Barco Brings Its Homegrown HDR Cinema Technology to Belgium in Partnership with Kinepolis

Technology company Barco has announced plans to introduce its HDR by Barco premium cinema format to Belgium for the first time, establishing its debut location at Kinepolis Kortrijk just steps away from Barco's corporate headquarters. Construction is currently underway, with the upgraded auditorium officially scheduled to open to the public on November 18.

Expansion of a Global Premium Format

First introduced to moviegoers in the fall of 2024 following a commercial debut in early 2025, HDR by Barco has experienced rapid deployment across major international markets. The format currently operates in locations across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, India, Italy, and the Netherlands. The upcoming launch in Kortrijk brings the technology directly to Barco's hometown, marking a significant milestone for the company and its longstanding exhibition partner, Kinepolis Group.

The collaboration builds on a history of technological cooperation between the two companies, which began when Kinepolis adopted digital cinema and later deployed Barco's laser projection technology to power its Laser ULTRA brand in 2014.

Technology and Audience Impact

According to Barco executives, the new auditorium at Kinepolis Kortrijk will feature the HDR by Barco presentation system alongside immersive audio and premium seating. The underlying technology relies on patented Lightsteering innovations, which direct light precisely where needed without consuming extra power. This approach produces highlights that are more than six times brighter than traditional projection while preserving deep dark details for enhanced contrast, depth, and color range.

Every movie presented in the format features a dedicated version graded and signed off by the original creative team. Nicolas Hamon, Head of Projection and Sound at Kinepolis Group, noted that the technology enables theaters to display greater detail, color, and contrast, staying faithful to the creative vision of filmmakers.

Practical Implications and Verification

For moviegoers and industry observers, the deployment represents continued investment in premium large-format cinema across Europe. Readers looking to verify details, check upcoming release schedules, or find specific showtimes can consult the official source announcement or visit the dedicated platform at www.HDRbyBarco.com.

What is Confirmed vs. Unknown

• Confirmed: The new HDR by Barco auditorium at Kinepolis Kortrijk will open on November 18, 2026. The installation utilizes Barco's Lightsteering laser projection technology, developed locally in Kortrijk.
• Unknown: Specific ticket pricing, movie line-ups for opening day, and the exact financial terms of the partnership between Barco and Kinepolis were not disclosed in the corporate announcement.