Big Picture Big Sound

We're used to Runco releasing something a little special -- and sort of expensive. The company did not disappoint on either front at this week's CEDIA Expo, announcing the 3Dimension D-113d Projection System.

This new offering combines Runco's Constant Stereoscopic Video (CSV) approach with the optical filters and glasses of the Panavision 3D System. Since it was actually developed for premiere commercial cinemas, it can produce a super-bright image, even in 3D mode.

That Panavision 3D system slices the entire visible spectrum into ten slim bands, with five going to the left eye and five to the right. The end result delivers the same amount of total white light energy to each eye. In other words, this should be the absolute closest you can get to the Cineplex experience, in the comfort of your own home. It also means that this is a passive 3D solution.

Of course, that type of experience doesn't come cheap. Did we mention that the MSRP is $199,995? Well, if everyone could have that Cineplex experience, they would, right?

The purchase price promises seamless decoding, syncing and merging of stereo images, to deliver a constant HD image to each eye without the flicker, distortion, or discomfort. Runco also says that this setup does not require polarization, meaning that the same white screen can do both 2D and 3D.

"People have come to expect exceptional solutions from Runco," says Jennifer Davis, Runco's VP of marketing. "Runco's CSV is the perfect example as it delivers a constant HD image to each eye without the flicker, distortion or discomfort inherent in other 3D approaches. And by incorporating the exceptional quality of the Panavision 3D System, we're bringing to the most discerning customers in the world a level of 3D quality that they simply haven't seen before in their home theaters."

A variety of lens options are available, for both different throws and screen sizes. Other features include Runco's Copenhagen design and the company's 3Dimension processing system, which features the latest Digital High-Definition (DHD) external video processor. The latter promises scaling and processing, as well as 3D playback that's compliant with HDMI 1.4 standards.

If you want to truly personalize this viewing experience, the D-113d can be customized with Runco's FinishPalette. This add-on allows the homeowner to tweak the color of the chassis, choose a special design, or even custom-print your own artwork.

Runco expects the D-113d to start shipping in late October 2011. That sub-$200K purchase price includes Runco's PremierCare service program, with on-site calibration and two years of ongoing support. CineWide and CineWide with Autoscope options will cost extra.

For More Information:

• Runco CSV (Constant Stereoscopic Video)