Scalable Display Technologies Chosen by Video Display Corporation for Automatic Projector Alignment of U.S. Marine Corps SAVT

Nov 30, 2009

Scalable Display Manager Software Chosen for U.S. Marine Corps Training Program

Scalable Display Technologies Partners with VDC Display Systems for Advanced Military Simulation Training

I/ITSEC — Scalable Display Technologies, a leading provider of software for multi-projector display systems, today announced that partner VDC Display Systems, a division of Video Display Corporation (NASDAQ: VIDE), has selected its EasyBlend(TM) software for six visual systems awarded as part of a multi-year contract involving the U.S. Marine Corps’ Supporting Arms Virtual Training (SAVT) program.

VDC, which specializes in the design and manufacture of projector systems for the simulation and training community, was awarded the multi-year contract in May. The systems are to be installed in trainers that will be used to advance the training capability, operational readiness, and tactical proficiency of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), Joint Forward Observers (JFOs), and Forward Air Controllers (FACs). The display systems are being provided under the prime contract issued to TJ Drafting and Design, Christmas, Florida by the Marine Corps System Command in Orlando, Florida.

VDC will use Scalable’s EasyBlend FX edge-blending software to auto-calibrate the six 260-degree horizontal field of view by 60 degree vertical field of view display systems. The system will incorporate ultra-high resolution projectors and a high-performance screen, using EasyBlend FX to edge blend and correct geometry for the spherical display. Scalable’s advanced technology will support VDC Display Systems’ goal of achieving close to real-world environments for the trainees. The display systems will be installed at multiple Marine Corp bases worldwide.

“Scalable’s MIT pedigree is evident in their world-class engineering team,” said Dave Rushton, vice president, business development at VDC Display Systems. “We have been pleased with their past performance and expect continued success on this program. Scalable’s industry leading technology and flexibility make EasyBlend FX the industry leader in our experience.”

EasyBlend offers the greatest level of technical precision in the industry, making it the ideal auto-calibration technology for military simulations. Using a patented camera-generated feedback system to calculate pixel-perfect instructions, or warp meshes, EasyBlend automatically calibrates the display and completes the task of aligning multiple projector display systems within seconds to achieve the highest quality edge-blended images with rich and precise color. By using camera feedback of an image array to correct for image warping, adjust color and blend images, EasyBlend produces displays that are bright, high resolution, portable, and self-calibrating. This purely digital approach enables display systems that cannot be engineered by conventional means, either mechanically or optically.

“We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with VDC DS on past projects and look forward toward successful delivery on this program,” said Scalable CEO, Andrew Jamison. “VDC Display Systems continues to prove itself as a leader in the military simulation market and we are pleased to be partnered with such a fine team.”