When the pandemic seemingly put an end to live events, Screen Innovations (SI) and the integration team at RemotePro says they proved otherwise. The Max, a new event facility in Conway, Arkansas, is thriving thanks in part to innovative applications of AV technology. As opening approached, the rental space was in high demand, says SI. In fact, the owners pushed the soft opening forward several weeks to accommodate the eager customers.
Since then, The Max has hosted a wide range of functions. These include guest speakers and musical performances, private parties, fundraisers, catered dinners and corporate happy hours. Per a statement, setting the stage for these events is a network of powerful audiovisual, lighting, acoustic and networking technologies.
SI adds that the crowning jewel is its 164-inch, Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screen. According to the company, the screen contributes to both, the modern aesthetic of the space and remarkable AV production capabilities by displaying audio/video files from computers onsite and live-action captured by house cameras. Moreover, its most compelling application is the presentation of performances streaming live from across the country.
“When we broadcast video remotely from guest speakers, it’s like Zoom on steroids,” says RemotePro president Scott Pederson. “Delivering live streaming content to audiences is the wave of the future for event spaces, and The Max’s multipurpose SI screen is spearheading the shift.”
The Challenge
The company states that lighting has long appeared as the bane of video presentations. However, it continues, this was not the case at The Max, thanks to RemotePro’s willingness to explore new projection screen alternatives. RemotePro tested several optical materials and pronounced SI’s ALR technology as the winner. SI’s ALR Slate material can be customized to combat the ultra-bright stage lights, unlike most other projection screens.
Also Read: SI Slate XL Gives Users Potential for 375-Inch Diagonal Screen with 4K Capabilities
“Lighting plays a vital role at The Max for effect, ambiance, and general illumination,” Pederson explains. “On-screen images had to pop regardless of the lighting conditions for optimal entertainment and audience engagement.”
Additionally, versatility and stage presence were other key attributes under scrutiny. “We designed the venue’s AV systems to be infinitely configurable onsite or remotely from our production facility to enhance the atmosphere of any function. The projection screen had to afford this same level of flexibility,” explains lead video designer, Mark McIntosh. The system had to take up minimal space, leaving the stage as open as possible for entertainers.
The Solution
Theatrical stage lights, recessed fixtures, colored LED accent lighting — no matter how brightly The Max is illuminated, ambient light rejecting properties of SI’s Slate material deflect the glare. At the same time, its 1.2 gain optimizes the high-lumen output of a DPI video projector for high-resolution picture quality. Per RemotePro’s request for a space-saving, multi-functional screen configuration, SI custom-built a retractable, reverse roll motorized mechanism.
McIntosh explains, “The screen material rolls off the motorized tube from the back rather than the front, which allows the screen to sit just two inches from the curtain.” Another bonus was the simple, straightforward installation of the SI screen.
While The Max marks one of RemotePro’s first experiences handling an SI screen, they made fast work of its installation. “It was a very straightforward process to mount the cassette to the side of an exposed ceiling beam,” Pederson says. “Here, it’s hidden and rock-solid. It could go through a substantial earthquake and not even budge.”
“We have had an amazing experience with SI, especially learning more about its entire product line. The breadth of options and their customization capabilities helped us get The Max up and running for an early opening. I’ve been designing and installing projection screens for event facilities and installs for a very long time, and the SI solutions definitely stole the show in this project,” McIntosh concludes.
Click on “View Slideshow” on upper-right corner for images of SI ALR screen installation at The Max.
