AVPS’ Jules Deakin believes that it was his preference for the Christie Roadrunner L6 LCD projector which won them the contract. He recommended the L6, offering 1024 x 768 true XGA resolution, as the best solution in view of its superior brightness and its dual lamp facility. "It allows the college to run both lamps to achieve 5200 ANSI lumens during the day when the ambient light is bright, and use the single lamp option during the evening," he says.
Deakin knew that installing a digital cabling infrastructure into a Grade II-listed building brings its own problems, but he was undeterred. He was also confronted with the dimensions of the auditorium, requiring a 90ft throw distance from the projection room to the pre-existing conventional 16ft x 20ft matte screen. Deakin therefore opted for Christie’s long-throw 4.6-6.0:1 zoom - one of nine lens attachments designed for the L6. But he knew that by using the Roadrunner he could apply the high degree of lens shift required to correct the 30° off-axis differential between the ceiling-mounted projector and screen. The result is a crystal sharp image.
The set-up has been rigged for special presentations, and will be used by the drama class and film club - as well as an external auction house that will use the facility in conjunction with a Visualiser. The college will be able to switch between the full-range of video an data inputs which the L6 supports - in this case a pair of analogue DVD and VCR players and two CAT5-connected PC inputs. These will be switched via a Kramer device while all the audio is switched by the L6 to the pre-existing sound system.
Avision has also enabled the College to trigger the projector from either the front-of-house or projection booth positions via Christie’s L6 external remote control. If the presenter downstairs doesn’t want to control the presentation a cue light indicates that the slides can be advanced or retarded from within the booth.
The installation of this projection system will lead to greater utilization, believes Jules Deakin as the College finds increasing use for it as a training aid. In the meantime he is content in the knowledge that the Roadrunner is undoubtedly projecting across one of the longest throw distances in any UK venue.
(Lee Baldock)
