Runco sets up camp with outdoor LCD
By Erik Hanson 
posted Oct 24th 2007 4:32AM
posted Oct 24th 2007 4:32AM
High-end manufacturer Runco is headed for the great outdoors with a 42-inch LCD panel that's ruggedized and weatherproofed for use outside the home. The 1366 x 768-native WP-42HD flat panel sports a cabinet design to minimize exposure to the elements, and has a "Winter Mode" to allow it to operate down to -4° F -- low enough to want to watch it through the window instead of beside it. As is usual for Runco, the set includes RS-232 automation, a custom high-gloss bezel, and a $8,995 price tag to match, leaving us to wonder if we can instead pick up eight Vizio sets and just replace one every winter.
How far from reality are these companies? Do they really think that I'm so far up to my neck in 42inch HDTVs that I'm starting to hang them on trees?
Hey, If I had millions of disposable wealth I'd be putting 2 plasma's on every palm tree along my pool, near the barbecue / outdoor wet bar etc...
That'd be bad ass. :o
Apparently you're not familiar with the High-End custom intstall industry...which is very much a part of "reality".
www.CEPro.com
www.ElectronicHouse.com
Overclock the tv @-4C???
V3LO,
The amount of disposable income of some teople is tremendous. Usually, those same people want the best set with the best picture that money can buy. Runco happens to make some beautiful sets (got to see them at CEDIA this year). The fact that its operable in temps to -4 means that Mr. Rich Person can sit in his hot tub with his [trophy] wife and still not miss the end of bell stock reports/highlights from ESPN/or his favorite animated comedy.
Just because you can afford them, doesnt mean others cant.
and to Erik: Visio? Ewww.
Whoa Pacey, I didn't mean for you to seriously respond to that. Of course there's a market somewhere for it, especially for businesses. I'm not trying to start an argument :)
Haha, but I guess that talks me into it. If I had UNLIMITED amounts of cash, I would buy a 42inch outdoor HDTV to place beside my hot tub. I stand corrected. I'm sure this will be a great selling point for them.