The video playback system was built around two Apple Mac Minis running QLab 4, housed in a 1U rack mount. With a streamlined auto-startup process, the Macs booted, launched QLab, and displayed a logo screen on the projector in under 20 seconds, all triggered by a single pushbutton. The system was designed to control up to three projectors, utilizing HDMI cabling routed through a Custom Patch Panel. Multi-projector blending and seamless scene transitions were supported but limited by construction delays, leaving one projector operational. The finalized system provided smooth, automated video playback tightly integrated with ride operations.

The audio experience was powered by the Alcorn McBride RidePlayer and a 16 speakers placed throughout the ride and queue. Environmental jungle soundscapes played in perfect synchronization, while a 30-minute loop of worn jazz enhanced the queue atmosphere. Dynamic spiels were triggered by ride events, such as vehicle arrivals, breakdowns, and delays. The RidePlayer received commands from RCS over UDP network, allowing precise control over audio playback, dynamically adjusting scene lengths and ducking audio for spiels when needed, delivering a polished, immersive sound experience.

I utilized ESG’s VenueMagic for sequencing and DMX to manage lighting and other effects. This setup connected seamlessly with the ride’s controls via UDP, enabling real-time adjustments to AV playback based on ride conditions like vehicle weight and timing. VenueMagic’s timeline-based sequencing allowed the synchronization of audio, video, and DMX-controlled effects, creating a cohesive and reactive show environment. The system supported automated startup and shutdown, scene transitions, and even randomized ride sequences for a dynamic and engaging experience.