STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Wireless DMX controls may not be able to save the world from conflict and strife, but they can control lighting equipment in an environment thick with cell phones, live broadcast cameras and an occasional marble wall. A recent case in point was the Nobel Prize Banquet. In addition to the King and Queen of Sweden, approximately 1,300 guests attend the televised event, which follows the Nobel Prize Awards every year. Per Sundin has served as LD for the event for 12 consecutive years. Ola Melzig, production manager, oversaw all aspects of lighting and video from build up through broadcast.
Sundin and Melzig used wireless DMX from Wireless Solution Sweden AB to control the lighting, video and special effects. The wireless setup allowed the crew to control the event without having to run an excessive number of cables through the Stockholm City Hall venue. The crew also eliminated the setup time that cables would have entailed.
“W-DMX is a life saver at this event,” said Melzig. “In past years we’ve used it on moving lights that had W-DMX receivers built in. This year we had to light the Prince’s Gallery, where the King holds a reception for the Nobel Laureates. From front of house, The Gallery is on the other side of a room where the Nobel winners were interviewed on live TV, so we couldn’t run cable through there. The signal went through three very thick marble walls with no problem whatsoever.”
The crew used a W-DMX Generation 3 BlackBox S-1 transmitter with a BlackBox B-500 booster and directional antenna to ensure penetration of the three stone walls. On the other side, a W-DMX BlackBox R-512 receiver delivered a trouble-free signal to six SGM Genio Mobile LED units.
Inside the Blue Hall, the crew also used W-DMX for an MDG Atmosphere fog machine during the entertainment segments. None of the W-DMX controlled equipment ever lost signal. “It’s just so important for equipment to be reliable for this event,” said Melzig, “and if a product helps us solve a problem, it makes it an easy choice.”
For more information, please visit www.wirelessdmx.com.
