Set within the University College London (UCL) Wilkins Building, the Grade II-listed Gustave Tuck Theatre was built from the proceeds of a donation in the 1920's by the then president of the Jewish Historical Society and remains one of the most prestigious areas within UCL complex in north London.
However, according to AV Services Manager, Mike Allinson, its last serious AV upgrade was undertaken 15 years ago. The original chalkboard was moved forward to accommodate a rear projection area and along the way CRT and then LCD projectors were brought in, firing directly onto the screen. "But it was never successful and we clearly needed a mirror rig to get the best out of it."
A tender document was issued and Audio Visual Machines bid successfully, with the result that during the summer recess Mike Allinson started to weigh up his options. A visit to the headquarters of Paradigm AV - who are also the UK distributors for dnp optical rear projection screens - allowed Allinson to make a comparative evaluation.
"I looked at the options but not only was the image better with the double element screen but it reduced any visible hotspots - which is what I wanted." The Beta 100 also allows 180° viewing angles - which was another critical factor, according to Audio Visual Machines account director, David Tucker, as viewers in the lecture theatre are seated not only directly facing the screen but at elevated angles, positioned left and right of the screen. "With the Beta screen the view of the image was consistent, with uniform brightness from all seats in the theatre."
The Beta screens are only available in focal lengths for ultra short throw lenses. Thus the Paradigm Easy Erect rig, incorporating single mirror, allowed a Sony VPL FX41 3LCD projector, fitted with 0.8:1 wide angle lens, to be cradled in the rig at the optimum angle, so that the beam could be folded accurately off the mirror.
The 120-seat Theatre enjoys high utilization and is mainly used by lectern-based teachers. Operating in standard 4:3 aspect ratio, the projector receives PC and laptop inputs as well as DVD, and with the entire system functioning under Crestron control the set up is a simple plug and play. Where support is needed, UCL's chief technician Stephen Ellis is on hand.
Mike Allinson said: "Everyone loves the quality of the new image - compared with what we had previously this is 100% better."
At the same time, Audio Visual Machines also designed and produced a bespoke writing board system, removing the old system and installing and integrating white boards on either side of the optical display.
Summing up, David Tucker stated: "This facility will now allow presenters to show extremely high quality images in high ambient light conditions allowing easy note taking by attendees. With the uniform high quality bright image all attendees will see the very best image possible, therefore avoiding fatigue and eye strain."
(Jim Evans)
