For its new office in Brussels, Belgium, opened in September 2006, Microsoft knew it had to be outfitted with state-of-the art visualization technology that could render content in the highest detail, and that network integration was going to be another important aspect of the future system. Barco’s expertise in both high definition displays and AV/IT-network integration made it a logical choice for Microsoft to develop an integrated visualization system that met these requirements.
In their large presentation rooms, Microsoft chose two desktop-centric, 1080p HD iCon H600 projectors that are controlled easily with keyboard and mouse. These 6,000 ANSI lumens projectors feature full, uncompromised 1080p HD projection and an intelligent dual-lamp design, an integrated Windows OS with patented Barco software that allows quick and easy selection of sources and layouts, and they display sources in intuitive windows that can be resized, moved or made to overlap anywhere on the screen. The iCons foster complete integration into the existing AV/IT-environment, with remote control and diagnostics capabilities.
The iCons are augmented by a system of six 1080p HD LC-42 panels. These sleek, 42 inch displays render images in deep, vivid colors at a high contrast. Their automatic light sensor adapts the display’s color temperature to that of the environment, so that they perform optimally under all lighting circumstances. The LC-42’s noise level is also known to be among the most silent in the market, below the level of a whisper.
The Barco-driven visualization network has benefited the EBC in various ways. Rapid networked content distribution throughout the visualization network enables important presentations and messages being followed remotely, while content rendered on the iCon’s screen can be relayed to the LC-42 panels and vice-versa, so that everyone can be kept up to speed of the latest news. Lastly, the iCon’s remote diagnostics and maintenance capabilities allow remote tech support and automatic startup and shutdown of the entire display system, saving valuable time for the EBC’s IT staff.
