Electrosonic, an international audio-visual company that creates tailored, state-of-the-art solutions for a wide range of markets including theme parks and museums, has provided the audio visual systems design and integration for the new Stonehenge exhibition and visitor centre.
Electrosonic were retained by English Heritage for the project which is the first phase of a £27-million development.
Robert Campbell, Head of Interpretation at Stonehenge, said, “Electrosonic brought a can-do attitude to this complex and high profile project. This was essential in getting the exhibition open on time and working well.”
Standing in the Stones
The ‘Standing in the Stones’ exhibit is a 360 degree virtual experience installed by Electrosonic in which visitors stand in a virtual Stonehenge as a three minute film takes them back in time through winter and summer solstices.
The exhibit used state-of-the-art laser scan images of the stone circle. In addition the audiovisual equipment included six Panasonic PT-DZ770 single chip DLP™ projectors with 1920×1200 resolution and nominal 7000 lumen light output. These are sourced from a 7th Sense Delta server via Atlona extenders. The audio chain includes a BSS BLU 100 DSP, four Crown CTs600 amplifiers and seven Tannoy Di5 loudspeakers augmented by a ceiling mounted sub bass loudspeaker.
To ensure the exhibit would deliver the best possible visitor experience, a life size version was created at Electrosonic’s workshop at its Kent head office. Being able to preview ‘Standing in the Stones’ during development helped producers, Centre Screen Productions, assisted by Studio Liddell, check the content at full size and optimise audience circulation.
Meaning of Stonehenge
The ‘Meaning of Stonehenge’ exhibit uses four portrait format 32-inch LCDs showing a linear programme about the meaning behind the iconic heritage site.
The ‘Landscape’ section, a giant image projected onto a wall screen is the largest audio-visual element of the experience using three Panasonic PT-DX610ELKsingle chip DLP™ projectors with XGA resolution and nominal 6500 lumen output sourced from a 7the Sense Delta server via Atlona extenders.
Educational Space
An educational space at the visitor centre is equipped with room control and audio-visual facilities; a ceiling mounted Panasonic VW435NEA LCD projector with WXGA resolution and an 87-inch Smartboard touch screen. Room control is by a Crestron MC2E controller and wall panels allow the connection of “Bring Your Own” sources.
Electrosonic worked on the project with:
Haley Sharpe Design: managed the production of the exhibition
The Hub: exhibition fit-out contractor
Goppion: supplier of the display cases.
‘Centre Screen assisted by Studio Liddell: ‘Standing in the Stones’ production
Peter Key: sound track for ‘Standing in the Stones’
ISO Design: content for “Meaning” displays, the LCDs within the display cases and production of the ticket office audio guide
Squint Opera: “Landscape” content production
Images: Electrosonic. Image of Stonehenge Visitor Centre credit James O Davies English Heritage