USA - Elektralite, manufacturer of entertainment lighting fixtures and controllers, have announced the launch of PaintCan, an affordable colour-changing fixture that allows anyone to, literally 'paint with light'. Weighing only 20lb (9kg), the PaintCan is small enough to fit inside a 12" x 12" truss or hang side by side on a six-lamp bar.
Equipped with either the economical GLA or GLC 3200K lamp, PaintCan is able to output an infinite selection of colours using its full CMY mixing system or super-saturated Red, Green and Blue from its separate bi-directional wheel. PaintCan's electronic zoom is able to project a beam of 20° to 40° - the extra wide angle being especially useful when fixtures are placed "close-up" - with a separate break-up frost filter offering further beam manipulation. Light output is controlled accurately and smoothly using its on-board electronic dimming function and cooling is organised by either of three fan settings for quiet operation.
DMX512 input and output is provided via standard 5-pin connectors, and the option of recording shows internally (for use in stand-alone applications where a separate controller is unnecessary) further adds to the fixture's flexibility. With these features it is no surprise that PaintCan should find itself equally at home with designers needing to light walls, ceilings, softfits and other 'architectural' features in shopping malls, retail stores, places of worship and similar environments or backdrops, cycloramas, trussing and sets in theatrical shows, rock concerts and exhibition
UK - Denon Professional plan to push further into the burgeoning European AV market with the simultaneous launch of six playback devices known as the P Series. Each product in the range includes a 19in rackmount kit, and aside from the consequent ease of installation, conforms to rigid price, performance and reliability criteria. The Denon DN-C100P single CD player will be instantly recognisable for its bright white graphics and professional rear panel design.
As Denon's entry level CD player it has a feature set including CD/ CDR playback; IR control; optical digital output; programme and random playback as well as repeat playback (one track, one disc).
Expanding on this, the Denon DN-C200P 5-disc carousel CD player offers greater reliability than the 'cartridge' type of product. Key features include: CD/CDR playback; MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) playback from CD-ROM; IR control; optical & coaxial digital outputs; programme and random playback as well as repeat playback (one track, one disc, all discs).
Denon DN-A100 integrated stereo amplifier is Denon's new entry level integrated amplifier for commercial AV installation use. Clear layout and ease of operation are important features of this new model, which features 70w per channel (4ohms); two speaker circuits with A/B switching; IR control; five line inputs - RCA/ Cinch (remote switching); two tape circuits (in/out); phono input.
The DN-A200 integrated stereo amplifier, meanwhile, offers the same facilities, but with 85W per channel into 4 ohms.
The DN-U100P FM/AM Tuner features: FM/AM band tuner;
UK - Soundcraft has unveiled another addition to the new Soundcraft Professional family, the multipurpose Soundcraft MPMTM Series.
The emphasis with all Soundcraft consoles is very firmly on quality build and audio performance, with an easy to understand control surface uncluttered by unnecessary facilities, says the company.
The highly-transparent GB30 Mic amp (also used on the larger LX7ii and GB Series consoles) features high-resolution adjustment over a wide gain range of 55dB, and provides a +22dB headroom through the console. True professional 48-volt phantom power caters for condenser microphones of all types.
Soundcraft MPM mixers are available in two standard models with 12 or 20 mono inputs, each model featuring two stereo inputs. For accurate channel control, the Soundcraft MPM console has 60mm high quality faders as used on other Soundcraft desks.
Each model has three auxiliary busses, configurable for use as effects sends or monitor sends and all main connectors are professional XLR-type and 1/4" metal jack sockets for reliability. RCA phono connectors are provided for disc and stereo playback inputs and record outputs. EQ on the mono input is 3-band with a swept mid, while the standard stereo input has three two band EQ. All mono input channels have TRS insert sockets and inserts are also provided on the mix output. Ten-segment LED output metering, intuitive and comprehensive solo system and a headphone output are also part of the MPM feature set.
The monitor output and headphone output work in parallel so that performers can still listen
UK - On Tuesday 12 September at this year's PLASA Show, Stage Technologies are holding exclusive automation control console demonstrations and training away from the main show floor in room R213, level 2, at Earls Court Exhibition Centre.
Short drop-in sessions (approximately 40 minutes long) will be held on the hour, from 11am - 3pm demonstrating a virtual theatre environment with WYSIWYG software integration. Attendees will be able to operate consoles and view moving axes in conjunction with the other training consoles and lighting effects.
Stage Technologies' support engineers will be available to answer any questions whether from client, user or operator's perspective and to provide 'hands-on' practical training opportunities.
(Chris Henry)
The Netherlands - The expanded CyberHoist motion control system, with InMotion 3D software, will be on show in the UK for the first time at PLASA 06 on Stand G48.
As well an extended range of CyberHoist motors, more control options are now available in the DataMotion data distribution range, while the compact RC-1 Handheld Remote Controller provides fast and effective setup and derig without requiring use of the system's host computer.
The range of CyberHoist intelligent hoist motors has grown to three, joining the original 500 kg-capacity, 0-20 metres per minute (1 foot per second maximum) variable speed CyberHoist 500.
The new high-speed CyberHoist 250 motor is capable of lifting 250kg at variable speeds of 0-40 meters per minute (2.17 feet per second) - for smooth, fast and agile moves.The new, invertible, high lifting power CyberHoist 1000 features a 1000kg (1 ton) lifting capacity and fully variable speeds of 0-10 meters a minute (0.54 ft / sec), with the same unique, smooth motion. Suitable for inverted and non-inverted use (usable with the motor facing up or down), it can be used with or without a mothergrid.
Control options are extended, too, with the PLASA Show launch of the RC-1 Handheld Remote Controller. It provides a simple, convenient and safe method of directly controlling most major functions of a CyberHoist system - ideal for small applications such as load-in / load-out and maintenance.
The RC-1 joins the three exsisting InMotion 3D control systems - with a choice of systems based on a Dual Mac G5, iMac G5 20" or PowerBook laptop. The
UK - XLNT Advanced Technologies will launch its new DMX / Ethernet data networking solutions at PLASA '06 on Stand G48. The XLNT DN2 DMX / Ethernet Node brings DMX / Ethernet conversion within everybody's reach.
Used in conjunction with the XLNT NS12P(F) GroundSwitch device, DN2 DMX / Ethernet Nodes create a cost-efficient, rock-solid and ultra-practical package for all DMX over Ethernet data distribution applications. This versatile extended network solution is ideal for a huge variety of data distribution tasks within the entertainment industry.
The XLNT DN2 DMX / Ethernet Node has a bright, clearly visible LCD display which provides an instant overview of all functions, and is housed in a lightweight, durable enclosure.
All variables are visible and configurable on the display, allowing patch, level and overview without requiring an external computer. The integrated M6 thread allows for multiple mounting brackets or hooks as required.
The units are designed for use in extreme environments, such as entertainment touring, in combination with standard lighting and A/V equipment.
(Chris Henry)
UK - At the PLASA Show, Lab.gruppen will unveil its latest amplifier models. First up is the expansion of the popular C Series of installation-dedicated amplifiers with addition of four new amplifiers, two each in 8-channel and 4-channel formats. The new models, on show at PLASA '06, are the C 20:8X (8 x 250W), C 10:8X (8 x 125W), C 10:4X (4 x 250W) and the C 5:4X (4 x 125W). Power ratings for each are the same at 70V, 4 ohms, 8 ohms, and 16 ohms. The C 20:8X and C 10:8X weigh 9.5kg, while the C 10:4X and C 5:4X weigh 8.5kg. All models are in 2U cabinets and backed by Lab.gruppen's six-year, "no-quibble" warranty, say the company.
The new amplifiers employ a unique Class D implementation ideally suited to lower power levels where the benefits of Class TD are less easily realized and where cost versus performance is paramount. A newly developed universal switching power supply employs PFC (Power Factor Correction) to stabilize current draw and accepts any mains voltage from 90 - 265 VAC (50 Hz or 60 Hz). The combination produces a flat frequency response into reactive loads, and does not color the sound in any way, emulating the classic Lab.gruppen Class TD and Regulated Switch Mode Power Supply. As with all C Series models, an interface for Lab.gruppen's proprietary NomadLink control and monitoring network is included as standard.
With all C Series models, each pair of channels may be bridged to provide a variety of output configurations. Full power without clipping is assured, as overall input sensitivity on all models is adjustable in 3dB increments f
Belgium / UK - Belgium-based company Amelia nv will introduce its new and innovative ShowLED Animation System at PLASA 2006. For the fourth year in a row, ShowLED will decorate the rear wall of Earls Court using a huge ShowLED curtain. A new product will be launched like it was performing on a real 'show'.
Designed in response to customer feedback, ShowLED Animation is designed to add some extra dynamism to the traditional starcloth. As in other ShowLED systems, the LEDs are placed randomly, ideal for creating starcloth effects. Features include high output RGB LEDs on thin socket cables, a velcro mounting system, excellent LED dimming curve, fast LED response time and additive colour mixing, says Amelia nv.
Contrary to most existing 'LED to fabric' video applications, ShowLED Animation retains the randomly-positioned LEDs, with a significantly raised density. The LEDs can be individually controlled as pixels to create low to medium resolution still images, video loops and flash animations. Moreover, the company claims to have achieved an ultra-fast data transfer that offers unique opportunities to display different layers and insert instant breaks.
Amelia nv has also teamed up with Belgian colleagues of Arkaos, a special version of whose software is bundled to communicate with the ShowLED Animation controllers to offer user-friendly and customizable effects.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - At the forthcoming Firex North exhibition (17-18 October, Harrogate, UK), Baldwin Boxall Communications will be displaying the new Vigil Eclipse2 stand-alone voice alarm/public address system. Visitors to the stand will also be able to witness a demonstration of the increasingly popular VIGIL CommuniCare Advance (disabled refuge system) and VIGIL FireCare (fire telephone system).
The cost-effective, wall-mountable Vigil Eclipse2 voice alarm system has the ability to handle up to seven single or four dual circuit zones. Eclipse2 contains the EVAS DSP controlled routeing matrix at its heart and, as a result, has many features. The unit, which is smaller than its predecessor (480mm (W) x 200mm (D) x 680mm (H)), houses one 2U amplifier mainframe providing space for the power supply and up to two amplifiers from Baldwin Boxall's Vigil2 Class D range. Up to 128 Eclipse2s can be linked together for a decentralised network providing a VA/PA solution for almost any situation - being suitable for small, medium or even large projects, say the company.
.The new black and silver range of microphones (BDM400 series) will also be on display. The new microphones have an analogue output signal and serial RS485 zone select using one RJ45 eight-way Cat 5 lead, enabling simple networking. Up to eight BDM400 series microphones can be daisy-chained (via wall sockets) and connected to a single input at the rack, operating on a first-come-first-served basis. Various LEDs indicate the status of the microphone, with the monitored versions providing an audible buzzer which sounds when
UK - New York City-based City Theatrical will launch two new products in its award-winning WDS Wireless Data System product line at the PLASA Show - a WDS Four Port Opto-Receiver and a WDS Candle Adapter. The WDS Four Port Opto-Receiver receives a universe of DMX data via wireless broadcast from a WDS transmitter, and turns it into four fully optically isolated five-pin XLR outlets. An external power supply allows for either mains or battery operation.
The WDS Candle Adapter allows the City Theatrical Candle Lite electronic flicker candles to be controlled or dimmed through WDS Dimmers, allowing for full wireless operation of stage candles. Recent installations of WDS Candle Adapters include the New York and Las Vegas companies of The Phantom of the Opera and the New York production of The Coast of Utopia.
City Theatrical - stand F33.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - At PLASA 06 Void Acoustics will be unleashing their most recent creations that combine the latest in cutting edge materials and technological advances. These advances have been made possible by working with construction materials like Carbon fibre and Kevlar composites. Void have also utilised the latest advances in active sensing systems, which have been implemented to increase reliability and vastly increase the output level of the product.
The company says that they continue to show endurance, stamina and growth in a market that places ever-increasing demands on its products. One new product launched this year is Airten, which is part of the Air Series. The Airten features a new type of sensing circuit that is built into its enclosure and requires no outboard processing or external powering. The protection device monitors all components at source and is used to maximise the output level and to increase reliability. Airten also features a Kevlar and Carbon fibre housing, which greatly reduces colouration. The enclosure is also available in a wide range of colours and finishes to perfectly match an interior designers requirement.
Void Acoustics will be on stand CC7 and will be demonstrating four different systems this year in the Marlborough Suite. The demonstration room will be open during the duration of the show.
(Chris Henry)
USA - Aviom, Inc., manufacturer of the Pro16 Monitor Mixing System, is announcing that the company is now shipping the new AN-16SBR System Bridge, which will be featured at AES 2006 (Booth 123).
All Pro16 Series products are compatible with the AN-16SBR System Bridge, which is designed to be used with Pro16 Series products when digital snake and audio distribution systems larger than 32 channels are required. One AN-16SBR is used at each end of every 48- or 64-channel run. The AN-16SBR supports the configurations of 64x0, 48X16, 32x32 or smaller.
Features of the new System Bridge include two identical 1U rack-mount modules, each with four Neutrik EtherCon connectors (16 channels each) and one Neutrik EtherCon connector for Bridge output (up to 64 channels).
Multiple AN-16SBR units can be used to create complex systems and, at each end of a main run, one AN-16SBR is used to combine or separate up to four 16-channel A-Net streams onto a single Cat-5 cable. The combined Bridge output carries up to 64 channels. All network connections feature heavy-duty locking Neutrik EtherCon connectors.
The Aviom System Bridge requires no power supply and no DC power.
(Chris Henry)
Sweden / UK - Wireless Solution Sweden AB is gearing up for its third consecutive year exhibiting at the PLASA Show in London, where all visitors to the stand can enter a draw to win a W-DMX system valued at 1200 Euros.
A complete new range of W-DMX products will be on display, including W-DMX T-512 Outdoor Transceiver, W-DMX Micro, and W-DMX D-512, the world's first wireless 3-way truss splitter. Two of these products have been entered for the PLASA Awards for Innovation - the D-512 and W-DMX Micro, a mini DMX receiver with built-in battery backup of 6-8 hours use, signal display indication and battery lifetime. As a bonus preview, the RDM specification on W-DMX will be shown for the first time at PLASA.
The company reports that 2006 has been a great year for W-DMX: in just eight months, over 5,000 units of W-DMX products have been shipped worldwide. The demand for safe plug-and-play wireless technology free from interference continues to increase. More OEM partners have joined the wave of manufacturers offering Wireless DMX in their equipment. The first product to offer W-DMX technology built inside a fixture was the SGM Giotto Synthesis. Most recently, the Alpha Range from Clay Paky, LSC Lighting from Australia, Swefog and Antari X-Series smoke machines have implemented W-DMX into their equipment.
In addition to new OEM partners, several new distributors have been appointed in key markets, including White Light in the UK and Lightpower in Germany.
Designed for theatre, corporate events, theme parks, and architectural applications, Wireless Solutions' W-DMX
UK - Bryant Broadcast and Data Communications will launch its new Broadcast and Audio/Video Systems Integration Catalogue at the forthcoming IBC exhibition. Issue 8 of the catalogue has some exciting new networking solutions for converging broadcast, audio/visual, IT and electrical/electronic network connectivity, say the company.
The new Bryant Catalogue lists in-house built products ranging from 19" computer network and broadcast racks to custom metalwork, IEC rack power units, pre-wired audio and video jackfields, IT audio/video and broadcast cables and connectors, Cat 5e and Cat 6 networking products, cable assemblies, SMPTE 311M hybrid fibre cables for HD TV cameras, etc.
Fully indexed, the catalogue also introduces many new 'one stop shopping' partnerships including Belden cables, MurrayPro audio/video monitoring kit, Electronics Visuals signal generators, Mauve Systems Video over Cat cabling, ISOL-8 mains power conditioning or regeneration, along with a host of new audio and video installation products from Neutrik, Ikon, CIE and others.
Bryant Broadcast has also been appointed sole UK distributor for Crosspoint under monitor and audio monitoring displays. Wherever there is interaction of mixers, switching routers, automation systems, etc. in TV Studios and Outside Broadcast vehicles there is aneed for Text and Tally systems. Crosspoint is in the forefront of the development of Under Monitor Signalling Systems (UMD) with Text and Tally as well as audio monitoring VU-meter displays with digital/analogue conversion and time codes.
For a free copy, c
USA - Wybron have announced the release of the InfoTrace RDM Lighting Control System, effective September 5, 2006. InfoTrace is an innovative new system that uses RDM (Remote Device Management) for the control and management of DMX-controlled lighting devices such as colour changers, moving lights, conventional lights, and dowsers. (RDM is the new open standard of bi-directional protocol for DMX512 based control systems.)
"InfoTrace simplifies the set-up, maintenance, repair and integration of professional stage lighting," says Keny Whitright, founder and president of Wybron, a leader in performance lighting innovation (inventor of the scrolling colour changer and the industry's first automated spotlight tracking system). "Time saved during load in and pre-show checks translates into more time to create innovative lighting sets for stage, touring shows, architecture, and other spaces."
A complete InfoTrace system consists of four components: Wybron's new line of IT products (Coloram IT colour changers, Eclipse IT and Eclipse II IT mechanical dowsers, and CXI IT dual scrollers), InfoGate software, InfoChip, and finally, InfoStore. The heart of the system is InfoGate, specialised software that uses RDM to facilitate remote addressing and diagnostics for potentially every piece of equipment mounted on a rig. InfoGate works with all IT products and all RDM-compatible equipment from any manufacturer. In addition, any non-RDM equipment can be upgraded with the installation of an InfoChip. Because InfoGate can work with any equipment, the setup, unit
UK - 11am on Sunday 10 September at PLASA 2006, will see the launch of the much-anticipated Lancelot, the latest in a long line of innovative lighting products from acclaimed French manufacturer Robert Juliat. The launch will take place on stand G25, the stand of Juliat's UK distributor White Light.
The brightest, most spectacular fixture ever released by Robert Juliat, Lancelot is both a long-throw effects projector and a followspot perfect for the largest of venues, particularly stadiums. Based around a 360,000 lumen 4kW HTI lamp, Lancelot uses a carefully-designed optical train that gives an extremely flat-field beam distribution. Lancelot's modular design allows up to five effects cassettes to be inserted: based around a totally new four-blade design these allow progressive effects such as frost or colour correction. Further effects will be available for Lancelot during 2007, including strobing, a six-slot gobo wheel, motorised zoom, a moving mirror head and more, many either locally controlled by an operator or remotely controlled via DMX.
Lancelot retains many familiar Robert Juliat features, such as the 6-way boomerang colour changer, fan cooled to maximise colour life, the built-in dimmer shutter with rotary handle for smooth dimming control, the fully-closing iris, and the self-locking focus handles. Lancelot has also been designed for easy set-up, with a fixed front lens for better balance setting and an easy-to-balance counterweight, and easy maintenance, with the dimmer and iris modules and mirror, lamphouse and double-condenser optics removable and a
UK - Robe Show Lighting is expecting another action-packed PLASA, and is launching 12 new products including the StageQube 324, a new 700 Series of moving lights, the DigitalSpot 5000 DT and the ColorSpot 2500E AT.
The StageQube 324 is a new-generation of LED panel. Designed as a plug&play application, it doesn't require any external power supply and control boxes. The complete electronics are located in the IP54 housing. An integrated rigging system allows even large systems to be built up very easily.
The resolution of StageQube 324 is 18 x 18 px at a size of 80 x 80 cm (pixel pitch 4.44 cm). The StageQube 324 system uses a video input (VGA) that is connected to the QubeControl PC. It can be DMX controlled using a Robe Media Hub aloowing intuitive control from the lighting desk.
Robe Show Lighting also launches its revolutionary new DigitalSpot 5000 DT, a 5000 ANSI Lumen output digital moving head projector. The highly versatile Robe DigitalSpot 5000 DT offers two digital gobo layers with the selection of up to 244 x 255 video clips or images per layer. Two independent effects channels on each gobo layer offer 120 effects including kaleidoscope, squeeze in/out, alpha or black flash, gobo disc mirror and colour key effects etc.
There's also individual X and Y positioning and a scaling (zoom effect) for each gobo layer, plus rotating and indexing with continuous rotation for each gobo layer. Additional functions include digital keystoning, a CMY colour mixing system, strobe effect, analogue iris, zoom and focus, digital iris and and digital framing shutters.<
Germany - D-MEXX have started to ship Signal Splitters for transmission paths between audio devices, compliant with the MADI standard. The D-MEXX Splitters are passive, optical devices; consequently, they are free of latency and require no external power source. Three different versions are immediately available.
The simplest model splits an incoming audio signal (transmitted over optical fibreglass cable) to two identical outputs. The same can be said for the "Dual"-version (two input signals to four outputs, respectively two outputs for each incoming signal). By connecting one of the outputs of the Dual unit back to its second input, one can achieve a tripling of a single audio signal. The "Triplex"-version splits two incoming audio signals each to three outputs (for a total of 6 outputs). Here, too, could one use an "internal cascade" to effectively generate five identical outputs of a single audio signal.
Following the same principle, several Splitters can be connected together. For instance, by combining two "Triplex"-Splitters in a rack insert, also available from D-MEXX as an accessory, a single input signal could be distributed to nine outputs.
Rounding out the new range, D-MEXX is also offering an extensive selection of optical fibreglass cables with MADI-SC connections, in three varieties: single and duplex (both for indoor use), as well as "military", which features special cable sleeving and shielding for outdoor and live event use. All varieties are alternatively available as extension cables (with
UK - In 2005 Artistic Licence launched Light-Switch, a DMX512 playback system designed for single and multiple room lighting control. A new version has just been released, which expands its capabilities even further. Light-Switch can now be remote controlled via RS232. This means that Light-Switch can easily be integrated into a larger show control system.
Light-Switch is suitable for use in conference room facilities, retail and domestic environments, trade shows and museum exhibits. Available in both UK and US style wall panels, Light-Switch is controlled by 14 illuminated buttons. Features include three pages of eight memories, with each memory containing all 512 channels and an independent fade time. A fourth page provides six sequences with variable step times and direction control.
The entire system is programmed by PC application Switch-Edit, which contains a moving lamp library and fully implements both post and pre-master channels. This feature allows all types of DMX devices to be freely mixed. Once programmed, the show can be downloaded and programmed to flash memory. Light-Switch can also be programmed by recording DMX512 from another lighting console.
Switch-Edit can also link to the off-line (free) version of Colour-Tramp. This allows the power of Colour-Tramp to be used as an off-line editor to programme Light-Switch.
Up to thirty Light-Switch panels can be connected to a single DMX512 cable. The slave panels can be programmed to control specific zones or rooms. This topology is a great benefit during installation, as only one DMX or Cat5 cable
UK - This year at PLASA Meyer Sound will exhibit on stand E26 with a selection of products suited for use in fixed installations and touring, including the M'elodie ultracompact high-power curvilinear array loudspeaker and Matrix3 audio show control system.
Since debuting at Frankfurt's Pro Light + Sound exhibition in February, the demand for M'elodie, the latest member of the MILO family has exceeded expectations, the company says. With its high output, small footprint, and compatibility with the MILO family of products, M'elodie offers the kind of flexibility required in corporate AV applications, while retaining the power to fill medium-sized venues on tour or in a fixed installation, says the company.
To emphasize Meyer Sound's ability to make products that fit into any environment, M'elodie will be displayed on the stand painted in a custom finish, as will two other popular installation products in the Meyer Sound line: the UPJ-1P compact VariO and MM-4 miniature wide-range loudspeakers. Other installation favorites being shown will include the M1D ultracompact curvilinear array loudspeaker, and a new grille frame for the UPA-1P compact wide coverage and -2P compact narrow coverage loudspeakers.
LCS Series sales manager Jerry Placken will spotlight the Matrix3 with in-depth demonstrations of the fully-digital system, which encapsulates the entire audio signal path (save for transducers) in a single powerful, scalable, automatable, extraordinarily flexible, and totally integrated package.
Meyer Sound's suite of support tools for design, installation, and
Germany - The L.U.C.A.S System Check display is now available online featuring many different possibilities to select and adjust application and audience size. With two turn-switches, the adjustments can be selected and the indicator instruments show the load of each system corresponding to the adjustments. This clarifies which L.U.C.A.S system is the most suitable for the requested application, and those interested will be able to identify the right system for their needs.
The System Check offers direct links to the product details of each L.U.C.A.S system by clicking on the logo. By entering the poste code, local System Check partners are listed, where systems are available for listening tests and comparisons.
(Chris Henry)
UK - This year's PLASA Show will see the return of an old friend - but in a fully revised and updated form - when lighting supplier White Light launches the latest edition of its ever-popular catalogue as a Reference Guide.
Long considered the standard 'de-facto' reference for those working in lighting for entertainment, packed with useful information yet still compact enough to nestle comfortably in a designer's bag, the last edition of the catalogue was published in 1999 yet it is still in demand, with the electronic PDF edition regularly downloaded from White Light's website.
"An update to our catalogue is long overdue," admits White Light's managing director, Bryan Raven, "but the last seven years have seen us move premises, enormously expand our stock and the areas of lighting we work in, and re-design our website. Somehow through all of that the it kept slipping down the to-do list, particularly since we did wonder whether the time for a paper reference had passed with the rise of the web. But many of our designers - who often work in theatres without internet connections - persuaded us otherwise. So now we're delighted to announce the release of a completely new, revised and updated edition in the form of a Reference Guide."
While remaining true to the design of earlier editions, with a compact, slim-line form that is easy to take anywhere, the new Reference Guide reflects how dramatically lighting technology has evolved in the last seven years, with the technical reference section expanded to include the latest conventional lights pl
UK - Launch earlier this year at ProLight+Sound inFrankfurt, the Tube from G-LEC is the first 'walk-through' LED system. The Tube follows the same principles as the company's highly acclaimed transparent LED frame systems - but minus the frame. Without the frame, each individual transparent tube hangs free, so walking through the G-LEC Tube is like walking through a slash or beaded curtain. With the ability to create a 'forest' of LEDs, including different lengths of individual tubes, this brings enormous potential to lighting and set designers, from having performers literally walk through the set to a dramatic 3D design, say G-LEC. Like the G-LEC Classic and the PhantomFrame systems, the G-LEC Tube is transparent to light, audio and wind.
G-LEC - stand D30 + D33.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - ETC dealers and staff will be showing off the company's latest lighting control console, Congo jr, at PLASA 2006. Packing the same channel and output counts as the original Congo and running the same operating software, the sibling comes in a standard 19" rack-style modular design console. This makes it an extremely flexible desk for smaller venues and an ideal back-up unit for the larger console, say the company.
As part of its flexible design, Congo jr features an optional Master Playback Wing, which accesses all 40 multi-purpose masters of the main console. The Master Playback Wing contains 40 faders and two LCDs in the same configuration as the Congo console, for full playback capability and complete control of all masters and Direct Selects.
With the international communications standard ACN having just received ratification by the ESTA Technical Standards Program, it is anticipated that many manufacturers like ETC will be introducing ACN-enabled products at both PLASA and LDI. ETC's Net3 is an ACN powered open network system and the ETC Four Port DMX Gateway, one of several available for the system, can be seen at PLASA 2006. It is backward compatible with ETCNet2 and most other current control products.
A new model in ETC's SmartPack range of economical and compact dimming solutions, the Wall Mount version of SmartPack is now available with six 20A dimmers and is ideal for architectural applications that require high performance dimming at an affordable price. This convenient, low maintenance unit can be installed directly, without any other pa