Christie, the global visual and audio technologies specialist, is providing its laser projector technology to the Global Shift exhibition at Ars Electronica Center.
Christie is proud to announce that its laser projectors are being used to provide precise mappings that examine the influence of technology on natural living environments. A variety of Christie projection products are in use for an exhibition called Global Shift at Ars Electronica Center in Linz, Austria. The exhibition explores how the world and the way we see it has changed due to digital progress.
Though a range of models and projections on topics such as digital infrastructure, satellite observations and personal data, Global Shift gives visitors a glimpse at the current conditions of our living environment.
Precise mapping
Ars Electronica Solutions worked with Christie partner Ton & Bild Medientechnik GmbH. For this project, they selected one Christie 4K10-HS, two Christie 4K7-HS, five Christie Captiva DHD410S 1DLP projectors, and three Christie LWU650-APS LCD laser projectors.
The satellite imagery used was provided by several institutes, and it was prepared in different elevation models for the precise mappings. The exhibition uses Christie TWIST Pro to perform this precise terrain mapping (Großglockner and surroundings) in a small area with 4K resolution.
“We are currently working on the digital elevation model for Upper Austria, Salzburg and surroundings, as well as the digital elevation model of the Großglockner with the HS Series from Christie,” says Patrick Müller, technical director, Ars Electronica Solutions.
“In addition to this, a projector from the HS Series is being used for the installation ORBIT – A Journey Around Earth in Real Time by Séan Doran. We connected the projectors using DP 1.2 fibre optic extenders, ensuring that they are fed the maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels at 60 Hz.”
Christie rises to the challenge
Touchscreens control the installations, enabling different layers of the images to be hidden, revealed or combined. The HS Series proved to be an ideal choice, due to the Christie BoldColour Technology, as well as low noise levels and long service life.
“We tested various projectors using the pixel shifting/eShift 4K enhancement processes and the Christie 1DLP projectors came out on top,” says Müller. “The laser light source will also be capable of delivering the desired results, even after 10,000 to 20,000 hours.”
Several exhibits also needed customization: “One elevation model on the wall, for example, is inclined in two directions. Positioning the projectors as precisely as possible to minimize or optimize shading areas and viewer positions proved a real science in itself here.”
Ars Electronica Center spent eight months creating content, as well as testing and implementing the projects. The Christie technology was up to the challenge of providing the right amount of light output in a dark environment.
“The results and the resolution were truly extraordinary, particularly the Großglockner digital elevation model, boasting 4K at a width of just 1.77 meters,” says Müller. “Not only did we make the right choice in terms of hardware, but also service, as both Ton & Bild and Christie were available to provide support at all times.”
Christie also recently announced that its innovative HFR cinema projection system was used at the premiere of Gemini Man, the latest film by renowned director Ang Lee.
