Runco's new 2009 plasma displays

[dobyblue]

Anyone seen any reviews pop of these yet, or see them in action?

http://castercomm.com/prView.cfm?cid=116&id=303

Runco Unveils New Line of Plasma Displays


Beaverton, OR - July 28, 2009 - 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 CinemaWallTM and PlasmaWallTM 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 VivixTM processing, VirtualWideTM 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 IIITM 1080p processing with VirtualWide and new VirtualCinemaTM 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.




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.

[scweb13]

I'd like to check out the OPAL65. I've never seen a Runco plasma in person, but I've heard that they are nice.

I was just checking out the Runco website and it's odd that the Runco LCDs are heavier and thicker than the Plasmas. Surprising.

[jbpo]

Originally Posted by scweb13

I'd like to check out the OPAL65. I've never seen a Runco plasma in person, but I've heard that they are nice.

I was just checking out the Runco website and it's odd that the Runco LCDs are heavier and thicker than the Plasmas. Surprising.

I have heard some good reviews on this as well.

[agoofykindasuperman]

I still think my PRO-141FD gives that Runco a run for it's money.....

[moviefan]

Originally Posted by agoofykindasuperman

I still think my PRO-141FD gives that Runco a run for it's money.....

True, but unfortunately no longer manufactured.
And the Runco prices! WTF?

[Drew664]

I've seen a Runco projector before, and was not impressed - at all. Conditions weren't ideal, so take that with a grain of salt. They do sell expensive electronics, and it'll be interesting to see how these super plasmas pan out for them.

[Mcintosh]

To me the cost is way to high. There is just not enough return compared to the lower priced plasma's. Even if it is a better picture. This is just speculation, the difference cannot justify the cost different.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by Mcintosh

To me the cost is way to high. There is just not enough return compared to the lower priced plasma's. Even if it is a better picture. This is just speculation, the difference cannot justify the cost different.

The thing is, they're not selling to people who care about the price tag.
If they were you'd find them in Best Buy.

[joe1515]

I have seen a few in high end audio stores in New York. They seem nice but they no way justify the the crazy prices compared the Pioneer Elite's.

Joe