Rancho Cordova, CA — 31 March 2009 — Visualization pioneer Barco announced today the debut of the SHOWBEAM™ 2.5, a new High End Systems automated wash luminaire that features a jointly developed Philips MSR 2500-watt lamp source. A smooth field, soft-edge illumination is produced using a new radial lenticular homogenizing lens system that provides a signature look on stage. In addition, the dedicated wash light includes a user changeable fixed color wheel, a variable CTO, a full CMY color mixing system, and the ability to produce an 11-degree fixed hard-edge profile with fast color change and Electronic Strobe. The profile can be rapidly zoomed from 11 to 33 degrees.

The SHOWBEAM 2.5 also features a revolutionary patent pending effect, the Twin Beam™. In this effect, two discrete hard-edge beams exit the fixture on command, with variable control over the Twin Beam deviation and rotation speed — all with little brightness degradation. The Twin Beam can also be varied by adding incremental color via the CMY color mixing system. SHOWBEAM 2.5 incorporates the renowned LED tracking system that encircles the lens, a feature that debuted with its SHOWGUN predecessor.

“The engineering team set out on a mission to produce a new automated wash light, with earth-shattering light output,” noted CTO Creative Lighting Richard Belliveau. “We more than accomplished that goal, while including some never-before-seen visuals that will be sure to excite today’s audiences.”

SHOWBEAM 2.5 made its sneak preview debut in October 2008 at LDI in Las Vegas. The fixture, which begins shipping in April, will next be shown at the Pro Light & Sound Show in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 1-4. For more information, contact your sales representative or visit www.barco.com