Barco introduces 4K DLP projectors for the VR market

Barco, a world leader in professional visualization, announces the release of the Galaxy 4K series projectors. These three-chip DLP projectors, dedicated to the Virtual Reality (VR) market, bring high-quality images with impressive detail to large-screen 2D and 3D applications. Depending on the required brightness level, customers can choose among three models: Galaxy 4K-12, 4K-23, and 4K-32. The Galaxy 4K series builds on the proven technology of Barco's world-leading digital cinema projectors and brings the many benefits these models offer to the VR market. With resolution of up to 4K (4096x2160) on its DVI inputs and – depending on the model – stunning brightness levels of 12,000, 23,000 or 33,000 lumens, the Galaxy 4K produces the highest quality 3D imagery under all circumstances. Benefitting from the recognized advantages of DLP technology – including superb brightness uniformity, long lifetime and color saturation – this projector series is the perfect basis for Barco's CADWall and I-Space systems.

Innovations enhance quality and lifetime
The hermetically sealed optical engine makes sure no dust can affect the DLP 4K chip, guaranteeing undiminished brightness, color uniformity and contrast levels over time. The enhanced DMD cooling protects the system's core components from overheating, which extends their lifetime dramatically. In addition, Barco projectors come with a patented convergence alignment tool requiring up to five times less effort to optimize convergence than any other tool available on the market today. Last but not least, the 12-bit input capability allows more details in black and grey scales when running the unit at 2K sources.

3D stereo flexibility
In VR applications, the use of clear and vivid 3D stereo content is critical, and the Galaxy 4K series is designed to ensure the ultimate in 3D available today. In order to counter the typical brightness issues that often impair 3D installations, the Galaxy 4K can produce up to 33,000 lumens. This makes it possible to operate the projector optimally even in very bright conditions or over extra-large screen surfaces. Furthermore, to give customers the possibility to choose the 3D stereo technology that best suits their needs, Barco supports a number of stereoscopic technologies. This includes active 3D stereo and active Infitec 3D stereo single-projector technology to display 3D content in 2K resolution, or a dual-projector passive Infitec 3D stereo setup for impressive stereoscopic images in 4K resolution.

Lowest Total Cost of Ownership
“The Galaxy 4K series is another example of Barco's leadership in the field of large-screen visualization for Virtual Reality systems,” says Stefan Vandemaele, Product Manager in Barco's Control Room and Simulation Division. “It gives customers the opportunity to create stunning details with fewer projectors (usually just one), and thus saves on maintenance costs and projector blending efforts. Plus, the Galaxy 4K's modular design and user-friendly interface ensure quick servicing and increase uptime – further reducing the Total Cost of Ownership. The excellent brightness and color uniformity over the entire projected surface, and the long projector lifetime, ensure the highest image quality for many years. In brief: the Galaxy 4K series has everything to become the new standard for large-screen VR installations.”