The Danish Film Institute (DFI), located in Gothersgade in the heart of the Danish capital, Copenhagen, is home to Filmhuset.
The rooftop offers a picturesque panoramic view of the city, making it the ideal spot for a modern terrace. Transforming this unused space into a 1,700 m² terrace has been a long journey from idea to realization, but now a 1.5 mm Leyard Luminate Ultra LED videowall serves as the cinematic centerpiece of a complete renovation that includes a bar, restaurant, exhibition space, children's play area, and even two cozy outdoor videolibraries with large touchscreens for watching films. The entire terrace is now a destination that will benefit film enthusiasts and the community for years to come.
DFI chose the Leyard Luminate Ultra with a 1.5 mm pixel pitch as the main screen for the cinema, as the product is suitable for outdoor use, has an IP66 rating, features dual power supply, and offers an extremely wide viewing angle, which perfectly matched DFI's specifications for this project.
The LED screen measures 6.5 meters wide and 2.5 meters high. As part of a new generation of high-quality outdoor HD solutions with low pixel pitch, the 4K LED screen offers a all-in-one design with a robust frame, high-precision seamless cabinets, excellent color uniformity, and extremely high image quality. The model also incorporates a new common cathode drive that ensures lower power consumption, reduced heat generation, and a longer lifespan.
The cinema accommodates 127 people and features a retractable roof and removable side walls to protect against the elements. Christian Dannevang, Business Development Director at AVC and manager of the installation, explains the project requirements.
It's a wonderful place in summer. There is a café on the rooftop where you can buy food and drink. We handled the entire installation, including the screen, sound, lighting, and everything else. The cinema is designed similarly to an indoor cinema but with outdoor speakers and an intelligent sound design to minimize disturbances to neighbors, he explains.
The cinema is equipped with a control system that automatically adapts to the environment. If the sun shines, the screen brightness adjusts to ensure an experience similar to that of a traditional cinema. The staff only has to press play, and the sensors take care of the rest. This solution has been a success for the venue and has minimized disturbances.
"Teamwork is especially important in a long-term project like this, and the teams from DFI, AVC, and Leyard have worked closely together to overcome all challenges over the past few years", Dannevang continues. "Leyard has provided support with both on-site and remote equipment and has assisted with calibration and installation".
The image resolution was also a priority for the institute. Although DCI accreditation was not a priority, the solution is color compatible and provides the audience with the best possible experience for current international film programs, children's movies, and Danish classics. Kenneth Just, DFI manager, is very pleased with the outcome.
We are experiencing the opportunity to showcase films with high technical quality on a screen different from our traditional cinemas. The LED screen also allows us to project films outdoors in daylight. Our customers love the outdoor screenings with views of the city rooftops, he concludes.
