It's so crazy it might just work!

This is very ambitious.

Pretty *audacious* really.

But - we have the basic fundamental resources - most of them. We can pull something nice off. We'll just get as far as we can given our time, equipment, a few dollars that we have - and any that we can evoke from fellow elevator passengers.

I'm excited that Patrick has time and enthusiasm for this renegade build. Not to mention skills, mind, and resources. Im happy to have found a worthy project for my special play/hack/make-week this summer.

If only we had the Mystery Machine back again!

Camera Test

My first test for a DE2 capture camera was the Canon Vixia HF200 HD camcorder. It records to SD memory cards and provides manual control over exposure and focus. However, wide-angle recording requires an attachment lens which has proven in field tests to significantly degrade image quality, introducing purple fringing (chromatic aberration) and blurring the footage around the edges. Current camera cost is about $520 each. Perhaps a better quality wide-angle lens can be found for this configuration.

Possible capture system

A possible solution for DE2 acquisition in HD is the Go Pro HD Hero. The built-in 127 degree FOV, 1080p/30fps or 720p/60fps capture seems like a good fit and the price is right: $259. Downsides are no viewfinder or timecode, but this may be the most economical solution for a 4-stream capture solution that is waterproof and lightweight enough to mount on a helmet.

Resources

Here in Seattle, I have the following physical resources available as of today:

DE Playback Resources
1 Sanyo PLV-80 HD video projector (3000 lumens)
1 4-channel sound system with amps / speakers / stands, etc.
4 PCs and software for synchronized digital video playback
4 Telescoping Light Stand Tripods for lifting projection frame and RP material

DE Authoring Resources
PC Video capture / editing / processing for conversion of existing DE content to digital

Still Needed:
3 more video projectors
Original DE content on DV
DV cam with IEEE1394 to capture DE content streams
Rear-screen material
Rear-screen support frames
Performance space
Marketing / Publicity

Measuring the Space

According to Topher, the screens are 16' wide by 12' tall. Using this Projection Distance Calculator, it looks like my Sanyo PLV-80 Projector will require a 38' 4" throw distance to fill a 16' x 12' screen. Assuming all the projectors have the same throw requirements, that means we need a space that is about 40 + 16 + 40 = 96 feet square. Perhaps some projectors have shorter throws.

Planting the seed

I spoke to Topher tonight and he suggested doing a test run of the reincarnation of Dimension Elevator in 2 weeks. It sounds crazy but it just might be possible if we use the existing content and can find a performance space. I'll start checking with galleries and warehouse spaces tomorrow.