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Epson provides technology for three leading UK attractions

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Visitors using Epson smart glasses at National Theatre

Epson, the laser projection specialist, has collaborated with three leading UK attractions, providing technology for the National Theatre, Stonehenge, and the Serpentine Sackler Gallery.

Epson Europe is proud to announce a partnership with London’s National Theatre, using its innovative Moverio BT-350 smart glasses to increase accessibility at the venue. Members of the audience are now able to view captions from any seat, during any performance. This technology is on offer in all three National Theatre venues.

The NT is using Open Access Smart Capture technology and Epson’s Moverio smart glasses to provide a live-captioning service that is always available. Epson’s unique product was chosen by Accenture and the NT, because of its durability and ease of use – making it a very accessible choice.

Live-subtitling

The project was coordinated by the technical department at the NT, under Jonathan Suffolk. Live-subtitling expert Professor Andrew Lambourne also provided guidance as the team developed the Open Access Smart Capture technology.

The software ensures that the correct subtitles are delivered to audience members at the right moments, due to voice-following technology that tracks the show’s progress through the script. In addition, lighting and sound cues feature in the subtitles, for example, they will highlight things like the sound of rain, or thunder and lightning.

David Finch is a member of the NT’s testing group who is hard of hearing. He says that the new glasses allow him to be fully engrossed in a performance, “For someone hard of hearing they literally represent the difference between being able to go to the theatre whenever you choose and staying away. Quite a lot of deaf people don’t realise what is out there to help them or haven’t even contemplated that an evening at the theatre is possible, but these glasses represent a fantastic step forward.”

Epson says that this project is a key example of how Moverio smart glasses can be used within arts and culture, helping audiences to enjoy the experience fully.

Stonehenge silent disco

For another recent project, Epson worked with projection mapping experts Motion Mapping at the iconic heritage site of Stonehenge. World-famous DJ Paul Oakenfold hosted a silent disco at the site, where Epson’s EB-L1755U laser installation projectors turned the ancient stones into an unforgettable light show. Epson’s 3LCD projectors ensured high-quality levels of brightness, contrast and colour reproduction for the project.

Sondra Perry’s Typhoon coming on at the Serpentine Sackler Gallery

A solo exhibition by the artist Sondra Perry in March 2018 was brought to life thanks to Epson’s UST lenses and laser projectors. Perry created a digital version of Turner’s 1840 painting, Slave Ship, which relied heavily on projection. Typhoon coming on was an immersive environment with several seamless projections filling the gallery space.

ADi worked with Epson, using its UST lenses and laser projectors to meet the brief of the show. 8 x 8K and 4 x 12K lumens laser projectors all with UST lenses were used to create a 66m edge-blended projection over 3 walls. They were bright enough to make the large scale of the image, with 3LCD panels creating optimal colour reproduction.

Serpentine Sackler Gallery EPSON Projection
Credit: Mike Din

Projection pioneers

Epson has been a pioneering force in projection technology for the last 30 years, with a series of world-firsts. A spokesperson for the company says, “Epson products are making changes to the way the UK works, learns and spends its spare time. In the education sector, 100 million children are learning with Epson, as schools and higher institutions use its AV products to improve the quality of learning.”

“Epson is also making waves in the installation market, with its AV products delivering brighter, bolder, more creative images in the largest, most sophisticated venues – as well as smaller, intimate environments. This includes visitor attractions, museums, galleries, sports’ venues, shops, bars, events and more.”

Last year, Epson also provided high lumen laser projection mapping for the launch of Richard Quinn’s 2019 fashion range at London Fashion Week on 18 September.

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charlotte coates

Charlotte Coates

Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.

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