PIXERA powers Hilltop Hoods arena tour

AV Stumpfl’s PIXERA media server platform was deployed by Melbourne-based Diverse Audio Visual Events (DAVE) as the video playback backbone for Hilltop Hoods’ Never Coming Home Tour 2026, a national run of arena shows that sold out across Australia. The tour visited major venues including Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne and RAC Arena in Perth, with DAVE responsible for the full video production design and delivery.

Brad Hurle, founder and managing director of Diverse Audio Visual Events, was responsible for designing and delivering the tour’s full video production, selecting the PIXERA two RS Gen.2 media server platform following consultation with Show Technology Australia. The visual system was built around a unified 4K canvas spanning all LED surfaces, using INFiLED Black Widow mesh LED systems with an 8.3mm pixel pitch.

“The main goal was to build a turnkey video system that could scale easily from arenas through to festivals, while still keeping latency low so the crowd felt totally connected to what was happening on stage,” commented Hurle.

The show operated on timecode while also handling live camera feeds and rapid camera switching throughout the performance. PIXERA zero was used for pre-programming ahead of time, while playback control during performances was managed via a ChamSys MagicQ PC Wing. “One of the standout features for me is the timeline workflow,” added Hurle. “The ability to make live edits and adjustments on the fly has been a gamechanger.”

The project also marked DAVE’s first deployment of the PIXERA platform and included integration with Notch workflows alongside content designer and programmer Brenton “Marchie” March.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on PIXERA for a few years, but I haven’t had the right project to fully leverage its capabilities,” said Hurle. “Transitioning from another platform was very straightforward. What sold me was the balance of affordability, flexibility and scalability.”