Previously, a videowall had been proposed as a solution to the diverse needs of the venue. However, chief technician Graeme Watt could see a more flexible alternative by offering LCD projection - which led directly to the purchase of the theatre’s first Christie Digital Vivid series projector. The Vivid Green had been strongly recommended by Jules Deakin, head of AV Systems at LMC Birmingham, who had become experienced with the Canadian company’s range of equipment while working for Planet AV. "The theatre needed a fairly large, fully-featured projector, and clearly weren’t 100% happy with the four or five alternatives that had been demonstrated," he said. "But once Graeme had absorbed the specs, and realised what the unit could do in terms of pixel mapping and contrast ratios, he bought it on the spot."
One of the main features of the 3600 ANSI lumen projector which swung the sale was the dual keystone feature, and the plus or minus 40° tilt of the manual lens shift. "This allows Watt to use the projector anywhere throughout the venue - so there were no worries," remarked Deakin. Watt confirmed this, stating the projector had to be capable of producing sufficient lumens to work in the daylight environment of the Stalls Foyer. "As for the lens shift, the edges of the images are instantly sharp at switch-on and you can adapt virtually anything for use with it. The projector also has incredible scanning frequencies - 15Hz up to 100kHz. It’s entirely flicker-free, and when you zoom in and out it stays in focus. Above all, the system is easy to use."
The Vivid Green presently has a roving role in the theatre - hired out by day in the main auditorium, projecting advertising and sponsor information in the Stalls Foyer, on duty at film workshops in the cinema, and supporting conventional theatre, jazz events and even local bands. "There’s just more media-type events coming into the theatre all the time," notes Graeme.
When Celtic folk rock favourites Wolfstone played the venue recently, they were delighted to find a Vivid Green in situ, as they carry band images to gigs on their laptop. At Eden Court they were able to throw these images onto the 14ft x 10.5ft screen, which acted as a stage backdrop.
Watt has already placed a further order with Christie for a Vivid LX26 with interchangeable lens. This will be sited on a projection shelf in the cinema, where it will project images generated from VHS and Beta tape over a distance of 38ft (11.5m) onto an 11ft x 6.2ft screen. The theatre will also be investing in either a PC or iMAC - as well as a DVD player - to increase their data projection options.
(Lee Baldock)
