ArKaos Introduces Two New Products at Prolight + Sound

ArKaos will bring two new innovations to Prolight + Sound, March 21-24, in Frankfurt. These include the ArKaos Hub, an intelligent network monitor software for media servers running MediaMaster Pro, and a new Video Mapping software.

The ArKaos Hub is an application specifically designed to monitor the state of multiple servers running MediaMaster in fixture mode. It can also send configurable commands to any video switchers connected to Ethernet using a TCP/IP address.

However, the company says ArKaos Hub's key function is as a real-time backup system that gives instantaneous protection against server failure.

Currently, a backup system requires two servers running ArKaos MediaMaster simultaneously with the same set of visuals and receiving the same DMX commands to produce the same video stream. Any failure of a server necessitates a physical rewiring of the connections between the projector and the backup server to restore visuals -- with potentially drastic effects under live performance conditions.

With ArKaos Hub, servers are monitored in real-time and, in the event of server failure, the application automatically issues a configurable command to the video switchers, instructing them to re-establish connections between projectors and servers. ArKaos Hub can switch automatically between a master and a backup server in real-time and without any need for human intervention. The response time is minimal and automatic.

In its simplest configuration, ArKaos Hub can run on a backup machine with the addition of a video switcher only. However, by grouping the servers in pairs, ArKaos Hub can also monitor multiple pairs of servers (master and backup). Servers running ArKaos MediaMaster in fixture mode are detected automatically on the network, this allows one independent computer running ArKaos Hub to monitor a large number of servers.

ArKaos will also be demonstrating it's new video mapping software. Designed to setup mapping projects in a very short time, the application can deform and project individual layers on the shapes of a mapped stage, allowing visuals to flow around complex shapes in just a few clicks.

The video mapper will work as an extension to ArKaos MediaMaster; once the mapping setup is done, MediaMaster can be operated as usual.

ArKaos will be exhibiting in Hall 11, booth B60, next to their German distributor, LMP, at Prolight + Sound.