Christie 3D Environment Makes Digital Innovation a Reality
Waterloo Region, ON (Nov., 2010) – There was cause to celebrate another landmark for The Communitech Hub today as the new innovative 3D HIVE from Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc. (Christie) was officially commissioned. The equipment was installed in part thanks to $280,000 in funding provided by the Community Adjustment Fund of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, through which $1 billion in funding is being provided across the country over two years to address short-term economic needs of communities impacted by the global recession.
“The Communitech Hub will foster the development of important new digital media products and is expected to create thousands of new jobs in Canada over the next five years,” said Peter Braid, MP Kitchener-Waterloo. “This investment will support entrepreneurship, create jobs and further strengthen this region’s reputation as a centre of innovation.”
Also participating in the celebration was Harold Albrecht, MP Kitchener-Conestoga. The Hub occupies 30,000 square feet of a renovated downtown Kitchener Tannery building and houses start-up companies, small-medium enterprises, and global multi-nationals with the goal of accelerating the pace of development of new ideas and products in the digital media sector. Christie is a founding partner company and has provided advanced visualization tools and integration expertise to help startup companies explore new concepts and advance their programs.
“We look forward to seeing the results of collaboration and mentoring at The Hub which will undoubtedly produce new initiatives in digital media and contribute to long-term success, not only for the vibrant high tech community locally, but for Canada on the international scale,” said Gerry Remers, president and COO, Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc.
Communitech’s HIVE, which stands for the Hub Interactive Virtual Environment, has been a focal point of interest for visitors to The Hub and its occupants since its installation. The HIVE is powered by 12 Christie Mirage HD6 stereoscopic DLP® projectors, enabling the display of vast amounts of data in a totally immersive setting for advanced research capability. Four Christie Mirage WU18 DLP projectors and Christie Spyder X20 video processors are installed in The Tannery Events Centre, for the most versatile and advanced of presentations. The Pollock Executive Briefing Centre, named for the founder of Electrohome Limited – whose projection systems division was acquired by Christie in 1999 – features a Christie Mirage WU7 DLP projector with Christie Spyder X20 allowing for multi-source windowing, including 3D content.
“The strong support from both the federal government and Christie through its generous contribution of expertise and equipment is a formula for success, making this a unique digital media centre for Canada and one of the most advanced in the world,” said Iain Klugman, president and CEO of Communitech.
Experiencing the immersive environment was an impressive part of both The Communitech Hub opening in October and the federal presentation event today, as attendees experienced the visual impact of the Christie installations. Deemed the new digital canvas, Christie’s award-winning modular display devices, Christie® MicroTiles™, also add an impressive backdrop to The Hub lobby where they illuminate the main reception area.
Design of The Hub enables an open concept area for the established companies to brainstorm and collaborate, and private office areas for entrepreneurs to ‘incubate’ ideas in close proximity to tools and services they need to succeed. Companies have access to a suite of expert resources including entrepreneurs in residence, project manager support, and marketing & branding expertise. The Hub is home to the Canadian Digital Media Network headquarters and houses some Communitech offices. The facility was created with generous financial support from all levels of government and the private sector.
