PAS supplies Panasonic solution for Kirklees Council
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Andrew Wrixon, technical manager for Kirklees Town Halls, explains: “At Huddersfield Town Hall, we were motivated to buy a new projector as our existing one was 10-15 years old and failing in terms of light output. We host Council conference events using visual presentations that could be difficult to see with full stage and house lights on. Also we’ve increased the range of activity in the hall to include the showing of films, and that, coupled with the use of projection for commercial music shows and events such as school presentations, meant that a projector of the highest quality had become essential.”
Wrixon contacted Pro Audio Systems (PAS) of Bradford to consult over the best way forward, discussing his requirements with video and lighting specialist, Chris Beardwell.
“At Huddersfield Town Hall, the brief was to replace their existing projector, which had been in place for over a decade, with a more up-to-date solution that would not only future-proof the venue in years to come, but also provide a projection solution that better addressed daylight-hours events,” explains Beardwell. “Presentations taking place during the day would often attract complaints that the projector simply wasn’t bright enough, with the result that onstage lights had to be dimmed and curtains closed - not ideal, by any means.”
To combat the high levels of ambient light within the Hall, PAS supplied a Panasonic PT-RQ22K projector. A 21,000 lumen projector, part of Panasonic’s 3-Chip DLP projection line-up, it is claimed to be the world’s smallest and lightest 20,000-lumen-class 4K+ projector. The PT-RQ22K features hermetically sealed optics and filterless heat-pipe-based cooling which underline reliability in dusty conditions, while solid-state lasers consistently control the brightness ramp over 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation.
“The PT-RQ22K was the perfect choice in this setting,” continues Beardwell. “It’s not only bright, but its 4K+ resolution will enable the screening of extremely high quality imagery. We supplied one of Panasonic’s innovative ET-D3LEW200 lenses for the projector, a specialist 90° short throw lens to address the fact that available space in the venue is limited. This solution enables the projection of a 6m-wide image at a very short range, whilst also enabling the projector to be mounted side-on rather than front-facing for further space saving.”
PAS also addressed the cable transmission solution that was used to take HDMI and audio signals from the control point at the side of the stage to the projector and the audio mixing console, with Beardwell recommending a Panasonic Digital Link Switcher, which consolidates signal transmission into a single box solution, transmitting video to the projector via a single Cat6 cable with no receiver box necessary.
Meanwhile, Huddersfield Town Hall relied on a Draper FocalPoint modular projection screen. In order to obtain maximum flexibility from their new projector, the Kirklees team asked PAS to supply a new surface and some additional sections to facilitate a full 6m screen. At Dewsbury Town Hall, Kirklees decided to make a further investment, and asked PAS to supply a 4.88m wide x 2.74m high FocalPoint screen.
Reflecting on his work with PAS, Wrixon says: “We have had a fantastic relationship with Pro Audio for many many years and have always received fantastic service from all at the company. Chris was excellent in taking our sometimes vague requirements and presenting various options for which he arranged demonstrations.
“It’s early days with the new equipment but so far we are extremely happy and know that if we do have any issues down the line, PAS will be there to support us. As well as sales and installations, we also take full advantage of PAS’s Hire Department for a range of solutions including sound equipment and engineers - the quality of the service is always beyond excellent.”
