The modular high-resolution LED screens - including the V5 (10mm pixel pitch), V9 (17.5mm) and V12 (25mm) - have been optimized by the introduction of Unitek's ONE processor, which can drive up to 768 x 576 pixel screens operating in native PAL, NTSC or SECAM. One features an infinitely variable Aspect Ratio Converter and programmable colour control, with unique motion/definition image enhancement feature.
"The beauty of this processor is that all the scan and aspect ratio conversion takes place in a single box," says electronics engineer, Alan Drake. Because the signal is only being processed once, the delay time from camera to screen is reduced to a single frame, or 40 milliseconds.
The upgraded series also features the new ASIC chipset, which provides greater control and superior colour balance. Using Pulse Width Drive (PWD) - instead of the traditional constant current drive - the LED's are permanently driven at the correct current, creating LED pixel balance and eliminating the 'mottling' effect. "In effect, this means we can colour-balance each LED independently," states Drake.
At the same time the use of different alloys has led to a dramatic weight reduction - as much as 10kg on the V9 - while improvement in the catches and rigging accessories means that unskilled crew can now rig it quickly and easily. Rental company, Euroscreens has taken 51 modules of 25mm V12 for use on high-profile rugby events, and will feature the display at the Heineken Cup Final in Dublin on 24 May.
Comments Richard Wright, Unitek's new managing director, "The application of LED displays is still in its infancy. We are already providing displays for use around the perimeter of sports stadia with our Activ Banner processor, and we haven't begun to fulfil its potential in the retail sector."
For the latter Unitek has now developed the high-resolution V5 Media screen; housed in environmental street enclosure, this large-scale outdoor retail and advertising applications, with individually-addressed pixel processing, ensures round-the-clock, distortion-free content delivery.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
