The fun has just begun in the Mile High City for Runco, which has followed up its outlandish flat-panel announcement with a replacement to the fabled VX-2 projector. The 3-chip VideoXtreme VX-8 is squarely aimed at those with fat wallets and the word "videophile" stitched into their Ralph Lauren scarfs, evidenced by the superfluous (but very appreciated) video processing capabilities via DHD with Vivix and three SuperOnyx DMDs. Additionally, you'll find the outfit's ConstantContrast tech, which delivers frame-by-frame contrast correction, while the CorrectColor brings "complete color calibration for D65 perfection." For more technobabble on the January-bound unit, hit up the read link -- but before you waste your time, let us remind you that this will cost $19,995.

Joining the growing array of recent acquisitions is Planar and Runco International, as just today Planar has written a check for $36.7 million to take on the assets of privately-held Runco International, Inc. Planar, while not a household name in the home theater biz, managed to hold its own amongst competitors in the HT market, and while the majority of its products catered to the mid-range consumer, we suspect that picking up Runco was the easiest way to launch into the high-end realm. As expected, it looks like the Planar, Runco, and Vidikron brand names will remain as they are, and just as Planar will continue to sell through its current network of distributors, it sure sounds like Runco will remain a niche offering rather than bleeding over towards the mainstream.

Runco -- those folks who make the mesmerizing projectors that only A-class celebrities, former Gizmondo execs, and foreign leaders can afford -- are offering yet another bevy of luscious PJs for us to drool over. Touted as the "world's first 1080p HD video display products to achieve THX certification," the Video Xtreme lineup of DLP projectors have survived the rigorous testing necessary for any product to get that oh-so-coveted THX logo slapped on it, and now they're all ready to jazz up your home theater (and drain your wallet). Each model boasts Runco's own CineWide (with or without AutoScope) technology, which reproduces 2.35:1 films with "unparalleled accuracy," eliminating those pesky black bars without taking a hit in the quality department. They also sport the firm's DHD controller, HDMI inputs, and a variety of CinOptx zoom lenses to fit nearly any application. You can grab this highly prized goodness for just $16,995 if you shoot for the low-end VX-2000d, while the more luxurious units will run you $34,995 (VX-6000d), $44,995 (VX-22d), $79,995 (VX-44d), or $99,995 (VX-55d).