Hear’Say

The tour’s live video requirements are supplied by XL Video. The 32 square metre central screens - which open like curtains at the start of the show to allow the band to enter - are constructed from Barco DeLite 7 LED systems. Two left and right screens are fed by Barco ELM G10 projectors mounted on the truss, and are predominantly used for the live relay images. PCM was commissioned by Mark Wade from OTT Rigging to build the customised movement system for the video screens. The resulting system, an amalgamation of a Gis tracking system, Beta electric wire winches and a motion control system, is a combination of PCM’s industrial expertise brought into a more theatrical context. The wall is hung on the PCM track, controlled by the Beta Winch that’s rigged through a series of pulleys - allowing the videowall to be opened and closed at a controlled rate. The system is designed with in-built encoders so the PLC (programmable logic controller) can detect the position of each portion of screen. A frequency inverter ensures that the speed, ‘soft start’ and ‘soft stop’ functions can also be closely controlled. A ‘Teach Me’ button enables the settling of the screen in the correct positions with just one button press, and the various movement cues are recorded into the PLC including those used in the opening/closing sequence. Mixing is via one of XL’s standard DPU systems featuring a GVG1200 mixer/switcher and a Magic DaVE effects device. A 32 x 32 matrix switcher delivers multiple and composite feeds to the three screens, with Ruary MacPhie in the seat as live video director for XL.