CT has committed to a spend of over US$ 11m across their European and US operations which will result in a phased delivery of a number of products based on the existing C Series platform but with significant technical enhancements developed by Barco in consultation with CT.
The first product, the C5, which will be available to CT at the end of2011, is a new black face, indoor display offering a 10% resolution premium over the most established 6mm products on the market. A flown weight of less than 40kgper m², integral concave and convex curving, no fans (resulting in silent operation) and Barco's NNI interface allowing full integration with the DX700 processing unit provide a sample of some of the technical features of the new products.
"The past couple of years, we have seen a massive increase in cheap products from China and that made us shift our focus to the development and production of competitively priced products for the events and permanent installation market. The C5 and renewed relationship with CT is a good example of our ongoing commitment to the rental market and our improved ability to respond quickly, effectively and competitively to customer's needs." Paul Matthijs, CEO of the newly formed Barco Live Dots venture, commented.
Dave Crump, CEO CT in Europe and the Middle East concludes: "CT has a number of premium and long-term customers in the automotive, technology and entertainment sectors who demand the highest performance and reliability at a competitive price. After extensive research and following recent investments of Barco's LED business in its supply chain, CT has selected the C5 LED product as the cornerstone of our indoor LED range for the foreseeable future.
"Unlike some of our competitors we believe that the improved international support and service offered by a substantial European manufacturer outweighs the short term gains that can be achieved sourcing directly in China. We have every confidence in the new team at Live Dots and look forward to continuing our partnership with the Barco group."
(Jim Evans)
