Conference

Imperial Gardens – Cheltenham Science Festival 2019

03/07/2019 by petermccrea

Cheltenham’s annual Science Festival arrived in June to explore the weird, wacky and wonderful. In its sixth consecutive year of involvement, Production AV was commissioned to design, supply and operate the high-end screen, projection and sound solutions that formed the foundation of the multiple zones that were created in the specially built Festival Village.

Complete Video and Audio Solution Delivered to Festival Village

Festival organisers asked Production AV to deliver all audiovisual requirements for the growing event. The team oversaw set up and technical checks for all of the zones, including the flagship Cheltenham Town Hall space and adjoining Pillar Room, the Helix, the Crucible and the Cinema Zone.

“We were thrilled to design, set up and run an audio solution for the Town Hall this year, in addition to the visual elements, and we opted for a PA system based around d&b audiotechnik Y-Series speakers, Yamaha QL desks and Sennheiser radio mics,” explains Production AV MD, Pete McCrea. “The Town Hall is notoriously tricky to set up for good sound, and it took the expertise of Production AV’s Project Manager, Olie Goulding, who oversaw the event load-in and operated the Town Hall audio, to scope and plot the venue to design the d&b solution, which perfectly fitted the bill.”

Production AV also supplied the Town Hall’s main room with a 16ft x 9ft screen, 10k lumen Barco HDX Flex Projector, Barco switching solution and a camera package based around Agile ARC 360 Lite PTZ remote cameras and Sony EX3 Camcorders.

In the Pillar Room, the team installed a simple control package to interface with the in-house projection system, along with a d&b Y-Series and E-Series speakers and Yamaha TF series mixing desk. Matt Wadley, Production AV’s Technician, oversaw all audio aspects for the duration of the Festival in the Pillar room, with the Festival’s volunteer staff operating the majority of the video systems.

“One of the highlights of our AV package was the outdoor Cinema Zone, for which we specified a Desay M6 6.25mm pitch LED screen,” McCrea continues. “This displayed 13 hours of continuous footage from the moon landings over the festival, as well as lots of other content. The screen looked fantastic in the exterior garden, giving great high-resolution images over the large areas, with excellent colour reproduction and brightness.”

Hundreds of events took place over the six-day Festival, with more than 280 leading experts imparting knowledge, prompting discussion and provoking thought to thousands of visitors, including more than 9,000 schoolkids.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByhR9AChVd9/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Torry Harris Business Solutions – 20 Years of Digital Transformation

21/01/2019 by petermccrea

Production AV were excited to be working with new client, Torry Harris Business Solutions through providing a complete technical event solution that included our new, ultra high resolution Desay x2.6i 2.6mm Indoor LED Screen to celebrate the fantastic 20 years that the company has been innovating the digital experience for clients globally and inspire their increasingly talented team to continue delivering the high-quality solutions THBS are known for.

High Resolution Desay 2.6mm LED Screen Conference Solution

The centrepiece of the solution was a 5m x 2m LED screen using 30 of our new Desay x2.6i 2.6mm Indoor LED Panels that was built upon a ground support system and covered the rear of the stage. Two Novastar MCTRL 4K LED Processors were used to manage the data being fed to the screen with one acting as a fail safe hot back up to the main processor. Content was fed and scaled to the screen using our Barco S3-4K Screen Management System and easily managed when combined with our Barco EC-50 Event Controller. The S3-4K was also used to form a PIP (Picture in Picture) on the LED screen using the video feed from our Sony PMW-EX3 HD Video Camera positioned in FOH. Alongside the video solution, Production AV also provided the audio solution for the conference using our Yamaha TF1 Digital Mixing Console to manage several Sennheiser radio microphones that operated flawlessly throughout the event.

We were really happy with the performance of the Desay x2.6i throughout the day, as all of TBHS great achievements were crisply presented and the colours of the content perfectly reproduced. We’d like to thank TBHS for selecting us as the technical provider for this special event for their company. We look forward to working again with you in the future.

Superdry Amsterdam – Store Managers Conference

29/10/2017 by petermccrea

Production AV were pleased to be involved with Superdry’s Store Managers Conference hosted in Amsterdam on behalf of Tarren. We were tasked with providing a full AV solution to the conference space, catwalk and dinner presentation as well as four break out rooms. Our five strong team led by Olie Goulding were onsite providing the coordination and technical knowhow to assist Superdry in maximising the conference and drive home a strong, positive message for 2018.

Superdry Complete AV Conference Solution

The main conference area provided a space for the Superdry business briefing and a Barco HDX W14 DLP Projector was rested on our projection racking to rear project onto a Stumpfl 16′ x 9′ which allowed the entire audience to fully engage with the presentation through figures and animations. The presentations were loaded onto our PlayBack Pro software and then switched using our Barco PDS-901 9 in 1 Out Seamless Switcher. As this was a complete AV solution, audio was also provided with Sennheiser radio microphones for presenters , l’Acoustic X12 loudspeakers plus l’acoustics SB18 Subs and a Midas M32R Mixing Desk for control.

A similar setup was used in the catwalk/dinner presentation space where another Barco HDX W14 DLP Projector projected onto an identical Stumpfl screen. Instead of a PDS, our new Roland V1-HD 4 Input HDMI Vision Mixer capability mixed the show and we were impressed by it’s versatility despite it’s small and simple design. Sixteen D&B T10 loudspeakers were flown in arrays of four supported with D&B B22 subwoofers under the stage. and the show was driven using a Yamaha QL1 Mixer. This delivered superb sound for both the presentations and the catwalk where the the newest range of products were being premiered for their Autumn/Winter Collection.

In the breakout rooms we worked with Superdry’s own stock of 3.9mm LED screen modules and created two LED screens. They were being used for more intimate workshops and presentations for 20 – 30 people. Data was scaled using Barco ImagePRO II Dual’s and then fed to the screens using our Nova MCTRL660 Processors. Audio equipment was also provided to these rooms in the form of Sennheiser microphones and loudspeakers. The final area that audio was provided was the mock shops where presenters had Sennheiser radio mics and four D&B M4 loudspeakers were used to relay their voices around the shops.

The conference was a massive success with Superdry store managers feeling positive and prepared for the exciting new developments the company has planned for 2018 and beyond. We’d like to thank Tarren and Superdry for their continued support and we look forward to providing the AV solution for the next Superdry briefing.

Belfast – Ulster Unionist Party Conference 2016

10/01/2017 by petermccrea

Production AV were back out once again working on behalf of BNL providing the largest scale production we have jointly worked on to date. We were providing a complete video solution for the 2016 Ulster Unionist Party Conference. We were looking forward to being involved in such a prestigious and well publicised event. In his speech at the conference, Colum Eastwood the leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party stated despite party differences with the UUP, they both aimed to “make Northern Ireland work” and was looking forward to “closer party cooperation”.

3mm High Resolution LED Screen with Barco S3-4K Playback

Using our stock of digiLED HRi3900 Indoor 3.9mm LED Panels, we built a 10m x 3m LED screen as well as providing full processing and playback support using our Barco screen management system. Travelling over with the kit to Belfast the day before, the Production AV team were began the load in early next morning and had the screen built into it’s custom set and operational in three hours. A pair of Nova MCTRL660 Processors were used to manage the data being fed to the screen with one acting as a fail safe back up to the main processor. For playback, our Barco S3-4k Screen Management System along with it’s counterpart the Barco EC50 Event Controller ensured that we could output a range of feeds including Keynote presentations, camera feeds and a twitter stream to the LED screen which provided flawless motion to the conference and allowed the UUP to focus completely on laying out plans to do what’s right for Northern Ireland in 2017 and onwards.

The event was a great success and we really enjoyed working alongside BNL to make sure this important event had the best production quality possible. Thank you for selecting us to be the supplier of the video solution we really enjoyed working with your team and the UUP Party itself. We hope to be back for next years party conference to hear the exciting changes the UUP have and aim to instrument in Northern Ireland.

Ecclesiastical Group Leadership Conference 2016

14/03/2016 by petermccrea

Production AV were pleased to once again be chosen as the sole supplier to Ecclesiastical’s annual Group Leadership Conference. With previous years conference’s utilising a simple screen and projector with drape surround, the decision was taken to undertake a massive step up in the visual impact of the event and enhance the narrative of the numerous speakers throughout the day.

3.9mm LED Video Wall Conference Solution

Using our stock of DigiLED 3.9mm LED Panels, Production AV created a 7m x 2.5m LED Video Wall as the focal point of the conference. The 3.9mm LED Wall sat on it’s own ground support; raising it above the presenters stage for improved viewing. Throughout the event it worked seamlessly for numerous speakers with their own unique content requirements. The high brightness of the screen meant that the room could be well lit and the curtains remain open allowing the views out over the lakes to remain and be enjoyed by the delegates.

Using Keynote and Powerpoint, content was fed from various laptops provided by Production AV. Live video was also run directly onto screen coming from a Sony EX3 HD Video Camera positioned at stage right. All the source switching was handled by a Barco S3-4K switching system set up backstage with the Barco EC-50 controller allowing for easy recall of previously stored scenes.

Relay Flatscreens and Breakout Rooms

Alongside the large 3.9mm LED video screen, two pairs of Samsung 65″ Flat Panels were provided to ensure the delegates could clearly see the content in the long thin room. The four screens were set out on Unicol Parabella Stands along the length of the room in order to stop any loss of clarity for those sat further back.

In addition to the main session space, multiple breakout spaces were also provided with a mix of 50″ and 42″ Panasonic Plasma Screens to enable clear communications.

Sound and Lighting for Complete Conference Solution

As Production AV were providing the full conference solution, audio requirements were also covered in full. Sound was projected using a combination d&b E3 and QSub Loudspeakers driven by d&b D12 Amplifers. All the sources were mixed on the QU-32 Digital Mixer utilising the onboard dynamics and feeds to the various speaker sends. Sennheiser EW300 G3 Wireless Handheld and Lapel microphones were provided for the presenters during the day and also during the evening quiz. ETC Source 4 Junior Lanterns and Miltec LED Batten 2’s were also used to great effect throughout the event in creating the relaxed atmosphere aimed to be achieved throughout the conference.

All the equipment was rigged during the load in on the afternoon before the event, with a fairly typical schedule of rehearsals in the morning then moving through the conference sessions and into the evening dinner and quiz, to a post event load out handled by our experienced team of event professionals and led by our in house project manager.

A big thank you to Ecclesiastical for choosing to work with us on the show and we look forward to working together in the future.

Continued Equipment Investment

29/02/2016 by petermccrea

Production AV is proud to announce further investment in equipment in the form of the Barco S3-4K and EC-50 screen control system from Barco. Ideal for switching DisplayPort, HDMI and SDI sources, the S3-4K is ideal for a range of uses in situations from Live Events and Exhibitions to Conferences and Trade Shows. The processors partner with our high resolution 3.9mm Indoor and 6mm Indoor/Outdoor LED Screen products and High quality projection products for a complete solution.

Native 4K Solution

The S3-4K offers native support for 4K sources allowing the capability to manage and switch 4K content for displays. With up to 12 inputs and 10 outputs available in the HD setting the S3-4K offers real flexibility. Combined with the EC-50 Controller for hands on control of sources, layers and Presets the system offers a great solution for switching AV sources at conferences, exhibitions, lives events, music gigs, trade shows corporate events and awards ceremonies.

Increased Flexibility

Where you require additional sources or outputs, then the Barco E2 offers these. Offering 28 inputs over HDMI, 3G HD-SDI and DisplayPort, as well as 14 outputs the E2 is designed for the larger event or show. It will also seamlessly link with the S3-4K to offer additional inputs and flexibility.

Remote Control

Both the E2 and S3-4K can be controlled by the Barco Event Master software, which offers control of the entire system and work flow from a computer or laptop. In addition to this Production AV have invested into the EC50 controller to allow operators hands on tactile control over sources, layers and preset.

For more details on the products please see their respective product pages.

Barco E2

Barco S3-4K

Barco EC-50

If you would like a quotation for a particular project, or a demo of the capabilities of the switcher, then please do contact us.

Superdry Autumn/Winter16 for Tarren Production Ltd

20/01/2016 by petermccrea

Complete Conference AV Solution

Production AV had the pleasure of working for our long term client Tarren Production Ltd on several parts on the Autumn/Winter 2016 launch held by Superdry in Cheltenham in early January 2016. SuperGroup used a disused warehouse near their HQ in Cheltenham, which was used for a catwalk show and after show party, as well as running a series of presentations in their new staff canteen adjacent to the new site.

In the Cafe space, Tarren Production contracted Production AV to supply a simple but complete production package of sound lighting, video and staging. Utilising d&B Audio Q7 and QSUB speakers, D12 amplifiers and Allen and Heath QU32 mixing desk to provide a full range sound system for the spoken word and presentations, video was taken based around a 12,000 Lumen projector and 16’x9′ screen for the brightly lit space, with a Barco PDS901 switcher for allowing a clean fade between laptops and video playback handled by PlayBackPro+ running on Apple Mac Mini computers. Simple lighting highlighted the presenters on the 3m x 2m stage that was set up in the venue. Olie Goulding was onsite to oversee the running of the event and ensure that the presenters could focus on their presentations.

Fashion Show Catwalk Monitoring

Over in the launch area, Production AV provided several small but key bits of infrastructure. For the catwalk, a pair of Sony PMW-EX3 cameras were rigged in fixed positions, then fed their Full HD signals back to 3 pairs of Panasonic flatscreen displays positioned to allow the show caller and dressing teams to clearly monitor the action on the catwalk, and ensure they timed the model entrances correctly. Whilst not an overly glamorous part of the show, quality of the image and reliability were critical to ensure models were able to time the show correctly.

Presentation Flatscreen Hire

In a temporary structure located beside the catwalk space, members of the Superdry team briefed different groups on the new Sports and Snow product lines. Within this space Production AV provided a large 65″ Samsung LCD flatscreen display to enable the presentation to be seen clearly by the delegates. Another small d&b sound system with a wireless microphone allowed the presenter to be heard over the background noise of the busy site.

Our thanks go to Tarren Production Ltd for asking us work for them on this event.

Commercial Group’s IT Hotshots

10/11/2015 by petermccrea

Cheltenham based Commercial Group provide a range of business services, including IT Solutions. In early November they held a ‘Shooting For Distinction’ event at Ian Coley’s shooting school on the edge of the Cotswolds.

Gloucestershire Audio Visual Supplier for local conference.

Production AV, Gloucester based Audio Visual supplier, worked again with Commercial group to deliver a high quality, simple but effective solution for the event. The venue was a marquee to adjacent to the mains school and shop buildings, which required a high brightness solution to combat the high ambient light levels, and also work round the lack of space available for projection.

Compact Full HD Audio Visual Solution

To take up as little space as possible Production AV supplied a Samsung 65″ LCD screen, built into the custom set. Content was fed from a pair of show laptops running PowerPoint via a Barco PDS switcher to give the ability to seamlessly switch between sources, and fed to the screen over a fiberoptic cable to ensure that the quality of the signal was of the highest possible level.

Audio was handled in the space with a range of equipment, namely d&b Audio for the speakers and amplifiers, Sennheiser G3 series Radio Mics and a mixer from Allen & Heath.

A simple lighting package was employed to provide uplight to both the set and the rest of the space, along with profile lanterns for lighting the presenters whilst on stage. Production AV utilised LED Par Cans, combined with ETC Source4 Junior lanterns, controlled with a simple desk and Zero88 dimmers.

Set, Stage and lighting.

Production AV supplied a compact set tailored to fit within the available space. Making use of stock flats, along with specifically built components, the 65″ screen aperture was created. The whole set then had a custom printed wrap applied to give a smart appearance in keeping with the Commercial Group image.

Production AV also supplied a carpeted stage alongside the set for the event.

Onsite for the duration of the event, Production AV also supplied an experienced and friendly technician to assist with all the technical aspects of the conference.

If you have requirements similar to this, where you require a full solution, or maybe just support in one aspect, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, and we’d be delighted to offer a quotation for you.

Barco PDS901 3G available for Hire

14/08/2013 by petermccrea

Additional Investment in Barco PDS Series Switchers

Production av is now stocking the Barco PDS901 3G Switcher. Designed to complement our existing stock or Barco Image Processing (ScreenPRO II and ImagePRO II Dual) we have invested into the PDS Series of switchers.

Seamless switcher with digital Input and Output

The PDS901 3G offers 9 inputs:

4 Universal Analog connections on VGA Connectors
4 Digital DVI-I inputs with full HDCP Support
1 3G/HD/SD SDI input

Outputs are on both Analog and DVI signal paths simultaneously, as well as offering a 3G/HD/SD SDI output that supports Barco Link technology, ideal for use with the Barco HDX-W20 Flex projectors. BarcoLink allows transmission of WUXGA Signals (1920×1200 @ 50/59.9/60Hz) over a single Coaxial cable up to 100m. This can dramatically simplify set up on site, and reduce cost, as fibre systems are no longer required.

Easy setup and Operation

The PDS is easy to set up, with test patterns for the optimisation of the display device, Logo stores for often used holding slides, and a built in webserver that enables remote control of the unit, including switching. The PDS series can also integrate into ScreenPRO II controlled systems acting as an auxiliary switcher for destinations such as stage relay monitors.

Available to Hire now

We have the PDS 901 3G available to hire now, alongside the Barco HDX Series projectors, ScreenPRO II and ImagePRO II Dual hardware as well as supporting hardware such as HD-SDI BNC cabling, TFT monitors and input sources.

PDS901 3G – £200 per Day, £600 per Week (ex VAT)

Please contact us for a specific quote relating to your requirements.

Exceeding customers expectations…

04/02/2010 by petermccrea

“Your depth of knowledge and understanding within production has been a great asset to us and has enabled us to continue delivering first class Live Events, exceeding our customers expectations on each and every occasion.

Customer feedback has been nothing but positive. Please pass on my thanks to all of the team that have supported us to date.”

Live Events Director at Dair. February 2010.