PL+S 2018: Immersive Technology Forum and special demo areas to focus on immersive audio

A number of new technologies will be presented for the first time at this year’s Prolight + Sound taking place from 11-13 April in Frankfurt.

The Immersive Technology Forum on Thursday, 12 April, is made up of lectures revolving around subjects such as 3D audio, virtual reality, 360° film and holography, while there will also be several special areas where exhibitors can demonstrate immersive hearing experiences.

The programme of the Immersive Technology Forum is oriented towards content producers, specialists from the technical and broadcasting segments, as well as at event managers and organisers. The programme will begin with a 3D audio workshop by Lasse Nipkow, founder of Silent Work GmbH. Then, Jörn Nettingsmeier of the Association of German Sound Engineers (VDT) will look at potential applications for 3D audio in theatres.

Meanwhile, Michael Ochs, PRG Lab, will offer insights into the creative use of virtual and augmented reality and other technologies trending in the event sector – from interactive exhibits to immersive spatial experiences. Andreas Gause, Gerriets GmbH, will present areas of application for 3D and hologram projection. Additionally, there will be two lectures by Mattias Hundt of Hessian Broadcasting (HR) on the business side of VR content production and the overall workflow of a 360° music-video production.

This new lecture programme at Prolight + Sound aims to give visitors the opportunity to discover how to upgrade events through the inclusion of immersive experiences, how to earn money now and in the future with virtual-reality content, and where appropriate solutions can be used in productions.

In addition to the lecture programme, several Prolight + Sound exhibitors will be represented with their own presentation areas for immersive sound. d&b audiotechnik will demonstrate the development of d&b Soundscape, a toolbox for the production of incomparable hearing experiences. There will be presentations on the development, concept and areas of application for d&b Soundscape, as well as practical workshops, on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the fair.

In Hall 3.1, Alcons Audio and Astro Spatial Audio will have a joint demonstration area for showing immersive sound systems in operation. The products to be seen include the first Alcons Pro-Audio loudspeaker with patent-applied-for waveguide technology and the Astro SARA II Premium Rendering Engine for object-based audio processing.

Visitors can also experience a unique sound installation in the Klangdome (sound dome) at the outdoor exhibition area. Equipped with a DIY 3D sound system with 31 loudspeakers and a vibrating floor, this geodetic dome is a sound-intensive event location. 6 x 6-channel, 100 Watt class D amplifiers are used in the dome’s Ambisonics 3D sound system to power the water-proof 8 Ohm loudspeakers.

Meanwhile, this year’s ProLight+Sound will also see French manufacturer L-Acoustics demonstrate its L‑ISA Immersive Sound Art technology, which is currently embarking on the Lorde Melodrama tour, as well as present new hardware and software tools – including the P1 networked digital audio processor, which begins shipping in June.

The company will showcase the new L-ISA Island on Stand C11 in Hall 3.1, while demonstrations and presentations of both L-ISA and the P1 networked digital audio processor will be held in the Kontrast Room, Hall 3.