Naostage’s Innovative AI-Driven Tracking Solutions
In the ever-evolving landscape of event technology, Naostage has made a significant mark by bringing advanced tracking solutions to the forefront. It has been over a year since Naostage, a French company known for its cutting-edge tracking technologies, collaborated with Novatech Creative Event Technology in Adelaide to launch their AI-enhanced systems in Australia. This partnership has resulted in one of the most impressive applications of artificial intelligence within our industry: the K SYSTEM. By seamlessly integrating cameras, processors, and intelligent software, this system offers automatic tracking of performers without the need for beacons, allowing the AI to lock onto a performer as they enter the stage or performance area.
Novatech quickly recognized the potential of this remarkable technology and invested in a top-tier system. The K SYSTEM is capable of generating PSN (PosiStageNet) or OSC data based on each performer’s location. This data plays a crucial role in controlling various aspects of a production, such as lighting fixtures used for followspot applications, as well as sending control signals to immersive audio processors like d&b audiotechnik’s Soundscape and L-Acoustics’ L-ISA, not to mention video and other show control systems.
At the heart of the K SYSTEM are three main components: the KAPTA sensor bar, the KORE processor, and the KRATOS software. The KAPTA utilizes a combination of multiple types of cameras—visible, thermal, and near-infrared (NIR)—to effectively monitor the stage area under any conditions, whether it’s complete darkness or heavy smoke. The patented technology harnesses the power of the KORE processor, guided by the KRATOS software, to focus on individual performers within user-defined areas.
Leko Novakovic, the Managing Director of Novatech, shared an exciting experience: "We took the K SYSTEM on tour with Tones and I, performing in arenas like the iconic Rod Laver in Melbourne. We positioned one KAPTA on the front truss, which covered the entire 18-meter-wide stage. Initially, we planned to track only Tones, but her team requested that we include her dancers as well. The system ended up effortlessly tracking both Tones and multiple dancers without any issues."
While the K SYSTEM continues to be Naostage's flagship solution for comprehensive show control, the company has recently unveiled an innovative new product named YouTrack. This manual tracking system is tailored to meet the practical demands of live entertainment; it is easy to set up, adaptable during operation, and designed to transition smoothly into full AI automation as production needs evolve. YouTrack introduces reliable tracking capabilities to events of all sizes.
The YouTrack system comprises two key components: the KAM, a robust RGB camera equipped with PoE and IP67 ratings, ensuring consistent visual performance even in extremely low-light environments, and the NUK, a compact computer pre-configured with the KRATOS software for outstanding real-time processing.
Naostage’s approach with YouTrack allows users to begin with a powerful manual tracking setup, then upgrade to AI-driven automation as their requirements expand, offering unparalleled flexibility and long-term value.
Situated between the original KORE processor and the NUK is the newer “Kore S,” which restricts AI processing to four video streams (allowing for one KAPTA or four KAMs), whereas the KORE can manage up to eight video streams at once, such as two KAPTAs or a mix of KAPTA and KAMs.
This flexible architecture promotes interoperability and scalability, enabling anyone to customize a tracking system that meets their specific needs while benefiting from extended compatibility with third-party AV systems.
Leko further elaborates on this flexibility: "This adaptability means that smaller productions or venues can leverage Naostage’s innovative technology and scale their systems as their needs grow. It also provides AV professionals with an opportunity to target integration or architectural markets using a cost-effective and creative solution."
Thanks to AI-driven tracking, operating the system is refreshingly straightforward. As Leko explains, "Setting up and calibrating the system generally takes just 20 to 30 minutes for someone experienced. During rehearsals or live performances, the operator simply assigns a performer in the target patcher, and the system takes care of the rest. You can configure it to fade in upon entry, fade out upon exit, and track them with various lighting combinations. In Novatech's case, the KORE outputs control data directly into their grandMA3 lighting consoles, but the possibilities for interactive AV scenarios are virtually limitless—such as dynamically changing video backgrounds based on a performer’s movements or adjusting audio effects based on their position."
With a Naostage YouTrack system available at a fraction of the cost of a full K SYSTEM, and a K SYSTEM combining KAMs and a KORE S priced at half that of a high-end K SYSTEM, Naostage's offerings are highly competitive against other leading tracking systems. Now is truly an excellent time for production companies, theaters, and various venues to explore tracking options.
Novatech will provide demonstration systems for interested parties; feel free to reach out for a test experience! Leko concludes with enthusiasm, "We believe this technology will become a massive hit."
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