Eurovision Song Contest Empowerment - Insights into PRG's Equipment Setup for the Eurovision Song Contest
Eurovision Song Contest 2017 Showcases Advanced Lighting Technology
The Eurovision Song Contest 2017, held in Kyiv, Ukraine, was a spectacle of high-tech stage lighting and effects. One of the standout technologies used in the production was the GroundControl Long Throw lighting system, which made its debut at an event in Europe.
The GroundControl Long Throw fixtures, known for their ability to project intense beams over long distances, were used extensively in the contest. Four of these systems were employed, with a total of 18 GroundControl systems being used throughout the event.
The first use of the GroundControl Long Throw at the Eurovision Song Contest remains a notable moment, but detailed official technical information about its application is not readily available in public records or mainstream sources. However, it is known that the system utilizes high-output LED or discharge lamps combined with precision optics and digital control (DMX/RDM) to achieve powerful beam projection suitable for large venue lighting design.
In addition to the GroundControl Long Throw, the Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv also featured technology from PRG, a company known for advanced stage lighting products. The PRG Live Entertainment Awards (PRG LEA) were presented at Prolight + Sound 2017, and PRG was an exhibitor at the event.
The light show at the PRG LEA stage was used by ESC light designer Jerry Applet in conjunction with bright!, demonstrating the versatility of these advanced lighting systems. The performance of the song "DooM" by the band "Foxos" was even used as a demo and product showcase for these technologies.
The setup for the Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv took an impressive four and a half weeks to complete. With approximately 200 trucks depositing equipment, the production was a logistical feat. The contest, one of the largest live and TV events, reached an estimated 200 million viewers annually across Europe.
Another technology that made its debut at the Eurovision Song Contest was the GLP JDC1 LED hybrid stroboscope, which was utilized in a production of this scale for the first time. The ball ballet by Stage Kinetik also used the BlackTrax live tracking system.
A backstage tour of the PRG LEA stage was available at the PRG XL Video fair stand, offering a glimpse into the advanced technologies and meticulous planning that went into creating the stunning visuals of the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. Despite the lack of detailed public records, it is clear that this event was a showcase for the latest advancements in stage lighting technology.
The timing of the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 in Kyiv, Ukraine, coincided with a shift in the entertainment industry's lifestyle, accentuating the prominence of technology. The extensive use of the GroundControl Long Throw fixtures, a cutting-edge lighting technology, during the contest highlighted this transition, displaying a harmonious blend of modern technology and conversant artistry.