Runco Challenges Panasonic, Launches 103-inch 1080p Plasma Display - "Just" $99,995

Although it's been an integral (and important) part of the home entertainment systems market for quite some time now, the Runco company is a lot less famous (at least outside the US) than some of its competitors, like Sony, Panasonic or JVC. However, the company really managed to impress everyone at CEDIA 2007, when it came up with a plasma display that rivals directly Panasonic's highest-end model, due to the fact that it has a diagonal size of no less than 103 inches (that's around 2.61 meters).

The CinemaWall XP-103DHD, as this thing has been dubbed, delivers 1920 x 1080 native resolution, provides ISF calibration modes for the installer's convenience and addresses the unique needs of the most demanding customers. Moreover, 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 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 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.

"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," stated Scott Hix, vice president and general manager, Planar Systems Inc. Home Theater, when talking about the CinemaWall. "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 from Runco will become available in December 2007, but since this thing has a MSRP of around 100,000 US dollars, its level of success on the market is questionable at best.

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