New World Center: Video Capabilities

Brian Elwell LEED AP, senior consultant VP at Acoustic Dimensions, describes the state-of-the-art video systems including coolux Pandoras Box media servers:

Main Performance Hall:
The production systems are based upon the ability to capture switched program video from Sony High Definition HDCX310 cameras, some of which are on remote robotic Telemetrics Pan Tilt heads at fixed locations surrounding the performance platform at all angles and two on Telemetrics Televator bases.

A Thompson Grass Valley Kayak 200HD 2ME HD Switcher acts as both video router and production switcher for the room, managing the 10 camera signals, two channels of character generator, two channels of video server, four VTR’s, three Internet2 feeds, non-linear edit suites and six facility-wide video tie lines as inputs.

Outputs in turn feed both indoor and outdoor projection systems, six channels of internal cable television, three stage manager positions, one channel of character generator, one channel of video server, four VTR’s, two Internet2 feeds, non-linear edit suites, eight facility wide video tie lines, and various pieces of production monitoring and test equipment. The video switcher is also capable of controlling all VTR and Server transports in coordination with production cues saved into switcher memory.

The main hall projection system has the ability to project on all vertical surfaces with twelve Christie HD 30K (30,000 ANSI lumen) projectors. These projectors are driven by DVI over fiber from nine coolux Pandoras Box multimedia servers located in the production rack room. The coolux servers handle media content as well as the edge-blending, warping, and masking of the multiple projectors in the hall to create a single continuous canvas that wraps dramatically around the interior of the hall.

In addition there is a dedicated Christie HD 30K projecting on the main sail for iMag reproduction in the hall. This projector takes HD-SDI from the production switcher for its content. A center roll-down screen is also provided and has the ability to drop behind the stage for special performances. This 39’W x 16’-7”H screen is served by a single Christie HD 30K projector.

Production Room (control booth):

VTR’s are all high definition, with one Universal HDCAM VTR capable of playing back all of Sony’s ½” formats and three HDV VTR’s capable of recording and playback in both DV and DVCAM formats. A Yamaha DM1000 console handles all audio mix and monitoring for the room. Audio tie lines are available for direct patching from the stage, front of house control booth and master recording suite. Audio for all video sources and destinations is managed through this mixer for production monitoring, video master recording, as well as surround sound playback to the performance space.

Production Room (control booth): VTR’s are all high definition, with one Universal HDCAM VTR capable of playing back all of Sony’s ½” formats and three HDV VTR’s capable of recording and playback in both DV and DVCAM formats. A Yamaha DM1000 console handles all audio mix and monitoring for the room. Audio tie lines are available for direct patching from the stage, front of house control booth and master recording suite. Audio for all video sources and destinations is managed through this mixer for production monitoring, video master recording, as well as surround sound playback to the performance space.

Video monitoring is centralized through the use of a single Evertz MVP Multi-Image Processor. Any and all sources as well as switcher program and preview outputs are available to all user stations within the control room.

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