Adtec Digital Provides Playback for Interactive Exploration at IFE

When the Institute for Exploration (IFE) set out for find a professional playback solution, their focus on function and affordability lead them to discover the Adtec Digital edje-4111HD.

Based in Mystic, CT, and located in the Mystic Aquarium, IFE is dedicated to research in the aquatic sciences, especially pertaining to human and natural history in the oceans. Bob Knott, senior broadcast engineer at IFE, explains that the need for professional playback systems came as “a means to store, update, schedule, and display HD video presentations in Dr. Robert Ballard’s Challenge of the Deep exhibit, as well as to present live multi-cast streams originating from the E/V Nautilus expedition and the Inner Space Center at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography.”

Adtec Digital’s edje-4111HD, a digital media player for AVC/H.264 and MPEG 2 high and standard definition file playback and IP stream decoding is the perfect solution both on-site and remotely.

“The video quality of both the stored content and decoder output is exceptional and has been used driving HD projectors as well as LDC displays where the [museum] visitors are in a position to make critical observation of the displayed images,” explains Knott. “We have also used them as digital receivers for multi-cast and uni-cast video streams to remote venues.”

The edje-4111 HD can easily be configured using the included web-based control application and front panel menu.

“We are very pleased with the web interface providing remote access to the units allowing me to administer them, even when I am at sea half way around the world working during the expeditions,” shares Knott.  During their most recent expedition, the Nautilus expedition, scientists mapped the sea floor, studied underwater volcanoes, investigated unusual life forms, explored shipwrecks and more. The Nautilus expedition was unique in that it offered people around the world the opportunity to virtually participate in ocean exploration. A satellite dish on the ship transmitted live video and other data from the expedition 24 hours a day, seven days a week allowing scientists on shore to use the data to participate in the expedition from afar.

Whatever the source, Whatever your source, the edje-4111 HD can automatically scale the content to match the output target up to 1080P60 for outstanding HD playback.

“Media can easily be loaded, managed, and scheduled for playout, utilizing the included mediaControl software with command interface and scheduler to play a list of files and loop indefinitely,” explains Brian Adair, Adtec Digital key account manager.  “The edje-4111 HD costs significantly less than competitor products without sacrificing high-quality video, making it an incredibly cost-effective, value-oriented solution.”