• On GameSpot: Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto speaks out
November 26, 2008 9:36 AM PST

100-inch screen for Clintons and Kings of the world

by Eric Franklin

It would be great to actually see one of these in action.

(Credit: Runco)

A few weeks back I was watching Larry King Live, and his guest was Bill Clinton. They were talking about the financial crisis and Bill said something to the effect of, "You and I, we're going to be fine. Guys like us don't have to worry."

I guess guys like them are about the only people who could actually afford Runco's $40,000 VideoWall VW-100HD 100-inch display.

Now, of course there are businesses that will be interested in purchasing a 100-inch screen, but I get the feeling Runco sells more than a few of these to individuals as well, since according to the company, it is the "leading brand in luxury video solutions."

OK, enough of my bitter "I don't make as much money as Bill Clinton and Larry King and never will" hate speak.

The screen supports full 1080p HD resolution, and according to Runco, its VideoWalls are not as susceptible to the washed-out effect ambient light can have on screens. Runco's "Constant Contrast" technology allows the screen to incorporate frame-by-frame contrast correction to keep black levels low, regardless of ambient light, and the VW-100HD can purportedly reach contrast ratios in excess of 5000:1 ANSI.

Runco VideoWalls are rear-projection systems with a twist. Where traditional rear-projection video systems require more "throw" room to project the image onto the back of the screen, Runco claims its VideoWalls are "completely self-contained." The rear assembly is less than 32 inches, which is about a third of what rear projection displays usually require.

The system also includes "Positive Pressure Cooling" that reduces the need for excess cooling fans and makes for quieter operation. The display also includes high-altitude operation (10,000 feet above sea level). You know, in case you wanted to watch the game from the top floor of your private high-rise citadel.

Connection options include DVI, HDMI, Component, HD-15, S-Video, Composite, and RS-232. The product comes with a two-year standard warranty.

It would be great to actually test one of these things out to see just how good it really is. I'd feel weird, though, being responsible for a $40,000 TV. And anyway, I'm not sure I could actually fit that thing into the test lab.

Eric Franklin refused to write a bio, saying, "Why are you bothering me about this bio business again? If I wanted people to know more about me, I'd send them to the Inside CNET Labs Podcast" (shameless plug). E-mail Eric.
Recent posts from Crave
Poll: Why don't you have an iPod or MP3 player?
Oppo's affordabe high-end Blu-ray player is here
iPhone 3GS jailbreak, 'purplera1n,' hits Web
Apple patents point to haptics, fingerprints, RFID
Friday Poll: We the ppl--imagining a digital 1776
Gadgettes 144: The Childhood Nostalgia Episode
Duet D8 is no iPhone clone
Rocking out with stereo Bluetooth
Add a Comment (Log in or register) (3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
by michaelportent November 26, 2008 11:28 AM PST
*Sigh* I was really hoping for a 105-inch. What a letdown. =P
Reply to this comment
by iJosh- November 26, 2008 11:52 AM PST
Now I know what I want for Christmas! :p
Reply to this comment
by noexd December 5, 2008 2:20 PM PST
The Clintons don't really make that much money
Reply to this comment
(3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
advertisement

About Crave

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about gorgeous gadgets and other crushworthy stuff. If you would like to contact Crave with a tip or comment, please write to: crave@cnet.com

Add this feed to your online news reader

Crave topics

Making sense of Windows 7 upgrades

faq The basics and the fine print on Microsoft's options for those eyeing the next operating system from Redmond.
• Full Windows 7 coverage

Road Trip 2009: Big Sky Country

CNET News reporter Daniel Terdiman takes his car full of gadgets to the Rockies and the Great Plains in search of tech, science, nature, and more.
• America's Fortress: Cheyenne Mountain

Inside CNET News

Scroll Left Scroll Right