Runco, a provider of video solutions, proudly introduces seven new 1080p LCD and plasma flat panels, the 70-inch Crystal Series™ CX-70DHD. Runco also is unveiling its exclusive new OPAL™ (Optical Path Alignment™) image enhancement technology, available on select Runco models, which delivers glare reduction and enhanced contrast for high ambient light environments.

"In the world of high-end video, there are flat panels and then, for those who seek the very best, there are Runco flat panels," said Matt Christensen, sr. product manager, Planar Home Theater Business Unit. "Our new flat-panel models feature the attention to detail, incredibly accurate video processing, design, and installer-friendly features that our industry has long expected and consistently receives from Runco. And with the introduction of OPAL, Runco is taking the lead in fighting persistent problems installers and their customers face with flat panels."

Headlining today's announcement is the 70-inch Crystal Series CX-70DHD, Runco's largest LCD flat panel to date. The CX-70DHD is designed for rooms of distinction where a large screen size is desired, but where ambient light issues make front projection difficult and the glare of a plasma screen unacceptable. For image quality, the CX-70DHD delivers the ISF™ (Imaging Science Foundation) ISFccc™ calibration suite, including day and night modes.

The CX-70DHD is the first LCD flat panel to feature Runco's proprietary external DHD video controller/processor. The DHD incorporates Runco's advanced Vivix II™ digital video processing technology, and enhances all digital and NTSC content to near high-definition quality for large-screen video reproduction. The CX-70DHD incorporates Runco's exclusive VirtualWide™ mode, which converts all 4:3 content to widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio and optimizes Anamorphic and Letterbox content.

The CX-70DHD offers installation flexibility. It measures less than six inches thick for unobtrusive installation on a wall, and its external DHD processor allows for a clean installation, with just a single HDMI with HDCP output to the display required. All source and component inputs (Composite, S-Video, HDMI with HDCP, and RGBH) are handled by the DHD, which, like all of the components, can be hidden from view.

Runco's two other new Crystal Series LCD flat panels introduce new LCD screen sizes to its lineup. The 65-inch CX-65HD and 47-inch CX-47HD offer internal Vivix II processing with Runco's RTR™ (Real-Time Refresh) 120Hz technology, a full connectivity suite including HDMI 1.3a with Deep Color modes, Runco's exclusive WideVision™ technology with VirtualWide mode, and ISF calibration suite.

Rounding out the new flat-panel lineup are two additions to Runco's CinemaWall™ plasma display portfolio: the 50-inch XP-50 and 65-inch XP-65. These models, like all CinemaWall and PlasmaWall™ products, are capable of high-altitude use up to 9000ft above sea level. They feature integrated Vivix II processing, ISFccc calibration and Dynamic Pixel Protection™ technology, which reduces static image retention.

Beyond traditional flat-panel displays, Runco's new OPAL image enhancement technology addresses the common flat-panel problems, particularly ambient light, which directly competes against and degrades flat-panel images and distracts the viewer.

The Runco OPAL technology utilizes proprietary micro-visual surface treatment of the flat panel to provide three key benefits. First, OPAL's Ambient-Light Rejection (ALR£) technology, a proprietary panel treatment applied within the flat panel, reduces internal and surface reflections. As such, OPAL enhances picture clarity and legibility in areas with medium-to-high ambient light without having to resort to a boost in the panel's backlight brightness, a traditional workaround that tends to wash out colors and contrast. Second, Runco OPAL's Acute Contrast Enhancement™ (ACE) technology increases contrast without losing image clarity within dark scenes, especially in high ambient light. Finally, Runco OPAL's ISS™ (Impact, Shake and Shock) Protection enhances the panel's resistance to dust contamination, condensation and even occasional direct impact, such as a blow from a hand-held game control. The flat panel's surface can be cleaned with typical household glass cleaner.

Runco's OPAL image enhancement option will be available exclusively for Runco LCD and plasma flat panel displays beginning with the Climate Portfolio™ WP-42OPALHD as well as the new CX-OPAL47 LCD.

Runco's Crystal Series CX-70DHD is available mid-October 2008. MSRP is $34,995. The CX-65HD and CX-47HD will be available December 2008 and have MSRPs of $14,995 and $4,495 respectively. Runco's PlasmaWall XP-65 and XP-50 will be available January 2009. MSRP is $12,995 and $6,495, respectively. The WP-42OPALHD is available for immediate shipping at $8,995 MSRP and the CX-OPAL47 LCD will ship in January for $5,995 MSRP.

For more information on Runco, please visit www.runco.com.