News

Christie picks Scala to drive in-house network

June 26, 2011

Digital projection and display solutions firm Christie picked Scala to power a new digital signage network installation when it upgraded its EMEA head office in the United Kingdom, according to an announcement today from Scala.

In addition to a visually impressive way of communicating with visitors, the company wanted to demonstrate the wide-ranging technical potential of its MicroTiles display technology.

"In addition to being the 'industry standard,' we have a long association with Scala for on-screen advertising solutions in cinemas, so they were the logical choice to provide our advanced digital signage solution when upgrading our facility," Christie Vice President, EMEA, Dale Miller said in the announcement.

Scala worked closely with Christie to create a multilocation, vertically- and horizontally-cascading series of digital screens. The network is centrally managed using Scala Content Manager, and Scala Designer software supports all content authoring. Specifically, Designer enables the creation of content templates for easy editing and allows integration with existing creative assets such as high-definition video, flash files and still images.

Christie's new digital signage network uses more than 100 16-inch-by-12-inch MicroTiles in nearly a dozen screens, plus four IAdea photo frames. The main showcase room features an 80-tile video wall displaying content in any array or simply as one of many input sources. The screen manager can mix a limitless number of sources in multiple windows, create various Picture-in-Pictures (PIPs), and define, shape and blend borders. According to visitors, "it's a mind-blowing demonstration platform."

In addition, Christie's new digital signage network features the following key points:

• Two displays in the reception area, welcoming visitors with wayfinding information.
• One large rear-projection screen playing live news in a waiting room flanked by two vertical pillar displays with eye-catching visuals to add ambiance.
• Two Scala-driven vertical displays of MicroTiles showcasing Christie awards and successful projects in the Christie Trophy Room.
• Four IAdea photo frames installed outside all meeting rooms, displaying real-time information about availability and corporate news

Scala Services selected the Blue Chip Vario E2 media player to drive the displays. This hardware was selected in order to comply with Christie's high-level requirement regarding resolution quality for its MicroTiles. The Blue Chip Vario E2 ensures top-level graphics quality and playback performance, Scala said.