Since the emergence of DLP—digital light processing, Texas Instruments’ small chip that uses thousands of tiny mirrors to create an image—I have had a good-natured dispute with a friend about the merits of this technology. He, a dyed-in-the-wool aficionado of tube-type CRT video projectors, looks down on DLP-based projectors. He considers them cute, but underperforming. But since the day I tested an early-model DLP projector by watching it on the wall of my living room with the lights on and the window blinds open—something virtually impossible to do with a CRT projector—I have become a convert.

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The VX-5000C comes with Runco's Vivix video processor, which converts incoming video into the resolution required by the projector's DLP chip.  (Click image to enlarge)

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Runco International, famous for its high-end CRT projectors, did not flinch once about jumping on the DLP bandwagon early. In its third generation of DLP projectors, Runco now has about a half-dozen models selling alongside its time-tested CRTs. The company offers single-chip DLP projectors, as well as costly three-chip DLP units designed for very high-end installations. Until recently, there has been a big divide between the single-chip models and the three-chip units—without any real “in-between” models. Enter the Reflection VX-5000c that costs $27,000—Runco’s take on the ultimate single-chip DLP projector.

Continuing an evolution going back to Runco’s first DLPs, this projector comes bundled with its own video controller, essentially a well-matched scaler that converts incoming video into the native 1,280-by-720-pixel resolution of the DLP chip, and also controls all functions of the projector. DLP chips can only accept video at the specific native resolution for which they were designed, so DLP projectors have scalers built in to convert all incoming video to that resolution. Why, then, the external scaler? Simply because Runco’s Vivix scaler/controller contains scaling circuitry far superior to and more versatile than that found in most DLP projectors. The projector comes bundled with a backlit preprogrammed Philips Pronto LCD touchscreen remote, which is a nice touch.

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Back of the Vivix processor showing inputs and five-wire RGB video output.  (Click image to enlarge)

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Underlining the idea that Runco projectors are strictly custom-installed products, all of the company’s review samples now come with their own installer. Luckily for me, Pat Bradley of Video Calibration and Consulting in Eagan, Minn., was assigned to come and help me wrestle the VX-5000c into my theater. Unlike most DLP projectors, this Runco is huge. Because it is bigger than many high-end CRT projectors, it does not permit the kind of simple installation that has made today’s 15-pound DLP projectors so popular with custom instal-lers. There is good reason for all that size, though. The primary difference between the VX-5000c and its less-expensive sibling, the VX-1000c, is the lens assembly. The VX-5000c has a long light path that both enhances image quality and allows use of a wide variety of lenses that vastly increases the mounting options.

 

With five optional lenses available, the VX-5000c can work in nearly any type of room or installation. Our test unit came with the second-longest throw lens of the five, which turned out to be a less-than-perfect match for my 18-foot length from screen to projector mount. Pat and I toyed with the idea of mounting the VX-5000c outside in the hallway, well off-center and about 25 feet from the screen, to increase the image size on my screen. In the end, I opted to slum with a mere 72-inch-wide picture on my 96-inch Stewart FireHawk screen. While I chose to mount the projector on a shelf in the back of the room, Runco offers a ceiling-mount kit, which is how I would go if I was setting up a permanent installation. Pat set focus and picture position using controls on the top of the unit; this operation requires a special tool.

Operation of this projector is about as easy as it comes. The Pronto remote made it simple to switch between the three preset modes: 16:9 widescreen, letterbox (for widescreen 4:3 video that has the black bars at top and bottom) and ordinary 4:3 video (like you see on most TV shows) centered on the screen. I cannot think of any projector/scaler combination as easy to use.

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The VX-5000C comes with a preprogrammed Pronto touchscreen remote control.  (Click image to enlarge)

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Using my usual collection of DVD video clips and a Hughes Network Systems HDTV tuner, I took the Runco for a lengthy test-drive. I was immediately impressed by the deep color saturation and brightness of the picture from the VX-5000c. Reds, which can sometimes look a bit washed out with other projectors, were deep and vibrant. Detail was exceptional, but I did notice some aliasing, or stairstepping, on round test patterns, and in video in general, when running my DVD player in progressive-scan mode. Interestingly, that problem largely went away when I tested the projector with the DVD player set to output conventional interlaced video instead of progressive-scan video. As it turns out, the Vivix processor passes through the progressive-scan signal instead of upconverting it, so the projector has to do the scaling itself. Thus, interlaced signals benefit from the Vivix processor’s excellent scaling circuitry, but progressive-scan signals do not. That is not a problem—most DVD players put out only interlaced video, and all progressive-scan players can be set to output interlaced video.

Once I figured out not to expect much from progressive-scan material, this Runco was a real superstar in terms of video performance. In fact, it was a bit of a shock when I returned to my normal video projector, which now suddenly seems less filmlike. It also appears somewhat washed out compared to the VX-5000c; the blacks on my projector now look somewhat murky to me.

Are there a handful of CRT projectors that perform better? Maybe, but none is more flexible in where they can be installed in terms of position and room light. Couple that with the simple operation and set-it-and-forget-it design, and Runco has come up with the ultimate in effortless performance. If you want to spend your time watching stunning video images instead of ringing up your installer for another maintenance call, the Reflection VX-5000c is the projector for you.
DESCRIPTION
DLP projector with video scaler/controller. Requires separate projection screen.

DISPLAY CAPABILITIES
Native 16:9 chip displays multiple aspect ratios, including anamorphic, letterbox and conventional 4:3. Accepts 720-line progressive,1,080-line interlaced HDTV, 540-line progessive, 480-line progressive and 480-line interlaced video.

CONNECTIONS
Four analog video inputs: composite, S-video, component, RGB/component HDTV.

DIMENSIONS/RESOLUTION
DIMENSIONS: 10 x 20.9 x 27.8 inches (hwd)
RESOLUTION: 1,280 x 720 pixels

PRICE/CONTACT
PRICE: $27,000
CONTACT: 510-324-7777
www.runco.com