Austria - The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) have published a position statement on their intentions to develop a new and improved colour fidelity metric that would update the CRI (Colour Rendering Index).

The CIE have also accepted that the CRI has several significant sources of colorimetric inaccuracies and accept that it should be updated with the latest well-accepted formulae and an improved set of test samples. CIE's own Technical Committee (TC1-90) is in the process of developing a new improved colour fidelity metric that can update the CRI. The CIE also recognises that the colour fidelity metrics including the CRI do not assess other important aspects of the colour qualities of light sources, in particular, those related to colour preference.

CIE TC 1-91 is developing a Technical Report on this subject, which will be the groundwork for developing colou

USA - At the 139th Audio Engineering Society Convention in New York City, the recently formed Media Networking Alliance (MNA) held its first public display of audio networking based on the new AES67 interoperability standard. The demonstration showed interconnectivity between 22 currently available products from 18 different companies, all streaming live audio over the same network via AES67.

AES67 specific extensions to the different network platforms utilized by each manufacturer provided for the common interchange of digital audio between an array of products. Lawo provided its RAVENNA-based equipment including its sapphire compact broadcast mixing console, JADE Studio software application, and the new A-mic8 analogue-to-IP interface.

AES67 supports both unicast (one-to-one) and multicast (one-to-many) audio transmission. The technology on display was primarily a multicas

USA - City Theatrical has launched the latest version of its popular wireless DMX/RDM transceiver, SHoW DMX SHoW Baby 6.

"SHoW DMX SHoW Baby 6 gives users a sixth SHoW ID to broadcast on, for the first time allowing SHoW Baby users access to CTI's innovative Maximum Bandwidth Technology," the company says. "Maximum Bandwidth Technology allows SHoW Baby 6 to broadcast in the area of Wi-Fi channel 14, which is not used in the U.S. and is not heavily used in other countries, thereby allowing users to avoid the more crowded areas of the 2.4GHz band."

City Theatrical developed Maximum Bandwidth Technology to create more ways to avoid interference in an increasingly crowded 2.4GHz spectrum. The 2.4GHz portion of the spectrum is the optimum area for wireless DMX broadcast, allowing signals to pass through objects better than the 5.8GHz area, and able to carry mo

UK - Christie has announced the launch of AccuFrame Pro. Pro software reduces visual artifacts, like smear, that contribute to "negative training" - a simulated environment that gives false visual and motion cues by targeting low-to-mid intensity content at the pixel level, without reducing brightness caused by shortening the time each frame is displayed in a simulator.

"By reducing smear at the pixel level, images appear sharper and moving images look more realistic," says Curtis Lingard, product manager, Christie. "AccuFrame Pro eliminates the need for additional projectors to compensate for the loss of brightness by targeting low-to-mid intensity content, where most simulated content falls."

AccuFrame Pro is activated via a licensing process for any Matrix StIM WQ, Matrix SIM WQ and Mirage WQ-L projector in the field, thereby improving existi

Germany - The all-in-one Laser Show control software Laserworld Showeditor 2015 comes standard with the LAN interface Laserworld ShowNET and has a ready-to-go live laser show interface as well as professional timeline-show programming capability.

The software is delivered with 100 free laser shows plus pre-configured MIDI profiles for easy software control - in live mode as well as for laser show programming. The import and export of files in the ILDA (*.ild) standard protocol is supported, so the figures created in Laserworld Showeditor can easily be shared between different software and can be used for playback features.

Laserworld Showeditor supports both DMX input and output, so it can be remote controlled through DMX controllers or software, and it can control fixtures by itself - basic ones and intelligent lighting.

The enhanced MIDI capabilities allow for the creat

Canada - wysiwyg R36 lighting design and previsualization software from CAST Software now has a completely revised and enchanting look as well as highly anticipated compatibility improvements.

wysiwyg R36 will deliver highly efficient and accurate looks to any design. Depending on requirements, wysiwyg R36 will be available as three, six or 12 month lease and also for purchase as of December 2015. The new release is free for all wysiwyg Members in good standing.

Key additions include a new graphical user interface, customizable work layouts, and many importing improvements.

Key to the new release, wysiwyg has increased compatibility with the latest Sketchup 3D modelling software SDK and associated file formats. Users can import drawings directly from Sketchup into wysiwyg, and textures, layers, surfaces and object groupings are now preserved as they were created.

In ad

UK - Following the recent launch of the ZEDi-8 hybrid mixer / interface, Allen & Heath has released two more ZEDi models, the ZEDi-10 and ZEDi-10FX, from its acclaimed ZED analogue console range.

Designed for recording/gigging artists and AV rental and installation companies, the new ZEDi models combine a compact mixer with a 24bit 96kHz 4x4 USB interface, which enables multitrack recording and playback to a Mac or PC or to an iOS device (using a Camera Connection Kit).

The units also have flexible source routing options to adapt to different workflows, and are bundled with Cubase LE music production software and the Cubasis LE mobile music production app.

The ZEDi-10 and ZEDi-10FX feature four mono channels with separate XLR and TRS jack sockets, one stereo channel and a second stereo input for reverb returns or playback. The mono channels include DI high impedance circu

USA - Allen & Heath will be presenting its flagship dLive digital mixing series at NAMM 2016, including the new DX32 modular IO remote expansion rack.

Also, on display will be the new Qu Chrome Edition compact digital range, which adds major new features including Automatic Mic Mixing, a Spectrogram and additional monitor mixes.

Making their debut will be several new models from the ZED range, designed for recording/gigging artists and AV rental and installation companies, including the new ZEDi hybrid mixers.

(Jim Evans)

UK - FBT UK has announced the introduction of the affordable new JTS IN-164 diversity, wireless system, available in both Channel 38 (UK licensed) and Channel 70 (UK licence free) versions. The new IN-164 offers several innovative features, including, says the company, the world's first remote control RF setting function which allows almost instantaneous automatic remote control frequency settings of the transmitter from the receiver, ensuring reliable use even in the most challenging situations.

Built to the usual rugged JTS standard, the IN-164, is available in both handheld and beltpack versions, has a 200~480 meters operational distance and offers six pre-set groups, with a maximum of 23 channels in one group.

The handheld version, the JTS IN-264TH, features JTS's New SAM-8WLN mic capsule for high gain before feedback and low handling noise. The transmitter is powered by

Europe - Panasonic is set to launch a new HD LED video wall display series, equipped with the industry's narrowest bezel.

Aimed at digital signage applications in public spaces with high environmental light levels and the rental and staging market, the TH-55LFV60W and TH-55LFV6W displays are set to be launched in December 2015 and January 2016 respectively.

The LFV60 has a brightness of 700 cd/m2 is finished with a glossy anti-reflection treatment and is aimed for applications like fashion retail, it complements the existing TH-55LFV70 which has the same brightness and treatment.

The LFV6 has a brightness of 500 cd/m2 and comes with an anti-glare treatment. Thanks to the industry's narrowest bezel of 3.5mm, video wall images on both are virtually seamless. The video wall also has a wide viewing angle of 178?, thanks to an IPS panel.

Enrique Robledo, marketing manager a

The Netherlands - d&b audiotechnik will be showing visitors at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2016 how to install its worldwide reputation for mobile systems in any fixed application. From 9-12 February d&b will be resident at stand 7-C175 and demo room E103, where members of the team will introduce the products and software, setting new standards in permanent spaces.

The show is an opportunity to see firsthand why d&b is a name trusted by engineers and integrators alike. From churches to stadiums, learn how each component of a d&b system is tightly specified, precisely aligned and carefully integrated, for maximum efficiency and optimum performance. And because d&b installation loudspeakers are designed to fit discreetly, it's a chance to see why sonic excellence doesn't have to mean visual compromise.

On the stand, specialist advisors and video screens will guide visitors

The Netherlands - For the first time at ISE, Calibre will move their tradeshow booth to hall 11 of the Amsterdam RAI.

"We're focusing on working with the larger LED and live entertainment companies and this is where they are located," says Tim Brooksbank, chairman at Calibre.

Calibre will launch several new products in the HQUltra line of 4K compatible ultra-fast switching, scaling and scanconvertors. HQUltra promises input channel switching in under 0.25 seconds.

The HQView625 presentation switcher is now shipping and is suitable for entertainment, visitor attractions, live events and corporate installations requiring scaling of 4K video content.

Also making their global debut will be the HQView630 and 670 events scaler-switchers and LEDView720, 725, 730 and 770 LED scaler-switchers which will be shown alongside the HQView320, 325 and LEDView530 switcher-sca

The Netherlands - Conference organisers and AV installers can look forward to meeting DPA Microphones who will highlight the importance of using high quality microphones in meeting rooms, lecture theatres and conference halls.

On show at DPA's ISE 2016 stand 7-T235 will be a range of microphone solutions suited to the conference and AV install markets including elegant microphones for hanging, podium, table or floor stands, versatile bodyworn microphones and barely visible miniature microphones.

"In any conference, lecture or meeting situation, ensuring that speakers can be clearly heard and understood is vital for the success of an event," says Anne Berggrein, DPA's VP of marketing. "The microphone is the first link in the audio chain, so it makes perfect sense to introduce the highest possible quality at that point. DPA is renowned for developing and manufac

The Netherlands - Panasonic will, for the first time, launch a high brightness laser projector for large venues that exceeds 20,000 lumens, at ISE 2016.

Panasonic is promising to bring new perspectives and possibilities to the show, "opening up high brightness permanent installations virtually impossible before". The compact laser projector will provide rental and staging companies with a maintenance free alternative for permanent installations and live events.

Panasonic will also use the Amsterdam show to introduce its new System on Chip solution. This enables any third party software, especially Content Management Systems, to be installed on Panasonic display screens without any specific development.

In addition, the company is "promising to wow audiences yet again, with a stunning showstopper".

In 2015, the Panasonic booth drew big crowds as the

Spain - Amate Audio has enhanced and extended its premium performance Xcellence series of point source professional speaker cabinets, providing dedicated concert sound and club sound versions of models in the range.

The Xcellence series now comprises discrete concert sound and club sound ranges - branded Xcellence Touring and Xcellence Disco respectively; with models designated by a T or D suffix. The Xcellence Touring models are all self-powered with onboard DSP and network control features, while Xcellence Disco models are passive, featuring new "club orientated" styling and water repellent finish (for poolside installations in the Mediterranean, middle eastern and Asian markets), with standard black and grey colour scheme (custom colours schemes on request).

As well as the introduction of brand new models featuring revolutionary new drivers, the entire series ha

The Netherlands - With immersive audio and audio over IP (AoIP) set to be key talking points at ISE 2016, visitors to the Merging Technologies Stand 7-C160 will have an opportunity to experience a solution that "signals the future of audio in fixed installations".

This solution combines Merging Technologies' newly released Ovation 6 with Genelec's pre-production RAVENNA/AES67 powered 4420 model, in an 18 speaker array which delivers an unparalleled, high quality immersive experience.

"Immersive audio and AoIP are the spotlight and interest is really picking up amongst systems integrators, comments Chris Hollebone, sales and marketing manager of Merging Technologies. "For that reason we've created an installation that demonstrates how these two trends can combine in a powerful, captivating way. We're delighted to partner with Genelec on this, their reputat

Denmark - Pascal, the Danish based OEM manufacturer of high-power amplifier modules for the professional audio industry, has been awarded its third B°rsen Gazelle Award.

The prestigious industry honour is bestowed by leading Danish daily newspaper B°rsen on Danish companies that have generated continuous growth in turnover or gross profit over the last four years, and more than doubled their turnover or gross profit in that period. Pascal has now received the award for three years in a row.

On achieving the Gazelle award for third year running, CEO Lars Fenger comments, "This is the result of 10 years of really hard work, so I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Pascal team, as well as our customers who we work diligently to help grow, and who in turn help us to grow."

(Jim Evans)

Poland - Cadac's Polish distributor, Tommex, has installed a CDC six console in the Miejskie Centrum Kultury (MCK) in P?onsk, as part of the modernization of the town's cultural centre. This is the latest in a clutch of initial sales of Cadac's medium format live sound console across Europe, which has seen consoles ship to customers in Benelux, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Consoles have also been sold and shipped to several Asian territories, including China.

The Tommex installation - the first in Poland - is in Miejskie Centrum Kultury's Kalejdoskop Cinema, a multipurpose hall. The MCK facility also features workshops, offices, a recording studio, conference room, dance studio and gallery. The CDC six and two MegaCOMMS connected CDC I/O 3216 stageboxes were chosen by the MCK P?onsk in a tender, providing a system configuration that met the venue's objectiv

UK - Next-generation wysiwyg R36 lighting design and previsualization software from CAST, is now shipping. After a user interface makeover, extensive beta testing and customer feedback, R36 is now available with many new features and enhancements.

In addition to the list of features previously released for beta testing, CAST has just added a couple of enhancements including support for 4K resolution and 4K image export in Shaded View for big picture thinking.

The Shaded View feature now exports image views of up to 4,096 by 4,096 pixels ensuring previsualization looks great on the big screen as well as in real life!

wysiwyg R36 has increased compatibility with the latest Sketchup 3D modelling software SDK and associated file formats. Users can import drawings directly from Sketchup into wysiwyg, and textures, layers, surfaces and object groupings are now preserved as they

UK - Cloud is shipping its new MK4 versions of the Industry Standard Z8 and Z4 Venue Zone Mixer.

The Z-Series of Venue Zone Mixer from Cloud Electronics, first introduced to the market in 2005, is established as a reliable solution for multi-zone audio applications in hospitality, leisure, retail and commercial markets. The Z-Series offers simple, intuitive control for end-users and straight forward installation for system integrators but with flexibility to provide independent zone source/volume selection per zone, paging per zone and independent remote input options per zone, all from a reliable, tried and tested analogue design.

The new MK4 versions have been developed directly as a result of listening to existing installers and system integrators and adding features to improve this already popular model. Whilst the familiar front-panel remains almost untouched, the back-

Europe - LED technology not only turned the industry on its head, it also created new complications in power-control system design. ETC has developed the ColorSource ThruPower cabinet for 230V lighting systems with this concept in mind. ColorSource ThruPower gives customers a relay and dimmer on every one of the cabinet's 12 or 24 circuits.

Changing settings from switched to dimmed power, or vice versa, can be done locally with the cabinet's user-friendly interface, while remote configurations are possible with integrated Remote Device Management (RDM) functionality. Customers can also expand the cabinet's capabilities by adding DIN-rail accessories - such as Ethernet, Echo Control Stations or Mosaic Show Controllers - for added system functionality.

ColorSource ThruPower is a solution for transitioning lighting systems between tungsten and LED on a daily or weekly basis. &q

Switzerland - Swiss manufacturer Schertler has announced the release of JAM, the third member of its "next generation" acoustic amplifier series. Representing an evolution of the company's best-selling JAM 150 amplifier, this new 5-channel "all-rounder" offers greater flexibility in both live performance and studio situations. The amp combines a comprehensive feature set with the updated technology and enhanced "look" that is characteristic of all the models in this series.

Equipped with a 1" dome tweeter and 8" woofer, and featuring an optimized 2-way bass reflex construction, JAM offers 200W (150W + 50W) of bi-amplified power. The amplifier includes a balanced microphone (XLR) input, an unbalanced mic/instrument input and an input offering both balanced microphone and unbalanced mic/instrument options. Both instrument inputs feature a B

The Netherlands - Analog Way is exhibiting at ISE 2016 in February and will present the new VIO 4K, a premium multi-format converter, along with the NeXtage 08, the latest premium seamless switcher added to the LiveCore series. Also showcased on the booth will be the new firmware version for the Vertige remote controller that brings new features.

VIO 4K is a powerful multi-format converter offering the latest generation of digital connectivity. Natively equipped with seven inputs, VIO 4K enables the conversion of a multitude of signals including: Dual-link DVI, DisplayPort, HDMI, 6G-SDI Optical, and universal analogue, into an impressive array of output signal formats up to 4K 30Hz. VIO 4K was designed to provide optimum versatility; it includes three slots for optional I/O modules, two for video processing with capacity to handle formats up to 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 and one for audio p

UK / Netherlands - Cloud Electronics has announced additions to the recently launched CS-C in-ceiling speaker series, and will unveil three new speaker models at ISE 2016 for contracting audio installations in retail, hospitality, commercial and leisure.

The new premium speaker models include the CS-C3, a 3" full-range in-ceiling speaker, the CS-S3, a 3" full-range surface speaker and the CS-SSUB8 a versatile 8" passive surface subwoofer, a companion for the surface and ceiling models. All speakers adopt an architectural aesthetic, are available in black or white and feature ZeroEdge grilles which makes them suitable for most environments including restaurants, hotels, leisure centres, houses of worship and retail stores.

Having already introduced a 5, 6 and 8-inch in-ceiling speaker range with the CS-C Series in 2015, the new full-range CS-C3 3" ceiling

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