Amon Tobin's ISAM Live Tour Features Barco Projection for 3D Musical Art

Barco recently supplied its FLM HD20 projectors to create a spectacular visual journey enlivening electronica artist Amon Tobin's latest international tour, ISAM Live. The centerpiece of the show was a 25' x 14' x 8' multi-dimensional, shape-shifting 3D art installation in which the world-renowned DJ performed his electronic music show from a control booth centrally located within the structure.

Combining 3D projection mapping and generative/audio reactive real-time and pre-rendered elements, the producers used Barco's FLM HD20 projectors to display the kaleidoscope of visual elements in concert with Tobin's music. The artist recently described the integration of projection mapping and music as a "reverse score," alluding to the cinematic parallels he sought to achieve in creating the show.

The dynamic stage featured the joint efforts of industry heavy-weights, Vello Virkhaus, founder of V Squared Labs responsible for creating the visual imagery and projection mapping effects, Alex Lazarus of blasthaus serving as executive producer, and Heather Shaw, CEO of Vita Motus Design Studio responsible for conceptualizing and creating the stage as production and set designer -- these masterminds combined forces to create the seamlessly 3D-mapped sculpture featuring digital video projection on a giant cubic array surrounding the artist. "The Barco projectors are the most rugged, and the perfect 'go to' workhorse for this kind of show. Because the projection is the focal point, diligence and reliability is key," commented Lazarus. "Another advantage is the software interface, which enables us to conveniently control settings for the projectors from our laptops. Bottom line, we always know the show will go on with Barco; it's why I've used them for years."

"The HD20s give us so many creative options, with the ability to easily control and reveal content to achieve dramatic effects," commented Virkhaus, V Squared Labs, which developed the show's visual content. The show was designed to use just one FLM HD20 projector positioned directly in front of the structure, with one available for backup. "We can completely map the structure with a single projector with the lens focused on-center for maximum resolution. I'm recommending Barco on everything. With Barco, it's 'two and the toolset' -- that's the ticket!"

Barco's FLM HD20 is a native HD 20,000 lumens three-chip DLP projector designed for large venues, delivering extra brightness and high contrast to show clear, crisp images, even in a luminous environment, the company says. Extremely quiet, easy to use and maintain, the HD20 ensures consistently high image quality over a long time, thanks to fully sealed optics and extended lamp life.

"Artistic luminaries of this century are increasingly relying on Barco to make their visions a reality," commented Chris Colpaert, strategic marketing director pro AV for Barco. "Our FLM HD20s continue to be a popular touring projector, bringing all of Barco's best technologies to bear to fulfill the demanding circumstances of live events: exceptional brightness and contrast, rugged reliability, flexible remote control, and ease of operation."

The sold-out worldwide tour concluded in Eindhoven, Netherlands on November 26, 2011 with a special performance officially wrapping ISAM Live on New Year's Eve in San Francisco.