Runco LS-5 LightStyle DLP HD Projector (The Perfect Vision 85)

Runco’s LightStyle projectors provide premium performance at an affordable price

Detail

With the projector in 1:1 pixel-for-pixel mode, the disc’s opening titles come through pinpoint sharp, which was verified with 1080p test patterns as well.

Color

Runco projectors have a well-deserved reputation for color accuracy, and the LS-5 puts out a colorful image that isn’t over-emphasized.

Blacks

During some song breaks, the elaborate stage is completely darkened briefly. Here the ConstantContrast system worked very well at helping to deliver very deep blacks, and since it works on a frame-by-frame basis, exhibited none of the lag that is so often associated with conventional automatic iris systems.

Shadow Detail

Close-up shots of the rapper and his performing pal have the stage behind in the shadows, and the Runco easily delineates fine shadow detail.

Artifacts/Noise

None noted.

Broadcast HDTV Evaluation: Trevor Horn: The Best 25 Years Of Pop (HDNet)

Detail

I recorded this gem on my DVR a while back when it was in rotation on HDNet, and it’s one of the better HD concert videos I’ve seen. The numerous close-ups of the musicians are awash in fine detail, and Trevor Horn’s five string bass guitar in the opening number is displayed with no jaggies.

Color

Lots of vivid concert lighting have the stage ablaze in color, but even with close-ups of the various performers, skin tones looked realistic.

Blacks

Grace Jones hits the stage in a slinky jet black outfit and matching billowing black cape, and the deep blacks are rich and inky.

Shadow Detail

Peppered with quick shots of the audience, the Runco does a superb job of revealing shadow details that look fine. Some close-ups of a pianist at the keyboard of a grand piano are only moderately lit, but it’s easy to see reflections in the piano’s glossy ebony black cabinetry.

Artifacts/Noise

None noted.

BOTTOM LINE:

With a full suite of features and great out-of-the-box performance, these Runco LightStyle projectors are sure to impress. The video processing section features extensive tunability, and the ConstantContrast feature works really well in delivering improved contrast, but without the lag artifacts that some other iris-based contrast enhancement methods sometimes deliver.

When paired with screens in the popular 100”–120” diagonal range, the light output at the economy setting is still plenty bright, which will roughly double lamp life (Runco quotes 4,000 hours at the lower setting). Color accuracy is excellent and the projector runs very quietly. If you don’t need the horizontal lens shift feature, then the LS-3 model, which is essentially similar in features and performance, would be the ideal choice.

SPECS & PRICING

Runco LS-5 LightStyle DLP HD Projector

Practical Screen Size Upper Limit (10 Foot-Lamberts, 1.3 gain): 180” diagonal 16:9
Pixel resolution: 1920 x 1080
1:1 Mode: Yes
Has Mode 1 Scaling (vertical stretch for external anamorphic lens compatibility)?: Yes
Video inputs: 2 HDMI, 2 component, 1 S-video, 1 composite, 1 RGB PC
Other connections: 2 12V trigger outputs, 1 IR output, 1 RS-232C serial port
Dimensions (W x H x D): 17.6” x 7.6” x 20.6”
Weight: 22 lbs
Warranty: 2 years parts & labor; 6 months or 1,000 hours on lamp
Price: $6,995.00