Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Warner Brothers Theater

Washington, DC

Client: Architrave Architects

Completion Date: 2013

Polysonics provided acoustics, audio, video, lighting, and projection design consulting to the Smithsonian for renovation of their aging Carmichael Auditorium. The new, state-of-the-art venue was renamed the Warner Brothers Theater. Polysonics’ designs included a large format 7.1 surround sound system, 3D digital cinema projection, film projection, rear window captioning, flexible live presentation systems, a production intercom system, and touch screen control of all audio, video and lighting systems. The designed systems provide immersive high-quality visual images accompanied by high-quality sound from a variety of sources. The Smithsonian uses this space for classic and contemporary 16mm and 35mm film festivals, 2D and 3D digital cinema programs, DVD, HD Cam, Digi-Beta, and Blu-Ray playback, high-definition live broadcasts via internet, cable, or satellite, computer multimedia presentations, plus lectures, speeches, presentations, and live performances.

Polysonics also designed the Warner Brothers Theater Lobby Marquee, a large format video wall display system that allows media, software, hardware, and multiple display screens to work together as one seamless high impact display system. The marquee display is comprised of eight 46” backlit LED flat screens configured two screens high by four screens wide. Each of the screens has an extremely thin bezel in order to provide a very large and virtually seamless image. The Lobby Marquee display is used as an attention getting attraction to promote ticket sales and advertise for film festivals, public programs, galas, and celebrations.