News 2008

Pixel inspiration completes Manchester Airport Digital Signage upgrade - (18/08/08)

Pixel Inspiration, the digital signage agency, has completed the final phase of a contract to provide dynamic signage throughout Manchester Airport's check-in areas - with the further installation of 49 x dnp front and rear projected 84in screens.

Having earlier worked on the digital conversion of Terminals 1 and 2 - where they specified dnp's 84in New Wide Angle rear-projected optical screens, offering 180° viewing - Pixel Inspiration has managed to overcome the space constraints presented in one of Terminal 3's three-hall check-in areas by specifying 11 front-projected dnp 84in Supernova screens - which are purpose-designed to work in high ambient lighting conditions.

All the dnp screens - now numbering around 200 throughout the airport - were supplied by dnp's UK distributors Paradigm Audio Visual, while Pixel Inspiration has standardised on Panasonic projection, using a combination of PT-D5700 and PT-D4000 dual bulb DLP projectors.

The installation is the only one of its kind at any airport and Pixel Inspiration worked closely with the airline operators to develop animated airline branding, promotional material and passenger safety information for display on the screens.

Sold to each airline in different package options, the animated content is then broadcast on individual or multiple digital displays in a bright and clear format, giving the airlines a distinct and vibrant presence and making it easy for passengers to locate their appropriate check-in desks. The screens above those desks not in use can be used to display the airport's own branding and content.

To complement and enhance the architecture of the terminal buildings, Pixel Inspiration designed, fabricated and installed a new hanging support system for the screens and projectors. The cantilever design provides Terminal 3 with a high-tech appearance, while providing the necessary support and access to the digital signage hardware. This includes using narrow 6mm mullions, supplied by Paradigm AV, to edge-butt the screens into one continuous strip.

The first two check-in areas at Terminal 3 have been equipped with 23 and 15 dnp 84in NWA screens respectively above the desks, while the third area features the 84in Supernovas, which are front-projected by the Panasonic PT-D4000's.

Said Paradigm AV managing director, Paul Wood, "This is a logical solution when space is at a premium, and Pixel Inspiration clearly saw the advantages of Supernovas' outstanding performance under extreme ambient light conditions. In a bright environment Supernova optical front projection screens, with their active high-contrast filters, produce up to ten times' higher contrast than conventional front screens."

He continued, "A major element of this project has been the size of each screen - it would have been virtually impossible to have achieved this using other technologies. Information access helps the flow of traffic, removes the stress on arrival at the airport, and enables passengers to locate the appropriate check-in from a fair distance away - whereas high degrees of artificial light would otherwise wash out an image entirely."

Jackie Neville, Head of Product Development, Manchester Airport, agreed, stating that the delivery of flexible branding across the airport site had been satisfactorily accomplished. "The results are excellent and the scale and quality of airline content has created a new navigational tool, making the process of finding the check-in desks far simpler."

"The screens also provide a great opportunity to target passengers whilst they are queuing with essential airport information. This means we are able to reduce the amount of paper-based information within the check-in hall, creating a better experience."

And Pixel Inspiration CEO, Frank Emerson concluded, "This latest installation is the final stage in Pixel's multiphase contract with Manchester Airport, which has spanned the last two years."

"During this time Pixel has fulfilled the contract across a broad range of disciplines, including project management, technology provisioning, design and creative delivery."

"Manchester Airport now boasts a unique digital signage network which is already delivering real benefits to the airport, airlines and passengers alike."