Integrator Stage Electrics has installed two all-weather projector enclosures from Tempest outside the prestigious Theatre Royal Plymouth. The new outdoor projection system onto the façade of the building is part of a comprehensive refurbishment.
After a successful trial, the theatre was keen to project images onto the walls of the building’s fly tower – not just as a one off event, but as a permanent feature to help promote its programme of dance, drama and comedy. The theatre now uses two large-venue 20,000 ANSI lumen Panasonic PT-DZ21KE DLP projectors, positioned on either side of the building. The first is on the roof of the theatre at one side, with the second offsite, on an upper level of a nearby multi-storey car park.
With both projectors now being a permanent fixture and housed outside, both machines needed protecting from the elements. The solution was two Tempest Cyclone 8100 all-weather projector enclosures. The 8100 is one of a range designed for any projector up to 40,000 ANSI lumens. The enclosures are completely impervious to dust, sand, salt, oil, water, snow, sleet and smoke, and from impact and theft. In addition Tempest’s innovative Goldilocks system eliminates internal overheating and condensation, two important factors to consider when utilising any electrical equipment outside.
“The projectors have been maintained within comfortably dry conditions ever since we completed our installation and this includes a cold, wet winter close to the coastline,” commented Jonathan Porter Goff, project manager for Stage Electrics. “Thanks to the built-in salt fog filtration system on the enclosures, we knew they would be perfect for use in Plymouth. Prior to starting work on the project, we were made aware of some Cyclone enclosures in Atlantic City that kept a set of projectors completely safe and functional during Hurricane Sandy. This speaks for itself and instilled us with great confidence in their durability.”
Another benefit of the Tempest enclosures is the ability for internal environmental conditions to be monitored remotely via computer, using the DMX RDM protocol. This eliminates second guessing should a problem occur and saves time with day-to-day maintenance.
“The installation of the enclosures went very smoothly,” continued Goff. “The sliding shelf of the Cyclone is solidly built and easy to move in and out for access when required – even when supporting a 25kg projector. Once we lined up the unit to achieve the optimum throw, even closing the enclosure provided peace of mind, with its reassuringly sturdy hinges, seals and clips.”
As well as ensuring the end-user’s investment is protected and sometimes lengthened, Tempest enclosures are also compliant with all major manufacturer warranties.
