The O.H. Lounge incorporates a huge 74 by 19 foot Christie Digital projected video wall, an LED video wall consisting of 18 55-inch Planar LED displays, a line-array audio system from EAW, and stage Lighting from ETC and Varilite.
The O.H. Lounge and Stage was one of the most demanding areas of the Columbus Hollywood Casino job. The large number of audio visual elements coupled with the unique challenges of the architecture and the constantly evolving process of new construction made this space difficult to bring to life. Even so, as we progressed through the build, it became clear that it was going to come together into a beautiful finished product.
The scale of the video portion is apparent from the pictures. The projected screen above the stage is a whopping 74 feet wide by 19 feet high and consists of blended images from three Christie Digital 20,000 Lumen J-series projectors. A video processing system brought the three images together to form a single uninterrupted “canvas” on which could be placed any number of video windows from the twelve tuner inputs. In addition, behind the performance space, an 18-display Planar LED video wall with matching processing provides a dynamic backdrop during performances as well as additional content display capability. Images can be displayed across the entire wall or can be windowed as the operator sees fit. Rounding out the visual elements are several 55 and 60 inch Samsung LED televisions, and a high definition Sony PTZ stage camera for displaying performances and promotions throughout the facility.
The live performance system was tailored to meet the specific requirements of the space. An EAW compact line array system was chosen to take advantage of the tight dispersion patterns inherent in that type of speaker so that sound levels on the gaming floor are kept at a reasonable volume while a concert feel is presented in the listening space. An EAW UX8800 system processor provides a network accessible link to all parameters of the main speakers and also provides complete processing for the subwoofer channels. Control for the audio system is handled by an Allen and Heath GLD series digital console. An intuitive interface, powerful features, and a compact size make this a great console for the needs of the user. Stage monitoring is via Shure PSM900 series wireless in-ear systems. In an effort to keep the stage volume to a minimum, the client requested in-ear systems in liu of traditional floor monitors. These high quality wireless systems give the artists freedom to move while providing consistent reference audio, all while producing no discernible stage volume. The stage equipment package is completed by Shure microphones and Whirlwind cabling.
Stage lighting is handled by a mixture of LED pars by ETC and moving head fixtures from Varilite. The LED fixtures were chosen for their quiet operation, high manufacturing quality, and bright vivid color output. The varilite units are feature packed, bright, and fast. They work well to add movement and accents to the space during live performances. A motorized ETC Prodigy hoist supports the upstage lighting for easy reconfiguration, maintenance, and future growth. A PC-based lighting control system with add-on control wing is used to provide additional functionality beyond just the lights. A video feed into the PC gives the operator a camera or content preview, and the Control Point software allows them to switch video sources or window arrangements for the video walls and TV’s on the fly.