Surveillance Installation Live Feed Experiment - Maps and Networks

After my tutorial with my Tutor I decided to still stick to my Surveillance Installation with multiple reflections and a sound loop but instead of doing it with mirrors (like in my last experiment) I instead experimented with using a live feed from a video camera to a TV. I hired out a Canon Legia G25 Camcorder from the Equipment Store as I thought this was small and concise enough to do what I needed with out being too heavy or bulky. Also looks wise it is the closest to a cctv camera that I could get. I used this on a tripod an then hooked it up to my basic small TV at home using the HDMI cable. Here is the basic set up I was able to achieve:

01.

Basic set up

02.

basic set up side view

03.

 Basic Set up demonstrating the loop effect

04.

Basic set up showing you the relation between camera and TV

05.

The Looped Image created by this Basic Set Up

I really like the effect that I manage to create and because it was really hard to capture through images I have made a video below of myself playing with the set up to show you the effects it creates:



You can see from these images and the video I have made that the idea of using a live feed from a camera into a TV works. It was actually a lot more effective than I thought it would be. I unfortunately wasn't able to experiment with putting it at the right distance and height to have a full person in the middle because I didn't have enough space and also the HDMI cable I used to connect the two together was very short as you can see. I will now need to go and find or make a much longer one so I can create this effect but with a person able to stand in the middle. I will also need to find a safe way to attach the wires down. I also Need to find a 2 plinths to put the TV and camera on which need to be at the right height to get an averaged sized person in the frame. However I am sure this will all be possible. I have also through experimenting worked out how to set the camera up so it doesn't automatically turn off and also so it had a clear display on the TV. I will just need to remember this for the installation and also work out if I will need to have the camera plugged into the mains or just charge it at night. The one element that I am still very unsure about what to do with is the sound. I love the loop you get by having the sound turned up on the TV however it is very harsh on your ears and in a gallery this might not be a good idea as it will effect other peoples work. I may have to think about having headphones plugged into the TV maybe or having the controller available so people can turn the sound up and down as and when they want it. If this doesn't work I would just have it without sound and keep it focused on the visuals as this is the main element.

Overall I am really happy with this experiment because it proves to me that I can technically do everything I need to be able to. Also it has allowed me to work out what I need for the actual installation and now I have time to work on the positioning and everything.