Scottish Opera translates with Prolights panels
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Founded in 1962, Scottish Opera is Scotland’s national opera company and largest performing arts organisation. With a diverse annual season of productions embracing opera’s unique blend of music, singing and theatre, it is committed to making the art form available to the widest possible audience.
As well as performing its productions in mainstage and other venues across the country, Scottish Opera’s home is the Theatre Royal Glasgow, which last year celebrated its 150th year. Recently the Theatre Royal’s surtitling system was in need of an upgrade after 11 years of service.
Alex Reedijk, general director of Scottish Opera approached AC-ET to discuss alternatives. Chris Beardwell, technical sales executive in the company’s video division recommended the Prolights AlphaPIX2 screen, which is available as a custom surtitling package featuring various size displays and an independent software control system.
Alex commented: “After approaching AC-ET, we were very encouraged that they had already supplied the AlphaPIX2 surtitling system to two major UK opera companies. In addition, like us these other companies favoured the fact that the hardware was not linked to a dedicated software package, allowing for future hardware or software upgrades without the need to replace the whole system.”
Scottish Opera’s primary surtitling screen features seven side-by-side AlphaPIX2 LED panels. In addition, six smaller “repeater” screens utilise the panels’ 2.9mm pixel pitch to display high resolution text which is readable at a closer distance. All seven screens are housed in custom metalwork.
As well as custom assembling the screens to order, AC-ET also supplied the system’s Novastar control processors, Tourflex Cabling power and data cabling, and custom transport flight cases.
Alex concluded: “We are very happy with the AlphaPIX 2 screens and think they are eminently suitable for contemporary touring surtitle requirements.” Other opera companies which have invested in the AlphaPIX 2 surtitling system include the Welsh National Opera and Glyndebourne.
(Jim Evans)
