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Runco reveals LS-10d and LS-10i projectors to bring home theaters out of the basement


Unlike most high-end projectors designed strictly to live in nice dark dungeons, Runco's new three chip DLP, 1080p LS-10d and LS-10i projectors are built to perform in a wider range of rooms -- which is good news for penthouse dwellers lacking a basement. Both are packed with the usual proprietary picture-enhancing accoutrements and also support the firm's nifty CineGlide motorized 2.35:1 anamorphic lens solution for users who can't bear to view black bars around their image. The LS-10i sports an internal image processor, while the LS-10d ups the ante with Runco's DHD rack-mounted external video processor. That upgrade enables IR and RS-232 control as well as the ability to install the processor next to your existing HT setup -- a real boon for those not building a fresh home theater out of their old squash court. Either can also be custom painted and printed to match any decor, so there's no need to fear the gear clashing with the drapes. Release-wise, the LS-10i is coming in October for just under $22,000, while the LS-10d ships later in December for a hair below $27,000. That's way more than the sub-$10k range of other LightStyle models, but it's nothing compared to Runco's $90k+ 3D cinema projectors, so we'll quit our plebeian whining. For full details see the PR after the break.

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New Runco Projectors Set the Bar for 1080p 3-chip Performance and Value
14-Sep-2010
Adding to its successful LightStyle Series, the LS-10i and LS-10d offer design, technology and brightness at value pricing.


Beaverton, OR – Runco®, the leading brand in luxury display solutions, today announced that it is expanding its LightStyle™ Series with two new 3-chip DLP®, 1080p projectors; the LS-10d and LS-10i. Designed to excel in both the dedicated theater as well as other rooms in the home, such as media rooms, basements, dens, these new Runco projectors deliver uncompromised 1080p 3-chip video performance at an astounding value.

Runco's LightStyle Series projectors are a testament to Runco's craftsmanship and video quality, and the new additions enable Runco to broaden the series with its highest resolution, most advanced performance options yet. Combining technology, design and brightness, the LS-10 projectors are not only powerhouse solutions for the dedicated home theater, but also boast performance and brightness to excel in other rooms of the home where very large, expensive, power-guzzling flat-screen TVs have traditionally been considered the only solution for large-screen viewing. Other rooms that are ideal for the LS-10 include the media room, basement, den, bonus or living spaces. The LS-10 boasts flawless HD imagery, practical integration features, and a sophisticated design that has won critical acclaim for its ability to complement any room's decor.

"With this new affordable 3-chip, 1080p projector the LightStyle Series now offers a complete gamut of stylish and accessible projection solutions with the legendary quality and craftsmanship that is synonymous with the Runco brand," said Jennifer Davis, vice president of marketing for Runco. "The Runco LS-10 projectors offer a no compromise 3-chip, 1080p, full high-definition solution that fits the needs of today's homeowner in both performance and price."

Runco's LightStyle Series combines state-of-the-art DLP™-based SuperOnyx™ technology with Runco ConstantContrast™ and Vivix™ image enhancement and proprietary video processing to achieve deep black levels and significant contrast. Both incorporate the ISF™ (Imaging Science Foundation) calibration suite for optimal performance in any room making Runco's LS-10 projectors ideal for rooms beyond the dedicated home theater. These calibration tools feature day and night calibration memory settings, individual sharpness and noise reduction controls, programmable image memory selection keys, built-in test patterns and a dark room-optimized remote.

"The LS-10 projectors from Runco close a gap in the channel and satisfy needs with both installers and customers with its incredible performance and outstanding value," said Ward Pitkin, Manager, 3-Chip projectors for Texas Instruments. "We are proud to be able to continue our outstanding relationship with Runco and continue to provide the most cutting edge technologies for the home theater market."

The LS-10i features Runco's legendary internal video processing for exceptional scaling and analog to digital signal conversion. The LS-10d ships with Runco's award-winning Digital High-Definition (DHD) external video processor offering the same processing and scaling as well as IR and RS-232 control and enables individual display calibration through the controller. Designed as a rack-mounted external processor, the DHD offers advanced connectivity options as well as installation flexibility because it can be located next to, and connect directly to, all other source components with a single-wire connection from the DHD to the projector, making it an ideal solution for retrofit installs.

The LS-10 projectors are available with Runco's new CineGlide™ lens solution that enables a motorized, mechanical 2.35:1 anamorphic lens to move in front of the standard lens for perfect Scope reproduction. Runco CineGlide enables the viewer to switch from 16:9 content to 2.35:1 content, without black bars on the top or side of the image, with the touch of a button.

Its sleek, glamorous design and customization options make the Runco LightStyle Series projectors the perfect solution to pair with a design-conscious homeowner. Both the LS-10i and LS-10d can be customized with Runco's FinishPalette™, the latest element of the Design by Runco™ initiative. Runco's FinishPalette enables full-color, large-format projector design options, including licensed logos from your favorite NCAA® collegiate sports programs, a gallery of artist impressions and the option to custom-print your own artwork. Complementing the new FinishPalette offering are 25 new, hand-finished signature paint colors to compliment any décor.

The LS-10i will be available in October for an MSRP of $21,995 and LS-10d will be available in December for an MSRP of $26,995. All Runco displays feature a two-year RuncoCare standard warranty. Runco RedCarpet and PremierCare extended service options are also available. Runco's new LightStyle Series projectors are available exclusively through the best dealers in the home theater business - the Runco authorized dealer network. For more informati

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 plasma monitors, video processors and other components for the custom consumer market. Runco's 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.

WindowWall, TileAlign, and WhisperQuiet are trademarks of Runco International.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Pippa Edelen
Runco
503.748.6983
pippa.edelen@runco.com

or

Kimberly Lancaster
Caster Communications
401.792.7080
klancaster@castercomm.com


INVESTOR CONTACTS:
Ryan Gray
Planar Systems, Inc.
503.748.8911
ryan.gray@planar.com