Video City Launceston: 103” Plasma Display and High End Audio System

The Scope

The client was looking for a visually impressive high resolution 1080p display supported by a similarly impressive audio system in order to promote the superior video and audio clarity of bluray. This system would then entice customers to hire bluray movies, and at the same time provide entertainment whilst they browsed for movies to rent. The display would also offer the ability to run in-store promotions, soon to be released movie trailers, and other attention grabbing content.

The display was to be mounted securely on the wall directly opposite the main entry, some 50m away. The audio system should be installed so as to achieve minimal visual distraction and maximum audio quality in regard to both the range and the depth of sound.

The relevant system controls should be located behind the customer service counter so as to make it easy for staff to change bluray and DVD content, and control other system parameters such as volume and source. The customer service counter is adjacent the main entry, and is approximately 50m from the display and audio equipment, so it would be necessary to convert video signals over this range without losing quality or performance.

The Challenges and Our Solution...

The Panasonic 103” Plasma display weighs in at around 220kg, so mounting it to a wall requires significant structural consideration.

A customised steel support structure was designed so as to allow the display to be anchored in place, while at the same time providing above-ceiling fix points that can be used to raise or lower the display using a block and tackle type arrangement should maintenance or alterations be necessary.

Subtly integrating the high performance audio system was achieved by creating a supporting structure for the custom subwoofer (15” driver) in the ceiling space and porting the sound through a slot located directly above the display. Amplifiers were mounted in a rack enclosure, also within the ceiling space, paying careful attention to positioning in order to maximise air circulation and minimise difficulty with regard to future maintenance and upgrades should this be necessary. The end result was effectively concealing all equipment from the public so as to avoid visual distraction, and at the same time eliminating the possibility of tampering, or accidental damage to the equipment. Access to the equipment is achieved through a well placed hatch. Finally, high performance Kef in-wall speakers were installed, one each side of the display.

Feedback

When visitors first set foot inside the Video City store, the huge plasma on the rear wall is clearly evident. As the visitor approaches the display and is drawn further into the shop space, the impressive size and performance of the 103 becomes clearly evident, with its brilliant images, exceptional detail and true-to-life colour. All this is supported beautifully by the full, crystal clear sound emanating from around the display and capturing the attention of all nearby.

The 103 really packs a punch, and has provided the client with a focal point that customers simply can't ignore.

Tasmania Police Crisis Response Media Centre

Television set including lighting, presenter microphones, backdrop plasma display
Control desk featuring full lighting and AV presentation control, including video preview and audio mixing, production, recording and distribution
Audio re-enforcement

University of Tasmania – Journalism Studios

3 x Sound studios
2 x Television studios with custom designed backdrop and chroma key screen
2 x Control spaces with full audio mixing, production and recording capabilities

back to commercial projects...