The Newseum, one of the most technologically advanced museums in the world, features hands-on exhibits, theaters
and studios that cover 500 years of news history and news-gathering capabilities.
Cutting-Edge Installations
Broadcast and multi-media systems integrator, Communications Engineering, Inc. (CEI) worked on the integration and install- ation of broadcasting and audio-visual equipment in numerous control rooms, theaters and studios at the Newseum, the 250,000-square-foot museum of news near the White House in Washington, D.C.
CEI’s role included designing and building several production control rooms, installing audio and video equipment in the Newseum theaters and studios, installing network equipment connected to interactive areas throughout the museum, and building the sophisticated master control room. Technological innovations include the 7,000-square-foot NBC News Interactive Newsroom, where visitors may select any of 48 interactive kiosks or experiences and immerse themselves in the many roles —photojournalist, editor, reporter, anchor— required to bring the news to the public. Throughout the museum are more than 130 interactive stations featuring more than two dozen experiences.
A primary feature of the Newseum is a 22x40-foot Barco high-resolution modular LED display, which dominates the atrium of the facility. It is mounted on a lift that allows it to be raised or lowered 30 feet depending on the type of event taking place. Images displayed on the display include breaking news, historic news events, and documentaries and are played out from a master control room.
The Newseum’s Annenberg Theater, with seating for 535 visitors, is designed for public programs, film screenings, debates, artistic performances, and town hall gatherings. It can also serve as a broadcast studio. Another of the facility’s 14 theaters is the Big Screen Theater, which features a 10x90-foot screen displaying images provided by five blended Christie XGA projectors.
The Newseum, located between the White House and the U.S. Capitol, showcases world-class architecture from the firm of Polshek Partnership Architects and the exhibit design was developed by the world renowned design firm Ralph Appelbaum and Associates. The building features a glass-fronted "window on the world" facing Pennsylvania Avenue and a 74-foot-high, 50-ton marble tablet emblazoned with the 45 words of the First Amendment. The building offers breathtaking views of the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall from its terraces.
"The Newseum will be a must-see in D.C. from opening day on," said Newseum Executive Director Joe Urschel. "Visitors will be transported through time from the dawn of the age of the printed word to the cutting edge of the digital age through an unparalleled blend of artifacts, photography, exhibits, films and interactive experiences."
The Newseum in Washington, D.C., was more than six years in planning, design and construction. It was made possible by a commitment of $450 million from the Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan foundation dedicated to free press.
Communications Engineering, Inc located in Newington, VA, is a leading, award-winning broadcast and multi-media systems integrator. The company also offers complete equipment service, support and training, and supplies products and services to federal agencies and organizations through GSA. CEI has helped to define the leading edge of systems engineering and implementation for the communications industry since the mid1980’s.
Communications Engineering, Inc.
8500 Cinder Bed Road Suite 100
Newington, Virginia 22122 USA
For more information: http://www.commeng.com
or Email: marketing@commeng.com
Phone (703) 550-5800
Fax (703) 550-5180
