Candy-colored and self-supporting, these suspended video cubes showcase Electrosonic's engineering expertise and responsiveness. The high-res, direct-view cubes were custom designed and delivered in just six weeks.

Flying video cubes at Grapevine Mills

Customizing the message - and the medium - is a consistent requirement for every Mills Mall location. And Electrosonic is adept at creating one-of-a-kind solutions like the "flying videowall cubes" designed for Grapevine Mills' entertainment zone. The huge, 2.2-million square foot mall had unique specifications. "We wanted to sprinkle 40 direct-view, 52" videowall cubes throughout the entertainment zone," says Barnycz. "They had to function primarily as high-resolution video monitors, but also as themed scenery, with a custom, candy-color pain job to create a high-impact, sculptural feel." An added challenge: the cubes had to be self-supporting so they wouldn't require an expensive bracket for support. "And just to make an unusual project even more interesting, we requested delivery in only six weeks," says Barnycz.

Electrosonic engineers met the challenge with no problem, designing existing PROVIEW™ projector engines into custom, 52" video cubes and painting them to match the unusual specs. And by integrating the hanging mechanism into the design, they eliminated the need for a special support bracket. "Electrosonic's ability to turn on a dime, provide turnkey service and customize everything saved us a fortune," says Barnycz.

Seamless show control

Electrosonic's C-THROUGH™ for Windows^® video processing software is used to integrate all electronic entertainment systems in every Mills project. The software integrates hundreds of video display devices and large videowalls as well as animated characters and "talking signs." It also controls the video processing for live fashion shows. "C-Through software is an excellent and powerful show control system that automates our lighting consoles, relays, laser disc players and video servers," says Barnycz. "When we tried using other show control systems we had incompatibility problems."

A forward-looking partnership

As Barnycz explains, "We can buy video technology from anyone. What we value most   from Electrosonic is their engineering creativity and their ability to apply the technology to meet our needs and design concepts. If we were to ask for the same customized solution and service commitment from the giant, multidivisional electronic companies, they'd just shake their heads. They can't - or won't - provide the same degree of integrated service that Electrosonic does."

Electrosonic's engineering versatility will help Mills Malls take advantage of emerging versatility will help Mills Malls take advantage of emerging technologies too, including satellite broadcasting and high-speed telecommunications transmission. "Electrosonic's system design and technology has prepared us for the future," says Barnycz. With plans to add six new malls over he next three years, the possibilities are exciting.