Some folks like their television so much they can’t bear to go outside…unless, that is, they can have a television outside with them! Planar Systems‘ new WP-42HD weatherproof display—part of the company’s Runco Climate Portfolio line—is designed to do just that, standing up to moisture, dust, and “intermittent” direct water, and even operating in below-freezing conditions.
“The Runco WP-42HD is the first product that illustrates the synergy between Planar’s engineering and display history and Runco’s dedication to superior video,” said Planar Systems VP and general manager Scott Hix, in a statement. “From the beginning we said that Runco and its dealers would benefit from Planar Systems’ unique capabilities in specialty display engineering. Runco’s Climate Portfolio affords its dealers a competitive edge and accelerates Planar Systems’ vision of becoming the worldwide leader in specialty video displays, including the outdoor display category.”
The WP-42HD features a sealed aluminum cabinet, and offers a 42-inch display with a native 1,366 by 768 16:9 display with a 178° viewing angle. The display accepts digital input via DVI (with HDCP) and analog RGB, and—with custom installers in mind—the WP-42HD can be latched into home automation systems using RS-232 and IR interfaces. The display uses Runco’s exclusive Vivix video processing technology for artifact-free scaling and video processing. The cabinet features an internal ventilation system designed to provide adequate cooling even in high temperatures, and an internal Winter Mode setting enables the display to operate in temperatures as low as -4°F. The WP-42HD surpasses IP56 weather proof standards so many users will be able to leave it outside all year without worry.
The WP-42HD should be available through Runco dealers in November, with a suggested price of (hold your breath!) $8,995.