They tested the system thoroughly in and around the building before committing to W-DMX, he explains, using it on numerous smaller shows and events and a variety of moving lights. They wanted to ensure there would be no interference. Once they were certain that the system was completely robust, Hornsby and his team confirmed the purchase. They now have W-DMX running two universes of DMX on their main stage.
It is used primarily to control each production's 'extras' - usually scrollers, moving lights, dimmer shutter devices, etc - that are utilised in addition to the standard house lighting rig, fixed onto the overhead lighting battens. They also often have to rig additional spot bars for rehearsals taking place on the main stage during the day, which then have to be stripped out in readiness for that evening's repertory performance. Once again, the W-DMX is a quick, easy and convenient method of running data to these fixtures.
Producing 35 main stage shows a year, with up to four in rep at any one time, the ROH schedule is extremely hectic. The general aim of the system is to eliminate all DMX cables for the extras of up to four shows running concurrently. "W-DMX is cost-effective, and we liked its 'plug-and-play' simplicity," says Hornsby when asked why he chose this system. "The diagnostics are simple, and it's reliable and easy to use - we've not had a single problem with it." He adds that the price was a major deciding factor as they knew that we would be buying a lot of it: they have also just confirmed the purchase of a further four transmitters and eight receivers.
The system has also been used in various other spaces around the ROH and has worked through all sorts of obstacles including iron doors. It's been used in the two studio theatres for things like inaccessible smoke machines, and also for large exterior systems. The first Linbury production to benefit from W-DMX was Orphee. On the main stage it's currently in use for this season's Macbeth and Eugene Onegin.
Lightfactor has supplied the Royal Opera House with various lighting elements for several years. "The service has been excellent," says Hornsby.
(Lee Baldock)
