Runco Plasmas - How are they different?

Runco enforces a very strict internet policy and can only be purchased from a Runco direct dealer. Because of this, Runco can protect any kind of price erosion caused by over distribution and competition in the marketplace. To the educated eye, Runco does have a nice product that when compared head to head with the Panasonics and Pioneers of the world does give you a better picture. In my opinion, the performance advantage does not warrant the premiums they command.

The plasma panel Runco uses is manufactured by Pioneer and NEC. Runco does add their own external glass, a nice bezel and an external video processor to help eliminate the stair stepping or pixelization that you are referring to.

Most of your tier one manufactures have decent video processing already in their plasmas.
The reason why most displays that you see in most retail establishments look bad is because of poor cabling, inferior choice of connectivity, lack of power conditioning, and a less than adequate source material.

In my opinion, one can achieve an image the quality of a Runco display by adding an aftermarket processor and have some enough extra pocket change for a top of the line DVD player, set top box and nice audio system.

Goatwuss,

Finding a good demonstration can be tough at times. I am not familiar with the Boston area but I'm sure that a dealer who specializes in high end audio gear would have any plasma set up properly. They usually will have brands like Marantz, Runco and Pioneer Elite on display. These brands are impossible to purchase through an internet dealer. They are not any better than the Panasonics, NEC’s or Pioneer’s that you see on line. Yes, many internet dealers advertise having the high end consumer lines, but they will not be able to deliver. This is why the high end retailer carries these brands.

The only differences between the Marantz’s and Elite’s of the world are feature sets and bezel design in most cases. High end retailers do not want to carry the products you see on line because they cannot make any money on them. I definitely consider myself and audiophile first then videophile but personally would find it difficult to shall out the extra cash of a Runco or additional video processor. This is because video is evolving and improving so quickly. Major advancements are made every six months. In high end audio, I have no problem in spending $1000 on a set of speaker cables because in know that if will not be replaced by newer technology anytime soon.

Video processors or scalers do what they are supposed to do. My problem is that the improvement is very settle and you almost really need to want it to justify needing it. I would consider one on a large screen of maybe one bigger than 60 inches or so where we are really talking about a projector at that point. The exception would be if you are sitting less than 12 feet to a 50” plasma which is almost too close.

I would recommend on purchasing a 50 inch plasma by Panasonic, Pioneer, or NEC. Get a DVD player with DVI or HDMI out as well as a HD Set Top Box with the same. Put an antenna on your roof for local network HDTV broadcasts (it’s a better picture than satellite) and be happy. If you really get into video, you will replace everything in 18 to 24 months anyways. 1080p is incredible!