Page 307 - Protec PR Book Volume 2

The set-up took three days, followed by four days of rehearsals in preparation for the 2 hour ceremony on the opening night.
Florian Hoss, senior video technician at Protec, described the video solutions chosen.
“We used three WATCHOUT Servers for Content Playback that involved the opening video, lower thirds for name-slides, timecode for other departments and audio tracks, whereas one production machine was controlling two display machines, one main and one backup. The WATCHOUT main, backup and the incoming camera signal was then switched by a Barco S3-4K to screen.
The screen was powered by a quadruple stack of our 30K Barco HDF-W30 FLEX Projectors. We used two main and two backups with a seamless failover switch over Widget Designer.”
There were certain challenges faced due to the heavy wind and the heat, according to Hoss. The projection tower was shaking a lot and the metal changed over the hot temperatures of the day to the cold of the evening meaning they had to make realignment adjustments every night.
Despite these minor challenges, overall, the projection looked sharp, and the cameras were well directed, leaving the client really happy.
Protec’s audio department handled the large space by using 24 L-Acoustic’s K2 Loudspeakers, 12 hung either side covering the area with consistent coverage front to back. These were supported by eight SB28 Subwoofers taking care of the low end all powered by the LA8 amplifiers. The system was controlled by a Digico SD5 desk. They used their new Shure Axient handheld radio systems and along with that they used Sennheiser in-ear monitors for the MCs. Communications were taken care of with Clearcom Freespeak and Helixnet, allowing
the crew to wirelessly communicate effectively over the entire venue while the stage management team, Protec technicians and the client used our Motorola radios.
When asked about challenges faced on the gig, Simon as project manager had to ensure everyone was taking regular breaks and remained hydrated in the steadily increasing temperatures in Abu Dhabi.
“Our client – HQ worldwide pulled off an excellent show with a limited budget. Great show to be a part of. Were there challenges? Yes there were. Was it worth it – absolutely!” concluded Simon Travis – Project Manager Protec.
These parting words from the client summed up the entire heart-warming production quite succinctly:
“With the determination shown by the competing athletes fuelling the production team to deliver the opening ceremony in an extremely short time frame and within very tight budgetary limits, Protec, Al Laith and VK furniture delivered one of the most rewarding projects to date.”
Tim Jacobs – KTS Global/ HQ Worldwide