Staged at The Questors Theatre in Ealing, west London, two identical sessions were run morning and afternoon, with a large turnout for both even though it was the day after the 2007 Total Production Awards.
The workshops examined what constitutes 'digital video' and 'digital lighting', highlighted its creative and technical advantages and looked at new and creative ways in which it is being applied to various market sectors. "The aim is to offer an insight into the world of digital video and lighting" explained PID's David March.
The one day event featured overviews of the genre as well as discussion about specific applications, and attendees were able to get hands-on with some of the most popular entertainment industry digital video products. These included digital media servers (like Catalyst), automated projectors (including the DL2), and pixel mapping systems (PixelMAD). High and low resolution LED surfaces were represented by Element Labs' 'Versa' range, Barco i-Lite 8 and ChromaQ's ColorWeb.
Companies contributing equipment for the event included CT, who supplied all the projectors, plasmas and the Barco i-Lite; Richard Martin Lighting, who supplied the ColorWeb and a Catalyst media server along with three others from PID; Apple computers; Luminex who provided the ArtNet interface boxes and High End Systems with their DL2 moving head projectors and a WholeHog 3 lighting console.
Digital lighting and video aficionado Hugh Davies-Webb presented a seminar on the 'History of Digital Media Servers' including specifically the Catalyst version 4 and PixelMAD. High End Europe's Mark Leahy talked about HES' powerful DL2 moving head projectors, and the relevance of automated projectors with onboard media severs.
PID's Nev Bull explained the company's role as a pioneer in the genre and an integrated solutions provider for those wanting to become involved with - or learn more about - the world of digital media. PID's projects cover a myriad of areas, encompassing live shows and events, the arts, presentations and installations of all types from clubs to architectural.
Fundamental to the format of the DVW was the chance to get hands-on and close up to the various products in interactive break-out areas. Numbering over 50 in total, some attendees came from oversees. March says: "Thanks to everybody who contributed and attended. People said that they found the workshop informative and stimulating which was our goal. "
The date of the next London DVW has already been announced as 24 April, after which another will be planned for the north of the country. March reports that they have also had inquires to run DVWs abroad. PID's DVW is currently completely free, and aimed at multi-level users and a wide range of practitioners interested or engaged in all areas utilising video and digital lighting.
(Chris Henry)
