Runco Plasmas - How are they different?

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!

The only question I have is the mention above of Runco adding their own glass. What does that mean? The glass and pixel structure are the same thing- pixels are embedded in the glass. There are differences in pixel structure. color filter layer placement etc- but I wasnt aware you could seperate for example, a pioneer glass/pixel component and add on Runco glass.

A plasma is really three parts, the glass, the electronics, and the power supply. A big generalization to be sure but correct in concept.

All I can say is, at CES this year during the avsforum.com party, Sam Runco was joking with us ( from the stage of course) about how he would figure out a way to get our money. He was talking about the cinescope stuff and also some unmentioned stuff for DIYers who dont hire companies to do custom installs ( basically all of us at avsforum).

The point I am making is that all of us plasma folk at avs dont have Runcos because if you know how to set em up and know about DVD players ( the good the bad and the ugly) as well as other factors--there is NO visual benefit to owning a Runco say, over a Pioneer Elite, or a Panasonic for instance.

If there was a difference in PQ, it would at least be discussed in some detail, similar to Fujitsu used to be ( still a bit even today). Runco being more expensive is not why the avsforum posters don't own them.

Is there a forum that I can get help on setting up my Runco Pl 42? I just bought it from a friend a need a little help... I have had no luck searching the web so far. right now I have it hooked up to Comcasts DVR and I just ordered a pl 50 scaler for it. I notice after it warms up after an hour or so I see purple shadowing in bright white background, like clouds in the sky... Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks... I do have to say Runco's customer service is stellar! They send me a setup manual and remote for free...