CAST Software’s BlackTrax real-time tracking system delivered precise, reliable projection tracking for the recent reopening ceremony of Al Ain Museum, an outdoor production widely regarded as one of the most technically demanding ceremonies ever delivered in the region. As PRG’s Director of Account Management Harry Lister noted, it was “no doubt, one of the most complex projection tracking scopes delivered to date.”
The production required accurate tracked projection across 32 large, free-moving scenic monoliths in a live outdoor environment, all executed with no opportunity for pre-scope testing and under an extremely compressed schedule. Many of these scenic elements were moved manually during the performance, introducing subtle but constant structural movement. According to CAST’s Nicholas Lau, “given BlackTrax’s high tracking fidelity, even this subtle movement translated into visible shifts in the projection output,” leaving little margin for error.
To meet the demands of the exposed heritage site, CAST deployed 14 IP-rated BlackTrax Versa Sensors – the first-ever live deployment of the new Versa sensor range. Designed specifically for outdoor environments, the sensors delivered uninterrupted performance without external weather protection. Lau confirmed that “these sensors delivered flawless, uninterrupted tracking and stood up to the elements without the need for external housings.”
Each scenic structure was fitted with BlackTrax Classic Beacons and Flathead Stringers, allowing the system to track up to 144 points simultaneously. Beacon placement was carefully optimised toward the most stable areas of each structure, supported by predictive smoothing tools to maintain projection alignment throughout movement. As Technical Director Tarmo Krimm explained, the fully redundant system architecture, including primary and backup BlackTrax servers and a dedicated 10G fibre network, “ensured that the tracking cameras always had multiple stringer reference points available.”
CAST engineers supported the project with rotating day and night shifts, providing continuous on-site coverage through installation, rehearsal, and programming. The result was a system that, in the words of Technical Systems Manager Shannon Gobell, “was pushed in ways most thought were not possible.”
Ultimately, BlackTrax delivered seamless, high-precision tracking that allowed projection content to move naturally with the scenic elements, supporting the creative vision while remaining completely invisible to the audience.
