Stage Audio Works (SAW) has completed an audio visual fit-out at the new Bidvest World of Yamaha in Gauteng Province, South Africa, using the first new generation E-series image projection from Christie.
As one of SAW’s main suppliers, Yamaha Distributors South Africa drafted in the integrators to advise on the fit-out of their new home, on a site found and developed by their owners Bidvest.
Situated in Marlboro, Sandton, Bidvest’s World of Yamaha has become the domain of all Yamaha divisions located in Gauteng Province, including music, audio visual, power products, motorcycles and intelligent machinery.
Holding company, Bidvest Ltd., bought the land along with an existing office warehouse, and had it modified to their specifications — including a spectacular 200-seat auditorium, where multi-purpose presentations and corporate functions are staged. And it was here that the new DHD670-E came into its own.
Recognising the Johannesburg-based specialists’ expertise in the field of projection, a variety of prospective Christie solutions had earlier been demonstrated, not only to show performance but also cost of ownership. At the same time the company’s Hugh Overy also arranged a demonstration against competitive high-ranking brands — but Christie was more than a match in the shoot out.
“The scope of the contract was simply to provide projection for a 6-metre-wide screen in the auditorium, with full high definition resolution,” explained SAW’s Shaun Xavier. “Our successful bid was based on price and the relationship we already had with the client.”
This is World of Yamaha’s key location and it was essential the Moto GP could be broadcast in high definition over the 16:9 aspect ratio screen, since Yamaha plays a huge role within the sport. Taking a digital signal feed from a Kramer switching matrix, SAW recommended the new DHD670-E single-chip DLP projector, with 6000 ANSI lumens and full HD resolution — truss-mounted overhead and fitted with a short throw lens — which proved to be a wise selection.
Already making waves in the market this high brightness fixture offers lamp redundancy, with dual lamp platform, 24/7 operation and combination of full high-definition display and six segment colour wheel as standard. Aside from the long-life lamps, the DHD670-E is backed by Christie’s industry-leading warranties, service and support to ensure a genuine low cost of ownership.
The second projection requirement was within the open plan restaurant / cafe area, which would be used to display satellite sports and news channels along with looped content, throughout a working day onto a 4m-wide 4:3 standard aspect ratio screen. Within this area a ceiling-mounted LX605 projector, outputting 6000 ANSI lumens and taking a standard XGA feed, proved to be the best option.
“These projectors offered the right balance of price and specification, since the 3-chip models were not in the budget,” confirmed Xavier.
SAW’s technical team supported the installation throughout and were closely involved in the calibration of the projectors. Over and above projection the company supplied the staging components within the Auditorium.
Ian Pears, Managing Director of Yamaha Distributors South Africa explained: “Bidvest’s World of Yamaha will be positioned to introduce and welcome customers to the Yamaha experience. We will have a comprehensive retail centre offering the full range of Yamaha branded clothing and accessories, as well as specifically designed sound rooms for the testing of our musical instrument range and audio equipment. And the new theatre will be able to offer not only product launches, music evenings and conferencing for our various divisions, but will be on offer for hire to external customers and partners as well.”
