As the eyes of an estimated 400 million viewers across the world tune-in to watch the semi-final and final in Athens, Greece on 18 and 20 May, they will see one of the most spectacular stage designs ever, featuring more than 1,100 of the industry's standard Barco ILite 6 XP LED tiles, 4,800 OLite 510 modules and 8 high brightness SLM-R12+ projectors all being controlled by the Encore show control system. Barco rental partner Procon (Germany) - ETF (Belgium) delivered all visualization equipment used on the show.
Integrated into the gigantic 13-metre-wide stage floor are more than 4,800 Barco OLite 510 modules which will bring the stage alive with vibrant video and lighting effects. Sections of this stage will rise up out from the stage floor at given times upon which artists will be able to perform. These rising 'lift-up" columns will also feature OLite modules integrated on all four sides as well as on top. The OLite 510 was chosen for its modularity and versatility.
The OLite is not the only Barco LED to be used for the set. Surrounding the back of the stage are also six enormous, mobile pieces of scenery with two pivots each. A staggering 1,100 Barco ILite 6 XP LED tiles have been creatively integrated into each piece which will allow individual video backdrops to be projected for each song.
All of the LED on the show is controlled by the Barco Encore system with one large controller and eight video processors. Furthermore demonstrating Barco's wide range of solutions, there are no less than 8 SLM R12+ projectors on the set. Six are double stacked and placed on both sides of the stage and in the middle while two single units are used for image magnification for the audience.
The SLM Performer Series combines state-of-the-art DLPTM technology from Texas Instruments with Barco's know-how in electronics, optics and mechanical design. This results in images with an impressive light output of up to 12,000 ANSI lumens (13,500 Centre lumens) and exceptional image quality and video performance.
Stephan Paridaen, president of Barco's media and entertainment division stated: "At the 2006 Eurovision song contest we can see real evidence of the latest trend in the convergence of video, lighting and stage building and we are delighted to be part of this exciting time in the evolution of visualization."
(Chris Henry)
