New 52-in LCD Mobile Flat Screens Make All the Difference in Ryerson University Rogers Communications Centre’s Flexible Classroom Presentation Environment

Thu April 9, 2009

From: Office of Program Director, Operations and Technology, Rogers Communications Centre

At February’s 2009 Podcamp Toronto that occurred in Ryerson’s Rogers Communications Centre two 52" LCD mobile flat screens in ROTOLIFT™ cases made their first appearance. While roll-around LCD screens are far from new technology the technology that transports them is unique to Ryerson. The Centre acquired an innovative ROTOLIFT™ case system that makes transport and use of a flat-panel display practical in a department that has limited manpower. ROTOLIFT™ case system not only protects the screens during transport but its gas lift system is ideal for rapid setup by one person. The ROTOLIFT™ also allows for the monitor to be set in the traditional landscape mode or in portrait mode. Depending on use the case system allows for an eye-catching display and even comes with black curtains that cover the case component once the unit is set up.

While the technology allows for the screens to be easily deployable the University has quickly discovered how useful the technology can be. At a recent Toronto Final Cut Pro User Group meeting held in the Centre’s Eaton Lecture Theatre a presenter wanted to give a detailed presentation on Apple’s Color software to about 50 people. Color is a software application where critical decisions about color quality and “looks” are defined for films. In a normal colour correction environment an operator employs two monitors, one provides the software interface, while the second is used to make the critical colour evaluation. The two ROTOLIFT™ systems worked perfectly for the presentation. They were placed in the Theatre’s low rise stage and the two 52” displays were large enough for the audience to comfortably watch the presentation that included accessing a number small software interface controls that Apple’s Color employs.

The LCD screens themselves are the Sharp AQUOS LC52D65U that have full HD 1080p resolution and utilizes Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View/Black TFT Panel with Spectral Contrast Engine. This provides a high Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 6ms response time and wide viewing angles of 176H x 176V. The has a built-in ATSC / QAM / NTSC tuners and include 5 HDMI inputs, compatible with 1080p signals, 2 HD 1080p component video inputs, a sleek piano black cabinet and subtle recessed bottom-mounted speakers.

The systems themselves are finding a growing number of uses. They are a key Presentation Technology element required by its “Mixed Reality Production Cluster” environment of flexible media classrooms. They were integral to the launch of Ryerson University Television and have been found to be useful in a number of display applications such as Radio and Television Arts TARA awards. 

To see original story, visit http://www.rcc.ryerson.ca/media/2009rotolift.pdf
Re-posted with permission.