Foster City’s Home Theater 'Godfather' Inducted to Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame

A Foster City man credited with innovations that industry insiders say helped change the home entertainment experience as we know it was inducted into the Consumer Electronics Association’s Hall of Fame last month.

Heralded the “Godfather of home theater,” Sam Runco founded Runco International, which developed advancements in projection screen televisions considered revolutionary in the early 1980s.

Runco’s company was considered an industry leader in projection screen televisions for decades, and developed what became known as  high definition television 7 ½ years before industry standards were established.

“I believe this is a great time in history,” Runco said at his Oct. 25 induction ceremony. “We really did change the world.”

Runco trademarked the term “Home Theater” in 1987.

Runco International is now based on Oregon under new ownership.

“Sam Runco is a legend in our industry,” Editor in Chief of CustomRetailer magazine Maureen Jenson said at the induction ceremony.

“His larger than life persona, business acumen and ability to innovate and predict what future home theater aficionados would buy is remarkable. He is also a superior family man and friend and a true individual. Being inducted into the CEA Hall of Fame is more than well deserved.”