When the producers of Fox TV’s American Idol decided to source a new video wall for the 2013 season, ShowFX Inc. rose to the challenge. The result is a seamless integration of rented video panels into a custom-built 12-axis motion-controlled system that tracks and rotates, creating a multitude of looks for entrances and performances during the show. The LED panels themselves, supplied via VER and NEP/Sweetwater, are Barco ILite 6.
More details from ShowFX (www.showfx.net):
Invisible seams and perfect pixel alignment were the criteria for the new video wall system; Idol would accept no less.
“With four and a half weeks from design to installation, the ShowFX team had little time to waste, and all eyes were on us,” says company CEO David Mendoza. The producers emphasized that the new wall must close tightly, and all pixels must be in perfect alignment or the video image would be distorted.
A precision track was designed on which six servo-driven towers would ride. The towers hold the video panels and LED illuminated oval frame surround, and utilize a precision slew bearing for 180 degrees of rotation of each video wall section.
The control system has the capability of on-the-fly programming to allow the show’s director to quickly compose each scene during rehearsals, then later cue them during the show.
The tracking/rotating automation system will become part of the ShowFX Rental Inventory around mid May, 2013, and will be available for live events, television or touring, Mendoza added.
