THINKING OF DIY PROJECTION MAPPING? READ THIS FIRST

In the realm of events and installations, projection mapping stands out as a magical way to transform spaces with captivating visuals.

However, the temptation to tackle such projects on a DIY basis can be deceiving, leading many to underestimate the complexity and overestimate their capacity to deliver.

Before diving into the deep end, it’s crucial to consider the unparalleled value and security that a professional service like NOVA Light Labs brings to the table.

Why DIY Might Not Be Your Best Bet

  1. Time and Core Competency: Tackling projection mapping demands a significant investment of time, a resource that event managers and business owners often don't have to spare. Professional teams like ours streamline this process, allowing you to focus on your core business priorities.

  2. Technical Complexities: The technical requirements of projection mapping, including understanding the necessary brightness or the specific cables for high-resolution content, are complex and require specialized knowledge. Our team demystifies these complexities, ensuring the technical aspects are perfectly managed.

  3. Equipment and Software: Access to high-grade equipment and the right software is crucial for effective projection mapping but comes at a steep cost and steep learning curve. We invest in the latest technology and software, ensuring your project benefits from the cutting edge without the upfront investment.

  4. Creative Design and Content: Designing compelling content that fits perfectly with your theme requires a creative touch and technical skill, which our team has in spades. We work closely with you to bring your vision to life in ways you might not have imagined possible.

  5. Seamless Integration: Integrating projection mapping with existing audio-visual setups requires a deep understanding of both technologies. Our expertise ensures that your projection mapping complements and enhances your event, rather than complicating it.

  6. Maintenance and Calibration: The maintenance of projection equipment and the precision required for calibration, especially with multiple projectors, can be daunting. We handle all aspects of maintenance and calibration, ensuring peak performance and stunning visuals at every event.

  7. Risk Management: Managing the myriad risks involved in projection mapping, from technical failures to compliance with content licensing, requires a proactive approach. We anticipate and mitigate these risks, providing peace of mind and a smooth experience.

  8. Expertise and Experience: Our team brings over 12 years of experience to the table, along with a detail-oriented approach that guarantees every aspect of your projection mapping project is executed to perfection. This expertise translates into a flawless presentation that elevates your event.

 

Why Choose NOVA Light Labs?

NOVA Light Labs stands at the forefront of projection mapping services, offering not just technical solutions but a partnership that ensures your vision is realized and amplified.

Our commitment to excellence, from the planning stage through to execution and beyond, guarantees a seamless and stunning visual experience. We leverage professional-grade equipment and sophisticated software to overcome any challenge, backed by a team dedicated to bringing your creative vision to life.

By opting for NOVA Light Labs, you gain more than just a service provider; you gain a partner invested in your success. We are dedicated to not only meeting but exceeding your expectations, ensuring your event is memorable for all the right reasons.

 

Conclusion

While the DIY route for projection mapping might seem tempting, it often underestimates the complexity involved.

Choosing NOVA Light Labs means opting for peace of mind, with the assurance that every facet of your projection mapping project is managed by experts committed to achieving remarkable results.

Let us transform your next event into an extraordinary experience that leaves a lasting impression.

 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROJECTION, PROJECTION MAPPING, 3D PROJECTION MAPPING, AND VIDEO MAPPING?

In the world of high-end lighting and visual experiences, terms like projection, projection mapping, video mapping, and 3D projection mapping often come up, each carrying its own distinct meaning and application.

Understanding these differences not only enriches one’s appreciation of the art and technology involved but also assists in selecting the right approach for your project needs.

Here, we aim to demystify these terms for those who may not be familiar with the nuances of each.

 

Projection refers to the basic technique of casting light, images, or videos onto a surface. This is the simplest form of visual display, where content is projected onto a flat, typically 2D surface, such as a screen or wall. There's no alteration to the content to match the surface; it's straightforward, like projecting a movie onto a flat screen.

 

Projection Mapping, takes this concept further by allowing for the adjustment of the projected image to fit onto irregularly shaped 2D surfaces. This method involves sophisticated techniques such as perspective corrections, calibration, mesh warping, bezier curves, and edge blending.

The essence of projection mapping lies in its ability to transform ordinary structures into extraordinary visual canvases, offering a more immersive experience than standard projection.

 

3D Projection Mapping elevates the experience by applying similar principles as projection mapping but onto three-dimensional objects. This method can also be referred to as 360 projection mapping due to its ability to envelop an entire object in visual content, creating a fully immersive viewing experience.

The complexity here involves not just adjusting to the contours of a 3D shape but also potentially interacting with its movement and depth, bringing static objects to life with dynamic imagery.

 

Video Mapping generally overlaps with projection mapping but is specifically used with other screen media like LED walls or tiled video screens. While it shares the core concept of adapting content to fit a designated space, video mapping often involves integrating with existing screen technology to create expansive and coherent visual displays.

 

Conclusion:

In essence, while these terms share a foundational concept, casting visuals onto surfaces, they diverge in their applications and the technologies involved.

From the simplicity of projection to the intricate designs of 3D projection mapping, each offers unique opportunities to transform spaces and objects into captivating visual experiences.

Understanding these differences ensures that clients can make informed decisions about which technique will best bring their vision to life, while also enhancing their engagement with the cutting-edge possibilities within the realm of visual display technology.

PAYETTE BREWING EXTERIOR PROJECTION MAPPING IN BOISE IDAHO

Projection mapping and breweries go together like a group of good friends around the campfire with a microbrew - perfect!

As Payette Brewing was one of the first places we visited when moving to Boise, Idaho it was truly fitting to perform some projections on the exterior of their flagship brewery in downtown.

 

With an emphasis on outdoor recreation and local hops the team at Payette wanted to be sure to highlight their process as well as their story through the projections.

After visiting the site and selecting an optimal surface the front was a clear winner. It was visible from afar, on site, and even in the patio lounge area. On top of that it had some truly great features for projecting upon.

 

After a few iterations of content a series of looks were developed that incorporated the client provided content with the architecture of the building.

One of the really popular effects was where the building was made to appear as though it was filling up with beer from the inside.

Definitely eye catching to people walking by and 100% on brand and fit to the space.

 
Learn more • Content Creation

MOUNTAIN BIKES AND PROJECTION MAPPING AT THE BOISE BIKE PARK

Mountain bikes and projection mapping go together like a wheel is to a gear!

For a recent research and development project our team at NOVA Light Labs made waves at the local Boise Bike Park with a collaboration between two professional riders.

After taking a look at the curved wooden wall ride near the top it was a perfect occasion to combine some of our favorite things!

 

Once on site we deployed a single 20k lumen laser video projector to cover the entire side of the wall ride as well as the dirt just before and after the feature.

It was absolutely impressive to see just how clear and crisp the projections were at this range with this amount of lumens near sunset.

For the content we choose to make an homage to the visual aesthetics of the classic Mario Kart 64 video game where players could launch off of red and white stripped ramps. Safe to say the look was achieved and the visuals were super bright!

During the course of the evening many people on bikes or doing a hike came by and the response was universally filled with excitement and stoke as according to our search this has never been done before!

After the session we all had some electrolytes and thought of where to take it from here?

  • More projectors, more ramps, the full course?

  • Could we add interactivity or other looks?

  • How about adding this to a contest?

  • What about taking this to a snowboard or ski hill?

  • Or maybe a concrete skate park instead?

Time will tell but for now enjoy the media from the shoot and be sure to say hello so we can bring this out to your next mountain bike or bicycle related event!

 
 

Special thanks to Brit, Levi, Zac, the Boise Bike Park, and Bikes and Beans for such a fun time!

 
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