Barco launches revolutionary intelligent LED pixel block at Frankfurt Auto Show.

Renowned for its longstanding leadership in the visualization industry, Barco is proud to announce the first public showing of a revolutionary modular pixel block. MiPIX, Barco’s modular intelligent LED pixel block, which measures only 4cm by 4cm, is a revolution in the LED market. Its small size and shape allow for it to be used to create intelligent lighting effects on large-scale backdrops of any form, shape or size, such as this year’s Mercedes booth, and also offers the possibility of full video content on 3D logos or other free-form shapes. The MiPIX blocks further facilitate the construction of large-scale backdrops by the fact that they can be spaced apart at various distances, making the pixel blocks a cost-effective medium for ultra-large applications.

The first sale of the new MiPIX pixel blocks goes to Barco rental partner, XL Video, who installed the product on the spectacular Daimler-Chrysler Mercedes booth. XL Video, one of the world’s most successful rental companies, won the contract to install 47 000 MiPIX blocks totaling 1 800 square meters on the Mercedes booth.

Rene De Keyzer, Managing Director of XL Video states: “We are enormously proud of our first purchase of MiPIX. The small, lightweight pixel block with its SMD LED technology offers us a wide scope of creative opportunities. By providing us with the flexibility to build LED into backdrops and shapes of any size or form – and to display both video and/or intelligent lighting effects – MiPIX enables us to differentiate ourselves from our competition. It allows us to bring our clients another creative medium with which they can realise their designs.”

The MiPIX pixel block, which weights a mere 34g and measures 4cm x 4cm, has a resolution of 20mm and is sold as part of a system comprising 128 pixel blocks and a control unit. Each pixel block consists of four SMD LEDs that deliver a brightness of 1300 Nit. Due to the SMD LED technology, a MiPIX display accommodates viewing angles of up to 145 degrees.

“We are very proud to have this revolutionary product launch at such a high-profile event as the Frankfurt Auto Show,” states Andrew Healey, Product Manager LED, adding: “the spectacular 12m high, 150m long MiPIX display on the Mercedes booth attests to the market’s need for such a product and Barco’s ability to develop and deliver the ground-breaking product.”

The Mercedes project, which was four months in the making, saw Barco work closely with rental partner XL Video and Mercedes booth designer Markgraph.

A few interesting facts about the Mercedes MiPIX display:

• Total number of MiPIX blocks used: 47 000
• Total length: 2 km
• Display height: 12m
• Display length: 150m (circular)

About Barco
Barco, an international company headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, is active in three key areas of imaging technology. Barco designs and develops solutions for large screen visualization, display solutions for life-critical applications, and systems for visual inspection. Barco has a network of subsidiaries, distributors and agents in almost 100 countries. Barco is quoted on Brussels/Euronext and is a BEL 20 and a Next 150 company.

For more information, please contact

Inge Govaerts
Public Relations Manager
Barco - Media & Entertainment

Telephone +32 56 36 8052
inge.govaerts@barco.com