Nextspace is the result of a collaboration between the New Zealand government and internationally-successful 3D graphics and digital asset management company, Right Hemisphere. The partnership gives organisations access to this new technology platform and the opportunity to develop new business.
The facilities include an auditorium and motion tracking laboratory, a training room equipped with real-time 3D graphics systems, visitor workspaces to support R&D developments, meeting rooms with advanced video conferencing facilities, and deluxe break-out areas. Jansen Professional Audio & Lighting was appointed to design and fit the AV aspects of the installation.
"A key part of the development is the multi-purpose stereo 3D visualisation centre, which is also used as a training room and video conferencing suite. It includes various pieces of hardware needed to be integrated both with video and audio signals," explains Dr. Roy C. Davies, CEO of Nextspace.
All of the Centre's audio requirements are managed and integrated by an iDR system - comprising an iDR-8 16x16 matrix digital mix processor, iDR-in and iDR-out expander units, plus a PL-10 8-channel remote control mixer for instant access to levels during live demonstrations.
There is a powerful HD back-lit projector for a 3m x1.8m screen connected to a high-end PC running the latest NVidia graphics cards that allow Nextspace to show 3D content with active stereo glasses that use LCD shutters - the modern equivalent of the red/green glasses for 3D movies - coupled with a 7.1 surround sound system.
"Due to the length and area of the room, the 7.1 audio would be compromised, so a 5.1 patch was written in to the iDR system to reduce inconsistencies where the side L/R fill become an extension of the front L/R speakers, and a second centre speaker is used further down the room to keep the 5.1 field as natural as possible to all listeners through the elongated space," explains Jansen's Simon Adams.
Graphics and sound signals are also fed from a video conferencing system - one graphics signal routing to a large TV, and the other into the computer via a Datapath video capture board for the big screen. The sound from this can be routed to the speakers and integrated with other sound sources, such as presenters' PCs, CD/DVDs and iPods.
The iDR system is complemented by Proel ceiling and stack speakers, Alto amplification, and Audio-Technica wireless microphones for training staff and presenters.
"Nextspace often hosts visiting lectures and the system needed to be simple enough to drive with no training. Audio settings are programmed on the iDR and the PL-10 provides simple and immediate control of source input levels. The wireless microphones required more training than operating the system," concludes Jansen's installation specialist, Rhys Ffowcs Williams. "iDR was selected for its ability to adjust audio on-the-fly and completely control the signal path, managing the addition of live headset and omni-directional conferencing microphones in the midst of a 7.1 surround presentation."
(Jim Evans)
