CAST's BlackBox is built with special hardware and proprietary software to be an integrated, bi-directional high speed communication solution which enables all control devices connected to it to send or receive instructions from each other. Live, realtime input is received in all forms by the BlackBox which acts as the brains - running on an ultra high-speed hybrid version of WYSIWYG.
CAST is working with key industry leaders - each a respected innovator in its own field -- to ensure BlackBox meets its technical objectives. In exchange, each will get a 12-month exclusive leadtime to enhance their own products to capitalize on the power and speed of BlackBox. Representatives of these companies were on hand during PLASA for the Beta launch phase to announce their partnership in this new endeavor.
MA Lighting of Germany has expanded its network partnership programme and opened its network protocol (MA-Net) to link BlackBox to its line of grandMA consoles, including the newest grandMA2 series.
Niscon Inc, from Toronto adds its expertise to the BlackBox team via its Raynok Motion Control System Software. As part of the BlackBox team, Niscon Inc. will continue to simplify motion control in major theatres, studios and concert halls around the world.
Sound automation will be processed through the UK's Out Board Electronic's TiMax Audio Imaging delay matrix system that allows sound reinforcement in realtime to follow live movement. The system has been used with great success in venues such as Royal Albert Hall, providing a realistic enhancement to live sound.
"Our industry continually strives for more impressive creative results that will wow audiences by investing significant capital in technology, innovation, and robotization," says Gil Densham, CEO of CAST. "Accomplishing the creative objectives means it is vital that each disparate technology communicate and work seamlessly together. BlackBox is designed to deliver these solutions.
"CAST's BlackBox is a truly collaborative effort," Densham continues. "We selected our initial partners to help us ensure that BlackBox becomes the solution we envision. Together, we will develop a technology solution that may revolutionise our industry and, while doing so, each partner will showcase its own technology to demonstrate the collaborative power and speed of BlackBox."
(Jim Evans)
