The BUDA arts centre in Kortrijk (Belgium) has chosen CinemaNext as its partner for the technical renewal of its Budascoop arthouse cinema complex. Following a short closure, all three screens reopened late last month, each now running 4K laser projection that does justice to the venue's demanding arthouse programme.
The two main auditoriums have been equipped with Barco SP4K-13C HC high-contrast laser projectors, featuring high-contrast lenses. The third screen received a Barco 4K laser projector, also fitted with a high-contrast lens. On screen, this means deeper blacks, greater detail in darker scenes and a consistent look from one auditorium to the next, which matters a great deal for a venue built around classics, restorations and auteur cinema. The laser light source also reduces energy consumption considerably compared with the previous generation, bringing running costs down as well.
For the audio, we installed Q-SYS amplifiers with a Q-SYS control interface, allowing staff to mix the auditorium microphone over the film soundtrack — ideal for introductions, post-screening talks and festivals. BUDA's existing CinemaNext TMS was expanded with additional storage, and the house lighting now runs over DMX/Art-Net, fully integrated into the same interface. The cinema also uses CinemaNext's own automation adapter for fully automated screenings.
"From our first conversations several years ago to the successful reopening this summer, the Budascoop project has been a true partnership," said Dave Willems, CinemaNext Sales Manager for Flemish-speaking Belgium. "The close cooperation between the BUDA team and CinemaNext allowed us to combine Barco High Contrast laser projection with a flexible Q-SYS audio and control platform, creating a solution that respects the character of this historic venue while preparing it for the future. The energy-efficient laser projectors also lower power consumption and remove the need for lamp replacements, bringing real cost savings year after year. After the great work of the BUDA and CinemaNext teams, seeing everything come together so successfully has been incredibly rewarding."
From the first frame of film to the closing lights, it's one system running the room.
Three screens, three 4K laser projectors: CinemaNext renews BUDA's Budascoop arthouse cinema in Kortrijk (Belgium)