Christie, the global visual and audio technology company, is powering immersive projections at the new Xpark Aquarium in Taipei, Taiwan.
Christie is pleased to announce that it has provided laser projectors and image processing solutions in order to help create a memorable visitor experience at Taipei City’s new “super Xtra-sensory” aquarium, Xpark.
The 15,000 square metre attraction, modelled on the iconic Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise in Japan, is home to around 30,000 fish from over 300 species, spread over 13 different exhibition zones. It uses technology to create an engaging and immersive guest experience.
Transporting visitors with projection technology
In order to create an experience that takes guests on a fun journey to the depths of the ocean, Xpark Aquarium worked with Dacoms Technology, a longstanding partner of Christie in the region. Dacoms has more than 30 years of experience in ProAV installations.
To fulfil the digital projection brief, Dacoms installed 35 Christie DWU850-GS 1DLP laser projectors and 25 Christie Captiva DHD410S 1DLP ultra-short throw laser projectors. The company also used a range of Christie Pandoras Box Compact Players, Pandoras Box Media Players and a Pandoras Box Widget Designer.
“Xpark Aquarium is arguably one of the most complex and demanding installs that we have partaken in recent years, but it is also very rewarding and satisfying,” says Terence Lee, product manager, Dacoms Technology.
“We have deployed a total of 60 Christie 1DLP laser projectors to illuminate four major exhibition zones with dazzling floor and wall projections that perfectly complement the fascinating marine life on display. The projected contents are driven by the versatile Christie Pandoras Box Compact and Media Players.”
Long-lasting performance
The Christie technology was selected for this project due to its reliability, performance and colour accuracy. Lee says: “Not only do the projectors have to display life-like images and natural colour reproduction, but they also need to be rugged enough to withstand high-usage conditions and yet operate silently without impacting the visitor experience.”
Christie’s GS and Captiva Series laser projectors are ideal for the Xpark Aquarium due to their powerful performance, small form factor and ultra-quiet operation. As well as the projectors, the Aquarium also uses Christie Pandoras Box Compact and Media Players, which are suitable for 24/7 use, created with server-grade hardware to ensure reliability.
“We have also created a customised program using the Widget Designer that enables the Pandoras Box Compact and Media Players to automatically switch on or shut down all the projectors, audio equipment, playback systems, as well as display and lighting systems in the aquarium according to the opening and closing times,” says Lee.
“This powerful feature has helped to automate these daily tasks and allows the aquarium’s employees to focus on other areas of their work.”
A popular attraction
The Aquarium opened on 7 August 2020 and is already the most popular attraction in the region. Thanks to the stunning projections, exhibitions such as “Diving in Coral Sea”, “Rainforest Adventure” and “Healing Jellyfish” have proved to be a hit with guests.
A total of 60 Christie 1DLP laser projectors comprising the GS and Captiva Series are used at the attraction. Speaking about the technology, Xpark’s management called the images a “stunning display of art and visual technology.”
Michael Bosworth, executive vice president, Enterprise, Christie, says “We are delighted that Dacoms has accomplished a wonderful installation at Xpark Aquarium, where visitors can enjoy amazing digital projections that complement the aquarium’s themes.
“Christie’s GS and Captiva laser projectors, combined with the powerful and robust Christie Pandoras Box family of image processing solutions, open a world of creative possibilities and enable users in every application imaginable to deliver amazing visual experiences.”
Christie also recently provided technology solutions for the National Museum of Korea’s new Immersive Digital Gallery.
Images courtesy of Dacoms Technology
