Runco Projectors

Runco marked the launch of the THX Certified Display program by introducing the world’s first THX Certified projector back at CEDIA 2006. Now, with a strong line-up of THX Certified projectors, Runco’s cutting-edge technology and refined craftsmanship continues to ensure sharp, vibrant pictures with every frame.

With more than 200 tests, covering 400 data points, the THX certification process evaluates a projector’s signal processing performance, color accuracy, luminance and black levels. This video testing “boot camp” results in premium projectors that are perfect for Runco custom installations.

THX Certified Runco QuantumColor Q-750 LED projector

Product Spotlight: QuantumColor™ Q-750 projector

Continuing their history of breakthrough achievements, Runco’s QuantumColor Q-750 is the world’s first THX Certified LED projector, pairing energy-saving LED technology with proprietary Runco engineering to create unsurpassed performance.

The Q-750 features include:

• THX Display certification featuring THX Movie Mode
• Runco’s revolutionary lampless InfiniLight™ LED projector
• Runco’s Personal Color Equalizer™ proprietary color management for stunning realism
• Exclusive Runco SmartColor™ hue compensation curve and gamut mapping for accurate fleshtones
• Available with CineWide™ and AutoScope™ to replicate CinemaScope 2.35:1 formatting
• Energy efficiency that cuts an estimated 70 percent less power than lamp-based projection with Runco InstantOn™ eliminating the need to leave projector in power-consuming “standby” mode

Click here to view other THX Certified Runco products. For information on getting the most out of your Runco projector, visit the Runco Resource Library.

The THX Advantage

Filmmakers work hard to bring their vision to life. When their films are mastered in the studio, the color, black levels and other video parameters are carefully monitored and adjusted so that movies play back a very specific way in the home. THX certification helps recreate the filmmaker’s vision, right down to every color and detail, in your living room.

• THX Certified image quality: Runco projectors are designed and tested to meet the rigorous THX standards for image quality and signal processing performance.
• Studio color: THX Movie Mode comes as close as possible to reproducing the HD Color Standard used by filmmakers in the studio. THX provides authorized Runco installers and THX Certified Calibrators access to fine tune THX settings to further improve performance for specific to room conditions.

Runco’s Authorized Dealer Network

THX Certified projectors from Runco are only available through Runco’s Authorized Dealer Network. These dealers are trained by Runco to design, build and integrate custom home theaters into the most discriminating homes in the world to ensure precise and pristine performance.

For more information or to locate a local Runco dealer please visit www.runco.com.

For up to date news and product information, visit the Runco Blog, or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

THX Certified Displays: (left to right) LG LE9500 LED LCD, Panasonic TCP65VT25 Plasma

In the studio, every shadow, color and detail is carefully adjusted to deliver the right mood and impact. Only THX Certified plasmas, LCDs and projectors, featuring THX Movie Mode, let you recreate this experience at home with the push of a button.

THX Certified Projectors: (left to right) JVC DLA HD750, Epson PC 950, Runco Q-750

What does it mean to be THX Certified?

It means each TV and projector has gone through a rigorous design and laboratory testing process, which includes more than 400 data points to ensure exceptional image quality and signal processing performance in your home theater.

What are the Key Benefits of THX Certification?

• Exclusive THX Movie Mode: Comes as close as possible to reproducing the HD Color Standard used by filmmakers in the studio with THX Movie Mode.
• Smooth motion for every type of content: THX certification improves de-interlacing and scaling performance, ensuring smooth motion for action-oriented content.
• Optimized video scaling: Presents all content in the best resolution possible, including standard definition video.

Color, Black Levels and Beyond in Your Home Theater

Sports fans and home theater junkies often complain of jaggy lines and image softening when a TV’s motion becomes too intense. THX works closely with manufacturers to minimize these types of distracting artifacts, letting you experience clean, smooth motion and vivid colors with every frame.

Discover the latest products from LG, Panasonic, Sharp, JVC, Epson, Runco and other partners to come off the THX Test Bench.

Click here to learn about THX Certified 3D displays.

Seat-to-screen Viewing Distance Calculations

If your HDTV is going in a living room with limited space, THX recommends the following:

• 35 inch class TV = 3.5-5 feet away
• 40 inch class TV = 4-6 feet away
• 50 inch class TV = 5-7.5 feet away
• 60 inch class TV = 6-9 feet way

It might seem that THX is recommending a very large screen size for your room. But, it’s important to note two things: 1) THX screen size recommendations are based on recreating an immersive cinematic experience, and 2) the biggest complaint among TV buyers is that they wish they had bought a bigger set.

Vertical Placement

Make sure each seating position in your home theater has a clear site line to the screen. Try not to place the screen too high on the wall – viewers should not have to look up more than 15°.

Before you buy your next HDTV, check out the THX Plasma, LCD TV & Projector Buyer Guide.

Don’t judge a display solely by its picture quality on the show floor

When browsing the aisles of your favorite retailer, keep in mind that the displays on the retail floor are typically set to “torch modes” to compensate for the bright fluorescent lighting. This means that the retail units will appear brighter than normal when they are in your home. To get a better understanding of how a display will perform in a darker environment, check it out in a dedicated demo area with controlled lighting. It’s also a good idea to read several product reviews from credible sources such as the HD Guru, Home Theater magazine, Sound and Vision, Consumer Reports, CNET and others.

LCD or Plasma?

Both LCD and Plasma TV technologies have the capability to present stunning visuals. Choosing between the two used to depend on your viewing environment. However, these days, there is very little difference between the two technologies, especially when it comes to high end products. 

In the past, plasmas were renowned for delivering superior black levels. Today, many LCDs now feature variable backlight technology, making LCD black level performance comparable to that of plasmas. In addition, the new 120 and 240 Hz LCDs have addressed motion blurring, minimizing streaking trails that follow objects as they move quickly across the screen. LCD manufacturers are also making strides to reduce the effects of off-axis viewing, meaning you should experience the same image quality as you shift your viewing angle. 

Deep blacks, clean signal processing and accurate colors have long been characteristics of the very best plasmas for years. Once criticized for having glossy screens that were susceptible to reflections from windows and lights, newer plasmas now feature anti-reflection coatings to minimize glare. In fact, LCDs have also gone glossy and they include the same anti-reflection coatings found in plasmas. 

Choosing between the two technologies today is more a matter of brand preference. Discover the latest products from LG and Panasonic to come off the THX Test Bench.

Consider a Projector

The price of projectors has plummeted by more than 90 percent in recent years. As prices drop, performance keeps getting better and better. Today’s projectors have higher contrast ratios due to improved performance in DLP and LCD technology. If you have enough space and can control the ambient lighting with drapes or blinds, a projector might be right for you. If you have the budget for a premium projector, THX recommends its THX Certified products from JVC, Epson and Runco.

Don’t go too big for your room

The idea of having 120-inch display may seem like a good idea, but if you buy one that’s too big, it could compromise your entertainment experience. Choosing the appropriate size display comes down to how far away you are sitting from the screen. If you buy a massive display and sit three feet away, you’re going to be staring at pixels and lines. 

To determine the best seat-to-screen distance in your living room for a 1080p display, THX recommends dividing the diagonal screen by .84. For example, a plasma or LCD TV with a 65-inch screen divided by .84 equals a 77-inch viewing distance (6.5 feet).

Go 1080p, or Go Home

THX recommends buying HDTVs with a resolution of 1080p.

Subscribe to an HD service to truly experience the power of HDTV

Believe it or not, many HDTV buyers don’t subscribe to HD content services. While HD programming is still limited, the number of channels and programs is growing every day. Subscribing to an HD satellite or cable service provides you with a number of programming choices ranging from network dramas and sports to documentaries and Hollywood movies. You should also consider purchasing a Blu-ray™ Disc player. Check out the latest THX Certified Blu-ray players from Pioneer and Lexicon.

Calibrate your Plasma or LCD TV before watching

As mentioned above, most displays are set to special color and lighting modes to compensate for the fluorescent lights in retail environments. However, these levels don’t look the same when you get them out of the box at home. One of the easiest and least expensive ways to make sure your new HDTV has the right color and brightness settings is to use THX Optimizer. While other calibration tools are expensive and cumbersome to navigate, THX Optimizer is included on all THX Certified discs (The Incredibles, Star Wars, etc.) and takes only minutes to use. For the ultimate picture quality in your home day or night, contact a THX Certified Video Calibration Professional.

Another benefit of professional calibration is energy savings. A recent THX research study demonstrated that calibration can reduce an HDTVs energy consumption by up to 50 percent.

Is HDMI Important?

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an important feature. It allows your HDTV to receive a digital signal from your set-top box, Blu-ray player and some game consoles. If possible, try to select an HDTV with at least two HDMI (version 1.3) inputs. Check out the new family of THX Certified HDMI cables from Monster Cable, available in Best Buy and other retailers.

Don’t forget about the audio experience

At THX, we believe that “sound is fifty percent of the movie experience.” When you’re buying a new HDTV this holiday season, don’t forget that great sound can really bring out the power and impact of the visuals.

If you’re investing in a state-of-the-art HDTV, consider purchasing a high quality AV receiver and surround sound speaker system that will complement the picture.