Barco Hires Laser Projection Pioneer Bill Beck

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Thu, 06/12/2014 - 14:54 -- Nick Dager

Barco has hired laser projection pioneer Bill Beck to work closely with its sales and research and development teams to further expand its reach into global markets.

“Bill was one of the first to recognize the potential of laser illumination for premium digital cinema. We simply call him The Laser Guy,” said Todd Hoddick, vice president of global entertainment for Barco. “For more than 10 years, he has been on the leading edge of laser technology and focused his efforts on the image quality and operating benefits of laser illumination for cinema exhibition and other high-performance projection applications.

Beck will work closely with Barco to further advance its leadership in laser-illuminated projection. As a photonics entrepreneur for more than three decades, and co-founder and former chairman of the Laser Illuminated Projector Association (LIPA), Bill brings in-depth knowledge of laser technology and the specific requirements for its application.

“Since its first demos in 2012, Barco has been the frontrunner in laser projection, establishing an early lead in laser illumination technology,” said Beck. “I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise toward evolving Barco’s laser technology to the next stage, while helping to strengthen its sales and marketing infrastructure to support further growth. Our new collaboration reflects a shared vision focused on achieving not only the best image quality, but also a commercially attractive laser projector that ensures safety, reliability, energy efficiency and a long lifetime. Their diligence in all of these areas is why I joined the Barco team.”

“High-brightness laser projection is still in its early stages,” continued Beck.  “By collaborating with Barco’s R&D team, I will help the company leverage the long-term potential of laser technology, which offers dramatically reduced operating and maintenance costs, as well as lower power consumption, as the technology matures.  But most of all, I am excited about the opportunity to play a pivotal role in developing the future products and applications that laser technology will enable.” 

Bill Beck will present Barco’s new laser-illuminated cinema projector at the Display Summit in Las Vegas on June 16 and will be attending CineEurope in Barcelona on June 18.

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