Barcelona City on Display

Barco company magazine • Volume 2 • issue 2

magazine magazinezine mag Barcelona City on display

Digital cinema: the sequel Pay-off of a consistent pioneering spirit

3G Lightning-fast video transfer in events and media

Projection mapping Breathing spectacular life into modern urban façades

red.efine_issue2.indd 1 29/01/10 09:15 1 0 Barco goes to Barcelona

4 16 24

Projection mapping Frankfurt Motor Show Digital cinema: the sequel

Spectacular, artistic and seizing the at- Many brands turned to Barco to add a A look back at Barco’s pioneering history tention of weary audiences: is projection touch of brilliance to their branding. in digital cinema, and a look forward mapping the next hot thing in urban vi- Cars, lights and beautiful people from into what’s coming up next. sualization? one of the world’s major car shows.

2 redefi n e | Table of contents

red.efine_issue2.indd 2 29/01/10 09:15 Welcome

Dear reader

Welcome to this fi rst 2010 issue of rede fi n. e As we look ahead into the coming decade we can identify several technologies that are likely to shape our future. Al- low me to share some views with you on a few of them.

First of all there is without any doubt a rapidly growing concern about our environment. We at Barco want to Clearly, these days, contribute to this eco-awareness both in terms of offer- airports cannot afford ing energy effi cient as well as environmentally friendly solutions. To that extent we are proud to announce our safety to be just an new three-chip DLP projector that consumes 33% less afterthought. power than its direct competitors and furthermore, is about 10 times less noisy.

Second, there continues to be an ever growing demand for sharper and better image quality which in turn drives demand for increased bandwidth. Real time HD imaging has become the norm in markets such as security and entertainment. With the recent release of the movie ‘Avatar’ we have decisively entered the era of 3D imaging, and in the medical markets demand for ” very high resolution monitors is unprecedented. Third, there is an undeniable move towards LED solutions which are more energy effi cient and more du- rable sources of light. LED, as you know, is at the heart of our technical thrusts in control rooms.

As always, Barco is taking on a pioneering role in many technologies. This was the main driver for us to acquire Italian-based medical display company FIMI. The two companies do indeed complement each other which 28 in turn will allow us to continue to offer superior solutions to our medical segment customers on a global 3G - it’s not about cellphones basis. You can read more about all this in this issue of your magazine. The new 3 Gigabit per second data transfer is set to revolutionize media Enjoy! and broadcast worlds - the parallels with Eric Van Zele, President and CEO HD are obvious.

Table of contents | redefi n e 3

red.efine_issue2.indd 3 29/01/10 09:15 A map to spectacle

Imagine you’re walking home Anything can be a screen Art for the sake of art? after a night out. As you walk While most projectors in various types A façade’s relief creates interest- through familiar streets and of settings use a screen to optimize ing opportunities for video artists to the image quality, projection in itself showcase their talents, but it can also past the buildings you know so doesn’t need a screen. A canvas is offer opportunities for story-telling. For well, you suddenly notice some- enough. Old slide projectors often pro- example, a building’s ledges can be jected on walls because families saw used by digital characters to walk, thing strange – that tall build- no point in investing in a screen they dance and perform acrobatics. Fantasy ing over there seems to have would only use a few times a year. characters can be projected onto the Anything you can throw light onto, can windows, or the building can slowly changed colors. What’s more, its be a screen. Projection mapping turns be covered in flowers and vines. The colors keep changing, and on this challenge into a new art form. façade can even be transformed in a way that the building looks like a com- closer inspection, vivid figures pletely different structure. are crawling across the façade. And you know that the building doesn’t have an electronic billboard – not the last time you looked. If you see something like this, chances are you’re looking at a new trend in urban events: projection mapping.

4 redefine | Technology

red.efine_issue2.indd 4 29/01/10 09:15 From left to right: A paint job without permanent consequences - Bringing Medieval statues to life in France (2x) - What would a building dream about? - The hidden dynamism behind a solid canvas

There are also commercial applica- Advantages Projection mapping also offers greater tions for this technology. Corporations freedom for designers to have the can promote new products through a A huge advantage of projection map- imagery interact with their canvas. They spectacular light and video show, or opt ping is that it doesn’t require permanent don’t need to create a stage from to have a static image with a powerful modification of buildings as opposed to scratch because everything is already message overlaid completely on their installing billboards or giant displays. there. “It definitely looks more artistic building’s front at night. “Provided you This is especially important in cases than digital signage,” adds Mr. Justis, have a solid surface to project on, you where the general public is averse to “which is an important factor if you can basically do projection mapping see historical buildings modified with want people to notice you.” everywhere. Because it isn’t located visibly 21st century technology. “In addi- where people expect commercial mes- tion,” says Mr. Justis, “costs associated sages, they don’t tune it out as easily with installation and engineering will Getting it right and will be more compelled to look,” be considerably lower, and because of says Scott Justis, Director of Marketing projection mapping’s temporary nature, However, there are also challenges. In and Advertising for sound, light and service costs will be minimal.” terms of graphics, projection mapping is video company LD Systems. no easy task. The animation’s mapping needs to be proportioned in exactly the same way as the building’s front. On the other hand, the greater creative space offered – both in a figurative and literal sense – could offset the mathematical challenges.

The type of façade may also come with challenges - such as curved and non-linear walls. However, there is a lot of hardware on the market that allows projectors to map their projection onto these surfaces, including projectors that have these capabilities built in. This technology is called geometry correc- tion or warping, and has been used by applications such as planetariums, simulation domes or immersive 3D setups for many years.

Buildings offer a unique type of canvas that even render relatively simple images very conspicuous Shown here: Lyon’s 2008 Festival of Light

TechnologyTechnology || redredefineefine 5

red.efine_issue2.indd 5 29/01/10 09:15 Projection mapping with Barco technology at Lyon’s 2008 Festival of Light

Bright in the night Projecting into the future

Projection mapping is nigh impossible “Because LD Systems is the first com- in daylight conditions. But even in night pany doing things like this in the US, we circumstances, sufficient brightness is a get a lot of inquiries from potential cus- must to avoid washed-out or faint col- tomers that look at projection mapping ors compared to the ubiquitous street as a very interesting, alternative tool to lights and lights from cars. “Typically, realize their vision. It’s a little too early for this type of setup, 20,000 lumens to make predictions about where this is the basic starting point. This means market is heading, but our experiences heavy-duty, three-chip DLP projectors, will definitely help streamline mapping sometimes stacked to increase bright- processes and make it possible to do ness. In that class, Barco is our default these setups with ever greater preci- choice. In fact, it wasn’t even a ques- sion,” concludes Mr. Justis. tion that we wouldn’t be using Barco,” adds AJ Freysteinson, LD Systems staff Lighting Designer. www.barco.com/projectionmapping

See to believe

Words can only tell so much. As projection mapping is a spectacle that needs to be seen to convey its full power, it’s worthwhile to hit up a few video websites and check out some examples.

The dreaming house: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h3D6dCLAeo

“Fensterlichter”-project: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPPkjQw80B0

New Year’s Eve: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpPDS-7AAJQ

Do you have more examples? Let us know on http://www.barco.com/redefine or on our Facebook page.

6 redefine | Technology

red.efine_issue2.indd 6 29/01/10 09:15 As the film world is gripped by two parallel revolutions – a massive transition to digital projection on the one hand, and the increasing popularity of 3D on the other hand, cinemas have several options to choose from. Cinema West, owner of the Palladio 16 Cinemas in Folsom, California, chose Barco.

Nate Alchesky, General Manager for the Palladio 16 Cinemas, commented on the selection of Barco projectors: “It was the quality and the ease of use. Once we saw the pictures on screen, we realized that this was the best way to go. The picture quality is amazing, and the installation couldn’t have been simpler. They were almost plug and play.”

Six of the cinema screens at Palladio 16 Cinemas are 3D-equipped, using 3D technology from RealD - making the Pal- ladio 16 the largest single-site 3D installation in California, if not the West Coast.

With a current chain of 12 theater loca- tions throughout northern and central California, Cinema West has a long history of innovation. Each theater in the complex features sports stadium seating and wall-to-wall screens, with individual capacities ranging from 140 to 300 seats.

www.barco.com/digitalcinema

Cover story | redefine 7

red.efine_issue2.indd 7 29/01/10 09:15 The three for one projector

On 16 December, Barco released the RLM-W6 projector. It offers the crisp color quality and brightness of three-chip DLP technology at the price of single-chip DLP, effectively giving customers “three for one”. But there are other interesting things going on under the hood of the RLM-W6, too. We talked with Product Manager Sharon Dagan.

Three-chip DLP has been around for Aren’t three-chip DLP projectors a while. What makes the RLM-W6 pretty loud and energy-consuming? stand out? Dagan: The days when three-chip DLP Sharon Dagan: With its price, it is fi rmly projectors looked and sounded like cars in traditional single-chip DLP territory. are long gone. Compared to technically Until now, price was the only advantage similar three-chip DLP projectors of the single-chip DLP projectors still held over latest generation, the RLM-W6 is ten their three-chip cousins. Other than that, times as silent. In a meeting room, its single-chip DLP has a number of issues sound is nothing more than a whisper. that three-chip doesn’t have. Because This isn’t just marketing talk. Custom- single-chip projectors use a color wheel ers and partners who saw demo units to generate color, colors are produced of the system almost couldn’t believe sequentially. This results in slightly faded how silent it was. It makes for a much colors as well as the infamous ‘rainbow more ergonomic work environment in effect’ – when you wave something in a meeting room. Another aspect we front of the screen, as can happen dur- looked for in the RLM-W6 was energy ing a presentation, you can actually see consumption. Because of its slim, up- the sequence of colors. Not to mention to-date design, it consumes 33% less that the color wheel is a consumable. power than its nearest competitors.

8 redefi n e | Product focus

red.efine_issue2.indd 8 29/01/10 09:15 How does the RLM-W6 address user comfort?

What should I use the RLM-W6 for? Is it just for fi xed installation? Dagan: Users control the projector There are lots of projectors on the through a very intuitive web interface, market. Dagan: No. We offer a ceiling mount which we named the RLM Commander. and stacking frame as options. With Customers that have additional Barco Dagan: Its silence is a strong attribute in the stacking frame, you can double the projectors can also use our free Projector meeting rooms. But another advantage brightness, which can be important for Toolset software to control the projector, is its WUXGA resolution. WUXGA offers some event types. and there is full compatibility with tra- 1920 by 1200 pixels, which is 15% more ditional Crestron or AMX controllers. You than HD and 60% more than SXGA+. can even control the RLM-W6 with an Moreover, WUXGA can contain full HD iPod Touch or an iPhone. images and leave room for task bars or news tickers. This can be important during video conferences, but it’s also in- www.themostsilentprojector.com teresting for lobbies and halls. Because the RLM-W6 has a 6,000 lumens light output, you can easily use it in audito- riums, too.

Product focus | redefi n e 9

red.efine_issue2.indd 9 29/01/10 09:15 city on display

Barcelona is one of Europe’s largest metropolitan areas. Founded in the times of the Roman Empire and now Spain’s second-largest city, its strategic location as an excellent harbor has made it one of the region’s most important cities throughout the history of the Mediterranean. It is a popular destination for many tourists, in no small part because of its rich cultural heritage, thriving night life and pleasant climate.

Arriving by plane Barcelona

10 redefi n e | Cover story

red.efine_issue2.indd 10 29/01/10 09:16 Convening in style

Style is important to Barcelona. Espe- cially for a major tourist magnet, it is sometimes easy to overlook this unique aspect. This sense of style is obvious with the Fira de Barcelona, a fast-growing convention center and congress hall. Like many such halls across the world, it’s used for numerous high-profi le trade shows and exhibitions. Recently, for the Gran Via exhibition, the Fira employed a 360° LED display in its lobby. 2,000 vertical Barco LED strips sat side by side at 50mm, drawing attention to the information and advertising presented. In the modern halls of the Fira de Barce- lona, it really looks as fi tting as a glove.

Going shopping

Culture critics sometimes bemoan that nearly every main shopping street in European cities is starting to look the same. While it is Safe landing at the airport Its clean, modern architecture and open true that spaces belie the level of activity that many famil- Arriving by plane in Barcelona immedi- goes on behind closed doors. The air- iar brands ately opens up a beautiful vista of the port’s control centers each use 70” Barco can be found city’s coast line and parks. The plane is video walls, while the central monitor- all across the guided safely to the tarmac from the air ing room houses four video walls that continent, the traffi c control center, which is equipped together display well over 120 sources. store layout and with Barco graphics controllers and ra- Clearly, these days, airports cannot af- the buildings offer dar scan converters. It reminds me that ford safety to be just an afterthought. a fresh perspec- most accidents with airplanes happen tive each time. This during take off or landing, so this task is certainly true of H&M must by no means be an easy one. the Portal de l’Angel, Barcelona’s undisputed El Prat airport itself is a busy nerve shopaholics’ Walhalla. Its center of comers and goers, and is the H&M store in particular biggest on the Mediterra- is located in a 19th century building nean seaboard. designed by the celebrated architect Domènech Estapà.

The building is large and impressive, but it doesn’t look very inviting – after all, it is a former offi ce with small, func- tional windows. However, my attention is drawn to the entrance hall. It features transparent Barco LED displays that show a variety of moving images. Arriving by plane Barcelona Portal de l’Angel

Fira de Barcelona Cover story | redefi n e 11

red.efine_issue2.indd 11 29/01/10 09:16 Their dynamism and lightness contrast Temple of football – and music starkly with the imposing weight of the rest of the building. It maintains a tenu- Anyone remotely interested in football ous balance between young and old, – soccer for our American friends – will hip and traditional, and I realize that know this city is synonymous with FC while it looks light and inviting, it was Barcelona. The team has won numerous probably not easy to achieve. Spanish and European titles, and has featured world-famous football players such as Johan Cruijff, Diego Maradona, Gary Lineker, Luís Figo and Thierry Henry. The club’s home base, Camp Nou, is a fi ve-star rated stadium and the largest in Europe. Barça merchandise in and around the stadium is everywhere. If some catastrophe would wipe out human civilization, future archaeologists might well think that Camp Nou was a giant temple complex to mankind’s demigods.

Apart from football, Camp Nou also of- The show premiered Barco’s fl exible fers music concerts. It boasts an impres- LED system in a full 360° setup – hence sive list of pop stars that have played at the Tour’s name. Standing inside, I can the stadium, including Michael Jackson, imagine roaring crowds of spectators. Madonna and Frank Sina- Any performer, whether in sports or art, tra. A more recent exam- must at once feel intimidated and elated Torre de Collserola ple was U2, who kicked at the prospect of having the attention off their 360° Tour at of 100,000 people. Camp Nou in 2009.

FC Barcelona

Devil’s Bridge

U2 @ Camp Nou in 2009

Hospital de Sant Pau

12 redefi n e | Cover story

red.efine_issue2.indd 12 29/01/10 09:16 U2 @ FC Barcelona, H&M store and a Barcelona airport control center

Broadcasting memories Healthcare at a world foundations. heritage site The middle Climbing the Tibidabo, I’m reminded of of the bridge SEAT Leon one of my childhood memories – the Hospitals usually evoke images of is marked by a Summer Olympics of 1992 in Barcelona. rectangular, distinctly sterile structures chapel. Only pe- The top of the mountain is dominated where functionality was the architect’s destrians can use by the Torre de Collserola, which was main concern. Not so with the Hospital it these days, which built to broadcast the Olympics. Antenna de Sant Pau. Built in the early 20th cen- is perhaps for the included, the futuristic tower stands an tury, it’s a prime example of the “mod- best. impressive 288 meters tall and has thir- ernisme català”, the Catalan variant of teen fl oors. As I look over the city from Jugendstil, with remarkable galleries Despite its history, it is clear that Mar- the tower’s 10th fl oor, I think of the fact and 27 pavilions that are connected to torell is SEAT through and through. More that the live transmissions from the the main building. It’s not hard to see than half of the cars in and around the Olympics I saw as a child came from this why it’s on the UNESCO world heritage town bear the stylized S-shaped plaque. very tower. It is still used as a broadcast- list. On the inside, the hospital is home For almost a decade, like many other ing hub, and next to offering a spectacu- to over 40 Barco medical displays for automotive companies, SEAT has been lar view over Barcelona, it also houses a radiology as well as surgery. using virtual reality to design and test 5x2 Barco video wall and display man- its new cars. While offering designers agement. the luxury to toy around without invest- Spanish elegance ing in expensive construction, I believe with German perfectionism it also helped resulting in a more daring design, a trend that inspired many car Another famous export product of manufacturers in the ‘90s and the early Devil’s Bridge Spain is the SEAT car brand. SEAT, noughties to move away from the aus- now a subsidiary of the German Volk- tere, block-like cars of the ‘80s. swagen Group, has headquarters in Martorell, just outside Barcelona. Martorell is also famous for its ‘Devil’s Bridge’, a two-arched bridge from www.barco.com/barcelona the 13th century, based on Roman Hospital de Sant Pau

Cover story | redefi n e 13

red.efine_issue2.indd 13 29/01/10 09:16 All China Games,

To help bring the opening ceremony of the National Games to life, Barco was selected as a visualization provider. The selection was based on the company’s ability to provide advanced products and solutions whose signature is superior visual effects that widely outperform other industry brands.

For the Games’ opening ceremony, one large cylindrical display screen in the center of the Olympic Sports Center Stadium was the biggest highlight. The screen measured 50 meters in diameter with a total height of 26 meters, and initially appeared as an illuminated bowl. During the ceremony, glowing peace doves descended into the stadium and lifted the bowl into the air. It was at this point that the bowl was revealed to The National Games are China’s be a massive circular projection screen. Barco solutions deployed during the opening most significant sporting event. ceremony included 48 three-chip DLP, 30,000 lumens projectors and an additional 8 digital moving luminaires for dynamic projection. 2009’s Games took place from 16

to 28 October. It featured 33 sports “More and more, creative direction and conceptual ideas tend to exceed the limitations of traditional lighting solutions, and lighting engineers find themselves chal- and 360 disciplines, with the ma- lenged to realize clients’ grand visions,” says Zhao Gang, Executive General Director jority of competition taking place of the Opening Ceremony of the 11th National Games. “Barco remains on the cutting edge of new technologies, continually surpassing the limitations of traditional lighting in 17 cities across the coastal prov- sources. What they’ve helped us achieve in the China Games’ opening ceremony is ince of Shandong. nothing short of breathtaking.”

www.barco.com/events

14 redefine | Case study

red.efine_issue2.indd 14 29/01/10 09:16 Collaboration in design

Electrolux is a world-leading manufacturer in household appliances as well as professional equipment. For its Southern European headquarters in Italy, it realized that with the aid of 3D stereo and ultra-high resolution display technology, it could trim down design costs and improve collaboration.

“We were familiar with Barco’s high standard in image quality,” explains We were familiar Thomas Johansson, Design Director for with Barco’s high Major Appliances Europe at Electrolux, “but what they offered went beyond standard in image these expectations.” Electrolux and inte- quality, but what grator Cadland settled on two Barco systems. The first display wall offers they offered went a 5m wide collaboration canvas with beyond these a native 1080p HD resolution, and is driven by one high-brightness, active 3D expectations. stereo Barco projector. On the wall, several 2D and 3D product design sources can be displayed and analyzed at the “Thanks to Barco’s display technology same time. With Barco’s XDS Control and collaboration software, we’re able Center software, “our collaborative team to kill two birds with one stone,” says work gets a huge boost. Because the Mr. Johansson, “On the one hand, they software is integrated into a Windows offer the sense of realism needed to desktop, our engineers don’t have to accurately predict the look and feel waste time learning how to operate the of our products – in 3D as well as 2D. system, and can move and resize sourc- On the other hand, their XDS software es on the fly with mouse and keyboard,” makes it extremely easy for our teams adds Mr. Johansson. The second display to improve their collaboration and speed ” wall, which boasts a 3.4m screen width, up decision-making.” is piloted by Barco’s native 10 megapixel projector. www.barco.com/simulation

Case study | redefine 15

red.efine_issue2.indd 15 29/01/10 09:16 14. Smart 1. Renault 15. Alfa Romeo 2. Volkswagen 16. Audi 4 5 6 1 2 3. Seat 17. Lamborghini 3 18. Smart 11 4. Alfa Romeo 10 19. Toyota 7 8 9 5. Lexus 17 6. Opel 20. Mazda 14 7. Ford 21. Mazda 12 15 16 22. Ferrari 13 20 8. Volvo 23. Peugeot 18 19 9. Seat 10. Fiat 24. BMW 24 25 25. Toyota 21 22 23 11. BMW 12. Range Rover 13. Volkswagen

16 redefine | Case study

red.efine_issue2.indd 16 29/01/10 09:17 seat

The IAA Frankfurt car show is the world’s most important trade fair for mobility. 2009’s edition took place from 17 until 27 September. Exhibitors from 30 countries showed their newest and most innovating cars to an international audience, with many of them equipping their booths with Barco’s creative and indoor LED solutions.

The Barco LED display solutions were represented through Barco’s worldwide rental partners. Car brands that used Barco visualization included Ferrari, Ford, Jaguar, Saab, Rolls Royce, Fiat, BMW, Peugeot and Toyota. Among other automotive companies with IAA Barco display technology were companies such as Better Place and Bridgestone. 2009 www.barco.com/frankfurtmotorshow

Case study | redefine 17

red.efine_issue2.indd 17 29/01/10 09:17

image quality at Tokyo Women’s Medical University

In 1900, Yayoi Yoshioka, an ambitious female doctor who was deter- mined to improve the social position of women, laid the foundation of Tokyo Women’s Medical University (TWMU). Today, TWMU is a renowned, state-of-the-art hospital with 1,423 beds and more than ten affiliated institutions, constantly striving to become a leading ‘world medical center’. Advanced equipment plays a key role in achieving that mission. So when one of TWMU’s medical centers needed a PACS display solution, it turned to Barco.

Confidence Clarity, uniformity Outstanding services and and precision and accuracy diagnostic confidence

During a visit to the Asian Oceanian To address its wide-ranging imaging Radiologists have been working with Congress of Radiology (AOCR) in Seoul, needs, the hospital installed a mixture the Barco displays since May 2009. Dr. Dr. Ueno, Professor and Chairwoman of of Coronis 5MP grayscale and Coronis Ueno and her team are well satisfied, TWMU’s Radiology Department, visited Fusion 6MP DL multimodality display both with the products and the support the Barco booth, where the Coronis systems, along with industry-standard lent. “The Coronis Fusion’s capability to Fusion 6MP DL immediately caught Nio Color 3MP display systems. All dis- display both color and grayscale studies her eye. Once home, she invited Toyo plays are combined with Barco’s MediCal with ultimate detail make it the per- Corporation, Barco’s distributor in Japan, QAWeb solution for Quality Assurance – fect fit for our very diverse visualization to get a full introduction and demo of a unique, online system that includes requirements. It presents radiologists all Barco’s medical display solutions. smart features for intervention-free with an exceptional level of diagnostic Dr. Ueno: “Barco’s solutions have an calibration, QA and display asset man- confidence, just like every other Barco impeccable reputation for confidence agement throughout the entire hospital display,” Dr. Ueno concluded. and precision in the radiology com- enterprise. munity and the demo convinced me www.barco.com/medical that that claim was justified. I was very impressed by the displays’ excellent image qualities.” Barco’s solutions have an impeccable reputation for confidence and precision in the radiology community and the demo convinced me that that claim was justified.

18 redefine | Case study

red.efine_issue2.indd 18 29/01/10 09:17 Networked visualization at SKY Italia SKY Italia is a pay-TV channel launched in 2003. After only six years of broadcasting, it already boasts 4,800,000 subscribers with more than 180 thematic and pay per view channels.

“As we wish to work with the most Since August 2008, the Milan-based “Barco has been a partner for many advanced systems available, we have Operations Center has featured Barco’s years now. More than lending technical been using Barco solutions to monitor IP-centric visualization suite (NBMS). It assistance, they listen to our questions broadcasting for many years now,” ex- currently handles 522 sources. Barco’s and comments and use our feedback to plained Massimo Bertolotti, SKY Italia’s solution enables the use of widespread further optimize their solutions,” Berto- Processing and Transmission Manager. Ethernet networking technology as the lotti concluded. With Barco’s high-tech “Those solutions did a good job, and backbone for distributing real-time con- products and partnership, SKY Italia is when our technical infrastructure moved tent both within and beyond the moni- equipped to continue down its growth to the new site in Milan, an update to toring room. “We wanted to confi gure path. more advanced technology seemed the system and the display confi gura- logical.” SKY Italia did not hesitate and tion manually as well as automatically,” contracted Barco again. said Bertolotti, “and manage the large www.barco.com/broadcasting variety of sources at the different sites of our transmission center. NBMS allows high-quality and low-latency distribution of video sources and metadata on any display.”

Case study | redefi n e 19

red.efine_issue2.indd 19 29/01/10 09:17 Barco acquires Italian-based display provider FIMI Medical Display Solutions

For more than twenty years, Barco has been a market leader in the medical market, based on its unique mix of high-grade products and in-depth clinical know-how. The recent acquisition of FIMI, a fully owned subsidiary of Royal Philips Electronics’ Healthcare business, marks a new step in this leadership strategy. It will present customers with a more complete display portfolio, including dedicated modality displays, patient monitors and mobile point of care devices.

The acquisition of FiMi fi ts well within the overall growth strategy of our medical imaging division.

20 redefi n e | Feature

red.efine_issue2.indd 20 29/01/10 09:17 Cardiovascular displays Mobile point of care device

Patient monitoring displays Barco acquires Italian-based display provider FIMI Medical Display Solutions FiMi

In today’s hospitals and other healthcare “By bringing all this expertise under one fact sheet facilities, physicians increasingly depend roof, we will be able to widen our scope on state-of-the-art imaging technology and enter new market segments, such • Founded in 1929 to make life-critical decisions and define as mobile point of care devices.” • Headquartered in Saronno, treatment paths for their patients. The Northern Italy complimentary portfolio of Barco and “The medical imaging division has been • Acronym for “Fabbrica Italiana FIMI display products will offer an ideal performing strongly in recent years both Materiali Isolanti” answer to these wide-ranging visualiza- sales and profit-wise. The acquisition of • First activity: production of insulat- tion requirements. FIMI fits well within the overall growth ing materials strategy of the division as it further • Later: manufacturer of radios “FIMI has a solid reputation in the indus- strengthens our existing product portfo- (1930s) and TV sets (1950s) try with its dedicated modality monitors, lio and opens opportunities in new seg- • Bought by Philips in 1969 patient monitoring and mobile point of ments of medical imaging,” comments • 1988: first steps in the medical care devices. Barco, on the other hand, Eric Van Zele, Barco’s President and CEO. imaging market is renowned for its diagnostic, surgical • Current product line: patient moni- and mammography display products,” toring displays, PACS monitors, explains Piet Candeel, President of Bar- surgical displays, mobile point of co’s Medical Imaging Division. www.barco.com/medical care devices • Approx. 80 employees • Website: www.fimi.philips.com

Feature | redefine 21

red.efine_issue2.indd 21 29/01/10 09:17 Power

PowerStream is the second largest electricity distribution company in Canada, serving more than 315,000 residential and business customers.

Barco’s visualization solution met these “What I particularly like is that it allows challenges, at a feasible cost. anyone to take over the display and manipulate its layout smoothly from “At first, the team was quite sceptical their workstation: they can zoom in, about shifting from a static display sys- customize the layout or use image- tem to the Barco wall. But once they’d processing tools to highlight events.” grasped its ease-of-use, they really embraced it,” McClean said. www.barco.com/utilities

PowerStream’s new head office in Vaughan received a LEED gold certifi- cation for its environmentally efficient design. A 6x2 80” Barco video wall with accompanying controller and software in its control room contributed to this.

A power grid system requires constant review, management and control, 24/7. So only the best possible technology would do for PowerStream. “The electric power grid is displayed as a vast array of horizontal and vertical lines. An inter- ruption in these lines would provide a wrong image,” says John McClean, currently Director of Operations.

22 redefine | Case study

red.efine_issue2.indd 22 29/01/10 09:17 In rapid transit HOCHBAHN, located in Hamburg, is the second largest public transport The Barco video walls support us in this process, as they provide a crystal- operator in Germany. It manages three U-Bahn (underground railway) clear overview of the U-Bahn and bus lines and well over 100 bus routes from a state-of-the-art new control situations. The moment a line breaks down or another incident occurs, opera- center. tors can spot the problem, identify it and decide with their colleagues what action to take. This prompt decision- making helps our people to inform the passengers faster, to coordinate Barco’s proposal best met HOCHBAHN’s “We chose to work with five different more efficiently with technical, medi- high quality and functionality demands. walls, with three operators viewing the cal or security support services and to Indeed, the video wall presents a uni- data per wall,” Rainer Schwentke, proj- quickly take any other step needed to form image over time and across the ect manager for HOCHBAHN, recalled. ensure the comfort and safety of our entire screen, and offers many possibili- “The objective of consolidating our customers.” ties for easily managing large amounts U-Bahn, bus and security services was of data and sources. A further major to improve communications between argument for choosing Barco was its the different teams and, as a conse- www.barco.com/traffic market leadership. quence, make better, faster decisions.

The objective of consolidating our U-Bahn, bus and security services was to improve communications between the different teams and, as a conse- quence, make better, faster decisions. The video wall provides an easy, single overview at a glance.

Case study | redefine 23

red.efine_issue2.indd 23 29/01/10 09:17 Barco will be the first manufacturer to have a next- generation ‘Series 2’ DLP Cinema® projector installed in 2010 promises to be a very ex- the field. citing year for the cinema community. Not only can we expect plenty of mouth-watering movie premières – including sure-fire block-busters such as ‘Alice in Wonderland’, ‘Shrek forever after’ and ‘Toy Story 3’ – the new year ” will also mark the dawn of the highly anticipated ‘Series 2’ DLP Next-generation Barco ‘Series 2’ projectors ready to hit the market technology.

Continuing the

Avatar breaks new ground Ready for the next generation

In the run-up to 2010, James Cameron’s But what can we expect from the tech- ‘Avatar’ monopolized the industry’s at- nology front this year? We looked ahead tention by offering a ground-breaking with Raf Rentmeesters, Product Manag- 3D experience, resulting in an over- er Digital Cinema at Barco. “2010 will see whelming worldwide box office success the introduction of the next-generation – the movie generated more than $500 Barco digital cinema projectors, featur- million receipts in its first 10 days. ing a new, integrated media block,” he announces. “The ‘Series 2’ DLP projector At the ‘Avatar’ world première last De- family will further raise the digital cin- cember in the Empire Leicester Square ema bar by delivering more brightness, Theater in London, Barco once more stunning 3D performance, full DCI com- underpinned its long-standing expertise pliance and lowest through-life cost. in 3D cinema. For the occasion, Barco and Dolby Laboratories, Inc. combined a Dolby 3D large-screen system with A long history four DP-3000 digital cinema projectors. All together, more than 1300 VIP guests The introduction of these next-gener- witnessed the larger-than-life 3D adven- ation cinema projectors marks a new ture with supreme brightness, image high point in a long history of break- sharpness, and color accuracy, exactly as through innovations, which started off director James Cameron intended. in 1999, with the launch of Barco’s DLP Cinema® projector.

24 redefine | Technology

red.efine_issue2.indd 24 29/01/10 09:17 Barco innovations in digital cinema

The fi rst digital cinema projector with 2002 a sealed engine, improved image quality and longer system lifetime.

The fi rst truly modular cinema 2003 projector, with enhanced ease of use and optimum reliability.

Introduction of the fi rst projector with Next-generation Barco ‘Series 2’ projectors ready to hit the market 2005 lamp power redundancy, resulting in an increased reliability.

Release of the world’s fi rst 30,000 2007 lumens projector.

Launch of the fi rst digital cinema projector based on the 0.98 inch DLP Cinema© chip from Texas Instruments, resulting in a more compact footprint.

“Barco has been leading innovation and Release of the fi rst single-lens setting digital cinema milestones for projector solution, increasing fl exibility more than a decade,” said Wim Buyens, and ease of use. Vice-President Digital Cinema at Barco. “Our projectors were the fi rst to intro- Presentation of the fi rst full-panel duce several breakthrough innovations, triple fl ash projector for a premium 3D including a sealed engine, a truly modu- experience. lar concept, full-panel triple fl ash technology and many things more.” Creation of the brightest 0.98” cinema projector on the planet, apt for screens up to 20 meter, thanks to Barco’s Future-proof solution patented cooling technology.

“Today, we’re thrilled to take another Announcement of the ‘Series 2’ huge step forward, as we will be the 2009 projector family, presenting theater fi rst manufacturer to have a next gen- owners with a future-proof projector ® eration, fully DCI compliant DLP Cinema solution. projector installed in the fi eld. As such, we can offer our customers the most First fi eld installations of the ‘Series 2’ future-proof digital projection solution in 2010 DLP Cinema© projectors the industry,” Buyens concludes.

www.barco.com/dc2010

Technology | redefi n e 25

red.efine_issue2.indd 25 29/01/10 09:17 Better collaboration for everyone

In improving collaboration to yield better and faster decision making, using visualization is a time-proven method. For some years, Barco has been offering not just the visualization hardware, but also the software that makes better collaboration possible. Its XDS suite lets users control multiple sources simulta- neously in a familiar, large-screen Win- dows desktop. XDS also allows one-click videoconferencing, data streaming to the display system, and remote display management.

2010 will see an expansion of this range. when they use display equipment not From that point on, thanks to a new set manufactured by Barco. This expanded of XDS hardware products, multi-win- XDS availability will not only be an asset dowing collaboration will be available in meeting rooms of any kind, but can for any system. Whether an HD flat pan- also aid in collaborative design efforts el or a complex multi-projector setup, or university-wide learning where quick, customers can enjoy the advantages of centralized exchange of information is XDS’s Windows-based operation even crucial.

Seeing infrared

Traditionally, projectors absorb infrared light and are designed to specifically not absorb visible light wavelengths. This poses an unexpected challenge for projection in simulation that has to be compatible with stimulated night vision goggle (NVG) equipment. To get a real- istic image, a pilot with NVGs depends on subtle infrared radiation to create halo and blooming effects in their visor. Barco’s SIM 7 projector, which already offered the right contrast and black lev- els for accurate night scenes, now also features an increased infrared spectrum, so that pilots get to prepare for night missions with images as close to reality as possible.

26 redefine | Product focus

red.efine_issue2.indd 26 29/01/10 09:17 In a galaxy, very, very close by

In the world of virtual reality, Barco’s car design, scientific research or product boasts a light output of 7,000 lumens. three-chip DLP Galaxy projector family review. On the other hand, the Galaxy It was designed specifically to meet the has long found itself at the heart of vari- NW-7 also features smearing reduction – demands of systems where multiple ous 3D systems. The Galaxy NW-7 is the for fast-moving images, such as in flight projectors are used to create one im- latest addition to this family. simulation, this is pivotal in rendering age. Its optimizations include technolo- the pilot’s view as close to real life as gies that smoothen out overlap zones Two main applications stand to benefit possible. between projections, equalize bright- from the Galaxy NW-7. On the one hand, ness or color differences, and allow geo- its active 3D capabilities easily lend it to The Galaxy NW-7 comes with a stan- metrically correct projection on curved systems for geophysical data analysis, dard WUXGA (1920x1200) resolution and surfaces.

The speed of light

Barco recently released the Cyberlight The Cyberlight 2.0. is the brightest prod- 2.0., successor to the highly successful uct in its category, with a light output Cyberlight, which was sold over 20,000 of over 30,000 lumens. Its mirror archi- times in its career of 15 years. Like its tecture means that stage and show de- namesake, the Cyberlight 2.0. is a high- signers can move lights across the stage powered mirror fixture. Apart from very fast to create dazzling show effects. a stronger lamp, a 150% increase in “The response from our customers has brightness and improved colors, it also been very positive,” states Brad Schiller, offers better controls. Product Manager for the Cyberlight 2.0.

“They’re very excited we’re continuing the Cyberlight’s success story with new features and greater output, and they’re especially impressed with the speed of the system. Some customers have already started using them. For example, LD John McGuire is using Cyberlight 2.0’s for the rock band Weezer on their latest tour.”

Product focus | redefine 27

red.efine_issue2.indd 27 29/01/10 09:17 Forget cell phones, here’s the real deal

In the consumer market, ‘3G’ is associated with the ‘third generation’ cell phones. But it is also something else. It’s a term for lightning-fast, 3 Gigabit per second video processing, and is set to realize the true potential of the 1080p HD image standard.

‘3G’ is short for a three Gigabit per Today, media and broadcasting compa- Progressive video creates complete second serial data interface for video nies use both progressive and interlaced images with each scan, which results transfer. As defined by the Society of video. By design, 3G is poised to defini- in a smoother, more detailed image. Motion Picture and Television Engineers’ tively eliminate the interlaced video However, it requires faster pipelines, (SMPTE) 424M standard, 3G makes it transmission. Interlaced video never especially in the case of full HD and possible to transmit twice as much displays a full picture in a single scan higher resolutions. This isn’t just about data as current high definition video because it quickly alternates between cabling and a display – the pipeline standards. Currently, video processing one field with the uneven and another infrastructure also entails switchers and is limited to 1.5 Gigabits, known simply field with the even lines – hence the routers. For example, HD images from as 1.5G. term “interlaced”. Human perception a projector are transmitted through DVI, makes it look like a complete picture. which is expensive and in some cases The interlaced standard was invented involves complex long-distance cabling. to reduce flicker, but puts serious con- 3G, however, is a serial interface that straints on the data rate, not to men- only uses a single co-ax. tion the interlacing- and de-interlacing equipment users need to invest in.

28 redefine | Technology

red.efine_issue2.indd 28 29/01/10 09:17 Forget cell phones, here’s the real deal

Ready for 3G HD is now Beyond the horizon

‘Ready for 3G’ could be seen every- HD has become the new standard in Another obvious advantage of 3G is where at 2009’s National Association video, both in the professional and the that it prepares broadcasters and event of Broadcasters (NAB) exhibition in Las consumer domain. A side effect of this companies for what lies in wait beyond Vegas. It included routing switchers is that the public is growing used to the HD. Visualization isn’t going to come with 3G backplanes and cameras with razor-sharp detail of full HD, and will to a standstill once HD is adopted 3G interfaces, among others. accept nothing less. completely by the general public. For example, a private-public partnership Chris Prosio went on record for Rental & Even people who haven’t got the in Japan is already well underway to Staging magazine, saying that video 3G remotest interest in visualization tech- develop so-called UHD (7680x4320), is the future of HD. He says: “The current nology, are starting to see clunky, 4:3 which is sixteen times as detailed as terrestrial broadcast chain only supports CRT monitors as ancient, similar to current HD (1920x1080). 1.5 Gbps transmissions. Currently, the how people born after 1975 will think only way to obtain true progressive of grayscale televisions. To accommo- While not excellent, 1.5GBps may be 1080p signals is through a local source, date the demands of the audience, the sufficient to process HD video, but it cer- such as a video server, and the cost to broadcast industry needs to stand ready tainly won’t be once the next big leap in broadcast 3G signals may in fact keep to update their infrastructure. Only this resolution and realism arrives. As Chris them out of traditional broadcast chan- way, they can be sure that they provide Prosio states in Rental & Staging: “The nels for a while. However, the concept their viewers with the best image qual- new wave of 3G video products is on of local video servers downloading con- ity, without hiccups. the leading edge of video technology, tent via the net may accelerate 3G’s and they merit a closer look. entry into the market.”

format scan type active H pixels active V lines max data rate main application 1.5G formats 1080i 60Hz interlaced 1920 1080 1.485 Gbps US broadcast 1080p 29.94 Hz progressive 1920 1080 1.485 Gbps US broadcast 1080p 25 Hz progressive 1920 1080 1.485 Gbps Euro broadcast 720p 60Hz progressive 1280 720 1.485 Gbps US broadcast 720p 59.94Hz progressive 1280 720 1.485 Gbps US broadcast 1035i 60Hz interlaced 1920 1035 1.485 Gbps Japanese TV 3G formats 1080p 60Hz progressive 1920 1080 2.970 Gbps HD for film 1080p 59.64Hz progressive 1920 1080 2.970 Gbps HD for film 1080p 50Hz progressive 1920 1080 2.970 Gbps HD for film

Technology | redefine 29

red.efine_issue2.indd 29 29/01/10 09:17 Even though they’re far ahead of the The availability of ‘3G-ready’ video curve, they promise high quality and products will ensure that investments longevity through the next wave of will endure for the next wave of HD ‘higher definition’ HD. essentially, as the industry evolves, a 3G product is a ‘future-proof’ product.”

30 redefine | Technology

red.efine_issue2.indd 30 29/01/10 09:17 HD and 3G – separated twins?

While HD is now an obvious reality, Slowly, support and demand for HD A very concrete example is the BBC, it had been around for quite a while grew, not in the least in routing and which has plans to start up 3G trans- before gaining mainstream acceptance. cabling technologies. This support came missions by 2012. While the technical As early as the ‘80s, it was recognized from the movie industry, governments kinks still need to be hammered out in for its outstanding image quality, but as well as technology manufacturers the coming years, it is almost certain there was no complementary technol- who saw it as a big selling point in DVD that BBC will simply lead the way in ogy to support it in an event or broad- and, later, Blu-Ray equipment. how other broadcasting companies will casting network. respond to the emerging technology.

Mt. Zion Church already uses Barco’s FSN The BBC is pioneering 3G broadcast networks Barco’s 3G-ready FSN switcher in action

It is very likely that 3G, as a technology Barco’s with only upsides, will follow the same FSN switcher direction. In an article for PLSN magazine, Paul Berliner says: “[A] key driving Premiered at NAB 2009, Barco’s force is the semiconductor manufactur- high-resolution production switchers, who are now producing a variety of 3G chips that make 1080p @ 59/60 pos- er, the FSN, is 3G ready. it features sible — and that in turn drives the video great input and output flexibility, manufacturers to turn out more gear.” can store up to 100 still frames and is compatible with other Barco presentation system equipment. At NAB, from a competitive field of hundreds of new products, Barco’s FSN switcher received a prestigious Mario Award from TV Technology Magazine.

Technology | redefine 31

red.efine_issue2.indd 31 29/01/10 09:17 Colofon Come and see us!

Editors: In the coming months, you can find Barco at the following events: Leslie Ghekiere, Kristof Maddelein, Koen Vromant Show Where Date Managing editor: Integrated Systems Europe Amsterdam, the Netherlands 2-4 Feb Jeroen Meuleman Singapore Air Show Singapore 2-7 Feb Editor in chief: Heli Expo Houston, TX, United States 21-23 Feb Lieven Bertier European Congress of Radiology Vienna, Austria 5-8 March

Publisher: ATC Global Amsterdam, the Netherlands 9-11 March J.P. Tanghe Showest Las Vegas, NV, United States 15-18 March VP Corp. Comm. & Investor Relations CCBN Beijing, China 23-25 March Barco nv Pres. Kennedypark 35 Distributech Tampa, FL, United States 23-25 March B-8500 Kortrijk NAB Las Vegas, NV, United States 12-15 April

For more info: JPR São Paulo, Brazil 29 April-02 May [email protected] Sea Air Space National Harbor, MD, United States 3-5 May Screen Media Expo London, United Kingdom 5-6 May Art, design and production: Hans De Cock, Nathalie Reynaert IFSEC Birmingham, United Kingdom 10-13 May Deutsches Röntgenkongress Berlin, Germany 12-15 May Picture credits: Gabriel Albornoz p2, p11 Seram Coruña, Spain 28-31 May iStockphoto p1, p8-11 Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine Minneapolis, MN, United States 03-06 June InfoComm Las Vegas, NV, United States 09-11 June All other images: copyright Barco

Printed in Belgium. Reproduction of articles www.barco.com/upcomingevents in whole or in part requires the permission of the editorial office. This also applies to storage in electronic databases or on the internet.

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