The
fine line between science fiction and fact has been crossed
in a new way, as a result of innovations in 3D animation
and video projection technology. Performance animator
Gary Jesch announced that his idea for projecting
live 3D characters from a single video projector will
be realized with a new device that speeds convergence
of the stage lighting and video projection technologies.
The device,
called the Catalyst system, was introduced in 2002 by
High End Systems, and allows show producers to put video
images anywhere in a room, from a single projector with
a Catalyst system mirror head attached. The Catalyst's
control system allows moving video images to be sized
and positioned automatically, based on pre-programmed
setups. Already, producers are using one Catalyst system
to replace several projectors at a time, when the show
calls for special effects that were created by lighting
hardware previously.
Click
here to see a video of the Catalyst DL1 demonstration
in Las Vegas, featuring CHOPS. (High
speed connection recommended - 4.3M Flash file.)
The next iteration
of the Catalyst system will feature a pivoting 5K lumen
projector on a yoke, controlled by a Whole Hog III. It
will be able to display up to four layers of digital
video simultaneously, and will include computer-generated
gobo, aerial lighting effects and 570 degrees of horizontal
movement and 270 degrees of vertical rotation.
Since the Catalyst
projects video images processed by a Mac G4 media server, Jesch connects his Digital Puppeteer system by Firewire,
which creates live video of his virtual characters, and
instantly, the character is projected where ever the
Catalyst is aimed. The Catalyst can then be programmed
to move the image rapidly in succession all around a
room or tradeshow booth from a single projection location.
Prior to the
invention of the Catalyst system, producers had to set
up a single projector, at right angles to the screen
or projection surface and a specific distance related
to the final size of the image, for each location where
the image was to appear, and then use expensive video
routing equipment to move the source picture from one
projector to the next. It was a very complicated and
expensive proposition that required renting multiple
projectors, extra space and hard-to-find video equipment.
Now, the same effects
can be obtained from a single projector and the Catalyst system, which is a
computer-controlled
mirror head that attaches to any video projector. The
control system can do whatever the programmer wants
to accomplish, including correcting the image for squareness,
size and location, including sequences of locations
in
succession. Jesch’s
vision is to send his virtual characters to the Catalyst
projector, and then move them around the room while he
is doing his performance in real time, following presets
designed ahead of time. From his animation control booth,
he can also operate the computer controlling the Catalyst,
so he can have perfect timing, when making a character
move from one side of the room to the other in a blink.
According to
Peter Scharff of Scharff/Weisberg in NYC, this combination
of technologies opens the door to very different and
unusual shows that will provide drama, captivate audiences
and deliver focused messages at tradeshows and special
events. He said that he and Jesch are still thinking
of creative ways to incorporate the elements into shows
where the client is looking for a high-impact impression.
CHOPS has also proven
the power of the Catalyst system and has gained valuable experience, from a General
Session appearance in San Diego for Event Solutions Magazine.
The Catalyst was attached to a 10K Roadie projector, flown
in the center of the room and controlled from the lighting
console. 
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