Serif

Serif, developers of Affinity photo editing and graphic design software, wanted to create an impressive and immersive space where it could host major launch events and stream new releases around the globe.

As part of a major redevelopment and refurbishment of its premises in Nottingham, this striking space would have a large display as the central focal point and would also include lighting, audio and conferencing facilities. And with an eight-week window for installation and full refurbishment, it had to be completed in time for the launch of the much-anticipated Affinity Designer for iPad on 11 July 2018.

The team wanted to let in as much natural light into the space as possible while still retaining a vivid, colourful image. It also wanted a single seamless image with no bezel frames slicing through the picture – so needed a large LED display as the central display.

Ashley Hewson

Managing Director at Serif

“We wanted to create a fantastic space that can be used both by staff as well as to host events and creative meet-ups.

As we develop design-based software such as photo editing, graphic design and desktop publishing apps, we work closely with some of the best artists and illustrators in the country. This display would showcase their work in these creative meet-ups, so it was important to us that the image quality was absolutely perfect.

We have done several presentations at the Apple store on Regent Street and seen LED displays in action. We thought it would be fantastic to have one here for our events and create something with the wow factor. This building is just a tin shed. But as people walk in we wanted to surprise them with something that looked really special.”

Solution

Visual communication specialists, Clear VC, went through a design consultation process and chose Optoma’s 4m x 2.2m 1080p 2mm pixel pitch LED display (FHD20422) to be the main focal point for the space. Because the panels have an ultra thin profile of just 56mm, the display could be recessed into the wall to create a streamlined clean design which takes up less space and blends into the room.

With support from Optoma’s ProDesign team, it took Clear VC just two days and two installers to mount the LED display and half a day for commissioning. Made up from 128 LED tiles, the LED display’s ingenious mounting solution means it does not need a framework and can mounted directly onto wood or plasterboard.

Adrian Hancock, Managing Director at Clear VC, said: “The panels were mounted directly onto the wall using wood screws with no cabling required to connect each tile. This makes installation and future servicing quick, clean and efficient. Each panel has 3-axis adjustments to mitigate the impact on the display from uneven walls – this fine precision adjustments allowed us to get micro-millimetre accuracy to achieve the perfect seamless image.”

Ross Noonan, Technical Product Specialist at Optoma, added: “Calibration of the screen was quick and simple. Black and white line calibration takes a matter of minutes. As Serif showcases artists’ work we took extra care to colour match the display with the iPad and Affinity software to achieve a perfect representation of the artwork. This did not take long as the LED panels in our displays come from the same production run to ensure consistency in colour performance and brightness across the whole display.”

Adrian added: “Looking at future servicing, because the tiles that make up the LED displays are front serviceable, it means if one panel gets damaged, it can be simply swapped out without having to dismantle the entire display. It is easier and cheaper to change this single panel within an LED display than for a LFD or videowall.”

Clear VC installed all of the AV within the refurbishment at Serif including the LED display, lighting, audio setup, rack and controllers and the bespoke iPad to control it all. Ashley said: “We spoke to quite a few companies about the AV solution. Clear VC simply understood what we were after.”

A Crestron Digital Media Matrix Switcher allows the team to use a number of sources and outputs and send video to other displays around the building. It can send the same image shown on the LED display through to its studio which can be broadcast live around the world. A Crestron video processor allows up to four possible inputs to be displayed on the screen at one time – whether that is a live webcam feed, live news feed or a simple iPad or Mac input – all of these can be displayed simultaneously.

The whole solution is controlled by a Crestron AV3 control processor. Clear VC created a bespoke iPad app interface so Serif can choose from a variety of input sources to display on the screen as well as control the lighting, electronic blinds and audio. Three iPads are configured and each can control all elements but can also all work independently.

RGBA lighting gives Serif the ability to choose from 256 million wall wash colours across the space using amBX lighting server and Studio Due light fittings. Adrian explained: “Each Affinity product has its own branded colour scheme. The lighting allows the team to match the colours in the room to the product being shown on the display to reinforce the brand. This colour can be consistent across the strip lights and the cut-out logo within the wall.”

Tannoy VLS30 speakers and a Tannoy subwoofer were embedded into the wall beside the display and eight Crestron multi-directional speakers were hung from the ceiling. The microphones are reinforced through the audio to achieve a nice level audio with good sound quality.

Cameras were installed at front and back giving Serif the ability to film presentations and events without needing to hire additional resources.

Ashley Hewson

Managing Director at Serif

“The launch event couldn’t have gone any better and the success that we have had following the launch has been great. It was number one on the app store the next day and sales have been fantastic.

The response from the audience on the night was incredible. Everyone was blown away with the set up. It all looked so impressive and slick – and with the great designs and illustrations we were able to showcase, everyone was super impressed.

We had seen the designs of the space in 3D renders but nothing can prepare you for that visual impact you get from the large bright LED display combined with the lighting. I am particularly pleased with the extra touches that were added into the project such as the Affinity logo cut out and backlit in the wall.

Previously we just had small meetings rooms and our ability to host launch events was limited with no real celebration around it. Now we have this stunning space that we are incredibly proud of. We can host live events and creative meet-ups of artists and designers where they present work done on the software to give inspiration and tips. Our stylish demo area is perfect to provide training to customers and where staff can get together, mix and talk through ideas.”