Barco 90 years

Visioneering since 1934

Celebrating 90 years of innovation

For 90 years, innovation has been running through our veins, with creativity as our heartbeat. It’s more than a legacy, it’s our reason of existence.

At Barco, we believe truly great engineering starts with a clear vision. A vision of a better, smarter, healthier world. We use technology to transform the quality of life: from improving health outcomes to changing the way people work and creating compelling experiences.

Join us on our journey into the future, where innovating is not a choice, but a commitment to push the world forward.

10 things you didn’t know about us

Did you know Barco radios were so well-known and popular that they became a prop in one of Belgium’s most famous comic book strips?

In Nero, pub goers are following the Tour de France over the radio.

But not just any radio…

Music has always been part of our history. But did you know we also made HiFi racks? Especially for the Middle East, we made 40 units in a special ‘sand’ color.

However, the order was canceled and the futuristic, golden units were sold to Barco employees.

Who still has one?

Did you know we won two prestigious Emmy Awards and one Academy Award over the years?

We won an Emmy Award in 1988 for the best technical performance in television, and one in 2015 for the game-changing contribution of Barco Silex in the Video Services Forum. Our contribution to the development of laser cinema projection was recognized with the 2024 Scientific and Engineering Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Did you know that in France, people still refer to meeting room gear as ‘Le Barco’?

They use it as a collective name for projectors, phones, video conferencing systems and more.

Even when they’re not really Barco products ;-)

Did you know that over the years we developed true athletic skills in visualizing the Olympic Games? London, Athens, Rio or Shangai.

You name it, we did it!

Did you know our simulation products were also used for leisure instead of business?

Fancy a round of golf? No sweat!

Did you know we achieved an official Guinness World Record?

Our DP2K-32B digital cinema projector can officially claim the title of ‘brightest projector in the world’.

Did you know that in 2015, we enabled Belgium’s first liver laparoscopy in 4K?

Using an endoscopy camera and our 4K surgical screens to visualize the liver with a resolution 4 times that of HD! “As good as open surgery,” says Dr. Mathieu Dhondt.

Did you know that the third installment of The Hobbit, “The Battle of the Five Armies”, premiered with Barco laser projectors?

For a precioussssssssssssss viewing experience!

Our passion for technology and innovation is captured in over 500 unique patents.

This is the equivalent of about 6 extraordinary inventions per year!

Our (hi)story

Barco was founded in 1934 in the town of Poperinge, in the Flemish-speaking region of Belgium. Founder Lucien de Puydt's initial business was to assemble radios from parts imported from the United States-hence the name of his company, the Belgian American Radio Corporation, or "Barco."

Browse through our Innovation timeline to find out more about Barco's history.

Predictions by a visioneer

The most valuable thing you can learn from the past is what to do in the future

The future of visualization

In this Barco Round Table session on the future of visualization, Peru and Guillaume explore visionary trends and technological advancements. They discuss topics ranging from smart visualization and image quality to the impact of AI, sustainability challenges, and the evolving ways we interact with content. The session concludes with a glimpse into Barco's exciting innovations.

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The future of sustainability in AV

In this enlightening Round Table session, Jan, Dries, and Tom explore key sustainability challenges, manufacturing practices, and industry initiatives. They discuss topics such as climate change, systemic thinking, energy efficiency, and innovative collaborations, providing valuable insights into the industry's journey towards a greener future.

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Driving digital transformation

In this Barco Round Table session, Philippe and Annelies delve into the essence of digital transformation, emphasizing its pivotal role at Barco in enhancing internal efficiencies and elevating customer experiences. Topics include customer self-service, proactive engagement, and practical examples, offering a comprehensive view of Barco's journey towards digital transformation.

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Adopting a culture of diversity & inclusion

Lien and Alexis discuss the comprehensive elements, including organizational focus, leadership, and employee engagement, with a specific emphasis on diversity and inclusion. They elaborate on a rejuvenation project, the role of diversity and inclusion, and the steps taken, to ensure a thriving and inclusive culture at Barco.

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Talk to us

Don't hesitate to contact us with your questions. Our team will gladly point you in the right direction.