With the world’s highest projection screen, AV Stumpfl is setting new standards in the “Planet Ocean” exhibition at the Gasometer Oberhausen. The 40-meter-high screen from the Flex Contrast PRO series enables amazing projections that transport visitors into a photorealistic underwater world. This impressive installation shows how modern AV technology takes immersive experiences to a new level and offers an exciting insight into the possibilities of large-format projections.
The Wave: An Immersive Experience
The centerpiece of the “Planet Ocean” exhibition is the immersive installation “The Wave.” On a gigantic projection wall developed by AV Stumpfl, visitors experience a fascinating, photorealistic ocean world. Giant waves, life-sized whales, and schools of fish provide a breathtaking experience.
Rainer Brandstätter, Marketing Manager at AV Stumpfl, says about the exhibition:
“The highlight of Planet Ocean is undoubtedly the large-scale immersive installation ‘The Wave,’ which is based on a custom-made AV Stumpfl Flex Contrast PRO projection wall, towering 40 meters into the sky from the central gallery of the Gasometer. Created and realized by Ars Electronica Solutions, ‘The Wave’ allows visitors to experience a photorealistic ocean world with gigantic waves, life-sized whales and jellyfish, as well as huge schools of fish.”

Tailor-Made Solutions for Demanding Conditions
In the “Planet Ocean” exhibition at the Gasometer Oberhausen, where the 40-meter-high projection wall from AV Stumpfl is used, the technical requirements played a key role in its implementation. One of the biggest challenges was projecting in a space with strong ambient light conditions. Since the Gasometer is a 100-meter-high industrial building, standard projection solutions were not sufficient to create a high-contrast and realistic image.
Ars Electronica Solutions therefore relied on AV Stumpfl’s Flex Contrast PRO technology, which ensures exceptionally high contrast, even in bright environments. The black surface of the screen allowed for deep black tones and outstanding color reproduction, which would not have been achievable with conventional projections. This combination of color accuracy and brightness was crucial to present photorealistic content, such as whales, fish, and waves, in impressive quality.
The project was technically realized with seven Epson EB-L30000U laser projectors, each offering a brightness of 30,000 lumens. Together, they generate a total resolution of over 60 million pixels, enabling extremely sharp and vivid representation of the content. The L-shaped screen, with its 40 meters in height and 20 meters in width, was divided into five sections to precisely adjust the projections and ensure seamless display of the visual content.
Another technical aspect was the integration of the projection into the industrial architecture of the Gasometer. The arrangement of the projectors, combined with the domed ceiling, created the illusion that the water’s surface merges with the roof structure, creating a fully immersive experience.
Project partners: Ars Electronica Solutions, Gasometer Oberhausen, Geo die Luftwerker and SIGMA AV
<h2>Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers</h2> The “Planet Ocean” exhibition at the Gasometer Oberhausen is a true crowd-puller. Thanks to the impressive projection technology and the immersive staging of the ocean world, it has become the most successful exhibition in the 30-year history of the Gasometer. The combination of striking technology and artistic design draws visitors in droves. <blockquote> <p style=”text-align: left;”><em>“Planet Ocean is not only home to the tallest screen in the world, but also the most successful exhibition in the history of the Gasometer Oberhausen. In the first four weeks, more than 150,000 visitors have come to see and admire the unique installation.”</em></p> </blockquote> <p style=”text-align: right;”>Rainer Brandstätter, Marketing Manager at AV Stumpfl</p>

Photo: © SIGMA
About AV Stumpfl: Quality “Made in Austria”
AV Stumpfl is an Austrian family-owned company that has established itself internationally as a provider of AV solutions. For more than 45 years, the company has been developing and manufacturing high-quality projection screens, media servers, and control systems used in various sectors—from events and trade shows to museum and theater installations.
The company is known for its precise manufacturing and reliability. AV Stumpfl meets the specific needs of its customers through custom solutions. This flexibility and continuous product development have contributed to the company’s involvement in numerous projects worldwide.
In addition to projection screens, AV Stumpfl also offers advanced media server solutions that are often used in complex installations requiring high synchronization and image quality. The company places great emphasis on the durability of its products, a crucial factor for many AV technicians. A sustainable approach is reflected in the long lifespan of its products and the commitment to conserving resources. AV Stumpfl uses durable materials, supports its products over many years, and optimizes the energy consumption of its production facilities through the use of photovoltaic systems and 100% eco-certified electricity.
Other exciting project participations of AV Stumpfl are for example:
- WorldStage NYC: For Broadway shows and major events in New York, such as games at Madison Square Garden, the company WorldStage has been relying on AV Stumpfl’s mobile projection screens for over ten years. These flexible and durable solutions are regularly used for demanding events.
- Völkerschlachtdenkmal Leipzig: As part of the restoration of this historic monument, an AV Stumpfl CURVE projection screen was installed, playing a central role in a multimedia presentation that brings the history of the monument closer to visitors.
AV Stumpfl Flex Contrast PRO in Comparison
The comparison of AV Stumpfl’s Flex Contrast PRO with other projection surfaces is particularly interesting, as the technical requirements for large-scale and high-light-intensity projections are becoming increasingly important. Here are some of the key differences that set Flex Contrast PRO apart:

Sample illustration of a fictional projection screen
- Contrast Ratio and Black Levels Flex Contrast PRO stands out with a high contrast ratio, particularly in environments with significant ambient light. Compared to standard projection surfaces, which lose depth under bright conditions, Flex Contrast PRO offers exceptional black tone reproduction, coming close to LED technology. Especially in bright settings, the image quality remains sharp and high in contrast, while standard surfaces tend to fade.
- Material and Surface Flex Contrast PRO uses special material technologies that allow for uniform light distribution and precise color reproduction. These projection surfaces are specifically designed to display photorealistic content and offer reduced stray light due to their smooth surface, resulting in higher image clarity. In comparison, standard projection screens often use less specialized materials, which can lead to color discrepancies.
- Performance in Large-Scale Projections While standard projection surfaces typically go up to 10 meters in size, Flex Contrast PRO can easily be used for massive projections, such as the 40-meter-high screen at the Gasometer Oberhausen. This flexibility makes the screen ideal for large-format and immersive installations.
- Use in Demanding Installations Flex Contrast PRO is particularly suitable for complex and immersive AV installations, such as those found in museums, theaters, or industrial settings. In contrast, standard projection screens are often limited to conventional applications with fewer technical demands.
<h2><img class=”alignright wp-image-65711 size-full” src=”https://prolight-sound-blog.de/wp-content/uploads/pixera-four-available.jpg” alt=”pixera four available now” width=”458″ height=”152″ />AV Stumpfl at Prolight + Sound</h2> <p style=”text-align: left;”>At this year’s Prolight + Sound trade fair, industry professionals had the opportunity to discuss more exciting products from AV Stumpfl, such as the BLACKPEAK projection screen and the advanced PIXERA four media server system, with the AV Stumpfl team. Learn more about PIXERA four, winner of the InAVation Awards 2023 in the Content, Streaming & Broadcast category, <a href=”https://pixera.one/en/hardware/media-servers-1/pixera-four/”>here</a>.</p>
In conclusion, nothing beats the opportunity to network with various people from the industry in person at the trade fair. Being able to experience the latest technological advancements and product innovations up close every year? Yes, please! Admittedly, we’re already looking forward to the next Prolight + Sound trade fair and the highlights that the anniversary edition will bring!