Barco used I/ITSEC 2017 to launch the new F80 series of projectors. It joins the F70 and F90 versions with the F80 essentially the entry level model ideally suited to applications such as virtual small arms trainers. All use a laser phosphor engine.
The F80 will be offered in two versions: the WQXGA (F80-Q7) or 4K UHD (F80-4K7). Both use a single WQXGA resolution DMD with the 4K7 version adding a two position actuator to create 4K pixels on-screen. While the F70 and F90 are also WQXGA models, they use a different 0.9” DMD. The F80 has the 0.66” TRP WQXGA chip. This DMD allows optics for a throw ratio of 0.8 to 1 (vs. 0.6 to 1 for the F70).
Barco also changed the lens mounting from a bayonet type to a push and twist type with a screw to lock it in place. The F-series is often used on motion platforms, so the lenses need to be very securely attached to the body.
The 7000 lumen F80 does not have an option for IR light for night vision operation (whereas the F70 does). The F80-4K7 will be priced at $19K while the F80-Q7 will be aggressively priced at $12K.
A F80/Q9 and F8-4K9 versions are planned as well with higher lumen output for the ProAV market.
In an invite-only room we also saw Barco’s prototype LED projector. Barco has offered an LED projector for the simulation market for a few years (the F35 series) but with lumen output well under 1000 lumens, which limits its utility. The new model will offer 2300-2500 lumens in an RGB mode making it far more useful for mainstream applications. This is not slated to be commercially ready until a year from now, however.
So what has powered the big breakthrough? High Lumen Density (HDL) or the ColorSpark technology from Philips (Philips Updates on ColorSpark / HLD). This is a color conversion bar that is pumped with blue LEDs to produce low étendue green light at much higher levels than can be obtained with available direct green LEDs.
The new model will be dubbed FL40 and will use the 0.66 WQXGA chip so unshifted and 4K shifted versions will be offered. An FS40 version will include an IR LED as well for NVG applications. The prototype in display at I/ITSEC was packaged in a F70 chassis and showed a very nice high contrast, richly colored image. – CC
