German electro pop pioneers, Kraftwerk will use the dynamic interactive and 3D features of Dataton WATCHOUT multi-image and presentation software, for all on-stage digital scenography at their hotly anticipated tours and concerts’ programme throughout 2013. 3D stereoscopic projection, events and audio using WATCHOUT is available in South Africa through Dataton Premium Partner, Penmac. Malcolm Finlay, managing director at Penmac says: “music and corporate events add another dimension to their impact with audiences, involving and immersing them in the experience and making sure they get the most out of the occasion. Penmac operates to provide technology as well as technical support for any creative event.”
Formed in 1970, Kraftwerk began using Stereoscopic 3D for the MoMA concerts and ‘Way out West’ Swedish Rock Festival in Spring 2012.
WATCHOUT manages projected 3D content on a large stage backdrop creating a powerful abstract presence in front of audiences wearing polarized 3D glasses. Two more WATCHOUT channels feed the flanking LED screens. To create the lighting effects on the four oversized illuminated keyboards, a Pixel-gate LED video controller uses an additional DVI output from the main screen using the WATCHOUT “Tier’ feature. The main timeline in WATCHOUT is chasing timecode from Kraftwerk synthesizers (MTC converted into SMPTE). The Kraftwerk synthesizers are also used for live visual interaction controlled via MIDI commands.
The new features of WATCHOUT version 5 enable live manipulation of content. Media objects can be positioned, rotated and moved in 3D in real-time from external control systems, musical instruments, lighting consoles, mobile devices and sensors to control on-screen elements such as images, video, Stereoscopic 3D movies and live feeds as required.
Fredrik Svahnberg, Marketing Director at Dataton says: “Kraftwerk are known for their use of bold graphics and colours. They are using our technology in a very easy to use, yet powerful way to engage audiences around the world. We’re looking forward to seeing Kraftwerk use the new 3D, interactive and dynamic media streaming features of WATCHOUT in 2013 and beyond.’
In London, Kraftwerk performed at Tate Modern’s cavernous Turbine Hall for eight nights, first from February 6-9, then 11-14, and was their first live London performances since 2004. The band performed one studio album in full on each night and combine it with visual backdrops, including interactive 3D projections and animation.
