The Dancehouse in Manchester needed to upgrade its projector used for theatrical backdrops in dance and theatre productions. 

The new model had to be bright enough to punch through the stage lighting when projecting onto the venue’s 10m wide white cyclorama - a curtain at the back of the stage which gives the illusion of unlimited space. It would also be used with a 4m wide fast-fold screen used for film screenings and presentations.

Manchester-based AV experts Hollowsphere AV recommended Optoma’s 8,200-lumen ProScene laser projector - the ZU850.

This WUXGA resolution projector forms part of Optoma’s DuraCore laser range which champions an industry-leading lifetime laser light source delivering a minimum of 20,000 hours in full brightness mode. It features MultiColor Laser (MCL technology) which achieves superior colour to deliver striking and rich lifelike images with exceptional detail.  

Featuring an airtight optical engine that has been independently certified as IP6X, the projector is designed for continuous 24/7 operation.  It supports 360° flexible installation and, with 100 variable power and luminance settings, is perfect for simulation, live events and almost any challenging environment.

This was installed with a short throw lens on a Unicol bracket system with 50m of Kramer HDMI over Fibre Optic cable to a minimac running QLab multimedia playback cue-based software. 

Gary Whittaker from The Dancehouse said: “We chose this model based on a number of factors including the technical requirements and cost.  Installation was straightforward with the lens and hanging system - it all worked perfectly."

The projector made its debut performance at The Dancehouse providing a 10m x 5m backdrop of images and video for the Northern Ballet School.  

It was also used for the back projection in the Luther Vandross Experience featuring Danny Clay.  This showed a series of images and video that had the audiences dancing in the aisles. 

Gary said: “On paper it is only 2,000 lumens brighter than our previous projector but in reality it looks twice as bright.  The colours are vibrant and it cut through some pretty bright lighting states. The ballet school were really happy with it.  I know we will use this extensively.”

The Dancehouse
With its charming Art Deco interiors and quirky, highly original creative arts output, The Dancehouse is firmly established within Manchester's famously vibrant cultural scene.  In a packed schedule, it regularly presents comedy, theatre and dance – everything with a trademark touch of distinctiveness.  

The Dancehouse
10 Oxford Rd, Manchester, M1 5QA
Box office: 0161 237 9753
www.thedancehouse.co.uk

Installation:
Hollowsphere AV 
In addition to the hire and sales of projectors, screens, event lighting and pro audio systems, Hollowsphere AV, provides a full audio visual design and installation service including background music systems, PA systems, stage and DJ AV and lighting.

Unit 3 Windrush Millennium Centre 
70 Alexandra Road 
Moss Side
Manchester M16 7WD 
www.hollowsphere.org 
Tel: 0161 636 7547

Image copyright © The Dancehouse