Selecting Barco over other brands is a decision rooted in their proven reliability, minimal live capture delay, strong recognition in the event industry, and compatibility with our existing equipment.
Innovative resilience: NBC Conference Centre's technological rebirth
The Netherlands - 2024
In September 2022, the NBC Conference Centre, in Nieuwegein, The Netherlands, faced a devastating setback when a fire ravaged its facilities. However, the tragedy sparked a vision for a state-of-the-art event venue, poised for future success. This ambitious reconstruction was made possible through the enduring partnership between the NBC and AVEX, and Barco’s technology.
Barco solutions:
- 3x E2 Gen2
- 3x EC-30
- 4x EX
- 7x UDX
- 1x PDS-4K
Key benefits:
- Well-recognized brand with a solid reputation for quality and reliability
- Lowest latency in the industry essential for live events and real-time broadcasting
- Smooth integration and operational efficiency thanks to product familiarity among in-house and freelance operators
Context
The reconstruction of the NBC Conference Centre stands out not only for its recovery from a major disaster but also for the innovative advancements integrated into the rebuild transforming the venue into a conferencing powerhouse. “Our goal was not just to restore what was lost but to leap forward, creating a venue that sets new standards in conferencing technology,” explains Justin van Hooijdonk, NBC Conference Centre owner.
The venue needed to be versatile and fully equipped to host a wide range of events, from small meetings to large-scale conferences with an audience size up to 1.750 guests in plenary setup. This vision led to the formation of a dedicated team, combining the expertise of AVEX's engineers, sales representatives, and project management specialists with the NBC team. This collaborative effort ensured the new AV installation would be cutting-edge and perfectly tailored to future-proof the event space.
Challenges
To create this impressive immersive space enhancing the overall guest experience and bringing conferences in the Netherlands to the next level, the equipment needs were extensive.
The installation included equipping 2 main event spaces with state-of-the-art projection technology. The original projection units were destroyed in the fire, and the new system needed to offer superior image quality and reliability to meet modern conferencing demands.
In addition, the centre required a reliable switching solution that could manage complex visual presentations seamlessly, accommodating multiple sources and ensuring smooth transitions between different presentations and media during events.
Future-proofing the venue was another major consideration. The new AV technology had to be not only current but also adaptable to future advancements, ensuring long-term usability and competitiveness.
Solution
To address these needs, AVEX and the NBC Conference Centre selected Barco's advanced AV solutions. “When it comes to choosing a reliable and effective solution for our needs, Barco stands out for several compelling reasons,” explains Stefan van de Poll, Systems Engineer at AVEX. “Selecting Barco over other brands is a decision rooted in their proven reliability, minimal live capture delay, strong recognition in the event industry, and compatibility with our existing equipment. Additionally, the familiarity among operators and clients further supports the choice of Barco, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and trusted operation.”
Barco UDX series projectors, combined with the Barco external coolers and a selection of ultra-short-throw lenses, were installed in the different event spaces. The UDXs offer exceptional brightness and color accuracy, ensuring vibrant and crystal-clear visuals delivered with stunning clarity and impact even in large, well-lit spaces.
To manage and process multiple video inputs and outputs seamlessly, E2 Gen2 was installed as central control unit for the two main event spaces and a PDS-4K presentation switcher was deployed to provide quick and reliable switching. These were complemented by EC-30 controller for intuitive control and EX running through fiber extending the E2 capabilities and allowing for scalable and flexible video processing over long distances. The Barco Event Master portfolio provides unparalleled processing power, capable of handling multiple sources and complex visual setups seamlessly.
The chosen Barco products, known for their durability and upgradability, addressed the need for superior projection capabilities and advanced image processing, while also ensuring that the event venue can easily integrate future technological advancements and maintain its cutting-edge status.
Results
The installation was completed in March 2024. The NBC Conference Centre has since reopened and set a new benchmark in the conferencing world boasting the largest fixed 3D projection decor in the Netherlands.
The Barco products elevate the guest experience, while also improving the operational efficiency ensuring seamless event management. Additionally, the advanced and adaptable technology has ensured that the venue remains competitive and technologically current, providing long-term usability and flexibility to integrate future advancements.
“The installation of Barco products at the NBC Conference Centre stands out as a landmark project,” concludes Stefan van de Poll, Systems Engineer at AVEX. “This technological transformation has not only restored the NBC Conference Centre but also symbolizes resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, making it a beacon for future conferencing facilities in the Netherlands.”
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