Barco has announced new details for what is set to be the world's first truly native 4K single-chip DLP projector that achieves its resolution without the need for pixel-shifting.

The development of the previously unnamed F400-HR was first teased in a video late last year following cancellation of the I/ITSEC simulation trade show where it was expected to be discussed. While full specs on the product remain unannounced, a video update released last week added considerably more detail about the projector's capabilities and the advances they represent for the simulation industry.

Barco F400 HR main slider
The Barco F400-HR is set to be the world's first single-chip native 4K DLP projector.

Developed as a high-performance but more cost-effective option for achieving 4K high resolution images, the F400-HR will use a single native-4K DLP array to produce images at up to 240 Hz frame rate, an accomplishment that's attributed to the application of massive processing power. The projector will also be capable of internal or external pixel-shifting to achieve what Barco describes as "much higher" resolutions. The high frame rate provides for better motion resolution—Barco says the F400-HR will meet demanding applications that require minimum 2.0 to 2.5 arc requirements, such as fast jet pilot and mission training, as well as advanced driving simulations and R&D applications.

The robust processing will also faciliate better performance on dual-input simulations, such as when infrared and color content are overlayed for night-vision goggle training, or simulations staged in stereoscopic 3D.

Although Barco has not released a lumen spec for the F400-HR, it will have a speckle-free, three-laser RGB light engine for fully solid-state operation with no moving phosphor or color wheels. It's fully rated for shock and vibration resistance for motion platforms, and steps are being taken to insure consistent light output and performance over the life of the projector.

Barco says the F400-HR integrates the preexisting Barco Pulse communications interface and user platform found in its UDX, UDM, and F-series projectors, and will use its current FLD series lenses supplied for other Barco products.

If all goes according to schedule, Barco plans a public reveal of the F400-HR at this year's I/ITSEC, scheduled to begin November 29th. Other video updates will be shared later this year.

You can see both of Barco's current video updates at the F400-HR preview page on the company's website.

 
Comments (4) Post a Comment
Andrew Riley Posted Mar 22, 2021 3:13 PM PST
My mind shutters when I think about how much this will cost.
Daniel Posted Mar 22, 2021 11:17 PM PST
Interesting... I don't see a native 4K DLP listed on TI's website. Is there a new company making DMDs, or is this an unannounced TI DMD device? Or are they doing something weird like using four 1920x1080 chips and a funky lens to blend them all together?
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Mar 22, 2021 11:20 PM PST
Daniel, TI does have native 4K DMDs for the digital cinema industry that are probably listed on their restricted access site. These get used in 3DLP projectors. But the breakthrough here as best I can understand from Barco’s limited release of information is in managing to do sequential colors from a single DMD chip, which would require a ton of processing power and perhaps even a different DMD to handle the high rate of oscillation — though this is speculation on my part.
Peer Posted Mar 24, 2021 1:58 PM PST
Christie was the first to bring true 4k to the non dci market with their boxer 4k series. Yet that was a 3 chip dlp. The processing of this with a 1 chip dlp and rgb laser, makes this quite a feat. Unless you have anything to with simulations it will be a long time before this becomes affordable for the average Joe... Or maybe not... Since it is 1 chip dlp.. A third of 3 chip...

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