ArKaos is the Belgian developer of real-time visual processing technologies for live visual performance. Lighting designer for Australia’s version of the world famous talent show American Idol, Francesco Calvi has selected ArKaos’ new version of MediaMaster for the show. In the words of Calvi, “What started out as a light show with a central screen on the first series of Australian Idol has now evolved into a ‘big’ light show involving several video screens accessed by media servers, all of which are linked to the lighting console.”
Calvi is using two Power Macs to give three video feeds. The first Power Mac is feeding the 6mm main screen and the 28mm video floor. These two feeds are run off one machine as they work very closely together: the content at times needs to flow from screen to floor as one image and, as they are different format screens, each screen should be controlled separately.
The second Power Mac is feeding the side screens – 16 columns of 28-mm screens – which are treated for the most part as one screen. Both Power Macs are controlled via a GrandMA. Calvi’s initial impressions have been confirmed by the Media Master’s performance throughout the show’s run.
ArKaos has also added a contrast and brightness master to its latest software. This feature is essential for anyone working with LED screens. Contrast is also available as an effect, but the ability to use it as an attribute frees up the effects and it is particularly useful with the low resolution screens where the image is not as detailed.
Frame blending is an additional feature that can be turned off/on depending on the requirement. It has helped to smooth out some less than perfect media.
ArKaos develops visual synthesizers that trigger and manipulate graphic content for display on large screens at concerts and clubs.
Lighting designer Francesco Calvi started as a touring roadie 25 years ago, working for several lighting companies in Australia. He started his own LD company, Calvi Lighting Designs, in 1997 and is now mainly working for television shows and major events such as Australian Idol, So you Think You can Dance, Big Brother, Live Earth Australia and Sound Relief.
