VAI's DevCon 2009 Brings People And Ideas Together

DevConThe latest edition of Video Applications long-running Developers Conference or DevCon, introduced a number of technology innovations to a cross-section of clients throughout four well-attended sessions. DevCon 2009 took place at the end of August and, similar to past years where concepts such as wide-screen high-resolution imaging and the proprietary "MediaHub" were presented in an in-depth format, this year's version provided a comprehensive review of the concepts and technologies. This year's conference featured a number of collaborators and was reflective of the times, where many projects are serviced by responsive, efficient teams of companies each bringing its own expertise to the project.

The theme for this year's conference was "From Boxes to Bytes" and highlighted the movement away from specialized AV components such as video processors and switchers to innovative software applications running on computer-based platforms. Underscoring the session was the premise that this approach unleashed new paths to creativity for the designers and producers who packed the house. It also highlighted the affordable nature of the application-based approach that supports an infinite variety of concepts with less equipment and associated cost.

A number of concepts were demonstrated to the attendees including mapping projection to 3-D objects, mapping projection to moving objects, real-time 3-D image manipulation, gesture tracking and 3-D image manipulation via gesture tracking. In addition, a new application was unveiled for the first time at the conference. The new application, Communitype, is a sophisticated content engine that pulls external data and images to create unique, media-rich outputs.

Exemplifying the team concept, VAI had enlisted a number of regular collaborators to support the conference including XL Video, Dalite Screens, Three-byte Intermedia and Coolux International. The presentations, which were hosted by VAI's EVP/COO, Darrell Hennegen, utilized the talents of Carl McMillan of VAI, Josh Weisberg, President of Scharff Weisberg, Olaaf Rossi of Three-Byte Intermedia and Steve Gilbard of Coolux International, who demonstrated the very powerful Pandora's Box media server.

"DevCon has been widely recognized as an invaluable and truly unique opportunity to update your knowledge base and stay current with the trends driving our industry," says Hennegen "Everyone who attended DevCon was introduced to the next generation of presentation technologies and left with a significantly expanded range of creative options. Based on the very positive response we received we are looking to repeat this effort at our sister company Scharff Weisberg early next year."

There is a video from the sessions available on DVD and on the Video Applications website.

"In tough economic times going out and selling yourself as a production company that's faster and cheaper than others means nothing," notes Jim Goalen, a writer/director with Goalen Goup Media. "In our business we're selling ideas, and people want to see that you have exciting new ideas. DevCon gives us the tools to differentiate ourselves from the competition and gives us fresh ideas to take to our clients. We've actually created a tech demo from this year's conference that's a great way to educate existing and potential clients. We've had a tremendous response from that. DevCon is cutting edge - it's where you need to be."

Video Applications and Scharff Weisberg, firms with extensive histories in the presentation and staging markets, recently announced a co-ownership agreement. While continuing to operate independently the two companies work together strategically to provide clients with state-of-the-art audio, video and lighting equipment and services. With a strong presence on both coasts Video Applications and Scharff Weisberg are able to deliver a large array of cost-effective services on a national level. For more information visit www.videoapps.com or www.scharffweisberg.com.