March 11, 2008 (PSCo)
United Kingdom, March 11, 2008— Expert integrators, Arcstream AV, were contracted to specify the cutting edge system that gives Colmore Plaza's glass atrium the added ‘wow-factor’. The impressive reception area features a large oak wall and twelve 42” Infinite Plasma from specialist UK distributor PSCo. These screens are integrated into the stylish panelling in an extraordinary twelve by one format, creating a dramatic focal point. Neil Dickinson, Managing Director of Arcstream AV, explained: “the Infinite Plasmas are ideal for this type of environment and sitting discreetly in the new timberwork, they look amazing.”
Specially made content had to be created for the unusual ‘horizon’ format, with pioneering image processing needed to generate images that fit the elongated shape. “This configuration has never been used before so it was certainly a learning curve. The format enables four times the resolution of cinema when it comes to width and no video cameras can even shoot in a resolution this high,” commented graphic designer Gareth Evans. He continued: “It took a lot of time to ensure the resolution was high enough and render the images to suit the screens’ unusual letterbox shape.”
Dickinson added: “We had no previous work to refer to because this is the first time anyone has attempted to create content for this scale. We even had to use three screens in PSCo’s demo room to preview the material and make sure it would work.”
The design and construction of the prestigious thirteen storey 320,000 sq. ft building aims to provide contemporary, premium office space within the city centre using state of the art technology and facilities. Custom-made brackets had to be specially designed and were integrated into the wooden wall 5 months before the screens were installed, meaning the accuracy of the installation needed to be millimetre perfect in order to slide the screens into the display without any gaps or protrusion.
Construction Director at Abstract, Peter Graham, commented: “We applied a bit more vision and sought another bespoke AV solution that would entertain, be cutting edge, inform and delight in equal measure; Arcstream immediately understood the imagination being sought and the technical application required.”
Arcstream AV worked closely with the property developers to provide the right solution, opting for the seamless plasma technology over projection alternatives due to the high ambient light environment in the foyer. The new generation of Infinite Plasma features improved brightness, contrast and a special anti-reflective coating, ensuring immaculate image quality, even in the building’s bright entrance hall.
The screens allow flawless communication of marketing messages with high resolution imagery and a seam gap of less than 4mm. The technology allows the Colmore Plaza and their clients to utilise the display for promotional messages, special conferences and events.
Graham added: “The ‘Banner plasma’ adds an air of mystery to our foyer and some contemporary technical chic, it can even influences moods, and will certainly enhance the visitor experience to the property and stay with them beyond.”
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