- SOUTHAMPTON, U.K. – P&O Cruises is sailing the seven seas in high technology with a new integrated digital signage network on board. The state-of-the-art digital network from Beaver Solutions and Scala has significantly elevated the passenger experience aboard Azura, the latest ship in the company’s luxury fleet.
- P&O Cruises chose Beaver Solutions to design, implement and manage the mobile network, which is built on the Scala 5 software platform. Beaver was challenged to create a comprehensive, completely integrated network that could input various sources of content and redistribute it appropriately to dozens of displays throughout the 19 decks of the 300-meters-long ship.
- Beaver Solutions created a digital network that informs, entertains and communicates using screens that were integrated into the ship’s design. The network is a truly integral part of the ship, displaying information that is relevant to the location of each screen.
Every display promotes the many services and activities available on board so passengers can easily map out their holiday from anywhere on the ship. Passengers can also get the ship’s exact location, local weather and important news announcements from live satellite feeds. Some screens enable interactive multimedia gaming such as Nintendo Wii Sports and video such as family movies.
Another unique challenge for Beaver Solutions was that the system had to operate seamlessly while at sea and without a reliable Internet connection. An Internet connection is only available while the ship is docked, and it is impossible for an outside company to deliver, support or manage the system while at sea. This meant that the system needed to be ultra-reliable and easily manageable by the crew, so Beaver Solutions turned to Scala.
Scala now supports the design, management and delivery of all content throughout Azura. The whole network on board features the following:
§ Up-to-date content, managed on board, displaying relevant and timely information to the passengers.
§ 45 high-definition LCD and plasma displays (ranging from 19 inches to 80 inches) located throughout the ship, including reception areas, shops and restaurants.
§ Multiple 103-inch plasma screens grouped together to create a dramatic audio-video wall that displays iconic wonders from every continent in the world.
§ 8.2-meter LED “SeaScreen” hanging above a pool and combining digital messaging with entertainment such as group video games during the day and turning into an open-air cinema under the night sky.
§ Live news feed capabilities on up to 15 channels.
For more information, http://www.pocruises.com
