2006
Runco continues with innovation
While 2006 is still young, many new and exciting innovations are taking place behind the scenes. Stay tuned to this website for all the latest news from Runco, the manufacturer of the World’s Finest Home Theater Products.
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2005
The year of Cinewide and Cinewide with Autoscope.
Runco began experimenting with anamorphic lenses in 2000, but then it was to create a 16:9 image from a 4:3 display. Now that most displays are native 16:9, it would seem that the need for anamorphic lenses would no longer be necessary. However, most DVD movies are in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio meaning that you’d still have ‘black bars’ above and below the image- precisely what Runco was trying to eliminate in 1992 with the ARC-IV.
The anamorphic lenses that were used to stretch a 4:3 image to a 16:9 could also be used to stretch a 16:9 image into a 2.35:1 image. After much experimentation with not only optics but video scaling as well, Runco found the right combination to be able to produce 2.35:1 images on a 2.35:1 screen with maximum resolution and also without ‘black bars’. The Autoscope system expanded on that by allowing maximum resolution on both 16:9 and 2.35:1 aspect ratios while still maintaining the same height.
All in all, this system caught on like wildfire- especially for movie aficionados. Now one could watch a movie EXACTLY as the director intended- with maximum resolution and without black bars!
Also in 2005, the Signature Cinema™ SC-1 is unveiled as Runco’s new flagship product. This DLP projector is designed to be custom-built to each order, which includes different lens AND lamp options. It is the brightest projector ever to be included in Runco’s product line, and with a resolution of 2048 x 1080 is the highest resolution DLP on the market.
The CL-410 and CL-420 are introduced as entry-level models. These single-chip DLP projectors are designed to provide good performance at relatively affordable prices.
The Crystal Series LCD flat-panels are introduced. These are the first LCD flat-panels to be introduced into the Runco product line, and are also the first Runco products to feature an integrated stereo speaker system. Each utilizes Vivix digital processing and incorporates the Imaging Science Foundation’s calibration standards for video performance purity.
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2004
A complement of six premium lenses marks the debut of the VX-4000ci, Runco’s fifth single-chip DLP projector. Its wide lens shift, high brightness, Enhanced GEN3 Technology, and RVR™ (Reflectance Volume Regulation) makes the projector perfect for less flexible installations.
The DHD Controller debuts. The DHD Controller, which is an advanced video processor in addition to a control center for the display it is paired with, greatly expanded on the capabilities of the former PFP controllers. The DHD included many more inputs and features than the PFP had, including DVI and HD inputs, and also featured three programmable 12v triggers. It also included an ISF mode and expanded calibration controls which allowed the device to be calibrated far more accurately than ever before.
The LiveLink DVI Cable System is unveiled. DVI, as a rule of thumb, was really only reliable up to 25’, and even then it may have been questionable depending on the environment. The LiveLink system is essentially and in-line amplifier which allows DVI to travel longer distances, in this case up to 75’.
The Video Xtreme VX-2c is released. The VX-2c is one of the first three-chip DLP projectors that was affordable to many more people than previous three-chip models, and as a result became an overnight hit. The lack of color wheel gave the image a more life-like feel, and is also brighter than a single-chip DLP. It is the first projector to feature integrated LiveLink technology, so the distance between the VX-2c Controller and projector could be as far as 75’. The VX-2c System wins Custom Retailer magazine’s 2004 “Excite” Award and is named one of CEDIA’s “Hot 50” Products.
In 2004, Runco makes its way to the winner’s circle, as several products receive awards for excellence in performance and design. Audio Video Revolution singles out the PL-61cx plasma with a “Top AV Product of the Year” award, while the Reflection CL-710 projector and DTV-1200 CRT projector are named “Editor’s Picks” by BEST magazine.
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2003
Runco introduces the Video Xtreme VX-4c & VX-6c 3-chip projection systems. Each is available in three resolutions, as well as with an option that finally makes full native resolution available when displaying the ultra-wide CinemaScope 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Each projector is packaged with the award-winning VHD Ultra Video Controller.
Runco upgrades GEN3 Technology, and introduces the CL-710/CL-710LT, VX-1000ci, VX-4000ci, and VX-5000ci- each of which use enhanced GEN3 technology. The improved processing capabilities are implemented along with Runco’s new SuperOnyx™ 16:9 light engine, and include the Imaging Science Foundation’s “ISF ccc” setup and calibration standards.
The VX-5000ci is named “Editor’s Choice” by The Perfect Vision, it receives the “Excellence in Design” Award from Audio Video Interiors, and is Electronic House’s 2003 Product of the Year. The VX-1000ci receives Audio Video International’s “Video Grand Prix” Award.
Vivix processing is implemented for the first time on a modular control card in the CW-43MC and CW-50MC plasma monitors. The card’s compact design puts Vivix’s full processing capabilities within the plasma’s chassis, and its modular design allows for future upgrades.
Succeeding the CW-42, the CinemaWall CW-42i is first sold, and its high-altitude compliancy allows installers to create plasma-based theaters even at heights up to 9,000 feet. The flat-panel outputs 20% greater brightness, and its integrated processing includes 3D scan conversion with motion compensation. It also uses an anti-glare filter that ensures a rich picture within high ambient light.
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2002
In June, the Runco team finds it is time to give itself more room to grow, and moves into a new headquarters. The new facility adds space for product development and testing labs, manufacturing center, and offices to support an expanded customer service program.
2002 is a year full of industry honors as Runco continues to push the envelope for home theater innovation. The VX-1000c is named Robb Report’s “Best of the Best” in Front Projection and it wins the “Reviewer’s Choice” award from Sound & Vision. The PL-42cx plasma system is given E-Gear’s Editor’s Choice award, and the DLC-2000HD LCD projector receives Audio Video International’s “Video Grand Prix” award. The PFP-11 Processor is given Audio Video Interiors’ “Excellence in Design” award.
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2001
The VX-1cx projection system, which features the slim and powerful VHD Controller, is unveiled. Its DLP light engine had a pixel count of 1024 x 768, and with a light output of 1000 ANSI Lumens, the projector was among the finest at the time. Many VX-1cx projectors are still in operation today.
Runco dove back into the LCD market with the introduction of the DLC-2000HD. This highly improved LCD projector featured 1366 x 768 (16:9) native resolution and brightness of 2000 ANSI Lumens. Its electronic zoom and lens shift made the package, which also included the PFP Controller, one of the most installation-versatile systems available for the home.
With the introduction of the VX-5c projection system, Runco greatly increased performance in the Video Xtreme™ series. Three DMD™ chips using 1280 x 1024 resolution, and 3000 ANSI Lumens of brightness put the VX-5c in a class of its own.
Also in 2001, Runco went right to the top with the PL-61 plasma. The largest plasma available at the time, it filled many voids where a projector was not feasible and a standard TV or RPTV would not fit.
By the end of 2001, Runco added to its list of awards. Popular Mechanics singled out the PL-50c with its “Design and Engineering Award,” and the product was given a “Best of the Best” award for home theater plasma by Robb Report as well as Audio Video International’s “Grand Prix Video Award” for plasmas. The magazine also recognized Runco with “Grand Prix Video Awards” for the VX-1cx, the DLC-2000HD, and the PFP-7. The PFP-7 also received the “Best Video Product” award from CEDIA and Sound & Video Contractor.
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2000
The PFP and VHD Controllers were released, which introduced the revolutionary Pixel For Pixel Vivix™ processing; The VX-3c is launched; many new and improved CRT projectors are introduced; Runco begins experimenting with Anamorphic lenses
A foreshadow of things to come (see 2005), Runco began experimenting with anamorphic lenses. During this time, the goal was to create a 16:9 image from a 4:3 device (such as the VX-1c) due to the fact that some were complaining about ‘light spray’ above and below their 16:9 screen (a result of unused pixels). However, another positive aspect of using anamorphic lenses was that maximum resolution would be used- in addition to eliminating the light spray. In 2000, this did not catch on immediately, but some did purchase projectors with this lens.
Runco unveiled the VX-3c projection system, which included the VHD Controller with Vivix processing. The VX-3c was a three-DLP™-chip, high-definition projector with a native resolution of 1024 x 768 and tremendous light output of 3000 ANSI Lumens. The projector’s lens shift and the processor’s ‘Pixel For Pixel’ output make the advanced system one of the most flexible available for home theater.
The new processor line included three varieties of the VHD Controller: the VHD-4402 Ultra, VHD-4403 Ultra, and VHD-4404 Ultra. Each successive model offered a wider range of fixed-pixel output resolutions, and all were engineered to complement custom home theaters with features such as 3:2 pull-down, 12v output for drop screens and masking, and RS-232 compatibility.
The PFP (Pixel for Pixel) processors were also released. These processors were designed to process the video for the digital display device (DLP, LCD, plasma) instead of relying on the less-efficient scalers in the displays themselves. At the time, the processing used internally by the display devices were optimized for use with higher-resolution signals such as from computers or even HDTV, but fell very short on quality when standard-definition signals were input. By developing scalers that would match the resolution of the display pixel-for-pixel, the internal processor was effectively disabled allowing the superior PFP processor to do all the work for the display. The results were noticeable throughout the industry, and many companies followed Runco’s lead.
The new CRT projectors introduced in 2000 were the DTV-873, DTV-992 and 992 Ultra. The DTV-873 projector brought customers the outstanding image fidelity of a 7” CRT as well as a host of features that made it a favorite among custom installers. It used three fully color-corrected and filtered lenses, and featured 8 separate memories per scan rate.
The new DTV-992 and DTV-992 Ultra updated the 8” CRT projector for the new millennium. Demanding home theater enthusiasts were impressed by each projector’s stunning picture and installation versatility, and certainly their ability to reproduce HDTV almost flawlessly.
The DTV-947 projection system, which included the VHD Controller, was made available for home theater. This 7” CRT projector included the outboard VHD Controller, and was overall a noticeable step up from previous 7” CRT models.
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2000: A new millennium, a new vision
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1999
Runco Introduces the DTV-1100 and DTV-943
Runco improved on its CRT products in 1999 by upgrading its DTV-1000 to the DTV-1100. The DTV-1100 still provided phenomenal picture quality just like its predecessor, and featured improvements in aspect ratio control, and scan rate capabilities.
That same year the DTV-852 was replaced by the DTV-943. Notable improvements were an internal scaler, with an output of 38.8 kHz, which operated much more efficiently than a conventional line doubler. It also featured zone convergence, component inputs, and up to eight memories per scan rate for added flexibility. The internal scaler in the DTV-943 was at that time considered to be one of the best in the industry. This was the beginning of a whole new line of video processors by Runco.
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1997
Runco Introduces the DTV-852 with a built-in Line Doubler; Runco introduces the first DLP™ projector, the DLP-100; Runco brings the VX-7- its first ‘three-chip’ DLP projector- to market, the home theater industry’s brightest projector; and the DTV-1000 flagship CRT projector is born.
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1998
Runco Releases VX-1 and VX-3 DLP™ Projectors and first Plasma, PL-42
1998 was a year of innovation for Runco, not only in video performance but now in chassis design as well. Runco decided to implement a more stylish chassis design, which allowed Runco's projectors to blend in with the décor of today’s modern homes. The VX-1’s high-tech look was the perfect compliment for modern home theater design, and its picture quality was second to none. This new design approach marked the dawn of a new era of Runco video products, and this style is still used by Runco today.
Also in 1998, a more affordable three-chip DLP™ projector was introduced, the VX-3. While not as bright as the VX-7, it boasted 2500 ANSI lumens of light output, making it ideal for theaters utilizing a screen with an average size of 15’ wide. It also offered tremendous installation flexibility, thanks to a wide variety of optional lens choices (ten in total), allowing the unit to project a throw distance range from 0.8 to 7.0 times the width of the screen.
In response to the growing need to provide a high quality picture image for those home theater installations with limited space, Runco introduced the PL-42 Plasma widescreen display. At only 3 ½" deep, this unit could be mounted directly to a wall, saving precious space. The PL-42 was state-of-the-art at the time, and it could be viewed like any standard television, regardless of lighting conditions.
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1997
A year of many changes for Runco International.
Runco introduced the first DLP™ projector, the DLP-100. This projector had SVGA resolution (800 x 600), 800 ANSI lumen brightness, superior black levels, and a more balanced picture uniformity than LCD projectors. An added bonus was the small footprint design of the DLP-100, making it ideal for installation in those home theater rooms that could not accommodate a larger projector. Recognizing the fact that DLP™ technology would outperform and outlast LCD technology, Runco discontinued the LCP-500 and 550 LCD projectors.
Later that year, Runco introduced the VX-7 DLP™ projector. The first 3-chip DLP™ projector ever in the Runco product line featured 6500 ANSI lumens of light output and was intended for extremely large screens (20’-40’ diagonal), or smaller screens (10’-15’ diagonal) where ambient light was uncontrollable.
Also in 1997, the successor for the IDP-850, the DTV-852, was released. Unlike the IDP-850, the 852 featured a built-in line doubler, making integration into a home theater much easier. It was an especially attractive package for a price of $14,995.
At this point, Runco did not have a 9-inch CRT projector in its product line since 1994. Recognizing that HDTV would demand higher performance and resolution from projection systems, Runco developed the new DTV-1000. Such features as electromagnetic focus, color-corrected C-elements, phenomenal gray-scale tracking, and all-around incredible performance led to this unit becoming the reference projector for many, including the Imaging Science Foundation, and Snell & Wilcox. It would also be used for Joe Kane’s demonstrations of the ABC 720p HDTV demo video material shown at various trade shows, where it’s performance literally stunned audiences. The resolution capabilities of the DTV-1000, when combined with the perfect 720p signal, created an image so clear that viewers commented that it appeared as if they were looking through a window!
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1996
Runco enters the LCD market; The IDP-850 projector is released; Runco’s first quadrupler and multiple scan rate processors are developed
Runco entered the LCD front projection market in early 1996, recognizing advances in technology, as well as high consumer demand. At this time, DLP™ technology was still a bit too expensive for most applications and suffered picture quality issues (e.g. color wheel flicker). LCD technology was a less expensive solution for installations that required a longer throw distance, or where a large CRT projector was impractical.
The first LCD projector in the Runco line was the LCP-300, which featured VGA resolution and a built-in NTSC tuner. This was followed by the LCP-400, which was similar in design. The soon-to-follow LCP-500 and 550 became Runco’s most popular LCD projectors, because they were smaller in design, and yielded even brighter images. The LCP-550 included a decoder with Faroudja Picture-Plus™ decoder technology, which greatly improved picture detail when using a composite video source.
Also in 1996, Runco introduced the IDP-850. This projector had many of the performance attributes of the acclaimed IDP-980 (the flagship model at the time). The IDP-850 was a high-resolution projector that boasted a horizontal scan rate of up to 50 KHz, making it capable of displaying all available DTV formats. Because the projector was equipped differently than the flagship IDP-980, it was appropriately priced lower than the 980, which added to its appeal.
Later that year, Runco developed its first line quadrupler, the SC-4050. This used the same basic technology as the SC-3050, and was considered one of the finest quadruplers at the time. Shortly thereafter, the SC-4200 was developed, which included both line doubling AND quadrupling. This technology, designed for CRT projectors enabled the projector to line double for anamorphic signals, and quadruple for letterbox signals, ensuring a sharp and bright picture regardless of aspect ratio.
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1995
Runco Partners with Texas Instruments to Develop DLP Technology; Runco introduces the IDP-980/SC-3050 video projector/processor; Runco introduces the first ‘double-stacked’ projectors; Runco’s CinemaWall makes its first appearance in the rear-screen market.
In 1995, Runco announced an alliance with Texas Instruments, thus becoming the first video projection company in the home-theater market to offer products based upon Texas Instruments’ revolutionary Digital Light Processing™ (DLP™) technology. This alliance laid the groundwork for future DLP™ products. Runco’s long-standing relationship with TI has led to significant strides in DLP™ technology even now.
In late 1995, Runco replaced the IDP-900A/SC-2050 projector/line doubler package with a greatly improved system, the IDP-980/SC-3050 combination. The IDP-980 would become the most popular CRT projector in home theater history; currently thousands of IDP-980s can be found in home theaters across the country even to this day.
The added convergence flexibility of the 980 provided the groundwork for yet another important invention- the “Double-Stack”, which featured two IDP-980’s converged together on the same screen. The objective here was to provide twice the light output of a single projector, which made watching movies on a much larger screen possible. The ‘Double-stack’ became an instant hit for home theater enthusiasts that required both a large screen and high brightness.
Also in 1995, Runco released the CinemaWall rear-screen system, which was designed specifically for homes under construction or undergoing major renovation. This system included a projector with short-throw lenses, a mirror, screen, and the necessary framework to tie it all together. This proved to be popular among homebuilders and custom installers because the entire projection system was built into the wall, concealing the projector. The only visible part of the system was the screen itself!
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1994
Introduced the LJR II Laser Disc Player- the first THX and AC-3 compatible laser disc player on the market.
Runco introduced the successor to the highly acclaimed LJR I laser disc player, the LJR II, which became the first video product and the first laser disc player to receive Lucasfilm’s prestigious Home THX™ certification.
As a result of a collaborative effort between Runco’s innovative engineering team and the engineers at THX™ and Dolby Laboratories, the LJR-II was also the first AC-3 compatible laser disc player in the marketplace.
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1993
Runco introduced the CinemaPro 750 projector, LJR I Laser Disc Player, Super IDTV II system and the first 9” CRT projector in home theater history.
The CPD-750 replaced the CPD-600 in 1993, citing performance improvements such as increased brightness and sharper focus. The 750 quickly became the projector of choice throughout the world for both home theaters and commercial venues such as nightclubs, bars, and small theaters.
1993 also saw the introduction of a new product for Runco, the LJR I laser disc player. Shortly after its introduction, the LJR I received widespread acclaim from the video industry press. This true high-end laser disc player was the perfect high-resolution video source to compliment the performance of Runco’s projection systems.
Also in 1993, Runco introduced the step-up to the IDP-800/ARC-IV system- the IDP-900 projector. The 900 had aspect ratio control built right into the projector, and was offered as a package with the new SC-2050 line doubler. This became the ‘Super IDTV II’, Runco’s reference projection system. The IDP-900 projector family would become the longest-lasting model in Runco history.
Later that year, Runco introduced the home theater industry’s first 9-inch CRT projector, the IDP-990. Prior to this time, only 7-inch CRT’s had been utilized. The advantage of the new 9-inch CRT’s included improved resolution and brightness, which was ideal for the discerning videophile. Like the 900, it too had aspect ratio control built-in, a feature that would become standard on Runco projectors.
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1991/92
Runco Introduces the ARC IV -The world’s first aspect ratio controller- one of the most significant milestones in the history of Home Theater.
Before 1991, everyone was forced to watch television programs and video sources in the 4:3 aspect ratio. Although movie studios offered movies in widescreen format on Laser Disc, many home theater enthusiasts were distracted by the ‘black bars’ displayed above and below the image on the screen.
Designer Russ Herschellman was busy building a projection system for the Marin Showcase. The problem was that the system needed to display a widescreen image. Russ contacted other video projector manufacturers but found them unwilling to help because “they couldn’t see the value in it”. Russ then turned to Sam for help, which led to the development of an outboard ‘Aspect Ratio Controller’ for use with the IDP-800/SC-1050 system. This controller accessed the projector’s three memories, enabling the viewer to display either widescreen (1.85:1 at the time) or 4:3 software on a wide aspect ratio screen while keeping the video geometrically correct- a feat that had never before been accomplished. Suddenly, projection screen companies were overwhelmed with requests for widescreens (where they were only previously making 4:3 screens), and Runco was flooded with orders for the new system. In addition to the aspect ratio control, the IDP-800/SC-1050/ARC-IV system was also capable of displaying HDTV, both in resolution and aspect ratio. Thus, Runco has had ‘HDTV capable’ products since 1992.
The showing of this first-ever multiple-aspect ratio system, dubbed ‘The World Premier of Home Theater’ by the local press, was debuted to more than 20,000 people at the Marin Showcase in 1991. The system was displayed again at the September 1991 CEDIA show in San Francisco, where it was extremely well received by the video industry. The rest of the world took notice of this system during the 1992 Winter Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The ARC-IV system became the reference system not only for Runco, but the entire video industry. The film-like image created by the projector, line doubler, and aspect ratio controller proved to be an instant hit, and was the catalyst for the enormous growth that Runco was about to undertake. Ultimately, this invention set the direction for the rest of the video industry for the next decade.
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1990
Runco Introduces the First Super IDTV (Improved Definition TV)
At the first-ever Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) EXPO in Florida, Runco introduced the world’s first high-resolution projector/processor combination. Until this point, “line-doublers” had only been used in rare commercial applications. Sam Runco recognized the cinematic benefits of combining the SC-1050 line doubler with the IDP-800 projector. When used together, these two products provided a picture quality much closer to film than previously possible, and attracted the attention of video enthusiasts worldwide.
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1990
Runco receives the trademark for “Home Theater” in the state of California.
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1990's
A Decade of Leadership
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1989
Runco Introduces the CinemaPro 600 Video Projector
The CinemaPro 600 featured major advancements in performance and ease of operation. The Runco team continually explored ways to improve the installation process, such as adding an access panel to the unit. This allowed easy adjustment of the convergence controls and streamlined the installation process, which also benefited the homeowner. In addition, it protected the unit by eliminating the need to remove the cover for convergence adjustments. The CinemaPro proved to be a reliable workhorse and many units are still in use at sports bars and clubs across the country.
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1987
Sam and Lori Runco found Runco International.
Sam and Lori incorporated Runco International and launched a brand-new projector, the Runco International HT (short for Home Theater). A successor to the Cinemabeam, the HT featured enhanced brightness, and improved convergence circuitry for more accurate color alignment.
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1980's
The Beginning of the Beginning
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1970's
Early Innovations
Sam Runco has been an innovator in the large screen projection business since the early 1970’s, when his projectors first proudly displayed the Runco name. Before Runco International was formed in 1987, the company functioned as Runco Video, and introduced a wide variety of video products. Among the most popular was the Cinemabeam, the first projector to feature external convergence controls, allowing the video image to be projected onto screens much larger than previously possible.
In 1972, using a Fresnel lens, Sam was able to magnify the image of a 15" television and project it onto a wall. While the image didn’t look very good, the impact it created for Sam personally was the genesis of what would become his mission with Runco International- to create an impact and excitement for Runco customers.
“I was experimenting with trying to make a much larger image than a TV could make in those days.” said Sam. “ I came up with this combination of a 15” Trinitron TV, a Fresnel lens and a sheet on the wall for a screen. It didn’t look very good, but it did make a large image. At one point I fell asleep with the TV on, and sometime in the middle of the night I woke up to see a car barreling right at me! I dove off the couch thinking I was about to be run over, only to realize a few moments later that it was a car chase scene from some movie on my ‘big screen’.”
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