Panasonic projectors and cameras power Helsinki's cutting-edge Oodi library

Awarded as the best public library of this year and recognized as one of the must-see places in the capital of Finland, offers a multimedia and collaborative experience to its users that goes beyond the traditional proposal of this type of spaces.

The library Ode de Helsinki (Finland) has received various prestigious distinctions for its functional and inspiring environment. Three million visits during its first year of activity show how much there is to see and do in this new meeting space in the city..

Far beyond a traditional library, Oodi houses studios, editing rooms, collaborative work and learning spaces, as well as a movie theater, all this in an architectural and aesthetic environment, with large windows, that made the deployment of projection and audiovisual technology of Panasonic.

“The building and its facilities were designed in collaboration with its future users. The result is a selection of highly reliable materials and equipment., with reasonable life cycle costs, and that is why we choose Panasonic projectors. With only two models we have managed to satisfy all the needs in terms of projection sizes, minimum lumen output and other technical specifications”, explica Urpo Nylander, ICT expert and head of AV technology at Oodi.

Laser technology and 4K cameras

The Oodi library has a total of 31 laser projectors from this manufacturer, fourteen of which use ultra-short distance lenses (UST). Besides, Seven 4K PTZ cameras have also been installed, two switches for live events, a camera control panel and a 4K 360°.

“As for the complete AV equipment,” says Nylander.- we made everything we had proposed come true, since it was relatively easy to find a solution for each space. Laser projectors were an essential requirement, taking into account the planned hours of operation and thus avoid replacing the lamps”.

Installing the projectors in a building recognized for its architectural beauty was a challenge, which also raised demands regarding audiovisual technology. Mounting locations and angles required careful planning to achieve desired screen sizes and brightness levels.

The roofs, electrical installation and heating system, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as the corridors and the windows were conditioning elements. For this reason, when the Oodi was being built, Nylander commissioned the development of a 'solar tool', which he used to ensure that the brightness of the projectors was adequate at different times of the day.

The large windows on the ground floor let in so much sunlight that the widescreen projections in the entrance room required 30.000 lumens. Nylander also used this tool to determine appropriate projection sizes for all locations and different surfaces..

Panoramic artistic contents

The projectors of 3 DLP chips of the Panasonic PT-RZ31K model, located in the lobby are mainly used for panoramic artistic projections. Besides, are connected with PTZ cameras, ;, from the Maijansali room to carry out the broadcasts.

These Panasonic cameras are managed through an AV-HLC100 live broadcast production center and can be used to broadcast or record events in this space.

The Maijansali room also has a projector 1 chip DLP PT-RZ970 y, shortly, will be equipped with a 360° live camera (AW-360B10 and AW-360C10) to broadcast live events using virtual reality headsets for remote viewers.

“The camera will be mounted on a seat: when putting on the virtual reality headset, the impression will be almost as if you were sitting in the audience, surrounded by other spectators, explains Nylander. A video projector has been installed under the escalator in the lobby. 3 chips DLP PT-RZ21K, equipped with an ultra-short distance lens (UST) ET-D75LE95 for artistic projections.

Regina Cinema, What is the name of the Oodi film library?, It has a projector 3 4K+ PT-RQ13K DLP chips used to broadcast events, project movies in 4K quality and also for the projection of film subtitles. It also has a series of mobile projectors, AW-UE70 4K PTZ cameras and AV-HLC100 live streaming production centers for art screenings and outdoor events.

Smart digital murals

The Cube It is an immersive space in which two intelligent digital wall screens have been installed, covered with a transparent projection film and with touch functionality. Seven DLP laser projectors 1 PT-RZ970 chip with ultra-short distance lenses (UST) ET-DLE030 project video images on these systems.

“UST objectives made it possible to assemble the equipment in a narrow corridor without passersby, thus avoiding shadows on the projection -Nylander clarifies-. Two projectors have also been arranged inside the Cube for presentations”.

Near the cafe, on the ground floor, three projectors 1 chip DLP PT- RZ970 equipped with ultra-short distance lenses (UST) ET-DLE030 generate a large panoramic projection on the wall.

Projectors can also be used for separate images. The multipurpose children's room has five computers to project a large image on the surface of two walls. One of the projectors can also be used separately, to watch movies, etc.

Maximum operational reliability

Oodi Library is open to the public from Monday to Friday, from the 8 from the morning until the 10 of the night, so the projectors accumulate many hours of operation. Maintenance can only be done at night, so its reliability and ease of doing it were essential.

This is how Nylander explains it: “maintenance of the lobby projectors is only possible from an access platform, since they are mounted above the main entrance. They operate quietly and reliably, "just as we expected".

Like any other library, Most Oodi spaces and equipment are available for loan by any user with a card. For this reason, one of the requirements when choosing the equipment was simple instructions for users.

“AV technology in large spaces is controlled with lighting control panels, For professional users mixers are available. For non-professional users, it is enough to know how to use a remote control”, this person in charge points out.

Simple management and controlled costs

Since all projector needs could be covered with just two model ranges, There are also only two variants for audio/video logic commands and functional settings. A single software allows remote control of all models, that follow the same maintenance plan.

“The Panasonic control panel meets my expectations exactly,” Nylander emphasizes.. With just a few keystrokes you can retransmit the live signal for the service you want, without further complications. All projectors can be controlled with the same remote system, which makes the job considerably easier.”, says this expert.

The costs accumulated during the useful life of the projectors are easily predictable: 1DLP models do not need a filter change, since its optical block is sealed and liquid cooled. ç3DLP models are provided with a frame that surrounds the optical surface, with dust protection and long-lasting ecological filters, in addition to a five-year warranty “which allows us to sleep peacefully”, Nylander adds..

The large panoramic projections, and especially in the cube, They have become a point of attraction for visitors. The image brightness of the projectors has caused a sensation among visitors. The entire installation has been a source of inspiration even for Nylander, who has had the opportunity to see all types of audiovisual productions throughout his career.

“Panasonic solutions are an inexhaustible source of ideas. I myself have had to calm myself before the initial avalanche of ideas, since we see that we cannot put into practice all that we had in the beginning. The building opened before construction was completed., and now, con 3 millions of visitors, “We are working at full speed to finish.”.