EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
- Everybody wants the impossible.
- And you want it NOW.
- So that's what Metavision provides.
Case in point: The Las Vegas Hilton's SpaceQuest Casino environmental display.
A fully immersive gaming environment that literally places the guest in a space station 350 years in the future and 1500 miles above the Earth. And yes, it was done with mirrors.
The environment is solidly established by a giant, three pane, 80 foot long (24 meter) Window Into Space that is visible throughout the entire casino. The effect is the w
orld's largest virtual reality environment. When you are in the casino, you are, without a doubt, way out in space.
To make it happen, we had to do three fundamental things. We had to create the visual sequence of action that unfolds outside the window, knowing all the while that, unlike a story, it has neither beginning nor end.
In dramatic terms, the view out a window is all "middle". This view had to connect with the viewer instantly, provide a compelling sense of realism and allow the most casual observer to feel like they were witnessing the common events outside a window in a very uncommon place and time.
Then we needed to fabricate the scene in media at a resolution and quality that equalled film on every one of the three panes of the window. It took one of SGI's largest Onyx computers at Metavision to process the job. In fact each frame of computer image was rendered 160% wider than an IMAX frame!
Finally we needed to implement a unique media delivery system for, as we all know, the view out a window is there all the time. That meant 24 hour projection capability, high definition images and problem solving that ranked with rocket science. As a result of all this we can offer future productions the solid, proven ability to throw HDTV images anywhere they might need to be with a deep understanding of price, production requirements and pitfalls.
- Advanced Imaging Magazine gave it their top award in the June, 1997 Imaging Solutions Contest.
- It has won both the THEA award from the Themed Entertainment Association.
- It has won the Gold Medallion from Casino Executive Magazine.