Newest Kinepolis multiplex goes 3D with new Barco 2K digital cinema projectors

Exactly one year after its opening of Kinepolis Brugge, Belgian’s number one cinema chain will open its newest multiplex in Oostende this weekend. The new multiplex is the chain’s 23rd in Europe and houses eight state-of-the-art cinemas with a total of 1,755 seats. Kinepolis Oostende incorporates many of the revolutionary concepts from its Brugge multiplex - including the “open foyer” concept, seat reservation and ticket control facilities. Kinepolis Oostende has been fitted with Barco’s latest range of digital cinema projectors, the DP-3000 and DP-1500, which were launched at ShoWest in March this year.

The new range of Barco digital projectors present cinema-goers not only with the highest quality digital cinema film experience but also with the opportunity to experience more alternative content in digital format, such as prestigious events, television series, live concerts and of course the recently launched XL Gaming experience (large-screen video games) for gamers. In addition to these digital experiences is Kinepolis’s most exciting new experience - digital 3D cinema. The digital 3D movie experience engages the audiences in something much richer and more compelling than they are used to seeing in the cinema. The events on-screen seem closer to real life. Kinepolis plans to equip each of its 23 complexes with one 3D auditorium.

The DP-3000 is Barco’s new flagship, and the brightest “large venue” digital cinema projector in the industry. Using Texas Instrument’s 1.2 inch DLP Cinema chip, the DP-3000 is designed for screens up to 30m (98’) wide. With a 2000:1 contrast ratio, new lenses, a new optical design and high efficiency 6.5kW lamps, the DP-3000 exemplifies Barco’s hallmark attributes of image quality, reliability and robustness. Because of its incredibly high light output, the DP-3000 is projector of choice for 3D digital cinema.

The DP-1500 is Barco’s new mid and small-venue projector, designed for screens up to 15m (49’) wide. Like its sister the DP-2000, the DP-15000 incorporates Texas Instrument’s new 0.98 inch DLP Cinema chip. This remarkable new 0.98 inch DMD (Digital Micro-mirror Device) offers the same pixel resolution (2048x1080) as its larger 1.2 inch counterpart, but its smaller size offers significant advantages. For the projector and the digital cinema facility itself, this new technology translates directly into a smaller, more compact package, lower power consumption, lower operating cost and longer lamp run-times — without sacrificing Barco’s renowned image quality, modularity or system flexibility.

The pioneering DLP Cinema® technology from Texas Instruments, which is used in all of Barco’s 2K digital cinema projectors, guarantees perfect re-production of film, time and time again, and ensures movie goers enjoy the highest quality film experience with consistent picture brightness, contrast and vibrant colors. Barco holds one of only three exclusive licenses of TI’s DLP Cinema® technology.


About Kinepolis
Since its foundation in 1997 and its subsequent flotation in 1998, Kinepolis has grown into the market leader in Belgium and a leading player in the European market. Kinepolis currently owns 23 cinema complexes in Belgium, France, Spain, Poland and Switzerland, and employs 1800 people. The group entertained in 2006 23.9 million of cinemagoers.
The key to the success of the Kinepolis concept is its innovative drive and its customer-friendly approach. Kinepolis has played a pioneering role in Europe for many years in relation to digital cinema featuring the revolutionary DLP technology. The group now has an extensive platform of digital projectors in Belgium, France and Spain. In addition to digital Hollywood productions, cinemagoers can now experience alternative content in digital format, such as prestigious shows, TV series, live concerts and sports events.
Today, with the creation of each new complex, Kinepolis takes another step forward thanks to a number of pioneering innovations. The most striking features are the open foyer, the seat booking facilities, the ticket pricing and monitoring system and the extensive digitalization of film, information and communication channels.


About Barco
Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops visualization products for a variety of selected professional markets. Barco has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.
Barco (Euronext Brussels: BAR) is active in more than 90 countries with about 3800 employees worldwide. Barco posted sales of euro 751 million in 2006.
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For more information, please contact

Inge Govaerts
Public Relations Manager
Barco - Media & Entertainment

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