Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), a leading university in
Western New York, has upgraded its facilities to include a world-class creative
technology and design hub at MAGIC Spell Studios. The 52,000-square-foot space
brings together RIT’s academic strengths in game design and development, film
and animation, new media design and more. Aiming to arm its students with the
finest technologies, MAGIC Spell Studios is a high-end center of excellence
that rivals any Hollywood studio facility. The new building — the only one of
its kind in the Northeast — boasts the latest in technology and design
equipment, and uses a host of ChristieÒ technology, including
projectors, flat panel displays and audio. Audio-Video
Corporation, one of New York State’s most successful audiovisual firms with a
history dating back to 1946, carried out the eye-catching installation.
“Prior to MAGIC Spell Studios, we lacked access to a proper
digital cinema infrastructure,” says David Long, Director, RIT MAGIC Center. “The academic programs needed
proper research environments for working on advanced cinema applications. Further,
RIT is heavily investing in convergent technologies across all digital media in
general – from film and digital graphics to game design and development. We’ve
opened up a facility that’s on the leading edge of both audio and visual
quality. Our students are designing stuff that is pushing the boundaries, and
it’s exciting to have that gear here in our production and exhibition spaces.”
The new building houses a 7,000-square-foot sound
stage and the 180-seat Wegmans Theater, featuring a
Christie CP4325-RGB pure laser projector - a DCI compliant
cinema projector using Christie RealLaser™ technology. Also in use is Christie Vive Audio and
Dolby AtmosÒ sound. Sound-mixing and digital color correction rooms, game and media
development labs, 2D and 3D animation labs, and an AR/VR room, as well as
conference, office and other academic spaces round out the new environment.
“We have a digital media suite for color correction
and for training colorists who want to work in the cinema industry,” says Long.
“What we’ve built here is equivalent to what you’d find in Hollywood, Toronto,
or New York City. This is a completely professional production center.
“All of the spaces – inclusive of the Christie
technology – are living laboratories, not just for creatives who want content
to look good, but for technologists and engineers who want to design the next
wave of that technology,” continues Long. “This is great for those that want to
be able to operate within a professional ecosystem at a university where you
might not typically expect that.”
Christie technology throughout RIT facilityRIT has also outfitted
five classrooms with
Christie HS Series 4K projectors, so that every visual
presentation throughout the building is in 4K resolution. These rooms are for
everyday teaching, from film and game design classes to new media design and graphic
design. Additionally, RIT showcases creative content generated by students throughout
the building using the Christie
Access Series flat panels in a range of sizes located in the lobby, huddle spaces, and
other prominent locations. These
business-grade 4K UHD panels are perfect for meeting rooms and digital
signage.
“What impresses me is the seamless integration of the
4K equipment in our everyday operation,” Long concludes. “What I see with this
is as good as anything out of Hollywood.”
About Rochester Institute of Technology
Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology is a diverse and
collaborative community of engaged, socially conscious, and intellectually
curious minds. Through creativity and innovation, and an intentional blending
of technology, the arts and design, we provide exceptional individuals with a
wide range of academic opportunities, including a leading research program and
an internationally recognized education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Beyond our main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT has international campuses
in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. And with more than 19,000 students and
more than 135,000 graduates from all 50 states and over 100 nations, RIT is
driving progress in industries and communities around the world. Find out more
at rit.edu.
