Martin LED Products Video Tracking

Martin Professional has built many great features into their lights, yet some go unnoticed or are misunderstood.  All Martin LED fixtures operate at a high refresh rate (generally >1200hz) and are designed for use with HD/high-speed video cameras.  However, there is also an additional user setting called "Video Tracking" that provides an optimization for dimming and color changing when using Martin LED fixtures with a video based control system.


The video tracking feature will change the internal methodology used to control the dimming of the LEDs.  This is important ONLY when using Martin LED products to display a video signal (pixel mapping).  In normal use, the fixture processes the DMX signal it receives, tracking (or smoothing out) changes in values in order to ensure smooth fading between colors and/or intensities. This signal processing takes fractions of a second and is normally invisible, but if the fixture is used to display video the processing can interfere with video response times.

In situations where a video image is controlling intensity and/or color it is advised to enable video tracking.  If you are using pixel mapping from a console or media server or even a Martin P3 Processor to convert a video file to DMX values then it is suggested that you utilize the video tracking feature.  When enabled, the fixture will not ‘smooth out’ DMX input but instead will snap instantly when a DMX value changes.  This leads to the best representation of the color changes coming from the video file as the DMX value changes correlate instantly without smoothing. 

For best results, Martin recommends that you enable video tracking during video display control and disable it (the default setting) during normal DMX control.  The video tracking feature is found on  MAC Quantum Wash, MAC Quantum Profile, MAC Aura XB, and Atomic 3000 LED fixtures.  The setting can be adjusted either via DMX (found in the control channel) or via the fixture's menu system.  Note: The video tracking feature is referred to as "video dimming" on the MAC Aura XB.

With a proper understanding of the internal software of Martin LED products, any programmer or designer can optimize the fixtures for control from video or DMX.

Wash the Stage with Color and Style

The Martin MAC Viper Wash and MAC Viper WASH DX are extraordinarily wonderful discharge sourced wash lights.  They both are very similar in terms of specifications and pricing with the difference being that the DX model includes an internal barndoor system.  Because the price is so similar, most designers and rental companies choose the DX model.

Using the same 1000w lamp as all Viper models, the MAC Viper WASH DX has a solid output of over 33,000 lumens and a high CRI. The fixture has a native color temperature of 6500K while a variable CTO filter allows the user to adjust the color temperature down to 3200K.  The color system is the same ultra smooth CMY system found in all Vipers.

Many theatrical and television designers prefer the MAC Viper Wash DX to other wash lights (including LED models) because of the output, light quality, smooth color mixing, and small size.  In addition, it has received high marks for how quiet the unit is.  Many shows on Broadway are using the MAC Viper Wash DX as they have found it to be near silent.  The fixture is also popular on major auto shows, corporate events and more.

The internal barndoor system (framing shutters) help to turn the output from round to various shapes.  This is great for washing banners or any unique area requiring a strong cut off of output.  Plus both versions include an iris for further beam size control.

If you have not had a chance to use the MAC Viper Wash or MAC Viper Wash DX yet, you should get your hands on one soon.