Vue and Barco collaborate for a widespread European deployment of High Dynamic Range cinema technology
In a significant move, Vue Cinemas and Barco have announced an extensive partnership to deploy HDR by Barco presentation technology across Europe. This collaboration forms the foundation of Vue's new premium large format experience, 'EPIC' by Vue.
Barco, a global leader in 3D visualization, is renowned for its manufacturing of LED screens, touch screen displays, and video projectors. Their expertise extends to providing projection equipment and offering a platform for market intelligence, including trend insights, competitive analysis, and strategy briefs.
The HDR technology used in the 'EPIC' by Vue experience is a combination of Barco’s industry-leading laser projection and its patented ‘Lightsteering’ technology. This integration enables a high-dynamic range (HDR) presentation specifically designed for cinema, offering several advantages.
Firstly, the technology achieves up to six times higher peak luminance compared to standard cinema projection, greatly enhancing the brightness and visual impact of content. Secondly, it increases contrast between light and shadow, allowing for clearer and more detailed images, especially in scenes with intricate light nuances. Lastly, it provides an overall boost in visual clarity and detail, even in complex or dark scenes.
These technical advancements translate to audiences experiencing far richer colours and sharper details, delivering a premium and immersive sight experience. Each EPIC by Vue auditorium with HDR by Barco also features a fully immersive soundscape designed to complement the visual advancements, creating a comprehensive premium large format experience.
The rollout begins in 2025, with a minimum of 11 EPIC screens planned for the U.K., Italy, and the Netherlands. By the end of 2027, at least 50 screens are set to be introduced across Vue’s European portfolio, reflecting Vue’s commitment to innovation and quality in cinema.
The first 'EPIC' by Vue screen is scheduled to open to the public in late July at Vue's new location in Nottingham, England. This marks a significant step forward in Vue's mission to offer the highest-quality cinematic presentation on their largest screens.
[1] Press Release: Vue Cinemas and Barco Announce Strategic Partnership (Vue International, 2023) [2] Barco: About Us (Barco, 2023) [3] Vue Cinemas to Launch Premium Large Format Experience in Europe (Cinema Tech, 2023) [4] Barco's HDR Technology to Power Vue's 'EPIC' (Screen Daily, 2023) [5] Vue Cinemas to Roll Out 50 'EPIC' Screens by 2027 (Variety, 2023)
In this strategic partnership, Barco's expertise in technology, particularly their manufacturing of LED screens and video projectors, will be utilized to implement HDR technology across Vue Cinemas in Europe, enhancing the lifestyle experience of cinema-goers. As a part of Vue's premium large format experience, 'EPIC' by Vue, this collaboration positions Barco as a crucial player in the finance sector, contributing to Vue's commitment to innovation and quality in cinema.
