Introduction

When one thinks of home theater, it’s difficult not to think of Runco. Since 1987, Runco has been at the forefront of home theater video technology. Founder Sam Runco is even credited with coining the term “home theater. ” They are one of a handful of companies that concentrate solely on video products. Their product line includes LCD and plasma displays, DLP projectors and even two new LED projectors. They also market a video processor and an in-wall rear projection system. Runco’s current line of front-projectors includes 13 models that cover every kind of installation. The LS-5 reviewed here is designed for small to medium theaters with screens ranging from 72 to 120 inches.

Runco projectors have always held a certain mystique for me. One of the first displays I saw at my ISF training course was a Runco DLP. It was showing a Victoria’s Secret fashion show in glorious 1080p. It was the best video reproduction I had ever seen at that point in my life. Since then, I had hoped to get the chance to put one of these projectors through its paces. Once the LS-5 arrived on my doorstep, I knew I’d be spending most of the next couple of weeks in the darkness of my theater.