It is the result of more than two years of research & development. The system is CE listed, IP 65 rated front and rear, and utilizes 316 stainless steel construction for maximum corrosion resistance from salt water, chlorine, etc.
But the most important feature is that the entire modular LED display system operates on just 24V DC power. Power to the individual tiles from each power supply module is even less (5-6V). This is the equivalent specification of a pool light, but now applies to an LED wall.
This technology opens up a world of possibilities for designers to utilize the reliability, brightness, resolution, and ease of installation & maintenance of a LED wall in a variety of applications that were not previously possible.
Just a few of these applications could include water parades, lagoon shows, fountain shows, water parks, water rides and attractions, immersive spa environments, etc. The FluidLED display technology has also been expanded to include a LED floor product (think interactive splash pads, for example) and a meter square LED dimensional cube product that can be used to create a myriad of content driven shapes, displays and scenic elements (a great addition to fountain design, for example).
Octopus Design Studio spent two years working with our factory partner to develop and perfect the technology. The installation this year on the Sun Princess, to be followed shortly by a second installation on the Star Princess, is proof that the technology works in one of the most demanding and harshest environments for entertainment systems.
Through the use of this technology, Princess was able to offer several cruise industry firsts for their guests including an indoor /outdoor pool, a glass dome that serves as both a multi-purpose space during the day and a dedicated show space in the evenings, and a 10m LED wall that sits approximately 1.5m above the swimming pool. Guests can swim directly under the screen to enter and exit The Dome venue via the swimming pool.
Partners
- Princess Cruises – Ship Owner
- Richard Parker, Director of Newbuild Guest Experience & Product Development
- Mark Simons – Director, Production Operations & Projects
- Videlio-HMS – Systems Integration
- Armin Polh – COO
- Fabio De Pace – Project Manager
- Fincantieri – Shipyard
- Vincenzo Liguori – Manager
- Pasquale Montesano – Work Package Manager Electrical Systems
- Raffaello Lovino – Head of Light, Communication and Entertainment Systems
Princess is the ship owner/operator and the primary customer. It was their decision to adopt the technology. The contract was executed via the systems integrator, Videlio-HMS, who purchased and installed the FluidLED wall. Fincantieri shipyard was responsible for the overall construction of the ship and all related infrastructure. The systems integrator’s master contract was with the shipyard. This made for a complex matrix of responsibilities and relationships to manage. In addition, Lloyd’s Register was responsible for ship classification, rules and regulations. It was Lloyd’s that supplied the detailed list of specifications that a LED screen would have to fulfill in order to be installed as originally designed over the swimming pool in close proximity to water (and guests in the water). We then commissioned the system prior to launch.
Header Image Credit: James Morgan, Getty Images for Princess Cruises