On a recent show, I chose to work with several new pieces of technology. I love the opportunity to work with new equipment, learn new concepts, and discover new creative ideas! The experience was challenging, but it was definitely well worth it. Here’s a recap.
Ai Media Server
One of the new products I decided to use was the new Ai Media Server from Avolites Media. In recent months I spent time with the server, then at LDI I met with the development team to discuss the project. Once I felt confident that this was the server that could make the creative concept for my project come to life, I set the plan in motion to get it on the show.
At the show site, with the help of two Ai server programmers, we were able to take custom content created for the event and map it to our scenic elements in very interesting ways. The process was intense, and we had to make onsite corrections to the content including the UV map of the 3D objects, the content’s resolution, and the content’s contrast to make it pop.
Thanks to the Ai programmer, we were able to direct the content creation team with the corrections needed to be able to make the mapping exact and the content as bright and clean as possible.
ELAR Quad Panels
The ELAR Quad Panels from Elation made a great choice as well for this project, and they were very easy to set up and program. In my design I chose not to connect them all in one big panel; instead, I separated them into five columns of five panels, with spacing between each row and decorative scenic flats in between each column.
I must say that I am a big fan of these new LED audience blinders/low resolution panels especially because they allow each pixel to be controlled individually. While this does increase the total number of DMX channels being patched, consoles like the grandMA2, also a new technology for me, made working with these units as simple as could be.
I tapped into the console’s Bitmap Effects engine to provide the images, and I had a tremendous amount of fun using the console’s Effects editor creating as many chases as I could think of for this arrangement.
Emulator DVS and KS-1974
An additional piece of new gear that we added to this event was the Emulator DVS from SmithsonMartin. During this event, guests danced into the New Year while listening to four hours of party music and live production numbers. The DJ, who was featured prominently in the room, operated the Emulator.
This control interface features a large piece of touch sensitive transparent glass, on which the mixing interface is projected. The audience not only sees the DJ, they get to see what his hands are doing at the same time!
This control interface allows the user to create a custom template to control any MIDI capable application. It is both fun and dynamic, and it adds even more flair to the performance than just seeing a DJ behind turntables.
I’m currently experimenting with the smaller Emulator KS-1974 to control lighting control software. While a template is available for the grandMA2, the flexibility of this touchscreen makes is a perfect “wing” for any MIDI-capable PC lighting application.
I’ve also been successful with using the KS-1974 just running the PC versions of ChamSys and HogPC directly from the touchscreen (no MIDI necessary). The size is well suited for just about any small application and can be used as a substitution for an upright USB touchscreen.
The downside of using untested technology is not knowing truly what to expect. But I cut my teeth in this industry working with cutting-edge products, and I’m used to finding the workarounds needed to get the job done. Plus, I love having some input into a new product’s future, especially when I can share valuable feedback with the developers during and after the event. That said, here are the pros and cons, as I see them, of adopting the latest technologies.
Pros
- Working with new equipment can be exciting and can help to bring fresh ideas into a project.
- Providing valuable feedback for the manufacturer from a real world application
- Pushing yourself in a new direction, to move outside your comfort zone
- Discovering new ideas which can lead to new ways of using a product that you are more familiar with.
Cons
- The world of the unknown can make some people weary of trying out brand new products on a show.
- The learning curve can be steep
- Software features may not be complete, or working at all
- Other features are likely to be undocumented
- Software might be unstable
- Documentation may be limited or unavailable
For me, the benefits far outweigh the risks involved. I would encourage you to do as I do the next time you are designing a show — take the time to consider new technology, and embrace the challenge of thinking outside the box!
