Eurovision Song Contest 14. May in Dusseldorf
The Music plays (from) here!!
The ATec TRACKSHOT System was the main playout system for the elimination rounds and finals of the Eurovision mega-event held this year in Dusseldorf, Germany. TRACKSHOT provided not only all of the audio material, it also generated the time codes that were used to trigger all of the other systems, such as lights, video, pyrotechnics and stage movements.
Special 8-track audio samples were produced individually in advance for each of the appearances of the ESC contestants.
The backing tracks were on tracks 1+2, which were then mixed with the artists' microphone signals and used for the in-house audience PA, as well as for the national and international television broadcast signal.
Tracks 3+4 contained special information for the artists, such as clicks, input information or specific cues.
A full playback signal was played via tracks 5+6, which was recorded in turn by a video server during the show.
Track 7 contained the SMPTE time code to trigger the other systems, and track 8 played a permanent 18 kHz test tone.
The sound engineer started the individual samples in TRACKSHOT using the special TRACKSHOT Commander control keyboard, where each sample was assigned to a dedicated key on the keyboard, thus providing direct access at all times.
Due to the stringent system availability requirements, a redundant Pro Tools system was running in the background along with the TRACKSHOT system. This system was also synchronized by TRACKSHOT via the SMPTE time code, but it was working in jam sync mode.
The Pro Tools system output signals were muted using a limiter as long as the 18 kHz test tone on track 8 was providing a signal. If the test tone were to drop out, the output channels would become active immediately and still be available in synchronization.
A duplicate of this system group with exactly the same configuration was also provided so that even in the event of a total dropout or any other problems, it would be possible to switch completely over to the second group.
The Eurovision Song Contest was broadcast in 55 countries and was seen by approximately 13.8 million viewers. We are proud that our TRACKSHOT system enabled us to contribute to the great success of this gigantic music show!
Prolight+Sound 2011 6.-9. April in Frankfurt
Also this year we are represented with an own stand in hall 8 of the prolight+sound showing our newest developments of our ATec TRACKSHOT playout systems.
E.g. as of the new version now the user can define his own colors for different events or different states and/or attributes of events. The color settings can be stored as color profiles under different file names and therefore can be used in other Sets (projects) also. Depending on the user's operating procedures he can adjust in the Basic configuration, whether the work with color profiles is handled rather restrictively or openly.
Another novelty are the new panorama faders in the Event Properties. The audio signal of every sample can be influenced quickly and comfortably, quasi 'last minute'.
The adjusted values are saved in the set (project). All adjustments are non-destructive and therefore also can be quickly reseted again.
Due to the further development of the AddOn /3D-SonicWave, the 3D sound processor sonic wave of the company sonic emotion, Oberglatt (Zurich), is now supported by ATec TRACKSHOT much better than before. The sonic wave 3D processor enlarges the listening zone of conventional surround sound and enables perfect audio imaging for all listeners.
The 3D processor is suitable for applications in theatres, opera houses, concert halls, multi-purpose halls, conference rooms, museums, cinemas, clubs etc.
Furthermore ATec TRACKSHOT will be presented also as a video playout system in conjunction with the new Blackbox by the company VIOSO, Dusseldorf.
We are delighted to welcome you in Frankfurt!
Hall 8.0 L58