Real-Time vs Pre-Rendered Projection Mapping Content

Projection mapping content can be generated in real-time or pre-rendered. Each approach has advantages for different use cases.

Real-Time Generation

Dynamic Content: Content generated on-the-fly using shaders, algorithms, and live calculations. Map Club's shader system generates content in real-time.

Interactivity: Real-time generation enables interactivity and responsiveness to input or changes.

Flexibility: Easy to adjust parameters, colors, speeds, and other properties in real-time.

No Pre-Processing: No need to render or export content before use—it's generated as needed.

Pre-Rendered Content

Video Files: Pre-rendered video files that play back during projection mapping.

High Quality: Can achieve very high quality through offline rendering with unlimited processing time.

Complex Content: Allows for complex content that might be too computationally expensive for real-time.

Consistent Playback: Guaranteed consistent playback without performance variations.

Performance Considerations

Real-Time: Performance depends on hardware capabilities. Modern GPUs handle real-time shaders well.

Pre-Rendered: Playback performance is more predictable, but file sizes can be large.

Flexibility

Real-Time: Maximum flexibility—adjust any parameter instantly without re-rendering.

Pre-Rendered: Less flexible—changes require re-rendering, but content is exactly as designed.

File Management

Real-Time: No file management for content generation—shaders and parameters are stored in project files.

Pre-Rendered: Requires managing video files, storage, and playback systems.

Use Case Alignment

Real-Time Best For:

• Interactive installations
• Content that needs frequent adjustment
• Long-duration installations
• Dynamic, evolving content
• Shader-based effects

Pre-Rendered Best For:

• Complex video content
• Specific, finalized designs
• Content requiring very high quality
• Narrative or story-based content
• Content that won't change

Hybrid Approaches

Combination: Many installations combine both—pre-rendered video content with real-time shader overlays or effects.

Best of Both: Use pre-rendered content for complex elements, real-time shaders for dynamic effects.

Quality Considerations

Real-Time Quality: Modern real-time rendering achieves excellent quality suitable for most installations.

Pre-Rendered Quality: Can achieve maximum quality through offline rendering, though often unnecessary for projection mapping.

Workflow Differences

Real-Time Workflow: Design in software, adjust parameters, see results immediately. Iterate quickly.

Pre-Rendered Workflow: Design, render, export, import, test. Longer iteration cycle but precise control.

Making the Choice

Choose Real-Time If:

• You need flexibility and interactivity
• Content will evolve or change
• You prefer immediate feedback
• Shader-based effects meet your needs

Choose Pre-Rendered If:

• You have specific video content
• Content is finalized and won't change
• You need maximum quality for specific elements
• You're working with complex video production

The Map Club Approach

Map Club focuses on real-time shader generation, providing flexibility and immediacy. You can also use pre-rendered video content when needed, combining both approaches for maximum creative possibilities.

The best installations often combine both approaches—using real-time generation for dynamic elements and pre-rendered content for specific video elements.