Proving the Pinpoint at Eurovision

BlackTrax is being used in a top secret act to track aerialists at The Eurovision Song Contest, held this year in Malmö, Sweden. What is particularly significant from the demo is how the lights remain focused on and tracked the Quadrocopter, which had a payload of a BT Beacon plus HD camera. From the YouTube video, viewers can see the drone swooped at various speeds in the play area from the floor and upwards to 15m. From the demo it appears BlackTrax is delivering the realtime pinpoint location of the target to the downstream technology.

CAST Group chairman R. Bruce Freeman, in reference to the demo, made two observations: "firstly, using the combination of BlackTrax and lighting proves that it delivers pinpoint accuracy without any lag. These results can be utilized by spatial audio, multi-media and or robotic cameras." BlackTrax version 1 is now being shipped worldwide, and includes a new feature that adapts certain automated lights to simulate the characteristics and function of a follow spot.

The Eurovision Song Contest has been broadcast every year since its inauguration in 1956 and is one of the longest-running television programs in the world. It is also the most-watched non-sporting event in the world, with television and internet viewing audience figures in recent years between 200 million and 600 million internationally. It has launched the careers of artists such as ABBA and Céline Dion, to name a few.

Eurovision will be broadcast live in select countries worldwide, as well as live streaming at www.eurovision.tv. The first and second semi-finals will be held May 14 and 16, respectively, and the finals on May 18.

See CAST Group at PLASA Focus: Austin, September 10-11.