Creative Technology (CT) were on hand to deliver 9750sqm of projection for the historical event on behalf of our client, People.
The large projection show featured content supplied by Fly Studio, showcasing the UAE’s heritage and the history of Qasr Al Hosn Fort. The content was delivered across three buildings, the Musalla, the Cultural Foundation and the Qasr Al Hosn Fort.
The projection covered such a large area of the event that the only way for the audience to follow the full story was from the central revolving grandstand which slowly rotated as the show progressed across the large site. CT used 34 Panasonic 31K laser projectors, and 46 Panasonic 21K Projectors installed into 20 bespoke towers and strategically placed to cover all three main aspects of the projection areas. Panasonic’s reliability, brightness, and optics made them the perfect product for the job in hand.
Prior to the event, all three projection areas were laser scanned, and an accurate 3D model was prepared for both content pre-visualisation and creation. The 3D model of 1,200 000 vertices and UV maps was shared between the creative department and CT for content creation and mapping. Having an accurate 3D model and Disguise servers, meant CT was able to deal with any changes quickly and continue with the projector line up to meet the client’s schedule and timelines.
CT used its internal Octopus application to control switching of backup feeds on the matrix. Octopus is an application created internally by CT for the purpose of controlling other pieces of hardware by network commands. It was a great tool to have on hand to manage the failover switch.
To ensure system operation was in sync, CT used Riedel Compact Pro equipment for distribution of sync and timecode to all media servers. Compact Pro units were also used for signal distribution of six robo cameras in place for a rough projector line up. In addition to Riedel units, CT provided a large number of fibre network switches across site for the purpose of content sharing, control of the robo cameras and projector control.
To achieve the high brightness stipulation, CT provided multiple projector channels in double and triple stack configuration. Each projector in the configuration received main and redundant signal feed resulting in a total of 180 unique video signal feeds. The event was broadcast live across local television stations and the Qasr Al Hosn YouTube page where thousands of people tuned in to watch the historical event take place.
