Making a buzz at IAAPA
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LIVE sits down with Nigel Sadler, chief pollinator at HIVE Media Control, to discuss the company’s future plans as it makes waves in the amusement and attractions sector
work with the people interacting with a screen, for example,” says Sadler. “It can even detect if they’re smiling and react accordingly. So you’re turning an extra dimension into a lot of the attractions that you’re doing. We added that recently and we’re working on a number of new things coming out.” The world of 3D, both in projection mapping technologies and in 3D playback, is an area that HIVE has been working on and is looking to bring out new options in the near future. “Another key area is integration with existing systems. Attractions rely on a wide range of interconnected technologies, so it’s essential that our media players can communicate and work seamlessly alongside them.” Sadler argues that there are numerous reasons why HIVE continues to gain traction in these areas. One of which is the Intel Smart Display Module (SDM) technology and being able to place the servers inside projectors. “Also, having a massive cost-saving and reliability impact,” he says. “I’ve always said that, while putting the blades inside the projectors makes it more cost-effective, you’re removing all the failure points. And in doing so, you’re making the whole system more reliable and simpler.” He concludes with a simple but poignant view: “Anything that’s improving reliability is a win.”
Sadler lists the choice to design a system based around Linux as a key example of where HIVE slots in. “Using a very basic version of that operating system means that, while we can do all the clever tricks you see in a lot of other media servers and a lot of other playback devices, we’re about as close as you can get to a pure hardware system.” According to Sadler, companies can’t afford to have a ride go down simply because one of the projectors or the media playback systems stopped. “Traditionally that means that they will only work with hardware-based players,” he explains. “But everyone has got to realise that the demands of modern video technology in attractions – things like 3D projection, curved warping blended screens, tracking of objects with video – you can’t do that effectively and cost- effectively in a pure hardware solution. You must have software involved. But doing what we’ve done, by getting a blade which is almost pure hardware, is getting as close as you can to that nirvana.” There have been interesting developments on the software side, with new integrations that include the recently added support for Nexmosphere sensors. “That allows us and our users to have a whole host of different sensors, adapters and intelligent cameras to be able to
IVE Media Control recently attended the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) show
in London with the aim of meeting companies in person. Its goal is not only to develop new technologies but to take the company in a direction that means it can provide services, products and solutions across a broad array of segments within the entertainment and attractions industry. Its recent acquisition by Panasonic has set the tone for the company’s ambition going forward. “Panasonic have been able to introduce us to the people and the technical engineers that work on a lot of attractions and rides,” says Sadler. “From that, we’ve realised that there are lots of things we’re able to provide that not a lot of other companies do.”
It’s essential for our media players to communicate with and work alongside existing systems
To learn more, visit hive.run
AWARD-WINNING ATTRACTIONS HIVE media players power video playback for Rally Flåklypa, the new multi-award-winning dark ride at Hunderfossen Eventyrpark in Norway
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