Runco International has acquired nView, a pioneering brand in the home entertainment arena. Ten years ago, nView received the first 100 samples of prototype DLP engines from Texas Instruments, according to Runco founder and CEO Sam Runco.

Speaking at a CEDIA Expo press conference, Runco said he plans to leverage the nView acquisition for broader distribution of Runco International products, possibly into Costco outlets and other retailers frequented by do-it-yourselfers. “Most Runco customers contract for all their installation needs,� Runco mentioned. “But there are many do-it-yourself types out there that we’re not reaching. I’m a do-it-yourself guy, so I understand their needs.�

Plans for exactly how nView will be marketed are still in discussion, but should be firmed up by CES.

In other news, in addition to new projectors and flat panel displays, Runco has announced new screen masking solutions. The company’s “auto-scope CineWide� masking system eliminates black bars that appear when viewing films in unusual aspect ratios. Rolling on tracks only 1/8� away from a curved or flat screen the masking system enables movie fans to see films as they were intended to be seen, whether 2.35:1, 2.76:1, 2.85:1, or any other aspect ratio. Runco is working with screen partners such as DaLite and Stewart Filmscreen for products to begin shipping by year’s end.

Also in development are large screens that allow viewing of projected images in well-lit rooms. “Consumers really don’t want to sit in a darkened theater to watch a daytime football game,� a Runco spokesman stated. The solution: the “Ultra Onyx� screen. Developed with partner DNP, Ultra Onyx screens will probably offer gain in the 1.3-1.4 range, and be bundled with Runco projectors, according to Sam Runco.