How to Optimize Performance for Large Installations
Optimize your projection mapping setup for large-scale installations. Maintain smooth performance with many surfaces and complex content.
Large installations with many surfaces and complex content require careful optimization to maintain smooth performance.
Understanding Performance Bottlenecks
GPU Load: Each shader and surface uses GPU resources. Too many active elements can cause lag or dropped frames.
Resolution: Higher resolutions require more processing power. Balance quality with performance.
Complex Shaders: Some shader types are more computationally expensive than others.
Media Files: Large video files or many simultaneous media files can impact performance.
Optimization Strategies
Use Performance Mode: Map Club's performance mode reduces rendering quality to maintain smooth playback. Enable it when needed.
Limit Active Shaders: Only use as many shaders as necessary. Disable or hide shaders you're not actively using.
Optimize Resolution: Use the lowest resolution that meets your quality needs. Higher isn't always better if it causes performance issues.
Simplify Content: Complex shader combinations can be replaced with simpler alternatives that achieve similar visual results.
Surface Management
Consolidate Surfaces: Combine multiple small surfaces into fewer, larger surfaces when possible.
Hide Unused Surfaces: Hide surfaces you're not actively editing to reduce rendering load.
Use Frames: Organize surfaces into frames, and hide entire frames when not needed.
Media Optimization
Compress Videos: Use compressed video formats and appropriate bitrates. Balance file size with quality.
Limit Simultaneous Media: Don't play too many video files simultaneously. Stagger playback or use fewer files.
Use Still Images: For static content, use images instead of videos to reduce processing load.
Hardware Considerations
Powerful GPU: For large installations, a dedicated graphics card with good performance is essential.
Sufficient RAM: Ensure you have enough RAM for your content. Large video files and many surfaces require memory.
Fast Storage: Use fast storage (SSD) for media files to ensure smooth playback.
Workflow Tips
Test Early: Test performance with your actual content early in the process. Don't wait until the day of your event.
Have Backup Plans: Prepare lower-complexity versions of your content in case performance issues arise.
Monitor Performance: Watch for signs of performance issues—lag, dropped frames, or stuttering. Address them before they become problems.
Incremental Building: Build your installation incrementally, testing performance as you add elements.
Scaling Strategies
Distribute Across Machines: For very large installations, consider distributing content across multiple computers, each handling a portion of the projection.
Use Multiple Outputs: If your hardware supports it, use multiple outputs to distribute the rendering load.
Simplify for Scale: As installations grow, you may need to simplify individual elements to maintain overall performance.
Performance optimization is an ongoing process. Map Club's performance mode and efficient rendering help, but thoughtful content design is equally important for large installations.