Global provider of simulation and virtual-reality solutions, ST Engineering Antycip, has delivered a Digital Projection Radiance direct view LED display at the University of Liverpool.
The videowall, aiming to incorporate a multi-purpose display with natural and artificial light, was integrated in collaboration with Professor Kay O’Halloran and Dr Simon Campion, respectively of the Digital Media and Society Institute (DMSI) and Digital Innovation Facility (DIF) at University of Liverpool.
Professor O'Halloran said: “The LED videowall operates under normal lighting conditions, ensuring that the room is a multifunctional space which can be utilised for different purposes across the university, including collaborative internal and external research, demonstrations, presentations, seminars and training programmes.”
DMSI and DIF researchers selected a Digital Projection LED display to showcase high definition 2D/3D visualisations, geographical data and immersive VR environments.
The display, measuring 4.8m x 2.7m, comprises 1.26mm dot-pitch direct view LED tiles to offer a native 4K resolution for even the most challenging of projects.
A platform to interpret complex datasets
The university has launched two projects demonstrating the versatility of the LED display, one investigating the impact of Covid-19 on communities in Merseyside.
O’Halloran continued: “We use the LED display to layer and analyse the different communications on a virtual 3D map of Liverpool City region, to understand public reactions to official information and guidance and the concerns and issues which were raised as a result.”
The other project was launched to explore the social and cultural impact of Eurovision on Merseyside communities, tracing media engagement on the virtual 3D city map.
High-quality sound field
The LED radiance display was installed with an integrated audio system, reflective touch table, auxiliary video input for high-resolution 4K content and a camera and microphone for meetings on Zoom, Teams or similar platforms.
It features a spatial tracking system for dynamic viewing and interaction in 3D mode, offering the capability to present 3D flythroughs to larger audiences.
John Mould, commercial development manager of ST Engineering Anytcip, said: “Radiance direct view LED tiles enable a tiny footprint into this space and remove the age-old challenge of accommodating projection light paths, thus maximising the usable space and delivering the visuals directly to the users’ eyes.
“This allows the room to be used in lighting conditions not possible with conventional display technologies.”
Seamless integration
ST Engineering Antycip worked closely with the university’s electricians to integrate the LED display, which does not require any digital correction such as edge-blending or image geometry correction.
Mould added: “The installation was relatively straightforward.
“We had to accommodate the recess in the ceiling structure at the university and work with the estate’s department electricians to ensure they could provide adequate power, which differs from the requirements to enable projection hardware to operate and [it] has to be carefully understood and implemented.
“We view the University of Liverpool as ST Engineering Antycip’s educational partner who is forward-thinking and willing to embrace technologies and… their unique capabilities.
