Barco Encore AV over IP showcased its portfolio of hardware-based image processing and presentation systems at InfoComm 2026. The product lineup includes the Event Master family—comprising the PDS, ImagePro 4K, EX, S3, and E2 processors—alongside the Encore 3 multi-format switcher. These systems are designed to support live events, integration, and rental staging applications by offering multi-screen management and high-resolution video scaling.
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HDMI® Technology is the foundation for the worldwide ecosystem of HDMI-connected devices; integrated with displays, set-top boxes, laptops, audio video receivers and other product types. Because of this global usage, manufacturers, resellers, integrators and consumers must be assured that their HDMI® products work seamlessly together and deliver the best possible performance by sourcing products from licensed HDMI Adopters or authorized resellers. For HDMI Cables, consumers can look for the official HDMI® Cable Certification Labels on packaging. Innovation continues with the latest HDMI 2.2 Specification that supports higher 96Gbps bandwidth and next-gen HDMI Fixed Rate Link technology to provide optimal audio and video for a wide range of device applications. Higher resolutions and refresh rates are supported, including up to 12K@120 and 16K@60. Additionally, more high-quality options are supported, including uncompressed full chroma formats such as 8K@60/4:4:4 and 4K@240/4:4:4 at 10-bit and 12-bit color.
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The Encore 3 is a 4K native, 8K-capable multi-format switcher built on an FPGA-based architecture rather than a GPU design. This FPGA system utilizes multiple large FPGAs to achieve ultra-low latency while performing 4:4:4 12-bit internal processing. The physical chassis features a front-panel touchscreen, redundant power supplies, and a rear connector panel supporting multiple 4K inputs and 4K outputs, alongside linear timecode (LTC) and genlock synchronization, with Dante connectivity planned for future updates.
For larger deployments, the platform supports multi-unit linking, allowing up to four hardware chassis to be interconnected and controlled as a single unified master system. Operators can manage inputs, outputs, and multi-layer compositions using the Event Master Toolset software. The programming interface allows configuration of screen destinations, picture-in-picture (PiP) layers, and preset recalls for real-time composition adjustments during live productions.
The version 10.2 software update introduces several features designed for advanced configurations, including auxiliary program management, multi-viewer customization, and output backgrounds that allow individual physical outputs to be treated as independent destinations. It also includes an LED tile helper tool that automates LED wall resolution configuration when provided with two of three parameters: tile pixel count, row and column counts, or total wall resolution. System integration is supported via a documented JSON API, compatibility with control systems such as Crestron and Q-SYS, and an offline simulator for pre-programming configurations.
Physical control of the presentation system is achieved through dedicated event controllers, including the EC30, EC50, and EC210 consoles. These controllers interface with the processing chassis to enable rapid programming and live preset recall on the fly. The combined ecosystem of FPGA processors, modular software, and tactile control surfaces target the specialized requirements of rental staging operators and integration professionals working with high-bandwidth, low-latency video workflows.
