Kraftwerk bets on Watchout to create stereoscopic 3D and interactivity on its new tour

Kraftwerk, German group pioneer of electronic pop, has turned to Dataton's Watchout multimedia solution for their tour show 2013, that adapts 3D technology to their own language and gives body and volume to the powerful iconography that has accompanied them throughout their career.

The enigmatic German group Kraftwerk, Pioneer of electronic sounds, will take advantage of the interactive and dynamic 3D features of the Watchout multi-image and presentation software Dataton for all the digital scenery in his long-awaited concert tour throughout the 2013. Formed in 1970, the German band started using stereoscopic 3D for MoMA concerts and the rock festival 'Way out West'’ in the spring of 2012.

Watchout manages projected 3D content in a broad stage context creating a powerful abstract presence in front of an audience wearing polarized 3D glasses. Two more Watchout channels power the LED screens that flank the stage. To create lighting effects on the four large illuminated keyboards, a Pixel-gate LED video controller uses additional DVI output from the main display with 'Tier' function’ of the Watchout. The main timeline in the Watchout catches the timecode of Kraftwerk synthesizers (MTC converted to SMPTE). Kraftwerk synthesizers are also used for live visual interaction controlled via MIDI commands.

The new features of the version 5 Watchout allow manipulation of live content. Media objects can be positioned, rotate and move in 3D in real time from external control systems, musical instruments, Lighting consoles, Mobile devices and sensors for controlling on-screen elements such as images, Videos, películas 3D estereoscópicas y transmisiones en vivo según se necesite.

Fredrik Svahnberg, Marketing Director at Dataton, has pointed out: “Kraftwerk are known for their use of eye-catching graphics and colors.. They are using our technology in a very user-friendly way, but powerful in the way it captures the attention of audiences around the world. We can't wait to see Kraftwerk use the new 3D media streaming features., interactive and dynamic Watchout in 2013 and a posteriori”.

Concerts in Düsseldorf and London

Kraftwerk's upcoming concerts will incorporate stereoscopic 3D effects, as well as 3D sound. The first performance of the German group in the German city of Düsseldorf since 1991, call '1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8’ is held at the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen museum from the 11 to the 13 January, and 16 to the 20 same month. As in the MoMA shows, Kraftwerk tocará un álbum cada día y estará acompañado por imágenes en 3D que logran interactuar con el público.

In London, Kraftwerk to perform at Tate Modern's Turbine Hall for eight nights, between the 6 and the 9 of February and of the 11 to the 14 same month, and are their first live performances in the city of the Thames since 2004. The band will present a new full studio album every night and combine it with visual backdrops., including projections and interactive 3D animations.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QL6M3H7KQ8[/youtube]

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