Leading digital-cinema company Barco is unveiling a new line of Series-II d-cinema projectors, based on DLP Cinema® technology from Texas Instruments (TI).

For small and mid-size movie theatres, Barco provides a dedicated line of compact DP2K “C-series” projectors, based on TI’s 0.98” DLP Cinemachip. The portfolio includes individual models for screens up to 12, 15 and 20 meters wide, respectively. For larger venues, Barco offers the ultra-bright DP2K “B-series,” integrating TI's 1.2” DLP Cinema chip. Dedicated models are available for screens up to 19 and 23 meters wide. Barco's flagship for the large chip range is its DP2K-32B, which can light up screens up to 32 meters wide. All six projectors are fully compliant with the latest DCI and SMPTE specifications.

All DP2K projectors come with Barco's proprietary Communicator software, which provides one-click access to any model of the DP2K-series, whether from a standard PC or from an optional touch panel.

Barco also announced the expansion of its advanced Network Operations Center (NOC), a comprehensive set of monitoring tools and services available to all Barco digital-cinema customers. The NOC now offers expanded monitoring capabilities for networked projectors, servers, theatre management systems, automation controllers, switches and UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) units.

New NOC services include remote upgrade and configuration capabilities, 24/7/365 site schedule and content verification, and enhanced real-time network snapshots.

Barco is also introducing the Diagnostics Companion, a new optional software module that enables users of Barco Series I and Series II projectors to identify, diagnose, troubleshoot and remedy error conditions—without technical support assistance. The Diagnostics Companion is integrated in Barco's Communicator software, starting with version 4.0.

As an interactive module, the Diagnostics Companion runs in the background until needed. If an error condition occurs and the projector's red “tail lights” turn on, a pop-up message appears in the Communicator—informing the user about the specific condition. If more information is available, the user can click an adjacent icon, which automatically opens the Diagnostics Companion. Within the Companion's window, comprehensive tables are provided that outline the situation and the solution. In addition, step-by-step troubleshooting procedures are provided, including detailed pictures of specific components.

For a hands-on demonstration of the Diagnostics Companion, visit Barco at booth 1931 at ShoWest, March 16-18, at Bally's Convention Center in Las Vegas.