Barco, a leader in display and visualisation solutions for selected professional markets, has announced the RHDM-2301, its new High Definition Reference Monitor for broadcast professionals. With the RHDM-2301 Barco presents the first true grade-1 LCD display that ensures broadcast staff in production and post-production environments of the highest level of color stability and accuracy for their video reference tasks.

Studio professionals need the highest level of image quality and stability to do their job. Up to now, no LCD based monitor was able to match a CRT based reference monitor. Today Barco presents the first true grade-1 LCD display that can compete with a CRT monitor. Barco's RHDM-2301 with patent pending technology, presents the highest level of color accuracy, image stability and motion handling. It features some of the most advanced LCD technologies, such as a 10-bit panel and real time color stabilized LED backlights.

Grade 1 is a standard formally defined by the EBU that sets requirements for contrast, black levels, and brightness. In the process of real-time color judging, Barco's RHDM-2301 provides continuous color stability, perfect representation of grayscales, deep darks and pastel tones. In addition, Barco's RHDM-2301 display is a perfect tool for monitoring of fast moving video. Thanks to the high-speed 120 Hz panel and scrolling LED backlight technology, it avoids motion blur and judder. This results in excellent motion handling and lifelike motion scenes which are reminiscent of how CRT reference monitors used to show moving video.

Barco has over 20 years of experience in color calibration for various markets. With the RHDM-2301, Barco presents a reliable LCD based reference for camera scene alignment and lighting staff. Two video channels can be positioned in split screen, allowing a very detailed colorimetric judgment of multiple input sources. The RHDM-2301 does not need frequent maintenance, as it features advanced calibration sensor technology, integrated into the display's electronics. In OB vans and transmission monitoring environments, RHDM-2301 users significantly benefit from the display's robustness and system stability. The reference monitor can easily withstand temperature cycling conditions, so that frequent calibration is not necessary. It also features selectable video speed handling to judge fast moving scenes on the same monitor.

The RHDM-2301 offers a smooth picture and visibility of all gray levels. The 120 Hz LCD panel has LED backlights to scan fast movements and for visual effects judgments. In preview and master control environments, Barco's RHDM-2301 offers a reliable reference for source quality validation and for program and output monitoring. For delivery, ingest and signal quality monitoring, it presents offers a stable reference for color grading and speed judgments across different workflows. The display offers a de-interlace and inter-frame handling option which allows to validate multiple application formats.

Above any other CRT design, the RHDM-2301 uses an accurate wide gamut display approach with selectable color spaces. This "master reference" design allows multiple users to exchange content between sources, editing suites, digital intermediate generation and delivery situations based on one single common reference. As this Reference is accurate and stabilized over time and place, users will enjoy the benefits of color consistency combined with a CRT look alike video representation.

The RHDM-2301 will be available for sales towards the end of 2008.

www.barco.com