The “invisible” projector Barco offers flexible solutions for media-based attractions by Joe Kleiman
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rojection systems that seamlessly integrate with the audiovisual workflow support designers, integrators and operators striving to present the best visuals and latest media in their attractions. Barco’s new projectors are designed to create versatility in their deployment and deliver ultimate flexibility for media-based attractions. As a tool for the storyteller, these projectors are designed to be “invisible” (essentially undetectable or unobtrusive to the guest; compatible and adaptable for the creative and technical team) while providing optimal imagery for a wide range of applications, spaces and settings. The recently announced XDM and XDX projectors, based on Barco’s cinema projector series, are native 4K and are designed for environments such as dark rides and theatrical shows, while the UDX, UDM, F- and G-series projectors are well suited to projection-mapped projects.
Multiple Thea Awards for Barco projects Several projects using Barco projectors have been honored with the prestigious Thea Award from the Themed Entertainment Association four years in a row. The art exhibition Carrières des Lumières received a Thea Award in 2018. Three dark ride
projects also earned Theas. Barco partnered with Alterface on two of these projects — Bazyliszek at Poland’s Park Legendia (awarded in 2019) and Popcorn Revenge at Walibi Belgium (2020). The third was Sesame Street: Street Mission at PortAventura World, produced by Sally Dark Rides (2021). Both Bazyliszek and Popcorn Revenge utilized the PGWU-62L laser phosphor projector. One of the benefits of this projector for use in a confined space (such as a dark ride tunnel) is its very low noise levels. The versatility of Barco’s UDX-W22 projectors is demonstrated in how they illuminate each of the Sesame Street ride’s eight screens. The screens range from 30-feet to 70-feet wide. Four of the screens feature projection mapping on dimensional sets with practical target integration. Another screen is curved 90-degrees, with animatronic and show element syncing. Two more screens are curved 180-degrees, allowing for a flight through The Count’s castle and a dive into Oscar the Grouch’s trash can. The final screen is flat and is used as a Hall of Fame scoreboard.
Carrières des Lumières Photo courtesy of Culturespaces
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