Although we saw it demonstrated at CEDIA Expo last week in Denver, we weren't allowed to talk about it until this week. For those who prefer the look of a flat panel TV over a projection system, but who still want to enjoy movies at their original cinemascope aspect ratio (2.35:1), Runco offers the CineWall™ CW-95HD. It's an in-wall rear-projection DLP-based television that, when mounted, looks like a flat panel LCD or plasma television, except that it's wide... really wide.
The image on the display unit (A Blu-ray Disc version of The Incredibles) was bright and colorful with surprisingly good off-axis performance. Since the unit is effectively zooming in on the center portion of a 1920x1080 (1080p) imaging chip (not using anamorphic processing), the set offers a native native 1920x817 pixels. The CW-95HD features a 95-inch diagonal 2.35:1 aspect ratio screen with a stylish narrow black bezel. The projection module features Runco's SuperOnyx™ DMD™ chipset with ConstantContrast™ frame-by-frame contrast correction for enhanced black levels and rich color saturation even in bright ambient light viewing. Runco's CinOptx™ lens system incorporates O-Path™ light path enhancement and Vivix II™ internal processing.
The CW-95HD can be installed into any wall with with 33 inches or more of behind the wall clearance, or integrated into custom cabinetry via its two-piece design - rear projection module and screen. The system's passive cooling allows for virtually silent operation and the unit requires a mere 20% of the power of flat panels in a similar size.
Like all Runco products, the CW-95HD system features an InstallerDependent™ design, including ISFccc® calibration controls suite, extensive connectivity (HDMI w/HDCP, DVI w/HDCP, Component (RCA), HD-15 (PC), S-Video, Composite and RS-232), and a fairly straightforward installation process.
All Runco products are available only through its authorized dealer network. Runco CineWall CW-95HD has an MSRP of $49,995 and will be available November 2008. A 16:9 100-inch diagonal version (the VideoWall VW-100HD) will also be available for $39,995.
More information: www.runco.com
