Hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and broadcasted in High- Definition on ABC, the 2004 Oscar program featured DPI's Lightning 28sx displays projecting video images onto a variety of projection surfaces throughout the venue. For the first time in the show's history, DPI's projectors also displayed the High-Definition signal for the viewing audience on the 'Best Picture Screen' inside the Kodak Theatre.
The most intriguing projection element was a 24-foot tall trapezoid-shaped screen located directly above centre stage. Composed of customized materials, the screen - approximately 50ft in length at the top and narrowing down to 22ft at the bottom - was illuminated by five Lightning displays and provided dynamic visuals during the show's scheduled musical performances.
DPI's Lightning 28sx projectors were also employed on other screens for additional visual effects. A 14ft diameter cylindrical projection screen utilized two Lightning projectors and two 9.3ft x 16.3ft screens, each supported by two projectors. For additional audience viewing inside the theatre, two stationary 6.7ft x 12ft screens each employed one Lightning projector.
Creative Technology North America, an international audio and video solutions provider and authorized DPI staging partner, managed the integration and inventory of the display technology in the 180,000-sqft facility. This was the fourth Oscars event in which Creative Technology has been involved and the 11th for Frank McMinn, vice president of entertainment sales for Creative Technology.
McMinn said: "Events as prestigious as the Academy Awards are ever-changing, each year the production values are increased to top what was done previously. Digital Projection has been an ongoing supporter in Creative Technology's efforts to meet and exceed the Producers' vision."
Mike Levi, president of Digital Projection said: "Our involvement with the Academy Awards for seven consecutive years has certainly strengthened our reputation as the number-one provider of precision displays for high-profile entertainment applications, we can't thank the Show's producers and Creative Technology enough for their continued trust and confidence in our company and products."
DPI's high-performance Lightning, Thunder and Highlite displays have been used for every major televised broadcast Awards program, including the Emmy's, Oscar's, Grammy's, Blockbuster Music Awards and the American Music Awards. Projectors by DPI can be found in Hollywood studios, screening rooms, Fortune 5000, worship venues, broadcast sets, command and control facilities, scientific research and visualization applications, retail outlets and home theatres.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
