Upstairs, Metropolis replaced all the old TVs with Panasonic TX28 and TX32 widescreen televisions, installing a total of 33, plus one of the new Generation 6 Panasonic TH42 PW6 plasma screens - one of the first in the UK. Two new Sanyo PLC SL15 video projectors were also installed - again some of the first in the country - fitted with protective POAP smoke housings to extend longevity. The PLC SL15 was chosen for the extended lamp life of 3500 hours. Metropolis also fitted an additional six Bose Panaray speakers to the existing audio set up, and re-calibrated the system to spread the sound more evenly around the area.
Downstairs, the Metropolis team re-cabled the entire building through the existing MF (sealed plasterboard) ceiling, using broadcast quality PSF1/3 video cable and oxygen-free speaker cables. This was specified for cleaner, distortion-free signal paths. The existing RF cabled network for the video was stripped out and replaced with a full composite video system. This is distributed throughout the building via 10 video distribution amplifiers, fed from Kramer VS162 video matrix units that allow any video source/s to be sent to any destination. The overall video distribution is controlled via a customized control panel manufactured in-house by Metropolis. This communicates with Alcorn McBride 1064 video controllers that talk to the two Kramer units, allowing independent control of each plasma, projector and group of televisions.
Metropolis also installed three new Bose 1800V professional amplifiers to the existing five, boosting the system's power capacity. All the Sports Café's audio sources are routed via a Soundcraft Spirit Live console to a new Allen & Heath IDR8 multi-processor for EQ, compression, limiting etc. The system has been set to run as 'loud as is safe', and also has limits set to prevent abuse and overdriving.
Metropolis's project manager was Stuart Clowes, working closely with Shane Winterbourne who designed, engineered and oversaw the installation of the new elements. The major challenge was the short timescale and working around an open venue!
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
