An immersive live event space, a cooperation between Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco and Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP), is being powered by Extron XTP Systems & Quantum Ultra.
The unique 8,611-square foot (800-square metre) round auditorium has a diameter of 105in (32 meters) and a domed ceiling, and is filled with images, colour, sound, and light, to create an immersive environment. Content from 66 sources, ranging from media servers and players to PTZ cameras and a live-production switcher, are available for display on a captivating curved 313-degree videowall surround, via a Direct View LED videowall with a resolution of 35,139×1080, and an additional projected ceiling resolution of 23,625×3914 – all supported by two Extron XTP II CrossPoint modular matrix switchers working in tandem and a Quantum Ultra videowall processor.
Atrait Consulting designed the installation and a subsidiary of the construction group VINCI, Cegelec Maroc, was the AV integrator. Since the AV cables would run next to high-voltage line, a multimode fiber optic cable infrastructure and an Extron XTP system and Quantum Ultra videowall processor were the ideal design solution.
“On this high-end application dedicated to showcasing end user innovation and engineering spirit, we were looking for a robust and reliable system able to provide best-in-class performance, flexibility, and ease of use,” said Eric Jondot, general director at Atrait Consulting. “The Extron solution perfectly matched our requirements in this challenging project.”
The AV system supporting the event space consists of two Extron XTP II CrossPoint modular matrix switchers working in tandem and a Quantum Ultra videowall processor. Sixteen Modulo Kinetic servers calculate data and render video in real time, creating a 130 million pixel image equal to 43 HD video streams. Atrait determined that the Quantum Ultra videowall processor was the only viable solution to manage the many inputs and outputs in this complex system.
The image server outputs signals to one of the matrix switchers over HDMI. That XTP II matrix switcher then distributes the predefined synchronised content and any other selected source signals from the control room racks over fiber optic cables to XTP scaling receivers mounted with the displays. The system also facilitates synchronised lighting control and 54 audio zones. An Extron 15in TouchLink Pro touchpanel works together with an IP Link Pro control processor to provide intuitive control for all AV system functions, including four themed productions available to demonstrate AV system capabilities for prospective space renters.
