On 24 June, the band Metallica played their only gig of 2022 in Germany. For the finale of the Download Festival in Hockenheim, the metal legends heated up the audience with an impressive stage show. Almost 70,000 fans were able to admire their idols from everywhere on the large video walls thanks to our new video modules.

On the three video surfaces, each 8 metres (width) x 14 metres (height), the metal fans could see the musicians very well, even from a distance and in different lighting conditions. For the stage show, the new AR 4.6 Black Face product from LED manufacturer INFiLED was used, which produces a very high contrast thanks to its integrated Black Face SMD technology. Compared to other LED systems with standard SMDs, this module ensures very good image quality, especially in daylight and sunlight, so that all festival visitors got their money’s worth. The video wall also withstood the rain in Hockenheim, because it can be used both outdoors and indoors.

A core team of five technicians integrated all system elements into the open-air stage within a few hours. The reinforced base frame of the modules as well as improved holding magnets and positioning pins ensured a safe and quick assembly. “It was a challenge for us and our team to find a suitable technical solution for this highlight at short notice – but with AR Black Face we succeeded – and since this system can be transported in cases as well as in a dolly system, we were able to reduce the transport volume for the 336 square metres to one complete truck,” says Daniel Teufel, technical director at Screen Visions.