A centrepiece of the on-course visual facilities was the 18th Studio screen. This comprised 20 (w) x 8 (h) panels (20.32m x 6.08m) of Lighthouse Rn7-ER 7mm outdoor enhanced resolution LED screen hung off and below the Sky TV studio. Visible from both the club house and the main hospitality area, this screen, along with two Rn7-ER IMAG screens measuring 6 (w) x 5 (h) panels (6.096m x 3.81m) each, was utilised for both on-course coverage and the opening ceremony.
The IMAG screens showed a feed directly from the Sky studio, with the large 18th Studio screen split into two and controlled via Lighthouse LIP-HD processors. The 'stage left' side of the 18th Studio screen showed the same image as the IMAG screens, whilst the stage right side showed graphics. Content management was handled remotely from CT's control room via a piece of software specifically written for the purpose by CT.
Two additional screens were positioned on the third and 14th greens. These on-course screens displayed a tournament television feed - again generated from CT's control room - during the competition, but when a player arrived at the tee one of the marshals would activate a remote switch, made by CT specifically for that purpose. This instantly faded the screen to black and then to the Ryder Cup logo so there was no interference with the players' concentration. The reverse would happen when the player left the tee.
"The pixel mapping for the Lighthouse Rn7-ER screen was exactly what we required for the 18th Studio screen," comments CT project manager Jilon Miah. "All the screens were very reliable throughout, holding up well against the unusual weather we had there."
Simon Taylor, Lighthouse UK general manager, adds, "It's fantastic that Lighthouse screen has been used in such a creative and crucial role at this huge televised spectacle."
(Jim Evans)
