German electro pop pioneers, Kraftwerk will use the dynamic interactive and 3D features of Dataton WATCHOUT multi-image and presentation software, for all on-stage digital scenography for their tours and concerts throughout 2013.Formed in 1970, Kraftwerk began using stereoscopic 3D concerts at MoMA and ”Way out West” Swedish Rock Festival in Spring 2012.
WATCHOUT manages projected 3D content on a large stage backdrop creating a powerful abstract presence in front of audiences wearing polarised 3D glasses. Two more WATCHOUT channels feed the flanking LED screens. To create the lighting effects on the four oversized illuminated keyboards, a Pixel-gate LED video controller uses an additional DVI output from the main screen using the WATCHOUT “Tier” feature.
The main timeline in WATCHOUT is chasing time code from Kraftwerk synthesizers (MTC converted into SMPTE). The Kraftwerk synthesisers are also used for live visual interaction controlled via MIDI commands. The new features of WATCHOUT version 5 enable live manipulation of content. Media objects can be positioned, rotated and moved in 3D in real-time from external control systems, musical instruments, lighting consoles, mobile devices and sensors to control on-screen elements such as images, video, Stereoscopic 3D movies and live feeds as required.
In London, Kraftwerk will perform at Tate Modern’s cavernous Turbine Hall for eight nights, first from February 6-9, then 11-14, and are their first live London performances since 2004. The band will perform one studio album in full on each night and combine it with visual backdrops, including interactive 3D projections and animation.
