News | Sensorama harnessesBarco simulation projectors to power new multisensory amusement thrill ride | Barco

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Barco is a global technology leader that develops networked visualization solutions for the entertainment, enterprise and healthcare markets. Its solutions make a visible impact, allowing people to enjoy compelling entertainment experiences; to foster knowledge sharing and smart decision-making in organizations and to help hospitals provide their patients with the best possible healthcare.

Immersion rides that plunge visitors into a virtually surreal world have largely been the purview of giant theme parks. However, they are now beginning to emerge as standalone entertainment experiences in public venues around the world. Sensorama is a frontrunner in this trend with the development of VIX: a 24-person ride taking passengers on an underwater voyage at the Shopping Praia de Costa in Wila Velha, Brazil, a center boasting more than 225 world-class shops and attractions.

Sensory immersion like never before
The simulation experience is designed for families and thrill seekers alike, allowing passengers to travel through an underwater cave thousands of feet below ground to explore the nucleus of a new energy source, where a giant reservoir has lived devoid of human interference for over a thousand years. Guests embark upon a multisensory journey, accelerating through a narrow passage of land, where they feel their hair blowing in the wind and the sensation of levitating through thin air. Subtle forest fragrances are filtered into the space as guests journey through the forbidden forest, while soft hints of mist are emitted once the ride plunges towards the deep ocean.

“It’s no longer about passively watching a movie, but feeling like you’re actually inside the movie,” said Lucas Werthein, co-founder of Sensorama. “There are just a few like it; it’s a first for Latin America and just one of a handful of similar rides in the world.”

Technology that’s powerful, yet invisible
Four Barco F35 projectors power the visual spectacular, featuring active and passive 3D stereo, highly accurate proprietary RealColor color management technology, and flicker-free Smear Reduction Processing for high frame rates up to 120 Hz, ensuring a smear-free image at any resolution and with fast-moving content. A wide range of high-quality projection lenses is available.

A stunning 6,000 pixels, uncompressed video, an 18.3 3D audio system, immersive special effects and synchronized movements with six axis motion of freedom provide guests with a natural, vivid and immersive experience in flying, gliding and speeding through magical landscapes.

“The most interesting part is that all the technology disappears when you go into the ride. It’s easy, simple and beautiful,” said Leif Percifield, the project’s head engineer. “You don’t care how many wires, projectors and computers are involved because it’s awesome.”

Relentless innovators in simulation and virtual reality
Barco has a long history in building virtual reality environments, having developed numerous industry-leading stereoscopic projectors, immersive, multi-sided domes, and turnkey simulator solutions for use in attractions, educational environments and national defense projects. The company is ideally poised to capture the growing simulation and digital entertainment market.

“We are excited to collaborate with Sensorama on these types of innovations, where we can lend both our simulation expertise and entertainment industry experience to create amusements for a new generation,” comments Gary Fuller, Vice President Strategic Marketing, ProAV for Barco.

About Sensorama
Sensorama is a virtual reality company that specializes in building compelling, ultra immersive, next generation simulation thrill rides that blur the lines between fiction andreality. The company was founded by Lucas Werthein, Marcelo Pontes and Felipe Reif. To learn more, please visit: www.sensorama.co

About Barco
Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops networked visualization products for the Entertainment, Enterprise and Healthcare markets. Barco has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and APAC. Barco (NYSE Euronext Brussels: BAR) is active in more than 90 countries with 3,300 employees worldwide. Barco posted sales of 1.051 billion euro in 2014.

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