LINKOPING, Sweden – German electro pop pioneers Kraftwerk will use the interactive and 3D features of Dataton Watchout multi-image and presentation software for all on-stage digital scenography at their 2013 concerts. Fredrik Svahnberg, Dataton marketing director, says, “Kraftwerk are known for their use of bold graphics and colors. They are using our technology in a very easy to use, yet powerful way to engage audiences around the world.”
More details from Dataton (http://www.dataton.com):
LINKOPING, Sweden – German electro pop pioneers Kraftwerk will use the interactive and 3D features of Dataton Watchout multi-image and presentation software for all on-stage digital scenography at their 2013 concerts.
Formed in 1970, Kraftwerk began using stereoscopic 3D for the MoMA concerts and ”Way out West” Swedish Rock Festival in spring 2012.
Watchout manages projected 3D content on a large stage backdrop creating a powerful abstract presence in front of audiences wearing polarized 3D glasses. Two more Watchout channels feed the flanking LED screens. To create the lighting effects on the four oversized illuminated keyboards, a Pixel-gate LED video controller uses an additional DVI output from the main screen using the Watchout ‘Tier’ feature. The main timeline in Watchout is chasing timecode from Kraftwerk synthesizers (MTC converted into SMPTE). The Kraftwerk synthesizers are also used for live visual interaction controlled using MIDI commands.
The new features of Watchout version 5 enable live manipulation of content. Media objects can be positioned, rotated and moved in 3D in real-time from external control systems, musical instruments, lighting consoles, mobile devices and sensors to control on-screen elements such as images, video, stereoscopic 3D movies and live feeds as required.
Several upcoming Kraftwerk concerts will incorporate stereoscopic 3D effects as well as 3D sound.
Kraftwerk’s first performance in Düsseldorf, Germany since 1991 are taking place in January at the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen Museum. Like the MoMA shows, Kraftwerk will play one album per date and will be accompanied by 3D visuals, which involve audiences.
Kraftwerk will perform for eight nights in February at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall. The band will perform one studio album in full on each night and combine it with visual backdrops, including interactive 3D projections and animation.
Fredrik Svahnberg, Dataton marketing director, says, “Kraftwerk are known for their use of bold graphics and colors. They are using our technology in a very easy to use, yet powerful way to engage audiences around the world. We’re looking forward to seeing Kraftwerk use the new 3D, interactive and dynamic media streaming features of Watchout in 2013 and beyond.”
