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Watch "Perfect Synchronization: SWIT at Baltic Opera" on YouTubeIn the world of opera, the conductor is the “heartbeat” of the performance. They set the tempo not only for the orchestra but also for the soloists and the choir. However, the architectural design of many opera houses—including the Baltic Opera in Gdańsk—places the orchestra pit below stage level. Consequently, direct line-of-sight between the performers and the conductor is often impossible.
Interior of the Baltic Opera main hall
Marek Lebida, Light Programmer at the Baltic Opera, faced a critical challenge: how to provide artists and technicians with a real-time view of the conductor. Initial attempts using conventional monitors failed. Standard image processors introduced a noticeable delay (latency)—by the time the baton appeared to fall on screen, the sound had already filled the room. In classical music, even a few milliseconds of desynchronization is unacceptable.
The orchestra pit deep below the stage level, making it difficult for singers and backstage staff to see the conductor directly.
The orchestra pit below stage level
The conductor working in the orchestra pit, out of direct sight for performers
To solve this, BemixMedia developed a bespoke installation concept. The BemixMedia expert team conducted rigorous latency tests on cameras and monitors, involving the conductors themselves in the process. The goal was to define the “acceptable latency threshold” for an HD system that would not interfere with the artistic performance.
The choice was clear: professional solutions from SWIT. Utilizing hardware-level signal processing, these monitors offer near-instantaneous response times (latency of ≤0.01 frames). The testing phase utilized the SWIT FM-215HDR model paired with a Marshall PTZ camera.
On-site latency testing of the SWIT monitor system
“Together with the conductors of the Baltic Opera, we tested the system for critical delays. The results were revolutionary—the latency of the entire chain became imperceptible to the human eye.”
— Specialists from BemixMedia
The Baltic Opera is one of Poland’s leading performing arts institutions, located in the historic city of Gdańsk. Its modern interior combines rich acoustic design with advanced stage technologies—making it the perfect venue to demonstrate the reliability and precision of SWIT’s zero-latency monitoring solutions.
Exterior of the Baltic Opera in Gdańsk
The stage of the Baltic Opera in Gdańsk
Detailed monitor placement layout within the theatre
Following the successful tests, BemixMedia expanded the system throughout the entire opera house. Utilizing an advanced SDI signal distribution network, BM-U175, BM-U245, and FM-215HDR models were installed at key locations:
The integrated network allows for seamless switching between various feeds: from the conductor’s close-up to a wide stage view, and even infrared (IR) cameras for monitoring scenes performed in total darkness.
SWIT monitor installed on the auditorium side for performers
Multi-view monitoring system in the control room
The camera system capturing the conductor's view for the monitoring network
SDI signal distribution hub for the monitoring network
Marek Lebida – Light Programmer, Baltic Opera in Gdańsk
Marek Lebida, Light Programmer at Baltic Opera
This project was realized through the collaboration of:
Special thanks to the Opera Bałtycka (Baltic Opera) for their support and permission to share this case study.
