Jay Badvel

Barco, a globally renowned professional visualization solutions firm, has announced the release of WallConnect Cloud, a new cloud-based remote monitoring and management platform for its video walls portfolio. WallConnect Cloud WallConnect Cloud allows system integrators to monitor and diagnose their installed base of video walls, enabling them to remotely check the status, diagnose and control a number of critical parameters. This results in higher operational efficiency, faster problem-solving, optimal wall uptime and overall improved experience for both system integrators and end-users. Barco WallConnect, released in 2019, is the software platform that not only helps users to intuitively set up and configure a large video wall, but also makes sure that all panels display a perfect image over time (including Barco’s renowned Sense X automatic brightness and color calibration system) and allows adjusting and scheduling the settings when needed. Integration with WallConnect Edge The newly introduced WallConnect Edge hardware appliance with its IoT capabilities now securely connects to the WallConnect Cloud platform enabling remote monitoring, diagnostics and control of the video wall. The WallConnect Cloud platform is easy to use with its intuitive UI, reliable, scalable and fully secure. Remote diagnostics and management Being able to remotely check the status of the wall and its critical parameters, system integrators can easily evaluate an issue without the need to travel onsite. This not only allows them to directly send the needed spare parts onsite, but sometimes enables to fix the problem remotely. Remote diagnostics results in lower costs and a faster fix of the issue. Furthermore, the reduced travel needs also contribute to a more sustainable business. Live dashboards Live dashboards also give real-time information on the operating conditions of the video wall displays The live dashboards also give real-time information on the operating conditions of the video wall displays for more effective device analysis and proactive troubleshooting. Users can securely access the IoT platform on any device with an internet connection. WallConnect Cloud is offered per video wall as a yearly subscription or as part of Barco service packages. The first version of WallConnect Cloud platform is available for the Barco UniSee series and the RGB Laser ODL-721 and ODL-821. The platform will be gradually extended to other products. Secure monitoring and diagnostics of video wall “With WallConnect Cloud, Barco takes another step to enable bright outcomes for its customers”, said Jay Badvel, Product Manager at Barco, adding “The solution allows system integrators to improve their customers’ experience by securely monitoring and diagnosing their video walls from the cloud, generate recurring revenues and develop additional business based on relevant insights. In this way, stringent SLAs can be met with reduced risk, overhead and cost.” Jay adds, “Customers will be more satisfied, which adds to customer loyalty. Furthermore, in times when physical access is limited, some basic servicing is still possible. WallConnect Cloud helps building the future of service and we are very pleased to be a part of this.”

Barco, a provider of professional visualization, introduces its new generation RGB laser rear-projection video walls and reinforces its commitment to the mission-critical control room market. The newest generation offering strengthens the value proposition of rear-projection technology as the reliable, sustainable and long-lifetime visualization solution, and will be available for both new installations and to upgrade the installed base. As a broad visualization solution supplier, Barco offers rear-projection, LCD and LED indoor video walls, allowing to optimize the visualization outcome – depending on the specific application and customer needs. Key visualization technology For mission-critical control rooms, rear-projection remains a key visualization technology especially for mid- to large-size control rooms that work with dashboards and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) content typically within the utilities and rail transportation markets. The Barco RGB Laser ODL series, with its unique value proposition, was introduced in 2016 and has been the flagship solution ever since, winning multiple industry awards. The ODL series now gets a major update which further establishes the RGB Laser series as the premium solution With the introduction of this newest generation laser engine, the ODL series now gets a major update which further establishes the RGB Laser series as the premium solution in the market. This will strengthen and safeguard the unique value proposition of rear-projection cubes by further extending the lifetime, protecting long-term serviceability commitments up to 10 years, and offering a sustainable solution considering the environment and ergonomics. Mission-Critical control rooms The high-brightness RGB Laser engine allows control rooms to operate in the optimal conditions for the end users. The unique Sense X calibration system automatically and continuously adjusts brightness and color over the complete wall during the entire lifetime, making sure the displayed images reduce eye fatigue in 24/7 applications. Additionally, no heat is radiated out of the screens, which further optimizes the ergonomics for the operators and simplifies the room temperature control systems. The next-generation laser engine introduces new laser banks, improving the light source lifetime in different operational modes. The guaranteed 10 years of maintainability secures the system for the future, which is instrumental for mission-critical control rooms. The accompanying WallConnect software has further evolved, improving the user experience during setup, configuration, operation and maintenance. Remote management and monitoring Multiple screen options are available to deliver the optimum result depending on the application Along with the ODL-series’ motorized 7-axis alignment, this makes the installation process smoother and simpler. The system is also future proof and ready for remote management and monitoring, optimizing the availability and lifetime within the mission critical environments. The new engine will be available within the full RGB Laser portfolio, covering 70” to 80” sizes and supporting both FHD and SXGA+ resolutions. Multiple screen options are available to deliver the optimum result depending on the application, control room environment and budget. Furthermore, existing customers can upgrade their installed base of lamp & LED cubes, which means a complete technology refresh can be accomplished while keeping the mechanical structure and screens. This not only lowers the cost and timeframe of the refurbishment, but also reduces waste and can often be accomplished without any operational interruption. Latest projection technology Being able to upgrade video walls (running already for more than 10 years) with the latest projection technology at a reduced cost, for another 10 years of service, is a key advantage of rear projection. The ODL series also received the ‘Barco Eco Product label A’ as it further reduces the environmental footprint. Barco’s stringent ecoscoring scores energy efficiency, material usage, packaging/logistics and end-of-life processes in line with the ISO14021 standard. “By introducing the next-generation RGB Laser ODL series, Barco is again breaking the bar in the rear-projection cube market,” says Jay Badvel, Product Manager at Barco. “With this new engine, we go far beyond excelling at the technical level. We further enhance the lifetime, secure the reliability and lower the environmental footprint. The upgrade capability, reusing a large part of the infrastructure, in combination with the modularity, repairability and refurbishment options, further contributes to a true circular economy.” The next generation RGB Laser ODL series are available for shipments starting August 2020.