VIDEO, S

OUND AND LIG

HTING

EQUIPMENT (U

NIT 65)

BY

J . P . AU

ST

EN

VIDEO EQUIPMENT- A BRIEF OVERVIEW

There are many different kinds of video equipment, from capturing video to editing it. Each has a different purpose, offering different benefits and downfalls, but all pieces of equipment are vital for creating a video. Within this PowerPoint I intend to show you the different types of video equipment and their uses, different cables and their uses, and the difference between composite and component video.

EQUIPMENT: SHORT THROW PROJECTORSThese projectors are built with short throw lenses, which allows

the projector to produce a larger image from a shorter distance. Unlike long throw projectors, short throw projectors can still produce a large, clear image in a confined space (also, these projectors require less space between the projector and the screen to produce a large clear image).

This is perfect for a classroom environment (which is why they can be found in any school) and a work environment. The downside to having a short throw projector is that, hence it’s name, it cannot be used to project images over a longer distance. Doing this with a short throw projector will result in a larger but dimmer image, and the image may go out of focus a lot more due to the increased distance.

EQUIPMENT: LONG THROW PROJECTOR

These projectors are the opposite of the previous projector. These projectors are used for open air events, projecting videos onto large buildings, or for use in open air cinemas. They are quite large, which is why short throw projectors are used for smaller, more confined spaces.

Long throw projectors can display an image or video over a longer distance, and project the image or video in a larger resolution. The image will be bright, since the long throw projector is built to project images or videos over a long distance. Thus, the image remains bright and clear for the audience to see.

EQUIPMENT: TV SCREENS

TV screens are used for everyday use. Many of the world’s population has either seen or has owned a television. TV’s usually come in built with VGA and HDMI inputs, so computers or gaming consoles can be plugged into the TV, thus being displayed on the screen. TV screens aren’t used much within theatre, and are more intended for home entertainment uses.

They are used to show the orchestra within the orchestra pit, which show the actors on stage cues which the orchestra provide. They are also used a lot in advertising, using large LED TV’s. They use the RGB colour pallet, which uses red, green and blue pixels to build up a colour picture. Many modern televisions come with HD capabilities, which allows the picture to be shown in 1080p definition, which makes them extremely useful for the performing arts. They can also come in higher definition, for a higher price, of course.

EQUIPMENT: CAMERASCameras come in all shapes and sizes, and have many different uses within the

performing arts industry. They come in many different specifications, but many of the cameras used in production arts are for shooting videos and creating music videos. It is handy if the camera has many megapixels, which increases the resolution of the video or photo. Also, if the camera has a larger sensor, it will increase the video and photo quality of a camera quite considerably, regardless of the amount of megapixels the camera has.

This is why many of the cameras used within production arts are high in megapixels as well as having large sensors. Also, the lens of the camera will further enhance the video or photo quality, which is why DSLR lenses are predominately used, since they are the most popular lens, due to their superior image and video quality. Cameras are used within all of the arts, hence why they are the most popular piece of media equipment.

Cameras can be used within live performance spaces as well, hence why they are used to broadcast live events throughout the world, since they can capture a high definition image live on air. They can also project live images in concerts and festivals.

EQUIPMENT: VISION MIXERS

A vision mixer (also called video switcher, video mixer or production switcher) is a device used to select between several different video sources and in some cases compositing (mix) video sources together to create special effects.

This is similar to what a mixing console does for audio. Besides hard cuts (switching directly between two input signals), mixers can also generate a variety of transitions, from simple dissolves to pattern wipes. It can also be used to project pictures or videos onto the stage. It can also be used to add or alter the images in a manner of ways, depending on the make of vision mixer, since different makes have different filters and effects. As a rule of thumb, the more money it costs, the more effects and filters you will get, so only buy what you require.

EQUIPMENT: LED VIDEO WALLS

A video wall is a large wall filled with many pixels, all of which are LED’s. With this arrangement, you get a large TV screen in essence, which can project adverts, live events, or just pictures. Since it’s powered by many LED’s, it consumes a lot of electricity, therefore is only useful for large concerts or venues.

Since these screens are so large, they can be used to show a performance in a large area, since the crowd can’t see what's happening on stage (since their too far back). These screens can show a large image to a large audience, or project advertisements in a public space (Piccadilly Circus).

CABLES: VGA

A Video Graphics Array) connector is a three-row 15-pin DE-15 connector. The 15-pin VGA connector is found on many video cards, computer monitors, and high definition television sets. On laptop computers or other small devices, a mini-VGA port is sometimes used in place of the full-sized VGA connector, since the laptop can’t facilitate the larger version.

The VGA interface is not engineered to be hot pluggable (so that the user can connect or disconnect the output device while the host is running), although in practice this can be done and usually does not cause damage to the hardware or other problems. Hot plugging may introduce surges in signal lines which may or may not be adequately protected against. Due to this, hot plugging should be avoided, to avoid potential damage to the VGA cable.

CABLES: HDMI HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a proprietary audio/video interface for transferring uncompressed video data and compressed or uncompressed digital audio data from an HDMI-compliant source device, such as a display controller, to a compatible computer monitor, video projector, digital television, or digital audio device. HDMI is a digital replacement for existing analogue video standards (such as VGA cables).

Many gaming consoles utilise HDMI, since VGA is less efficient at processing data and information. HDMI is the modern equivalent of VGA, since to removes the need for a VGA cable. HDMI is also useful in the sense that if you were to rig a screen on stage, you only require one cable to provide the colour and image. Therefore, in terms of production arts, using HDMI is a much better method then VGA, but VGA still serves a purpose in modern day situations.

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CABLES: BNC

The BNC (Bayonet Neill Concelman) connector is a miniature quick connect/disconnect radio frequency connector used for coaxial cable. BNC connectors are made to match the characteristic impedance of cable at either 50 ohms or 75 ohms. They are usually applied for frequencies below 4 GHz and voltages below 500 volts, since the connecters and cables themselves cannot handle higher voltages.

Similar connectors using the bayonet connection principle exist, and a threaded connector is also available. These cables are used mainly for speaker systems (since they were used for radio transmission), therefore it makes them useful in the modern day production arts industry.

VIDEO: COMPONENT VIDEO

Component video is a video signal that has been split into two or more component channels. In popular use, it refers to a type of component analogue video. Component video can be paired with composite video, which allows for all four cables to act as one unit, producing colour and image on a television. These cables can be commonly found on any television set, since they are essential for the TV’s function.

Like composite, component-video cables do not carry audio and are often paired with audio cables. Due to this, component video is less favoured compared to HDMI, and thus is used less within the industry. But they still have their place, and so are essential.

APPLE TV Apple TV is a digital media player and a micro console developed and sold by Apple Inc. It is a small network appliance and entertainment device that can receive digital data from a number of sources and stream it to capable TV’s. Apple TV can access the internet, access Netflix, and a manner of other functions.

Apple TV can also access iTunes, and your iTunes account. Within production arts, Apple TV is generally used for conferences, since it can access the internet. Apart from that function, it’s not used much, since it is intended for home entertainment use.

Since the Apple TV is intended for home entertainment use, it isn’t suited to be used in a professional environment. For instance, it relies on a wireless connection to communicate with other Apple devices. Because of this, if it were to be used on many screens within the venue, it would be liable to crash, due to the Apple device communicating with too many screens at once. If it were in a studio, however, it would be very useful, as long as the space is small and has wireless capabilities.

AIR-PLAY

AirPlay (previously called AirTunes when it was for audio only) is a proprietary protocol stack/suite developed by Apple Inc. that allows wireless streaming of audio, video, and photos, together with related metadata between devices.

Originally implemented only in Apple's software and devices, Apple has licensed the AirPlay protocol stack as a third-party software component technology to manufacturer partners for them to use in their products in order to be compatible with Apple's iDevices, or other TV sets (Like LG, Sony or Samsung), and is used in many modern TV sets.

SOUND EQUIPMENT: A BRIEF OVERVIEW

Within the sound industry, there are many different pieces of hardware and software that are used in many different aspects of sound. From microphones, speakers and amp racks, everything serves its purpose, since they serve different roles for different scenarios.

Within this section of the PowerPoint, I will be focusing on the vast array of equipment that is used to make, produce or amplify sound. I will be going into detail about each piece of equipment, and comparing them to different makes and kinds.

YAMAHA LS9-16 SOUND DESK

The Yamaha LS9-16 is a lightweight, 16-mic/line input, 32 channel sound mixer. It is primarily used in secondary schools and colleges all over the world, due to its versatility and its lack of weight. Since it can only receive 16 inputs, it is only useful for low end performances, and isn’t really suited to mix recordings.

Also, the LS9 is a digital mixer, which means it can be programmed to slide the faders to certain levels, all with the push of a button. The difference between analogue and digital is that analogue desks have to be operated manually, while with a digital desk can be programmed, so with a push of a button all the sliders will move the programmed position.

The LS9-16 is more suited for smaller performances, small recording studios and small club venues, since the LS9-16 doesn’t have the sufficient amount of inputs or channels in order to be used in a professional recording studio. If you were to use the LS9-32, you could use it in bigger and generally better spaces, such as recording studios, concerts and small, low key festivals (such as the In the Woods festival located in Northiam).

QSC-K12 ACTIVE SPEAKERThe QSC-K12 speaker is an active system, since it has

an amplifier built into the speaker itself, thus a subwoofer isn’t required to complete the system. These speakers are very versatile, since they can be used in small venues for intimacy, or in larger venues as speakers out in the crowd, but other makes and styles are recommended.

The speaker itself is very lightweight, so it can be easily handled and set up by even the oldest of sound engineers. The speakers have a 12” woofer, which is an acceptable size for such a lightweight speaker. Also, all QSC-K12’s are fitted with 1000-watt Power Class D power modules, which is fairly powerful for such a small speaker. It also comes with two 35mm pole sockets built in.

DELTEC PASSIVE SPEAKERS

Deltec passive speakers are very well built and reliable, as well as being of high quality. The models I have worked with are mostly GX-15’s, which do weigh 32.2kg, so they aren’t very good if you want manoeuvrability.

GX-15’s are usually paired with Deltec CX-10’s, since both are very efficient at distributing sound at high clarity. These speakers utilize Speakon cable, thus the subs and speakers can be interchangeable, in case one or more of the speakers break.

The advantage of the GX-15 is that it covers the whole audio spectrum (bass, middle and treble). These amps and speakers are best used in large halls, outdoor venues and club environments, since Deltec speakers and amps can project sound waves over a further distance than QSC-K12’s, since the K12’s are built for smaller venues and don’t have enough wattage to project sound waves over a long distance.

SHURE SM-58 MICROPHONE

The Shure SM-58 is the world’s most widely used microphone, because of its durability, as well as being renowned for its warmth and clarity. It is also renowned for blocking out background noise very efficiently.

It is mostly used by vocalists, either back up singers or just regular singers, but it can also be used by DJ’s and presenters to announce the next song, or just for general use in a business environment. The SM-58 is built to be able to perform, even in the most extreme environments, hence why it is used all over the globe by thousands of musicians across the world.

SHURE SM-57 MICROPHONE

The Shure SM-57 is also widely used, but not as much as the SM-58. The SM-57 is mainly used to amplify instruments, mainly guitar amps, bass amps, brass instruments and drums. It is also a cardioid microphone, the same as a Shure SM-58, but the SM-57 is tuned for the clean reproduction of amplified or acoustic instruments.

Due to its shape, the SM-57 only picks up sound from the front of the microphone, and blocks out any additional background noise, hence why its effective at amplifying guitar and bass amps and drum kits. Compared to the SM-58, both microphones have their equal strengths and flaws, but both excel in their separate uses. The SM-57 is also extremely durable, but not as durable as the SM-58, since it has to endure much more punishment than the SM-57.

LIGHTING EQUIPMENT: A BRIEF OVERVIEW Lighting equipment is used within production arts to either

enhance the performance or to provide a light/laser show during the performance. There are many different kinds of lights and lighting equipment within lighting, such as LED batons, fresnels, par-cans, floods, spots, moving heads, and many more different kinds of lights.

Also within the lighting industry, you also have lasers, which are high powered beams of light that can project images onto a plethora of different surfaces. Lasers are mainly used within clubs, since it enhances the atmosphere and that lasers can be programmed to move with the music, further enhancing the experience.

PAR CAN 56 SHORT

The Par Can 56 short is a light which is mainly used within theatrical performances, since it can provide a warm glow across the stage, or be used to illuminate specific objects on stage. It comes complete with a Gel frame (which allows for different coloured gels to be placed over the main light in order to project a different colour onto the stage).

The Par Can 56 short utilizes a IEC input, which means it can be used within many theatres around the country. It can also rotate ninety degrees up or down, which also makes it versatile in its own right. But if you were to illuminate an entire stage fully, a flood would be more suited to the task.

PAR CAN 56 LONG

The Par Can 56 Long is just a modified version of the 56 Short, and still have many of the features that are on the 56 Short. Unlike the 56 Short, the 56 Long has an extended lens, which makes it useful for projecting light over a longer distance than the 56 Short. It also has a Gel frame, allowing light to change colour, depending on the colour of the gel.

The Par Can 56 Long would be used within a bigger theatre, since it can project light over a longer distance, as well as being able to focus on specific objects better than the 56 Short, but isn’t as effective at providing overall stage coverage. Par Cans are very useful for creating chases, or for merging light with other Par Cans.

FRESNEL

Fresnels are the most common luminaire within the lighting industry, mainly due to how the light from them is projected (due to the stepped moulding on one side of the lens, and the texturing on the other). Due to this, the light has a soft edge, as well as having a soft shadow. This makes it useful for providing back lighting on a stage, as well as for general illumination.

Since the light produced by a fresnel is very soft, the light can be blended with other fresnels in order to create a smooth lighting coverage of the stage. One of the downfalls of the fresnel is that it can’t focus light on a specific object, which is why spots and par cans are used for this purpose.

SPOTLIGHT/FOLLOWSPOT

The spotlight (or followspot) is a light that is used for illuminating a certain person or object on stage. The light produced from a spotlight has a very sharp and clear edge, as well as being very bright. This makes the spotlight useful for illuminating a person or object of interest, or for following an actor on stage.

Spotlights can be used in many theatrical or musical productions, from small plays, musical performances, West End musicals, or opera. Since the light emitted from the spotlight is very powerful, it can project this beam of light over a considerably long distance. Since the light’s edge is very sharp, it cannot be used to blend in with fresnels or par cans. Also, some spotlights do come with a Gel frame, allowing the spotlight to illuminate a certain object or character in a specific colour.

FLOOD

A flood light is the simplest of luminaires within the production arts industry. It consists of a singular high powered bulb surrounded by reflectors. This in turn produces an intense amount of light, which can be used to illuminate the entire stage with only one or two flood lanterns.

Flood lights are usually fitted with an LED bulb, since these bulbs project light at a higher intensity (or brightness). Paired with the reflectors within the housing, this creates an even brighter light. Hence why flood lights are usually dimmed down to provide an even coverage of light, or used for background lighting. But flood lights cannot focus on one specific object or person, hence why par cans and spotlights are more suited to this task.

LED 7Q5

This kind of luminaire is mainly used for illuminating different kinds of buildings. It can also use 2,3,4 or 7 DMX channels. This makes it versatile in many ways, since it can be grouped with other 7Q5’s, and programmed to create a small light show.

The 7Q5 is also programmed to create colours, and can create a variety of different custom colours within the unit. These lights use LED’s, which in turn results in a very bright beam of light being emitted. These lights are good for outdoor events and back lighting for the stage. They aren’t good for general illumination, picking out specific objects, or lighting the stage as a whole, which is why a par can or a fresnel is more suited to this role.

WHAT IS DMX (DIGITAL MULTIPLEX)?

DMX is used mainly within the lighting industry because it can be used to program many fixtures, and all of these fixtures can be controlled from the central console. Within a digital multiplex, there are many separate channels. Depending on the type of fixture, each fixture will take up a certain amount of channels within the multiplex. From here, you can control a large amount of small lights, or a small amount of larger lights, all from a central console.

DMX combines digital and analogue signals, and transmits them as one signal. This allows for older fixtures that are compatible with DMX to work in tandem with modern fixtures (of which, many of them are compatible with DMX). This can be useful for setting up a large light show as apart of a performance or concert, since you can control many lights from one console, and program them to perform different actions at different times. DMX is commonly used within musical theatre, large scale concerts and festivals to provide light shows to enhance the performance.