Runco release 42-inch outdoor flat-panel LCD

Feel the need for some fresh air but don’t want to miss your favorite TV show? Joining an emerging trend towards televisions geared to take the rigors of exposure to outdoor environments, Runco has released their first flat-panel weatherproof LCD display. The 42-inch WP-42HD features a 1366 x 768 native resolution panel housed in a weatherproof enclosure which ensures protection from adverse environmental conditions including temperature, exposure to moisture, dust, oils and intermittent direct water spray.

The WP-42HD, produced by Planar Systems Inc. under its luxury video brand Runco, features a high-gloss black bezel incorporated into custom aluminum and glass cabinet which is sealed with special element-proof bonding to ensure protection from the elements. An internal ventilation system provides cooling on hot summer days, while an internal setting allows for optimal operation in colder temperatures (-4°F in Winter Mode). The unit surpasses International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Ingress Protection IP56 weatherproof standards, allowing integrators to “install it and leave it” without worry.

Underneath the weatherproof enclosure the WP-42HD features Runco’s Vivix internal video processing designed to provide outstanding imagery, artifact-free scaling and accurate reproduction of both native film and native video formats (480p, 720p, 1080i). The screen can viewed from just about anywhere on the back lawn thanks to the 178 degree viewing angle and input options include digital DVI with HDCP, as well as a multimedia RGB/computer input for gaming, Internet surfing and other computer activities. An RS-232 automation interface with discrete on/off, input selection and aspect ratio control is also included.

For many the idea of an outdoor TV might seem a bit of an extravagance, but a 2006 study performed by Quixel Research, profiling the viability of the outdoor display landscape in the U.S., provided compelling analysis that the outdoor display segment is on track to quadruple between 2007 and 2009. Quixel’s most recent study found that significant outdoor living spaces, as well as complementing amenities, have become commonplace in the planning processes of luxury custom home builders, designers, architects and CEDIA professionals.

The Runco Climate Portfolio WP-42HD will be available in November 2007 through Runco dealers at a cost of USD$8,995.