Wokingham, UK – (1^st July 2013) – Two Christie® Mirage S+6K projectors are being deployed for engineer training in a virtual reality environment at National Grid UK’s Eakring Training Centre, north of Nottingham.

Specified by Christie partners Virtalis, Europe’s leading Virtual Reality (VR) Company, the projectors meet a requirement to get new engineers trained up following a massive recruitment drive, which reflects that many of their senior engineering workforce are approaching retirement age.

The Mirage S+6K is a mission critical device, 3-chip DLP® SXGA+ projector, outputting 6,500 lumens (at 220V AC). This quiet running projector offers high-bandwidth signal processing, higher stereo sync, internal scaling of stereo signals and seamless switching between sources — ensuring it fits perfectly into any 3D application.

One projector forms part of Virtalis’ proprietary ActiveWall system, while the second is deployed in the ActiveMove portable system which is used for Roadshows, Recruitment Fairs and Site Visits.

The Virtalis ActiveWall is an immersive, interactive 3D visualisation system, drawing on active stereo technology and features a custom screen, specialist computer, Virtalis custom software and the Christie Mirage S+6K projector, allowing movements within the ActiveWall environment to be followed using a tracking system. The user can navigate through the virtual world, pick and manipulate objects, and even tools, in real-time.

ActiveMove comprises the second Mirage S+6K active, stereoscopic, three chip DLP projector with a rear projection screen in a dedicated enclosure, coupled with a PC, eyewear, head and hand tracking, installation and support. ActiveMove is transported in two custom, wheeled cases specifically designed for local and international shipping, making it easy to share between locations.

“We, or our partners such as Alstom, provide CAD data to Virtalis and they VR-enable these models, optimising them for interactive 3D stereoscopic display,” explained Chris Croce, Technical & Safety Specialist at National Grid’s Eakring Training Centre. “Crucial this year has been for us to render in 3D a virtual replica of our T155 Circuit Breaker in our new £4 million workshop.

“Although the workshop has been specifically designed for hands-on maintenance practice for our new trainees, we find virtual practice in a VR world speeds development, making our recruits even more confident of their skills.”

This installation further underpins a relationship between Christie and Virtalis that dates back two decades. Said Gavin Chatfield, Christie Market Development Manager, “We have been pleased to support Virtalis through all their endeavours in their major implementations across the globe, as they strive to remain at the cutting edge of the virtual training sector.”