1. Runco may update this list of products excluded from this warranty from time to time at Runco’s sole discretion, but updates to the list of covered products will not apply on a retroactive basis.
Page 4
3. Runco Technical Support staff will attempt to correct any minor issues that may be causing the problem. If Runco is unable to fix the problem to the customer’s satisfaction, Runco will issue a Return Material Authorization (RMA) if it is determined that the claim was made within the coverage period of the Standard Limited Warranty.
Page 5
6. Runco’s warranty does not cover black uniformity issues or other LCD issues associated with usage outside the Runco recommended guidelines and specifications for the product 7. Second day shipment delivery time and availability may vary based on origin and destination and Runco is unable to deliver to PO Box and FPO Box addresses Extended Service Options Runco offers extended and expanded service plans.
Runco. The trademarks reporduced in this Runco Owner’s Manual and used on the Runco Products are either owned by Runco or are licensed by Runco. You may not reproduce or use the trademarks without the prior written consent of Runco.
Important Safety Instructions Thank you for your purchase of this quality Runco video product! It has been designed to provide you with the quality of video that is expected in a home theater. For the best performance, please read this manual carefully as it is your guide through the menus and operation.
Council Directive 2006/95/EC and amended by M1 and C1 on Low Voltage Equipment Safety; EN 60950 “Safety of information technology equipment, including electrical business equipment” The Technical Construction file required by this Directive is maintained at the corporate headquarters of Runco International, LLC, located at 1195 NW Compton Drive, Beaverton, OR 97006-1992.
The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. This symbol is only valid in the European Union. If you wish to discard this product, please contact your local authorities or dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Important Safety Instructions ... vii Compliance Information ... viii 1. Introduction ...1 2. Controls and Functions ...5 3. Installation ...15 Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual About This Manual ...1 Target Audience ...1 If You Have Comments About This Manual..1 Textual and Graphic Conventions ...1 Using This Manual ...2...
Page 12
Installing and Adjusting the CineWide Anamorphic Lens ...41 Anamorphic Lens Installation and Adjustment ...41 Using the On-Screen Menus ...47 Main Menu...48 Input Source ...49 Aspect Ratio ...49 Picture ...52 Input Position...56 Memory Presets ...58 Information ...59 Calibration ...60 Service ...64 Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Page 13
5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting ...71 6. External Control ...73 7. Specifications ...81 Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Lamp Replacement ...71 Troubleshooting Tips ...72 Serial Communications ...73 RS-232 Connection and Port Configuration ...73 Serial Command Syntax ...73 Using Discrete IR Codes ...78 IR Command Protocol ...78...
Page 14
Table of Contents Notes: Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Page 15
4-2. Typical PLUGE Pattern for Adjusting Brightness ...52 4-3. Typical Gray Bar Pattern for Adjusting Contrast ...53 4-4. Typical Color Bar Pattern for Adjusting Color Saturation and Tint...54 4-5. Typical Test Pattern for Adjusting Sharpness...56 4-6. Overscan Modes ...57 Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Page 16
List of Figures 4-7. CIE 1931 Chromaticity Diagram ...61 6-1. RC5 Message Format ...79 7-1. VX-8d Dimensions (with Optional Ceiling Mount)...84 7-2. VX-8d/CineWide Dimensions (with Optional Ceiling Mount)...85 7-3. VX-8d/CineWide with AutoScope Dimensions ...86 Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Runco has prepared this manual to help home theater installers and end users get the most out of the VX-8d. Runco has made every effort to ensure that this manual is accurate as of the date it was printed. However, because of ongoing product improvements and customer feedback, it may require updating from time to time.
Use the following table to locate the specific information you need in this manual. If you need... Information about obtaining service General information about the VX-8d DLP Home Theater Projector and DHD Controller Installation instructions First-time configuration instructions Advanced configuration instructions Troubleshooting tips Product specifications ... Turn to page: Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Runco steps into the future once again with the Video Xtreme™ VX-8d Digital Light Processing (DLP™) Home Theater Projector and DHD Controller. The VX-8d optical light engine utilizes three, 16:9 SuperOnyx™ Digital Micromirror Device™ (DMD™) chips featuring 1280 x 720, high-definition resolution for unsurpassed black level performance.
• CinOptx™ Proteus lens options for stunning sharpness and throw distance flexibility Your VX-8d is shipped with the following items. If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your Runco dealer or Runco Customer Service at (800) 23RUNCO. • VX-8d DLP Home Theater Projector and DHD Controller •...
Figure 2-1 shows the key VX-8d components. Figure 2-1. VX-8d Front/Bottom/Side/Top Views Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual 2. Controls and Functions VX-8d at a Glance...
Page 22
4. INTAKE VENT Internal fans draw cool air into the projector through this vent. 5. CEILING MOUNTING HOLES Use these to attach the ceiling bracket (if needed) to the projector. 6. CABLE OPENING Pass cables through this opening. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
3. DHD INPUT An HDCP-compliant digital video input for connecting the HDMI output from the DHD Controller. 4. POWER INPUT (100 to 240 VAC) Connect the VX-8d to power here. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual RS-232 RS-232 DHD INPUT INPUT Controls and Functions...
16:9 - 4:3 - Letterbox - VirtualWide - Cinema - Virtual Cinema - Native Virtual Cinema is available only on the VX-8d/CineWide or Note VX-8d/CineWide with AutoScope. For more information about aspect ratios, refer to Table 4-1. standby Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Connection for up to three (3), 12-volt trigger-controlled devices such as retractable screens, screen masks or a CineWide with AutoScope system. Output current is limited to 250 milliamperes (mA). Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Controls and Functions DHD Controller Rear Panel...
This is the main AC input fuse (5mm x 20mm, 500 mA, 250V slow-blow). 13. MAIN POWER SWITCH Disconnects or applies power to the DHD Controller. 14. POWER INPUT (100 to 240 VAC) Connect the DHD Controller to power here. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Figure 2-5 shows the VX-8d remote control, and the paragraphs that follow describe its functionality. (not available on RETURN some models) EXIT HDMI HDMI CUST CUST Figure 2-5. DHD Controller/VX-8d Remote Control Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual 16 : 9 4 : 3 Controls and Functions VX-8d Remote Control Unit...
Page 28
Press to select Composite video input as the source or to enter the numeric character “1.” 9. COMP (Component) (2) Press to select Component/SCART video input as the source or to enter the numeric character “2.” Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Page 29
Press to recall settings for the current input from the “ISF Day” memory preset. CUST 1 Press to recall settings for the current input from the “Custom 1” memory preset. CUST 2 Press to recall settings for the current input from the “Custom 2” memory preset. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Controls and Functions...
Page 30
Controls and Functions Notes: Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
• Ambient conditions may possibly impede the operation of the remote control. If this happens, point the remote control at the projector, and repeat the operation. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual 3. Installation Remote Control Notes on Batteries...
Display calibration: adjust the following for each input and display mode (resolution and frame rate); save settings when finished: • Aspect ratio • Brightness • Contrast • Color level • Tint • Sharpness • White Balance For Details, Refer to page... 20, 40 Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
• Projector is completely hidden • Usually good ambient light rejection • Requires less space behind screen than other rear screen installations Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Considerations • Shares floor space with audience • Installation is more permanent • Projector access is more difficult •...
Page 35
Doing so affects the throw distances as shown here. 3. The Proteus 2, 3 and 4 lenses cannot be used with the small (3.82 cylindrical, aka “Rainier”) anamorphic lens. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Throw Ratio inches, with with Primary 126.9x54-inch (2.35:1)
28.80 inches (73.15 cm) left or right of the screen center. (Horizontal lens shift is not possible with the Proteus 1 lens.) Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual 50% Width Lens Shift (0.5 x W)
In order to easily solve this issue, Runco recommends using the DHD Controller with a high-quality audio receiver that has the ability to effectively synchronize audio and video signals.
CineWide lens after you install the projector and adjust the primary lens. 2. Some components shipped with your projector may differ slightly from what is shown in these instructions. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Installing the Optional CineWide Lens Mount Installation...
Using eight (8) each of the supplied, Pan-Head Phillips screws, attach the AutoScope Ceiling Mount Adapters/Projector Stands to the projector as shown in Figure 3-7. CineWide with AutoScope Ceiling Mount Adapter/ Projector Stand, Right 4 CineWide with AutoScope Ceiling Mount Adapter/ Projector Stand, Left Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Page 41
Install Lens Motor: Position the AutoScope Lens Motor as shown in Figure 3-8. Line up the mounting holes on the lens motor housing with those on the underside of the projector. Secure the motor to the projector with the four remaining Pan-Head Phillips screws. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Installation Figure 3-8. AutoScope Lens Motor Installation After you have installed the AutoScope lens motor, proceed with Mounting the VX-8d (page 28). Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
3. If you are mounting the projector on a ceiling: Line up the three holes on the left and right mounting rails (included with the projector ceiling mount kit) with those on the bottom of the projector and CineWide base plate. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Ceiling Mount Rails (part of...
VX-8d and suspend it from the ceiling using a specially-designed ceiling mount fixture. Use only the Runco-approved ceiling mount kit designed for your Note projector. Install the mount kit according to the instructions provided with it.
Digital Video Connection: Connect the HDMI Output of the DHD Controller to the DHD Input of the VX-8d as shown in Figure 3-10. HDMI Figure 3-10. Connecting the VX-8d to the DHD Controller Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual RS-232 RS-232 DHD INPUT...
Page 46
1, 5, 6 NO CONNECTION 6-position RJ-11 Male Figure 3-11. RS-232 Connection from the DHD Controller to the VX-8d RCV DATA XMT DATA SIG GND 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 DB-9 Male Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual VX-8d RS-232 RS-232...
Refer to Supported Timings on page 87 for a list of compatible input signals. HDMI AV OUT HDMI sources (BD, DVD, DTV Set-Top Box etc.) Figure 3-12. HDMI Source Connections Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual HDMI AV OUT Installation Connecting Source Components to the DHD...
Component Video Source Connections: Connect your component video sources to the HD1, HD2 and/or Component/SCART inputs as shown in Figure 3-13. RCA-to-BNC adapter COMPONEN T VIDEO OUT BD/DVD Figure 3-13. Component Video Source Connections DTV-Set-Top Box (DTV-STB) Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
SCART source to the Component/SCART input on the DHD Controller. Connect the sync output from your SCART source to the Video input on the DHD Controller. See Figure 3-15. SCART-to-RGBS adapter DVD/DTV STB Gaming Console Figure 3-15. SCART RGBS Source Connections Green Blue Sync Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Page 51
Composite and S-Video Source Connections: See Figure 3-16. Camcorder Gaming Console Figure 3-16. S-Video and Composite Video Source Connections Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Composite S-Video S-Video Installation...
For more information about using this connection, refer to External Control on page 73. to Automation/ Control System or PC Figure 3-17. RS-232 Control System Connection 2 Receive Data 3 Transmit Data 5 Ground (none of the other pins are used) Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Controller external IR receiver to the DHD Controller to extend the range of the remote control. See Figure 3-19. Remote Control IR Sensor IR Repeater (3.5-mm, mini phono plug) Figure 3-19. External IR Receiver Connection Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
“Starting VX-8d.” 6. When the projector is ready for use, the fluorescent display indicates the active source, input resolution/frame rate and aspect ratio; for example: VX-8d 16:9 Aspect Ratio Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Current Source HDMI 1 1080i/60 Input Resolution/Frame Rate...
You must enter a passcode to access the Service menu. Note 3. Select Display Device from the Service Menu. 4. Select Configure from the Display Device menu, then select Installation. 5. Select Orientation, then choose Floor/Rear, Ceiling/Front or Ceiling/Rear, to match the installation method. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
The VX-8d Anamorphic lens mount kit consists of everything shown in Figure 3-20. Some components shipped with your projector may differ slightly from what is shown in these instructions. If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your Runco dealer or Runco Customer Service at (800) 23-RUNCO.
Page 58
Yoke and Lens Adapter Ring to the Anamorphic Lens Holder. The Yoke should be as close to the primary lens as possible. 6. Attach the lens to the Lens Adapter Ring by threading it clockwise. Lens threads into ring Figure 3-21. Attaching the Anamorphic Lens to the Lens Ring Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Page 59
Too Far Left Too Far Right 4. When the horizontal position is properly set, tighten the Yaw/X-Adjustment Levers to secure the lens in place. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Correct position Installation...
Page 60
There may be some pincushion distortion even after the lens is Note properly adjusted, especially at shorter throw distances. If this is the case, Runco recommends that you slightly over-scan the image into the screen frame area to mask the distortion. Correct position...
Page 61
Then, angle the lens to even out any left-right pincushion distortion: Anamorphic Lens (Top View) Correct Position Wrong Position Once the proper lens angle has been set, firmly tighten the Yaw/X-Adjustment Levers to secure the lens in place. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Page 62
(When viewed from the front, the rear opening on the anamorphic lens should appear as a tall, narrow oval.) Focus: Finally, rotate the Focus Ring on the anamorphic lens to fine-tune the optical focus. Correct Position Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Factory Default Signal System Information Field Service Manufacturing Figure 4-1. DHD Controller OSD Menu Structure for VX-8d Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual buttons on the remote control or DHD Controller Display Color Input Image Input Color Calibration Save ISF Night Save ISF Day...
Standby LED On / Off 0 (off), 1, 2, 3 or 4 The Main Menu is the starting point for accessing all DHD Controller functions. (You must enter a passcode to access the Calibration and Service menus.) Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
The aspect ratio selection is automatically saved for each input and Note resolution. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual ➡ ) to its left; in this example, Composite is the ” to its left; in this example, 16:9 is...
Page 66
16:9 4:3 Image on 16:9 Screen (Display) screen. 4:3 Image on 16:9 Screen with VirtualWide On a 2.35:1 screen, the image is 4:3 Image on centered between black bars on 2.35:1 Screen with VirtualWide either side. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Page 67
CINEMA (Cinema aspect ratio / no CineWide) ( Cinema aspect ratio / CineWide) Virtual Cinema Native (none) Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Description Select Cinema to view 2.35 source material in its native aspect ratio. With a 16:9 screen and a...
Runco video display devices. Accordingly, Runco recommends that setup and calibration be performed by an ISF certified installation technician.
Page 69
Select Contrast and press ENTER. Adjust the contrast to a point just below which the white rectangle starts to increase in size. Brightness and contrast controls are interactive. A change to one Note may require a subtle change to the other in order to achieve the optimum setting. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Operation...
Page 70
7. Select Blue from the Diagnostics menu, then press ENTER to display only the blue color channel. 8. Press RETURN (or MENU) repeatedly to return to the Main Menu. 9. Select Picture from the Main Menu and press ENTER. 10.Select Color from the Picture menu and press ENTER. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Page 71
(on either side of the green bar) appear to be a single shade of blue. Like the brightness and contrast controls, the color and tint controls Note are interactive. A change to one may require a subtle change to the other in order to achieve the optimum setting. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Operation...
Height: Select Height from the Input Position menu to change the projected image height. Press to increase the height; press to shift it to the left. to shift it downward. to decrease it. to decrease it. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
5% on all sides or 10% total. Figure 4-6 illustrates the effect of each overscan mode setting. No Overscan 16 :9 = Source Image Area Figure 4-6. Overscan Modes Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Crop Zoom = Mask (Crop) Area = Screen (16:9) Operation...
Use the Memory Presets menu to recall saved image presets, or to save image settings in the “Custom 1” or “Custom 2” memory location. The currently-selected preset is indicated ➡ by a “ ” to its left; in the example shown here, ISF Night is selected. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
DHD Controller and display device. Should you ever need to contact Runco Technical Support, this information will help them answer your questions or resolve product performance issues.
(260 watts; this is the default setting) or you can choose a lower setting (230 watts). Generally, lower lamp output prolongs the life of the lamp, but decreases brightness. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Page 77
Table 4-2 lists the x- and y-coordinates for each color temperature preset. Table 4-2. Color Temperature Presets and Associated Color Points Color Temperature Preset 5500K 6500K 7500K 9300K Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Associated x/y Values 0.332 0.313 0.299 0.284 0.348 0.329...
Page 78
(On) or disable (Off) ConstantContrast in the optical engine. ConstantContrast uses a dynamic iris that modulates light to the DMD based on the actual content of the video material. Runco recommends that you disable ConstantContrast before adjusting Brightness, Contrast or other image settings.
Page 79
• Splash Timer: When you turn on the VX-8d, it projects a welcome screen with the Runco and ISF logos, along with the personalized information you enter as described above. Select Splash Timer from the Splash Configure menu to set the amount of time for which this screen appears.
Then, change the code sent by the remote to match as described below. to change the position. buttons to change a character; press repeatedly to highlight that input name in the Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual to select...
Page 81
In most cases, the default setting (Auto) will maintain the correct operating temperature. If the lamp frequently turns off due to overheating, or in certain high-altitude operating environments, you may need to change this setting to High. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual RETURN EXIT...
Page 82
• Select SMPTE C to choose the SMPTE-C color gamut. • Select EBU to choose the EBU color gamut. Table 4-3 lists the Color Gamut settings and associated x- and y-coordinates for each primary and secondary color component. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Page 83
(SD) sources. In most cases, the DHD Controller detects the proper “pull-down” rate and vertical frequency. However, if your source is jittery and/or tearing you may want to enable Film Mode to ensure stable processing for that source. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual SMPTE “C” 0.635 0.340...
Page 84
HDMI 1 or HDMI 2 inputs. By default, the extensions are on. Change these settings only if HDMI EDID incompatibility issues arise. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Page 85
A confirmation message appears. Select Yes to continue with the reset or select No to cancel. This action is not undoable. Proceed with caution! Before you Caution perform a System Reset, save your “Custom” Memory Presets (page 58) and ISF Day/Night Memory Presets (page 62). Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Standby LED Operation...
5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting The lamp should be replaced when it reaches the end of its life (typically 2000 hours), or sooner if a noticeable degradation in brightness occurs. Contact your Runco dealer to obtain a replacement lamp. 1. Turn off the projector and unplug the power cord. Allow the projector to cool down for approximately 45 minutes prior to removing the lamp assembly for replacement.
(refer to Table 4-1). • Wait two minutes until the on for two minutes after LED at the front of the power-down, to protect DHD Controller turns red. the lamp. • Replace the lamp. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Solution...
ISF splash screen (refer to Splash Configure on page 63), allow 15 seconds for the DHD Controller to power up. Once it does, it will accept and properly execute multiple serial commands. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual 6. External Control Serial Communications RS-232 Connection and...
Page 90
Selects the HDMI 1 input Selects the HDMI 2 input Selects the RGB HD 1 input Selects the RGB HD 2 input Returns active input Selects the SCART input Selects the S-Video 1 input Selects the S-Video 2 input Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Page 91
PHASE 0/31 PHASE? SHARPNESS -50/50 SHARPNESS? TINT -50/50 TINT? Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Value Description Stored? Selects the 16:9 aspect ratio Selects the 4:3 aspect ratio Returns current aspect ratio Selects the Cinema aspect ratio Selects the Letterbox aspect ratio...
Page 92
Sets the value for output horizontal posi- tion Returns output horizontal position value Sets the value for output vertical position Returns output vertical position value Sets the value for output width Returns output horizontal width value Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
Page 93
IR remote only you’ll be doing so via serial commands. These commands provide active OSD responses just like the IR remote. DOWN ENTER EXIT LEFT MENU RIGHT Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Value Description Stored? Returns display device input source value, as follows: 1 = Auto 16 = VX-8d...
For example, here is the RC5 control code for the ON button on the DHD Controller remote control unit (assuming the default address is used): Binary Binary Start Toggle Function Bits With Toggle Bit = 0 With Toggle Bit = 1 Address Command Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
0x344E Note: These codes assume that the default address of 17 is used. If you change it to something other than 17, you will need to modify these codes accordingly. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Address Bits Command Bits Repeated Packet...
Page 96
MENU 0x3C42 Power off 0x3C41 Power on 0x3C48 Right-Arrow ( 0x3C6D Virtual Cinema aspect ratio 0x3C4F S-Video 1 video input 0x3C50 S-Video 2 video input 0x3C45 Up-Arrow ( 0x3C4D Composite video input 0x3C4C VirtualWide aspect ratio Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual...
100 to 240 VAC (auto-sensing), 50/60 Hz, 395 Watts (1348.1 BTUs/hour) Operating Environment: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C), 0% to 85% humidity (non-condensing) Dimensions: VX-8d: See Figure 7-1 VX-8d/CineWide: See Figure 7-2 VX-8d/CineWide with AutoScope: See Figure 7-3 Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual 7. Specifications VX-8d Specifications...
Page 98
CSMS measurements. Industry-Standard Specifications These are typical projector brightness and contrast specifications found in most companies’ sales literature. Runco includes these measurements in its literature to allow for direct comparison with other manufacturers’ projectors. These measurements are typically taken at 9,000K to 13,000K to get expected performance data when the projector is used in professional, commercial and industrial displays.
Complies with FCC, CE C-Tick Limited Warranty: Two (2) years parts and labor from the date of delivery to the end user. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual Discrete infrared remote Serial commands via RS-232 Front-panel controls Specifications...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the VIDEOXTREME VX-8D and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers