Compulite Vector control systems and Hippotizer media servers, all supplied via Stagetec Distribution, provided all the intelligent lighting and media control on the latest production of X Factor - Battle of the Stars on ITV, shot at Fountain TV Studios in Wembley.

A Compulite Vector Blue operated by Russell Grubiak controls the three Hippotizer Stage media servers, all running in dual output mode and a Vector Green operated by Bill Peachment controls the intelligent lighting rig consisting of:

34 x Vari*lite VL3000 Spot
32 x Vari*lite VL3000 Wash
30 x Vari*lite VL5
34 x Vari*lite VL6c
10 x Vari*lite VL1000TSFrm
4 x High End Cyberlights
20 x James Thomas Pixel Par 90
46 x James Thomas Pixel Line 1044
36 x Pulsar Chroma Strip

All run on 8 streams of DMX transmitted via Ethernet from the Vector.

The Vector control systems were used for the previous series of X Factor, but the Hippotizer media servers are new for this series. The Hippos are controlling the Color Kinetics iColor tiles under the floor, the SoftLED curtains around the back of the stage, the Barco screens either side of the stage and the Color Kinetics SL Flex strips around the Xs.

Lighting Director Dave Davey commented: ‘the Hippotizer systems are great, the graphics are extremely smooth and fast. The ability to network the Hippos to the Vector and be able to browse the media directly on the Vector touch screens makes browsing and selecting media quick and easy.'

Moving light programmer Bill Peachment commented: ‘I have been a Vector fan since it's introduction and now that media servers are becoming more and more popular the interface with the Hippotizer makes our life so much easier. The control screen on the Hippotizer is clear, easy to use and provides exactly the information the lighting team need.'

In this one-off series, The X Factor: Battle of the Stars, nine plucky celebrity acts put their vocal talents to the test. As well as singing to win the show, each act will be performing to raise money for their chosen charity. Telephone voting revenue generated will go to the stars' individual charities. It was a gruelling schedule for all involved with live shows on 8 consecutive nights, rehearsals started at 9am each day and the shooting didn't finish until 11pm each night.

The Compulite Vector is currently running a number of other major TV productions including Strictly Dance Fever (Vector Green) and Big Brother (2 x Vector Orange).