Westcoast Pixel guarantees 3D video projections with AJA technology

openGear solutions and mini converters AJA have been instrumental in bridging signal differences in 3D mapping projects carried out by Westcoast Pixel.

The recent celebration of premios Grammy, annual event recognized internationally for honoring the achievements of the recording industry, has also shone for its visual spectacle, with the projection mapping in the buildings surrounding the Madison Square Garden from New York by video solutions provider Westcoast Pixel.

In collaboration with BM Creative Laboratory, Westcoast Pixel projected 3D images in two sets of windows Penn 2, a building in midtown Manhattan, with a live orchestra that performed fragments of the nominated songs.

Con 47 Led billboards less than three meters from the projection, the powerful pure laser equipment used for the event, with a shine of 15.750 lumens, They were key to achieving it

Equally important has been the use of AJA mini converters and their openGear solutions from the Westcoast Pixel team, that helped bridge signal differences.

"The signal conversion was very important in this show, as it is in many other projects we work on -he emphasizes Brent Javier, director general de Westcoast Pixel-. In general, our need for signal conversion is due to the ability to support multiple projectors”.

When it comes to outdoor projection mapping, where it competes with sunlight or significant ambient light, like in New York, “it is necessary to stack as many projectors as possible to make the pixels as bright as possible. That's where a AJA SDI DA distribution amplifier; “an indispensable and essential tool in any system we build”, says this manager.

3D projection mapping is inherently complex. If done well, Transform a flat wall with three-dimensional animation to create a immersive experience.

To achieve the projection mapping of the Grammys, Brent Javier and his team distributed ten projectors in two locations. Six of them were placed on the ground and four were stacked, the height of the floors, on the roof of a nearby building, what it provided bright and sharp images, despite the ambient light.

The playback and control of multimedia content were managed through a server Disguise VX 4, connected to each set of projectors, in which the SDI signal was routed to a AJA FiDO mini fiber converter and then transmitted it via fiber optics to the roof.

Thence, the video signal was sent to a distribution amplifier AJA 12GDA 12G-SDI y, later, to stacked projectors for 3D mapping.

Immersive narrative

Westcoast Pixel's expertise includes engineering video systems that drive live events and immersive experiences using LED displays and media server programming..

Westcoast Pixel has recently experienced an increase in demand for Led projects, especially as more companies embrace this medium and think outside the box when creating presentations.

From a purely entertainment perspective, It is rare these days to attend a large-scale concert that does not have images in IMAG screens (image enlargement) oversized.

One of Westcoast Pixel's recent IMAG projects included media server programming for the Christina Aguilera's last concert tour. At most stops on this tour, a gigantic LED wall was provided at the back of the stage and two large IMAG screens on the sides., in different configurations, to simulate immersive images.

In this project, the Westcoast Pixel team used an audio keyer/dekeyer AJA 3G-AMA 3G-SDI with one XLR cable to quickly pass time-encoded audio to the media server.

“IMAG used to offer a panoramic view to spectators who had seats in the back rows. Now it has become a work of art, a driving creative force that helps tell the story of the musician's repertoire - Javier says -. We thank Christina's creative directors, House of SAM LA, their trust in us to provide the best visual direction for their shows”.

Balance project demands

Whatever the objective and final scope of the project, Westcoast Pixel aims to respond to all customer requests. Sometimes, This requires creative problem solving and finding solutions within limitations..

With a wide range of AJA equipment, Brent Javier and his team can easily configure key components and make changes without compromising the configuration. This includes AJA FiDO mini converters, which are crucial to transmit video over fiber; DA models for reclocks distribution and flexibility of this manufacturer's openGear technology.

“When customers see equipment from a brand like AJA, they know the caliber of the event they are going to get. Just one show is enough to realize critical failure points, so we have a tool from them ready to cover any base and reduce the possibility of failures”, concludes Javier.