Rock in Rio: how Coldplay’s colored bracelet works

The accessories are controlled by 40 infrared transmitters

In addition to the tired voice of Axl Rose and the punk beating of green dayone of the highlights of the Rock in Rio were the bracelets of colored lights of the Coldplay. baptisms Xilobandethey have accompanied the band since 2012, on the tour for the album Mylo Xyloto, and create a visual effect that impresses and connects the audience to the artist.

Originally created by the company RB Concepts, the current version of the bracelet is developed by the Canadian PixMob, a company that also supplied the product to the American singer. Taylor Swift.

According to the company, they are used seven LED points on the bracelet – inside there is a simple electronic circuit that allows remote control. They are controlled by an infrared signal, of the same type as the TV controls. The choice is justified: the infrared signal does not deteriorate with rain or smoke, making it ideal for outdoor entertainment events. The rain during Coldplay’s Saturday show testifies to the strength of the signal.

In an interview with the site PLSNShaheem Litchmore, PixMob’s light programmer, explained how to activate hundreds of thousands of bracelets at the same time.

“These bracelets are controlled by our grandMA3 light console and the signal is sent through 40 infrared antennas strategically positioned and eight other moving heads that are part of the lighting equipment “.

grandMA3 is a proprietary system that works with software that allows automation of lights. That is, the team can program everything that happens during the shows: from the colors that will be activated to the movements that the lights will receive throughout the audience.

However, part of the show is still dictated by the feeling of the band on stage, who have a voice when it comes to guiding how the audience should shine. “Even if we run the time code, some moments of the show still require manual activations. The band ‘keeps me on my toes’ by adding some spontaneous musical endings to the songs here and there; then usually the endings of the songs and the transitions to the song. next of the show. the playlists are activated manually, “Litchmore explained to the site PLSN.

Although the LEDs have low power consumption, the bracelets have a lifespan of a few hours. Early versions of Xyloband manufactured by RB Concepts had a battery life of approx 18 hours – more than enough for a musical show. PixMob, on the other hand, does not reveal the duration of his bracelet, but it makes no sense to take it home: it will only work with the company’s software (although, on the internet, some people have managed to access the circuit and revive the bracelet – by disassembling the circuit. LED and reprogramming).

Now, however, with the sustainability proposal, the bracelets must be returned to the organization at the end of each presentation: they are reused in other shows. In terms of ecological footprint, current bracelets are made from biodegradable plastic, created from sugar cane. The band stated that they would no longer perform if they couldn’t use sustainable production in their shows.

Source: Terra

Emily

Emily Jhon is a product and service reviewer at Gossipify, known for her honest evaluations and thorough analysis. With a background in marketing and consumer research, she offers valuable insights to readers. She has been writing for Gossipify for several years and has a degree in Marketing and Consumer Research from the University of Oxford.