New Strasbourg University Hospital Research Center equipped with Christie Mirage 4K40-RGB Projectors

Christie Mirage 4K40-RGB pure laser projectors formed the centerpiece of a new extension of a research center in IRCAD (Research Institute for Cancers of the Digestive System) located within the Strasbourg University Hospital, France. IRCAD 3 is the latest addition to the world-renowned surgical research and training institute and 2,400 square meter (26,000 square foot) central building dedicated to robotics. AV integrator DEYA installed a pair of Christie Mirage 4K40-RGB projectors in its 237-seat auditorium, providing the exceptional 3D and color reproduction needed for specialized learning. A AV over IP solution based on Christie Terra’s SDVOE is used to power auditorium content, and the building includes a host of IP-connected AV elements, including speakers, microphones, digital signage and video conferencing technologies.

“The objectives of the auditorium were above all 4K and 3D, but also to ensure a very immersive experience”, specifies David Hiltenbrand, audiovisual technician at IRCAD. “We wanted, unlike the other auditoriums we had, to have a large and wide projection area so that we could display at least five or six images to provide versatility. We were looking for a laser projector with beautiful colorimetry and strong 3D capabilities. The choice naturally fell on Christie, who was the only manufacturer at the time to offer this type of product.We also moved to IP video throughout the building, and it’s a complete paradigm shift.

The auditorium is equipped with a fully modular stage space, with an 11.6 meter (38 foot) screen powered by two Christie Mirage 4K40-RGB pure laser projectors. The 40,000 lumens projector achieves over 95% of the Rec.2020 color space and its 120Hz refresh rate enables 3D applications. The all-in-one projector offers detailed images, built-in warping and blending, near-field communication monitoring, and a preview screen at a glance. The auditorium includes seat-mounted microphones, a discreet but powerful audio solution, six 4K cameras and a video conferencing system. DEYA — which was responsible for all technology throughout the building — also established an AV control room and set up an ecosystem of equipment in IRCAD 3, all connected over IP with a Christie Terra AV over IP solution.

“The 3D element in surgery is very important because it provides a depth report to understand the different elements”, explains Carlos Alves, head of the audiovisual department at IRCAD. “The colors are also very important, and obviously everything has to be very defined to see all the little ships and so on. And with 4K resolution and at 60Hz or 120Hz, it allowed us to have all those necessary elements. The architect created a magnificent auditorium with waves at ceiling level and leather armchairs. So we had to combine technology and aesthetics, which was another challenge.

The result is a highly specified Center of Excellence equipped with powerful AV technology that has combined the high levels of performance required while maintaining the building’s state-of-the-art aesthetic.