Historic site gets AV upgrade

Vaughan Sound Installations (VSI), part of the PAI Group, has overhauled audio-visual equipment at the Pierhead in Cardiff Bay, states InAvate.

The company says the installation has transformed the main room of the Grade One listed building of the national assembly for Wales into a multifunctional space. The building was originally constructed in 1897 as the headquarters for the Bute Dock Company.

Its main hall can now be run as an interactive visitor attraction or utilised for numerous events and functions. VSI worked to a technical specification originated by theatre consultant Paul Covell.

Audio-visual manufacturer Optoma has staged a multiple introduction of projectors as it takes advantage of the continuing upswing in demand for the devices, writes Project Point.

The company has added models across the spectrum of types of projector, with the PK201 expanding its range of tiny, pico projectors; the 720p HD67 joining its home cinema favourites; and the EX785 installation projector expanding the industrial end of company's products.

The PK201 measures 61x118x17mm and weighs just 160g. Despite its diminutive size, it comes with a range of features, including a Micro SD card slot - up to 32GB compatible - for presentations in PowerPoint, photo slide shows and movies/video clips.

The European Audiovisual Observatory reports that despite the economic crisis in 2009, the number of channels and television platforms continues to grow in Europe, states APP Market.

More than 245 new channels debuted in Europe in 2009; this implies a total of 7 200 European television channels at the end of 2009. DTT services have so far been introduced in 24 of the 29 countries, and more than 730 channels are currently transmitted via digital terrestrial means in Europe.

The cable market is consolidating while the number of IPTV, satellite and mobile TV operators continues to increase.