Media servers rental

What a media server does

A media server is a powerful computer system built specifically to play imagery reliably and distribute it across several screens, projections or surfaces at once. Where an ordinary media player puts one file on one output, a media server juggles several sources, distributes them across different destinations and keeps everything frame-accurately in sync. It is the brain behind every image show that goes beyond a single screen.

The reason you need such a system lies in the demands of complex image setups. Heavy material in high resolution, several images that connect seamlessly, animations running across different surfaces, and live switches that have to land exactly on the beat of the music: that calls for computing power and for software made specifically for this task. An ordinary laptop or media player grinds to a halt on this, while a media server handles it without stuttering.

When a media server is indispensable

The media server comes into play as soon as your image show goes beyond one screen with one source. In a setup with several large screens that together have to show one continuous image, each part has to connect exactly to the next. A fraction of a second’s difference shows immediately and breaks the illusion. The media server makes sure all images run in step, even when the material is heavy and the resolution high.

The server is also the basis for creative image shows. Think of an opening animation running across the whole width of the stage, atmospheric imagery that responds to the music, or a presentation combining different sources live. And with projection mapping, where image is projected exactly onto the shape of an object or building, the media server is the system that handles the warping, the alignment and the synchronisation of several projectors.

Suitable events

At a product launch where the reveal moment has to overwhelm visually, a media server delivers the synchronised image show that determines the impact. At corporate events with a large stage and several image surfaces, the server keeps everything aligned. And at presentations and conferences with an ambitious image setup, the media server provides the reliable playback technology behind the scenes.

The technology: configuration and synchronisation

Behind a working media server is careful preparation. Before a single image appears, we map out the whole setup: how many destinations are there, what resolution does each surface have, how do the images connect and what is the order in the running order. Based on that we configure the server, distribute the outputs across the screens or projectors and set the synchronisation. This is precision work, because the quality of the show stands or falls with a correct setup.

The content itself deserves just as much attention. Imagery made for a single screen does not simply fit a wide setup with several surfaces. We check whether the files have the right resolution, aspect ratio and codec, so they play smoothly without stuttering. Where needed we think along about how the content should be delivered or adjusted to come into its own on your setup.

Live operation and reliability

During the event our technician operates the media server from the control room. They follow the running order, switch between scenes, adjust the timing to what happens in the hall and blend imagery into one another where needed. For critical shows we work with a redundant setup, where a second server stands ready to take over if something goes wrong. That certainty matters, because an image show that fails at the peak of an event leaves a lasting impression, and not the good kind.

Considerations with media servers

The most important consideration is the preparation of the content. A media server is a powerful instrument, but it can only play what is delivered. Material in the wrong resolution, an unsupported codec or files too heavy for the setup lead to stuttering. That is why we discuss early in the process what content is coming and in what form, so we can check and prepare it in good time.

A second point is the complexity of the setup. The more screens, projectors and sources come together, the more can go astray if the configuration is not right. An extensive test on site is therefore not a luxury but a necessity. We build up well ahead of time, check each output, measure the synchronisation and run the whole show through once before the first guest arrives.

Finally, alignment with the rest of the technology matters. The media server drives the image, but that image has to work together with the lighting, the sound and the stage control. We link the server to the other systems so image, light and sound are aligned and the show runs as a whole.

Combining and renting at HuurAV

A media server rarely works alone. It forms the core of an image setup that comes together with lighting matched to the image moments, with sound that runs in sync with the imagery, and with the other video technology such as projection and screens. If you want to go a step further with image on shapes and objects, take a look at projection mapping too, for which the media server forms the basis.

HuurAV takes care of the advice on content and configuration, the build, a test of the complete image setup and operation on site, so every image appears at the right moment and in the right place. If you want the equipment only, without support, standalone rental is available through Speaker Verhuur Amsterdam at SpeakerVerhuur.nl. Request a no-obligation quote and we will put together a reliable image setup for your show.