You know a home theater system has earned a place on the top-shelf when it's endorsed by Martin Scorsese. And so it is with Planar products. Thanks to the purchase of Runco International last May for nearly $40 million, Planar is far and away the industry leader when it comes to spine-tingling Plasmas, LCDs, and digital projectors.

Planar sets are sold only through licensed dealers so don't bother looking for one at Best Buy. Runco's systems range in price from $3,000 to $250,000 -- you might be able to buy a Best Buy for that. It might be difficult to justify every penny, but below are three worthy reasons to incur your wife's scorn.

Runco WP-42HD
When was the last time you watched the Masters from a Jacuzzi during a snowstorm? How about watching March Madness from under a coconut tree, margarita in hand, on a windswept beach? Exactly. $8,995.

Runco XP-103DHD
Next to Panasonic's 150-inch mountain of pixels, this 103-inch plasma looks like a malnourished younger brother. But when it comes down to it, do you really need more than 103-inches? $99,995.

Planar PD420 HD
If, for some bizarre reason, you wanted something smaller than 7-feet wide for the great indoors, you can't do any better than the Planar PD 420. The sleek design is as stunning as its technical wizardry--full 1080HP, Faroudja DCDi Cinema processing, DVI and HDMI hookups. And, compared to the others, it's highway robbery. $2,999. --MICHAEL MRAZ

READ MORE:
Bang & Olufsen brings its first hi-def LCD television to America
Samsumg's HDTV goes wireless

MVSTAT: The first e-book was created in 1971 by a University of Illinois student. It was the Declaration of Independence...