Runco 3Dimension D-113d Projection System Preview

Runco announced the latest extension of its professional cinema 3Dimension family, the D-113d projection system. What the $200,000 D-113d does is pair Runco's Constant Stereoscopic Video (CSV) approach with the optical filters and glasses of the Panavision 3D System. The result is being billed as the brightest CSV projection in the world. The Runco D-113d enables seamless decoding, syncing and merging of stereo images to deliver a constant HD image to each eye without the flicker, distortion, or discomfort inherent in other approaches. This is a truly passive dual-projector approach. 

In the D-113d, Runco's CSV technology pairs with the spectral filtration technology of the Panavision 3D System and slices the entire visible spectrum is sliced into ten slim bands - with five directed to the left eye and five to the right. The result is that each eye receives the same amount of total white light energy, so the images appear equal in brightness and provide accurate color reproduction. Runco has utilized this technology from the Panavision 3D System in its PreciseColor passive glasses. This differentiates Runco's passive approach from other high-end 3D projection systems, which are based on "active" LCD shutter-glass technology. We prefer passive to active for a number of reasons - it remains to be seen whether manufacturers will give up on bringing active to the home anytime soon.

Because the Runco system doesn't require polarization, images can be shown on a white screen with its more even illumination and its superior color image quality. The "plus" here is that the same white screen can be used for both 2D and 3D. Runco offers a broad range of lens options for optimization with different throws and screen sizes in any theater.  The Runco 3Dimension Series is wrapped in a gorgeous "Copenhagen" design which is inspired by both classic and modern Danish architecture and design.

The D-113d ships with the new Runco 3Dimension processing system, which includes Runco's latest, award-winning Digital High-Definition (DHD) external video processor. The D-113d 3Dimension Processing system not only provides accurate scaling and processing, but adds to that decoding and playback of 3D content in compliance with the HDMI 1.4 standards. Just as the human brain makes sense of three-dimensional content, the 3Dimension processor ensures that the whole solution works as an integrated system.

The D-113d can be customized with Runco's FinishPalette, providing owners a unique level of personalization that reflects their own individual styles and decors. Runco's Finish Palette enables full-color, large-format projector design options, including gallery of artist impressions and the option to custom-print your own artwork. Complementing the Finish Palette offering are 25, hand-finished signature colors to compliment any décor.

D-113d is projected to ship in late October 2011 with an "if you-have-to-ask-you-can't-afford-it" MSRP of $199,995. The D-113d is coupled with Runco's PremierCare service program providing on-site calibration and two years of ongoing support from the Runco team. Optional CineWide and CineWide with Autoscope are additional costs. Runco's 3DimensionSeries projectors are available exclusively through the Runco authorized dealer network. For more information about Runco or to find a local dealer in your area, please visit www.Runco.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.