New York, NY (1888PressRelease)
May 01, 2008 - McCann Systems, an innovative design-build audio visual firm, has successfully contributed their AV expertise to the largest indoor aquarium in the world, the John G. Shedd Aquarium. Located in Chicago, The Shedd Aquarium is known as the “World’s Aquarium.”
Shedd Aquarium secured McCann Systems’ expertise as AV consultants and hired McCann to design new interactive AV elements for existing exhibits, as well as novel AV integration for proposed exhibits featuring the aquarium’s newest penguin stars. McCann Systems met the challenge in merely 25 days and designed complete audio visual elements for eight total exhibits.
“Because exhibits in zoos and aquariums, exhibition halls, and educational institutions become antiquated after a few years, introducing fresh and innovative audio visual elements rejuvenates the exhibit’s vitality and longevity,” says Jonathan Shor, director of technology for McCann Systems. “New exhibits benefit greatly from incorporating AV during the design process by allowing architects and designers to first accomodate a seamless introduction of the superb audio visual system.”
McCann designed an interactive AV display to occupy children, Shedd’s target audience, while the public awaited a glimpse of the forthcoming gentle sea creatures. McCann responded by designing an interactive audio system, devised of 12 push-button “drums” aligned along the side of the viewing tank. Each button has a dedicated drum tone. Pushing them in sequence elicits a song, preprogrammed from an audio server, thus occupying youngsters while the Belugas swim laps inside their tank, past the viewing area.
In other pre-existing exhibits, McCann makes the experience seem fresh by introducing thought-provoking audio and visual elements. McCann designed the Shallow Shore Audio System, introduced plasma monitors to wrap around the Deep Ocean Display, and designed audio and LCD’s into the portals of the Submarine.
But McCann got especially inventive for the penguins – the newest attraction and soon-to-be sweethearts of the Shedd Aquarium. Since the penguins will live in an enclosed space, McCann had to simulate all aspects of the natural world through AV. Sunrise, sunset and all appropriate ambient noises were programmed to mimic the rhythms of the natural world and habitat of penguins, while accounting for the aquarium’s hours of operation. McCann designed the Penguin Playscape Wall Projection, an edge-blended front-projection system, to create the environmental backdrop within the penguin habitat. To entertain young audience members, McCann designed two interactive AV elements within the Penguin Playscape viewing area: Floor Interactive Projection and Diversity Interactive, both using programmed sounds and lights to engage young people while waiting to catch sight of the comical penguins.
McCann Systems selected Medialon, an event-driven control system, to manage all ambient audio, lighting and projection within the newly designed areas. McCann also specified WATCHOUT software for production of the artificially created environment of the Penguin Playscape. All controls are located on-site within the McCann designed Head End room.
McCann Systems’ original AV design for the Shedd Aquarium illustrates how innovative audio visual technology can greatly increase the vitality and lifespan of existing exhibits while thoughtful AV integration during the design process can result in highly engaging, entertaining and interactive displays. These principles of innovative AV integration can also be applied to museums, exhibit halls and institutes of education and entertainment.
The Shedd Aquarium will close Summer 2008 to begin construction. Completion is anticipated for late 2008. The Shedd Aquarium is a non-profit organization dedicated to public education and conservation. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Shedd Aquarium is supported by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Parks District.
McCann Systems, Inc. is a leading specialist in turnkey design build projects. We create customized, fully integrated audio visual environments for commercial venues globally. Our in-house team of highly trained, certified designers, engineers, draftsmen, programmers, integration and installation specialists can take your project from end-to-end through the entire design build process.
If you would like to learn more about high performance audiovisual designs or speak to a professional about your needs , call McCann Systems, Inc. today at 732-346-7979 or visit our website at http://www.mccannsystems.com/press/shedd_aquarium_press_release.html
McCann Systems, Inc.
290 Fernwood Ave.
Edison, NJ 08837
732-346-7979
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