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Moving-head video projection systems can project characters onto any surface and then move them

Emerging technology in video projection has great promise for future shows featuring CHOPS and other Live Animation characters. Invented and built by High End Systems, this breakthrough of moving video images around a room uses a projector mounted via a controllable yoke and programmable focus and keystone correction, running high-resolution digital files from computer media servers. Now the director can project a character's image anywhere in the room in real-time, either programmed or spontaneously, and have it look distortion-free, with some nice special effects for good measure.

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.

One 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. There are now several brands of moving head projectors with different configurations - they all share the ability to connect to control systems that allow moving video images to be sized and positioned automatically, based on pre-programmed setups. Already, producers are using one moving head system to replace several projectors at a time, when the show calls for special effects that were created by lighting hardware previously. The Catalyst software is now discontinued, in favor of embedded computing within the projector device itself, connected by Ethernet.

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 most recent iteration of the High End moving head projector (DL3) is a pivoting 7K lumen projector on a yoke, controlled by DMX from the lighting console. It weighs 140 pounds and can be truss-mounted or stands on its own mount. It has its own embedded Windows XP computer, with video input, a built-in video camera and includes computer-generated gobos, aerial lighting effects, 400 degrees of horizontal movement and 240 degrees of vertical rotation.

These systems take in the Live Animation input via S-video and SDI interface to their media servers, so Jesch connects his Digital Puppeteer system, and instantly, the character is projected where ever the projector is aimed. The projector 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 moving head projectors, 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.

Jesch’s approach is to send his virtual characters to the DL2 or DL3 projectors, 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 projector, 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 hotel ballroom and controlled from the lighting console.