FINA or the Fédération internationale de natation (International Swimming Federation) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for administering international water sports competitions. It is one of several bodies that manage a given sport or discipline for the IOC and international community.

Every two years, the FINA World Championship brings together close to 209 member countries to compete in swimming, diving, high diving, open water swimming, synchronized swimming, and water polo.

As befits such a major event, the opening and closing ceremonies are celebrated in spectacular style. In 2019, the event was held in two separate venues in Gwangju, Korea. Barco’s UDX-4K40 projector played a major role in creating a rich and artistic experience seamlessly.

To create a lasting impact, the shows were divided into acts, with the arenas becoming immersive experiences for the dancers, K-Pop artists and a stunning section where the large audience felt as if they were underwater and rescuing a whale from death. 

Turning this script into a credible show required a lot of work. All possible canvasses were used, including the vast floor space, the ceiling, ramps and a giant shower of water on which images were projected. The show was also controlled with Barco’s Event Master image processing solutions E2 processor and EC-210 desktop controller.  E2 is the first screen management system to manage 4K projector blends. Supporting native 4K input and output, E2 makes managing these multiple canvasses very easy.

Barco’s UDX-4K40 was essential from two points of view,” says Mr. Chung Hae Young, CEO of Good Media. “On the one hand, the remarkable image quality; and on the other, the compact but powerful format that simplifies installation.”

The UDX-4K40 offers AV professionals true 4K UHD resolution and up to 37,500 lumens light output to ensure flawless shows with accurate colors. Having the widest color spectrum in the industry makes it a natural choice for events such as these. Without compromising on brightness, the UDX color quality matches the renowned Xenon quality and outperforms the Rec. 709 color space.

As two venues were involved, the UDX-4K40 provided another benefit: its compact form. Barco UDX-4K40 is the most compact, high-brightness laser projector with integrated cooling on the market that makes shipping, installation and calibration much easier to manage.  

The result was a show that spectators will remember. People attending the show spoke of a “true spectacle”, with one reviewer for the AIPS (International Sports Press Association) calling it, “an astonishing display of light and sound” that “created a sense of awe”.