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2020 Halloween Technology Updated

I've been thinking about the technical work required to create a multi-projector synchronized display. A previous post on the 2020 plan outlined some technologies to put together to make it happen. And, it was possible, albeit, time-consuming.

I revisited a project that I hadn't looked too closely at before. Actually, until two years ago, it wouldn't have had the features that interested me, but it does now. It's called the Sprite Video Player by MedeaWiz and it's quite remarkable. But basically, you can load it with video and sound files and remotely command it to play a file on demand. It even works with DMX.

That got me thinking about other DMX elements in the display, like lights and fog, and how I would conduct the various animations and scenes. The simple answer came from the fact that I already have some DMX components, including a USB-to-DMX connector and DMX lighting controllers.

I can use a computer running either Vixen Lights or XLights and programmed sequences. These applications are widely used to produce complex Christmas light shows and can easily be used to program the Halloween Experience (or is it Canton Chills Experience, or maybe the Holiday Experience?)

At this point, I know all the components that will make up the system and it's just a matter of purchasing them and producing the shows. Both are wrought with limitations.

On the purchasing front, each Sprite Video player is about $100. I have only two projectors that can take input, so I may need a few more based on what I want to produce. I do plan to look inside some the small video players that I have to see it there's a video input hack to be had.

I also need a Sprite DMX Interface for each Sprite. In cases where Sprites are close together, the cost of two DMX interfaces is about the same as a Hydra I/O Expander that has DMX in and the ability to pass through and control eight Sprites.

Additionally, I'd also want wireless DMX transmitters to reduce the amount of wiring, additional DMX lights, and possibly a DMX fog machine (or two). This will definitely add up.

The first part of my planning is to get pictures of the house to start planning out the set. From there, find inspiration from the digital assets at AtmosFX and design some coordinated scenes. Since the main goal is to produce a more kid-friendly experience, that part should be easier.

Again, plan for:
  1. Story and gags
  2. Lighting
  3. Sound
  4. Atmosphere (fog)
  5. Props
  6. Animation
  7. Special Effects

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