Integration firm DJ Willrich has installed Digital Projection’s HIGHlite Laser II projector at the British Music Experience (BME) in Liverpool, UK.

The BME chronicles British music history from 1945 to the present day. It consists of eight zones recounting different eras in British music, using costumes, instruments, performance and memorabilia.

The museum reopened earlier this year after relocating from its previous home in the O2 Arena in London to the historic Cunard Building in Liverpool.

DJ Willrich was enlisted to carry out a complete overhaul of all the content and technology, which had become outdated since its original installation in 2009.

For the main stage show, a stunning life sized projection of Boy George, giving a five-minute custom-produced performance, DJ Willrich selected the HIGHlite Laser II, a specially designed long-life projection solution.

Josh Miller, director of DJ Willrich, says: “The projection technology used for the London BME had become dated. We needed the projected video of Boy George to be bright and punchy – visitors get really close to the display so it had to be stunning from all angles and distances. Digital Projection’s HIGHlite Laser II was the best choice to help us achieve this.”

The projector is powered by the 7thSense Delta Nano-SDI media server, and is capable of producing over 20,000 hours of illumination. It is designed to deliver a solid-state laser of up to 13,000 lumens and also features edge-blending technology and multi-projector tiling, as well as control management software that allows multiple projectors to be operated through a single system.

Two Digital Projection E-Vision 8500 laser projectors and eight E-Vision Laser 6500 projectors were also installed.

attractions-kit keyword : DIGITAL PROJECTION

Russia’s Hermitage Museum has partnered with Russian video production company Videofabrika to create a brand new VR experience for visitors.

The Hermitage VR Experience is based on key events in the museum’s history, spanning back to the 1700s. It takes place inside a purpose-built cinema, where 20 guests can view the film through Samsung Gear VR head-mounted devices.

Videofabrika collaborated with Russian film studio Super 8 to create the 19-minute film, which stars acclaimed Russian actor Konstantin Khabensky as a mystical time-travelling guide. The guide takes guests on a spectacular journey through centuries of Russian history in the halls of St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, giving them unrestricted access to areas of the museum, including the roof, that are usually closed to the public.

Mikhail Antykov, interactive creative director at Videofabrika, says: “We’re using VR to create a new kind of history lesson which teaches people in an interesting way. We let people feel and be in the history.”

Antykov adds: “We see a trend that all the museums and attractions are starting to incorporate VR into their programme and we expect this to grow. This is the first step for our re-imagining of the high-end museum experience.”

attractions-kit keyword: VIDEOFABRIKA

Simworx has expanded its range of media-based dynamic attractions with the launch of the Mini Flying Theatre, an innovative turnkey solution, based on the 360 Flying Theatre.

The Mini Flying Theatre (Mini FT), which makes its official debut at IAAPA in November, features a smaller footprint, with the in-show area measuring approximately 13x13x9 metres (43x43x30 feet) and the ride able to accommodate 20 passengers per cycle.
Designed to simulate the sensation of flying, the Mini FT moves guests backwards and forwards throughout. The ride’s movements are synchronised to coincide with the movie playing on the dome screen, while riders’ legs are suspended in mid-air to elevate the experience.

It also incorporates a range of in-theatre effects including wind, smoke, water spray and special effects lighting, and is equipped with a HD2K/4K 3D projection system and surround sound audio. Other features include a quarter dome screen, programmable heave and tilt and a custom showreel.

Simworx managing director Terry Monkton says: “The Mini Flying Theatre is an innovative and accessible product that requires far less space than some of our larger attractions.”

Monkton adds: “The team has been working non-stop to develop a range of new, cutting-edge experiences and innovative products, including the Mini FT, that we’re really excited to bring to market.”

Other recent launches from Simworx include the AGV Darkride, the Immersive Adventure Simulator and Paradrop VR, which debuted at EAS in partnership with Frontgrid.

attractions-kit keyword: SIMWORX