Natural History Museum
IVC's brief was to design a flexible, future-proofed 74 seat studio capable of broadcasting up to five channels of content at any time.
The Natural History Museum has an amazing science and learning department and the organisation's ambitious vision was to be able to bring and share their accumulated knowledge with the general public through the use of leading edge technology. The result was the Attenborough Studio, part of the Darwin Centre, the most significant expansion at the Natural History Museum since it moved to South Kensington in 1881.
IVC Media was the systems integrator and developer which helped bring the Natural History Museum's exciting vision to life. This was achieved through the creation of a state-of-the-art communication centre where innovation technology, Museum specimens, live animals, spectacular natural history film footage and Museum scientists come together to create an inspiring programme of free daily films and live events for the general public. The Attenborough Studio is now a totally automated, sophisticated hybrid broadcast studio and AV presentation space, which can be operated by a non-technical crew that allows the general public to quite literally 'engage' with scientists at work 365 days of the year.
IVC's brief was to design a flexible, future-proofed 74 seat studio capable of broadcasting up to five channels of content at any time and to be manned by a small non-technical crew. The capacity to repurpose content was important as well as creating an interactive environment which would stand up to the rigours of the general public's daily use. IVC worked with best-of-breed manufacturers to create a 3G compliant system that allows all forms of connectivity so any content can be transmitted both in and out of the space. Video conference programming or live presentations by scientists can be transmitted into educational establishments anywhere in the world and over the internet. In addition, satellite video conference material can be linked into the studio from locations as remote as the Amazon Rainforest if required.
IVC also developed a remotely controlled outside broadcast trolley to allow true broadcast quality content to be transmitted and received throughout the entire Natural History Museum which houses around 300 scientists. A four channel audio facility enables talk back over two HD channels so scientists can even answer live questions from the audience.
The broadcast equipment in the Attenborough studio consists of five HD cameras. Six wired-up positions allow the Panasonic remotely controlled cameras to cover the semi-circular lecture suite so all presentation angles can be filmed. Content is presented on five full sized HD digital screens positioned around the room, incorporating 5.1 surround sound.
IVC worked with Medialon to create a scheduling system to allow programmes to be planned ahead of time and provide the flexibility to alter the schedule, last minute and as required. The back room has been created for ease of use with a simple GUI with a button led interface.
IVC has been delighted to work on this innovative project which sets the standards for the future practice of public education and engagement with science.
