NAVY MEMORIAL USES DIGITAL PROJECTION'S TITAN IN STATE-OF-THE-ART PRESENTATION ENVIRONMENT

Hoppmann AV Chooses DP's TITAN to Deliver Dynamic Imagery Digital Projection

Hoppmann has allowed us to fully utilize the numerous features of the Heritage Center by creating an outstanding visual and aural experience for our visitors and staff.

- Navy Admiral Richard A. Buchanan

Hoppmann AV of Chantilly, Virginia was recently chosen to develop an inspiring presentation environment within the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation's Auditorium in Washington, DC. In an already impressive lineup of technologically advanced control and audio sources, Digital Projection's TITAN 1080p-600M was chosen as the precision display for it's superior light output, high quality graphics processing and high native resolution. As it turned out, it took a distinct departure from the initial project requirements to set the course for the impressive auditorium that is now open to the public.

The initial planning phase included the planned replacement of an existing 16' tall curved IMAX screen with a standard flat screen. However, where others saw the existing screen as an insurmountable obstacle for the auditorium's reconfiguration, Jared Leib, preliminary designer for Hoppmann AV, saw a tremendous opportunity. Leib commented, “After visiting the site for the first time, I was amazed by the size of the existing projection screen. The basis of my design was to utilize the drastically curved screen while providing a high brightness, full HD picture which would appear to wrap around the audience.” After researching high-lumen projection options, Leib decided on a combination of Digital Projection's TITAN 1080p-600 and TheaterScope, an anamorphic lens and sled system that uniformly stretches the projected image to fill the 2.35:1 aspect ratio screen surface when required.

Many of today's movie theaters are designed to display wider formats than HDTV standards (16:9 aspect ratio). In order to meet future advances in digital video content, as well as deliver today's high definition DVD formats (HD-DVD/Blu ray), Digital Proejction's TheaterScope anamorphic lens automatically slides in front of the projector, optically stretching the projected image to fill the 2.35:1 aspect ratio screen surface when required. While watching a 16:9 source (HDTV), the screen curtains expand, the image changes and the already large image becomes remarkably larger. This is a key component to delivering the full anamorphic HD experience that the auditorium deserves.

Leib remarked, “Imagine sitting in front of a 40' curved projection screen, with 10,000 lumens illuminating dynamic HD imagery. The result is amazingly resolute and artifact-free video and HD imagery.” In addition to the already dazzling image quality, video and images can also be enhanced through Colormaxâ„¢, the TITAN's built-in seven-point colorimetry for expanded color space and color alignment accuracy. In response to the color performance of the projector, Vadim Finkov, Technical Engineer on the project, commented “The result is one-of-a-kind, giving the viewer superb image quality. Using a single Digital Projection projector w/ anamorphic lens, we have created a stunning visual experience.”

Although there may be high quality, high performance hardware required to make the Auditorium work seamlessly, the operator will not be overwhelmed with numerous controls. A simple interface with a customized LCD touch screen display within the projection booth provides easy operation. The LCD touch screen will clearly display sources, destinations, and other valuable information so the presentation/lecture runs smoothly. Furthermore, a 32” high definition preview monitor located within the projection booth helps prevent irregular source feedback or audio playback. The operator will have full visual and audible feedback from the system, which allows them to react before any presentation problems occur. In conjunction with the Auditorium capabilities, the President's Conference Room will be upgraded to allow remote monitoring and control from the projection booth within the Auditorium. This means that an operator can monitor, control and react to any situation within both the Auditorium and the President's Conference Room simultaneously.

In addition to dedicated operator controls in the projection booth, an 8.4” wireless LCD touch screen is located at the presenter lectern. The graphical user interface has been customized to allow any user, regardless of technical experience, to operate the basic functions of the integrated audiovisual system. Utilizing 802.11 standards for wireless devices, the wireless LCD touch screen controller can be used anywhere within the room allowing a presenter to roam freely while still having complete control at their fingertips.

Performance, quality, reliability, and ease of use are just a few of the defining technological qualities on display at the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation. You can experience the new auditorium at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 123, Washington, D.C., 20004.

To download hi-resolution versions of the pictures below, use the following link: http://www.digitalprojection.com/news/zips/DP_NavyMemorial08.zip