Barco Galaxy WARP: Barco integrates Real-Time Geometry Distortion into Active-Stereo DLP™ Projector
After the successful introduction of integrated geometry distortion in its LCD projectors SIM6 (SXGA) and SIM6 Ultra (UXGA), Barco introduces the Barco Galaxy WARP, a 5,000 ANSI lumen projector that can perform real-time geometry distortion at double refresh rates (active stereo). Its high processing power and ease-of-use, combined with the high brightness and proven picture quality of the Galaxy, make the Galaxy WARP ideally suited for the most demanding stereo applications.
Great Success at SiggraphAt this year's Siggraph exhibition (San Antonio, Texas), a lot of visitors were most impressed by the clarity and picture quality of the three-channel, active-stereo Barco Galaxy WARP display at the SGI booth, which demonstrated Barco's state-of-the-art built-in geometry predistortion technology.
Picture courtesy of European Space Agency & SGI
Picture courtesy of Foundation of Hellenic World & SGI
Picture courtesy of University of Kentucky - Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery & SGI
"The three Barco Galaxy WARP stereo DLP projectors delivered one smooth, high-resolution image on a sweeping, 30-foot by 12-foot curved ACTCAD Barco screen, allowing visitors to see detailed results in an impressive immersive, big-picture context,” says SGI Reality Center Marketing Manager Afshad M. Mistri. “The professional quality and multiscreen stereo capabilities of the Barco Galaxy WARP projection system enabled SGI to seamlessly integrate complex data from diverse sources into a rich, ultrarealistic decision-making environment."
By predistorting the image inside the projector using Barco’s proprietary integrated WARP, a correct geometry can be achieved on a wide variety of curved screen applications without requiring any additional computational power on the image generator's side.
The close integration of Barco's pre-distortion technology into the pixel map processor guarantees that intermediate signal conversions are reduced to a minimum and that processing delays are excluded. Furthermore, through the use of proprietary bicubic interpolation algorithms, unprecedented picture quality, combining crisp detail and smoothness, is obtained.
“Using the intuitive user interface, bows can be set up and modified in a flash, giving the user real-time access to the distortion characteristics. To fine tune the image, the user can drag the individual grid points to their desired locations”, says Johan Blondelle, Product Manager at Barco.
The Galaxy WARP™ offers active stereo at SXGA up to 110 Hz as well as passive stereo capabilities with DMD™ optimized polarizers for large-venue passive 3D projection. An impressive 205 MHz A/D conversion bandwidth ensures compatibility with high resolution and high refresh rate sources. In addition to this unequalled versatility, the Galaxy WARP has a high contrast ratio of 500:1, and a dedicated lens range that is optimized for extreme resolution and accurate geometry.
Its superior optics, which include wide throw ratio range, motorized shift range and built-in Scheimpflug correction, together with Barco’s proprietary multi-channel optimization technologies (Optical and Electronic Soft Edge Matching, Constant Light Output) result in an extremely high level of flexibility in installations.
Barco Simulation Products
Barco Simulation Products develops high-performance visual display products and solutions for Simulators, Virtual and Enhanced Reality and Edutainment & Entertainment applications. Active on a worldwide scale - with main offices in Xenia (Ohio, US) and Kuurne (Belgium) and with sales & support offices in Europe, North & South America, Asia and the Middle East - Barco Simulation Products has gained an international reputation for its customer-driven application engineering and projection system optimization know-how. Drawing upon its expertise in projection technologies, color calibration, opto-electronics and mechanics, Barco Simulation Products and its partners provide the solution to meet any Simulation, V&AR and Edutainment & Entertainment requirement.
