Increasingly, the Stage Sound Services team provides video technology to meet the growing demand for complex visuals in West End theatre shows. Through utilising Lightware’s range of video signal management products, Stage Sound Services has helped to bring spectacular visual elements to some of theatre-land’s best-loved productions.
“There has always been a video element in theatre shows, such as the projection of lighting, colours or text onto the set, but nowadays, more complex video and LED elements have become increasingly popular,” explains James Paul, Head of Video at Stage Sound Services. “Often, the projections include very detailed effects, and the challenge we face is ensuring the video signals are as accurate and reliable as possible, with minimal delay.” As live productions demand more complex video technology, the team at Stage Sound Services have found Lightware’s video signal management solutions to be a trusted tool to execute even the most ambitious video designs.
Production images by Manuel Harlan
Stage Sound Services has supplied technical solutions for several currently running West End shows, ranging from MJ: The Musical to Hello Dolly, Warhorse, Mean Girls, Your Lie in April and more. With Lightware’s MX2 matrices and OPTJ Kits, the team can ensure their video systems are backed by robust and reliable signal management, critical for live performances.
“Our experience with the MX2 16x16 and 8x8 matrices has been really positive,” continues Paul. “In the new MX2 16x16, the redundant power supply is a real advantage, knowing we have that back-up in case of power failure, as well as built-in advanced EDID event management, which is a great resource on complex, multi-screen productions.”
Production images by Manuel Harlan
Lightware’s MX2-16x16-HDMI20-R and MX2-8X8-HDMI20-L provide zero latency and uncompromised 4k60 signal management over HDMI 2.0 connections. “The matrices work so well, we find we don’t need to tweak things,” explains Paul. “They integrate seamlessly with other technologies such as projectors and media servers, making them a valuable addition to our projects.”
In addition to the MX2 range, Stage Sound Services has found the signal extension capabilities of Lightware’s HDMI20-OPTJ transmitter and receiver kits to be a major advantage in demanding signal processing environments. The kits helped Stage Sound Services utilise existing infrastructure and adapt to different venues and production needs, as Paul explains: “The OPTJ kits have helped enormously on our 4k workflows, such as on MJ: The Musical, for example. We’ve also used them to integrate modern technology into old fibre looms on existing network infrastructure at different venues.”
Having trusted in Lightware products for several years, the team at Stage Sound Services testify to the power of these products to bring high performance signal distribution to all kinds of productions, even when budgets are tight.
Production images by Manuel Harlan
“With our existing stock of Lightware MX2 and OPTJ kits, we’re able to provide great experiences at good rates,” confirms Paul. “Lightware is a great manufacturer to work with, and when compared to alternatives, their products are always more reliable, backed by excellent attention from their customer support team. It’s no surprise that Lightware is so popular with rental companies like us. The products just work.”
