Although the Centre only opened in 2008, Sky was aware that its digital signage hardware looked under-specified due to the high ambient light afforded by the Centre's glass roof. Sky were keen to remedy this so they could best showcase their high-definition television content. In addition, by the start of 2010 Sky were also ready to launch a permanent demonstration of their new 'Sky 3D' product ahead of the launch of their 3D channel in October 2010.
Visionpoint was commissioned to review all aspects of the hardware utilised on the stand and recommend latest technologies to maximise Sky's investment.
This initially included re-purposing the two large 20ft winged stands and reorienting the rear projection screens. At the same time they provided a complete new racking and technical solution for the master switch room, along with suitable cooling for the four 10K ANSI lumens projectors. They also installed the first 3D LCD TV - all controllable from an easy-to-operate touch panel screen.
Visionpoint director, Alan Hopkins comments, "We knew that we could drastically improve the presentation of Sky's digital signage by utilising different screen technology. They wanted to achieve better contrast in high-definition and of the formats we considered dnp was the obvious solution."
It was decided to replace the existing portrait rear projection screens with the 100in dnp New Wide Angle optical high contrast screens in 16:9 format, providing much brighter images in high ambient light conditions and also allowing Sky to promote their latest high definition (HD) content in the same manner that viewers would experience in their homes. Hopkins also suggested retaining the four existing Panasonic four-lamp PT-DW10000E projectors (two per screen) but completely realigning them to fire downwards onto the landscape screen.
The new installation, which was carried out with minimal disruption out of hours, accommodates additional HD set-top boxes, Blu-ray players and new LG 3D TV (with specially designed stand for the circular polarized 3D glasses).
In addition, Visionpoint wasasked to produce the Sky logo from an existing design, cast in acrylic to provide a 3D mould that could be flooded with LED lighting.
Finally, the installation is fully protected against brown outs, power spikes and temporary power loss via the use of recently fitted UPS units.
(Jim Evans)