ECONOMICS

 Visualization specialist Barco has drawn upon its leadership in control room visualization solutions and 3D stereo to develop a new range of LED video wall modules. The OLS series combines the benefits of the award-winning OL series with vivid 3D stereo. This new range addresses both control room and simulation markets, offering a flexible, cost-effective and scalable solution for video walls that need to show stereoscopic images. The OLS series will debut at the GITEX Technology Week, 9-13 October 2011, in Dubai.{dmMaps strt="1317300153" DO NOT EDIT/REMOVE, HIDDEN ON THE FRONTEND ;) }

Barco's new OLS series expands the OL series' applicability with a wide range of extra possibilities and target markets. For the oil & gas sector, for example, 3D functionality is very useful for displaying explorations of underground fields; and in simulation, OLS is a compact, cost-effective alternative for existing high-end multi-projector systems. 

Building on proven advantages 
“It was a logical choice to build further on the proven benefits of the OL series,” says Peter Baumgärtner, Product Manager Video Walls at Barco. “This range uses the latest LED rear-projection technology to optimize image quality, while Sense6 auto-calibration guarantees color and brightness uniformity over the entire wall. Plus, its unique liquid cooling system ensures more than 5 years of worry-free operation in 24/7 mode. A wide range of additional innovative features – including LED redundancy and fully motorized adjustments – minimize installation and maintenance efforts. Furthermore, the wall consumes 30% less electricity thanks to smart power management.” 

Clear 3D effects from any position 
The new 3D-capable OLS series has a standard 16:9 aspect ratio and full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. To create vivid 3D images, the stereoscopic input signal – consisting of left and right 60 Hz source signals – is displayed on the video wall as a 120 Hz image sequence. The active shutter glasses, synchronized by an IR emitter, then filter the left and right signals to create smooth, artifact-free stereoscopic effects. Further advantages are that the 3D impression works at any head position, the full color spectrum is available, imaging is color-neutral, and there is no ghosting. 

The OLS modules have a narrow footprint – less than 450 mm for the 50” version – and are therefore perfectly suited for use in smaller rooms. An optional front-access version, the OLSF, has been designed to reduce the space needed even further. This has the additional advantage that all service can be performed from the front, eliminating the need for a rear maintenance area. 

Flexible, space-saving and cost-effective 
“The OLS range answers the demand from both the control room and the simulation markets for a versatile and cost-effective solution for displaying 3D images,” Peter Baumgärtner continues. “For control rooms, the ease of switching between mono and stereo mode allows the 3D to be integrated into existing video wall applications. It is even possible to share mono and stereo mode in the same display area, making the OLS a great solution for video walls with an occasional need to show 3D. In the simulation market, OLS is a flexible, space-saving and cost-effective alternative to existing high-end multi-projector solutions. With demand for 3D capabilities popping up in an increasing number of applications – not to mention the PR power of stereoscopy in customer centers – we believe the OLS series is an important addition to our portfolio.”

Barco will demonstrate the new OLS series during the GITEX Technology Week, 9-13 October, at the Dubai Exhibition & Convention Center. You will find Barco in Hall 2, booth number C2.20.