Runco
Runco International, Inc. is the leading name in the “Home Theater” industry. For fourteen years, Runco has been synonymous with the leading edge of this steadily maturing industry. The company is credited with having the vision to see an industry evolving when none existed. Runco built a strong foundation for the home theater industry to become a distinguishable segment of the retail landscape.
After identifying the market expansion years ago, Sam Runco positioned the company to benefit from the market’s growth. Runco made key acquisitions in companies and technology to strategically create platforms that appealed to a mid-range market with products that have the “sizzle” of Runco’s high-end brand name line. The acquisitions also introduced home theater video products with basic product offerings and some of the romance of the higher and mid-range systems to a broader market.
1970’s: Early Innovations
Runco has been an innovator in the large screen projection business since the early 1970’s, when his projectors first proudly displayed the Runco name. Before Runco International was formed, the company functioned as Runco Video, and introduced a wide variety of video products. Among the most popular was the Cinemabeam, the first projector to feature external convergence controls, allowing the video image to be projected onto screens much larger than previously possible.
In 1972, using a Fresnel lens, Runco was able to magnify the image of a 15″ television and project it onto a wall. This signified a turning point, as the seed was planted for the future of large screen entertainment.
1980’s: The Beginning of the Beginning
1986: Sam and Lori Runco found Runco International. Sam and Lori incorporated Runco International and launched a brand-new projector, the Runco International HT (short for Home Theater). A successor to the Cinemabeam, the HT featured enhanced brightness, and improved convergence circuitry for more accurate color alignment.
1989: Runco introduces the CinemaPro 600 Video Projector. The CinemaPro 600 featured major advancements in performance and ease of operation. The Runco team continually explored ways to improve the installation process, such as adding an access panel to the unit.
1990’s: A Decade of Leadership
1990: Runco receives the trademark for “Home Theater” in the state of California.
1990: Runco introduces the first high-resolution projector/processor combination.
1991/92: Runco introduces the world’s first aspect ratio controller, one of the most significant milestones in the history of Home Theater. The ARC-IV system became the reference system not only for Runco, but the entire video industry.
1993: Runco introduced the CinemaPro 750 projector, LJR I Laser Disc Player, Super IDTV II system and the first 9″ CRT projector in home theater history.
1994: Introduced the LJR II Laser Disc Player, the very first Laser Disc player to have Dolby™AC-3 capability, and THX™ certification.
1995: Runco partners with Texas Instruments to develop DLP™ Technology. Runco announces an alliance with Texas Instruments, becoming the first video projection company in the home theater market to offer products based on TI’s revolutionary Digital Light Processing (DLP™) technology. Runco introduces the IDP-980/SC-3050 video projector/processor and the first ‘double-stacked’ projectors; Runco’s CinemaWall makes its first appearance in the rear-screen market.
1997: Runco introduces the DTV-852. With its built-in Line Doubler, Runco introduces the first DLP projector, the DLP-100. Runco also brought to market the VX-7, the home theater industry’s brightest projector; and the DTV-1000 flagship CRT projector.
1998: Runco releases VX-1 and VX-3 DLP™ Projectors and first Plasma, PL-42.
1999: Runco introduces the DTV-1100 and DTV-943. Runco improves on its CRT products in 1999 by upgrading its DTV-1000 to the DTV-1100.
2000 and Beyond
2000: Runco introduces the VHD™ – Virtual High Definition series scalers, aspect ratio controllers, and the Reflection DLP™ projectors: VX-1c, VC101c, and VX-3c, along with the PL-42c and PL-50c flat screen plasma displays.
2002: Acquired Vidikron and Project-A-Vision brands, laying the foundation for massive expansion of company and revenue stream through far broader distribution and greatly expanded product line and product categories.
2002: Established first-in-industry “Cinema Standards Measurement System”, creating new industry benchmark for the way product specifications are characterized.
2002: Relocated to larger 50,000 square foot facility, doubling production capacity and administrative office space. Expansion room is available to add another 50,000 square feet when needed.
2002: Secured first OEM relationship with key supplier, providing for total offshore manufacturing, QC, and packaging of finished Runco product.
2003: Hired top-level management to realign our senior executive staff to be seasoned executive talent for the institution, restructuring, and positioning of the company for substantial growth and expansion.
2003: Broadened product line with lower priced entry-level products resulting in wider distribution, expanded market share, and revenue increases.
2003: Taking Video to the Xtreme
Runco introduces the Video Xtreme VX-4c & VX-6c 3-chip projection systems. Each is available in three resolutions, as well as with an option that finally makes full native resolution available when displaying the ultra-wide CinemaScope 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Each projector is packaged with the award-winning VHD Ultra Video Controller.
Runco upgrades GEN3 Technology, and introduces the CL-710/CL-710LT, VX-1000ci, VX-4000ci, and VX-5000ci- each of which use enhanced GEN3 technology. The improved processing capabilities are implemented along with Runco’s new SuperOnyx™ 16:9 light engine, and include the Imaging Science Foundation’s “ISF ccc” setup and calibration standards.
Vivix processing is implemented for the first time on a modular control card in the CW-43MC and CW-50MC plasma monitors. The card’s compact design puts Vivix’s full processing capabilities within the plasma’s chassis, and its modular design allows for future upgrades.
Succeeding the CW-42, the CinemaWall CW-42i is first sold, and its high-altitude compliancy allows installers to create plasma-based theaters even at heights up to 9,000 feet. The flat-panel outputs 20% greater brightness, and its integrated processing includes 3D scan conversion with motion compensation. It also uses an anti-glare filter that ensures a rich picture within high ambient light.
2004: Runco Debuts DHD Controller and LiveLink DVI System
A complement of six premium lenses marks the debut of the VX-4000ci, Runco’s fifth single-chip DLP projector. Its wide lens shift, high brightness, Enhanced GEN3 Technology, and RVR™ (Reflectance Volume Regulation) makes the projector perfect for less flexible installations.
The DHD Controller debuts. The DHD Controller, which is an advanced video processor in addition to a control center for the display it is paired with, greatly expanded on the capabilities of the former PFP controllers. The DHD included many more inputs and features than the PFP had, including DVI and HD inputs, and also featured three programmable 12v triggers. It also included an ISF mode and expanded calibration controls which allowed the device to be calibrated far more accurately than ever before.
The LiveLink DVI Cable System is unveiled. DVI, as a rule of thumb, was really only reliable up to 25’, and even then it may have been questionable depending on the environment. The LiveLink system is essentially and in-line amplifier which allows DVI to travel longer distances, in this case up to 75’.
The Video Xtreme VX-2c is released. The VX-2c is one of the first three-chip DLP projectors that was affordable to many more people than previous three-chip models, and as a result became an overnight hit. The lack of color wheel gave the image a more life-like feel, and is also brighter than a single-chip DLP. It is the first projector to feature integrated LiveLink technology, so the distance between the VX-2c Controller and projector could be as far as 75’.
In 2004, Runco made its way to the winner’s circle, as several products receive awards for excellence in performance and design.
2005: The Year of Cinewide and Cinewide with Autoscope
Runco began experimenting with anamorphic lenses in 2000, but then it was to create a 16:9 image from a 4:3 display. Now that most displays are native 16:9, it would seem that the need for anamorphic lenses would no longer be necessary. However, most DVD movies are in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio meaning that you’d still have ‘black bars’ above and below the image- precisely what Runco was trying to eliminate in 1992 with the ARC-IV. The anamorphic lenses that were used to stretch a 4:3 image to a 16:9 could also be used to stretch a 16:9 image into a 2.35:1 image. After much experimentation with not only optics but video scaling as well, Runco found the right combination to be able to produce 2.35:1 images on a 2.35:1 screen with maximum resolution and also without ‘black bars’. The Autoscope system expanded on that by allowing maximum resolution on both 16:9 and 2.35:1 aspect ratios while still maintaining the same height.
All in all, this system caught on like wildfire, especially for movie aficionados. Now one could watch a movie exactly as the director intended- with maximum resolution and without black bars!
Also in 2005, the Signature Cinema™ SC-1 is unveiled as Runco’s new flagship product. This DLP projector is designed to be custom-built to each order, which includes different lens AND lamp options. It is the brightest projector ever to be included in Runco’s product line, and with a resolution of 2048 x 1080 is the highest resolution DLP on the market.
The CL-410 and CL-420 are introduced as entry-level models. These single-chip DLP projectors are designed to provide good performance at relatively affordable prices. The Crystal Series LCD flat-panels are introduced. These are the first LCD flat-panels to be introduced into the Runco product line, and are also the first Runco products to feature an integrated stereo speaker system. Each utilizes Vivix digital processing and incorporates the Imaging Science Foundation’s calibration standards for video performance purity.
2006: Runco Continues with Innovation
At CEDIA 2006 Runco introduces the industry’s broadest lineup of 1080p DLP projectors, satisfying a wide range of custom applications and price points. Featuring the company’s exclusive CineWide and CineWide with AutoScope technology, Runco’s new 1080p projectors included: Reflection Series RS-1100 and RS-1100, and Video Xtreme VX-2000d and VX-6000d, single-chip 1080p projectors, as well as Runco’s Video Xtreme VX-22d, VX-44d, and VX-55d, 3-chip 1080p projectors.
Runco International also announced it’s partnership with THX to develop the world’s first THX Certified home theater projectors. THX’s Video Display Certification Runco’s VX-2cx family of projectors and the Vidikron Vision models 90t and 100t, all 3-chip Digital Light Processing (DLP™) projectors, are the first HD video display products to achieve THX certification.
Stay tuned for all the latest news from Runco, the manufacturer of the World’s Finest Home Theater Products.
2007: Planar Acquires Runco International; Runco Goes Bigger and Broader with Product Offering
Runco announced the company’s first THX Certified 1080p plasma displays in the XP-65DHD and VP-6500VHD, 65-inch models. In addition, the company introduced an array of new 1080 LCD and plasma models in larger screen sizes to meet the demands of discerning homeowners.
On May 23, 2007 Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLNR) announced the acquisition of Runco International. Planar Systems, Inc. is a global leader of video display technologies and its business units specialize in providing hardware and software solutions for a wide range of residential and commercial environments including hospitals, space and military programs, utility and transportation hubs, shopping centers, banks, government agencies, businesses, and home theaters. Runco was assimilated into Planar’s portfolio of specialty video display brands as the leading luxury brand in its Home Theater Business Unit.
The acquisition offered Runco an expanded network of global resources. The combination of Runco’s heritage and industry-leading home theater solutions with Planar’s worldwide infrastructure, supply chain partners, and custom display technology expertise for other industries, would deliver the most advanced home theater solutions to an expanding global marketplace. Runco’s new family of products incorporated the most advanced video technologies, dedicated craftsmanship, and continued to be custom-built to offer the world’s finest video solutions intended for the most discerning customers.
The first Runco product to benefit from the engineering prowess of parent-company Planar – the ClimatePortfolio WP-42HD. Runco’s WP-42HD represented the brand’s first outdoor weather-proof flat panel LCD display. The 42-inch utilized advanced LCD technology, Runco video processing and imagery, and glass with special element-proof bonding to deliver a high-definition widescreen flat-panel monitor ready for the elements. The WP-42HD surpassed International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Ingress Protection IP56 weatherproof standards, ensuring protection from adverse environmental conditions including temperature, exposure to moisture, dust, oils and intermittent direct water spray.
In other flat panel advancements, Runco introduced its largest flat panel to date, the CinemaWall™ XP-103DHD, a sprawling 103-inch, high-definition plasma display. The XP-103DHD is a true statement piece in Runco’s product portfolio, bringing Runco’s video engineering and superb imagery to the ultra-large 1080p full-HD plasma category.
Runco also expanded the availability of its exclusive CineWide and CineWide with AutoScope superwide 2.35:1 technology option making it available on all Runco entry-level projectors; extending the true home theater viewing experience of movies filmed in 2.35:1 to the masses.
2008: Runco Intros OPAL™ Technology and an In-Wall Projection Category
In 2008, Runco’s product design, manufacturing, customer service, marketing and training teams were transitioned from Union City, CA to its new world headquarters in Beaverton, OR. The relocation allowed for a centralized product design and engineering team so that the Runco brand could fully take advantage of Planar’s other world-class video display technologies.
In September of 2008, the first of such technologies was introduced as Runco announced its new OPAL (Optical Path ALignment) technology, which was designed to revolutionize what discerning consumers demand from a flat panel display. Runco’s proprietary new technology features a micro-visual surface treatment of the flat panel to provide three key benefits to flat panel video displays.
OPAL offers:
Ambient-Light Rejection (ALR™) technology reduces internal and surface reflections by more than 20 times.
Acute Contrast Enhancement™ (ACE) technology increases contrast by more than three times without losing image clarity within dark scenes, especially in high ambient light.
ISS™ (Impact, Shake and Shock) protection enhances the panel’s resistance to dust contamination, condensation and even occasional direct impact, such as a blow from a hand-held game control.
OPAL also provides the flat panel’s screen surface with greater protection as it is less sensitive to daily wear and tear, and the surface can be cleaned with typical household glass cleaner.
Runco’s OPAL technology was immediately available with the ClimatePortfolio WP-42OPAL weather-proof LCD, to be followed by its availability on Runco’s CrystalPortfolio CX-OPAL47.
At the CEDIA Expo in 2008, Runco also announced the addition of a new product category to the brand’s video display and technology portfolio. Runco’s new In-Wall Projection Systems premiered with the introduction of the VideoWall VW-100HD and the CineWall CW-95HD. Runco’s in-wall projection systems are self-contained solutions ideal for installs where enormous images are desired, but rooms have inadequate throw distance or high ambient light, which prohibits front projection/flat panels. The VW-100 measures at 100” diagonal and is native 16×9 format, which is ideal for large-screen sports and TV. The CineWall CW-95 measures 95” diagonal in Runco’s native CineWide 2.35:1 and is ideal for movie enthusiasts.
Recent Awards:
2008
CEDIA Product Hall of Fame – Runco ARC-IV Winner
Custom Retailer’s 2008 EXC!TE Winners – Runco CX-70DHD
Electronic House 2008 Product of the Year Awards – Runco CX-70DHD
TechHome Mark of Excellence Awards, 2008 Supplier Category – Best Video Display Climate Portfolio WP-42HD
2007
CES Innovations Awards (CES) – Runco VX-55d CW/AS – Finalist
InAVation Awards (ISE) – Runco International CineWide technology – Finalist
CEDIA Lifestyles Manufacturer’s Excellence Award 2006 – Runco RS-1100 CineWide – One of the 5 Winners for Best New Products
Electronic House Product of the Year Award – Runco RS-1100 CineWide – Display/Video Category
RESI Awards – Finalists – RS-1100 CineWide – Video Projector Category
Custom Retailer EXC!TE Awards – Runco PlasmaWall PL-61DHD – Plasma Display in the Video Category
Custom Retailer EXC!TE Awards – Runco Digital High Definition (DHD) – Video Processor in the Video Category
2006
CEDIA’s Manufacturer’s Excellence Award – Runco’s RS-1100 with CineWide
Robb Report’s Best of the Best Award – Runco CineWide with AutoScope Technology
Custom Retailer Magazine’s 2006 “Excite!” Award – Runco’s PL-61DHD named Most Exciting Plasma Display
Custom Retailer Magazine’s 2006 “Excite!” Award – Runco’s DHD Video Controller named Most Exciting Video Processor
2005
The Perfect Vision Magazine – Runco’s VX-5000ci is named “Editor’s Choice”
Audio Video Interiors’ “Excellence in Design” Award – Runco’s VX-5000ci
Electronic House’s 2003 Product of the Year – Runco’s VX-5000ci
Audio Video International’s “Video Grand Prix” Award – Runco’s VX-1000ci
2004
Custom Retailer magazine’s 2004 “Excite” Award – VX-2c
CEDIA’s “Hot 50” Products – VX-2c
Audio Video Revolution – “Top AV Product of the Year” Award – Runco’s PL-61cx plasma
BEST Magazine “Editor’s Picks” – Runco’s Reflection CL-710 projector and DTV-1200 CRT projector
2003
Electronic House Magazine – Product of the Year Award – VX-5000ci
2002
Sound & Vision: Reviewer’s Choice Award – VX-1000c
E-Gear: Editor’s Choice Award – PL-42cx
Audio Video International’s Annual Video Grand Prix Award – Product of the Year: DLC-2000HD
Audio Video Interiors Excellence In Design: PFP-11
Robb Report’s Best of the Best: Best of the Best Front Projection – VX-1000c
2001
The Perfect Vision: Editor’s Choice Award: VX-101c Front Projector
Audio Video International’s Annual Video Grand Prix Award – Technology Awards: PFP-7
Audio Video International’s Annual Video Grand Prix Award – Plasma Display TV/Monitors: PL-50c
Audio Video International’s Annual Video Grand Prix Award – LCD/DLP/TVs: DLC-2000HD
Audio Video International’s Annual Video Grand Prix Award – Front Projection TVs: VX-1cx
Robb Report’s Best of the Best: Best Home Theater – Plasma PL-50c
Popular Mechanics Design and Engineering Award – Plasma PL-50c
CEDIA and S&VC – Best Video Product: PFP-7
Innovation Award for Design and Engineering Consumer Electronics Show (CES): VX-7200c
2000
Audio Video International’s Annual Video Grand Prix Award – Technology Awards: VHD Controller
Audio Video International’s Annual Video Grand Prix Award – Plasma Display TV/Monitors: PL-50
Audio Video International’s Annual Video Grand Prix Award – LCD/DLP/TVs: VX-1c
Audio Video International’s Annual Video Grand Prix Award – Front Projection TVs: VX-3c
Audio Video Interiors Excellence In Design: VX-1c
E Town: Product of the Year VX-1c
Innovation Award for Design and Engineering Consumer Electronics Show (CES): VHD-4402, VX-1
Robb Report’s Best of the Best: Best Projector – DTV-1100.
SAM RUNCO
Sam Runco has been a noted leader in the consumer video projection industry for more than 30 years. Founding Runco International in 1987 with his wife, Lori, Runco has produced “The World’s Finest Home Theater Products”; manufacturing state-of-the-art projection systems, flat-panel LCD displays and plasma monitors, video processors and other components for the consumer market.
Since Runco International’s inception, Runco and his eponymous company has achieved unprecedented success; garnering numerous industry awards and achieving industry milestones. Amongst others, Runco is credited with coining the term “home theater” and has it trademarked in the State of California. Further, Sam Runco is a recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association), inductee to Dealerscope magazine Hall of Fame, selected a Sound & Visionary from S&V Magazine, and selected as one of the 10 Most Influential Leaders in the custom installation industry by CE Pro magazine.
Sam Runco is a member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Emmy) Technical/Engineering Awards Nominating Committee, the Academy of Digital Television Pioneers, the Board of Industry Leaders of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, the CEA Video Division Board, the past Board of Governors of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), and is a past member of the board of AAHEAV (Academy for the Advancement of High End Audio and Video).
