Barco unveils advanced digital cinema diagnostic application

http://www.barco.com/digitalcinema/pressrelease/2492/

At ShoWest 2010, Barco introduces the Diagnostics Companion, an optional new software module purpose-built for intelligently troubleshooting Barco digital cinema projectors.

Rancho Cordova, CA — 12 March 2010 — Barco, a global leader in digital cinema technology, proudly announces the Diagnostics Companion, a new optional software module that enables users of Barco Series I and Series II projectors to identify, diagnose, troubleshoot and remedy error conditions — without technical support assistance. The Diagnostics Companion is integrated in Barco's Communicator software, starting with version 4.0. The Communicator runs as a standard PC application, or more conveniently, runs on Barco's Communicator Touch Panel, a multi-user projector control center that's optimized for quick and efficient operations.

The Diagnostics Companion works with Barco's DP-1200, DP-1500 and DP-2000 Series I projectors, and will be shown on the new Series II projectors at ShoWest 2010. To obtain the Diagnostics Companion, current Series I users can upload the version 4.0 Communicator update.

As an interactive module, the Diagnostics Companion runs in the background until needed. If an error condition occurs and the projector's red "tail lights" turn on, a pop-up message appears in the Communicator — informing the user about the specific condition. If more information is available, the user can click an adjacent icon, which automatically opens the Diagnostics Companion. Within the Companion's window, comprehensive tables are provided that outline the situation and the solution. In addition, step-by-step troubleshooting procedures are provided, including detailed pictures of specific components.

"If a problem arises, the majority can be solved using the Diagnostics Companion, without requiring Technical Support," said Andrew Gaweda, Product Manager for Barco Digital Cinema, NA. "As a built-in troubleshooting guide, the Companion actually empowers the user with a wealth of knowledge, right at their fingertips. It goes one step beyond basic error messaging, with clear diagnostics and proven steps to resolve problems."

"The goal of the Diagnostics Companion is to enable users to perform on-site technical analysis, and to that end, the Companion succeeds brilliantly," said Todd Hoddick, Vice President of Digital Cinema for Barco NA. "With this application, and the intelligent power that it places right on the Communicator touch panel, a new and highly interactive level of diagnostics is immediately available across the Series I and Series II product lines. The result is greater up-time, and an increase in the customer's working knowledge of our projectors."

For a hands-on demonstration of the Diagnostics Companion, please visit Barco in Booth #1931 at ShoWest, March 15-18 at Bally's Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.