Etihad Airways, the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, recently commissioned two Christie Video Display walls for system monitoring and information that is relayed to various sites across the world.
Based in Abu Dhabi, the integration was designed to sustain the development of a progressive international airline and take its infrastructure to the next level.
ADSECC Consulting & Security Centre LLC successfully tendered for the project, and were tasked with supplying, installing, testing and commissioning two overview & management display areas consisting of two 3x2 arrays of 50” Christie XGA cubes, with 1-chip DLP® Christie RPMX-D132U rear-projection modules and Christie TVC 1100 video wall controllers. ADSECC will also provide ongoing maintenance support.
ADSECC's Technical Administrator, Steve Newton said, "We received an introduction to the local Christie team in Dubai from a mutual colleague, and the relationship began with a view to fulfilling all client requirements."
The process underwent several revisions before Christie’s CX50 display walls were specified, and initially a plasma solution was considered. "But during demonstrations at both Emirates, and a second location in Dubai, it became apparent that the plasma system would not perform to Etihad's 24/7 long-term requirements. Inherent on-screen issues faced when using plasma, include burn in, image retention and exact colour reproduction - all key attributes for the final system that Etihad in mind."
The package demonstrated and proposed by Christie will meet all Etihad’s requirements. The CX50s provide vivid video imagery and finely detailed data with 500 cd/m2 brightness and XGA resolution and have been designed for continuous operation; the single-chip configuration requires no convergence and has a typical lamp life of 8000 hours. The RPMX rear-projection module offers a unique and flexible mounting base, with 6-axis adjustment system; it is configurable for both straight throw, or 90° for mirror applications.
The TVC-1100 display wall controller boasts advanced server architecture and Christie’s proprietary MASTERSuite™ wall management software, providing superior video quality and video display flexibility for video intensive applications within an expandable system.
The system design element had been straightforward since the location had already been allocated in relation to dimensions and viewing requirements.
Christie Middle East provided the necessary support in the shape of both EMEA sales director, Simon Smith, and his project manager Marlon Dmello. "They were always on hand to explain what such a system could achieve" said the ADSECC man.
As the deadline was extremely tight Christie further assisted by commencing immediate manufacture and custom configuration, enabling completion of the custom designed system bases and sliding rail system within five weeks to meet the exact requirements of the rooms.
Christie’s sliding rail system is invaluable in the control room environment, where the greatest importance is put upon the lowest system depth. It allows the video wall to be flush-mounted at cube-depth, creating maximum operator room in small spaces.
When service is necessary – and the rail can be used for any Christie cube or enclosure – the screen is moved forward for simple rear-access - losing neither screen up-time, nor operator productivity, and with no fear of damaging delicate screen materials. Safety is paramount and the smooth-running rails are self-contained. They prevent not only trip hazard but also twisting or toppling. Post-service, the screen returns exactly to its original position, without time-consuming manual adjustment.
Summing up, Steve Newton reflects on a thoroughly successful integration, "The client is entirely happy with the new display walls. While different scenarios were installed in the system, as a result of the training Christie carried out they are now comfortable with modifying these scenarios at a local level, giving total control of the system to Etihad."
In addition to the on-site training, Etihad Airways purchased a two-tiered, on-site support package and as a result of this installation Etihad plan to decommission their previous system within the next six months.
Christie offers a range of wide range of pre- and post-sale services according to individual customer needs. These can include extended product and lamp warranties, custom control room design, project management, installation and continuing on-site service programmes. For more information on Christie's control room and display wall solutions, visit christiecontrol.com