Runco Introduces New Video Processor

Runco International, producer of the worldís finest home theatre products, introduces the VFC-4402 Ultra, a new state-of-art video processor which incorporates a built-in aspect ratio controller. Winner of an Innovations 2000 Award, the VFC-4402 Ultra is engineered with compatibility in mind, combining 10-bit video decoding and unprecedented aspect-ratio flexibility for home theater enthusiasts at an affordable price.""The VFC-4402 Ultra is not only a video processor, but itís also an aspect ratio controller and an automation center for other video products in the installation - such as the projector and screen control,"" says Mike Woods, Runcoís Technical Director. ""Some devices by themselves do not have the ability to be used on widescreens, such as DLP and LCD projectors. The 4402 was designed to expand the use of these projectors by providing aspect ratio control internally, allowing them to be used in a heater-like environment- on a widescreen. Even for projectors that do have aspect-ratio abilities, the 4402 allows the projector to stay on one memory, reducing long-term maintenance for the customer.""One of the most significant innovations of the VFC-4402 Ultra is its dual masking control for projectors that have 16:9/4:3 masking and a projector control accessible via the RS-232 output for regulating contrast and brightness. Another unique feature in the VFC-4402 Ultra is the internal measurement of test patterns inputs-this smart processor will make recommendations to the customer or system installer as to the optimum setting based on the measurements taken by the processor. It comes as no surprise that the VFC-4402 Ultra was awarded the Innovations 2000 Design and Engineering Award at this years Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas.This extremely efficient new design combines Runcoís proprietary video decoding and processing circuits with high powered DSP scaling techniques to deliver two user-selectable, high-resolution format options, 2x/31.5 kHz (480p) scanning and 2.5x/38 kHz (600p) scanning. This permits viewers to select the mode best suited to the program, or to personal preference, while optimizing the video signal to the systemís display. The VFC-4402 Ultra incorporates inverse telecine (3/2 pulldown) compensation for maximum motion accuracy. It also has a highly accurate built-in time base corrector for the best possible results from less-stable sources, such as VCRs.To assure full performance in any system configuration, the VFC-4402 Ultra is equipped with flexible input and output options. Incoming video is accepted in composite (RCA-jack), S-video, and component (for DVD sources). The processor also includes and RGB/component ""pass-through"" input which permits DTV or computer signals to pass unprocessed to the display. Outputs include an industry-standard RGB or Component via BNC connectors, RS-232 for projector control and a 12-volt for dual masking screens.About RuncoFounded in 1987 and currently headquartered in Hayward, California, Runco International is a market leader in state-of-the-art front- and rear-projection televisions, flat-panel plasma TVs, video processors, and source components for the consumer market. Runcoís innovations have won numerous awards and citations from the world press. Runco was the first video company to introduce a multiple-aspect-ratio controller, the ARC-IV, to the home theater market and also the first to introduce and market a line doubler with a multi-frequency projector, in 1990.For more information on Runco International, visit them on the Web at www.runco.com.Available: January 2000Manufacturerís suggested retail price: $7,995

For more information, contact Liz Pemble, Marketing Director, Runco International, 510 293 9154, lizp@runco.com.