Barco Series 4 software update release thread

[Elia Orselli]

1.9.5 is now available:
immagine.png

[Leo Enticknap]

But no mention of a fix for the macro execution stalling bug since the last release that wasn't withdrawn, unless that is the lens positions not being reached correctly. But while I was troubleshooting this with 1.9.1, I created a macro with just a single command in it (open the dowser), and that stalled, too.

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I'd really like to see confirmation that this has been resolved before trying a 1.9.x version on any projector in revenue earning service.

[Steve Guttag]

Well. Let me rush out and put this one one all of my S4 projectors as I'm SURE it will be bug-free. Or...

[Steve Guttag]

While I didn't check all of them...the ones I did check, like 1.8.13...that link actually will get you 1.9.5!!! All roads lead to 1.9.5

[Steve Guttag]

It appears that they may have fixed their download issue and one can now actually download the older versions (e.g. 1.8.13).

[Leo Enticknap]

Nevertheless, this made me thankful for my anally retentive streak whereby I keep copies of older versions (not just of Barco software/firmware, but from the other main manufacturers as well), just in case, for example, some hardware component needs to be replaced, and the system worked and was stable on the version it was running when I found it, but would not on a later one. Manufacturers, on the other hand, want to encourage older versions out of use as soon as possible after the new one hits the streets, because it simplifies their support workload.

[Steve Guttag]

Yeah...we do too. And yes, manufacturers do tend to think anything but the latest is probably your problem (step 1...have you updated to the latest software?).

[Steve Guttag]

It would appear the 1.9.6 has arrived. No ICMP or ICP-D changes. It would appear it is the version needed for the new version (Mk II) of the SP4K-C series projectors with the "SST" type DMDs that shouldn't stick any more than "classic" DMDs.


Release notes

Included versions

• This version includes the ICMP Software 1.4.4.29 and ICP-D software 1.2.1.16

New feature:

• Support of new Mk II version of SP4K-12C / SP4K-15C / SP4K-20C / SP4K-25C

Note

• The new encryption mechanism is bringing some limitation on the way to handle update, backup and restore
• Upgrade: need to install v1.8 first before to upgrade from v1.7 to v1.9
• Downgrade: need to install v1.8 first before to downgrade from v1.9 to v1.7
• Backup package generated in v1.7 can be restored on v1.8 but not on v1.9
• Backup package generated in v1.8 can be restored on V1.9 but not on v1.7
• Backup package generated in v1.9 can be restored on V1.8 but not on v1.7

[Jason Sharp]

How does the contrast on the .98 SST compare to the .98 TRP?

[Steve Guttag]

Higher, they claim. At CinemaCon 2025, they claimed that the overall image, including contrast would be better. I guess, we'll see.

[Leo Enticknap]

Can the new non-stick light engines be retrofitted to a projector that originally shipped with a sticky one if it gets stuck and has to be replaced? If so, I guess that preemptively updating mk. I SP4K-Cs to 1.9.6 is likely a good idea, in case that ever has to be done.

[Ioannis Syrogiannis]

For the sake of discussion, rather than contradicting, Leo, Barco (and others) always gave the installer the ability to update the software after installing a spare part that would host a newer version or a conflicting one. It might save some time, if it has to do with a major version (or more).
As for retrofit. I trust their intentions to be against producing and stocking both SST and TRP light engines. Same as they moved from RAID controllers to newer on ICMPs, or PSU form (compact double vs the 2x singles for DP2000s, like with DP2K-20Cs), etc. Especially with the "stuck pixel" abnormal rates making that case ("in case that ever has to be done") quite possible.
That upgrade will give some breathing space to Barco, to cinemas and dealers. It's hard for one to point out the (true) benefits of acquiring a Barco projector, over a persistent green point on the screen.

[Leo Enticknap]

As for retrofit. I trust their intentions to be against producing and stocking both SST and TRP light engines.

That will surely depend on if there are any other hardware changes needed to make the projector compatible needed with the SST light engine. If you can simply swap between the two types and then all that is needed is a software/firmware bundle update (if this hasn't been done already and preemptively, as discussed), then agreed. But if the new light engine also needs a new ICP, SMPS, and/or FMCB in order to work (for example), then owners faced with having to replace an out-of-warranty light engine are not going to like those extra costs. The first Series 4s to enter service are now approaching six years old (the first I installed was in October 2019), i.e. likely around half way through their realistic and economic service life. If a light engine goes out in a projector of that vintage and with 40-50K card cage hours on the clock, then its owner will likely be reluctant to pay a significant price premium for the improved variant over a replacement of the original design. If they are forced to do so, well, that'll make it even harder to point out the benefits of acquiring a Barco...

[Steve Guttag]

As I understand it (and I asked a bunch of questions at CinemaCon25 plus the dealer meeting info, plus the dealer webinar)...Barco is extending the warranty on all SP4K-Cs, with respect to stuck pixels (not other forms of failures) until end of 2026.

The SST light engines will be retrofitted into TRP systems. I do not have any details as to if there are any optical changes (though it can be presumed that full lens and color alignments would need to be done, but I've always done them on normal TRP to TRP swaps too). The entrance/exit angles of the SST to TRP are not the same. So, either they've developed the change within the light engine or I could see a light path alteration being needed, particularly around the fold mirror. Naturally, I'm hoping for a drop-in replacement, myself. The SSTs are supposed to start shipping in Q3...so, we're about there. Those with access, the SST light engines are already showing on the respective projector's parts page on Barco's support.

I would NOT be eager to update to 1.9.6 just for the eventual support of an SST light engine. By the time you actually get one, they could have fixed the bugs that they eventually will find in that. 1.9.x had a bit of a rocky start, as it is.

Personally, I just hope to put the stuck pixel thing behind me. It has affected a substantial number of the units we put in.

[EDIT]

I just checked in the documentation section of the support site and while I don't see specific instructions for conversion, there is a TRP to SST upgrade sheet. It would appear that the parts include the Light Processor (sort of a given) and a Light Pipe "Kit" The part number listed is not showing on the parts page since, likely it is not, on its own an orderable kit...just when a projector is being converted. So, what's involved is anyone's guess...all of the way up to changing the entire light pipe assembly with lenses/mirrors.

The Service book is updated for the Mk II (SST) light engine. Note, to gain access to one of the lock down screws on the SST, one will need to remove the light processor cooling fan assembly. They made a point of saying that the high-speed cables are NOT the same between the TRP and SST and that the SST cables are on the delicate side and susceptible to being creased/damaged. Routing is specific and to have gentle curves to them.

So, this isn't going to be as simple as just dropping in the newer unit but I never expected that.