Barco has highlighted its development in laser projectors and said that more than 50 theatre complexes, including 20 in EMEA, are now all-Barco laser multiplexes. The number in EMEA has gone from one to twenty in less than a year. These sites use a combination of Barco Flagship Laser and Smart Laser projectors. The company said that it has six Flagship Laser models and nine Smart Laser projectors in its current range.
The Kinepolis ten screen multiplex in Breda, the Netherlands, was the first to switch in August 2016. “We see that quite a few visitors come from outside Breda specifically to experience the magic that our laser concept brings,” said Vicky Vekemans, theatre manager. “Moreover, laser projection helps us cut energy costs by 30%, while we also save on lamps and on staff to replace them.”
Among the other EMEA-based cinema chains that have converted or committed to go all-Barco laser are Grinn (Russia, 9 screens), Cinamon (Baltics, 23 screens), CinemaCity (UAE, 7 screens), Apollo Kino (Estonia, 6 screens), Sena (Iceland, 5 screens), Cinema City/Cine World (Poland and Czech Republic, 37 screens) and Reel Cinemas in UAE (22 screens).
Worldwide, a growing number of cinema chains have chosen to install one or two Premium Large Format (PLF) screens, Barco said: in 2016, the number of PLF screens grew by 11%. EMEA-based cinemas feature 295 exhibitor-branded PLF screens, over 40% of which are already equipped with Barco Flagship Laser projectors (120 installations).
Barco’s Smart Laser projectors are intended to complement the top-of-range Flagship Laser series. This new projector range – of which more than 1,750 units have already been installed in the past year – has simplified operations and significantly lower TCO, the company claims.
The Dubai Mall replaced all its 22 digital projectors with Barco DP4K-60L Flagship laser projectors.ue 24
Thus Barco Escape installation is in the Dubai Mall – the largest laser cinema complex in the world. Image:Barco
