Panasonic brings 360º and 3D projection to the Hydropolis water exhibition in Poland

This scientific center dedicated to water uses a total of 57 equipment from this manufacturer to perform 3D and 360° mapping, as well as interactive projections that bring everyone closer to the important role of the liquid element in human life.

Hydropolis is the only scientific and ecological education center in Poland dedicated exclusively to water, in which education is combined with an exposure of almost 4.000 square meters, con 64 interactive installations created exclusively using the most advanced multimedia solutions.

This exhibition is located in the historic building of the water purification and drainage company of the Polish city of Wrocław., built in 1893, which was the headquarters of the municipal water supply system before becoming a unique attraction in Poland. On his journey, Visitors are guided with a narrative structure through eight different areas, in which the role of water in human life is analyzed through multimedia shows and artistic installations.

Open seven days a week, audiovisual equipment for interactive and multimedia installations had to offer performance 24/7 and maximum reliability. Besides, The design and construction of this space had to overcome a considerable number of obstacles, since it was about creating an exhibition in an environment that had not been specifically designed for that purpose, and using only audiovisual technology.

Added to this was that the works not only had to respect this historic building, protected and cataloged, but also specific humidity and temperature parameters. One of the main criteria for selecting the equipment was reliability, so that maintenance activities could be reduced to the minimum possible to avoid interruptions.

A total of 57 projectors Panasonic, specifically the models PT-DZ870 and PT-DZ680, to perform functions such as 360° mapping, 3D mapping and interactive projections.

“A few years ago we could only enjoy these modern exhibitions abroad. Fortunately, Polish museums are recognizing the potential of audiovisual equipment to change the way visitors learn and enjoy, and try to integrate them more and more to offer you new experiences. “Hydropolis is an excellent example of the extraordinary effect that can be achieved using multimedia solutions”, explica Magdalena Przasnyska, Panasonic sales and marketing director.

Mapping a 360°

At the center of the exhibition is the so-called Aquatic Planet, an oval room with a 360º screen showing a video about the Earth and the origins of water, complete with an Earth-like projection sphere, with a diameter of more than 2 metros. At first, and due to the size of the room and the interior pillars, It was impossible to install the projectors at an adequate distance to carry out this multimedia creation and for visitors to enjoy it from very short distances..

To solve the problem, Fourteen Panasonic PT-DZ870 DLP projectors are used, since they have a lens with ultra short focal length, with replaceable ET-DLE030 lenses, plus a compact design, shine of 8.500 lumens and a high contrast ratio of 10.000:1. Its reliability is guaranteed with its long-lasting double double lamp system (with replacement cycle 3.000 hours), which prevents interruption if a, with a performance 24/7.

Thanks to the integrated geometric adjustment functions of these projectors, could be installed on the oval interior walls of the building, taking into account the arched roof, the huge pillars and curved walls. The possibility of installing the projector with a 360º angle allows it to be integrated into the spaces of a museum or attraction, often narrow and limited.

Also, A specially designed cooling system and a dust-resistant optical block also contribute to system reliability., in addition to guaranteeing high image quality.

Bas relief projection

Two projectors from the PT-DZ870 model have also been used in a projection mapping on a diorama of the Nile River.. The teams project a digital image of the river onto a bas-relief, which presents its mouth.

Taking into account the size of the bas-relief, Two projectors were selected to ensure full coverage of the model, so that the two images are linked thanks to the edge blending function integrated into these devices to offer a single unified and aligned image.

Touch interaction

The Living Ocean area of ​​Hydropolis was the opportunity to offer greater interactivity for visitors, with a motion tracking projection displayed on two round tables, each with a diameter of about 120 cm, using two Panasonic PT-DZ680 projectors with mirrors to cover this large projection surface.

The equipment is installed below the screen and projects from behind onto the surface. Motion tracking is achieved thanks to two cameras with wide-angle lenses, also located below the screen, to accurately map and detect visitors as they interact with the facility.

In the exhibition a total of 29 projectors model PTDZ680, chosen because . The two prerequisites and main requirements for this project were met: have a security system and guarantee extremely high performance.

Another added advantage is its original Eco filter, which should not be replaced until after 12.000 hours. Liquid cooling system ensures higher performance, plus silent operation in all conditions.