Scalable Display Technologies, an industry-leading application provider that automatically calibrates images’ alignment, color, intensity and geometry from multiple projectors, celebrated its 20th anniversary at InfoComm 2024. Since its inception in 2004, Scalable has been at the forefront of projection and display technology, tracing its roots back to the work of Dr. Rajeev Surati and Dr. Tom Knight, Jr. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the 1990s.
The foundation of Scalable’s technology was developed by Dr. Rajeev Surati and his thesis advisor, Dr. Tom Knight, Jr., at MIT. Their pioneering work led to the creation of a camera-based calibration system for projectors. In 1998, MIT filed a patent for this technology, which was subsequently granted in 2002. Scalable was founded in 2004, making the company the original inventor and initial patent holder of camera-based calibration for projectors. The initial technology has become the backbone of Scalable’s industry-leading software, enabling automatic calibration of color, intensity and geometry across multiple projectors to create seamless, high-resolution digital displays of unlimited size and shape.
Since 2004, Scalable has been instrumental in executing projects for renowned brands like Google, partaking in installations like Pier57, and collaborating with prestigious institutions, such as the California Academy of Sciences and Ivy League universities. Its extensive portfolio encompasses major brands such as Microsoft, SpaceX, and Lockheed Martin, as well as state-of-the-art projects for the U.S. Military, and both Formula 1 and Formula-E teams for simulation, showcasing its role in shaping projects across diverse industries. In 2006, Scalable achieved a notable milestone by completing its inaugural project with Pixar, laying the foundation for future collaborations with industry giants. Scalable’s technology was licensed to leading OEM projector manufacturers over the subsequent decade, expanding brand recognition and technical integration possibilities.
In 2018, the introduction of color and intensity calibration further solidified Scalable’s investment to innovation. In 2021, Scalable expanded its platform’s functionality with the launch of Scalable Atlas, an automatic camera-based projector mapping software designed to seamlessly align the images of multiple projectors on complex objects or surfaces. Scalable continues to innovate with their latest product release, Commander. This enhancement provides operators with a simplified interface for both software and hardware control, streamlining the complexity of large multi-projector installations and expanding beyond the role of calibration providers.
“Twenty years of innovation is an incredible milestone for Scalable Display Technologies,” said James Pietsch, director of global accounts for Scalable Display Technology. “From our inception at MIT to our current position as a leader in projection technology, we’ve collaborated with industry leaders and contributed to diverse projects worldwide. We’ve achieved many milestones, such as completing our 100th installation back in 2010, and last year we reached our 2000th installation. As we continuously push the boundaries of innovation, we’re empowering our customers to explore new ideas and applications.”
Scalable’s software, powered by machine-vision algorithms, offers a simple and cost-effective way to achieve stunning visual displays across various applications, including simulation, training, architecture and design, broadcast and production, higher education, arts and entertainment. Scalable Display Technologies has established OEM relationships with leading projector brands, including Barco, Hitachi, NEC and Ricoh, and serves as a key supplier to many other video playback hardware vendors. Scalable’s commitment to advancement shines through in their evolving features and capabilities, strategic partnerships with media server providers, and collaborations with industry leading manufacturers.
For more information on Scalable Display Technologies, please visit scalabledisplay.com.
