As the UK’s leading immersive technology space, it’s crucial that we stay abreast of new developments in event technology. Integrated Systems Exhibition (ISE2024) in Barcelona is the perfect opportunity to try new technologies and network with industry experts. Some of our main goals for Aures this year include developing an accessible spatial audio system, motion tracking, and wireless microphone integration for the venue. Aures London’s Head of Tech, Charlotte Gowers reports back on some of the most exciting technology there and how it will help expand Aures London’s cutting-edge events offering.
This year the technical team spent two days at the gigantic ISE2024 show discovering the many different available technologies to help develop the capabilities of Aures. Almost every brand in the tech world was there, from Google to Cisco showing off their latest innovations. What was clear, is that the common direction of technology is towards collective immersive experiences. Whether it is a meeting across continents using cameras and microphones, or a video projected onto a giant umbrella, everything is driving towards more unique experiences for their staff and guests to enjoy.
Motion tracking technology to bring immersive experiences to life
Motion tracking is exciting and has huge potential for immersive events as it uses lighting, visuals and sound tracking simultaneously. The technology is working towards tracking multiple people without the need to use a physical marker or expensive radio frequency (RF) beacon having to be handed to a guest.
Previously, the two main technologies were camera-based and RF-based. Camera-based often required a maker to be able to follow a point in space, using multiple camera angles (generally 3 or more) around a given space to enable it to calculate the position of the marker and in turn the person or item it is attached to. Similarly RF-based used a beacon placed discreetly in an item, costume or pocket. This then emitted a signal picked up by antennas around the space and calculated the position by measuring the time difference between the signal being received by each antenna.
Tracking has become a big AI topic with the recent release of the Apple Vision Pro showing the world its tracking capabilities via accelerometers within the headset. This race for camera recognition of gestures and tracking has been a long road of successful technology advances starting with the gaming industry, where PlayStation EyeToy and Xbox Kinect led the way.
Why do we need this specialist equipment for Aures London? Motion tracking enables us to bring our immersive experiences and live performances to life, particularly for dance performances like we had for LexTempus.
We were thrilled to meet Nao Stage, a camera-based system that uses five cameras in each of its KAPTA sensor bars. It uses a combination of different camera types to optimize the image for best tracking results. This system can also combine a RF tracker giving us the best of both worlds when tracking objects or performers. The current developments of this technology are advancing at a significant pace, edging ever closer to the goal of being able to track almost any desired part of the body. Why are we so excited by this technology? We want audiences to interact with the images on screen, be it to draw, dance or even play a game. We understand that audiences want more from their experiences and not to be in the backseat watching. Technology like this enables them to play an active part in a memorable experience. Learn more about Nao Stage
Immersive audio
As one of Europe’s best sounding venues, Aures has a 34 speaker sound system currently capable of producing both binaural and 3D soundscapes. The team here is passionate about creating the best audio experience! We have spent a significant amount of time researching which spatial audio would be best for our applications at Aures. The ability to decode multiple formats such as Dolby Atmos and Ambisonics with relative ease was a key component in making the decision between the many products on offer.
Flux SPAT Revolution fits this bill as a powerful tool in its capabilities. It provides both a creative input for our in-house creations and the ability to accept external creations easily, enabling us to fully spatialize the sound system. Spatial sound transforms on-screen visuals into full-on immersive experiences.Learn more about SPAT
Next generation microphones
We host all types of events at Aures, be it a conference, product launch, or a birthday party. Nearly all of them require microphones. There have been some strong developments for specific capsules (the top part of the microphone that captures the sound) for venues like Aures. Our high speaker density presents a significant challenge in that we have over 90% on cone coverage across the venue. This means that feedback can occur and you get that screech when the sound technician pushes the levels a little too much. We currently have procedures in place to mitigate feedback to prevent this but were keen to learn about new mic technology at the event.
We were pleased to learn that new developments in technology mean we can keep our full coverage sound system and use microphones simultaneously. Combining microphones with the tracking and spatial audio system will also allow us to turn down the speakers which are closest to the microphone. Learn more about Sennheiser
An epic showcase of event technology
We also visited suppliers who already have their technology at Aures, including Robe Lighting, Avolites Lighting control and media servers, Epson projection, Powersoft amplifiers, Arvus digital audio decoder/render. We also met Innovate Audio, Canon, and Clear-Com communication equipment, and many more at the show. It was an epic two days of exploring and discussing the industry developments and will help us keep Aures at the forefront of event technology.