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Runco's latest offering to the front projector market, the Quantum Color series, incorporate a new LED lamp-less light source, which offers improved efficiency, color gamut, and reliability for front projection systems. We have the Q-750i, a single-chip 1080p with internal video processor, currently on display in our Bellevue showroom. An external DHD processor is available in the Q-750d model for improved performance. Both projectors can utilize Runco's Cinewide and Cinewide with Autoscope options, offering no "black bars" for true 1080p film viewing.
Our initial reaction is that a projector of this performance caliber, without the hassle of worrying about lamp replacements every 2,000 hours or so (the LED's have a life expectancy of over 20,000 hours), and the fact that the LED light source maintains it's brightness at 90% of the initial output throughout it's life expectancy, offers an extremely compelling reason to think big when considering your next video purchase. Sure, flat panels are getting less and less expensive, but the big ones are still pricier and why not get a true 2.35:1 experience at a much larger size than what a 103" plasma is going to offer? And as big as 65" seems to sound, it really is no comparison to watching a movie on a big screen.
One of Sim2 Multimedia's newest offerings (which we introduced at our June Home Theater Event), the C3x Lumis Host, is now currently on display in our state-of-the art Cinema room in Seattle. A 12-ft. wide Stewart CineCurve 2.35:1 screen is not the easiest thing to light up with a projector, and the Lumis Host does a great job with an astoundingly detailed and dynamic image. A custom designed HOST processor houses all of the projector's inputs and video processing/scaling circuitry, allowing more of the physical space inside the projector chassis itself to be dedicated to optics and the light engine, improving light output from the projector as well as performance in the video processor. The HOST processor connects to the C3x via a 3-link Fiber Optic cable, which can be run as long as 750 ft. (try to do that with an HDMI cable!).
The performance from this projector package must be seen to appreciate the engineering feat in getting so much light output from such a small chassis, with a pristine, film-like image to boot. With the 2.35:1 Anamorphic lens attachment and a 12-ft. wide screen, you'll wonder why you even bother to go to the local Movie Theater. Stop by the Seattle showroom and we'll be happy to give you a demonstration!
Linn's newest product in their DS lineup, the Majik DS-I combines the performance of Linn's network music streamer, a pre-amplifier, and power amplifier all in one sleek, stylish chassis. In addition to the network streamer, there are 3 75-ohm SPDIF digital and 3 Toslink digital inputs, plus 4 analog inputs (one of which is a moving-magnet phono stage by default, but can be configured to a line-level input or a moving-coil phono input).
With the new Dynamik power supply from Linn built-in, the 100w amplifier is capable of driving most loudspeakers to a comfortable threshold in small to medium-sized rooms (just ask anyone in the Seattle showroom if I've put it to the test or not... it will play loud). And with a DS as a built-in source, the performance level of your digital music collection will be brought to a whole new level. Not to mention, in a system in which you are only using 2 speakers, but are integrating video components (game systems, cable/satellite boxes, Blu-ray players, etc.), the 6 digital inputs allow improved performance from all of your digital source components by using the internal DAC in the DS-I.
If you are in the market for a performance 2-channel system, and plan on integrating multiple digital sources and streaming music from your network, come check out the DS-I! It might just be the ticket.
