31st Oct 2006 - ChilliNet Dimming System installed at Metronom Theater am CentrO

Zero 88’s ChilliNet dimming system has been used to create a stunning new lighting system for the "Metronom Theater am CentrO" in Oberhausen, Germany, for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

The 1800 capacity, multi-functional theatre was originally opened in 1999, after a building period of just ten months, opening with the premiere of Peter Maffay's musical "Tabaluga & Lilly". The facility was taken over by Stage Entertainment in August 2005, who gave the stage, auditorium and foyer a complete make-over. During December 2005 the venue staged guest performances from "Falco Meets Amadeus" and "Vom Geist der Weihnacht" as well as the acrobatic show "Blue Balance”.

On December 18th 2005, "Metronom Theater am CentrO Oberhausen" reopened with an extravagant performance of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast", which included a revolving stage and a huge decorative foyer/entrance area especially designed for the show.

Zero 88 Chilli dimmers control over 2000 different types of lamps in the foyer, entrance area, 6 in-house bars, washrooms and other public area's. The ChilliNet system provides control of a diverse range of load types in the venue including electronic transformers, halogen fixtures, MR16 lamps and a high voltage neon system for RGB colour mixing.

The dimmers are also used for entertainment lighting when the foyer and the bars are converted into staging venues. All lamps can be controlled by ChilliNet and DMX512. The Chilli dimmers are installed in 5 different locations. CAT 5 cable provides the backbone for the architectural control network. Standard DMX is also used when entertainment events are held. ChilliNet’s zoning software allows dimmers to control multiple areas in an efficient and cost effect manner.

Each area (except the foyer) can be controlled individually by using ChilliNet 5 button control panels with raise & lower function. This provides venue staff with direct control of the lighting scenes in each of the bars and other public areas. The foyer is controlled by the venues administration team using a ChilliNet Master Controller, which allows access to the whole dimming system and enables users to set scenes in any area, as well as allowing for switching all the lighting on or off.

The in house fire alarms are also combined with the ChilliNet system. Only one dimmer is connected directly to the fire alarm system, with the remainder being triggered by a network message. An alarm message will set all lighting channels to the preselected alarm state for each area.

Using ASCII commands, the ChilliNet system is integrated into the venue’s custom written media control software allowing for integration with video and sound elements of the system.

A number of companies were involved in the specification and installation of the foyer system. The core team included Jürgen Becks of Stage Entertainment (Technical Director at "Metronom Theater”), Olaf Nehrenheim of LMP Lichttechnik who project managed the installation and Zero 88’s Franck Tiesing who provided specification and product support. All products were supplied by LMP

Talking about the system Jürgen Becks explains, “I have been very happy with the ChilliNet system both in terms of its features and its fantastic value for money. The fact that the system offers both architectural and entertainment dimming, is easy to program and provides area specific control have been key deciding points in choosing ChilliNet for the venue. In addition, the support I have received from Zero 88 has been excellent and very much appreciated.”


Jürgen has been so impressed with the ChilliNet system he has already begun specifying it for another high profile musical scheduled to open in Germany next year.

In March 2007, the production at “Metronom Theater” will change to the world famous “BLUE MAN GROUP". The ChilliNet system will be re-programmed to create a new tailored foyer area for the production itself and specific corporate entertaining in conjunction with the show.