Immersive Environments & Display Systems

Eurovision 2009

Breaking records in every department, the stunning Eurovision stage at this year's contest transformed itself with a different look for each act. The sheer quantity of LEDs, pyrotechnics and lighting may have attracted much interest, but there were some equally enthralling and unique elements suspended off stage above the 16,000 strong live audience at the Olympiyski Stadium, Moscow.

Procon, major supplier to Eurovision 09, brought in 6 Pufferfish PufferSpheres, which made their first ever appearance in Russian airspace and their Eurovision debut.

The 2m diameter, air-inflated, internally projected spherical displays served different functions throughout the three shows.

Tuesday night's semi-final opened with the PufferSpheres lowered from the rafters as giant planets in a starry night sky, through which a giant glowing Thunderbird soared.

During the acts the spheres were raised to display visuals complementing each unique stage set, whilst between acts their versatility was further utilised to carry digital signage, introducing each nation to the audience.

It is the unique features of the PufferSpheres that allowed them to take on so many uses over the course of the show.

Their lightweight design, stable image projection and compact footprint make them easy to move up, down and around as the show's artistic creators dictate. Equally they offer the camera team the ability to fly-by, zoom, pan and jib around the displays, immersing the 100 million strong television audiences in the action.

Their 360-degree viewing angle means that they can be situated in amongst the audience yet still be visible to all, bringing the entire audience that little bit closer to the acts on stage and keeping them informed of exactly which of the acts they are watching.

The PufferSpheres were stuffed full of content supplied by some of Russia's top designers, rendered through a small battalion of media servers - no less than six Hippotizer V3 HDs distributed through a matrix - all overseen and cued by Timo Kauristo and a GrandMA.

Whether as a miniature solar system, bubbling balls of graphics or fluttering spherical flags, the Pufferspheres add yet another element of wonder to proceedings, helping Procon Project Manager, Ola Melzig, make good on his promise to 'blow people's minds'!