD and XP-65 DHD3 feature Runco's next-generation DHD 3 external video controller processor, which brings Runco's legendary video processing standards to a flawless new level.

Runco's new DHD 3 features Vivix III^TM 1080p processing with VirtualWide and new VirtualCinema^TM aspect ratios. It is highly compatible with today's video sources, enhancing all digital and analog signals to near-high-definition quality, and matching output resolution, sync types and output formats to prevent "double scaling," which can cause distortion. The DHD 3 also offers custom installers a complete selection of input, output and control ports in an external, rack-mountable form factor for a clean installation to the display.

All Runco plasmas are high-altitude compliant for picture perfection in environments higher than 9,000 feet. A statement piece in any room of distinction, each CinemaWall and PlasmaWall flat panel display is available with Runco's sleek black bezel. The five new flat panels join Runco's XP-50, XP-65 and XP-103DHD plasma displays. MSRPs are as follows:

CinemaWall XP-OPAL50 - $6,995
CinemaWall XP-OPAL65 - $13,495
PlasmaWall XP-OPAL50 DHD - $8,995
PlasmaWall XP-65 DHD3 - $13,495
PlasmaWall XP-OPAL65 DHD - $15,495

Runco is sold exclusively through its network of dealers, who represent the top echelon in custom home AV. For more information on Runco or to find a dealer in your area, please visit www.runco.com.

Runco Academy Adds Sales Curriculum to Dealer Training Program

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:18:00 GMT

Beaverton, OR - June 3, 2009 - Runco, the leading brand in luxury video solutions, announced a redesigned curriculum for its industry-leading Runco Academy dealer education program. Authorized dealers who sign up for Runco's Master Class-Mastering the Art of Home Cinema-will be invited to the company's Beaverton, Ore., headquarters for a two-day focused session of sales training. The sales training session can be taken in addition to or independently of Runco's traditional three-day technical training session.

For more than 15 years, Runco Academy has provided Runco dealers with advanced technical training, certifying more than 2,000 custom installation consumer electronics professionals since its inception. Runco Academy's Technical Master Class, widely considered the industry standard for video manufacturer training, is a three-day technical training session to ensure dealers' install and technical teams have the knowledge, tools and equipment to properly install, service and maintain any Runco solution.

Runco dealers will now also have the opportunity to elect to send its sales staff to the new two-day sales training program. This new value-added program was specifically designed to provide dealers with competitive sales tools and techniques for the luxury market. Upon completion of the Runco Academy Sales Master Class, attendees will have the skills and confidence to present the entire luxury line of Runco custom home theater products and be able to specify appropriate Runco products for each client.

Bob Hana, Runco's vice president of sales and marketing, was instrumental in implementing the new program and will instruct the course. "In this difficult economy, with competitive pressures getting increasingly intense, we want to give our dealers both the sales and technical skills they need to not only survive, but to thrive," said Hana. "Adding a Sales Master Class specifically for our dealers' sales teams, the front line of our brand and point of contact for their clients, provides a tangible advantage that Runco dealers need out there in the trenches."

Runco welcomed more than 35 attendees to its Sales, May 15-16, and Technical, May 17-19, training classes. The Runco Academy Master Class, a certified training program for Consumer Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) professionals, is held quarterly during the year at Runco headquarters in Oregon. The next Academy sessions are July 17-21. Graduates of the technical portion of Runco's dealer training program are eligible for CEDIA Continuing Education Units (CEU) credits and also qualify for ISF® (Imaging Science Foundation) certification.

For more information on Runco, please visit www.runco.com.

Runco Reaffirms Its Commitment to Custom Flat-Panel Displays

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:19:00 GMT

Beaverton, OR - Runco, the leading brand in luxury video solutions, has confirmed its unyielding commitment to deliver premium flat-panel displays to the custom installation industry. In a marketplace where an increasing number of video display manufacturers are exiting the custom flat-panel market in favor of mass market retail or discontinuing their flat panel product lines altogether, Runco remains focused on providing its dealers with the highest-performing luxury video displays for custom application and viewing environment.

"At Runco, image quality and performance are our top priorities," said Matt Christensen, manager of product marketing for Runco. "Our flat panel displays deliver the highest-fidelity video performance with the most accurate color reproduction and a rich, cinematic feel. Unlike other brands that proved unsuccessful in providing flat panel solutions for dealers within the custom installation channel, Runco continues to provide LCDs and plasmas that are demonstrably superior to the ubiquitous big-brand panels. We are now offering Runco dealers the widest range of custom flat-panel solutions that are the industry benchmark for exceptional video quality and are available in massive screen sizes with innovative proprietary technologies found only in Runco panels."

Runco is now shipping its entire portfolio of LCD flat-panel displays, which offer high-performance video solutions for rooms of distinction, as well as luxury outdoor living spaces. For indoor and outdoor environments with high levels of ambient light, Runco LCDs deliver a masterful blend of image prowess, impeccable design and state-of-the-art craftsmanship. Runco's large selection of high-definition LCD flat panels offers a broad range of screen sizes to meet the viewing needs in any room, now ranging from 32 to 70 inches.

For the ultimate flat-panel theater experience, Runco also touts a refreshed line of plasma displays with a wide range of screen sizes, from 50 inches to the massive XP-103DHD, which measures 103 inches in diagonal. The company's CinemaWall^TM and PlasmaWall^TM plasma displays elevate image quality to the highest levels of full 1080p resolution, and boast impressive brightness and contrast ratio, deep black levels and the most accurate colorimetry available. Like their sister LCDs, Runco's plasma line incorporates signature engineering enhancements and sophisticated technologies, exclusive Vivix^TM processing (internal and external) and control options to perfectly display all video content, protecting image integrity while providing the utmost installation versatility for Runco dealers.

In addition to proprietary video processing and image correction technologies, Runco flat panels are available with Runco's exclusive new OPAL^TM (Optical Path Alignment) image enhancement technology. OPAL is a proprietary new technology from Runco designed to enhance flat panels in their optimal applications. When applied to its LCDs, Runco's OPAL preserves the integrity of video content in high ambient light, which directly competes against and degrades LCD images and distracts from the experience. Runco's OPAL utilizes proprietary micro-visual surface treatment of the LCD panel to reduce internal and surface reflections by more than 20 times, increase contrast by more than three times, and enhance protection of the panel from contamination from dust, condensation and even the occasional blow from a handheld gaming remote. When applied to plasma, Runco's OPAL thrives in lower-light applications to create a cinema-quality experience. The OPAL technology within Runco plasma significantly enhances the black level, detail and clarity specifically within dark scenes. Runco's OPAL technology allows the smallest details within the darkest scenes to be vibrant without sacrificing the overall picture quality. Only Runco offers superior OPAL engineering to provide a truly stellar viewing experience to achieve the best imagery, technology and HD performance in any flat panel application.

Runco's PlasmaWall and CinemaWall plasma display monitors, Crystal Series^TM and Climate Portfolio^TM LCDs are now available through authorized Runco dealers. Runco's CX-OPAL47 and weather-proof Climate Portfolio WP-OPAL42 LCDs are the first Runco products currently available with OPAL. Runco will be offering its CinemaWall and PlasmaWall products with proprietary Runco's OPAL technology in the near future.

For more information on Runco, please visit www.runco.com.

Runco Shows New Large-Screen Home Cinema Displays and Its Exclusive Opal

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:20:00 GMT

Amsterdam, NL - ISE 2009 - Feb 3-5 - Meeting Room D - Runco, the leading global brand in luxury video solutions for home cinema, will showcase its newest video displays at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2009. For the first time, Runco will show European A/V system integrators its new flat panel displays, including its exclusive Optical Path Alignment (OPAL^TM) image enhancement technology, and its new in-wall projection system.

Runco's newest 1080p LCD and plasma flat panels deliver a masterful blend of image prowess, impeccable design and state-of-the-art craftsmanship. They are perfectly suited for rooms of distinction where a large screen size is desired, but where ambient light issues make front projection difficult. The new displays o be shown at ISE provide integrators with larger screen sizes, incredibly accurate video processing, and installer-friendly features to achieve cinematic quality in environments where living space is at a premium.

Runco's new 50-inch CinemaWall^TM XP-50HD plasma features integrated Vivix II^TM processing, ISFccc^TM calibration, and Dynamic Pixel Protection^TM technology. Two new Crystal Series^TM LCDs offer new screen sizes-the 65-inch CX-65HD and 47-inch CX-OPAL47-and feature internal Vivix II processing with Runco's RTR^TM (Real-Time Refresh) 120Hz technology, a full connectivity suite including HDMI 1.3a with Deep Color modes, Runco's exclusive WideVision^TM technology with VirtualWide^TM mode, and the ISF® (Imaging Science Foundation) calibration suite.

Going beyond typical flat-panel displays, the CX-OPAL47 also features Runco's revolutionary new OPAL image enhancement technology, which addresses common flat-panel problems, particularly ambient light that directly competes against and degrades flat-panel images and distracts the viewer. Runco's OPAL is the first flat panel technology that utilizes proprietary micro-visual surface treatment to provide three essential benefits to viewers who demand the best image fidelity. OPAL's Ambient-Light Rejection (ALR^TM) technology reduces internal and surface reflections by more than 20 times. Its Acute Contrast Enhancement^TM (ACE) technology increases contrast by more than three times without losing image clarity within dark scenes, resulting in sharp, rich high-definition imagery. Finally, OPAL's ISS^TM (Impact, Shake and Shock) technology enhances the panel's resistance to dust contamination, condensation and direct impact (hand-held game control), protecting the TV screen surface and making it less sensitive to daily wear and tear.

Also on display at ISE 2009 is the VideoWall^TM VW-100HD in-wall projection video display system, which represents an entirely new product category for Runco. The VW-100HD achieves full HD (1920 x 1080) imagery on a sprawling 100-inch screen, offering installation professionals new levels of versatility and convenience for environments where an ultra-large screen is required, but front projection is difficult or impossible to deliver. The VW-100HD is a completely self-contained in-wall projection system with a low-profile design that includes a rear assembly less than 32 inches in depth, with sloping side panels that enable the system to fit into the tightest spaces. As a result, integrators have tremendous installation flexibility and versatility.

Features of the VW-100HD include Runco's Constant Contrast technology with frame-by-frame contrast correction to provide stellar black levels within high contrast video content; Runco's exclusive CinOptx^TM lens system, which incorporates O-Path^TM light path enhancement for sharp-looking video; Runco's most advanced Vivix II internal video processing; Runco's Positive Pressure Cooling^TM, an internal engine cooling design that reduces the need for excess cooling fans and ensures quiet operation levels in the process; the ISFccc calibration system; and WideVision aspect ratio conversion technology.

Runco Home Theater products are built with quality and craftsmanship to ensure amazing experiences. Every Runco display features a two-year RuncoCare standard warranty; extended warranty options are also available for one or two additional years. RuncoCare is simple, convenient and offers the best protection in the industry.

Runco's CinemaWall XP-50HD, VideoWall VW-100HD, and Crystal Series CX-65HD are now shipping and the CX-OPAL47 will be shipping this month. Pricing varies. Contact a local Runco distributor for additional information.

For more information on Runco, please visit www.runco.com.

Runco Debuts VideoWall VW-100HD In-Wall Display

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:21:00 GMT

Beaverton, OR - Runco, the leading brand in luxury video solutions, proudly announces its new VideoWall^TM VW-100HD in-wall projection video display is now shipping, offering installation professionals new levels of versatility and convenience while achieving full HD (1920 x 1080) imagery perfection on a sprawling 100-inch screen.

Runco's native 16:9 VideoWall system is perfect for installations where an ultra-large screen is required, but front projection is difficult-to-impossible to deliver, particularly in instances where a high level of ambient light makes high-quality video from a front projector appear washed-out. "Runco's in-wall systems are fantastic alternatives to extremely heavy and prohibitively expensive plasma displays of similar sizes as they sit perfectly flush with the wall and do not bear heavy weight on the wall. This simple two-piece solution dramatically reduces installation time, yet provides outstanding video quality in rooms with high ambient light." stated Matt Christensen, product champion.

Traditional rear-projection video systems require more throw distance than is available in most homes. The new VideoWall^TM system, however, is completely self-contained in-wall projection video display system with a low-profile design that includes a rear assembly less than 32 inches in depth, with sloping side panels that enable the system to fit into the tightest spaces. As a result, integrators have tremendous installation flexibility and versatility. The VW-100HD has been specially designed in the same vein as all other Runco displays to be Installer Dependent^TM, provide an effortless, two-piece installation process that significantly reduces man-hours on the job and increases profitability per installation.

The VideoWall^TM system retains video contrast and brightness even when viewed in high amounts of ambient light. Runco's Constant Contrast^TM technology incorporates frame-by-frame contrast correction to provide stellar black levels within high contrast video content, enhancing the systems' contrast ratios in excess of 5,000:1 ANSI. The system, abound with installer-friendly features, such as Runco's Positive Pressure Cooling^TM, a strategic internal engine cooling design that reduces the need for excess cooling fans, ensuring quiet operation levels in the process. Other benefits include ISFccc^TM calibration system, WideVision^TM aspect ratio conversion technology, CSMS^TM contrast and brightness, and high-altitude operation (10,000 ft above sea level).

The VW-100HD features Runco's SuperOnyx^TM chipset. Extensive connectivity includes HDMI w/HDCP, DVI w/HDCP, Component (RCA), HD-15 (PC), S-Video, Composite and RS-232. Runco's exclusive CinOptx^TM lens system incorporates O-Path^TM light path enhancement for sharp-looking video, while ViViX II^TM internal processing ensures the best video performance, no matter what the content's native resolution or aspect ratio.

Runco home theater products are built with quality and craftsmanship to ensure an amazing experience. All Runco displays feature a two-year RuncoCare standard warranty. Extended options are also available for one or two additional years. RuncoCare is simple, convenient and offers the best protection in the industry.

Runco products are available only through its authorized dealer network. The Runco VideoWall^TM VW-100HD has an MSRP of $39,995 and is shipping now.

For more information on Runco, please visit www.runco.com.

Runco's CineWall CW-95HD is World's First In-Wall Display with CineWide

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:22:00 GMT

The CineWall^TMCW-95HD offers CEDIA professionals an installer-friendly, in-wall HD projection display with Runco's CineWide^TM 2.35:1 cinema experience.

Beaverton, OR - September 9, 2008 - Runco, the leading brand in luxury video solutions, proudly unveils its CineWall^TM CW-95HD in-wall projection system. Combining the best of front projection's exceptional image with the aesthetic of a giant flat-screen display, the CW-95 provides a high-performance 2.35:1 in-wall projection solution for rooms of distinction where high ambient lighting conditions exist, but nothing less than an exceptional Runco cinema experience will suffice.

Providing spectacular imagery, Runco's CineWide^TM 2.35:1 achieves the same video quality that, until now, only front projectors could achieve. Runco's CineWall CW-95HD incorporates the industry's most advanced video technologies and Runco proprietary engineering. The native 1920 x 817 (1080p) CW-95HD features Runco's SuperOnyx^TM DMD^TM chipset with ConstantContrast^TM frame-by-frame contrast correction to provide stellar black levels and rich color saturation even in bright ambient light viewing. Runco's exclusive CinOptx^TM lens system incorporates O-Path^TM light path enhancement for sharp-looking video, while Vivix II^TM internal processing ensures the best video performance, and its award-winning CineWide technology.

The Runco CW-95HD is a completely self-contained video reproduction system featuring a 95-inch, 2.35:1 aspect ratio front screen to bring Runco's CineWide 2.35:1 big-screen perfection to rooms where optimal front projection performance cannot overcome ambient light challenges or shorter throw distances exist. Further, the design of the CW-95HD lends itself to the appearance of a giant flat-screen TV at a fraction of the weight and half the price and, it is the only fixed-screen 2.35:1 solution available in an enormous 95" diagonal, which makes watching movies nothing short of breathtaking. The CW-95HD is easily installed and integrated into any space thanks to a smart, Runco-exclusive two-piece design. The unit's low-profile design with sloping side panels provides increased installation and integration flexibility by enabling smaller spaces to fit the rear assembly into a wall area, requiring less than 33 inches in depth. The CW-95HD delivers uncompromised reproduction of CinemaScope content so viewers can enjoy movies in high-definition in native 2.35:1 aspect ratio - the preferred size that the overwhelming majority of directors in Hollywood use. The Runco CW-95HD means no more distracting black bars or glare.

In addition to wider viewing angles with increased brightness and colorimetry consistencies, the CW-95HD provides significant technology and video quality enhancements when compared to like-sized plasma or LCD products. Runco's CineWall in-wall projection system reduces ambient light glare by 20 times and achieves a contrast ratio 300% greater than standard flat panels. The system's passive cooling allows for virtually silent operation and requires a mere 20% of the power of flat panels in similar size.

The Runco CW-95 system also features a strategic internal engine cooling design that reduces the need for excess cooling fans for low noise when in use. Like all Runco products, the CW-95HD system features an InstallerDependent^TM design, including ISFccc® calibration controls suite, extensive connectivity (HDMI w/HDCP, DVI w/HDCP, Component (RCA), HD-15 (PC), S-Video, Composite and RS-232), and an effortless installation process to ensure Runco dealers benefit from significant time-savings and profitability and their customers revel in legendary Runco theater experience.

Runco Home Theater products are built with quality and craftsmanship to ensure an amazing experience. All Runco displays feature a 2-year RuncoCare standard warranty. Extended options are also available for 1 or 2 additional years. RuncoCare is simple, convenient and offers the best protection in the industry.

All Runco products are available only through its authorized dealer network. Runco CineWall CW-95HD was previewed to Runco's exclusive dealer network at CEDIA Expo 2008 and has an MSRP of $49,995 and will be available November 2008.

For more information on Runco, please visit www.runco.com.

Runco VideoXtreme VX-8 Projector Debuts at CEDIA EXPO

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:25:00 GMT

New three-chip projector replaces Runco's popular VX-2.

Denver, CO - CEDIA EXPO 2008 - Booth #510 - Runco, the leading brand in luxury video solutions, announces the addition of the VX-8 to its high-performance VideoXtreme^TM projector line. The 3-chip VX-8 offers impressive contrast and brightness at a competitive price point.

The VX-8 offers custom installers Runco's signature perfection in imagery, featuring the most advanced video processing capabilities via Runco's DHD with Vivix^TM, three SuperOnyx^TM DMDs and Runco's exclusive super-widescreen 2.35:1 CineWide^TM technology. The 1080p/24-compatible VX-8 features extensive connectivity, including multiple HDMI inputs

The VX-8, like all Runco products, was created to be Installer Dependent^TM, which indicates to consumers that professional installation is required with the product for optimum experience. The VX-8 delivers by offering incredible flexibility to the installer to ensure a perfect fit into any theater, with seven primary lens options, three CineWide lens choices and two CineWide with AutoScope choices. Other installer-conscious features the VX-8 boasts include a new low-noise cabinet design, updated Proteus lenses, increased power AxiShift^TM for added installation flexibility, high-altitude operation and lamp life of up to 2,500 hours.

The VideoXtreme VX-8 features the outstanding video quality that installers and video connoisseurs have long enjoyed and come to expect from Runco. The company's ConstantContrast^TM offers frame-by-frame contrast correction, while its CorrectColor^TM delivers complete color calibration for D65 perfection. The VX-8 also includes ISFccc^TM calibration for top image performance in any ambient light conditions during the day or at night.

Runco Home Theater products are built with quality and craftsmanship to ensure an amazing experience. All Runco displays feature a two-year RuncoCare standard warranty. Extended options are also available for one or two additional years. RuncoCare is simple, convenient and offers the best protection in the industry.

In addition to the standard and extended RuncoCare, Runco now offers a suite of RedCarpet premium services, which provide increased value-added support that goes above and beyond the standard warranty. Among the RedCarpet offerings is an Advanced Exchange warranty, under which a replacement unit is sent immediately so customers are never without their video display. Advanced Exchange coverage is available for up to four years. The RedCarpet program is ideal for Runco dealers and their customers because it provides the elevated level of service and support that Runco customers demand.

All Runco products are available only through its authorized dealer network. The VideoXtreme VX-8 will ship in January 2009 at an MSRP of $19,995.

For more information on Runco, please visit www.runco.com.

Runco Unveils Seven New Large-Screen Flat Panels and Exclusive OPAL

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:26:00 GMT

Runco's revolutionary Optical Path Alignment (OPAL) image enhancement technology optimizes flat-panel imagery while enabling a Runco-caliber experience in high ambient light environments.

Denver, CO - CEDIA EXPO 2008 - September 4-7, 2008 - Booth #510 - Runco, the leading brand in luxury video solutions, proudly introduces seven new 1080p LCD and plasma flat panels, including its largest LCD panel to date: the 70-inch Crystal Series^{^TM} CX-70DHD. In the grand Runco tradition, each new model delivers a masterful blend of image prowess, impeccable design and state-of-the-art craftsmanship that will delight the most discerning of video aficionados. Runco also is unveiling its exclusive new OPAL^{^TM} (Optical Path Alignment^{^TM}) image enhancement technology, available on select Runco models, which delivers extreme glare reduction and enhanced contrast for high ambient light environments.

"In the world of high-end video, there are flat panels and then, for those who seek the very best, there are Runco flat panels," said Matt Christensen, sr. product manager, Planar Home Theater Business Unit. "Our new flat-panel models feature the attention to detail, incredibly accurate video processing, design, and installer-friendly features that our industry has long expected and consistently receives from Runco. And with the introduction of OPAL, Runco is taking the lead in fighting persistent problems installers and their customers face with flat panels."

Headlining today's announcement is the 70-inch Crystal Series CX-70DHD, Runco's largest LCD flat panel to date. The CX-70DHD is perfect for rooms of distinction where a large screen size is desired, but where ambient light issues make front projection difficult and the glare of a plasma screen unacceptable. For true-to-life image quality, the CX-70DHD delivers an exceptional contrast ratio, superb gray scaling, and the ISF^{^TM} (Imaging Science Foundation) ISFccc^{^TM} calibration suite, including day and night modes for an optimal picture even in the most challenging lighting conditions.

The CX-70DHD is the first LCD flat panel to feature Runco's proprietary external DHD^{^TM} video controller/processor. The DHD incorporates Runco's advanced Vivix II^{^TM} digital video processing technology to achieve the highest level of image fidelity, and enhances all digital and NTSC content to near high-definition quality for unparalleled large-screen video reproduction. While lesser displays may show signs of image distortion, especially at larger screen sizes, the CX-70DHD incorporates Runco's exclusive VirtualWide^{^TM} mode, which seamlessly converts all 4:3 content to widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio and optimizes Anamorphic and Letterbox content with no loss of image integrity.

The CX-70DHD offers exceptional installation flexibility. It measures less than six inches thick for unobtrusive installation on a wall, and its external DHD processor allows for a clean installation, with just a single HDMI with HDCP output to the display required. All source and component inputs (Composite, S-Video, HDMI with HDCP, and RGBH) are handled by the DHD, which, like all of the components, can be hidden from view.

Runco's two other new Crystal Series LCD flat panels introduce new LCD screen sizes to its lineup. The 65-inch CX-65HD and 47-inch CX-47HD offer internal Vivix II processing with Runco's RTR^TM (Real-Time Refresh) 120Hz technology, a full connectivity suite including HDMI 1.3a with Deep Color modes, Runco's exclusive WideVision^TM technology with VirtualWide mode, and ISF calibration suite.

Rounding out the new flat-panel lineup are two additions to Runco's CinemaWall^TM plasma display portfolio: the 50-inch XP-50 and 65-inch XP-65. These models, like all CinemaWall and PlasmaWall^TM products, are capable of high-altitude use up to 9000ft above sea level. They feature integrated Vivix II processing, ISFccc calibration and Dynamic Pixel Protection^{^TM} technology, which reduces static image retention.

Beyond traditional flat-panel displays, Runco's revolutionary new OPAL image enhancement technology takes Runco's legendary performance even further by addressing the common flat-panel problems, particularly ambient light, which directly competes against and degrades flat-panel images and distracts the viewer.

The breakthrough Runco OPAL technology utilizes proprietary micro-visual surface treatment of the flat panel to provide three key benefits. First, OPAL's Ambient-Light Rejection (ALR^{^TM}) technology, a proprietary panel treatment applied within the flat panel, reduces internal and surface reflections by more than 20 times. As such, OPAL enhances picture clarity and legibility in areas with medium-to-high ambient light without having to resort to a boost in the panel's backlight brightness, a traditional workaround that tends to wash out colors and contrast. Second, Runco OPAL's Acute Contrast Enhancement^{^TM} (ACE) technology increases contrast by more than three times without losing image clarity within dark scenes, especially in high ambient light. Finally, Runco OPAL's ISS^{^TM} (Impact, Shake and Shock) Protection enhances the panel's resistance to dust contamination, condensation and even occasional direct impact, such as a blow from a hand-held game control. The flat panel's surface is less sensitive to daily wear and tear, and the surface can be cleaned with typical household glass cleaner.

For the no-compromise customer who demands the absolute best panel in the market, Runco's OPAL image enhancement option will be available exclusively for Runco LCD and plasma flat panel displays beginning with the Climate Portfolio^TM WP-42OPALHD as well as the new CX-OPAL47 LCD.

Runco's Crystal Series CX-70DHD is available mid-October 2008. MSRP is $34,995. The CX-65HD and CX-47HD will be available December 2008 and have MSRPs of $14,995 and $4,495 respectively. Runco's PlasmaWall XP-65 and XP-50 will be available January 2009. MSRP is $12,995 and $6,495, respectively. The WP-42OPALHD is available for immediate shipping at $8,995 MSRP and the CX-OPAL47 LCD will ship in January for $5,995 MSRP.

For more information on Runco, please visit www.runco.com.

Runco Launches Three New Flat Panels for the Custom Home Theater Display Market

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:28:00 GMT

EHX Spring 2008 -- The CX-52HD, CX-57HD, and XP-50DHD provide unsurpassed video performance and demonstrate Runco's strategy to deliver large-diagonal flat-panels at higher resolutions.

Orlando, FL - EHX 2008 - March 13-15 - Demo Alley W232B - Runco International, the leaders in home video display and technology, today introduced two high-performance 1080p LCDs and one new 1080p plasma display to its flat panel lineup.

"Our new flat panels provide the superb home entertainment performance our dealers and customers expect from Runco," said Scott Hix, vice president and general manager, Planar Systems Inc. Home Theater. "These models up the ante for flat-panel performance in the world's finest home theaters."

The Crystal Portfolio^{^TM} CX-52HD and CX-57HD are 52-inch and 57-inch 1080p LCD flat panels, respectively. They offer state-of-the-art performance and a generous feature set, including Runco's exclusive Vivix^{^TM} processing for outstanding imagery, artifact-free scaling and pristine reproduction of both native film and video formats. The models also include the complete Imaging Science Foundation (ISF^{^TM}) calibration suite to deliver the absolute best image possible under multiple viewing conditions. Integration capabilities include an RS-232 automation interface with discrete on/off, input selection and aspect ratio control. The CX-52DHD offers premium integrated audio systems that complement its included NTSC/ATSC tuners and offer 10W RMS power per channel. Both displays include detachable two-way speaker systems to facilitate custom installations with separate, dedicated audio systems. The new Crystal Portfolio models each include two HDMI inputs with HDCP and are finished with high-quality anodized aluminum frames in black, similar to Runco's award-winning LCD displays.

Built upon the company's best-selling 65-inch XP-65DHD platform, the XP-50DHD joins Runco's PlasmaView^{^TM} line, substantially improving picture quality from other manufacturer's displays because of its video processing, superb contrast ratio and deep black levels. The XP-50DHD features sophisticated 16-bit digital video processing, resulting in 4,096 steps of graduation for seamless images, discrete multiple aspect ratio control, including VirtualWide^{^TM} for viewing 4:3 content in widescreen without picture degradation, ISF calibration modes, and elite THX certification for the best possible image. Runco's next-generation, external DHD with HDMI Digital Video Controller/Processor provides a pure digital signal path from input to output as well as a broad array of video input choices. It is also available in a high-altitude model, XP-50DHDxa.

Available exclusively through Runco dealers, all models are now shipping. MSRP: CX-52 is $7,995; the CX-57 is $12,995; and the XP-50DHD is $9,995.

For more information on Runco, please visit http://www.runco.com/.

Runco's VX-22i Projector Featuring CineWide with Autoscope Brings Integration to a New Level for Hom

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:28:00 GMT

Adding to its best-selling Video Xtreme portfolio, the VX-22i combines the finest in Runco video processing and engineering to deliver its newly-integrated projector platform.

Las Vegas, NV - CES 2008 - January 7 - 10, 2008 - Runco is again expanding the brand's Video Xtreme^{^TM} line of 1080p DLP^{^TM} projectors with the introduction of its VX-22i featuring CineWide with Autoscope. The VX-22i joins the prestigious line of Runco 3-chip projectors, building upon the best-selling platform of Runco's VX-22d and featuring an integrated, advanced all-digital controller. Like the Runco VX-22d, the VX-22i offers a high-definition integration projector, tested and certified by the THX^®Certified Display program with legendary Runco 3-chip projector performance and screen-filling power.

Combining the video controller/processor into the projector, the Runco VX-22i offers an integrated solution for the discerning home theater enthusiast. Integrated into the projector chassis, Runco's acclaimed DHD controller features HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connectivity for optimum compatibility with a broad range of source components. The widely-heralded DHD has been such a success that Runco focused the engineering changes only to those necessary for optimal 1080p performance with the new projectors, retaining the features and performance that have made its proprietary DHD so popular. For the ultimate in viewing flexibility and enjoyment, the VX-22i has Runco's exclusive award- winning CineWide^{^TM} and CineWide with AutoScope^{^TM} technology. This ground-breaking solution can transform a superb home theater system into a true home cinema experience, reproducing 2.35:1 CinemaScope^{^TM} movies with unparalleled accuracy and full vertical screen image height, eliminating useless black bars

"The newest addition to our Video Xtreme line-up provides an integrated solution using the same award-winning Runco technology," said Scott Hix, vice president and general manager, Planar Systems Inc. Home Theater. "This projection system was created for the very finest home theater applications, and provides stunning picture quality with the uncompromised performance expected from the Runco brand."

Featuring a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 and utilizing advanced three 16:9 SuperOnyx^{^TM} DMDs^{^TM} combined with Runco's award-winning Vivix II^{^TM} video processing, the resulting images are breathtaking. Engineered to provide stellar 1080p performance without compromise, the Runco VX-22i utilizes the same footprint and versatile feature set as the best-selling VX-22d.

Like all of Runco's Video Xtreme models, the VX-22i has been designed for outstanding picture quality through Runco's three-chip implementation of DLP, each chip is dedicated to a specific color - red, green and blue - for superb color spectrum purity. Runco's VX-22i offers the industry's best black level and contrast performance. Runco has engineered Imaging Science Foundation (ISF^{^TM}) calibration standards into every model for the purest video performance.

All of Runco's Video Xtreme 1080p 3-chip models are offered with numerous configuration options and prices, for a broad and versatile lineup that will easily meet the needs of any high-end installation requirement.

MSRP of the VX-22i is $39,995, or $54,995 when equipped with the CineWide with AutoScope option and Runco's most advanced McKinley anamorphic optics. The Runco VX-22i is now shipping.

For more information on Runco, please visit http://www.runco.com/.

RUNCO BRINGS HIGH-PERFORMANCE VIDEO OUTDOORS

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:29:00 GMT

Planar Systems Inc., under its luxury video brand Runco, launches a no-compromise solution for the outdoor home video display category.

Beaverton, OR - October 23, 2007 - Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR), a worldwide leader in specialty display systems, today announced the first flat-panel LCD display designed specifically for outdoor living, under its Runco custom home theater brand. The debut of the new Runco Climate Portfolio^{^TM} and its WP-42HD weatherproof display represents the marriage of Runco's luxury video heritage and Planar's history of ruggedized, reliable display technology, bringing stellar video quality and performance to the first luxury display series intended for the outdoors.

"The Runco WP-42HD is the first product that illustrates the synergy between Planar's engineering and display history and Runco's dedication to superior video," said Scott Hix, vice president and general manager, Planar Systems Inc. Home Theater Business Unit. "From the beginning we said that Runco and its dealers would benefit from Planar Systems' unique capabilities in specialty display engineering. Runco's Climate Portfolio affords its dealers a competitive edge and accelerates Planar Systems' vision of becoming the worldwide leader in specialty video displays, including the outdoor display category."

A 2006 study performed by Quixel Research¹, profiling the viability of the outdoor display landscape in the U.S., provided compelling analysis that the outdoor display segment is on track to quadruple between 2007 and 2009. Quixel's most recent study found that significant outdoor living spaces, as well as complementing amenities, have become commonplace in the planning processes of luxury custom home builders, designers, architects and CEDIA professionals.

"Runco's success with performance video, combined with Planar's understanding of ruggedized, weatherproof outdoor displays, is a win-win for luxury integrators and their customers. The combination of talent makes Runco perfectly poised to be a leader in the exploding outdoor market," said Tamryn Pratt, Quixel Research.

Runco's 42-inch weatherproof WP-42HD utilizes advanced LCD technology and glass with special element-proof bonding to deliver a high-definition widescreen flat-panel monitor ready for the elements. Featuring a 1366 x 768 native resolution, combined with Runco's exclusive Vivix^® internal video processing for outstanding imagery, artifact-free scaling and pristine reproduction of both native film and native video formats (480p, 720p, 1080i), the WP-42HD offers exceptional video quality, features, flexibility and connectivity to achieve the ultimate custom outdoor viewing experience.

Engineered for maximum durability, the WP-42HD's weatherproof enclosure ensures protection from adverse environmental conditions including temperature, exposure to moisture, dust, oils and intermittent direct water spray. The custom aluminum cabinet is sealed to ensure protection from the elements and features a specially-designed internal ventilation system to provide adequate cooling. The WP-42HD surpasses International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Ingress Protection IP56 weatherproof standards, allowing integrators to "install it and leave it" without worry.

Runco has equipped its WP-42HD with a wide array of custom installation-friendly features. Its wide viewing angle (178 degrees) maximizes viewing enjoyment from widely dispersed seating positions. An internal setting allows for optimal operation in colder temperatures (-4°F in Winter Mode). Also included are an RS-232 automation interface with discrete on/off, input selection and aspect ratio control. Ample inputs include digital DVI with HDCP, as well as a multimedia RGB/computer input for gaming, internet surfing and other computer activities.

Installation options are limited only by the installer's imagination. Runco's Climate Portfolio^{^TM} WP-42HD delivers rich LCD imagery anywhere HD flat panel video performance is desired. Runco's network of certified custom professionals provides industry-leading innovative solutions to create the perfect luxury outdoor environment.

With the same elegant look and styling that distinguishes all Runco flat panel displays, the WP-42HD features a high-gloss black bezel incorporated into a stylish enclosure design. The Runco Climate Portfolio WP-42HD will be available in November 2007 exclusively through Runco dealers. MSRP is $8,995 USD.

For more information on Runco, please visit http://www.runco.com/.

RUNCO INTRODUCES NEW REFLECTION SERIES PROJECTORS

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:31:00 GMT

The RS-440 and RS-900 bring new features, higher levels of quality and performance and CineWide to Runco's entry-level custom projector offering.

Union City, CA - October 9, 2007 - Runco International, the leaders in home video display and technology, today introduced two new Reflection^{^TM} Series DLP^{^TM} projectors that offer world-renowned Runco performance at a remarkable value.

"With these new home theater projectors, Runco has redefined ‘entry-level' with no-compromise performance," said Scott Hix, vice president and general manager, Planar Systems Inc. Home Theater. "Runco's new Reflection Series models allow more people than ever to discover how special it is to have a Runco home theater."

The RS-440 is a new platform for Runco that offers 720p DLP high-definition video, HDMI connectivity, horizontal and vertical lens shift with long throw, and a long throw model (Runco RS-440LT), and is Runco's most affordable 720p projector to date offering the company's exclusive CineWide^{^TM} 2.35:1 configuration. With the RS-440/RS-440LT, Runco has brought improved contrast, brightness, color and reliability that are unsurpassed in this price class.

Runco's new RS-900 projector is a single-chip SuperOnyx^{^TM} DLP system. Offering high-definition 1080p resolution and two lens options, including CineWide with AutoScope^{^TM}, the RS-900 is now the most affordable 1080p CineWide projector in the Runco fleet. Its ample connections include two HDMI inputs and RS-232 control. This high-performance single-chip projector comes equipped with several integration features that make this affordable projector Runco caliber.

The RS-440 will ship in December 2007 starting at $4,995 MSRP. The RS-440LT will ship in December 2007 starting at $5,995 MSRP. The RS-900 is now shipping starting at $8,995 MSRP.

For more information on Runco, please visit www.runco.com.

RUNCO UNVEILS ITS 103-INCH 1080P PLASMA DISPLAY

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:33:00 GMT

The CinemaWall XP-103DHD offers Runco's largest, most high-performance flat-panel for the luxury home.

Denver, CO - CEDIA EXPO 2007 - September 6, 2007 - Booth 510- Runco International, the leaders in home video display and technology, today introduced its 103-inch flat panel, the CinemaWall^{^TM} XP-103DHD. A true statement piece for the most discerning of home theater customers, the XP-103DHD plasma display brings world-famous Runco engineering and design quality to the ultra-large 1080p full-HD plasma category.

"Runco continues to provide leading-edge product to our exclusive network of dealers and highest-echelon customers looking for display solutions that are truly enviable," said Scott Hix, vice president and general manager, Planar Systems Inc. Home Theater. "This breathtaking plasma display epitomizes the heritage and reputation of the Runco brand with a luxury display that complements the exclusive lifestyle."

The CinemaWall XP-103DHD delivers 1920 x 1080 native resolution, provides ISF^{^TM}calibration modes for the installer's convenience and addresses the unique needs of the most demanding customers. It includes DVI with HDCP and RS-232 inputs for connection to its outboard DHD Digital Controller. Runco's next-generation DHD features a wealth of inputs and switching, and incorporates Runco's ViVix II^TM digital video processing technology, which prevents distortion-causing "double scaling." The DHD provides premium aspect ratio control, optimizing signal reproduction for anamorphic, letterbox and 4:3 content, and its VirtualWide^TM technology converts 4:3 video to the display's native 16:9 while retaining image integrity. The DHD's Orthogonal Line Correction adjusts for unwanted time-elapsed artifacts. For film-oriented programming, the DHD provides 3:2 and 2:2 pull-down for maximum-quality playback.

The CinemaWall XP-103DHD will be available in December 2007, and it will carry an MSRP of $99,995.

For more information on Runco, please visit http://www.runco.com/.

PLANAR ACQUIRES RUNCO INTERNATIONAL

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:15:00 GMT

Acquisition advances Planar into a leading position in the high-end, custom home theater display marketplace.

BEAVERTON, Ore. - May 23, 2007 - Accelerating its presence in the global custom home theater market and its corporate initiative to capitalize on high-value specialty display products and solutions, Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLNR) today announced it has acquired the assets of privately-held Runco International, Inc. for $36.7 million in cash. Financing to fund the purchase price consisted of $14.7 million in existing cash and $22.0 million of borrowing from the Company's amended credit facility.

Known worldwide for producing the world's finest home theater products, Runco has been a leading brand in the high-end, custom home theater market for the past two decades, and has developed some of the industry's most advanced home theater solutions, such as CineWide (patent pending) technology and Video Xtreme^TM projection equipment. Runco currently delivers outstanding home theater solutions priced from $3,000 to $250,000 which have consistently won awards for picture quality and performance. In addition, the Vidikron brand, including the award-winning Vision^TM Series, has been part of Runco since 2002 after being founded in 1980.

"This combination offers us an exciting opportunity to accelerate our reach into the growing global market for high-end home theater solutions, in line with the strategy we launched last summer," said Gerry Perkel, Planar president and chief executive officer. "Runco and Vidikron are synonymous with excellence in home theater. In combining Runco's heritage and industry-leading home theater solutions with Planar's global supply chain and broad display technology expertise, we have assembled some of the best talent in the industry to deliver the finest home theater solutions to an expanding global marketplace."

The full range of Planar, Runco and Vidikron custom home theater offerings include industry-leading home theater projectors, high performance plasma and LCD thin video displays, ambient-light-rejection projection screens, as well as video processors and video signal enhancers designed exclusively for the home theater market. Planar intends to leverage its expertise in display engineering and development to expand the product portfolio over time for all three brands and introduce new custom solutions to its specialty home theater channels and customers worldwide.

"Our loyal customers and custom dealers will see enhanced Runco and Vidikron offerings thanks to the tremendous benefits of Planar's global resources," said Sam Runco, founder and CEO of Runco International. "Planar brings substantial capabilities in specialty display technology beyond the home theater market and well-developed global operations and supply chain management. Most importantly, Planar has a company philosophy akin to what Runco has always stood for - excellence in technology, outstanding quality and service and dedicated focus to its custom channel partners. I believe this combination can not only continue the approach to the market that has made Runco a leader, but it will also create even better products and support to enable our channel partners expanded success in the market ."

In 2006, Runco unveiled the Signature Cinema SC-1, considered the "crown jewel" of the company's long line of custom home theater display solutions. The Signature Cinema SC-1 redefined the technology boundaries of home theater thanks to its exclusive Signature CineStep process and a tremendous light output that makes the product suitable for screens as large as 500 inches wide. Also last year, Runco announced that its Video Xtreme series were the first 1080p HD video display products to receive THX certification.

Runco International's proprietary "CineWide" process technology, available as an option on both Runco and Vidikron front-projection systems, expands the video image horizontally and vertically so that big-screen movies shot in ultra-wide 2.35:1 movie screen format fill every inch of the screen with no loss of resolution or brightness. This results in no "black bars" above and below the picture image that have traditionally taken up valuable screen space in wide screen home applications, allowing a truly movie theater like viewing experience.

Planar entered the home theater market in 2006 with its innovative Xscreen technology and front projection offerings. The Company will continue to sell an expanded line of Planar-branded products through its exclusive worldwide distribution network. Runco and Vidikron products will continue to be sold directly to specialized custom home theater installation dealers, making a one-of-a-kind, and dedicated, channel focus for all three brands.

Runco was founded in 1987 and recorded net sales as a private company of $54.6 million in the 12 months ending March 31, 2007, growing approximately 11 percent in the most recent quarter, compared with the same period a year ago. Runco employs approximately 120 people, the majority of whom are based at the company's headquarters in Union City, California. Planar's Home Theater business unit, including the Planar, Runco and Vidikron brands, will continue to be led by Scott Hix, vice president and general manager reporting directly to Mr. Perkel. Reporting to Mr. Hix, Bob Hana will continue to lead the Runco and Vidikron businesses and serve as vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for these brands. Jim Davis will continue his role as the worldwide head of sales for Planar-branded specialty home theater displays, reporting directly to Mr. Hix. Mr. Runco will provide ongoing consultation and continue to be a key contributor to Planar's ongoing Home Theater business initiatives.

The transaction is expected to be slightly dilutive to Planar's most recently disclosed financial Non-GAAP expectations through the balance of fiscal 2007. The Company currently expects the transaction will be accretive to Non-GAAP results for the full fiscal 2008.

RUNCO PROUDLY ANNOUNCES TOP DEALERS OF 2006

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:22:00 GMT

The culmination of a year-long international sales competition, Runco awards dealers and sales reps with a retreat to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Cabo San Lucas, MX - April 10-15, 2007 - Runco International, Inc., the leader in home video display technology, and guests returned to the Meliá Cabo Real Resort, Cabo San Lucas for the company's annual Mexico Getaway. Now in its twelfth year, founders Sam and Lori Runco welcomed more than 250 guests including top Runco dealers, sales representatives, press, industry affiliates, staff, friends and family for the week-long event.

"What began as a sales incentive trip has evolved into so much more. Runco takes great pride in providing the best video solutions to and for our partners, while investing in the training and support necessary for each to succeed," states Sam Runco. "The Mexico Getaway affords the company and our guests, with the opportunity to celebrate attendees' respective achievements, while providing the opportunity to build upon them through the roundtable sessions, formulating collaborative strategies, and of course, invaluable relationship building; albeit poolside!"

Achieving a unique blend of business and pleasure, Runco's Getaway provides an open platform for dealers, press, and Runco representatives to participate in roundtable discussions, new product introductions, and demonstrations. New this year, Runco is excited to provide a press-only Runco Academy session. The morning sessions provide the opportunity to gather valuable feedback and conduct business, while the afternoon agenda lends time for a plentiful list of fun-filled activities including: Wine Tasting, Egg Toss/Potato Sack Race, Belly Flop Contest, Talent Show, and annual Golf Tournament.

On Saturday evening, April 14, Runco held a beach-side Gala Award Dinner to honor the top sales performers of 2006 (January - December); award-winners are as follows:

2006 Chairman's Club: HomeTronics, Inc. (Dallas, TX)

Genesis Audio & Video (Irvine, CA)

Thul Electronics, Inc. (Avon, CO)

International Distributor of the Year: Expert Group, Inc. (Moscow, Russia)

Most Improved International Distributor: Hometech (Spain)

New Dealer of the Year: Home Automation Technologies, Inc. (Addison, TX)

Dealer of the Year, Single Location: HomeTronics, Inc. (Dallas, TX)

Dealer of the Year, 2-5 Locations: Definitive Audio (Seattle, WA)

Top Canadian Dealer: Howell & Associates, Inc. (Burlington, ON)

Outstanding Sales Achievements:

Single Location Hometronics (Dallas, TX)

Single Location Genesis Audio & Video (Irvine, CA)

Single Location Thul Electronics, Inc. (Avon, CO)

Single Location Aurant (Salt Lake City, UT)

Single Location Robert's Home Audio Video (Los Angeles, CA)

Single Location Electronics Design Group (Piscataway, NJ)

Single Location Overture (Wilmington, Delaware)

Single Location Maverick Integration (Bedford, NH)

Single Location Sound By Singer (New York, NY)

2-5 Locations Definitive Audio (Seattle, WA)

2-5 Locations Audio One (Miami, FL)

2-5 Locations World Wide Stereo (Montgomeryville, PA)

2-5 Locations Advanced Audio Design (Sarasota, FL)

2-5 Locations Harvey Electronics (New York, NY)

Most Improved, Single Location: Premiere Music & Film Systems (Chicago, IL)

Signature Media Systems, Inc. (Missoula, MT)

Custom Systems Integration (Scottsdale, AZ)

A/V Interiors (Medina, OH)

Mexican Standoff Winners: CWB Technologies, Inc. - C & E Marketing

Lights-Camera-Action - Bishop Audio Services

Cyber Sound & Security Inc. - MK Marketing

Hi Fi Centre - Aldburn Electronics

Blair & Associates, Inc. - Omega Sales

Discreet Systems Design, Inc. - Reinhard Goerner

LAVA Corp - Momentum Group

Regional 1 Promotion Winners: Audio Advice, Inc. - Creative Marketing Associates

The Little Guys - Omega Sales

El Dorado Alarm & Home Theater, Inc. - Dave Rybski and Assoc.

Salem Sound Center, Inc. - Future Sales Group

Regional 2 Promotion Winners: Automated Interiors, Inc. - Lab Acoustic Marketing

M. Alan Assoc. Inc. - Marketing Analysts

Premier Audio Inc - Aldburn Electronics

For more information on Runco International, Inc. or to locate a dealer nearest you, please visit http://www.runco.com/.

RUNCO STUNS WITH THEIR NEW 65"

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:23:00 GMT

Runco's largest and highest resolution plasma boasts in every category!

Las Vegas, NV - CES 2007 - January 8-11 - Runco International, the leaders in home video display and technology, has established a new threshold for flat panels with the launch of the new XP-65DHD plasma display monitor. At 65" diagonal and 1080p native resolution, this is Runco's largest and highest resolution plasma to date.

The XP-65DHD takes all bragging rights as it thrusts picture quality to a whole new level, boasting Runco's brightest picture, best contrast ratio, deepest black levels and tightest high definition coloremtry ever. In addition, the XP-65DHD hits a new milestone with sophisticated 16-bit digital video processing which results in 4096 steps of graduation for seamless images, completely void of the primitive "solarization" and "stair stepping" characteristics plaguing entry level plasma displays.

The XP-65DHD is accompanied by Runco's acclaimed outboard DHD with HDMI Digital Video Controller/Processor to provide a pure digital signal path from input to output as well as a broad array of video input choices for optimum compatibility with a broad range of source components. For added elegance, the DHD can be positioned in the equipment rack, with only digital video and command cables running to the display itself. Using the HDMI inputs on the DHD make the XP-65DHD compatible with all ATSC HD resolutions, including 1080p 24, 30 and 60.

The XP-65DHD features discrete multiple aspect ratio control including Runco's VirtualWide^{^TM}for viewing 4:3 content in widescreen without appreciable picture degradation. The automation interface includes RS-232 control with discrete aspect ratio, input and power on/off selection.

Runco has engineered Imaging Science Foundation (ISF^{^TM}) calibration standards into every model for the purest video performance.

The XP-65DHD not only represents a leap forward in high definition flat panel technology, but Runco's engineering advances in plasma design ensure that it will enjoy a long life in any installation, with operation extending to as much as 60,000 hours. At less than 4 1/2 inches thin, the XP-65DHD provides unlimited installation flexibility, as well.

For Runco customers in high altitude regions, the brand new XP-65DHDxa leads the industry in high altitude compliance to over 9000 ft. MSL and shares all other features, specifications and price with the XP-65DHD.

Priced at $19,995 and a must for any video enthusiast, Runco's XP-65DHD will impress those who love HD sports and a compliment to those who accept nothing less than the best in their home.

For more information on Runco International, Inc., please visit http://www.runco.com/.

RUNCO ROLLS OUT SIX NEW PLASMAS FROM 42"

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:24:00 GMT

With three additions to each of the PlasmaWall and CinemaWall lineups, Runco expands its flat-panel selection; incorporating the latest in HD technology.

Las Vegas, NV - CES 2007 - January 8-11 - Runco International, the leaders in home video display and technology, has announced six new plasmas to the company's flat-panel portfolio. Runco's new SP-42, SP-42DHD, SP-50, SP-50DHD, SP-60, and SP-60DHD join the company's high-performance PlasmaWall^{^TM} and CinemaWall^{^TM} line-ups; bringing flat panel versatility, convenience, and style to rooms of distinction.

The perfect display solution when projection is not an option or high ambient light conditions exist, Runco's new plasmas reproduce uncompromised picture quality in even the most challenging environments. Featuring rich colors, excellent contrast, deep black levels and high levels of brightness without the visual artifacts that have become synonymous with typical video processing, the 16:9 (1024x768 and 1365x768) displays, incorporate advanced engineering and technology to produce stunning video imagery.

Joining the company's highly-acclaimed PlasmaWall family, the new SP-42DHD, SP-50DHD and SP-60DHD feature the latest generation of Runco's DHD Digital High Definition Video Controller/Processor with advanced Vivix II^{^TM} processing external modular controller. Proprietary Vivix II processing reproduces stunning video imagery which not only improves high definition material, but elevates standard NTSC material (such as cable or satellite) to near HD quality, preserves a pure digital signal path from input to output, and provides greater flexibility in installation and integration with rack placement.

Designed to deliver the ultimate in DVD movies or HD widescreen viewing within a plasma display, the CinemaWall line-up, including the SP-42, SP-50 and SP-60, also feature the latest generation of Runco's plasma technology and advanced integrated Vivix II processing. Like Runco's award-winning projectors and always ensuring the highest caliber of imagery and industry video standards, Runco's new plasmas achieve ISF^{^TM} (Imaging Science Foundation) certification for day and night settings.

Sporting a high-gloss black frame and crystal picture quality, Runco plasmas demand attention as the centerpiece of any room. To seamlessly integrate with other components, these plasmas offer a wide array of input and output selections, including: RGB, DVI with HDCP, Composite S-video, HD, DVI Video, RS-232, as well as five audio inputs. Measuring merely 4-inches thick, the six new video displays can be mounted on a wall or ceiling - or placed on a desktop.

For more information on Runco International, Inc., please visit http://www.runco.com/.

THX TEAMS WITH RUNCO INTERNATIONAL TO DEVELOP THE FIRST THX CERTIFIED HOME THEATER PROJECTORS

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:25:00 GMT

Runco and Vidikron DLP^{^TM} Projectors meet THX visual performance requirements.

Union City, CA - January 2007 - THX Ltd. and Runco International have teamed to develop the world's first THX Certified HD projectors for home theaters. The Runco VX-2cx family of projectors and the Vidikron Vision models 90t and 100t, all 3-chip Digital Light Processing (DLP^{^TM}) projectors, are the first HD video display products to achieve THX certification. In addition, both companies are working together to develop a series of THX Certified 1080p DLP projectors, which will enable consumers to enjoy a level of image quality previously reserved for mastering and cinema environments.

Leveraging its expertise in the cinema and post-production markets, THX ensures that certified displays and projectors can perform to the rigorous standards outlined in the THX Certified Display program. The THX program promises that HD and standard definition content will be presented with the correct color, luminance levels and video processing capabilities, regardless of the display category or technology (DLP, LCD, plasma, front/rear projection).

Using the THX Certified Display specifications as the design and testing standard enables Runco and Vidikron to push the boundaries of projector performance and present true HD home theater experiences with the sharpest and most detailed images possible.

"Today, consumers are forced to sort through myriad technologies and product options when buying an HD display. THX has teamed with Runco to tackle this growing complexity and ensure best-in-class quality and performance in the next wave of digital home projectors and video displays," said Richard Dean, vice president of technology development at THX Ltd. "Runco's expertise in the professional installation market combined with their reputation for engineering excellence was instrumental in our decision to bring them aboard as our first partner."

Sam Runco, Founder and CEO of Runco International, made this observation: "Runco International has enjoyed a close working relationship with THX for many years and nothing could be more exciting for us than to be partnering with them as the first THX licensee for video display products. They, like Runco, were influential in the establishment of the high-end home theater category. We have a healthy respect for their high standards and have always been proud of the work we have done together. This further validates the quality and performance of our products and ensures consumers that the Runco and Vidikron brands perform to the highest levels in the industry."

THX created proprietary performance testing parameters for projection and display products based on cinema and video industry best practices. This includes tests for signal processing and front-of-screen analysis. During the certification process, Runco and Vidikron projectors are thoroughly analyzed by THX to ensure that they can present content at the best possible resolution with the correct levels. THX also identifies and minimizes sources of motion artifacts, image ghosting, dropped frames and picture noise, and makes recommendations for improving product performance.

In addition, Runco and Vidikron customers will be provided recommendations for optimum THX system set-up to ensure each product is performing to its full potential.

THX Certified Display testing includes the following:

Front of Screen (FOS) Testing

Luminance
Contrast
Color Gamut
Gamma
Uniformity
Max Resolution

Video Signal Processing Testing
- Scaling
- Deinterlacing
- Motion/Video Conversion

For more information on THX Ltd., please visit http://www.thx.com/.

For more information on Runco International, Inc., please visit http://www.runco.com/.

RUNCO WOWS WITH NEW 1080p LCD FLAT PANEL DISPLAYS

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:25:00 GMT

Featuring the absolute best in resolution and functionality, Runco HD LCDs are showing consumers that it takes more than a flat panel to be a great picture.

Union City, CA - January 2007 - Runco International, the leader in home video display technology, is helping consumers say goodbye to green shadows, jagged lines and unwanted "noise" because the new Crystal Series^{^TM} CX-40HD and CX-46HD 1080p LCD flat panel displays produce stunning native high-definition resolution pictures and incredible video imagery.

So many consumers think they are looking at a great picture; but it takes more than being flat to be great! The CX-40HD and CX-46HD LCD displays, along with the new CR-32HDi, feature Runco's exclusive Vivix II^{^TM} video processing which not only improves high definition material, but elevates standard NTSC material (such as cable or satellite) to near HD quality for maximum viewing enjoyment. Featuring both NTSC and HDTV signal compatibility, the CX-40HD and CX-46HD are bridging the transitional gap between the current NTSC format and the emerging DTV format so consumers aren't left with an antiquated flat panel when television broadcasts convert to all-digital transmissions.

Runco is also rolling out the CR-32HDi, a 32" HD display that achieves a new value position in Runco's expanding lineup of LCDs. The CR-32HDi features 1366 x 768 native resolution, while the CX-40HD and CX-46HD LCD models are 1920 x 1080 high-definition native resolution displays. All three models include an integrated ATSC tuner for receiving terrestrial digital television broadcasts, an integrated 185-channel cable-ready NTSC tuner, and two 10W two-way detachable speakers. With numerous user-friendly features such as aspect ratio control, 1000:1 contrast ratio, grayscale tracking, and Runco's exclusive VirtualWide^TM mode which converts 4:3 aspect ratio images to 16:9 without losing any image integrity, owners of these new LCDs will wow their guests. Plus all three LCDs include the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF^{^TM}) calibration suite to deliver the absolute best image possible under any viewing condition.

These new LCDs expand on Runco's growing number of flat panels, increasing the 2007 full line of plasmas and LCDs to 16 models ranging from 32" to 65"; offering something for every room. Measuring a mere 4.5-inches thick, each display can easily be mounted on a wall or ceiling without protruding into a room.

The new CR-32HDi is an amazing Runco value at $1,995, while the CX-40HD and CX-46HD are $3,995 and $5,995 respectively. All three models are shipping now.

For more information on Runco International, Inc., please visit http://www.runco.com/.

RUNCO SHIPS FIRST THX CERTIFIED PROJECTORS

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:26:00 GMT

Video Xtreme models are the industry's first 1080p HD video display products to achieve THX certification.

Union City, CA - December 6, 2006 - Runco International is now shipping its Video Xtreme^{^TM} line including the new THX Certified VX-22d, VX-44d and VX-55d 3-chip 1080p DLP^{^TM} projectors and the new THX Certified VX-2000d and VX-6000d single-chip 1080p DLPprojectors.

As the first 1080p HD video display products to achieve THX certification*, the new VX-22d, VX-44d and VX-55d, along with the VX-2000 and VX-6000 have been tested to the rigorous standards outlined in the THX Certified Display program. The THX program promises that HD and standard definition content will be presented with the correct color, luminance levels and video processing capabilities. Runco is the launch licensee for the THX video program and the companies have been working closely together on the finalization of these products.

Along with THX certification, Runco's Video Xtreme models have been designed for outstanding picture quality and performance. Runco has engineered Imaging Science Foundation (ISF^{^TM}) calibration standards into every model for the purest video performance.

The VX 1080p models are offered with numerous configuration options and prices, for a broad and versatile lineup that will easily meet the needs of any high-end installation requirement. For the ultimate in viewing flexibility and enjoyment, each model is available with Runco's exclusive award- winning CineWide^{^TM} and CineWide with AutoScope^{^TM} technology. This ground-breaking option can transform a superb home theater system into a true home cinema experience, reproducing 2.35:1 CinemaScope^{^TM} movies with unparalleled accuracy and full vertical screen image height, eliminating useless black bars.

All Video Xtreme projectors are paired with a re-engineered version of Runco's acclaimed DHD controller, now featuring HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connectivity for optimum compatibility with a broad range of source components. The widely heralded DHD has been such a success that Runco focused the engineering changes only to those necessary for optimal 1080p performance with the new projectors, retaining the features and performance that have made the DHD so popular.

For more information on Runco International, Inc., please visit http://www.runco.com/.

THE RS-1100 AND RS-1100 ULTRA ARE THE FIRST PROJECTORS TO SHIP IN RUNCO'S NEW 1080p PROJECTOR LINE

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:27:00 GMT

Union City, CA - Runco International launches two new models in its Reflection^{^TM} Series with the addition of the RS-1100 and RS-1100 Ultra 1080p DLP^{^TM} projectors. Both models incorporate single-chip DLP based light engines engineered and calibrated for the finest video reproduction and certified to comply with the Imaging Science Foundation^{^TM} (ISF) exacting standards for excellence in picture quality.

Both the RS-1100 and the RS-1100 Ultra are available with CineWide^{^TM}, while the RS-1100 Ultra can be outfitted with CineWide with AutoScope^{^TM}. Runco's exclusive CineWide technology provides uncompromised widescreen reproduction of movies originally filmed in the CinemaScope^{^TM} 2.35:1 format. When a viewer transitions from 1.78:1 (16:9) program material to 2.35:1 material, Runco's proprietary scaling technology stretches the image vertically, so the black bars at the top and the bottom are eliminated and active picture area fills the screen. The anamorphic lens then stretches the image again, horizontally this time, restoring the picture to its original, geometrically correct, and full 2.35:1 CinemaScope aspect ratio. The resulting image fills the entire 2.35:1 screen, producing an image that is 33% bigger with no black bars and increased resolution and brightness. With the AutoScope option, the anamorphic lens is motorized to allow maximum resolution on both 2.35:1 and 16:9 screens, ensuring the most accurate reproduction of either 2.35:1 aspect movies or 16:9 HDTV material.

Both the RS-1100 and the RS-1100 Ultra feature a native 16:9, 1920 x 1080p resolution - the pinnacle of high definition resolution. They both produce brightness levels of 1680 ANSI lumens as well as contrast ratios of 200:1-220:1 and 1500:1-3100:1. Runco's award-winning Vivix^{^TM} digital video processing is built into both models to provide artifact-free scaling and enhanced picture quality from all digital and analog video sources. Runco's sophisticated parameters for white balance and color gamut control have also been implemented for precise gray scale tracking and color balance.
The RS-1100 and RS-1100 Ultra feature Runco's proprietary SuperOnyx^{^TM} light engine and Selectable Lamp Intensity Control^{^TM} (SLIC) which provides two selectable lamp intensity levels to allow maximum flexibility for screen size, ambient light conditions, brightness, contrast balance and preservation of usable lamp life.

The Ultra version of the RS-1100 adds high-end upgrades such as the O-Path^{^TM} light path enhancement technology and AxiShift^{^TM} multidirectional lens shift for greater installation flexibility. The RS-1100 Ultra also offers six CinOptx^{^TM} premium-grade lens options offering throw distances ranging from 1.03 to 4.78 x screen width (16:9 screens).

The RS-1100 Ultra is available with the optional SDC-1; a versatile, high-performance digital video switcher. By providing a single, convenient connection point for home theater components that is separate from the projector, the SDC-1 gives integrators greater flexibility in terms of projector placement. It also simplifies the task of adding components after the projector has been installed while preserving all video signals in the digital domain. This is done via Runco's proprietary R-Link^{^TM} cable which allows for a single connection between the SDC-1 and the projector; the R-Link cable's bandwidth allows for communication and all resolutions and types of video to be passed without compromise to the projector. The rear panel of the SDC-1 provides connections for a variety of components and includes RGB and HDMI inputs, a configurable serial control for both RS-232 and RS-422, as well as a USB port control for seamless integration with automation control systems.

The RS-1100 Ultra is shipping. The MSRP of the RS-1100 is $11,995 and the RS-1100 Ultra is $19,995.

For more information on Runco International, Inc., please visit http://www.runco.com/.

TWO NEW SINGLE-CHIP 1080p DLP PROJECTORS ARE ADDED TO RUNCO'S VIDEO XTREME PRODUCT LINE

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:28:00 GMT

Runco launches industry's first THX* video products; readies dealers to take full advantage of the emerging HD DVD and Blu Ray high definition DVD technologies.

Union City, CA - September 2006 - Runco International has again demonstrated its leading position in the high-end home theater video market segment with the addition of two new state-of-the-art 1080p native resolution (1920 x 1080) single-chip projectors to the company's prestigious Video Xtreme^{^TM} line.

The new VX-2000d and VX-6000d are the first single-chip 1080p HD video display products to achieve THX certification* and are undergoing final testing to the rigorous standards outlined in the THX Certified Display program. Runco has teamed with THX as the launch licensee for the THX Video Program. The THX program promises that HD and standard definition content will be presented with the correct color, luminance levels and video processing capabilities.

Likely to be familiar to video aficionados for their similarity to Runco's legendary VX-1000d and VX-5000d, the new VX-2000d and VX-6000d models utilize the same footprint and versatile feature set as their best-selling 720p counterparts. Representing the pinnacle in their product category, both models incorporate single-chip DLP^{^TM} based light engines engineered and calibrated for the finest video reproduction, and certified to comply with the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF^{^TM}) exacting standards for excellence in picture quality.

"These projectors are engineered to both Runco and THX's exacting standards for the highest level of video display performance and quality. The result is stunning 1080p imagery that can take full advantage of the emerging HD DVD and Blu Ray high definition DVD technologies recently coming to market. In addition, Runco's careful attention to scaling algorithms also results in the finest reproduction of standard NTSC source material without picture degradation," stated Runco President Bob Hana.

The VX-2000d and VX-6000d incorporate Runco's exclusive O-Path^{^TM} technology that efficiently collimates the light path and effectively eliminates stray light. This results in greater light output and dramatically increases contrast ratio, while Runco's RVR^{^TM} (Reflectance Volume Regulation) provides the perfect balance of black and white levels.

These engineering achievements are combined with various lens choices, the VX-2000d is available with a standard lens option, and the VX-6000d offers multiple lenses featuring world-class optics including CinOptx^{^TM} lens options with a range of different throw distances. AxiShift^{^TM} technology with a motorized horizontal and vertical lens shift system (vertical lens shift only with the VX-2000d) also help resolve even the most challenging projector placement issues.

Both models feature Runco's next generation all digital DHD controller, featuring advanced Vivix II^{^TM} processing. This controller produces stunning video imagery, even elevating standard NTSC material to near high definition levels. The DHD provides for a pure digital signal path from input to output, and utilizes the latest HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connections for maximum compatibility with a variety of source components.

Each model is available with Runco's exclusive award- winning CineWide^{^TM} and CineWide with AutoScope^{^TM} technology. This ground-breaking option can transform a superb home theater system into a true home cinema experience, reproducing 2.35:1 CinemaScope^{^TM} movies with unparalleled accuracy and full vertical screen image height, eliminating useless black bars.

MSRP of the VX-2000d is $16,995 and the VX-6000d is $34,995.

For more information on Runco International, Inc., please visit http://www.runco.com/.

RUNCO REDEFINES VIDEO QUALITY WITH AN UNPRECEDENTED PORTFOLIO OF 3-CHIP 1080p PROJECTORS

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:29:00 GMT

Joint effort with THX results in the Video Xtreme models being the industry's first 1080p HD video display products to achieve THX certification*.

Union City, CA - September 13, 2006 - Runco International's Video Xtreme^{^TM} line of new 1080p DLP^{^TM} projectors bring Runco's innovations in 3-chip projector engineering and THX's video certification standards to new heights. Adding to an already spectacular 720p product assortment in the Video Xtreme portfolio, the new VX-22d, VX-44d and VX-55d 1080p models are destined to be industry leaders in 3-chip projector performance, features, installation flexibility, and screen-filling power.

As the first 1080p HD video display products to achieve THX certification*, the new VX-22d, VX-44d and VX-55d are being tested to the rigorous standards outlined in the THX Certified Display program. The THX program promises that HD and standard definition content will be presented with the correct color, luminance levels and video processing capabilities. Runco is the launch licensee for the THX video program and the companies have been working closely together on the finalization of these products.

Along with THX certification Runco's Video Xtreme models have been designed for outstanding picture quality through Runco's three-chip implementation of DLP, each chip is dedicated to a specific color - red, green and blue - for superb color spectrum purity. These systems also offer the industry's best black level and contrast performance. Runco has engineered Imaging Science Foundation (ISF^{^TM}) calibration standards into every model for the purest video performance.

"Our Video Xtreme portfolio of 3-chip 1080p projectors takes video projection to the next level with dazzling picture quality and extensive options to deliver unprecedented cinematic realism," said Runco President Bob Hana. "These flagship projection systems are created for the very finest home theater applications, and are designed for true connoisseurs of big screen picture perfection who will accept no compromise."

The VX 1080p 3-chip models are offered with numerous configuration options and prices, for a broad and versatile lineup that will easily meet the needs of any high-end installation requirement. For the ultimate in viewing flexibility and enjoyment, each model is available with Runco's exclusive award- winning CineWide^{^TM} and CineWide with AutoScope^{^TM} technology. This ground-breaking option can transform a superb home theater system into a true home cinema experience, reproducing 2.35:1 CinemaScope^{^TM} movies with unparalleled accuracy and full vertical screen image height, eliminating useless black bars.

Featuring a native resolution of1920 x 1080 and utilizing advanced three-chip 16:9 SuperOnyx^{^TM} DMDs^{^TM} combined with Runco's award-winning Vivix II^{^TM} video processing, the resulting images are breathtaking. Engineered to provide stellar 1080p performance without compromise, the VX-22d, VX-44d and VX-55d utilize the same footprint and versatile feature set as their best selling 720p cousins: the VX-2, VX-40 and VX-50. CinOptx^{^TM} lenses will be available to provide a range of different throw distances. Exclusive Runco features such as AxiShift^{^TM} technology with a motorized horizontal and vertical lens shift system help resolve even the most challenging projector placement issues.

MSRP of the VX-22d is $44,995, the VX-44d is $79,995 and the flagship VX-55d is $99,995, or $114,995 when equipped with the CineWide with AutoScope option and Runco's most advanced McKinley anamorphic optics.

For more information on Runco International, Inc., please visit http://www.runco.com/.

IF THIS MOVIE HAS BEEN FORMATTED TO FIT MY SCREEN, WHY DO I HAVE BLACK BARS?

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:30:00 GMT

Runco's CineWide^TM with AutoScope^TM projectors feature proprietary technology to display the movie image over the total area of a wide screen, eliminating annoying black bars from DVDs.

Union City, CA - June 8, 2006 -- Runco International, the pioneer in video projection systems for home theaters, has consistently engineered projection systems that rival and in many cases, exceed the picture quality of commercial movie theaters. Runco's only limiting factor to producing a cinema-quality picture in the home was the black bars that are added to DVDs when they are formatted to fit the smaller, 4:3 "squarish" TVs and even ‘widescreen' 16:9 displays, both of which dominate US households. Runco founder and CEO Sam Runco found it unfair that his customers who invest in a top-notch home theater should be missing the whole picture that the director originally intended them to see, so he set out to engineer a solution.

It's almost comical to those that invest in a quality projector and large screen to see the announcement on a DVD that; "This movie has been formatted to fit your screen". This statement is usually seen when watching a movie on a 4:3 television; during the transfer of a movie shot in CinemaScope^TM (expressed as 2.35:1 aspect ratio) the image is squeezed horizontally in anticipation of being shown on a small 4:3 television. The image is then squeezed further vertically so that the actors don't all look like basketball players, which is why there are black bars on the top and bottom. But the same is true for those of us with 16:9 displays. While we get more resolution using a 16:9 display, the 2.35:1 aspect ratio- the most common among DVD titles- still causes black bars to be visible on our newer 16:9 displays.

To combat this problem, Runco's CineWide^TM with AutoScope^TM technology "un-squeezes" the picture and eliminates the black bars through a proprietary combination of software, electronics, and motorized anamorphic optics allowing the full CinemaScope widescreen reproduction of movies on a 2.35:1 screen- without the black bars.

The process of restoring the full CinemaScope image begins with Runco's proprietary scaling technology that stretches the image vertically, top to bottom, so the black bars are eliminated. At this point, everyone looks like basketball players, but then the Runco's AutoScope anamorphic lens swings into place on a motorized assembly in front of the projector's primary lens to optically stretch the image again, horizontally this time, restoring the picture to the geometrically correct, and full, 2.35:1 CinemaScope aspect ratio. The end result is a picture that fills an entire 2.35:1 screen with no black bars and increased resolution and brightness.

Since our projectors are almost all natively 16:9, the use of Autoscope permits the maximum resolution of the projector to be used on both 2.35:1 images and 16:9 high-definition images. Simply, when the motorized anamorphic lens swings in front of the projector's primary lens, a 2.35:1 image is created and no pixels go unused. When the anamorphic lens moves out of the way, the image returns to 16:9, again using all the pixels. The height of the image is always maintained providing the best possible presentation of both aspect ratios, and Runco's scaling technology ensure perfectly proportioned images regardless of aspect ratio.

Runco's CineWide video processing combined with the Runco AutoScope lens give CinemaScope 2.35:1 movies a truly cinematic quality never before available on DVD. Regardless of the video source, Runco's CineWide projectors maximize clarity, color saturation and contrast of all source material. Each projector is also able to fully maintain all high-definition resolution or upgrade pictures to virtual high-definition for widescreen projection. Runco currently offers CineWide^TM in the Reflection Series CL-610, CL-810 and the VX-1000D. Cinewide with Autoscope^TM technology is offered with the Video Xtreme^TM series VX-4000D, VX-5000D, VX-2c, VX-2i, VX-2dc, VX-40, VX-50 and SC-1 projectors.

For more information on Runco International, Inc., please visit http://www.runco.com/.

RUNCO HONORS TOP DEALERS OF 2005 AT THEIR ANNUAL MEXICO GETAWAY

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:31:00 GMT

The culmination of an unprecedented sales year is celebrated ocean side by Runco dealers, sales reps and staff as they participate in roundtables, preview new products and network with industry associates.

Union City, CA - May 2006 - Runco International, Inc., the world leader in high-end video display and technology, held its annual Mexico Getaway in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Graciously hosted by Sam and Lori Runco at the Meliá Cabo Real Resort, the Runco staff was joined by award-winning dealers, Runco sales representatives, members of the press, industry affiliates, and respective family members for a week-long event.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring our valued dealers, reps, staff, industry friends, and families together for this highly-anticipated event," stated Sam Runco, founder and CEO of Runco International. "Building on the excitement and hard-work of our dealers, this Getaway is the celebration of our sales achievement as attained by the top 7% of our dealers and the people who continuously provide unwavering support for Runco."

Runco also used the event to discuss trends in video, unveil new products and preview product demonstrations, as well as provide dealers and reps a sneak peek at what's coming later in 2006 from the company. This year, one of the hot topics at the roundtables included Runco's exclusive patent-pending CineWide^TM technology which uses electronic processing to stretch a movie image vertically and an anamorphic lens to stretch it horizontally to fill a 2.35:1 screen to reproduce a picture in its original Super Widescreen Cinemascope^TM format. Runco also held the first ever demo of 1080p with CineWide on the prototype Runco RS-1100 1080p single-chip DLP projector. They also showcased two additional 1080p projectors which are expected to be shipping by CEDIA.

On Saturday evening, April 23, Runco held its beach-side Gala Award Dinner. Honoring the top sales performances throughout 2005, award-winners were recognized in the following categories:

2005 Chairman's Club (single location over $500K/year): Genesis Audio & Video (Irvine, CA)

International Distributor of the Year: Gecko Inc. Ltd. (Surrey, UK)

New Dealer of the Year: Crescendo Designs (Southampton, NY)

Dealer of the Year, Single Location: Genesis Audio & Video (Irvine, CA)

Dealer of the Year 2-5 Locations: Definitive Audio (Seattle, WA)

Dealer of the Year More than 5 Locations: Harvey Electronics (New York, NY)

Top Canadian Dealer: Discreet Systems Design Inc. (Montreal, QC)

Outstanding Sales Achievements:

Single Location The Home Theater Store & Design Center (San Diego, CA)

Single Location Elite Custom A/V Installation (Montclair, CA)

Single Location Aurant (Salt Lake City, UT)

Single Location The Little Guys (Glenwood, IL)

Single Location Future Home (Los Angeles, CA)

Single Location Overture (Wilmington, Delaware)

Single Location Electronics Design Group (Piscataway, NJ)

2-5 Locations World Wide Stereo (Montgomeryville, PA)

2-5 Locations Thul Electronics, Inc. (Avon, CO)

2-5 Locations Advanced Audio Design (Sarasota, FL)

Increase Over Prior Year, Single Location: Stuarts Audio Inc. (Westfield, NJ)

Starr Systems Design (Baltimore, MD)

Big Boss Productions (Henderson, NV)

Canadian Sound (Oakville, Ontario)

Regional Winners: Lights Camera Action (Ridgefield, CT)

NuSystems, Inc. (Gardenerville, NV)

Audio Advice (Raleigh, NC)

The Sound Room II, Inc. (Chesterfield, MO)

Premier Audio Inc. (Edmonton, AB, Canada)

M. Alan Associates (Cincinnati, OH)

Goosebumps (McMurray, PA)

Listen Up, (Denver, CO)

Mexican Standoff Single Location - Top 4: Hometronics - Ardent Marketing

Salem Sound Center Inc. - Future Sales Group

Cyber Sound & Security Inc. - MK Marketing

Sound by Singer - Big Apple Audio

Mexican Standoff Multiple Locations - Top 2: Audio One - C & E Marketing

Gramophone LTD - The Nutech Group

Now in its eleventh year, the 2006 Getaway provides a platform for dealers, press, and Runco representatives to engage in open roundtable discussions, share invaluable feedback and collaboratively strategize for the coming year. Followed by a Wine Tasting, Egg Toss/Potato Sack Race, Belly Flop Contest, Talent Show, and an Annual Golf Tournament all attendees are encouraged to participate in a plethora of family-fun activities that round out the daily schedule.

All smiles, and with a warmth that truly reaches out, Sam concluded the events with this in his speech, "Every year we look at this event as a way to reward those who work so hard for Runco. But as great as it is to spend time with our dealers and reps, the Runco Getaway also allows us to spend time with their families. Every year Lori and I marvel at how the kids have grown, how these incredible friendships are formed, and how well everyone just gets along. This event has taken on a life of its own, and it is the participation from everyone here that makes it so special."

For more information on Runco International, Inc. or to locate a dealer nearest you, please visit http://www.runco.com/.

RUNCO UNVEILS TWO NEW 'HOLLYWOOD' STARS

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:32:00 GMT

Runco's two newest projectors expand the Reflection Series with new features and improved performance.

Union City, CA - February 1, 2006 - Home cinema enthusiasts who demand a sophisticated, calibrated, regulated, walking, talking cinematic experience have two new incredibly high-value projector options courtesy of Runco International. The company with the reputation for maximizing product performance introduces the Reflection^TM Series models CL-610/610LT and CL-810. These new projectors produce dazzling, big-screen pictures with high-definition clarity at an incredible value.

Runco's two newest Reflection^TM Series models are designed for aspiring home cinema enthusiasts who have wisely placed their trust in professionals who cater to a customer with a taste for quality. Broadening the Runco portfolio with the new CL-610/610LT and CL-810, optimizes the choice of product from both a price and performance perspective that allows the custom theater installer to correctly match the right Runco projector to the installation. Runco built the new CL-610/610LT and CL-810 to introduce its world renowned luxury home cinema experience and imaging excellence to this growing audience. Runco started with its own SuperOnyx^TM light engine, which uses cutting-edge Digital Light Processing (DLP^TM) technology, and added the new Selectable Lamp Intensity Control^TM (SLIC^TM) feature to create a powerful and versatile imaging system. The result is a projector that generates a vibrant and color-saturated picture within viewing environments with widely varied lighting conditions.

Bob Hana, president of Runco International, said that the latest Reflection^TM portfolio of projectors give theater installers the tools to design impressive home cinemas within a wide variety of homes.

"With the unveiling of the CL-610/610LT and CL-810, our dealers can put the Runco name into the homes of an entirely new group of viewers." Hana added, "We aspire to attract new members to our family of customers and show them what the ‘Runco Experience' is all about. Our goal is to deliver the exciting feel of a professional cinema together with the personal service relationship that represents a truly unique value. The latest Reflection Series^TM projectors mark the beginning of a proud era for Runco, one in which we can offer the industry's best picture quality across a very broad range of price points."

Both the CL-610/610LT and CL-810 feature a native 16:9 resolution of 1280 x 720 to create brilliant, high-definition pictures on screens at a recommended width of 96 inches. The CL-610/610LT and CL-810 produce brightness levels of 1150 and 1250 ANSI lumens respectively, as well as contrast ratios of 2200:1 and 3100:1. Outfitted with Runco's SLIC^TM feature, the lamp has two different intensity settings that can be controlled by the user and both displays can accommodate the variation in ambient lighting that exists between homes.

Runco's award-winning ViViX^TM digital video processing is included in both models to provide artifact-free scaling and enhanced picture quality from virtually all digital and analog video sources. Runco's sophisticated parameters for white balance and color gamut control have also been implemented for precise gray scale tracking and color balance.

Runco's legacy is based on projectors that are not only first in performance but in installation flexibility, and to continue this tradition, the company's engineers gave special consideration to the features supporting imaging power. Both units have been engineered to comply with Imaging Science Foundation^TM (ISF) standards for maximum video quality.

These settings ensure custom theater installers can easily set up and calibrate the projectors to produce the best picture within a customer's specific viewing conditions. Each Reflection^TM model has a wide-range zoom lens with a highly variable throw distance that allows for installation in challenging locations. HDMI digital inputs are also offered, which are compatible with DVI digital interfaces with HDCP. Discrete source input, aspect ratio, and power selection are provided, as well as an RS-232 interface for seamless integration with automation control systems.

The CL-610/610LT and CL-810 have also been designed within newly refined cooling systems, which increase efficiency and reduced noise levels.

For more information on Runco International, Inc., please visit http://www.runco.com/.

RUNCO'S VX-2 PROJECTOR SERIES IS TAKING HOME CINEMA TO THE XTREME

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:33:00 GMT

The new 3-chip DLP^TM projectors offer added installation solutions and enhanced video performance.

Union City, CA - Runco International, the world leader in high-end home theater video display technology, has introduced three new projectors to its acclaimed Video Xtreme^TM portfolio. Precisely designed and engineered with proprietary technologies, the VX-2 Series, including the VX-2i, VX-2c, and VX-2cd, offer greater flexibility in installation and application, while delivering outstanding video quality for luxury home theaters.

"The Video Xtreme^TM VX-2 Projection System Series is a thrilling achievement for Runco," said Bob Hana, president of Runco International. "Our projectors offer discriminating home theater enthusiasts a range of options to match their individual design goals and exceed their performance expectations."

Boasting a 3-chip Digital Light Processing^TM (DLP) 16:9 design and featuring SuperOnyx^TM DMD technology, each VX-2 Series projector delivers unprecedented clarity, saturation, and contrast in imagery. Housed in a compact chassis, measuring less than 10" high, the VX-2's can easily fit where many 3-chip projectors simply do not. Highly adaptable to restrictive installations and compatible with screens up to 250" wide, each projector offers multiple lens options to complement several room and screen sizes (five zoom lenses and one fixed short-throw for rear screen projection for the VX-2i and VX-2c; four zoom lenses and one fixed short throw for the VX-2dc).

In addition to their like engineering, each of the VX-2 projectors offer unique design elements and technologies for different applications and price points.

Video Xtreme^TM VX-2i - Viably one the best 3-chip DLP projectors on the market at its price point, the VX-2i features an internally integrated video processor based on ViVix^TM Technology. It requires no external processing and uses Runco's own Cinema Standards Measurement System (CSMS^TM) to achieve a light output of 1,199 Home Theater ANSI Lumens, 52.1 foot-Lamberts (2,500 ANSI Lumens), and a CSMS contrast ratio of 271:1 (3,100:1 ANSI). CSMS incorporates Imaging Science Foundation's (ISF) calibration standards to measure performance. MSRP of the VX-2i is $22,995, but different options can alter price point.

Video Xtreme^TMVX-2c - The world's first projector to include Runco's exclusive new LiveLink^TM technology internally, the VX-2c transmits a pure, digital DVI signal up to 75 feet without any degradation of signal quality or bandwidth. The VX-2c features Runco's new ViVix II^TM Digital High Definition^TM (DHD) Video Controller to provide image processing, scaling, and aspect ratio control, as well as expansive connectivity to guarantee future compatibility and image integrity. VirtualWide^TM technology converts 4:3 images to 16:9 screens and requires only a single DVI cable to connect the Controller to the VX-2c projector. MSRP of the VX-2c is $29,995, but different options can alter price point.

Video Xtreme^TM VX-2dc - The ultimate expression of video fidelity in the series, the VX-2dc incorporates specially produced Digital Cinema optical lenses. Providing significant improvement in edge-to-edge detail and optimal for long throw distances and larger screen applications, Digital Cinema lenses eliminate "prism" effects and color "bending" that might become noticeable with large screen surfaces. MSRP of the VX-2dc is $44,995, but different options can alter price point.

For the ultimate in widescreen home theater reproduction, each VX-2 projector can be outfitted with Runco's proprietary CineWide^TM and CineWide^TM with AutoScope^TM technology, thereby eliminating distracting black bars by displaying movies formatted in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio with increased resolution and brightness and fully utilizing the capability of the DMD chips. Likewise, the AutoScope^TM function allows the maximum resolution for both 16:9 and 2.35:1 aspect ratios, and can be easily automated by the DHD controller to control the motorized anamorphic lens assembly for simple setup and an improved theater experience.

For more information on Runco International, Inc., please visit http://www.runco.com/.

RUNCO'S SC-1 PROJECTOR IS THE SIGNATURE OF LUXURY HOME THEATER

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:33:00 GMT

Flagship Signature Cinema System projector brings personalized luxury to a new level.

Union City, CA - Runco International, the world leader in high-end video display technology, brings luxury home theater to a new level with the introduction of the Signature Cinema SC-1. Commanding the attention of home theater aficionados in presence and performance, Runco's elite projector offers exclusivity and customization while redefining the cinematic experience of home theater.

Runco International CEO Sam Runco describes the mantra behind the product's development, "The dream behind the Signature Cinema SC-1 is to be the best that Runco has ever offered - truly our crown jewel, custom crafted for those elite few who want the very best that money can buy, and have budgeted accordingly. Its film-like quality and overall performance is simply stunning. There is nothing else in the world like it, period!"

Featuring the industry's most advanced technology; the Signature Cinema SC-1 achieves cinematic picture quality with unprecedented accuracy and integrity. Runco's sophisticated Signature CineStep Process^{^TM}, pre-processing, decoding and optimizing system, delivers unprecedented black levels, striking contrast and detail, while eliminating the RGB characteristics that typically hinders digital projection quality. The SC-1 incorporates three SuperOnyx^{^TM} DMDs^{^TM} and controller outputs signals are matched pixel-for-pixel with the native projector resolution, for an amazing 2048 x 1080 native resolution. A Runco engineer personally calibrates every SC-1 that is installed ensuring the purest video performance, even in the most challenging installations.

Highly versatile, the Signature Cinema SC-1 can be tailored for use in any luxury home or cinematic application; outfitted with seven lens choices, anamorphic lens, as well as the acclaimed CineWide^{^TM} with AutoScope^{^TM} option for the ultimate widescreen experience. Combined with a tremendous light output, the SC-1 provides optimal performance on screens anywhere from 6 to 40 feet wide without sacrificing video quality!

Intended to deliver the most refined digital cinema experience for the most extraordinary homes, Runco's Signature ownership package features a variety of installation and setup tools designed to accommodate almost any specification or obstacle. The SC-1 also includes an Elite Design^{^TM} program to installation specialists with quality control and installation process, ensuring optimal performance.

The Signature Cinema System SC-1 measures 25 ¼ x 57 ¼ x 17 1/6 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 342 pounds. MSRP of the SC-1 is $250,000.

For more information on Runco International, Inc., please visit http://www.runco.com/.

Runco Sets a Projector Benchmark with its LightStyle Series

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 04:38:00 GMT

Beaverton, OR - September 21, 2009 - Runco®, the leading brand in luxury video solutions, today unveiled its LightStyleTM Series projectors. Comprising of the LS-3, LS-5, and LS-7 projectors, the Runco LightStyle Series combines flawless HD imagery and integration features with value pricing and sophisticated design elements that custom installers and their customers will revere.
"For more than 20 years, Runco has led the custom installation consumer electronics industry in video technology and innovation by manufacturing the finest home theater displays for the world's most discerning and well-heeled customers. Now, our LightStyle Series completes Runco dealers' projection portfolio by offering a never-before-seen combination of Runco performance and value price," says Gerry Perkel, CEO of Runco. "This new entry-level, performance series enables Runco and our dealers to offer the most complete range of pricing and performance projector options in the industry."
Designed from the ground up, each of the 1080p DLPTM projectors incorporates Runco's proprietary engineering, advanced features and performance enhancements to achieve an elevated home theater experience that belies their respective price points. Runco's LightStyle Series combines state-of-the-art DLPTM-based SuperOnyxTM technology with Runco ConstantContrastTM and VivixTM image enhancement and proprietary video processing to achieve deep black levels and significant contrast, each measuring above 10,000:1. All incorporate the ISFTM (Imaging Science Foundation) calibration suite for optimal performance in any room. These calibration tools feature day and night calibration memory settings, individual sharpness and noise reduction controls, programmable image memory selection keys, built-in test patterns and a dark room-optimized remote.
Designed to be incredibly reliable, and precisely for the specialty home theater market, Runco's LightStyle Series provides the utmost in installation flexibility, including six lens options on the three-chip LS-7, while the 1080p LS-3 and LS-5 offer two lens options, to meet varying room and screen sizes. Each includes ample horizontal and vertical lens shift (the LS-7 with powered capabilities) to achieve optimal imagery even without ideal room placement. Runco's intelligent horizontal and vertical lens shift technology is a revolutionary software function for home theater projectors; it prohibits lens shift outside the image area to eliminate shadowing or image clipping.
Unlike Runco's larger performance projectors that typically demand custom cabinetry and lifts, the LightStyle Series projectors are significantly more compact and can be easily affixed to walls or ceilings. The projectors are designed specifically to be visually stunning, featuring a deep-black finish and uniquely-designed chassis.
Runco Home Theater products are built with quality and craftsmanship to ensure an amazing experience. All Runco displays feature a two-year RuncoCare standard warranty. Runco RedCarpet extended service options are also available.
Runco products are exclusively available through its authorized dealer network.
Runco's LightStyle LS-3 and LS-5 will ship in November 2009 and the LS-7 will ship in early December 2009. MSRPs are as follows: LS-3 is $4,995, LS-5 is $6,995 and LS-7 is $15,495. For more information on Runco, please visit www.runco.com.

Founded in 1987 and acquired by Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLNR) in 2007, Runco is a market leader in state-of-the-art projection systems, flat-panel plasma monitors, video processors and other components for the custom consumer market. Runco's innovations, including features that have become essential for the new digital high-definition capable televisions, have won numerous awards and citations from the world press. Runco continues to be a pioneer in the custom video display market. Planar Systems, Inc is a global leader of specialty display technology providing hardware and software solutions for the world's most demanding environments including hospitals, space and military programs, utility and transportation hubs, shopping centers, banks, government agencies, businesses, and home theaters.