When Canadian broadcast giant Rogers Sportsnet called for a panoramic on-air, mega-backdrop for its new studio, it turned to Applied Electronics for the Christie HD projector and the Christie Vista Spyder video/widescreen display processor. Applied Electronics' selection of the Christie HD8K projector and the Vista Spyder video processor is based on the near 30-year business relationship it shares with Christie. That relationship is based on trust and a proven track record of product performance and reliability, two qualities of the Christie HD8K projector and the Vista Spyder video processor that scored big with Rogers Sportsnet.
On the new Rogers Sportsnet panoramic wall, everything from show or team logos to action packed sports clips and stats can be displayed for commentary and coverage.
After assessing the engineering, equipment and installation requirements, Chris Randles, Account Manager at Applied Electronics Limited (AEL) in Canada, proposed a "blended technology" solution. "Originally, Rogers Sportsnet contacted me inquiring about a video processor and 80 plasma displays to form a large monitor wall. After determining that their ultimate goal was to have a unique, one-of-a-kind back-drop display, it didn't take much to change their mind regarding the tiled arrangement and go with a fresh new look that was not only simple to operate as a system but also dynamic in appearance and versatile."
To create the new display, AEL integrated six blended Christie HD8K 3-chip DLP(r) projectors with four Vista Spyder video processors to generate seamless images across a curved 84ft. wide x 8ft. high front projection display. Using this configuration, HD source feeds can include HD-SDI video, graphics and/or satellite video projected simultaneously on the AEL custom-configured screen. "It's all working flawlessly," says Randles. "As a unit, the system is completely rock-solid."
The Christie HD8K projector provides exceptional image quality, perfect colour saturation and spectacular video. It incorporates 1920 x 1080 native resolution and a variable contrast ratio of 1600-2000:1 for crisp, detailed images. Randles continues, "We've incorporated Christie's HD8K projector into numerous systems for many different applications as they have a strong reputation for reliability and produce vibrant images."
Referring to Vista Systems, the makers of the most powerful video processing products in the world, Randles says that it was the team that made it all happen. "They were very supportive and helped us through the proposal phase. Plus the product was hands-down unbeatable and met all of Rogers Sportsnet's requirements."
The Vista Spyder video processor is a powerful, flexible and easy to use technology that is relied upon by broadcasters worldwide. With up to 6.5 million-pixel display capacity from a single frame, it allows for multiple outputs from the same box, with up to 2048 x 1200 resolution on each output. It also accepts virtually any input up to 2048 x 1200 and features 12-bit scaling for the highest quality images.
About Applied Electronics Limited
Applied Electronics is Canada's leading designer, supplier and integrator of professional Audio Visual, Broadcast and Post-Production systems and technology. With a dedicated team of in-house professionals and technical experts, Applied Electronics provides consultation, systems design, equipment supply, installation, operator training, after-sale service, and warranty support. In addition to representing over 100 major technology partners, Applied Electronics can also fabricate custom components and other finishes in-house to meet system requirements.
Applied Electronics is headquartered in Mississauga (Toronto), Ontario and operates offices in Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. The company was founded in 1958 and today, it is Canada's largest A/V and broadcast equipment and solutions supplier and integrator in terms of sales, systems design, integration, after-sale service, and technical support. For more information, visit: www.appliedappliedelectronics.com.
About Christie
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925), is a leader in visual solutions for world-class organizations, offering diverse applications for business, entertainment and industry. A leading innovator in film projection since 1929 and a pioneer in digital projection systems since 1979, Christie has established a global reputation as a total service provider and the world's single source manufacturer of a variety of display technologies and solutions. With the acquisition of Vista Control Systems, Corp., Christie offers the most complete and advanced solutions for cinema, live venues, control rooms, business presentations, training facilities, 3D and Virtual Reality, simulation and education as well as industrial and government environments. For more information, visit www.christiedigital.com.