Archives for September 2009

Production:av provide widescreen for Amsterdam 400 Event

14/09/2009 by petermccrea

2009 sees the 400th anniversary of the Baptist Church, having start from a group of people who fled England and settled in Amsterdam. With this in mind the European Baptist Federation held a celebration in Amsterdam to mark the 400th Anniversary.

Held at the Theatre in heart of the Rai Complex on the edge of Amsterdam, Production;av supplied a camera, switching and projection package to the event, working through the production management company Affinity Events.

The solution was based around a 10’x25′ truss framed rear projection screen flown at the rear of the stage, and filed with a pair of full HD Barco CLM HD8 projectors giving a 16,000 lumen image on the screen. The signal was fed to the projectors as a DVI signal over a Fibre Optic system to ensure that the signal being projected suffered no loss on the journey from the control position at FOH to the projection position at the rear of stage.

Switching was undertaken at Full HD level (1920×1080 pixels) by the Barco Screen Pro II switcher and Screen Pro II controller. The SPII was feed by a range of sources such as Laptops for on-site video edits, Powerpoint, and camera images. Cameras provided a full HD image to the Panasonic AV-HS400 vision mixer, enabling full HD work flow through out, from lens to lens with no scaling in between.

The event ran for three days with no hitches, and was a success. The client was very happy with the solution provided commenting that it was the best video system and screen look that they have had to date. This was due to both the high quality of equipment we supplied, and the experienced and competent team operating it. Our thanks also go to Tim Perrett for providing fantastic lighting for the event and Mark Heaps and Ben Warlow from Affinity Events for getting us involved in the job.

Keswick Convention 2009

10/09/2009 by petermccrea

2009 saw the Keswick Convention, running since 1875, held at the heart of the lake district within the convention centre in Keswick Cumbria. Working directly for the convention, Production:av was tasked with lifting the standards of the main screens and switching systems that are utilised for the three duration of the event.

Previous the convention has employed a system that has grown with the convention as AV technology has emerged. This had served it’s purpose well, but it was felt that to keep with the expectations of a modern conference go-ers, improvements could be made.

The key aim was to ensure that the main screens flanking the side of the stage could be seen in all light conditions. The convention utilise their own large marquee that is erected on site every year. Being manufactured from a white material, it lets high levels of ambient light into the venue during the day time sessions.

To combat this Production:av approached the problem from two angles – the projection, secondly the signal aspects.

Firstly high brightness 10,000 lumen projectors were supplied in the form of Barco CLM R10+ projectors, flown from the lighting truss firing onto 8’x6′ front projection screens.

Secondliy a digital signal path was employed from many of the sources through the supplied Barco Screen Pro II switcher and fed via fibre onto the projectors as a DVI signal. This meant that there were no losses within the signal path, and a minimum of processing. A mix of the cameras was provided by Cutting Edge Uk as an SD SDI feed, which was then keyed over with song words from a PC, at the native DVI Resolution. Production:av also supplied a technician to provide support and operation during the event as well as crew to rig and de-rig.

The event was a success, with the only complaints being that the screens were too bright!

Morgan Centenary Gala Dinner

03/09/2009 by petermccrea

2009 sees the 100th Anniversary of the Morgan Motor company, based in Malvern Link. Having produced classic motorcars for the past 100 years, it was felt that an event should be held to mark the occasion. Over the weekend of the 31st of july to 2nd of August, a series of events were held at Cheltenham racecourse to mark the Centenary.

Production:av was appointed as live video supplier for the Morgan Centenary Gala Dinner at the Centaur, part of the Cheltenham Racecourse complex. Working on behalf of show producer, Richard Tierney, Production:av specified a full high-definition projection system to showcase video content and live camera feeds. We installed two 16’x9′ projections screens in a V-formation above the stage to ensure adequate sightlines for the audience. This was a key requirement, with the main show opener using video content coupled with a Morgan sportscar driving on to the stage amidst flashes of pyrotechnics.

Using our recent investment in additional Barco CLM-HD8 projectors, a pair of projectors for each screen provided HD images showcasing full HD camera work and video content with a bright and vivid 16,000 lumens per screen. Live cameras were directed by Production:av, switched via a Panasonic AV-HS400 mixer and fed to the Barco Screen Pro II switcher where VT playins and on site edits from Final Cut Edit Machines were also switched, before going to the screens as DVI signals over Fibre Optic.

The client was blown away with the results of using an HD video system helping to make this a memorable event for all involved and with an interest in Morgan Sportscars (1909-2009).

Production:av were pleased to work on behalf of Event and Management Services on this event.

Do call us to discuss using high-definition video presentations for your next event – 0845 3700024.

On the Move…

03/09/2009 by petermccrea

Update! We have Moved! Production:av will be operating from Unit as of Monday the 14th! It’ll take a while for the dust to settle, but we’re there, so pop in to see us!

We are pleased to announce that Production:av is moving to new premises! As of 14th September 2009, we will be operating from a new 2500 sq. ft. warehouse and offices. This move is to facilitate the further growth of Production:av, accomodating a recent investment in new equipment and a need for a larger office space. Our new offices will provide dedicated areas for client meetings, equipment preparation, and demonstration facilities for event pre-production works and technology showcases.

We have enjoyed our time at Kestrel Court and now look forward to welcoming you to our new offices located next to the M5 motorway at Junction 11A. This provides good access to M5 and M4 motorways (via the A417/419).

Unit 3 Clifton Centre, Gloucester Business Park, Hucclecote, Gloucester, GL3 4HB

All other contact details remain unchanged so please call us on 0845 37 000 24 to talk with us about your next event or project.