Vantage Systems deploys projectors for Tas Uni

Melbourne-based integrator Vantage Systems has deployed Panasonic's high resolution training technology as part of a $1.4 million upgrade at the Australian Maritime College (AMC) simulations centre.

The audio visual solutions and unified collaboration specialist Vantage Systems has been working with the University of Tasmania for two years providing video conference solutions.

Vantage Systems is responsible for the world's first installation of Panasonic's PT-RQ13K, a 3-chip DLP laser projector with 4K resolution. The five projectors used in the upgrade produce 10,000 lumens brightness and a 20,000:1 contrast ratio, according to Panasonic.

AMC Centre for Maritime Simulations manager Damien Freeman told CRN the system exceeded the centre's expectations. "The upgrade will provide students, researchers and commercial clients with unprecedented visual clarity in the simulation environment, which will provide better immersion in the simulation environment and lower annual running costs to the Centre," said Freeman.

According to Panasonic, the lifetime of the projectors is around 20,000 hours as the laser technology in use reduces associated replacement and maintenance costs.

AMC National Centre for Ports and Shipping director Thanasis Karlis said: "The $660,000 projection system was part of a multi-stage upgrade including the installation of two 360-degree tug simulators plus new desktop simulator software specialising in liquid cargo handling and engine room operations."

The deployment took two weeks and, as part of the deal, Vantage Systems will provide a five-year maintenance service.

The AMC Centre for Maritime Simulations is used for maritime human factors research and investigation into port development, ship manoeuvring, and improving ship and port safety. Their simulator database includes Australian and New Zealand ports, as well as areas of Europe, Malaysia, and Indonesia. AMC also provides regular pilot simulation training to maritime organisations such as TasPorts, Newcastle Ports Corporation, Rio Tinto, Port Kembla, Southport (NZ), TT Line, Woodside Energy and Port Nelson.

Vantage Systems is present all over Australia and also provides services through global partnerships with Yorktel in the United States, and VideoCall in the United Kingdom.