Zone-based audio applications · Parade shows
Position-based parade show control
Define performance areas in the system and identify the actual positions of boats, floats and performance groups. Trigger music, lighting and other show equipment according to the route, area and direction of travel.
Position connects the show
Parade shows unfold in motion. Boats pass waterfront scenes, floats enter themed performance areas, and groups move through successive settings. Music and lighting need to follow where each target actually arrives.
Surround Sound links positioning tags, performance areas, route order and equipment actions. Each target has its own position and route progress, with commands sent when it reaches the designated performance area.
This parade application extends our zone-based audio solutions. We work with venue operators, show planners and system integrators on positioning coverage, area configuration and equipment control.
Three parade formats, one clear control approach
Plan positioning coverage and areas around the actual performers and vehicles, connecting moving shows with the scenes along the route.
Connect the water route with performance locations along the shore. When a boat reaches Performance Area A, B or C, it triggers the selected music, lighting or media, bringing waterfront scenes into step with its actual arrival.
Each boat is linked to a positioning tag and has its own position and route progress. Configure actions around the programme for scenic boat shows and night tours.
Floats move along the route in sequence. At the same performance area, each float can trigger music and lighting for its own theme, extending its programme into the surrounding scene.
Define areas around the vehicle route, tag placement and road conditions. Update the settings when the programme changes, then check the results during rehearsal.
Groups enter performance areas in sequence. Linked tags identify each group so its music, lighting and programme actions follow its own route progress.
For longer groups, arrange the tags used for entry and departure around the formation and show requirements. A single position should not represent the entire group having passed through.
Parade control demo
Three boats pass through Performance Areas A, B and C, pause inside Area C, then return and pass completely through Area A. Music and lighting follow their arrival.
Swipe to see the full performance route
Now happening
Music and lighting begin on arrival.
The parade follows the configured area order. Arrival at the designated next area confirms departure from the previous area before triggering entry into the next one. A one-way route has no automatic departure action at its final area. This demo explains control relationships; it does not specify positioning accuracy, equipment response time or audio synchronization.
Configure around the programme
Connect trigger positions, travel order, relevant tags and show content in one clear plan.
Define Performance Areas A, B, C and others on the system map, with names and boundaries for each. You can also name areas after the actual programme to keep planning and on-site communication clear.
Set boundaries around positioning coverage, the route, viewing locations and tag placement. When a scene moves, update the area settings and confirm the trigger positions during rehearsal.
Arrange performance areas in the order they are visited, assign participating tags and choose a one-way or round-trip route. Each tag advances independently, and actions occur only when it reaches the designated next area.
Arrange performance areas in sequence without overlap. The number of areas and route length depend on the site; the three areas in this demo are illustrative.
Configure actions for area entry, departure or both. An action can apply to every tag on the route or only to selected tags.
Departure from an area is confirmed by arrival at the next one, so plan area spacing and departure actions together. For a one-way route, place the ending content in the final area's entry action.
Example area settings
The same area can trigger different actions for different targets and directions.
| Performance area | Programme | Example actions |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Area A | First themed scene | Theme music and the selected lighting scene |
| Performance Area B | Second scene | Area music and scene equipment actions |
| Performance Area C | Final themed scene | Show music and the ending scene |
Each target advances independently
Multiple boats, floats or groups can travel along the same route in sequence. Their linked tags identify individual positions and progress, allowing each target to trigger its own actions.
Arrives at Area B and triggers the first set of theme music and lighting actions.
Arrives at Area B later and triggers its own second set of content.
Follows its own route progress and triggers the third set of show actions.
These are configuration examples. When multiple targets use the same equipment, plan the timing, area coverage and equipment control capabilities around the programme.
Plan outbound and return content separately
Use the same actions in both directions or configure separate music, lighting and equipment commands for the outbound and return journeys.
For a parade that starts at the first performance area, visits each area and ends at the last. Entry into the final area completes the one-way route. Passing the intermediate areas on the way back does not automatically trigger that route's show actions.
For shows that perform on the outward journey and again on the return. The same area can have different actions for each direction. A round-trip route can also begin at its final area and travel in reverse.
Theme music 1 · Lighting scene 1
Theme music 2 · Lighting scene 2
Direction selects the action content; entry and departure determine when it is triggered. Configure them separately and replace the example programme names with your actual show content.
Connect position with equipment
Position provides the trigger. Music, lighting and media equipment execute their selected content through the agreed control interfaces.
Send commands to music playback or audio control equipment according to the target, performance area and direction. Different groups or boats can have their own music content.
Trigger the selected lighting scene or show programme when a target reaches an area. Select content by direction and tag settings.
Use the interfaces supported by your media equipment to trigger the selected visuals or programme content as targets reach scenes along the route.
Check equipment models, control interfaces and operating requirements to establish the available actions. Other show equipment is included according to on-site safety requirements and the project design.
Triggering playback on arrival and keeping multiple sound systems strictly synchronized are different requirements. If onboard and route-side audio must play in sync, design the playback control, network and audio system together, with a defined synchronization method and acceptance criteria.
System components
Choose equipment around route coverage, target numbers and the existing show system.
Identify boats, floats or groups. Tag placement and mounting depend on the target and site conditions.
Cover the parade route and locate each target. Plan around shorelines, roads, obstructions and power availability.
Manage performance areas, route order, participating tags, travel directions and equipment actions.
Receive the configured commands and play music, lighting scenes or media content.
Adjust the show more easily
Adjust performance areas and settings within positioning coverage, reducing dependence on fixed ground trigger points.
Parades using fixed ground signals are usually planned around installed trigger points. Position-based control uses the target's location and performance areas defined in the system. When scenes, route order or return content change, update the settings and check them in a joint rehearsal.
| Project planning | Fixed ground triggers | Position-based area control |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger position | Depends on installed signal trigger points | Define performance areas in the system |
| Position changes | May require changes to on-site trigger infrastructure | Update area settings within positioning coverage |
| Route organization | Planned around fixed trigger points | Connect performance areas in route order |
| Targets and directions | Depends on the original system's identification and configuration capabilities | Configure actions by tag, area and travel direction |
| On-site installation | Install fixed trigger infrastructure | Deploy positioning, power and necessary communications |
Position-based control still requires on-site equipment. Whether existing equipment can be retained, and the installation and integration scope, depend on the site survey and interface checks.
Monitoring and rehearsal
View each tag's status, current area, travel direction, next required area and most recent triggered area. Use action records to check the show sequence.
When a rehearsal or live show requires manual continuation, operators can trigger an eligible action for the selected tag, area and direction, then continue along the route.
Discuss your on-site requirementsA command being sent successfully does not confirm that the receiving equipment has executed it. Joint testing checks the equipment's actual response and the show result.
Project design and delivery
Check the on-site result through requirements planning, coverage and interface design, area configuration and joint rehearsal.
Confirm boat, float or group numbers, the route, programme, performance areas and return journey requirements.
Check coverage conditions, tag mounting, obstructions, power and communications.
Plan positioning infrastructure, check equipment interfaces and define the control relationships for each area.
Define areas, arrange the route, assign tags and configure entry, departure and direction-based actions.
Check trigger positions, action order, equipment responses and scene transitions along the actual route.
Train operators in area changes, monitoring and on-site operation, and define equipment care and usage requirements.
A site or waterway plan, the route, boat / float / group numbers, performance areas, programme and return requirements, plus the models and control interfaces of existing music, lighting and media equipment.
Start with your parade route
Tell us about your targets, route and programme. Surround Sound will help plan performance areas, action settings and equipment integration around positioning coverage and the equipment already on site.
