PRG Uses Lightware To Power Video Across Teddy Swims' UK And Europe Tour

PRG delivered video, automation and lighting for Teddy Swims' sold-out "I've Tried Everything But Therapy" tour, spanning 19 dates across the UK and Europe from February to March 2025, with a Lightware MX2-8x8-HDMI20 matrix switcher at the heart of the system.

James Hancocks, Technical Systems Specialist at PRG, led the video system design from the outset.

"I mainly work in the concert touring market, and when a system design comes past me, my job is to check that we have the right kit and that the overall design looks solid for life on the road. We received a request for support on the tour and began our preparations, with Lightware products included in the design from the beginning," he explained.

The stage featured an upstage LED wall built from ROE CB5, flanked by two IMAG LED screens, with an over-stage oval screen as a visual centrepiece. These displays blended show content with live camera feeds. The control system combined Disguise VX4 media servers, Brompton Tessera SX40 processing and a Lightware MX2-8x8 matrix to route video between front of house and the stage.

"We use Lightware because we don’t need to worry about it. When you’re on tour, you want technology that does what it needs to do when you need it to, and Lightware has always been the most reliable choice for us out of all the options on the market," confirmed Hancocks.

With PRG supporting lighting, automation and video, the team prioritised robust signal paths across a wide variety of venues, leaning on proven tools and support.

"I've been a Lightware customer for over a decade," said Hancocks. "Video is always a challenge, but generally you get what you put in with the Lightware kit, which, in my experience, is more than you get with a lot of competitors. Good support also matters. You need to know that someone can help you wherever you are, and Lightware offers that high level of service.

At the core of routing was the Lightware MX2 8x8 HDMI 2.0 switcher, which took multiple HDMI inputs from the Disguise servers and camera systems and distributed them to outputs feeding the Brompton Tessera SX40 processors and other destinations.

"The monitoring is the feature I use the most. I want to know what is going in and what is going out, and where any problems are. The diagnostic information available through the Lightware matrix is critical for us working in the world of live events," remarked Hancocks.

"For the IMAG screens, camera feeds were routed through the tour's servers and the Lightware MX2 8x8, then transported via Lightware's HDMI20-OPTC-TX/RX220 Pro kits to receivers on the stage side.

"We use the fibre kits for many reasons, but also because fibre helps protect against interference and earthing issues," said Hancocks.

"Two identical fibre paths provided main and backup redundancy. Long-distance links between front of house and the stage relied on four Lightware HDMI20 OPTC TX220 Pro and RX220 Pro extenders, carrying HDMI 2.0 over optical fibre up to 700 metres.

"One of the features I particularly like is the networking trunking. You can control the far end from the near end, and you don't need to connect to both devices. Overall, Lightware's products are much more flexible and compatible than a lot of alternatives. They work well with other technologies," explained Hancock.

Reflecting on the overall performance, Hancocks confirmed: "Thanks to the right kit, it was a straightforward tour, which is exactly what you want.

"As the sector continues shifting toward more network-based workflows, PRG says it is keen to see how Lightware's technology develops to meet evolving live event demands."

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