Sharp NEC Display Solutions client installation – Higher Education
The National Robotarium
High bright dvLED makes a convincing impression
Only Sharp/NEC was able to couple high brightness and high resolution with a dvLED solution which met the client’s precise needs in a demanding environment.
Located on the Edinburgh campus of Heriot-Watt University, the National Robotarium is a world-leading centre for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. Exploring the collaborative interaction between humans, robots and their environments, the centre develops innovative solutions to global challenges, translating cutting-edge research into new technologies.
Backed by £21 million in UK government funding, the state-of-the-art centre offers a data-driven ecosystem for industry collaboration where humans and robots work in partnership. Such a forward-thinking institution demanded suitably convincing audio-visual technology with which to convey its purpose to the outside world.
“We had to convince people very quickly of what sort of building they were in. Lots of the work is hidden inside the labs and we needed to express visually the cutting-edge developments that are going on here,” explains Neil MacIntyre, AV Environments Planning and Development Manager at Heriot-Watt University. “Large surface dvLED was the clear choice but we had some complex requirements.”
The Challenge
Orchestrating the fitout of audio-visual elements, specialist integrator Mediascape Ltd worked with Sharp NEC Display Solutions to install dvLED, LCD and Projection equipment throughout the building, where quality, reliability and a seamless partnership were key criteria.
“Ever since I started in the audio-visual industry we‘ve used NEC, now Sharp/NEC, professional displays for demanding applications,” confirms Kevin Rickards of Mediascape, who has been account manager for Heriot-Watt University for over 10 years. “It‘s robust, and generally, once it’s in, it’s in, you don‘t have to nurse it. They go on forever.”
The light-flooded atrium style building provides an inspirational hub for scientific research, but a challenging environment for visual devices where readability is impacted by high ambient light. Achievement of high brightness levels coupled with a good cost/ performance ratio was stipulated by Heriot-Watt University.
“For the outward facing window display, we had a lot to consider as it’s a key feature on the outside of the building and subject to direct sunlight,” explains Neil MacIntrye.
“Sharp/NEC presented a product which delivered not only high brightness but also a fine pixel pitch at a competitive price. For similar brightness, other manufacturers could only provide panels with considerably lower resolution.”
The Solution
Meeting the customer’s precise needs, the 3m wide NEC LED-C015i shines out from behind the glass of the front façade, a 4.7m2 digital canvas achieving 4000 nits’ peak brightness at 1080p resolution. At 1.5mm pixel pitch, the bespoke LED installation delivers the required Full HD resolution needed to allow easy content creation, alongside a brightness which is normally only achieved by LED technology specified for outdoor use.
In the Forum, an open plan auditorium space linking two floors of the building’s interior, a larger 220-inch surface comprising 64 x 2.5mm pixel pitch LED-FE025i modules provides the visual centrepiece for long distance viewing. At 1000 cd/m2 brightness and Full HD resolution, the team at the National Robotarium enjoys a digital surface worthy of displaying news of their latest technology developments.
Elsewhere, in the Multiplex room, the university specified the flexibility of projection technology selecting Sharp/ NEC’s super-silent P Series laser projectors. With value and reliable performance both prerequisites, the P Series provides professional functionality and a low total cost of ownership.
Large format displays provide the visual anchor in meeting rooms and the media room with 55 and 65-inch MultiSync® M Series displays providing a robust cost/performance ratio and 24/7 operation. The displays feature a high haze filter which minimise reflections in the brightly lit spaces.
The Result
Only Sharp/NEC is able to supply dvLED, LCD Large Format and Projection technologies to satisfy the client’s precise needs across a variety of applications. “We have worked with NEC for many years, so we feel confident using the brand for AV applications throughout the facility,” explains Neil MacIntye who is delighted to have delivered a solution that appropriately portrays the purpose of the National Robotarium.
“The wall sits there reliably doing its thing, and when the team gets excited about a new development, they film it, they create some content, and they get it up on the walls for people to see. The outside facing wall has to compete with a lot of daylight, even here in Edinburgh, so it had to be something very bright and eye-catching, and that’s what we’ve achieved. In Full HD resolution it’s very easy for users to bring their own content and put it on screen without any black borders.”
“Working with Sharp/NEC and Mediascape, I knew I had a partnership I can trust.”
NEC Productos
NEC P605UL
| Proyector láser | |
| Tipo | LCD |
| Brillo | 6000 Lm |
| Resolución | 1920 x 1200 |
| Peso | 9,7 kg |