Originally constructed in the 16th century as a fortress to protect Cork Harbour, Blackrock Castle has undergone numerous transformations. Destroyed by fire in the 19th century, it was rebuilt for the city before entering private hands and becoming variously, a private residence, offices, rowing club HQ and a restaurant. Reacquired by Cork Corporation in 2001, the building was renovated and repurposed as an observatory and museum under a joint venture between the City Council, Cork Institute of Technology, and a private benefactor.
Since opening in 2007 as a centre for scientific research, outreach and communication, the observatory, which houses an interactive astronomy centre open to the public, has welcomed more than 1.4 million visitors. Earlier this year, the facility was closed to allow the upgrading of its technological provision, to better serve the wide range of educational and scientific activity on the site, as co-founder, CTO, and Centre Manager Alan Giltinan explains: “We wished to create a state-of-the-art theatre and conference venue which could seamlessly support the needs of a wide variety of visitor-experience, educational, professional, and hybrid scenarios. In a space equipped with three large screens and virtual reality (VR) capabilities, the plan was to use dynamic AV setups to facilitate an immersive cosmic experience for both in-person and remote event participants.”
The Blackrock Castle Observatory (BCO) team engaged experienced Dublin-based integrator Bytek Office Systems Ltd to supply and install a variety of AV equipment, and they in turn worked with distributor POLAR in respect of product supply, design support, and commissioning. To meet the extensive brief, a complete range of AV equipment was sourced from POLAR and installed at BCO to meet its wide remit of use-cases, including education programmes, corporate conferencing, public presentations, live-streaming, and visitor experiences.
All audio processing at BCO is by ClearOne using ClearOne CONVERGE Pro 2 128 VT and 48VT multi-channel microphone automixers (DSP with VoIP and telephone). Multiple ClearOne microphone options were supplied by with beam-steering microphones chosen to ensure a full 360-degree coverage within the space. These multiple microphone ceiling tile systems can automatically direct listening focus, isolating the presenter’s voice from background noise. ClearOneDIALOG 20 wireless headsets provide presenters with a high-quality personal microphone. and the freedom to move around the space.
The AV system is managed with an AMX NX1200 controller and a Varia Panel. Video sources are distributed over the network using AMX N2600 series encoders and decoders, then routed through a Precis switcher that supports up to four HDMI sources routed to two separate outputs. To enable broadcast and live-streaming of presentations and events, two Maxhub UC P20 12x zoom PTZ cameras were installed – one at the back of the room to capture presenter views, and one at the front for capturing audience reactions, whilst a Vissonic VISCRS-05-B professional AV Recorder with camera tracking allows multi-functional recording and live broadcast.
Bytek installed a Cornered Audio sound system for the space (including an on-wall subwoofer) to deliver immersive audio experiences for presentations and entertainment events. With a unique 90-degree triangular design, Cornered Audio specialises in offering elegant and discreet high-quality sound systems for commercial and custom settings. The system was supplemented by WorkPRO commercial audio ceiling and surface mount loudspeakers, with all amplification by Lab Gruppen. To ensure maximum intelligibility throughout, Primacoustic panels were installed to reduce the reverberant effects of reflective surfaces within the space.
Alan Giltinan reflects on the success of this ambitious project: “Our aims have been met through the use of premium, state-of-the-art equipment. We enjoyed excellent engagement with Bytek from the outset. Their team showed a keen knowledge of the technology and clear understanding of the vision, and throughout the design phase and into the installation and commissioning, Bytek interacted with us constantly and consistently to bring the highest-level finish to the project. “It’s an excellent installation. Although the nature of our 16th Century castle posted some physical challenges, the final product has impressed everyone that has viewed and used it. As space and astronomy enters a new era of exploration, I envisage this installation to be a wonderful viewing portal for many into the expanse of the cosmos, continuing the advancement of knowledge at a thoroughly exciting location. As with any new installation, there is always a post-install period whereby some subtle changes maybe required to ensure best quality for customers and staff. Bytek have made themselves available at all times to assist in the continued improvement and optimisation of the overall system.”
Will Turney, Head of POLAR Integrated Solutions team sums up: “The project demonstrates our ability to support creative integrators like Bytek with comprehensive product solutions and technical expertise. Working within the constraints of this heritage setting, while delivering cutting-edge AV technology, required some careful co-ordination between all parties. “POLAR did not just supply all of the products but provided the design support and commissioning expertise that made seamless integration possible. The project’s success demonstrates how we are much more than just a distributor – we’re a strategic partner who understands the technical requirements and the vision behind ambitious installations. It’s installations like Blackrock Castle Observatory that clearly show how the right mix of fantastic products, expert integration, and collaborative partnership, can transform a heritage space such as this into a successful modern attraction.”
