Aquivo News

AQUiVO launches sunlight readable screen

Outdoor screen specialist AQUiVO has launched a revolutionary sunlight readable model, which will be available in 32”, 42” and 47” models.

These screens feature the same optically bonding process as supplied to NASA for the LCD’s on control panels in the shuttle! The resin is applied between the glass and the LCD which eliminates internal reflection and gives excellent brightness and improved contrast ratios in direct sunlight.

The unit is also actively cooled which enables operation in very high temperatures.

The sunlight readable screen will be IP66 rated and completely resistant to dust, humidity and water. The screens are designed for outdoor operation and can be left outside in all weather conditions. All sizes are also available in both portrait and landscape configurations, and are accompanied by a waterproof remote.

 

Thorpe Park's thrill seekers see SAW – The Ride with AQUiVO

AV integration and engineering company, Ashdown AV chose two AQUiVO outdoor weatherproof screens to scare and excite riders on Thorpe Park’s new rollercoaster, SAW - The Ride.

The novel idea to base a ride on the most popular horror film franchise in history, ‘SAW’, and give visitors a spine chilling experience required the expertise of the Ashdown AV team, who were approached to create an integrated sound, video, lighting and effects control system for the ride.

Two 47” AQUiVO outdoor weatherproof screens from AV distribution company PSCo, were chosen for the project to relay video content to thrill seekers on board the ride at the pinnacle moment. The horror content from SAW is seen just before riders experience a nerve-shredding ‘beyond vertical’ drop of 100º from a terrifying height of 100ft and endure three inversions.

Festival Guitar Heroes play on world’s largest plasma!

AV specialists 2Ci have completed a tour of the UK’s festivals, supporting the Guitar Hero Experience with cutting edge AV technology from PSCo including the 103” Panasonic Plasma aboard a state of the art promotional trailer.

2Ci worked with brand experience company Bugle to create the Guitar Hero Experience, which featured a 103” Panasonic Plasma on a screenlifter as the centrepiece to the stage set.

2Ci also sourced two 42” AQUiVO screens from PSCo which were positioned outside the Guitar Hero trailer for festival goers to watch the action on stage from outside, attracting potential stars into the competition.

Habs Akram, Managing Director of 2Ci explained; “We found using this latest technology made a vast difference to the branding experience for the client and the festival goers. The trailer was so busy that we had additional weatherproof screens outside – the perfect AV solution for any company wanting to use outdoor screens in the great British weather.”

AQUiVO smashes an ace at Wimbledon 2008

To celebrate London’s flagship championship tennis tournament, official banking partner HSBC transformed Wimbledon tube station into a virtual tennis court, with Nintendo Wii activities played on a 55” AQUiVO screen!

Marking the annual return of the world’s most prestigious grand slam tennis event, HSBC decided to transform London’s Wimbledon tube station into a fully interactive mini tennis court for the duration of the tournament.

Enlisting the expertise of Red Door Events the station’s outdoor concourse was immersed in tennis fever, which incorporated a revolutionary 55” AQUiVO and a Nintendo Wii which were both built into the set, on which commuters were encouraged to challenge each others tennis skills. 

Insight AV sourced and specified the outdoor LCD screens for Red Door Events from specialist UK distributor, PSCo.

 

Amazing AV for Channel 4's Big Art Project

Six weather resistant AQUiVO screens have been unveiled as part of Channel 4’s ‘Big Art Project’. The screens adorn Channel 4’s ‘Big 4’ based outside the channel’s headquarters on Horseferry Road, London.

To celebrate both the Channel’s 25th anniversary year and the launch of the Big Art Project, a 50-foot-high metal '4' was constructed for the steps of the channel’s headquarters. Over the 12 months of the channel's anniversary year, four different artists will have customised the Big 4.

The second adaptation by Mark Titchner, Find Our World in Yours Find Your World in Ours. In this case, the artist uses 6 AQUiVO outdoor screens to enhance the interactivity of the sculpture.

Architecture and Design Agency FreeState is working with each commissioned artist to bring their designs to life, Adam Scott, Design Director at FreeState, explained: “We work closely with artists on their initial design concept to find the most appropriate solutions; from conception right through to the delivery, to the onsite management and maintenance of the installation. As the screens for Mark Titchner’s installation were going to be displayed externally on the structure, we needed to ensure that they would be robust enough to endure the volatile environment.

This rental project is one of the first for PSCo’s range of AQUiVO outdoor screens, which launched last year. The robust screens feature a toughened glass front and anti-reflective surface which make them perfect for temporary or permanent outdoor installations.

AQUiVO Makes Its First International Début

AQUiVO launched internationally at this years leading European AV and electronic technology exhibition Integrated Systems Europe (ISE)! The revolutionary weatherproof LCD screens have been a huge success in the UK since their launch in the UK by distribution partner PSCo, in March 2007.

AQUiVO is now a firmly establish brand throughout the UK and Canada and is set to be a huge success in the warmer European climates.

PSCo showcased the IP56 rated screens at the exhibition in Amsterdam in an effort to broaden the reach and availability of the screens, penetrating the international market even further. 

More than 22,000 people visited ISE 2008 (38% more than the previous year) and customer enthusiasm for the AQUiVO range unveiled by PSCo was overwhelming.

Swim Centre Splashes Out on AQUiVO

SwimRight Ltd have installed a revolutionary water resistant LCD screen at Frutina Swim Centre in London to act as a supportive teaching tool for competitive swim training.

The specialist Swim Centres are designed to facilitate learning and help swimmers improve their techniques. Specially designed “flo pools” create a powerful current in the water for students to swim against, during which they are filmed. The recording is then instantly relayed onto the poolside screen, where the coach or trainer can analyse the strokes and illustrate how improvements can be made.

Russell Kitching, of Frutina Swim Centres, explained; “Having an AQUiVO screen to relay images cuts down on time between swims and when it comes ironing out problems of technique, nothing beats showing someone an instant replay of their stroke. They have really made the learning process easier, and much more efficient.”

Nick Field, from SwimRight Ltd., commented; “This installation has taken swimming analysis to a completely new level. By integrating poolside screens, which have been designed specifically for use in this environment, we can provide a total solution for our clients and help establish much more effective teaching methods.”

Wet Summer Blues

2007 saw the wettest August for over 15 years*, snuffing out hopes of many a weekend summer barbeque.

On average, 120mm of rainfall fell across the UK since the start of the month, around two-thirds more than normal. The prolonged spells of rain had been caused by the onset of the hurricane season across the Atlantic Ocean late in August coming after the arrival earlier in the season of a jet stream stretching further south than usual.

It hasn't dampened the British spirit though as more and more people look to spend their leisure time outside, either at home, or at leisure establishments.

Many pubs, clubs and bars have also had to cope with the smoking ban forcing more people to spend their time outside across the country.

As more people look to spend time outside, they will be looking for more options for outdoor electronics, including stereo systems and televisions that can withstand the weather.

* BBC

AQUiVOs for the Teesside Transporter Bridge

Enigma FX entertained passengers with AV when Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI) contracted them to supply a creative display solution for the Teesside Transporter Bridge during August 2007.

The bridge’s gondola needed an integrated system that would fit with the aesthetics of the industrial landmark, as well as keeping passengers entertained on their journeys. Opened in 1911, the Edwardian engineering of the Transporter Bridge reflects the dynamic, industrial heritage of the area and a crucial element of the installation process was ensuring that the technology was embedded seamlessly into the structure.

Enigma FX were contracted to install the system, sourcing four weather-resistant AQUiVO screens from PSCo. The screens sat neatly above passengers and cars in the gondola and due to their astounding durability, could broadcast specially made short films with immaculate image clarity come rain or shine.

Enigma FX Owner, Nick Joyce, commented: “We were looking for something unique, a display that would catch the attention of passengers whilst also fitting in with the traditional bridge design. The AQUiVO screens offered the perfect solution. The AQUiVO housings were also ideal for customising, most people assumed they’d been there for a very long time.”

The Day Aquivo Met The Fireman's Hose

We obviously test our products when we design and build them but there's nothing like making the point in a dramatic way.

Step forward our friends at the UK fire brigade who really know how to make a splash and prove how water resistant our Aquivo LCD Screens really are.