USA - At InfoComm 2015, d&b audiotechnik introduced two further additions to the company's new generation amplifier family. The eagerly anticipated 10D and 30D amplifiers are specifically designed to drive permanent solutions. Offering a new price to performance the amplifiers are set to become keystones in the future of fixed pro audio installations.

Amnon Harman, CEO d&b audiotechnik said, "For d&b, 2015 is the Year of Installation: we are delivering on our installation product promises, engaging even more closely with our customers and addressing the market on its own terms, particularly with our pricing."

The new installation amplifiers were on display at the d&b booth alongside the new Y-Series loudspeakers and the new D20 amplifier, which was launched at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt, Germany in April. Visitors were able to experience the real world functionali

Denmark The Martin M-Touch lighting control system is now shipping. With touch technology, the Martin M-Touch introduces a new form of interaction to the lighting industry, only previously seen between a musician and electronic instruments, says the company.

With precise touch encoders and command keys for the most commonly used operations, the Martin M-Touch is a true hybrid surface for programming and playback. It reads user input strength and lets him or her interact with performances and shows of any scale. Its unique pressure sensitive buttons with no mechanical parts will ensure indefinite functionality. The integrated DMX output connection allows direct control over any DMX device without the need of further hardware.

The Martin M-Touch can be connected with a simple USB cable to the Martin M-PC software or connected to any M-Series console as a powerful extension. No e

Switzerland - Schertler has added to its range of high-quality acoustic amplifiers with the release of GIULIA Y. The new two-channel, ultra-compact amp retains many of the features from its single-channel predecessor, GIULIA, while introducing enhanced circuitry and a new "look" that heralds the next generation of Schertler amplifier technology.

Designed for use in small venues, home studios, or as a practice amp, GIULIA Y offers 50W of bi-amplified power. The amp is equipped with a 5" woofer and 1" dome tweeter and has a frequency response of 80Hz-18kHz. Its inputs accommodate XLR and 1/4" Jack connectors making it compatible with a wide range of microphones including Schertler's DYN and STAT series, as well as the BASIK universal pickup. Phantom power (48V and 10V) is provided. Inputs can also be used for guitars or other high level line sources, with

Denmark - Martin Professional reports that the Martin M-DMX is now shipping. The interface hardware is designed for connecting lighting software and DMX universes as well as several new controller solution bundles, including the M-PC 2U bundle and the LightJockey 2 and M-PC+ Controller kit.

The Martin M-DMX is a rugged aluminium extruded device and is built with two XLR 5-pin DMX ports, a USB 2.0 Connection and a K-lock slot for securing the device. The interface also features a new stackable design, LED indicators and isolated dual output. The M-DMX is compatible with Martin's LightJockey and M-PC software, M-Series Consoles, Fixture Upload software, and is backwards compatible with Martin's Duo-DMX interface. Both DMX ports support RDM for fixture communication and DMX input for remote playback control and capturing of existing lighting cues.

Martin's M-PC 2U is a profession

UK - Artistic Licence is enjoying a particularly busy 2015, with various new product lines are now in production.

Most recently in stock is daliSwitch, a six-channel DALI controlled mains relay with some ingenious features. Each relay simulates an independent ballast, enabling the relays to be controlled with the standard DALI commands - for example, the relays can be switched individually or as a group, or respond to a scene or broadcast command.

A particularly useful feature is the 'Non-Com' warning LED: this lights up if daliSwitch detects that the circuit has not been commissioned, potentially saving the installer hours of unnecessary troubleshooting time. Each individual relay also has an activity indicator light, enabling the user to see at a glance the status of the device.

Also now available in stock is versaSplit mini. This multi-functional modular DMX distribution

USA - Elation Professional has launched a new luminaire in its Colour Series of colour-changing LED luminaires, the Colour Pendant, a highly versatile wash light that allows for dynamic control of stage or house lighting levels in an energy-efficient intelligent downlighting fixture.

The Colour Pendant houses 36 long-life 3W RGBW LEDs for fully blended colour transformations or projections of variable shades of white light. The RGBW LED is capable of emitting a wide palette of colours from saturates to more subtle pastels. Its uniform flat-field output, 3,100 lumens of power and 41° beam angle make for a highly effective wash luminaire whether flooding a stage or studio in hues of colour or functionally washing a house of worship or other venue in shades of white light. Full range dimming with selectable dimming curves, strobe and colour macro effects enhance its dynamic cap

UK - Live video and production specialist Central Presentations Limited (CPL) has launched a new tablet and smartphone App version of their Black Book product catalogue.

It's been developed specifically for the fast moving world of live events and as a more convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to the 150 page printed rental catalogue which is renowned for its wealth of useful information including technical specifications and data for over 500 products, together with all the latest CPL hire rates.

The CPL App is designed to allow technicians, account handlers and production managers quick access to all the information they need wherever they happen to be - whether it's in the middle of a greenfield festival site, up a mountain or even in a regular venue or in their offices.

Says CPL's Matthew Boyce, "The book has been a huge hit and is well loved b

UK - Martin Audio has announced the availability of CDD Loudspeaker Management System and EASE Data. Offered to partner the new CDD range, DX0.5 adds affordable loudspeaker system management to the existing range of DX loudspeaker controllers.

Delivering EQ, crossover, processing and system protection, the DX0.5 2x6 speaker processor provides complete optimisation for both passive and powered loudspeaker systems.

Each input and output is loaded with a range of digital processing including flexible EQ, crossover, delay and limiting solutions. It delivers everything needed to professionally optimise loudspeaker systems of nearly any size. The DX0.5 utilises high-end 24-bit AKM AD/DA converters with 120dB dynamic range for class-leading sound quality. With 24 memory locations users can recall CDD pre-set files via the front panel, or using the free software application and front

UK - One of the many highlights of a very busy exhibition (at its new home of Alexandra Palace in north London) was Autograph's acceptance of the prestigious ABTT 'Sound Product Of The Year' award on behalf of DiGiCo for the new S21 console, shown exclusively on their stand.

Held on the evening of the first day in the Londesborough Room, the evening included both the ABTT Theatre Awards and the SMA National Stage Management Awards, presented by the ABTT's chairman Louise Jeffreys, the Barbican's director of arts.

In making the award, the ABTT jury commented, "The S21 sound desk has the sound quality DiGiCo are renowned for, but at a price that makes it achievable for small and medium scale theatres and tours. The intuitive user interface makes the desk easy to use, and the built in MADI USB interface makes connection to recording and complex show playback systems exceptio

UK - DiGiGrid is expanding its line of advanced audio interfaces with DiGiGrid IOC, a control room I/O for SoundGrid systems. Ideal for the control room, the DiGiGrid IOC audio interface offers a range of connectivity options, including two mic/line inputs with broadcast/studio-grade preamps; eight line inputs/outputs; 16 AES and ADAT inputs/outputs; and two headphone outputs.

With DiGiGrid IOC and a dedicated SoundGrid DSP server on their network, users will be able to run hundreds of SoundGrid-compatible Waves and third-party plugins, all fully integrated within their DAW of choice. By plugging DiGiGrid IOC into a SoundGrid network with a single Ethernet cable, users will enter a new world of real-time tracking, mixing and monitoring, with extremely low latency of only 0.8 milliseconds.

UK - Triple E is celebrating winning Engineering Product of the Year at this year's ABTT Awards at Alexandra Palace for its ModTruss universal building system.

Triple E launched ModTruss in the UK at the ABTT Theatre Show at its new London home, Alexandra Palace. ModTruss was created by US-based Patrick Santini and will be manufactured and distributed by Triple E's new construction arm, EEE-Build.

It was Triple E's most ambitious launch since the company was formed in 1984.

Commenting on ModTruss, the ABTT Awards judges said, "The manufacturers liken ModTruss to Meccano, and this is an extremely accurate description. The judges saw numerous applications for building with ModTruss, and can instantly see where it could be used. With impressive load bearing characteristics the system allows great flexibility using standard stock to create all types of stage construction. T

Canada - Available now, wysiwyg R35 lighting design software from CAST Software boasts a number of new features.

These include: Pulling Focus in LIVE mode via DMX is introduced to ensure footprint focus is previsualized and pre-cued so 'What You See Is truly What You Get' on stage; Increased performance from CAD to Shaded View and even in Graphic Memory Management; Sharper Laser Simulation in Shaded View mode and numerous CAD additions. Further, 205 brand-new lighting fixtures are added to wysiwyg R35 - a wysiwyg record!

"R35 delivers numerous new exciting features and enhancements in all areas of wysiwyg: new CAD tools, updates to Paperwork, and more performance and enhancements to our visualization," says Dino Mazza, product manager at CAST Software. "Additionally, workflow has been improved in many areas to speed up the design process. I believe by incorporat

UK - Panasonic has launched a new series of glass-free 4K displays aimed at the rental and staging market.

The glass-free versions of the 98" and 84" LED LCD panels (TH-98LQ70L & TH-84LQ70L) sit alongside the company's existing large 4K displays. The decision to add the LQ70L models was based on requests from the rental industry for a lighter and brighter version, gained by the removal of the protection glass.

Like the existing models, the displays offer 3840 x 2160 resolution and include Panasonic's new generation of image enhancement technology, for fine, life-like images.

They have inbuilt 3D-LUT colour correction and 6-axis colour correction, a special latticed aluminium frame to resist twisting, while portrait orientation is also possible without any effect on the screen.

The displays can up-convert non-4K sources to a higher level of image quality and movin

UK - US company VocalBoothToGo is launching a UK subsidiary to supply its mobile sound-proofing and acoustic treatment solutions to creative professionals in the European voiceover, acting, audio recording, music and broadcasting industries.

Headed by Marc Jarrett, VocalBoothToGo-UK (www.VocalBoothToGo.co.uk) officially launches on 15 August 2015 from its base in Horsham, West Sussex. It will stock a range of acoustic treatment products including vocal booths, sound booths and The Producer's Choice sound blanket, which is already a best seller in the US.

"We are launching in the UK in order to provide a more cost effective supply chain to European customer," Marc Jarrett explains. "Orders were coming in from all over the world, particularly from the UK, but costs associated with shipping our goods from the USA to UK would often exceed the purchase price. By hold

UK - Yamaha's new Rivage PM10 digital console made its UK trade show debut at the ABTT Theatre Show in late June. Although appearing with comparatively little fanfare, the console was in constant demand throughout the show as rental companies, dealers, sound designers and operators were keen to get up close and personal with the company's new flagship.

A regular stream of suitors kept Yamaha technicians Andy Cooper and Wayne Powell busy showing people over Rivage PM10 throughout the event. But, demonstrating how Yamaha has built a new range of consoles to suit every production type, size and budget, the new TF series was also the subject of much hands-on attention.

"The first thing that struck us about the PM10 was how clear, uncluttered and solid it felt. It's beautifully designed, more like the interior of a premium car than a mixing console." says Chris Headlam, m

UK - PSCo, the trade only rental house and distributor of display products, has extended its rental offering, providing the only 3-2-1mm LED experience available in the UK.

Being introduced to the PSCo rental fleet are the Absen A1.9 and Absen A2. Both displays deliver higher resolution in a smaller display size, allowing a shorter viewing distance, and creating greater impact. The screens can be provided with hanging beams, or PSCo ProStack ground stack system included, or PSCo TrackStack, or custom mount options available on request.

"We are constantly striving to offer our trade partners the best possible choice and service," says PSCo managing director Stuart Holmes. "The 3-2-1mm LED Experience emphasises our commitment to offer our partners the very latest technology with the best possible trade support. Partners we have spoken to are already extremely exci

UK - Panasonic has launched a new hybrid lighting solution, which combines the functions of traditional lighting and video projectors, for use in retail, museums and restaurants.

The Space Player possesses both lighting and laser projection functions in a single spotlight-shaped design, which attaches to standard lighting rails via a single cable, to make installation and relocation easy.

The Space Player can project in all directions below its horizontal axis and can be used in conjunction with SD cards, PCs, and tablets for play back of contents. The use of a laser light source means 20,000 hours of maintenance free operation.

"Panasonic wants to create a new market of 'projection lighting' that utilises video for lighting," said Hartmut Kulessa, European marketing manager for projector products. "We see the Space Player creating appealing exhibits in museum

UK - RF experts Wisycom and Lectrosonics joined forces with mixer maestros Sound Devices. The end result is a synergy of up to six channels of wireless microphone receiver and the very latest in portable mixer/recorder technology.

Wisycom have updated their firmware (v3.5) on the popular MCR42S receiver to allow collaboration and seamless use with Sound Devices new 688 mixer/recorder and its SL-6 SuperSlot power and RF distribution accessory. With the addition of the 688 mixer/recorder and SL-6 accessory, the MCR42 can use 2 analog channels or digital AES3 managed and monitored by the SuperSlot to use all its advanced features including the ability to select the most suitable frequencies over a wide spectrum. The MCR42S / Sound Devices 688 partnership brings an array of versatility and possibilities for users including audio mixing, recording and wireless receiver control all fr

UK - Calibre has launched its latest major innovation utilizing award-winning HQUltra single-channel 4K presentation switching performance technology.

The powerful HQView770 scaler-switcher utilizes in-house developed virtual-ASIC video processing technology that provides three functions in one product.

In Projection Mode, HQUltraWarp offers real-time adjustable 4K warp & blend for fast easy screen calibration.

In LED mode, HQUltra provides extremely powerful LED-optimized 4K scaling with a pixel-accurate algorithm that preserves image detail even with significant downscale, a key requirement for driving LED videowalls with good quality images.

In Presentation mode, HQUltraFast gives the user unprecedented switching speeds, changing visually instantly between input channels in 0.25 seconds. HQUltra technology promises to dramatically change current video scaling and switch

The Netherlands - Monitoring specialist Bel Digital will launching "the world's first Dante audio monitor" at IBC 2015, the BM-A1-64Dante, which provides audible monitoring as well as visual signal strength indication.

Designed to provide a simple and effective way of monitoring the audio present in Dante networks, the BM-A1-64Dante provides a visual indication of signal strength on all 64 selected Dante channels. Each individual channel can also be audibly monitored, or the operator can combine up to 16 channels to provide a unique stereo monitor mix.

An on-board matrix enables access to 512 audio sources using Dante Controller software, with the audio present at the front panel mounted speakers also available via balanced analogue (2 x XLR) and AES/EBU (1 x XLR) outputs.

Housed in a rugged, compact 1U rack chassis, the BM-A1-64Dante features a redundant power sup

USA/UK - ETC has introduced the Eos and Cobalt Programming Wings: two affordable, portable accessories that bring new programming power to tech tables, backstage remotes and the road.

The new ETC Eos Programming Wing provides a portable base for the programmer on the move, allowing users to travel with physical control surfaces to supplement their ETCnomad Puck or PC/Mac-based systems. The Programming Wings fit in dedicated, robust flight cases that can be easily checked as luggage. In addition to two powered USB ports, the Wings have a third, recessed port to store and secure the ETCnomad dongle.

The Programming Wings use the same programming layouts as the Gio and Cobalt 10 face panels, so users can transition to the road without altering their workflows or hunting for keys. The Programming Wings provide the travelling technician with all the comforts of home. Each wing cont

UK - Panasonic has introduced an Auto Camera Adjustment kit for video wall manager software which cuts installation time and improves colour consistency.

The optional kit dovetails with Panasonic's free Video Wall Manager software and, like the camera upgrade kit already available for the company's multi-projector software, dramatically reduces the labour time, complexity and costs involved with setting up and adjusting multiple displays.

Enrique Robledo, European marketing manager for Panasonic Visual System Solutions, said, "Currently, installers need to adjust each panel for colour and brightness individually using a sensor, which is time-consuming, requires specialist knowledge, and in some cases does not produce completely accurate results.

"After activating Auto Camera Adjustment in Video Wall Manager, the installer connects a compatible camera, photographs t

Austria - Pushing the limits of what can be achieved in video playback, Austria's AV Stumpfl has introduced "the world's first and only triple-stream 4K uncompressed media server, Wings Engine Raw".

"With Wings Engine Raw, we've delivered on user requests for the smoothest possible uncompressed playback system with full timeline control," says Horst Damoser, sales manager at AV Stumpfl. "Built to support a range of applications requiring a high-quality image sources matched to particular display requirements, user benefits include newer, faster and unrivalled installation functionality."

Using a single custom engineered RAID 10 system, Wings Engine Raw is capable of delivering constant data stream of three-channels of true 4K (4,096 x 2,304 pixels) uncompressed video content at 60fps plus up to 16 text and picture layers, and up to 24 uncompressed

UK - At the start of 2015, Current RMS became an Add-On Partner for cloud accounting software Xero. Now the system has just released a seamless, real-time integration with QB Online, another popular cloud accounting software in the AV, Production and Events industry.

"Post invoices and credit notes from Current directly to QB Online and effortlessly keep you customer data in sync, reducing duplication of data and time spent updating multiple systems - streamlining the rental cycle that one step further," says Current RMS.

"Using cloud solutions to manage your business processes, instantly allows you to become more agile and versatile, responding to customer requests at the drop of a hat. Your cash flow and the management of your accounts is vital to the growth of your business and by moving your accounts into the cloud, you are provided with real-time visibility

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