British leading light in the advanced visualisation sector Virtalis Limited has brought a technological edge to the new generation of 3D and 4D theatre projects – demonstrated by their involvement as a key supplier in supporting the leading developer AI Group at the award winning Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum, which opened in May and is located midway between Chicago and Detroit in the United States.

Virtalis has developed the primary means to present the required immersive experience for the new generation of mid-size theatre attractions. In the case of the Kalamazoo Air Zoo, Virtalis was commissioned by the primary contractor, the AI Group, to supply and install their unique ‘StereoServer’ package that allows the 3D visuals to be presented via multiple projectors onto a 60-foot 180 degree wraparound screen.

For many years, cost was the inhibiting factor for operators seeking to offer a compelling and enthralling immersive high-resolution digital stereo (3D) movie experience with sequenced effects. The new solution from Virtalis is cost-effective, flexible and completely scalable to allow attractions to upgrade gradually if needed.

The StereoServer system from Virtalis utilises the best high bandwidth playback technology, either through a single or multiple interlaced projectors via a genlocked PC cluster. A highly configurable package at a tenth of the price of the out-of-date alternative, it removes the expense and unreliability of laserdisc players and is completely scaleable to incorporate the needed effects systems for the growing market of 3D rides and 4D theatres.

Building on a wealth of knowledge in visualisation for the automotive, aerospace and simulation sectors, Virtalis has brought to leisure entertainment a new way of visualising the proposed entertainment environment in an immersive mock-up representation. Using the client’s own Computer Aided Design (CAD) models, Virtalis can facilitate - as they did for the AI Group - the ability to actually visualise in a virtual environment the proposed attraction’s performance from every seat in the house. This gives designers and attraction owners the opportunity to make any crucial changes before the physical system is completed and to test those modifications before giving the project the green light.

The success of this installation marks the first move by Virtalis to apply their expertise in the form of a highly configurable package for attraction applications. The company sees the ability to offer a non-laserdisc dependant, highly versatile delivery package as a means for small and large venues to offer attractions previously thought unobtainable, but also operators of existing attractions can consider refurbishment to a much higher standard of entertainment and immersion. Virtalis is now working with industry experts to actively offer their technology and innovative visualisation expertise to a growing market.

History

Virtalis Limited – can call on 15 years of proven experience in high-end visualisation of Computer Aided Design (CAD) data and development of commercial and military training visualisers and simulators. The Group is the leading advanced visualisation and virtual reality organisation in Europe.

It is the ability to master the application of new technology to develop immersive attractions in the 3D and 4D sector that has made the company’s products and consultancy services essential for the audio visual content in current theatres and simulator attractions. The company is working on a number of leads, including several opportunities with the AI Group.