The DLite 7 is a unique product, combining a 7mm resolution with short viewing distances, due to the extreme fill factor of the LED components. These were perfect attributes for a show in which the screen took a direct feed from the O21 OB truck via an SDI link, bypassing the usual submix. The signal chain started at front-of-house where content provider Richard Shipman, operating an ArKAos system, generated the graphics. These were then interspersed with the camera footage back in the OB truck - and a live mix sent to the screen on a direct signal path. The show was also edited for subsequent late night TX on BBC One - in the first of a three-year deal with the Corporation.
Julia Knowles confirmed that it had been her decision to shoot the artists straight to screen in order to minimise any frame delay and lip-synch issues. "I wanted it to be as free from delay as possible," she said, adding that with so many close-up shots the screen also needed to be ultra sharp. Visually, however, it was the inspired 'sharded glass' design of the set which arrested the attention of the arena audience.
On the night British singer Jamelia and US hip hop star Kanye West were the major winners. Jamelia was awarded UK act of the year, shared with Dizzee Rascal, as well as winning best single for Thank You. Other winners on the night included Usher, who won best R&B act, and Jamie Cullum for best jazz artist. Kanye West's accolades included best hip hop artist, best producer and best album for College Dropout, while Janet Jackson received the Icon Hall Of Fame Award as well as presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to US Soul Singer Anita Baker.
Overall event production manager was Steve Allen. Creative Technology have a long association with Allen's shows and have also worked with Julia Knowles on various Top of the Pops Awards spectaculars.
(Mike Lethby)
