The Oculus at IAH Airport
A Landmark Immersive LED Experience Welcoming the World to Houston
The Oculus at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is one of the most ambitious immersive LED installations ever delivered inside a U.S. airport. Suspended high above the new international arrivals corridor, this massive circular display creates a stunning visual landmark that welcomes millions of travelers to Houston each year. Ford AV served as the design-build technology integrator, engineering and installing a fully custom LED structure, content system, and control architecture that transforms airport travel into an extraordinary multimedia experience.
Project Overview
Houston Airport set out to create a powerful, iconic visual centerpiece for its International Wing—an installation that could welcome travelers, create a sense of place, and elevate the passenger journey. The result was the Oculus, a massive curved LED structure designed to bring motion, light, and narrative immersion into one of the airport’s busiest public spaces.
Ford AV partnered with airport leadership, architects, engineers, and content designers from concept through completion. Our team delivered a complete AV solution: structural design, LED integration, rigging, control systems, media playback, testing, calibration, and long-term service. The Oculus now serves as a dynamic visual beacon, enhancing engagement and the overall travel experience.
A Transformative Passenger Experience
Where Travel Meets Emotion & Discovery
The Oculus transforms the arrivals hall with immersive Digital Signage, dynamic motion, and architectural storytelling—creating a sense of welcome and wonder for passengers entering the United States through Houston.
Brand Elevation for Houston Airports
By combining large-format Direct View LED displays with bold architectural design, the Oculus elevates the Houston Airports brand, enhances passenger experience, and highlights the facility’s commitment to innovation and world-class design.
Engineered for Continuous Performance
Behind the striking visuals is a purpose-built AV system designed for nonstop operation in a high-traffic Transportation environment—delivering uninterrupted playback, seamless redundancy, and long-term maintainability.
Watch the oculus story
Episode 1 – The Vision Takes Shape
From impossible geometry to suspended reality. This is where the Oculus begins.
Episode 2 – Inside The Oculus
Real-time sensing. Synchronized 4K playback. Zero margin for error. Step Inside the Oculus.
Episode 3 – The Obstacles Behind The Build
The technical obstacles Ford AV overcame to make the Oculus possible.
Episode 4 – Bringing The Oculus To Life
Systems Live, Calibrated, and Tested. See the Oculus run for the first time.
Episode 5 – Best of the Best
Unique design. Immense scale. Visual precision. Only the best can create the Oculus.
Episode 6 – That’s a Wrap
Installation complete. Vision realized. Impact undeniable.
Project Challenges & Solutions
Challenge 1: Complex Curved DVLED Engineering
Solution: Millimeter-accurate custom structure and module calibration
Challenge 2: Strict Structural and Weight Limitations
Solution: Engineered lightweight framing and custom rigging
Challenge 3: Interactive Media and Real-Time Sensor Sync
Solution: Integrated sensing system and custom control architecture
Challenge 4: Large-Format Content Delivery and Data Throughput
Solution: Robust 4K playback, media servers, and synchronized pipelines
Challenge 5: Installation in an Active Airport Environment
Solution: Phased deployment, safety compliance, zero operational disruption
The Expertise Behind Oculus
The Oculus is the result of a powerful collaboration between these industry-leading partners—each bringing unmatched expertise to one of the nation’s most ambitious airport media installations.
Related Technologies Used in This Project
The Oculus at IAH Airport showcases Ford AV’s expertise in delivering large-scale, immersive AV experiences. Every aspect of this installation leveraged advanced technologies to ensure precision, reliability, and a transformative passenger experience. Key systems and solutions used in this project include:
Direct View LED
Thousands of hand-aligned, high-resolution modules form the Oculus’ curved LED structure, creating seamless, vibrant visuals that define the airport’s arrivals corridor.
Digital Signage
Dynamic motion graphics and architectural storytelling enhance passenger engagement, providing a visually compelling welcome to Houston.
Control Systems
Custom-built control architecture synchronizes media playback, sensor input, and lighting effects for real-time responsiveness.
Command Center Systems
Centralized management of the Oculus’ complex AV ecosystem ensures smooth operation across multiple display and content zones.
AV Remote Monitoring (AVRMM)
Proactive system monitoring and diagnostics allow Ford AV to maintain continuous uptime, addressing issues before they impact airport operations.
Custom Design Build and Engineering Services
Precision structural design, module calibration, and rigging expertise enabled the installation of a massive, curved LED installation in a high-traffic airport environment.
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About Ford AV
Ford AV specializes in designing and integrating large-scale DVLED installations for airports, public spaces, and high-visibility architectural environments. For more than 50 years, organizations across the U.S. have trusted our team to bring ambitious concepts to life—and keep them performing flawlessly for years.
- Proven Expertise in Large-Scale LED Installations – 50+ years of experience delivering immersive, architecturally integrated LED systems to every industry
- Engineering-Driven Approach – In-house engineers, designers, and certified technicians ensure precision from design to commissioning
- Custom Solutions—Not Off-the-Shelf – We create systems tailored to the environment, structure, and long-term performance requirements
- Airport & Public-Space Specialists – Skilled in regulatory compliance, safety standards, and active-environment construction
- Nationwide Installation & Support – Local presence with national reach, including ongoing service, maintenance, and system monitoring
Ready to create a landmark AV experience? Ford AV helps airports, public venues, and organizations bring ambitious immersive projects to life.
