Installation Technology Guide – Projectors supplement April 2014

Installation Technology Guide A Special Promotional Publication From

Projectors

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expanding projector experiences Vogel’s Professional offers a complete new range of projector ceiling mounts. These projector mounts are especially designed for the latest generation projectors weighing up to 25 kg. The range includes basic projector ceiling mounts and height adjustable kits with telescopic poles.

Universal projector interface All mounts come with a universal projector interface. This projector interface is equipped with fine tune adjustability for precise alignment to the projection surface. Once aligned, the projector stays in position.

Turning the unique friction ring (patent pending) will eliminate all play from the interface connections, making the mount a solid and very stable solution.

Height adjustable projector ceiling mount kits The height adjustable projector ceiling mount kits can be used when the height of the ceiling is not known or when exibility is wanted. These mounts come in 3 lengths offering variable height adjustment from 400 to 1350 mm.

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Installation Technology Guide - Projectors - April 2014

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Welcome & Contents EDITOR’S COMMENT

A HEALTHY FUTURE IS PROJECTED

CONTENTS Application overview..................04 How manufacturers address different markets Market trends ...............................06 Technological developments that shape the industry Company listing ...........................14

‘Projection technology has made enormous strides in recent years’

Editor: Paddy Baker paddy.baker@intentmedia.co.uk Managing editor: Joanne Ruddock jo.ruddock@intentmedia.co.uk Deptuy editor: James McGrath james.mcgrath@intentmedia.co.uk Head of design & production: Adam Butler adam.butler@intentmedia.co.uk Designer: Tom Carpenter tom.carpenter@intentmedia.co.uk Sales manager: Ian Graham ian.graham@intentmedia.co.uk Production manager: Evan Graham evan.graham@intentmedia.co.uk

As we reflect elsewhere in this publication, projection technology has made enormous strides in recent years.

Higher brightness is a never-ending quest; new illumination sources promise greater convenience as many of the hassles caused by the need for lamp replacement are negated; and projectors are now intelligent, interactive, networked devices. And as the market matures, specific functionality is developed to address the needs of particular application sectors – whether that be short throw, the best possible image clarity, or the highest levels of connectivity.

At times, you just want to take a step back and get an appreciation of the whole as well as the individual parts.

And that’s what this, the first in a new series of Installation Technology Guides, is designed to do. Rather than provide insight into one specific aspect of projectors – as we would generally do within Installation’s regular feature coverage – we want to give a broad overview of how the market is developing, and what the key applications are that use projection technology. In addition, you can read about the latest offerings from leading projector manufacturers.

I hope you enjoy reading this Technology Guide. And if you have suggestions for subjects that we might cover in future publications, please get in touch.

Paddy Baker Editor, Installation paddy.baker@intentmedia.co.uk

PROMOTIONAL ARTICLES Barco ..................................................10 With brightness from 3,000 to 40,000 lumens, Barco makes projectors for numerous markets; installs include the Super Bowl and Eurovision Song Contest NEC Display Solutions ..................12 NEC’s projector ranges for the High Light Output sector combine qualities that have helped the company become a leading name in digital cinema projection

Installation is published by Intent Media London, 1st Floor, Suncourt House, 18-26 Essex Road, London N1 8LN, UK Telephone: +44 (0)20 7354 6001 The contents of this publication are subject to worldwide copyright protection and reproduction in whole or in part, whether mechanical or electronic, is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the Publishers. Great care is taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this publication but neither NewBay Media nor the Editor can be held responsible for its contents or any omissions. The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Publishers or Editor. The Publishers accept no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or artwork. © 2014 NewBay Media. All rights reserved.

Look out for the next Technology Guide from Installation: DIGITAL SIGNAGE For more information, contact Ian Graham ian.graham@intentmedia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7354 6000

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April 2014 - Installation Technology Guide - Projectors

APPLICATION OVERVIEW

Shifting focus

Barco’s DP2K-32B holds the Guinness World Record for the brightest projector with an output of 43,000 lumens

It’s not just the transition from VGA to WUXGA resolution that has changed in the projector industry, nor average brightness having increased at least tenfold. There have been more fundamental changes to the way projector manufacturers design their products for different vertical markets, as Ian McMurray describes Awfully projected images once had

rival the image quality of film – but

60,000-lumen laser-based digital

of 28,000 lumens. Stacking is also

their time to shine. Between 1990

that it might eventually replace film

cinema projector) – high resolution (4K

giving rise to important functionality

and 2001 the InfoComm Shoot-Out

projectors altogether in cinemas.

is, increasingly, becoming the norm),

such as edge blending; the aptly

provided a platform for manufacturers

Yet, there are now some 100,000

and optimisation of the electronics

named Christie Roadie range is a

to pit their projectors against multiple

screens worldwide that have made

to generate a ‘film-like’ (rather than

good example of the genre, while

others in a darkened room. In the

the transition – and the expectation

‘video-like’) image.

Barco’s offering comprises close

quarter of a century since the first

is that the large majority of the

Shoot-Out, the projector industry has transformed in such a way that there are no longer shockingly bad

Taking their place just below

to a dozen models with brightness

remaining 30,000 screens will have

digital projectors in the projector

between 8,000 lumens and 40,000

converted to digital by the end of

hierarchy, but designed for a

lumens. Surpassing even that is

2015.

completely different application set,

Digital Projection – one of the first-

are so-called ‘large venue’ projectors.

ever licensees of TI’s DLP technology

pinnacle of digital projection

Here too, the primary distinguishing

– with over 40 models in its TITAN

achievement. Four manufacturers

feature is brightness. It’s possible

family.

were differentiated largely on their

dominate this market: Barco, Christie

to sub-divide this market into two:

brightness – which, in today’s terms,

and NEC all licence DLP Cinema

fixed install, and rental/staging. In

projection, multi-lamp is widely used

ranged from ‘scarcely visible’ to

technology from Texas Instruments,

either case, the range of potential

either to deliver higher brightness, or

‘somewhat dim’. Today, however,

with a cumulative market share

positions within a projection space is

failsafe, or extended gaps between

the industry is characterised by its

estimated at around 90%, while

enormous, mandating the provision

maintenance visits – or all three. The

fragmentation as the market has

Sony is the lone representative of

of a broad range of lens options.

Panasonic PT-EX16KE, for example,

matured. Projectors are now designed

the liquid crystal camp with its SXRD

Because the projector could be

features no fewer than four lamps.

to serve specific applications and

technology. Whatever the underlying

placed just about anywhere, remote

market niches, with feature sets to

technology, these projectors are

control is often a pre-requisite to

PICTURE PERFECT

match.

characterised by three factors: high

account for accessibility issues.

Digital cinema (and large venue

brightness – it takes over 30,000

Certain applications call for more

projectors to a slightly lesser

DIGITAL CINEMA EXTRAVAGANZA

lumens to put an image on a 100ft

brightness than a single projector

extent) prioritise image quality.

Certainly, at the InfoComm Shoot-

screen (Barco claimed a Guinness

can deliver, meaning that projectors

But a market where image quality

Out, only the truly starry-eyed could

World Record back in 2010 for its

need to be designed for stacking.

is of greater importance, if not

have imagined a time not only when

DP2K-32B with brightness of 43,000

NEC’s PX700W can be stacked up

paramount to the projector’s

an electronic projector could begin to

lumens and has just launched a

to four high for total light output

operation, is visualisation, CAD/CAM

projectors like the ones seen back then.

In the Shoot-Out era, projectors

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Digital cinema is perhaps the

In both areas of large venue

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Installation Technology Guide - Projectors - April 2014

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APPLICATION OVERVIEW and medical applications. These

different BYOD screens to the class,

attention of consumers.

Few consumers, however, are

The Themescene HD83 – at the top end of Optoma’s offering – delivers

highly specialist verticals that the

while administrators can manage up

projection industry has penetrated

to 1,024 Epson networked projectors

seriously looking at the SIM2

1,600 lumens at a contrast ratio of

necessitate high degrees of detail

using Epson’s EasyMP software or

Superlumis, with its eye-watering

50,000:1. Almost silent in operation

and colour accuracy to create picture

Crestron RoomView.

price tag in the UK of some £37,000

at 22dB – a key consideration in the

(€44,000). Announced in November

confines of a domestic environment –

realism. A recent example of this

Concerns about the possible

is Sony’s 4K resolution SRX-T615,

damage caused to pupils by looking

last year, it is a 3-chip DLP-based

it features two HDMI inputs as well as

with its ability to switch between

directly into a projector’s lens,

projector of which one reviewer said

VGA and composite, and the triggers

a standard sRGB colour gamut,

together with the potential on-screen

that it featured “unbelievable, cinema-

necessary to integrate it within a

DCDM or Adobe RGB as required.

disruption caused by movement

grade picture quality”. More typical of

wider home automation system.

Canon has worked with Lariviere

between the projector and the

the high end of home cinema is the

on its XEED range of projectors

screen, were key drivers in the search

JVC DLA-X900R. Featuring JVC’s own

for gamers – both PC and console

to be compliant with the DICOM

for projectors which could be placed

D-ILA technology – a close cousin of

– looking for a more expansive,

(Digital Imaging and Communication

much more closely to the screen. This

Sony’s SXRD technology – it is still the

immersive experience in which their

in Medicine) standard required by

resulted in a surge of popularity for

price of a very small family car.

entire field of view is occupied by,

many medical applications. Another

short-throw and, eventually, ultra-

company working within this area is

short-throw projectors. An example

though, from a high-end home

this class of user, there is rather less

projectiondesign – now part of Barco

of the former is the InFocus IN114ST

cinema projector at this level of

interest in absolute picture quality

– which developed the FL33 using

with its throw ratio of 0.6 – in other

the market? In the case of the

and more in input lag times… Epson

LED illumination to maximise colour

words, for every metre of projected

Superlumis: brightness of up to 5,000

markets no fewer than five projectors

fidelity, while the company’s WQXGA

width, the projector needs to be set

lumens, a choice of two lens types

specifically aimed at gamers, with the

resolution FL35 is used by British

0.6m (24in) from the screen. The

that maximise either brightness or

EH-TW5200, for example, providing

Airways for simulation.

Hitachi CP-A222WN ultra-short-throw

contrast in order to fit the projector

a ‘fast mode’ for more responsive

projector can deliver a 203cm wide

to the ambient lighting environment, a

gameplay.

image from a distance of 50cm.

range of throw ratios and substantial

BLURRED LINES There’s a fine line between installation

The short-throw and ultra-short-

What can a customer expect,

There is also a growing market

say, exploding fighter aircraft. For

And finally, no discussion of

connectivity. The DLA-X900R offers

consumer projectors would be

projectors and boardroom projectors.

throw characteristics of projectors

brightness of 1,300 lumens, and

complete without at least a passing

If there is a difference between

designed for education use have also

native contrast ratio of 150,000:1

mention of pico-projectors – with their

the two, it is only that the former

enabled them to gain acceptance

(with so-called ‘dynamic contrast

average brightness of 50 lumens, and

are perhaps more often found in

in the retail environment, notably in

ratio’ of 1,500,000:1).

available for less than £100 (€120) –

entertainment applications, where

shop window displays.

For the more typical home cinema

which innovative manufacturers are

enthusiast looking for a more

beginning to incorporate into a range

AT HOME

engaging experience than that

of end-user devices including cameras

projector market, it’s the market for

If the projector market has evened

offered by a large plasma or LCD

and smartphones.

corporate meeting facilities, including

out in terms of image quality – which

screen, there is plenty of choice – not

training rooms. Here, companies like

is now almost universally very high,

least, for example, from the online

some ways are most representative

Acer, BenQ, Epson, InFocus, Optoma,

certainly by comparison with what

store of their favoured supermarket.

of how far we’ve come since the

Sony, ViewSonic and Vivitek have

it once was – and has progressively

At the low end, the difference

InfoComm Shoot-Out. Not in terms of

a plethora of solutions offering a

diversified to serve the specific

between a home cinema projector and

image quality (although they’d have

broad range of brightness and throw

needs of a range of sectors, it also

a boardroom projector is largely about

probably fared pretty well 20 years

distances. Quiet or silent operation

witnessed something of a remarkable

market positioning: even the provision

ago…) but in terms of the innovative

is typically seen as mandatory in

transition in terms of price. Excellent

of an HDMI input can be expected

ways manufacturers are applying

the corporate environment, as are

projectors can now be bought for a

in a business projector, given the

technology to bring affordable

network connectivity (increasingly

very few hundred pounds, euros or

prevalence of video in today’s

projection to new classes of user

wireless) and security. An example

dollars – compared to the thousands

corporate world. One company that

and that look likely to safeguard the

is the 3,000-lumen Epson EB-955W

they once cost – and that has,

has developed a broad range of home

future of projectors for many years to

with zoom lens, BYOD connectivity,

increasingly, brought them to the

entertainment projectors is Optoma.

come.

the latter are strictly for business.

Certainly, if there is a mainstream

It’s pico-projectors, though, that in

Kensington and password locks and a USB port for plug-in presentations.

Mention of training rooms moves the discussion on to what has become perhaps the largest market segment for projectors: the education market.

Increasingly, it is the case that every classroom benefits from the ability to engage every pupil. At BETT this year, Epson announced the EB-5 series of interactive finger touch technology projectors, specifically targeted at schools and colleges. The company has incorporated new moderator software into these projectors, which allows teachers to present up to four

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NEC’s PX Series DLP-based professional projectors are designed for ‘heavy duty’ applications

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April 2014 - Installation Technology Guide - Projectors

MARKET TRENDS

The future’s bright, the future’s…?

It’s exactly 30 years since Gene Dolgoff developed a digitally addressable LCD matrix device with sufficient resolution – a technology that would eventually create the projector industry we know today. Ian McMurray looks at how things stand in 2014

At ISE this year, Digital Projection launched what the company claims is the world’s first 12,000-lumen laser-based projector.

When Mitsubishi announced that it

Raikes, managing director of displays

parameters such as luminance,

BANG FOR THE BUCK

was exiting the projector business in

consultancy Meko. “That’s a sharp

contrast, resolution, size, aspect

“Projection certainly has a place in the

October last year, there was a frisson

contrast to the large flatpanel

ratio, shape and so on, where

market,” believes Steve Gore-Browne,

of consternation in the market. After

market, which is seeing good year-on-

projection is uniquely placed to

group technical manager, display

all, the company had only recently

year growth - around 20%, according

deliver the solution.”

technologies at integrator Saville AV.

debuted its LaserVue projectors at ISE

to Meko’s DisplayCast service for

2013, and had excited a good deal of

Europe, although we think 2014 may

Reflex and Paradigm have seen

even basic projectors are such now

interest with the launch of its Cloud

be a little slower.”

growth in markets that demand high

that they really do provide end users

It’s no coincidence that both

“The quality, life and running costs of

image quality, high brightness – and

with the most ‘bang for their buck’.

year. Did Mitsubishi know something

inevitably masks a more complex

where there is significant value for

You can have a 2m-diagonal 720p

about the projector market that no

truth.

the integrator to add. As Raikes

wide screen with a colour-accurate

confirms: “High-end projectors are

image on a meeting room wall for

Projectors at InfoComm later in the

That overall slight decline, however,

one else knew – or was it just about

“It was a steady year for us in

Mitsubishi? As some commentators

projector sales, with about 10%

doing well. For very large areas,

as little as £500 (€600). Flatpanels

pointed out, the company had pulled

growth on the previous year,” says

projection remains a cost-effective

cannot offer this and, over multiple

out of rear projection TVs at the end

Roland Dreesden, managing director

way of presenting digital content.”

rooms, the cost savings are quickly

of 2012 – so it had something of

of integrator Reflex. “The majority of

The consensus in the industry is

a track record of refocusing its AV

the uplift came from higher education

that the small decline in projector

display needed for an average room

business.

projects – mainly in lecture theatres.”

sales has been primarily in those

is, almost always, underestimated by

market areas where flatpanel

clients.”

“The projector business was

evident. The size of the flatpanel

Certainly, projector manufacturers

A COMPLEX TRUTH

good for us, because we had high

display (FPD) technology can deliver

For sure, 2013 was a challenging year

end sales,” echoes Greg Jeffreys,

a similar image to projection –

are rising to the challenge. The last

for projector manufacturers.

managing director of projection

but often more conveniently and

12 months have seen some exciting

solutions specialist Paradigm AV.

more cost effectively. Projector

developments in three key areas:

expected result for mainstream

“There are still important parts of

manufacturers are not standing still,

cost of ownership, resolution and

projectors will be a decline in volume

the market - like simulation – where

however.

connectivity.

of about 5% for 2013,” notes Bob

the image needs to have defined

“According to PMA Research, the

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Of these, perhaps the most

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Installation Technology Guide - Projectors - April 2014

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MARKET TRENDS significant is cost of ownership – and,

For Jeffreys, lampless projection is

meeting room market - projectors

quick to acknowledge the progress

specifically, the issue of the regular

one of two important developments in

can bring value. The challenge

projector manufacturers have made.

replacement of expensive lamps, an

the market: the other is 4K resolution.

is to communicate that value to

“They’ve done an amazing job in

annoyance that has plagued projector

He has an ally in Nick Rogers, CEO of

prospective users, many of whom

boosting performance,” he says, “as

users throughout the history of the

PMA Research (formerly Pacific Media

have been seduced by the allure of

well as reducing prices and making

technology. It’s an issue thrown into

Associates).

flatpanel display technology. It’s a

projectors easier to use.”

greater relief by the fact that cost of

“4K resolution is one of the

value that good integrators bring.

“The important thing is to take on

Jeffreys is similarly enthused. “I believe the medium/long-term future

ownership of a flatpanel is virtually

technologies that are driving the high

zero.

end of the projector market,” he says.

board the user experience, and sell

for projectors is good,” he smiles. “I

“Others include edge blending and

on the basis of delivering what the

think the manufacturers broadly ‘get

video mapping.”

application needs,” says Jeffreys. “We

it’ and are working intelligently to

now have quality standards, such

communicate their value to the AV

last month and saw the combination

as ANSI/InfoComm PISCR [Projected

food chain.”

most exciting developments in the

of a Christie 4K projector with a

Image System Contrast Ratio] to

Most commentators agree: the

market during 2013,” says Chris

Stewart StarGlas screen couldn’t help

demonstrate and even certify a

future for projectors looks brighter

Chinnock, president of market

but be compelled by what the higher

delivered result.”

at the top end of the market, where

researcher Insight Media.

resolution can deliver.

The projector manufacturers’ response has been to bring to market alternative illumination technologies.

“Laser and LED were probably the

Certainly, anyone who was at ISE

“A good integrator is ideally placed

the opportunities for innovation

to offer unbiased advice on choosing

and differentiation – and thus

LEDS, LASERS LEAD THE WAY

the right solution,” stresses Dreesden.

profit – are unquestionably greater.

“One of the key technology

“The integrator is also well placed

Further down the market, the

developments in projectors is in light

to consider the technical aspects

competitive environment is much

sources,” agrees Raikes. “Although

of the installation, offering design

more challenging: there are plenty

some vendors remain wedded to

and installation to suit the brief and

of projector manufacturers vying

lamps, solid state light sources such

space. And, of course, an integrator

for those spots on boardroom

as LEDs and lasers are continuing to

is in the optimum position to offer

ceilings, in training facilities and in

develop. It is sometimes said that

ongoing support through maintenance

classrooms – and plenty of flatpanel

bulbs are the last refuge of ‘glass,

and managed services.”

displays looking to find a home

Gore-Browne agrees. “At Saville, we

heat and vacuum’ technologies after

where a projection screen would

ensure that the portfolio of product

otherwise hang. That market may

we offer provides the client with the

not be growing – but according to

very best hardware at whatever price

PMA Research, so-called ‘mainstream’

point they are working to,” he says. “A

projectors still saw worldwide

quality integrator will always asses

shipments of close to 7 million units in

their clients’ needs – both for now

2013, with around the same number

and in the future – the hardware’s

forecast for this year – making it a

intended use, required mounting

very attractive, and perhaps lucrative,

WELL CONNECTED

position and environment before

opportunity for manufacturers with

“Laser/LED light engines are emerging

The third area of development for

advising on the best unit to meet

the right products. It’s a market that,

as more mainstream now although, in

projectors has been in connectivity –

these criteria. They will then ensure

in unit terms, is ten times the size of

truth, there is still work to be done to

increasingly, an absolute pre-requisite

that it is installed correctly – and

the ‘high-end’ market – although less

produce the same level of projected

for the mainstream corporate market.

safely – and that it’s commissioned

than twice its value.

“The development of Cloud-based

and set up to the best standards.”

transistors killed valves and LCDs killed CRTs.” “Lampless laser projectors have been around for a while,” adds Dreesden, “and now, they’ve started to become much more visible thanks to the increased performance of the

“One of the key technology developments in projectors is in light sources.”

Bob Raikes, Meko

latest models.”

Gore-Browne isn’t quite convinced.

image quality that lamped units

“Web-based suppliers will simply

Whether Mitsubishi’s decision to withdraw from the projector market

provide,” he says. “Some educational

and wireless ways to connect to

establishments will specify laser/LED

projectors is an interesting one,”

sell whatever the end user thinks they

will prove to be prescient, with others

due to the perceived lower running

suggests Raikes. “Like corporate IT

want,” he continues. “The reality of

perhaps following the company’s

departments, those dealing with

what the end user thinks they want

lead, or whether it will just prove to

costs.”

meeting room applications are having

and what will actually work for them

be a single manufacturer realigning

all projector manufacturers are

to handle BYOD and the fact that

is often not the same.”

its business focus, remains to be

addressing cost of ownership in the

those attending meetings want

He goes on to note that not

same way.

“Manufacturers are now offering previously unprecedented extended warranty and lamp packages,” he

seen. Certainly, at ISE in February,

to show content from a variety of

MAKING IT WORK

projectors were everywhere. Christie,

devices, few of which will have VGA

“A projector is invariably part of a

Digital Projection – with what the

ports.”

complete solution that will likely

company claimed is the world’s

involve networking, audio/video

first 12,000 lumen laser-based projector - Hitachi, Panasonic (another

“Wireless is growing, and HDbaseT

continues. “Epson in particular is

is a growing standard,” notes Nick

distribution and so on,” says Chinnock.

leading this, with the option for an

Rogers.

“The ability to make that all work

laser-based projector), ViewSonic

together and deliver a seamless end-

and Vivitek were just some of the

many models,” adds Gore-Browne.

user solution is where the integrator

companies to launch new products at

an unlimited lamp usage package.

“Panasonic has been especially

brings value.”

the show, while plenty of others were

This is to overcome the perceived

instrumental in leading this adoption.”

end user to purchase, for a very nominal sum, a five-year warranty and

advantages of the laser/LED units while offering the end user a far higher level of image quality.”

06 09 Projector Supp Feature_Final.indd 2

“Yes, HDbaseT is now standard on

Although he believes that

showcasing projectors launched since

projection technology will find it

ISE 2013. From the evidence available

in many applications – even in

increasingly challenging to compete

in Amsterdam, the projector market

the mainstream boardroom and

with flatpanel displays, Raikes is

continues to be a vibrant one.

There can be little dispute that,

04/04/2014 17:23

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April 2014 - Installation Technology Guide - Projectors

BARCO

From 3,000 to 40,000 lumens: there’s a Barco to fit all needs

What links the Eurovision Song Contest, the Super Bowl, the European tour of will.i.am, the Cannakale Legend Demonstration Center in Gallipoli and Aachen University? Barco! Offering projectors with brightness levels of 3,000 to 40,000 lumens across many different markets, Barco is a true projection leader that provides a solution for every application.

Brightness champions

find ways to project onto a large (40m

the bill. Just like their ultra-bright

further add to the image quality and

Most of the references listed above

x 8m), curved wall, ensuring there

counterparts, these three-chip HD

consistency.

recently learned the meaning behind

was enough light to compete with

series are equipped with Xenon

really bright projection – all having

500+ moving lights. In total, 60 Barco

lamps and a high-contrast optical

design that makes them simple to

discovered Barco’s heavy-duty, high-

projectors were used to meet the

engine, both of which guarantee vivid

install and service. Equipped with

definition three-chip HDF and HDQ

challenge, including 28 HDQ-2K40s.

colours to present audiences with

a solid and adjustable frame, the

projectors. Designed with the road in

“It is changing the idea of how

crisp, stunning images. The world-

projectors can easily be stacked and

mind, the HDF-W22 (22,000 lumens),

bright projection can be used in a

class image processing tools and

rigged as well. What’s more, they can

the HDF-W26 (26,000 lumens) and

show situation,” comments Mikki

Athena scaler, which are integrated as

all be controlled through smartphones

the 40,000-lumen HDQ-2K40 (2K

Kunttu video designer for the ESC.

standard in all Barco’s HD projectors,

and tablet computers - a must in

resolution) projectors are Barco’s top-

“Usually it is hard to get the projected

of-the-range series for the rental and

image to appear brighter on stage

staging market.

with all the lighting going on so we

exhibitors, who are always looking

used to dim the lights for video. Now

THE BARCO WORLD OF CINEMA

HDQ-2K40: the beast

it’s the opposite. With the HDQ-2K40

Building on its reputation for superior

Buyens, Barco’s general manager

The amazing brightness of the HDQ-

it takes guts to go 100% and in open

technology, Barco is constantly

Entertainment and Corporate, at the

2K40s is evident through countless

white; we sure wiped the others off

expanding its digital cinema offering.

launch. Pioneering cinema chains

testimonials from event organisers.

the stage.”

Besides providing a wide range of large

Kinepolis (Europe), Cinemark (US) and

and small, 2K and 4K digital cinema

several leading Chinese exhibitors immediately ordered their first units.

The team behind the 2014 Super

“This new beast, the HDQ-2K40

Bowl, for example, chose 12 HDQ-

projector, is by far the brightest

projectors, Barco also equips theaters

2K40s on account of their ability to

projection instrument I have ever

with its Auro 11.1 digital sound format.

project extremely bright images even

seen,” adds ESC lighting designer

And just last month, it took a giant

amidst the glaring ambient light of

Fredrik Jönsson.

leap forward by launching its very

nearby Times Square.

Winning combination of quality and

- the first of its type capable of

ease-of-use

showing 4K content at 60 fps and

year’s Eurovision Song Contest (ESC).

For events that don’t require the

3D movies in 4K resolution at such

Barco has been a partner to ESC for

massive 22,000 to 40,000 lumens

high brightness levels.

years, yet the 2013 edition was bigger

light output, the HDX-W12, HDX-W14

– and more challenging. Barco had to

or HDX-W18 projectors perfectly fit

10 11 Barco Install Tech Supp Ad_Final.indd 1

for more light output,” explained Wim

first laser-illuminated projector

2K40 set-ups to date was at last

One of the most impressive HDQ-

All Barco’s HD series have a modular

“The new laser projectors truly meet the needs of cinema

04/04/2014 17:30

www.installation-international.com

Installation Technology Guide - Projectors - April 2014

11

BARCO today’s increasingly mobile world.

FLEX: choose your brightness Another distinct asset of Barco’s

EQUIPPING THE MEETING ROOM OF THE FUTURE

top-of-the-range HD projectors is

Ease-of-use and design As behooves a Barco product, the business projectors ensure excellent performance, high brightness and

that they are available with light-

By teaming up with projectiondesign,

ultimate reliability. Ease-of-use was

on-demand technology, making it

a market leader in one-chip DLP

another key criterion when designing

possible to configure the projectors

projectors, Barco made a very clear

the new corporate AV range. In

to generate any light output between

statement: it was determined to lead

meetings, people want to focus on the

10,000 and 20,000 lumens.

the market for small- and mid-size

presentation, not on the technology.

visualisation solutions too. First to

What’s more, thanks to their elegant

the fleet centered around fewer

launch as a result from the combination

white design, the new projectors blend

projector models and thus limit

of R&D teams was an extended range of

in with the contemporary meeting room,

its running cost,” says Thierry

business projectors.

boardroom or auditorium.

Barco distributor AED Display. “We can,

Whatever the size, purpose or demands

Corporate collaboration

ClickShare Inside

for example, evenly spread our stack

Barco ensures that there is a projector

The full business projector fleet puts

Just like ClickShare, Barco’s Corporate

of HDX-W20 projectors across our

to meet any need for the corporate AV

Barco back on the map of the corporate

AV projectors facilitate collaboration.

five branches. In this way, there is a

market. The new portfolio therefore

AV market from which it withdrew a

Supporting the integration of optional

high chance that we can immediately

comprises a wide range of single-chip

couple of years ago. The company

connectivity modules, they are fully

offer local customers a projector that

and three-chip DLP projectors – with

returned to the market in 2012, by

future-proofed and can easily be

meets their requirements, without

brightness levels from 5,000 up to

launching ClickShare - a wireless

upgraded with extra functionalities. The

the need for time-consuming and

10,000 lumens and with resolutions

presentation system that allows

‘ClickShare Inside’ option can be nicely

expensive shipments.”

from XGA to WQXGA.

meeting participants to share their

integrated under the hood of Barco’s

content with the click of a button.

business projectors, to allow users to

“FLEX is a great way to standardise

Heldenbergh, general manager of

Heldenbergh illustrates the FLEX benefits with a true story. “A

wirelessly share content on-screen.

customer recently rented four HDXW20FLEX projectors for a corporate

lenses and colour wheels for any

curved screen multiple projection

in the broadest sense of the term.

event in London,” he says. “Once

type of application. When looking for

through to holographic and dome

Offering one-chip and three-chip

the projectors had been set up, the

a compact single-chip DLP projector,

projection. The investment bore fruit:

projectors with brightness levels

organiser realised that more light

the F12 – with WUXGA, 1080p or

the museum is a real crowd-puller and

up to 40,000 lumens across many

output would be needed than the

SXGA+ resolution up 4,100 lumens – is

won the InAVation Visitor Attraction

different markets, we can provide

planned 14,000 lumens, because

a valuable option.

Award at ISE 2014.

a professional solution for every

the room could not be darkened.

The F22, F32 and F35 projectors

When it comes to training and

application. As the market continues

As the HDX projectors come with

feature up to 3,300, 8,000 and

virtual reality applications, Barco

to change, we’re better equipped than

wireless control capabilities, via a

7,200 lumens respectively. Besides

has instances of its technology from

ever to keep our finger on the pulse of

mobile phone, we could immediately

these versatile projectors, the

around the world. The AirTanker

the developments and cater to these,”

change the light output from 14,000

projectiondesign stack also

training center at Brize Norton, UK,

concludes Wim Buyens, Barco’s

to 20,000 lumens remotely, from

includes the LED-lit FL33 and FL35

which is the RAF’s largest military

general manager Entertainment and

Belgium. The issue was solved in only

projectors. Considered the world’s

base, installed FL LED projectors in the

Corporate.

a few minutes.”

highest resolution LED projector,

Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA)

the FL35 shows pictures at double

simulator. Staff at the facility say that

Stepping into the mid-segment

the resolution and at 50% higher

the projectors drastically improved

While the large-venue projectors

brightness than any other LED-

the operation uptime of the simulator,

described above highlight Barco’s

illuminated projector, for the

as they no longer have to change

longstanding market leadership

unmatched 100,000 hours lifetime of

lamps and recalibrate the projectors

in state-of-the-art, three-chip

the LED light source.

every 1000 hours.

increasingly expanding its offering

Simulation and virtual reality

Communication at the RWTH Aachen

into the mid-segment too. The

The F and FL series, as well as

University - a global pioneer in

acquisition of the Scandinavian

Barco’s wide range of SIM and

simulation science - called in the help

company, projectiondesign, was a

Galaxy projectors, have found their

of Barco to design the world’s largest,

smart move to embrace projectors

way to numerous museums and

most sophisticated virtual reality

with a light output below the

planetariums, wordwide, where they

environment. The five-sided CAVE is

10,000 lumens range. Today, Barco’s

are used for projection and simulation.

powered by 24 Barco NW-12 Galaxy

product offering includes the full

The Çanakkale Legend Demonstration

projectors. “We wanted the new CAVE

projectiondesign portfolio of single-

Center in the Gallipoli National Park

to be larger, with 4K resolution and

chip venue projectors designed for

(Turkey), for example, used a mix of

active stereo. There weren’t many

professional projection in small and

F32 projectors with WUXGA, 1080p,

companies that could meet our tough

medium venues.

or SXGA+ resolution options, to

demands,” Professor Kuhlen explains.

The Center for Computing and

DLP projectors, the company is

Available in various configurations,

meet the application needs in its

these compact and flexible systems

different galleries - from flat multiple

True projection leader

offer a wide choice in resolutions,

projection, projection mapping and

“Barco now is a true projection leader

10 11 Barco Install Tech Supp Ad_Final.indd 2

Information

Barco NV President Kennedypark 35 8500 Kortrijk Belgium W: www.barco.com T: +32 56 233211 E: Info@barco.com

04/04/2014 17:30

12

April 2014 - Installation Technology Guide - Projectors

NEC DISPLAY SOLUTIONS ENGAGE YOUR AUDIENCE WITH AN OUTSTANDING VISUAL EXPERIENCE Delivering the perfect innovations for the toughest installations, NEC’s projector ranges for the High Light Output sector combine the knowledge and expertise that has helped make NEC the leading name in digital cinema projection and the peace of mind that users can expect the highest levels of performance and quality.

Empowering Innovation since 1899,

NEC portfolio that will meet every

ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY

wireless PC image transfer function

the NEC brand represents a promise

challenge, and since the projectors

Due to the vast number of connectors

not requiring any software installation

to provide peace of mind though

are all based on an advanced design

featured within the NEC projector

and the built-in Viewer function

the assurance of a superior product.

concept mirrored from recent

ranges, including innovative HDBaseT,

enables presentation directly from a

Using quality Japanese components,

advances in NEC’s NC Digital Cinema

DisplayPort and a host of networking,

thumb drive. In addition, the PA (MM

NEC products are engineered to

ranges, users can expect a unique

analogue and digital connection

models), PX, PH Series supports a

an exceptionally high standard

level of functionality, connectivity

terminals, NEC offers extensive

remote desktop function, through

for uncompromising reliability

and quality.

connectivity which will continue to

the Network Drives and Media

serve well into the future. With a

Connect features, so the projector

and longevity backed by a robust warranty and technical support

NEC’s HLO projectors are rich

host of extended network and multi-

can substitute as a display device

service. NEC displays and projectors

with network, multi-media and

media features, users are also able

for multimedia files stored on a

are trusted across the world in

professional installation features

to stream content over the network

media server. Wireless Image Utility

airports, hospitals, arenas and

for superior projection performance.

from any Windows network drive

(WIU) enables wireless transfer of

cinemas, corporates and institutions -

Highlighted here are some of

and administrators can monitor and

presentations or pictures directly

where performance is critical.

the high-end features which aid

control these projectors through a

from iPhone/iPad which can be used

simple installation, operation and

wired connection or over an optional

as a document camera.

flexible HLO projection or dedicated

maintenance, enabling users to

WiFi module.

‘virtual cinema’ quality 3-chip DLP

engage their audience with an

projection, there is a projector in the

outstanding visual experience.

Whether it’s affordable and

PH SERIES Designed for those who need the

(1920x1200) resolution installation

very best and brightest picture

projectors delivering superb

quality combined with maximum

brightness levels and colour ranges

levels of control, the NEC PH Series

for an outstanding visual experience.

is a heavy-duty installation projector

Even in high ambient light conditions

range, powered by a unique 3-chip DLP

the combination of ultra-high

system. Rich with network, multi-

brightness (13,500 ANSI lumens for

media and professional installation

the PH1400U) and 10-bit Integrated

features for superior projection

Device Technology HQV (Hollywood

performance, these workhorses

Quality Video) signal processing allows

are ideal for rental and staging

audiences to enjoy extremely detailed

applications and for fixed installations

picture quality.

in conference halls, museums and higher educational environments.

The PH1000U and PH1400U are high-end 3-chip WUXGA

12 13 Buyers Guide_Final.indd 1

NETWORK MANAGEMENT FEATURES Easy network connection - aside from conventional LAN connection, the WLAN Access Point Function and WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) function delivers an easy and versatile WLAN connection.

Powerful network control – enabling cost savings and convenient maintenance and management of content and scheduling, NEC projector ranges include powerful complimentary software utilities. The NEC NaviSet Administrator 2 Utility allows the monitoring and control of all projectors in a network. Http Browser Control means users can control a single projector from a web browser.

Network image transfer - the Network Projector function includes support for direct image transfer from Windows 7 or Windows 8. The Image Express Lite utility has a

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION FEATURES OPS expansion slot (PX and PH Series) - NEC, in partnership with Intel, has developed the Open Pluggable Specification (OPS), providing a platform for growth in the digital signage sector by defining standards for embedded devices.

The standard makes it easy for player device manufacturers and display makers to develop products which are compatible out of the box and offers the end user greater choice and flexibility. A specialised slotin PC can turn the projector into a digital signage content player or an

04/04/2014 17:33

www.installation-international.com

Installation Technology Guide - Projectors - April 2014

13

NEC DISPLAY SOLUTIONS integrated OPS board with HD-SDI

vertical keystone distortion, NEC

connectivity, ideal for broadcasting

HLO projectors can make many more

applications. HDBaseT interface or

complicated adjustments that

Miracast extension is also supported.

compensate for the angular, three

technology, the PX Series

Projector stacking - NEC’s Stacking utility means that up to four projectors can be combined to create outstanding brightness for large venues with high ambient light. The stacking tool is easy to set up with automated features that automatically align the individual projector images to create a perfect overlay. This feature also prevents the complete loss of an image, should

dimensional or irregularity of the

boasts up to WUXGA

PX SERIES Based on DLP Chip

projected surface, e.g. for simulation.

(1920x1200) resolution,

Consistent projected images are

a contrast ratio of 2100:1

achieved, even in extremely irregular screen situations.

Lens shift & lens memory - Lens

and brightness up to 8,000 ANSI The PX Series of heavy-

lumens. Superb picture quality is

duty projectors is designed for fixed

ensured thanks to 10-bit HQV colour

Shift with vertical and horizontal

installations in higher educational

processing. Guaranteed flexibility on

adjustment and Lens Memory (PX/

environments, for critical signage

signage applications can be offered

PH Series) makes setting up the

applications or events, combining

through the OPS compatible STv2

perfect installation image easy. The

high brightness, image precision

interface supporting the integration

projector is equipped with a Lens

and industry leading reliability and

of a single board computer, 3G SDI,

performance.

HDBaseT and WiDi/Miracast.

Shift that allows the user to adjust the projected image horizontally

one projector be out of action.

Edge blending - this utility provides an easy way to create larger pictures, particularly useful in large auditoriums. Edge Blending creates content for design applications or combines several pictures to form one picture of outstanding quality.

Geometric correction & 3D reform - advanced and finely tuned Geometric Control functionality allow flexible and easy installation in even the most irregular screen situations and applications. While 3D Reform corrects horizontal and

or vertically. The centered lens

built to withstand the rigors of 24/7

design on the PA and PX Series aids

operation with constant de-install / re-

alignment for easy installation.

install demands for rental and staging

Choice of bayonet lenses – with up to six high-quality bayonet lenses available, customers can choose the one which best suits their application.

The PX/PH Series supports Lens Memory which adjusts the lens focus/zoom/position automatically and individually, according to the input signal and previous setting.

Dual lamp system - best reliability and system stability is guaranteed with the automatic dual lamp system on the PX and PH Series.

Rigging mount (PH Series) - The integrated rigging and stacking mount ensures that the projector can be installed and configured in a variety of ways to best suit the user’s requirements. The riggable design is easy to install into a racking setup with minor adjustment using lockable thumb-screws. With a robust full metal cabinet, the PH Series is designed and

Information

applications.

ECOLOGICAL FEATURES Conforming to NEC’s Green Vision, every new product launched to the market incorporates innovative ECO features to maximise productivity and

NEC Display Solutions

reduce power consumption.

Athene

The new PA Series2 incorporates

Odyssey Business Park

long life inorganic panels and

West End Road

maintenance free filter intervals.

South Ruislip

Advanced ECO features (power

Middlesex

consumption as low as 0,16W in stand-

HA4 6QE

by mode) offered by NEC projection ranges help to minimise the cost of

W: www.nec-display-solutions.com

ownership without compromising

T: 08701 201160

performance while remote monitoring

E: infomail@nec-displays.com

and management functions maintain best productivity.

NEW PA SERIES Delivering many unique features,

2xHDMI and DisplayPort. With 360

NEC’s new PA Series2 is the world’s

degree free tilt, portrait mode support,

first projector range to offer a 4K

geometric correction, stacking and

interface for multi-screen display

edge blending functionality and active

capability. Outstanding picture quality

single projector 3D support, the PA

is guaranteed thanks to NEC’s 3rd

Series2 offers unrivalled installation

generation Sweetvision, brightness

capability, ideal for corporates, higher

up to 7200 ANSI lumen and NEC’s

education, museums and signage

scaler chip delivering a Cinema Quality

applications in large rooms and

Picture.

auditoriums.

The new PA Series offers rich connectivity including HDBaseT (excluding PA671U, PA621U) for transmission of up to 4K signals,

12 13 Buyers Guide_Final.indd 2

04/04/2014 17:33

14

April 2014 - Installation Technology Guide - Projectors

LISTING

Projector manufacturers Barco

Digital Projection

JVC

Sim2

www.barco.com

www.digitalprojection.com

www.jvcpro.co.uk

www.sim2.com

BenQ

DLP

NEC

Sony

www.benq.eu

www.dlp.com

www.nec-display-solutions.com

http://pro.sony.eu

Canon

Eiki

Optoma

Vivitek

www.canon-europe.com

www.eiki.com

www.optoma.com

www.vivitek.eu

Casio

Epson

Panasonic

Viewsonic

www.casio-projectors.eu

www.epson-europe.com

http://panasonic.net/avc/projector

www.viewsoniceurope.com

Christie

Hitachi

Ricoh

www.christieemea.com

www.hitachidigitalmedia.com

www.ricoh-europe.com

LAMP SPECIALIST

Delta

InFocus

Sharp

Just Lamps

www.delta-europe.com

www.infocus.com

www.sharp.eu

www.justlamps.net

14 Manu List Install Tech Supp_Final.indd 1

04/04/2014 17:58

Installation is published by Intent Media London, 1st Floor, Suncourt House, 18-26 Essex Road, London N1 8LN, England.

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7354 6001

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04/04/2014 16:24