Techorating in 2021 - Digital Signage, Trends, Examples, and More!

Techorating in 2021 – Digital Signage,
Trends, Examples, and More!

Introduction

At the core of the audiovisual experience is the display, and as AV professionals
recommending the right display for each application is key.

To create the experience, we must think outside of a rectangle on a wall.

Techorating is one way to realize our goal and make the experience memorable.

Some default by using flat panels or dvLED displays, but projection is experiencing a
resurgence… because it can do things that other technologies simply cannot.

In this seminar, we will provide perspectives on what makes projectors unique, plus
examples of outside the rectangle thinking, and discuss innovations in projector technology
that will continue to drive their use into the future.

                                    Long live projection!

Creating the Experience

Our industry organization, AVIXA is more than just a name, it is the
message that should guide us all:
     “The Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association”
The key word is experience. Experience is “the fact or state of having
been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or
participation”
Our goal in AV is to create memorable experiences that will affect us.
We see pretty pictures every day… but are they memorable?
Techorating creates memorable experiences through the unexpected.
This is where thinking outside of the rectangle comes into play.
This is where projection “fits” into techorating.

Understanding Design

Before we delve into understanding the unique benefits of projectors, we must
establish the starting parameters for all display system design:
    1.   Objective (or purpose) of the system
    2.   Environment and orientation of the room including size, shape, and
         obstacles
    3.   Ambient light conditions (as they will impact the image quality)
    4.   Audience size and position (relating to distances and viewing angles)
    5.   Content type, legibility, and quality needed
    6.   TCO of the system - serviceability and life expectancy

Unique Benefits of Projection

Even in the era of flat panels,
projection still maintains benefits that
are unique to its design:
    Projector size & portability
    Seamless images
    Variable sizing and aspect ratios
    Edge blending
    Image mapping (artistic impact)
    Cost per square foot
    TCO with solid state illumination

Projector Size and Portability

Projectors come in a variety of sizes and light output relating to applications:
    Ultra-portable
    Portable
    Installation (Meeting room/classroom)
    Large venue (installation/rental and staging)
    Cinema
    Specialty

Why Projector Size and Portability Matters

  A portable projector can easily be taken from room to room (and beyond)…
  A projector can address a variety of applications with a single product.
  Short throw projectors allow a big image in a small space.
  Projectors can even be used without a PC or network connection.

Examples

Seamless Image, Size, and Aspect Ratio

Projection is a seamless display technology
Image size is variable with fixed and zoom lens options
Nonstandard aspect ratios are possible

Why Seamless and Image Size Matters

Seams distract viewers!
Projection images can be made smaller or larger for exact fit.
Projection allows you to think outside the confines of a standard aspect ratio.
Non-standard mounting positions can be accommodated.

Image Size Matters

Many in AV design have been unwittingly under sizing
images and not paying enough attention to image size
versus viewing distances.
The AVIXA Display Image Size for 2D Content in Audiovisual
Systems (DISCAS) was established as a scientific standard
and formulae, based on human vision, to calculate the
screen size based on audience viewing distance. To define
the maximum viewing distance, DISCAS is based on two
viewing categories, relating to how the system will be
utilized. There is basic decision making (BDM) and analytical
decision making (ADM).
Projectors with a zoom lens and a properly sized screen
facilitate adherence to the DISCAS standard providing as
near a perfect fit as possible.

Examples

What is Edge Blending?

Edge blending is a technique of visually combining several projected images
to make a single seamless image.
Edge blending permits the expansion of image sizes, and multiple projectors
can be stacked or set side by side to accomplish the task.

Why Edge Blending Matters

Bigger is better!
Images can be blended seamlessly to nearly any width and height.
Increases engagement - most people respond better to images that don’t
match common aspect ratios.
Increase the image space to deliver more information

Examples

Projection Screens

Ambient Light and Contrast

As ambient light increases, the negative effect
on screen become pronounced.
High ambient light can wash out the display
image and information is lost.
The variables are the projector, screen, and
ability to control light in the environment.
This can be accommodated by the projector
light output and the screen surface.
Can this be a huge issue? The answer is yes,
especially in systems requiring critical viewing
where decisions are made based on clarity
and full information of the sources being
seen.

Ambient Light and Contrast

In 2011 the ANSI standard known as the Projected
Image System Contrast Ratio (or PISCR) was
created by AVIXA.
It was based on years of intensive work by a
worldwide group of display experts to determine
the appropriate contrast ratios in projected image
systems.
Depending upon the viewing criteria the range of
contrast ratios spanned from a low of 7:1 for casual
viewing all the way up to 80:1 for critical viewing
requirements.

Screen Surfaces

There are a lot of screen options in projection screens.
There is the ubiquitous matte white screen with an even
illumination and reflection of the projected light and
image.
There are screens with 2x up to 6x gain that collects
more of the light of the projector in high ambient light
conditions and reflect it back to the viewer - this can
radically reduce the negative effects of ambient light.
There are grey screens to improve contrast.
The most recent development is ambient light rejection
screens (ALR) that more dramatically address the
ambient light issue.

Ambient Light Rection Screens

Cost Per Square Foot and TCO

As images increase in size they also increase in cost.
Projection is the lowest cost per square foot.
With solid state illumination, projection TCO is controlled.

Techorating

Techorating-Creating the Experience

Going far beyond the traditional role of displays in a fixed aspect ratio, techorating is the use
of technology to enhance an environment and help create a memorable experience.
Not confined to a rectangle or image size, the use of projection provides a variability that can
adapt to a wide range of applications.
The following examples show the creative capabilities of thinking outside of the box.

Techorating with Projection

Techorating with Projection

Techorating with Projection

Techorating with Projection

Techorating with Projection

Transparent Projection

Interactive Projection

Interactive Projection

Projection Mapping

Projection mapping is using projection technology to turn any three-
dimensional object into a display surface for the projection of video.

Why Projection Mapping Matters

Transforms a space from one reality to another. The results are magic in the
mind of the viewers.
Improves viewer engagement.
Projection provides impact when used as an artistic tool.
It can be mapped onto any shape or surface – no flat surfaces necessary.
Eliminates the need to have physical sets or drops.

Techorating with Projection

Techorating with Projection

Techorating with Projection

Techorating with Projection

Techorating with Projection

Techorating with Projection

360 Degree Spherical Projection

360 Degree Spherical Projection

Largest Projection Mapping (Indoors)

LED “Fan” Projection

LED “Fan” Projection

Rectangles? Nope!

Rectangles? Nope!

Design to the Objectives

Start with the objectives of the end user relative to the intended viewer.
The application will then guide you to the best display approach.
In some instances it will come down to budget, performance, and TCO.
We know this for sure… one size (and type) of display does not fit all.
Projection provides some unique benefits that other displays can’t.
Should you choose projectors? The answer is a resounding yes!

Q&A

Thanks for Attending!