Spotrack design
How it works
People make great follow-spot operators. They watch the show, anticipate a performer’s next move, and follow it smoothly, precisely, and accurately. The best spot ops have always bettered attempts to automate or computerize the process.
Spotrack has changed that...
Using a patented 3D tracking system, one operator in a convenient location can follow a performer with up to twenty moving lights. This is achieved using a mouse or touchscreen on a camera-fed display, which shows a view of the entire stage and its surroundings.
Easier and safer, Spotrack opens up a new world of lighting possibilities...
Spotrack
Spotrack comprises one or two cameras, a computer, and a DMX interface. One camera is positioned to give a full view of the stage, and one to give a more comprehensive view of the surrounding space. The image is shown on a computer screen, allowing the spot operator to follow the performer with a mouse. DMX from the console is fed into Spotrack and out to the lights.
Spotrack can work with any moving light, although it works best with lights that can move quickly so they can keep up!
Spotrack Calibration
Spotrack and the moving lights are calibrated so that Spotrack knows where they are relative to the stage. Each light is calibrated by focusing it on just two points, making the process quick and easy. There are no sensors, belt packs, transmitters, or receivers to set up, calibrate, or for performers to wear.
For each light, Spotrack has a control channel that governs whether it is being controlled by the lighting console or by Spotrack. For instance, an operator may use one light as a follow spot whilst the rest do something else! If there’s a need to follow more than one person simultaneously or with more than twenty lights, the technology is modular, so another Spotrack system can be integrated!
When Spotrack is in control
The system works out where the spotlights should point on the stage in relation to where the operator is pointing on the computer screen. In real time, Spotrack calculates the pan-tilt values to aim the lights under its control, constantly updating these values as the target moves.
This technology frees the spot operators to concentrate on what they do best—following! The operator can be positioned anywhere, including safely on the ground, while controlling lights on that impossible-to-get-to backlight bar.
Key Benefits to spotrack
Benefits
- Reliable key light control w/ manual override.
- Inclusive, ADA, OSHA, EEOC & EAA compliant operator workspaces
- Control console and fixture brand agnostic
- No RF Interference or IR sunlight & range vulnerability
- "Wow" production quality and better audience/spectator experience
- five-minute calibration for each light for follow-spot operation
- Fast, One-time calibration for synchronized fixture tracking
- Globally proven solution. Professional lighting designer preferred.
Agnostic fixture compatibility
Benefits
- TracMe and Evolution control most ANSI E1.11 (DMX512) compliant fixtures
- Not bound to any fixture brand
- Fixed yoke DMX profile & wash conventional
- Moving head and moving mirror automated
- IP Rated (outdoor)
- Super long throw automated for stadium use
- Fixtures with factory-integrated Spotcam camera
- Fixtures with dealer-installed Spotcam camera