Bigger is usually better, but as the Runco CinemaWall XP-103DHD proves, there's a limit to how far this adage can go. Unless you are a lottery winner or Hollywood mogul with money to burn, you will never own a 103-inch plasma HDTV like the XP-103DHD. A decade ago, a big plasma set was a fantasy item for most TV fans, but as with all technology, prices have dropped to where a 50-inch HDTV is within the reach of many shoppers. However, the monstrous XP-103DHD remains firmly in dreamland for all but the most deep-pocketed and spend-happy.

Each year, larger and larger TVs are introduced at major trade events like the annual Consumer Electronics Show. This year, upscale home audio/video manufacturer Runco introduced the XP-103DHD, which lives up to its moniker of CinemaWall. This set isn't merely wall-mountable--it becomes the wall, measuring 95 inches wide and nearly 56 inches tall. Despite the huge forward dimensions, the XP-103DHD is only a mere 5-1/10-inches deep, but it weighs a massive 485 pounds! Professional installation is a must.

The XP-103DHD does deliver a very good picture, but this plasma set isn't meant for just any room. With a native resolution of 1,920x1,080, the 1,080p display handles all HD and SD content with ease. The XP-103DHD features a sleek, almost minimalist design, and from the front, you'll see only the screen. More importantly, Runco includes an external DHD Controller box that serves as the system's interface with your audio/video devices. The external unit allows for a single cable to supply the set with content, and it makes changing connections a snap. The DHD Controller can even be rack-mounted with other home theater devices.

Somewhat surprising is the fact that the DHD Controller box has a mere two HDMI inputs (one with HDCP), as well as just one component input. For the money, you'd think Runco could have provided three or even four HDMI inputs. As the center of your ultra-high-end home theater system, the XP-103DHD's connectivity comes up short. Also included are two S-video inputs and one composite video input. The XP-103DHD lacks speaker options, so you must make sure your home theater speakers are able to do the gargantuan picture justice.

Performance-wise, the XP-103DHD's picture is good, but you'll need a large room to really appreciate a screen of this size. Video options include multiple aspect ratio controls, as well as a VirtualWide option that converts 4:3 video content to the set's native 16:9 aspect ratio while retaining the image integrity. As you might expect, images in VirtualWide mode still have a stretched appearance, but it isn't as severe as you find with other plasma sets. The XP-103DHD also tackles film content well with internal 3:2 and 2:2 pull-down processing.

At a reasonable distance, the XP-103DHD's picture is simply breathtaking, but don't watch TV or movies up close. The black levels aren't as deep as we'd like, which is a downside to such a truly oversized panel. Colors do look quite vibrant and extremely lifelike.

All things considered, a 103-inch plasma HDTV retailing for this much money is out of virtually everyone's reach. There are numerous 1,080p projectors that can produce the same-size picture for a tenth of the price. So unless you are fabulously wealthy and must be the ultimate show off, the Runco CinemaWall XP-103DHD is just a fantasy.


Pros: Ridiculously large screen, external controller box
Cons: Perhaps too big, suggested price could buy 20 high-end Pioneer 50-inch sets, only two HDMI inputs, weak black levels

Warranty
1 year, plasma glass; 2 years, DHD Controller box; 3 years, parts and labor