Barco expands its range of Galaxy 4K projectors with three models for the virtual reality market

The Belgian firm Barco has expanded its range of Galaxy 4K series projectors with three new models to respond to the demand for higher image resolution and stereo in virtual reality applications.

The range of Galaxy 4K projectors from Barco has been expanded with three models: 4K-12; 4K-23 y 4K-32, capable of offering ultra-high resolution in both mono and stereo up to 120 Hz, with excellent response time in user interaction for virtual reality applications.

Available on the market in the first quarter of 2014, These projectors offer a luminosity of 12.000 lumens on Galaxy 4K-12 model; of 23.000 lumens (4K-23) and of 32.000 lumens for 4K-32 projector, which Digital AV Magazine will analyze in detail soon.

This range of projectors has been improved and expanded to respond more quickly to user interactions through tracking systems or haptic devices such as those used in virtual reality environments..

Besides, Stereo content can be displayed at full native 4K resolution (instead of going back to 2K resolution), to which is added that the equipment has the new DisplayPort inputs 1.2 and color accuracy has been increased from 8bit/color to 12bit/color.

3D Stereo Flexibility

Thanks to the 4K resolution of these projectors, important details are more visible, either in design models or in geophysical data layers. With active 3D stereo and active 3D technology from Infitec, as well as a stacked configuration option that enables Infitec passive 3D at full 4K resolution, the professional can choose the type of 3D stereo that best suits their needs.

For Stefan Vandemaele, Barco product manager, “Support for native 4K and stereo images in a single Galaxy 4K device is a new milestone in virtual immersion. Users can experiment with very high resolution images, with very fast reaction times, "The result is a much more realistic representation of virtual reality content.".

The Galaxy 4K series is specifically designed for the virtual reality market and, therefore, It has been optimized for the projection of 3D stereo images in 4K resolution with Active Infitec technology (when it comes to large groups ) or by using active glasses (for small groups). In both cases, only a projector and a standard screen are required., so existing infrastructure can be optimally reused.

Customers who have already invested in a Galaxy 4K projector can benefit from these improvements through an upgrade, with minimal system downtime, since the projector can remain in its position, avoiding intensive labor for realignment.

“The Galaxy 4K series builds on Barco’s experience in developing high-performance projectors for the digital cinema and virtual reality markets., with high image quality, optimal stability and the best quality-price ratio - emphasizes Vandemaele -. “The ability to upgrade 4K Galaxy projectors clearly shows our commitment to maximizing the customer’s initial investment.”.

The Belgian company has also updated its high-quality MCM processor- 400 (warping y blending) to support 4K resolution, higher frame rate and color depth, thanks to which it is possible to build multi-projector Galaxy 4K systems.

In addition to offering optimal performance as a stand-alone projector, The new Galaxy 4K models are also ready for configuration and use on multiple channels, like high resolution powerwalls, immersive caves, etc. Thanks to the use of constant light emission technology (which maintains a uniform brightness level over the entire system), Very stable high-resolution projection areas can also be created.

All models have both the DMD chip and the optical engine completely sealed to prevent any dust from entering the projector's critical components.. To this is added, the modular design of Galaxy 4K projectors to ensure greater durability and quick maintenance, with a simple interface to facilitate diagnostic and configuration operations, which also includes the choice between a direct lamp replacement or complete lamp housing changes, according to needs.