The Immersive Technology Experience Centre (ITEC) located in the prestigious Science Museum in London represents a leap into the future of immersive media technology. Spearheaded by d&b group, this new hub combines advanced audio, video, lighting, and multimedia technologies in a setting designed to foster creativity and innovation.
ITEC is more than just a space; it’s an ecosystem where technology and creativity converge. d&b group, renowned for their pioneering audio solutions, has equipped ITEC with the most sophisticated gear to date. Featuring LED screens powered by Brompton Technology processing and a Soundscape system by d&b, the centre is a playground for professionals across various industries to experience and interact with the latest technological advancements firsthand.
Amnon Harman, CEO of d&b group, emphasizes that ITEC is designed to be a “melting pot for ideation, collaboration, and innovation.” The venue offers a comprehensive sensory engagement, incorporating elements like spatial audio and extended reality, pivotal for developing future entertainment and educational solutions.
The facility boasts an array of distinctive spaces equipped with top-tier technology. The entrance features a control room with a 110-inch Samsung LED screen and LED light boxes by Recience, all orchestrated by a Brompton processor called the Tessera S8. The main lab houses an XR studio with a Visual LED floor by ROE, and 4K LED walls made by CreateLED. These are powered by Brompton’s processors called Tessera SX40, showcasing the facility’s commitment to providing a fully immersive experience.
Adjacent to this, the testing lab offers a space for real-world application and experimentation, featuring a green screen that integrates seamlessly with the LED volume. This allows for virtual insertion of people or objects into different environments, illustrating the practical uses of immersive technology in digital production.
ITEC isn’t just a showcase; it’s a resource for learning and experimentation. According to Andy Hook, director of technology strategy at d&b, the facility aims to “increase the scale of technology needed to engage audiences.” This includes using spatial audio to enhance the illusion of being in another space or creating vast digital canvases that envelop the viewer, similar to those seen in Sphere in Las Vegas.
The centre also serves as an educational platform, equipped with SMPTE 2110 infrastructure to support VoIP protocols and future-proof technology for handling demanding applications. This setup not only demonstrates the capabilities of advanced AV technology but also educates stakeholders on integrating and leveraging these systems in their projects.
