Immersive projection and displays and social distancing.

In the foreseeable future we have to expect social distancing rules.
Immersive display technology has by default a social distancing aspect, since the projection or display material surrounding the view, creates a type of shield. But that of course is only valid in non-contact applications.

Immersive displays can be used for a very wide range of applications.

Here are some examples:
- Relaxation during massage
- Relaxation during lengthy medical treatments
- Information immersion with products and services, such as
    Car sales, training, travel
- As medical treatment to reduce anciety and stress
- Stress relieve
- Water treatments

As said, some of these may not involve personal contact and the surrounding of images allows the participant feel connected or transported.

What is immersive display technology and how does it works?

Essentially this is not new and has been used for many years. Any classical dome and curved screen projection is immersive. The viewer or participant is surrounded by images, at least to the edge of his/her visual periphery.

Content may also be displayed above or below.

The visual content may be of either relaxing or informative nature and may even create the desire to explore.

How does it work?

We need or create an environment which allows visual content to be displayed on at least two sides. Other sides may actually be mirrored images. This depends on the subject. The environment can be an existing space, a room or a set-up of projection screens or digital displays.

Projection is ideal, because the image control is better and the visual content may not appear to be so intrusive. But there is nor reason why not LCD monitors can be used. Ultimately it is a question of budget, facility and desired outcome.

Usually the content is displayed in a wrap around panorama arrangement. But again, it is possible to have different content on different display areas. This can get as complex as one likes.

Very typical immersive environments are the Mori Digital Art Museum in Japan or the Ocean by Naked display in Yokohama, just to mention a few. While these set-up’s use up to hundres of projectors, an immersive environment may even use just one projector.   

Content can also be interactive with each other.

How expensive?

A combination of projector, screen and mirror surfaces can be relative inexpensive. In particular if relaxation is desired, whereby the room is darkened and the image not very bright. Larger spaces of course require brighter projectors as will spaces with lots of ambient light.

What about content?

Content for Immersive applications must be carefully selected. Since imagery appears 'all-around' the viewer, the content should be slow paced. Dramatic movements in video content could cause a type of motion sickness. Large scale panoramas must be of high resolution, in particular if the viewing distances are very short.

Video content should be at least 4K shot, so that it can be split across several screens.

Audio?

Normal Mono or stereo sound could be sufficient. Spatial audio can create interesting effects and may lead to viewers attention. Depending of the screen surface material audio bounce needs to be considered. For soothing audio the installation of ceiling speakers may be effective so that the audio appears non-directional.

Technical concerns?

Any immersive installation must be carefully planned. Please note that white projection surfaces may create cross reflection which can be very strong in corners, but also from wall to wall, reducing brillance. Use of black surfaces or projection paint may be a good option.

More information and consulting:

itiav.info@iti-imagegroup.com.au

Show Control - Weigl ProCommander

1.   Controlling your presentation space and your media.

2.   Adding contactless control.

 

 

We have given this article two headlines. Why?

Because the control of any presentation space, be it in theme parks, visitor centres, museums or other installation does not require a six-figure budget and that contactless control becomes a vital issue amidst the ongoing COVID-19 threat.

 

Weigl Show Control technology from Austria provides some unique solutions, packaged into small and compact systems, which are designed to withstand the rigors of heavy duty theme park applications with (normally) hundreds of triggers daily.

 

Weigl ProCommander is at the centre of these systems. A box about the size between 1 and  2 ½ cigarette packs (if you remember them), can do amazing things.

Not only can it play back your audio, it has even a small amplifier build in, so it can be used for direct monitoring.

Depending on the model, ProCommander units can control lights, curtains, other devises, projectors. You name it.

Top models, like the VX even plays back video. Not only on stream in 4K, but it can manage 2 streams in FHD.

 

At the same time these units are not that expensive. Prices are between EUR 1000 and EUR 4000 depending on the model. But this price includes the complete control centre including automated show starts and other integrated functionalities.

 

No wonder that major operators have opted for Weigl.

 

Here are the key features in summary. Differs between models.

 

Available models: ProCommander ES, AX, 3, PHX, VX, HX, LX

DMX Control

Analogue Voltage Control

RS 232, RS485 in/out

Network in/out

0-10V

Remote in/out

Servo out

12-24V powersupply

Polyphonic audio (PHX Model)

Up to 8 Stereo/ 16 mono audio out

Relais out

 

Operational extension through:

Pro I/O devices

 

Interactive control through Prism Target System

 

More information at:

www.iti-imagegroup.com.au

www.weiglcontrol.at

www.faq.weiglcontrol.com

 

Spectro projection screens

Spectro Cinema standard and 3D projection screens for events, installation and home theatre now in Australia

 

Spectro screens have been around for several years and are installed in cinemas all over the world for the last 20+ years. So why is this important for you?

 

The projected media quality is influenced by three key factors. The projector imaging technology, the projector lens and the projection screen.

 

Much attention is given to projectors and their imaging technology, be it DLP, LCD, LCOS, etc.. To a lesser extend are the lenses considered, mainly, because they are either fixed in the projector or there are few options available.

 

The projection screen is seen more as a given, with the idea that a bed cloth could do the job as well, I am joking of course, but the quality of the projection material is given often much less consideration than it deserves.

 

In the cinema and multiplex environment are more stringent standards when it comes to projection surfaces to ensure that the latest Hollywood feature looks the same all over the world.

 

So, a manufacturer, who succeeds in this environment must have something special. Right?

 

So, who is Spectro?

Spectro is a South Korean based manufacturer, who specializes in the production of cinema standard 2D and 3D projection surfaces. The company is located on the outskirts of Seoul and has a highly dedicated team which knows how to deal with international demands.

In addition to the surface material, Spectro manufactures roll-down screen systems to large sizes and offers frame-based installation systems.

 

What does the product do?

Spectro surfaces are designed for optimal performance, both in perforated and non-perforated form. Different to other surface manufacturer Spectro offers three perforation standards: SP (Standard Perforation1.2mm), DP (Digital Perforation 0.8mm) and MP (Mini Perforation 0.6mm)

 

Surface materials include: White incl. Gray, Matt White and White 100 (2D only), Pearl (2D only), Silver (2D & 3D), Prima Silver (2D & 3D), Rear with gain factors between 0.9 and 3.0.

 

Where do we use Spectro surfaces?

Apart from the stated cinema application, Spectro surfaces are equally suited for large scale events to high standard home theatres. While 3D is currently not that much in demand, using the Prima Silver surface can make any screening future proof, since this material is ideally suited for both 2D and 3D with good gain factors for optimal illumination.

 

Spectro is also one of the very few manufacturer who manufacture 3D roll-down screens.

 

Spectro surfaces are welded prior to coating, allowing a seamless manufacture of large surface areas. Coated surfaces offer improved performance of 3D PVC materials

 

So what of this matters to you?

First, being a South Korean manufacturer, Spectro screens are covered by the FTA between Australia and South Korea and do not attract any duty, making the product less expensive.

 

Secondly, even larger screens only need short seafreight shipping times, allowing shorter ordering times.

 

Thirdly, the product is available in surface only, surface with eyelets, frame based, press-studs and roll-down, offering a high level of flexibility.

 

Fourth, the company has a proven track record and performs well in one of the most critical domestic market.

 

Fifth, the company manufactured in 2009 the world’s largest permanent 35mm Cinema 3D silver screen of 32x13m and recorded in the Guinness Book.

 

Sixth, production of Korea’s largest IMAX 3D screen in 2015. Screen size 25x18m.

 

Seventh, short production times of approx.. 7 days in average.

 

Eighth, Spectro has fireproof certificates from each country.

 

Ninth, Spectro surfaces can be used on existing screen frames. Though the required tensioning may only be achieved, using a eyelet-bungee loop attachments.

 

Tenth, Korean manufacturer have a high ethical standard and are leading in technologies around the world.

 

ITI-Image Group has been appointed agent for Australia, New Zealand, Oceania and for its existing Asian client base. In fact, we have imported last month a 5m roll-down 3D screen for an installation in Uluru. The screen was manufactured and dispatched on time, despite corona virus restrictions and received without problems by our client.

 

For more information:

Itiav.info@iti-imagegroup.com.au

www.spectro.co.kr