In search of a solution that would cater for their AV needs, a server with multiple
output points and one which would accommodate both small and large events,
Johannesburg based Solid Rock Event Technical have taken ownership of a new
ArKaos Studio Server.
The story began at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt earlier this year, when Nick Britz
from DWR Distribution introduced Solid Rock’s Keith Mac Intyre (founder) and Rolley
Maphosa (audio engineer) to the ArKaos team. “From what I understand, within half
an hour of Rolley seeing the system for the first time, he was already mapping
spheres and cubes with the product’ explained Andrew Temblett, Business
Development Manager at Solid Rock. “So I think the marriage was made there, and
when Keith came back to Johannesburg we started looking at the software available
on-line. It seemed a very simple solution that would be suitable for a lot of our AV
requirements.’
When ArKaos’ Marco Hinic and Benjamin Bauwens presented training in South Africa
in August, Andrew and Rolley were keen to attend. For Rolley it was expanding on
what he had already been shown in Germany and picking up a few extra pointers.
For Andrew, who produces and manages shows, it was important to know the
realms of the product.
Solid Rock’s new server was personally delivered by Marco and Benjamin, this one-
on-one time allowing them to answer any other questions.
Rolley has been with Solid Rock for eight years, specializing in AV. He used the
ArKaos Studio Server for the first time at a recent IBM event. “I wasn’t nervous
using it and I like it,’ Rolley smiles. “It’s easy to use and I haven’t had any
problems. Usually content is sent to us and we play around with it at the office.
With this server you can do everything on site which is very helpful in regards to
manipulating images.’
It was as natural for Andrew to get started. “I sat for an hour and I was running
content,’ he said. “For Solid Rock it will go on many shows because it’s versatile.
We needed a solution that we could put on small, medium or large scale shows,
hassle free. We have a large event coming up in October at The Pavilion at Sandton
Convention Centre and we are structuring it around the use of ArKaos. So
everything we are proposing is keeping in the realms of the server.’