Runco Plasmas - How are they different?

Runco was using Panasonic glass. I think they have moved to Pioneer glass on their 43" models. Basically they are modding the video processors, scalers and power supplies to maximize the capability of the panels. The Vivix models have outboard processors and scalers that feed the panel video in it's native resolution. They gain the same type of benefits you get when going to seprate audio components like isolated noise. There are no limitations for cooling and space if they move the processing to an outboard box. They have been doing this type of modification to video projectors longer than anyone.

Yes, the picture is better. Yes, you will pay a premium for the Runco product and name. They do a lot of advertising and production runs are much smaller than buying anything from the big boys.

It's nearly impossible for Big box retailers to display product at it's best. Most places have 20+ TV's plugged into the same powerstrip. Who knows how bad the digital noise is from that alone. If you realy want to see quality, you need to find a specialized shop that knows what they are doing.

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.

Thanks for the replies!

Absolutehd - I am certainly not surprised that all of the bigger electronics stores make poor choices with source, power, cables,etc. However, I am a very demo-focused person. In other words, if I can't go somewhere and see these mass-market TVs perform, I will not buy one.

So - Absolutehd, do you know if there are places I can go to see the Panasonic (or other cheaper plasmas) perform without the "stair stepping" or any other distracting artifacts? I live in the boston area

I plan on spending some time with my audio dealer who carries the Runco plasma line, but before dropping 10k on a 50" plasma, I'd like to see if the $4k models can have an adequate picture. If I can't see this anywhere, and Runco shows me a better image, then Runco will have my business. I am not interested in buying external processors - I'm interested in a 1-point solution with an excellent image.

Thanks!

The big retailers also set up the displays right out of the box without any attempt to do a proper setup. Shockingly, even my local Sony Style store does this. What are they thinking? A specialty home theatre shop, such as whomever you are working with on the Runco, should do a better job. Whether or not any of them carry the big name brands I can't say.

The picture I'm getting at home on my Hitachi 42" plasma is much better than anything I saw on any set during my shopping process. Oddly, I never seem to notice pixelization, although my wife does. I'm too absorbed in the gorgeous color from the plasma display.