Hardware

This section specifies the technical requirements for devices used in our digital experiences, including touchscreens, headphones, and other hardware components. This ensures compatibility and longevity of our digital installations.

'Hardware' refers to all physical hardware components of an interactive experience such as the computer, console, display (screen or projection based), keyboard, mouse, controllers, cameras, microphones and speakers.

Preferred hardware

Hardware is generally determined by the type of content being delivered. There will be a dedicated session with the Auckland Museums team to sign off on the hardware proposed before production begins.

New hardware versus re-used hardware

There are many instances where hardware can be re-used but as a standard rule, we aim to purchase new hardware for new permanent installations and experiences. This should be considered in early budget explorations.

Guide to identifying projectors

Projectors play a crucial role in exhibitions, presentations, and interactive displays. Below is a guide to choosing the right projector in relation to use case and technical requirements.

Identify the Use Case

Choose a projector based on the intended application:

• Theater (commercial productions in controlled lighting environments)

• Office/Business Presentations (PowerPoint, meetings)

• Classrooms & Training Rooms (education, workshops)

• Large Venues & Events (auditoriums, churches, conferences)

• Short-Throw/Ultra-Short-Throw (small spaces, interactive applications)

• Long-Throw Projection (large auditoriums, stadiums, event halls)

Key Specifications to Consider

1. Brightness (Measured in Lumens)

• < 2,500 lumens → Best for dark rooms (movie theater)

• 2,500 - 4,000 lumens → Classrooms & small meeting rooms

• 4,000 - 6,000 lumens → Mid-size conference rooms & lecture halls

• 6,000+ lumens → Large venues, churches, and outdoor use

2. Resolution

• 1080p (Full HD) → Home theater, business presentations

• 4K UHD → High-end home theater, business, and engineering applications

• WXGA (1280×800) → Standard business and classroom use

• WUXGA (1920×1200) → High-detail business, engineering, and medical applications

3. Throw Distance & Lens Type

• Ultra-Short-Throw (UST) (0–1m from the screen) → Limited spaces, interactive whiteboards

• Short-Throw (1–2.5m) → Small rooms, classrooms

• Standard Throw (2.5m or more) → General use, offices, classrooms

• Long-Throw (10m or more) → Large venues, stadiums, event halls

4. Contrast Ratio

(Higher contrast improves black levels and sharpness)

• 10,000:1 or higher → Home theater

• 5,000:1 or higher → Business/classrooms

5. Connectivity

• HDMI → Standard for modern devices

• USB/Wireless → Streaming, presentations

• LAN (Network Control) → Corporate and school setups

• HDBaseT Support: Some models support HDBaseT for long-distance AV transmission over a single cable. 

Recommended Projectors by Use Case

Touch Monitors

Interactive displays enhance visitor engagement. The Museum incorporates the following touch monitors:

ELO brand as preference.

Please note: elo manufacture to a planned schedule of anticipated worldwide demand.  They do not warehouse or accept reservations or cancellations.

Reasons for selecting ELO:

• Standard across most museum installations

• Reliable driver support

• Allows disabling right-click and multi-touch gestures

• Can enforce single gesture mode

• Supports hiding the mouse pointer

• Configuration is more secure than HTML-based fixes.

• Drivers can be pre-installed in deployment images and work across devices.

Lead time is 7-10 days from date of order placement IF in-stock in Shanghai. Otherwise these will need to be made to order and may require a minimum order of 10 or more units.

General Screen Requirements:

• Touch screens should only be Progressive Capacitance type of touch

• Commercial-grade open frame - no visible buttons.

Large Screens

ELO remains the preferred choice and is regularly available in 55". Larger panels from Samsung or LG are viable alternatives, but they have significant driver limitations compared to ELO. Any deviation from ELO should be planned early. Design considerations in the experience must account for this—such as disabling right-click or hiding the cursor, if needed.

Monitors (Non-Touch)

For non-touch monitors, the museum prefers to use commercial grade panels (where applicable) for the following reasons:

1. Commercial-Grade Reliability

• 24/7 Operation: Designed for continuous use, unlike consumer TVs. 

• Durability: Built with robust components to withstand long hours of operation in public or high-traffic environments. 

• Extended Warranty: Often come with longer or more comprehensive warranties tailored for business use. 

2. Superior Display Quality

• 4K UHD & OLED Options: Sharp resolution and true-to-life color for a premium viewing experience. 

• Wide Viewing Angles: IPS panel technology ensures consistent visuals from different angles. 

• High Brightness & Anti-Glare: Suitable for brightly lit areas and ensures content visibility in challenging lighting conditions. 

3. Integrated Software & Features

• webOS Platform: LG’s proprietary smart platform designed for commercial use. Supports HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS for custom applications. 

• Built-in CMS (Content Management System): Scheduling and managing content without the need for external players is possible but most likely all content will be funelled through the museums CMS. 

• Remote Management: Monitor and control screens via LG’s SuperSign or third-party platforms. 

4. Versatile Connectivity

• Multiple Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB, RS232C, and LAN ports for flexible integration. 

• HDBaseT Support: Some models support HDBaseT for long-distance AV transmission over a single cable. 

• CEC & Control Protocols: Easily integrated into AV control systems for streamlined operation. 

5. Smart Capabilities

• Screen Mirroring & Casting: Wirelessly share content from devices. 

• Interactive Options: Touch screen and interactive whiteboard capabilities available in specific models. 

• IoT & Sensor Integration: Useful for smart building or smart retail environments. 

6. Modular & Scalable

• Video Wall Capability: Ultra-narrow bezels for seamless video walls. 

• Custom Mounting Solutions: Easily adaptable for kiosks, wayfinding, menu boards, etc. 

• Portrait & Landscape Modes: Flexible orientation options depending on content needs. 

7. Brand Support & Ecosystem

• Strong Global Brand: LG is a trusted and established brand with a vast support network. 

• Partner Ecosystem: Wide compatibility with AV integrators, control systems (e.g., Crestron, Extron), and digital signage software providers. 

Preferred brand is a commercial LG panel

Headphones & Audio Systems

For personal and immersive audio experiences, the Museum utilizes the below, choice to be determined regarding accessibility and audio requirements:

Blackbox AV MKII Armour Cable Headphones

https://www.interpretationshop.co.uk/product/mkii-armoured-cable-headphones-standard-autoplay/

Blackbox AV Single Cup Armour Cable Headphones

https://www.interpretationshop.co.uk/product/single-cup-armour-cable-headphones-magnetic-hanger/

Media Players

Reliable digital signage and multimedia playback are essential. The Museum employs:

• Brightsign LS5: Basic Full HD or 4K video playback and streaming with essential touchscreen or USB device engagement

• Brightsign XT5: Enhanced HTML, multiple outputs

PCs & Workstations

For content creation, management, and interactive installations, the Museum utilizes:

For devices installed near the experience (Small Form Factor):

• HP Elite Mini 600 G9: The HP Elite Mini 800 Desktop PC delivers the high-performance needed to develop complex presentations, crunch big numbers, and quickly create compelling content. Equipped with a powerful Intel® processor, responsive graphics, and smart deployment options, this is the right PC for big jobs done in small spaces.

• 3D engine spec workstation: Appropriately spec'd workstation with Nvidia graphics capability - Could be HP elite mini 600 g9 with 3050ti add-on card (checking availability) or will need to find alternative

• For high powered devices for multi screen or rendering then device needs to be Rack mounted in existing data cabinets

• The use of any new PC or workstations should be considered along side the Software, Content Management, Data section.

Software

The following software solutions are integral to the Museum's AV applications:

• Q-SYS Designer Software: For integrating AV systems with audio processing and automation. The Museum has standardized on the Q-SYS platform for comprehensive audio and control needs. qsys.com

• TouchDesigner: Real-time interactive content development for digital exhibits.

• MadMapper: Video mapping software for projection-based experiences.

• BrightAuthor: For managing BrightSign media players and creating digital signage playlists.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects): For exhibit content creation and digital media production.

• SiteKiosk Kiosk application: Public Gallery Kiosk application

Other Hardware

The museum has experience and various examples of utilizing the below hardware in digital experiences. Any novel hardware suggestions are welcome and will be screened appropriately by the Auckland Museum project team before being committed to as part of the design process.

• Depth Cameras

• Cameras

• Interaction device - dials, buttons,

• Motion Sensors

Conclusion

The Auckland War Memorial Museum is committed to utilizing industry-standard AV hardware and software to provide visitors with high-quality, reliable, and engaging experiences. By adhering to these standards, the Museum ensures that its exhibitions and events can be both immersive and educational.

General

Displays

Audio

Cabling

Note that a number of modern cabling systems such as iOS lightning cables, HDMI, thunderbolt and USB-C cables involve smart technologies in the cables or plugs, have differing specification so ensure that all cables and spares will perform as expected, especially third-party cables. Some cables are one-directional and may need labelling to indicate this.

Networking

Networks are assumed to be hostile and network access will be locked down as much as possible.

Extenders

User interface devices

Most interactives and video games have specific requirements for these devices depending on the nature of the content and the interaction it requires. The relative complexity of the experience tends to increase the number of user interface components in use.