Getting started
In the bustling scene of Delft Highlights 2024, we, the NewMedia Centre, collaborated with artist Sophia Bulgakova to enhance her installation. The objective was to add a dynamic touch to her existing setup, where words scrolled on screens, aiming for a more engaging experience.
Our goals were clear and challenging:
- Dynamic Enhancement with Minimal Gear:
We aimed to inject life into the installation without relying on complex equipment or intricate computer setups.
- Real-time Control Over Moving Text:
The idea was to have precise control over the size and speed of the moving words, creating a dynamic and captivating display.
- Flexible Text Editing in Real-time:
We wanted the flexibility to edit, rearrange, and modify the words on the fly, allowing for spontaneous adjustments.
Our journey unfolded in two key stages:
- Streaming with Raspberry Pi’s:
Initially considering Raspberry Pi’s for video streaming, we faced decoding limitations. Shifting gears, we utilized OBS on a regular computer with the NDI plugin. Dicaffeine played a crucial role in enabling smooth video streaming over cables and Wi-Fi. The Raspberry Pi’s seamlessly joined the setup, proving their reliability.
- Text Management in Unreal Engine:
Transitioning to Unreal Engine 5.2, known for game development, we created a practical interface for easy word changes. Achieving smooth text movement posed challenges, but we found a solution using a special texture. Our application offered two modes – one for editing and another for display. Blueprints in Unreal Engine facilitated seamless transitions between different text displays.
The climax arrived as all 8 screens merged into a cohesive display on a large 4-8K screen. OBS acted as the conductor, splitting the collective display into 8 individual screens. Extensive testing confirmed the stability of our creation.
Meet the team behind the scenes of this project:
- Arend-Jan Krooneman
- Arno Freeke
- Ivan Tzvetkov
- Roland van Roijen
In this pragmatic tale, our NewMedia Centre and Sophia Bulgakova not only tackled technical challenges but also crafted an engaging display. Delft Highlights 2024 witnessed a blend of technology and art, paving the way for future interactive installations. The end – until the next chapter in our journey!