Runco stays in the plasma game with 3D-ready Vistage flat panels

We understand, you can't just put a $50k 3Dimension series projector in every room, so Runco's continuing to develop its plasma HDTV offerings with the new Vistage series. Available in 63-, 58- or 50-inch sizes, the 1.7-inch think panels also include the company's latest scaler, the DHD-LS. Unlike that projector we just mentioned, these do 3D with the addition of active shutter glasses and an IR emitter, courtesy of an add-on pack shipping early next year. We got a quick glance at the screens which promise contrast and black levels "previously unachieved in the industry" and while they did look amazing, you may not be able to decide if cashing out for between $6,000 and $10,000 for one of these screens is worthwhile -- until you find out you can outfit the back of the panel with decorations including your college logo of choice.

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Runco Unveils New Customizable Vistage Series Ultra-Thin Flat Panel Displays

The new line of flat panel displays combines Runco's legendary performance with complete customization and a sleek, beautiful design.

Atlanta, GA – CEDIA EXPO 2010 – September 23-26 – Runco®, the leading brand in luxury display solutions, has announced the addition of the Vistage™ Series to its flat panel display offerings. The ultra-thin Vistage displays - currently comprised of the V-50HD, V-58HD and V-63HD - combine elegance, beauty and unparalleled customization with the stellar video performance that is synonymous with the Runco brand. This line of 3D-ready flat panel displays will offer a stylish flat panel solution that can be personalized to reflect the style and passion of its homeowner.

Setting Runco Vistage displays apart from other thin panel TV's, the entire front of each display is comprised of solid glass, creating a better viewing performance when the display is on and a more uniform finish when it is off. Beyond its sheer beauty, the glass front improves optical performance of the flat panel, because there are no surface uniformity issues common to the acrylic or plastic surfaces used on most televisions. The Vistage Series also utilizes an Emissive Cell Structure™ that delivers exceptional brightness and viewing angles. Using a proprietary algorithm each sub-pixel is individually-modulated to turn on or off based on the content being played, which creates exceptional contrast and black levels previously unachieved in the industry. The Emissive Cell Structure performs best in light-controlled environments and offers amazing black levels and dark-content performance. Because the light sources turn off for black content and because so much content is black, the Runco Vistage Series also offers incredible operating efficiency.

Gorgeous and very sleek, the Runco Vistage Series displays measure 1.7 inches thin. The unique halo-shaped table stand offers a simple slim tube supported by a modest oval that sits on top of any flat surface that completely conceals all cables.

Unlike mass market flat panels, Runco's Vistage Series will offer optional rear-panel, with brilliant designs that can be created to match even the most elaborate home's décor. Made from a rigid and sturdy substrate, the optional customizable veil attaches to the rear of the display and forms a subtle convex curvature design. Each rear-panel veil can be customized with Runco's FinishPalette™ options to create a one-of-a-kind look that gives the flat panel the appearance of artwork or a sculpture that is clearly visible from multiple vantage points. As part of the Design by Runco™ initiative, FinishPalette provides Vistage owners a unique level of personalization and customization that reflects their own individual styles and decors. Vistage FinishPalette options include:

Metals
Woods
Fabrics
Custom Hand-Painted Murals
Runco ColourPalette™ and FinishPalette Signature Colors
NCAA® Logos
Artist Series graphics
Leather
Custom Hand-Crafted Sculpture
Going one step further in creating the ultimate aesthetic, Runco's Vistage Series' fanless design has no glaring or unsightly vent patterns on the back to distract from the beauty of the display.

"Vistage is a whole new category of displays in the home," said Jennifer Davis, vice president of marketing for Runco. "We have never taken a "one-size-fits-all" approach to our displays because our strategy is to provide incomparable visual experiences through a synthesis of technology, design, customization, and service. The Runco Vistage Series exemplifies this strategy, giving our customers a flat panel solution that provides both an incredible display image, as well as an unexpected and one-of-a-kind display that is a statement piece in the home."

The Vistage Series will ship with Runco's new DHD-LS™, which is an ultra-slim (measuring just more than 1 inch tall) video processor and scaler. The Runco DHD-LS allows connection to a myriad of multiple sources, and its elegant design includes an all-glass front that complements the sleek design of the Vistage Series. The DHD-LS includes Runco's latest Vivix™ processing for exceptional scaling and analog-to-digital signal conversion. It also allows single-wire connectivity to the display and enables individual calibration and control.

The most compelling 3D experiences are truly immersive, which is why Runco highly recommends front projection for 3D in the home. However, for those customers looking for 3D support for their flat panel displays, Runco will be offering Active 3D support on its Vistage line of flat panel displays utilizing an optional 3Dimension™ processor, emitter, and glasses kit uniquely designed for this product line (available early 2011), which is completely compatible with the V-50HD, V-58HD, and V-63HD.

The Vistage Series V-50HD, V-58HD and V-63HD will have MSRPs of $5,995, $7,995, $9,495 respectively and will be available December 2010. Runco's Vistage flat panels are available exclusively through the best dealers in residential A/V - the Runco authorized dealer network. For more information about the Vistage series, the FinishPalette catalog, Runco or to find a local dealer in your area, please visit www.Runco.com.

About Runco
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 displays, video processors, display walls and other components for the custom consumer market. Runco's display innovations 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.

Vistage, Emissive Cell Structure,, FinishPalette, ColourPalette, FrameGallery, Design by Runco, DHD-LS, 3Dimension and Vivix are trademarks of Runco.

All product and company names referred to herein are trademarks of their respective owners.