Disguise technology is behind a new projection show and multimedia theater experience at Rockefeller Center, offering visitors an interactive view of one of New York’s iconic landmarks. The six-minute video, created in partnership with Electrosonic, is projected onto a 10-foot 3D model of the Center and the surrounding Manhattan skyline, immersing visitors in the history of Rockefeller Center.
Disguise provided an upgrade to its OmniCal camera-based projector calibration system with a new RigCheck API. The update allows AV teams to calibrate projections from a third-party controller without needing Disguise’s Designer software, which reduces calibration time from days to minutes. “When we improved the OmniCal workflow, specifically the RigCheck API, we wanted to ensure the calibration process would be as smooth, repeatable and reliable as possible,” said Shae Langley, Head of Location-Based Experiences at Disguise.
Other improvements to OmniCal include a feature that checks if the OmniCal cameras — used for precise mapping of the distance between objects — are out of focus. By allowing users to set custom thresholds for these checks, the update aims to improve accuracy in 3D projection, enhancing the overall visual experience for visitors.
“We’re excited to see OmniCal continue to be used to harness the power of projection-mapping techniques across both location-based experiences and live shows around the world,” Langley said. “This development has allowed Disguise to take an existing workflow and simplify it so that our users can continue to push the level of detail and scale on 3D projection mapping canvases and complex geometric shapes, while being assured of accuracy and ease of use.”
In addition to the projection show, Disguise’s EX 3 media servers power a five-minute theater experience at the Rockefeller visitor center. The presentation, which features archival footage and animation to illustrate New York’s history, uses surround sound and pixel-perfect playback for a fully immersive experience.
“In addition to an incredible creative design, we knew we needed a robust technical solution to ensure the projection model could run smoothly for up to 15 hours a day,” said Phil Hettema, founder and CEO of THG Creative. “Disguise worked with us to develop a custom auto-calibration solution for the model, overcoming several technical challenges. Their expertise was critical for the model’s ongoing performance. Thanks to their collaboration, we successfully launched a visually captivating and operationally reliable feature in the Welcome Gallery, orienting guests to the entire Rockefeller Center complex.”
