USA - ETC has introduced the SolaFrame Studio automated luminaire, a fanless, convection-cooled fixture. Audibly invisible and visually impactful, the fixture’s feature set is designed for ‘exquisite projection control and gorgeous colour in a compact package’. Designed for theatres, concert halls, opera houses, film/TV broadcast studios and houses of worship, it uses a 300 watt High CRI Bright White engine to produce 10,000 lumens.
The fixture’s convection-cooled engine allows for completely fanless operation. SolaFrame Studio’s features include a high quality 13-lens optic system with patented Lens Defogger, powerful 5.5 - 57° zoom, CMY / CTO-Linear colour mixing system, seven position plus open replaceable colour wheel, full-curtain framing system for total control of beam shaping, 16-blade iris for tight beam effects, light diffusion with additional, optional heavy diffusion, seven position plus open rotating gobo wheel and linear prism for controlled pattern replication across a stage
Automated lighting product manager Matt Stoner comments, “The SolaFrame Theatre has been an exceptional fixture for us. Our customers have often requested a smaller version to expand the applications where fanless fixtures can be used. This led to the development of the SolaFrame Studio, with its broad feature set and smaller footprint it improves the silence made famous by the SolaFrame Theatre.”
High End Systems brand manager Tania Lesage adds, “With pioneering technology in moving lights and more recently in LED fixtures, our expertise in fanl

UK - Apparel and tech brand STNDBY has launched its flagship range of sustainable clothes and accessories, designed for crew and creatives.
STNDBY (www.STNDBYworld.com) was conceived by lighting and production designer Tom Campbell and host, producer and entrepreneur James Murden to offer clothing and accessories that are ‘as functional as they are fashionable’. With partnerships in place with companies such as Avolites and Dirty Rigger and offering customisation, gifting options and tour swag, STNDBY’s products are designed ‘to work and built to last’.
“We’ve spent almost two years researching the problems crew face finding work gear and developing these products to solve those problems,” said Campbell. "We’re so proud of the incredible feedback we’ve had throughout our testing phase and can’t wait to start seeing STNDBY out in the world.”
STNDBY’s flagship range includes T-shirts, rigging gloves, power banks and digital storage solutions, as well as their signature launch product, the Leitch Security Backpack. Named after the late lighting designer Bryan Leitch, this travel-friendly bag embodies the STNDBY philosophy by packing in hidden compartments, charging ports, water resistance and even a stab-proof protective layer.
“With STNDBY we set out to create clothes and accessories that are fit-for-purpose but still look good in the bar after the show,” says Murden. "In our industry, 'stand-by' means “get ready for action”, so it was the perfect name for us - a bran

Germany - Madrix Aura provides standalone capabilities for dynamic lighting, allowing the running of sophisticated light shows and effects independently from a compact controller with fully customisable scheduling.
Lighting effects create the right setting for media facades, retail applications and point-of-sale eye catchers, backdrops, entrance areas, office spaces, gyms, bars and lounges, theme-park attractions, and many more.
Madrix Aura is a powerful recorder and standalone playback unit from SD card for fully automatic lighting control.
As an easy-to-use and energy-efficient unit, it replaces lighting desks or bulky computers with their need for regular maintenance, updates, and administration in projects where no live control is needed, says the company. Available in three versions, it outputs two, eight, or 32 universes of control data over Art-Net or Streaming ACN.
It is a fully scalable solution to tackle any project size. Larger projects can simply be managed by connecting several devices over Ethernet network. The entire group is automatically synchronized across all DMX universes for flawless and uninterrupted playback. This makes sure that effects and visuals look best on the entire installation.
To make the setup process easier, Madrix Aura allows live recording. You can record any Art-Net or Streaming ACN network stream onto the inserted memory card.
With many additional features, Madrix Aura was built to meet the different needs and requirements of today's lighting designs. The powerful yet compact playback unit fo

USA - Harman Professional Solutions has announced the JBL Eon One USB power cable, which expands the versatility of JBL Eon One Compact battery-powered portable PAs by powering AKG WMS and DMS100 and DMS300 wireless systems and DigiTech and DOD guitar pedals directly from the sound system.
The 1m cable features a USB-A terminal that connects to an Eon One Compact PA and a 5.5mm power terminal that connects to external devices. Two versions are available: A 12V version powers AKG WMS wireless systems; a 9V version powers AKG DMS100 and DMS300 wireless systems as well as DigiTech and DOD effects pedals.
Designed for musicians, DJs, presenters and entertainers who want freedom of movement, clear vocals and an easy way to enhance their sound with effects, the Eon One USB Power Cable lets performers turn any space into a stage, says the company.
“Battery-powered PAs already give performers the freedom to cut the cord,” says Brandon Knudsen, product manager - loudspeaker professional solutions at Harman. “When you don’t have to rely on a traditional power source to power your wireless system or pedal, now you truly have no limits on where you can perform. Whether you’re busking at the beach or speaking at a corporate event, the Eon One USB Power Cable lets you bring legendary JBL sound wherever your gigs take you.”

USA - Magmatic atmospheric effects is now shipping Crisp Max, a high-output snow machine in Magmatic’s Polar series that makes it easy to create scene-setting wintry settings.
Crisp Max is capable of producing high volumes of naturalistic snow with the capacity to adjust snowflake size for greater versatility. Small flake or large, short throw or long, this 1250W high-volume snow machine can project snow up to 12m meters (40ft) with the flexibility to adjust to the occasion. An optional 120-degree pan motor is available that increases the coverage area.
Crisp Max includes a 20-litre fluid tank hidden inside a road case with durable casters for extra protection and easier portability. The unit’s 10m long hose can be rigged on a standard truss or tripod stand and fluid can be extended up to 50 meters horizontally or vertically using 10m extension tubes with couplers that are available as an accessory.
Built to withstand travel and repeated use, Crisp Max features a durable aluminium housing and robust design for powerful performance. An all-in-one APF (Air Pump Fan) system together with an auto-clean feature lowers the risk of clogging and reduces the need for maintenance. An easy-to-open housing and serviceable design add to its user-friendliness.
All Polar series snow machines introduce quieter, snow-producing technology. A noise-blocking layer of insulation reduces fan noise for quieter operation, making them ideal for those more noise-sensitive environments. The snow cannon can remain inside the road case to minimize the noise level.

USA - ADJ has expanded its Vision Series of LED video panels with the introduction of the new VS3IP. Designed for concert tours, festivals and other events – taking place both inside and outside – the new product is ADJ’s highest resolution IP-rated LED video panel to date.
The VS3IP panel features a 150 x 150 matrix of 3-in-1 SMD1921 LEDs, delivering a pixel pitch of 3.84mm (0.15”) for a pixel density of 67,816 per square meter. It delivers an impressive maximum brightness of 4500 NITS with a contrast ratio of 5000:1, making it suitable for use outdoors, even during daylight hours. However, it also offers 0~100% brightness adjustment allowing the output to be reduced when required, for example for smaller indoor applications or to ensure that video content doesn’t overpower lighting fixtures and on-stage content when used as a backdrop.
Specifically designed for temporary outdoor use, the panel features protection of its front surface from liquid and particles rated to the IP65 standard. The rear panel, meanwhile, has an IP54 rating and the unit is fitted with IP65-rated locking sockets for power and data (RJ45). The input and thru connections for both are also fitted with rubber caps which provide added protection during transit and also if a thru socket is not in use for a particular deployment.
The panel’s quick lock system makes setting up a large video wall as quick and straightforward as possible. Locator pins on the top side make it simple to get the panel in exactly the right position, while easy to activate locking pins then se

Europe - The next Elation Coffee Break will feature the SEVEN Series, outlining the advantages of Elation’s 7-color multi-chip LED technology with hosts Alistair Smyth and Frederik Afif.
Elation’s line of linear SEVEN Batten and SEVEN Par IP lights house RGBAW + Lime + UV LEDs for ‘an even wider spectrum of colour options to paint stages, sets, scrims and scenery’.
The Elation Coffee Break with a focus on the SEVEN Series will air live on Thursday, 26 November at 11:00 a.m. CEST. Tune in at www.facebook.com/ELATION.Pro.Europe/live/. No registration is required.
The Elation Coffee Break is an online presentation series from Elation’s European office in Kerkrade, the Netherlands that takes an up-close look at some of the company’s most popular product series. To view previous Elation Coffee Break webinars, visit www.facebook.com/ELATION.Pro.Europe/live/.

Italy - Powersoft, has introduced a new care plan for its rack amplifier customers, which will be available via the company’s MyPowersoft portal as of 20 November 2020.
The plan – which has been introduced so Powersoft customers can have increased certainty over their investments in these uncertain times – includes two distinct services; Warranty Extension and Service Shield, both of which can be purchased separately.
Powersoft has always ensured that it builds products to the highest quality standards, and this no-compromise approach is what has consolidated the company’s reputation as a manufacturer of reliable, durable, and dependable machines, used by the world’s top live sound crews and system integrators.
Despite this strength, the company has come to acknowledge that, in certain cases, products might be subject to strenuous conditions that could result in the customer requiring assistance or a replacement product. With this in mind, Powersoft’s new Warranty Extension and Service Shield plans have been designed to bolster the company’s already celebrated after-sales offering.
The new Warranty Extension will cover the relevant amplifier platform with up to three-year extension on Powersoft’s standard warranty. This service is available from MyPowersoft and can be activated during the first year of the product’s life.
The Service Shield includes an option to protect a purchaser’s investment from accidental damage during the first year of its life. This grants users swift assistance from Customer Care Services

USA - City Theatrical’s Multiverse wireless DMX/RDM technology is now available for film and video projects with a new line of Multiverse Studio products, including the Multiverse Studio Receiver, Multiverse Studio Kit, and Multiverse Studio Add On Kit, now available in dual band 900MHz/2.4GHz functionality for North America, and 2.4GHz band usage worldwide.
As the newest hardware building block to the Multiverse product line, the Multiverse Studio Receiver brings the advanced features of the Multiverse wireless DMX/RDM system to the film and video world with fast setup and reliability. It contains a long-life lithium-ion polymer battery giving 20 hours of use, and its full four button user interface with a backlit LED display makes setup easy and gives feedback on system performance. Each Multiverse Studio Receiver includes a DMX corded connector, which allows the external antenna to hang below the lighting fixture, giving improved data fidelity.
Two Multiverse Studio Receiver models are now available and shipping through City Theatrical dealers worldwide. The Multiverse Studio Receiver 900MHz/2.4GHz (P/N 5904) has two built-in radios, 2.4GHz (for worldwide use) and 900MHz (for use in the Americas only), which allow the user to select which single universe to receive, and which radio band to use via the Multiverse SHoW ID. The Multiverse Studio Receiver 2.4GHz (P/N 5905) can be used worldwide on the 2.4GHz band. Learn more at: citytheatrical.com/Products/multiverse-studio-receiver
Designed as a turnkey wireless DMX solution for film & video

USA - Vista by Chroma-Q has announced Release 3 (R3) of the Vista 3 lighting and media control software.
Vista 3’s intuitive yet powerful approach to lighting and media control has been embraced by major rental companies, production houses and lighting designers around the world.
As part of Chroma-Q ‘s ongoing commitment to increased functionality and enhanced capability, Vista 3 R3 contains over 150 improvements and new features. Highlights include:
A user configurable, main application, workspace that allow users to customise their playback and programming operational style to suit user preference, further smoothing workflow and providing additional flexibility.
A new FX engine feature allows the number of FX cycles to be defined, which delivers a fantastic tool for quickly creating complex “accents” or “bumps”.
A feature that allows Ethernet based data output to be toggled on/off per protocol - a great feature for Festival use where there is a requirement to connect and configure the lighting network but not output data until the appropriate moment.
Other additions include; new inserted cuelist commands, custom lock screens, cuelist flash attack and decay times, multiple GUI improvements, and an updated factory library.
“R3 has been designed to provide new and existing users with an even more intuitive user experience for creating and delivering fantastic looking shows,” says the company.

USA - Audio Precision has announced the APx517B acoustic analyser, specifically designed, configured and built for the production-line testing of speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets and the wide range of consumer electronics incorporating speakers and microphones.
With the introduction of the APx517B acoustic analyser, manufacturers can deploy an integrated acoustic test system that brings the renowned quality, reliability and robustness of Audio Precision’s lab-oriented analysers to their production lines, says the company.
On a production line, any time spent setting up a new test system, calibrating a system for a new shift, or reconfiguring a system for a change in DUT (device under test), is effectively a ‘line down’ situation. As an integrated system combining audio analyser (signal generation and acquisition), power amplifier, headphone amplifier, and microphone power supply, along with any required digital interface such as Bluetooth, the APx517B has the power to drastically reduce setup and reconfiguration time by eliminating multiple individual components (from a variety of vendors) and their associated cabling. Additionally, and unlike those individual components, the APx517B is delivered with an accredited ISO/IEC 17025 calibration.
"Production, or manufacturing, test is an application with its own unique challenges that, simply put, are time, reliability and cost," stated Daniel Knighten, Audio Precision general manager. "The APx517B acoustic analyser, is purpose-built to address those challenges - drastically reducing s

USA - ETC has announced a new addition to its ArcSystem Pro luminaire platform, the D4 CV driver family. This new line of drivers is designed for use with 24 VDC constant voltage LED loads, such as linear tape applications.
The D4 CV driver line complements the recently introduced F-Drive system, creating a range of LED driving solutions for a variety of installations. The new D4 CV driver line includes both wall-mount and rack-mount options, with four channels per driver, and the ability to reach maximum load capabilities of 528 W across four channels.
The D4 CV Drivers are available in the following three sizes: D4 CV 150: Wall-mountable, with four outputs of up to 50 W per output or 150W with all outputs combined; D4 CV 350: Wall- or rack-mountable, with over 72W on a single output or 264W with all outputs combined, and D4 CV 700: Wall- or rack-mountable, with 146W per output or up to 528 W with all outputs combined.

China - Harman Professional Solutions has announced the new AKG CS300 Digital Conference System Series, offering highly scalable configurations and features to support the specific needs of a variety of customers in the China market.
The AKG CS300 Digital Conference System Series is a hand-in-hand, wired premium digital conference system that is designed for convention centres, conference centres, hotel meeting rooms, corporate enterprises and government buildings. The system includes three components: the CS300MU Main Control Unit, CS300CU Chairman Unit with Redundancy and CS300DU Delegate Unit with Redundancy.
“Modern conference rooms require state-of-the-art communication systems that deliver rock-solid reliability, pristine audio quality and superior flexibility,” said Daryl Wong, Harman Professional Solutions director, China product development. “The CS300 Digital Conference System Series provides a dependable, high-quality communications platform for meetings and conferences at any scale.”
With advanced testing and redundancy features, the AKG CS300 Digital Conference System Series provides maximum reliability for critical communications. Dual redundant microphone outputs on the CS300CU and CS300DU automatically prevent dropped connections. Both units can be connected or disconnected freely, without requiring extra downtime to boot up. And to ensure error-free operation, the entire system features self-testing capability with fault lists and locations of every microphone, speaker, button, screen and LED.
To capture and distribut

Europe - Sennheiser is bringing the sound of its MD 9235 capsule to a wired vocal microphone.
“With the MD 435 cardioid high-end microphone, even soft voices will effortlessly assert themselves,” says Kai Lange, senior product manager with Sennheiser. “Singers will not only cut through the mix, their voices will also retain that natural quality and detail that the MD 9235 is so famous for.”
The MD 435’s lightweight aluminium-copper voice coil ensures fast transient response, resulting in a very detailed, nuanced and transparent sound, especially in the treble. The large-diaphragm microphone features very wide dynamics of 146 dB(A) and can handle sound pressure levels of up to 163 dB/1 kHz. The acoustics come with a mechanical design created to take on the rigors of life on tour: The MD 435 features a metal casing and has a shock-mounted capsule to protect it from structure-borne noise. A hum-compensating coil protects the microphone against electromagnetic interference.
The cardioid MD 435 is very tolerant of sound hitting the capsule at different angles. It reproduces vocals clearly and confidently even in loud live settings.
For use with Sennheiser’s wireless transmitters, the capsule of the MD 435 is also available as the MM 435 microphone head. Benefitting from an improved production process, it will soon replace the existing MD 9235 capsule. The MM 435 features Sennheiser’s standard capsule interface, ready for use with Sennheiser wireless series ranging from the evolution wireless G4 and 2000 series to Digital 6000 and Dig

Canada - Bluesound Professional has announced the launch of the BSW150 network active subwoofer. The BSW150 adds powerful, deep bass to any wired or wireless Bluesound Professional system and features the convenience of precision BluOS app control. The BSW150 will be available in late November in both black or white finishes.
The Bluesound Professional BSW150 is a network active subwoofer with streaming capability designed specifically for use in commercial installations. Designed to fit neatly in boardrooms or small commercial establishments, this compact subwoofer digs deeper and plays louder than its bulkier rivals. With several clever installation options, the BSW150 can be easily positioned to fit perfectly into the location of choice.
The BSW150 is based on the established BluOS platform and can be network paired with other Bluesound Professional speakers or streamers to form a complete system which is capable of playing and distributing content from local network storage as well as from a large number of streaming services, including some specifically designed for commercial use, such as SoundMachine, Custom Channels, QSIC and internet radio stations or it can be connected to other equipment through its line input.
The subwoofer features a 8” LF driver powered by a high efficiency amplifier including a low power standby mode. The frequency response of the subwoofer is 22Hz - 150Hz. Inbuilt DSP allows for equalization as well as other audio processing. Access to content is via wired ethernet or WiFi for glitch-free streaming.
Control

USA - Symetrix has announced their expanded control solution, Symetrix In Control. With Symetrix In Control, users have more control from the same processor with the freedom to design, display and deploy tailored user experiences and system control solutions, says the company.
After releasing the T-5 Glass Touchscreen remote and the W Series IP remotes this year, the addition of Lua Scripting in Symetrix Composer 8.0 software completes the Symetrix In Control solution. Everything needed to get started is available on the Symetrix website for instant access to control with no additional fees or licenses.
Whether you’re programming a small restaurant or a 50,000-seat stadium, the Symetrix control solution allows complete system control without complicated programming.
ARC-WEB is an out-of-the-box virtual user interface that can be used on a smartphone, tablet or PC as a standalone primary control system or as an addition to other Symetrix control hardware. ARC-WEB can control pre-sets for volume, mute, and source selection for any application.
The Web-Based Event Scheduler is a free addition to the Control Server allowing access to events and scheduled presets by time and day, providing a way to automate routing, source selection and volume for daily changes, special events, holidays or other automated configuration changes. The Web-Based Event Scheduler is accessible from the Control Server using any web browser on a connected smartphone, tablet or PC.
Symetrix enables you to take full control of your AV systems processing, programm

USA - Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) has unveiled the MKD1200 Series, the newest additions to the MKD Series of full range loudspeakers created for installation applications. The MKD1294 and MKD1264 are three-way designs engineered to produce high output levels and outstanding fidelity while maintaining broadband pattern control for use in applications ranging from stadiums to small music venues.
Both models incorporate dual 12-inch low-frequency transducers with 3-inch vented voice coils, and coaxial 3.5-inch voice coil midrange and 1.75-inch voice coil high-frequency compression drivers. Nominal beamwidth of the MKD1294 is 90º horizontal x 45º vertical, while that of the MKD1264 is 60º horizontal x 45º vertical. The large-format horn utilised in the MKD1294 and MKD1264 may be rotated for increased versatility in pattern control, providing sound system integrators with a wide variety of installation options.
“The MKD Series takes concepts from our highly successful QX and MK Series, and applies them to new dual-woofer designs,” states TJ Smith, president of EAW. “We’ve developed new transducers that can be driven an octave lower than standard drivers through use of our Beamwidth Matched Crossover technology. Using this approach, we’re able to increase low-frequency output by as much as 6 dB while notably improving beamwidth along the axis of the dual woofers.”

UK - Calibre UK has announced several new features in its flagship HQPro1000 for Live Virtual Solutions.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating how businesses use technology to operate and is transforming the way that people work, interact and even how they live,” said Willy Tsai, managing director at Calibre UK. “Calibre’s Live Virtual Solution (LVS) meets the evolving needs of people working in virtual classrooms, conferences, webinars, event and studios enabling them to reach their audiences in an immersive and augmented way.”
Calibre’s LVS includes the HQPro1000 processor with modular architecture and 4K60 4:4:4 image processing. It offers support for multiple sources and layers, plus a confidence monitor output. Scaling is provided by Calibre's best-in-class low-latency proprietary HQUltra technology for true seamless, fast and transitional switching between scenes.
Virtual presentations can be fully customised using The Calibre LVS. For event virtualisation, it is possible to insert a virtual background transporting the presenter into any location or space.
New features of HQPro1000 for Live Virtual Solution includes high-quality chroma-keying and luma-keying with no requirement for any additional hardware or software preserving the latency for live presentation, objects or presenter where the background can easily be inserted. Advanced area of interest allows for versatile adjustments per layer to show what the users want to concentrate on, whether the source is a camera on a lecturer or something pre-recorded.
Up-to 1

Australia - An Audient mixing desk was chosen to be at the heart of the SAE Audient ASP4816 Simulator launched this month. The brainchild of Dr Mark Bassett, director of academic quality assurance for licensed territories at SAE Creative Media Institute, this digital tool provides students with remote access to a fully-functional, audio capable, photo-realistic simulation of the small format Audient ASP4816 console - and is publicly and freely available.
“I designed the software as a teaching tool to allow students to learn the signal flow of the ASP4816 and practice using the console while off-campus,” explains Mark, highlighting the advantage of giving students the chance to download the software at home and really get to know the desk before they tackle it in a school setting.
“The simulator was created by taking a high-resolution photo of the console and programming it to function from a UI perspective, so the interaction is as authentic as possible to the physical console; all the dials, switches, lights, and faders are visually and functionally identical to the real thing. Once the console is ‘visually functional’, it is then programmed to function from an audio signal processing perspective so that it replicates the audio functions of the physical console. Learning and teaching assets and modes of operation are then added.”
Mark continues, “As it is a digital simulation, students cannot connect microphones to the console, so I created the Audio Inputs feature to allow students load audio files to function as microphone inputs or

USA - Danley Sound Labs has introduced the SM90, the latest addition to its SM Series of full-range loudspeakers. Like other members of the series, the SM90 uses the patented, Synergy Horn technology from acoustician Tom Danley to deliver musicality, intelligibility and impact.
The SM90 delivers a 90° conical coverage pattern and accommodates multiple mounting options from wall-mount, to ceiling or suspension mounting to pan/tilt via threaded inserts, on the rear of the cabinet, when using the Adaptive Technologies MM-060 bracket.
It delivers flat output from 63Hz to 24kHz (-3dB) and a frequency range of 40Hz to 30kHz (-10dB) with a coaxial twelve-inch and one-inch driver allowing it to deliver 120dB continuous and 126dB peak output while handling 300W continuous and 1,200W peak. Another Danley feature is the built-in Sentinel high-frequency protection circuitry.
“The SM90 is an extremely flexible solution that is an excellent main PA for smaller houses of worship, auditoriums or theatres, or can be used as delay- or fill-speakers in larger venues,” said Skip Welch, director of sales and marketing with Danley Sound Labs. “Designers have always noted that our extensive product offerings, which span a complete range of output needs and coverage patterns, make it possible to design almost any space with Danley products. The SM90 is yet another useful tool in that collection.”
At 55 lbs., the Danley SM90 is built from Baltic birch with a polyurea coating and is available in standard black or white, with custom colours available.

The Netherlands - The CRMS-SRIW/120 has been developed as an ultra-compact reference main / screen system - or compact surround system in immersive sound-for-picture applications. It can also be used as full-range sound system in any installed audio application, where a very high quality sound reproduction with inconspicuous in-wall or on-wall mounting is required.
As such, typical applications include sound system for auditoria, performing arts theaters, screening rooms, post-production facilities and dubbing stages, premium home cinemas and quality-conscious cinemas.
The CRMSC-SRIW/120 is part of the CRMSC system series. By utilising identical MHF components, a voicing matching between screen- and surround system is realised, resulting in a wide and uniform sound stage throughout the entire listening area.
Featuring the patented Alcons pro-ribbon transducer technology, the CRMSC-SRIW/120 surround combines clarity and intelligibility with an unusually high dynamic range.
The two-way passive-filtered CRMSC-SRIW/120 system consists of the RBN202 pro-ribbon driver for HF and a vented 6.5” mid-bass for LF reproduction; the HF section has a 500 W peak power input, enabling a 1:16 dynamic range with up to 90% less distortion from 1 kHz to beyond 20 kHz.
Philip de Haan, head of Alcons Audio R&D, comments, “One of the strongest and continuously returning requests we have been receiving from the customers and installers on the CRMS series, has been minimal cabinet depth. The new patent-pending waveguide we’ve developed, enables us to

France - Modulo Pi has announced the addition of new Extended Reality (XR) capabilities to Modulo Kinetic, the fully integrated media server solution. Designed with the needs of Pro AV players in mind, the new version of Modulo Kinetic upgraded with XR features will make production of virtual and hybrid events significantly simplified and accessible, says the company.
Modulo Kinetic is a comprehensive media server solution successfully deployed in large immersive installations such as the Atelier des Lumières in France, also used on corporate events, and live performances like the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Over recent months, Modulo Pi has developed new XR features in Modulo Kinetic to address the need for virtual and hybrid events in the context of the Covid-19 crisis and physical distancing guidelines. The new capabilities include an enhanced chroma keyer, improved embedded 3D engine, as well as the support of camera tracking for the Panasonic AW-UE150, Stype, and Vive systems.
Based on these new capabilities, Pro AV players will be able to produce virtual events featuring background replacement, extended reality, augmented reality, and scenic extension. These technologies help enrich the elements usually met in physical events with immersive 3D environments, 3D objects, animations, and the ability to switch scenes, contents, and cameras in an instant.
Virtual events produced with Modulo Kinetic are compatible with LED screen configurations, but also with green screen setups to adapt to projects on a budget.
The Modu

USA - Strand has announced the new NEO Compact 10 lighting console. This new, more compact version of the popular NEO console is now available globally and brings the power of NEO software in a 10-fader lighting control console suitable for education, theatre or house of worship applications.
“The combination of sophisticated features, quality-built hardware and small form factor makes the new NEO Compact 10 Console the most powerful lighting console in its class,” says Fernand Pereira, global head of marketing and product management, Vari-Lite and Strand at Signify. “The NEO Compact 10 offers the full capabilities of Strand NEO software optimized for a smaller footprint, with seven different onboard effects engines as well as user-configurable buttons, faders and palettes that let you adapt NEO to the way you work.”
To further simplify operation, the NEO Compact 10 includes an internal 7” touchscreen that makes it easy to program a complete light show at your fingertips, while the ability to add an external touch monitor brings the full programming capabilities of the NEO software for more complex productions. Thanks to the integrated 10-button numeric keypad and command line support, the NEO Compact 10 offers fast programming of its advanced effects capabilities.
“With a feature set that’s unrivalled at its size and price point, the NEO Compact 10 can be used anywhere, whether that’s at front of house, in a rack as a backup show control interface or on the go as a portable desk,” explains Pereira. “With four DMX universes (up t

UK - The Complete Laser Display (CLD) bundles, newly announced by Visual Displays last month, have received such positive market feedback that the company has decided to take the concept of all-in-one macro displays a step further. The result is the new ‘XL’ version of the bundles.
Explaining the rationale, company director Greg Jeffreys states: “When we originally announced the CLD concept, the intention was to go head to head with flat panel displays starting from 100in. But the feedback we received suggested that we could supersize this, starting from 130in, as an alternative to dvLED.” The resulting CLD-XL bundles are as easy to use and maintain as dvLED, he maintains, “and at a fraction of the cost.”
Foreseeing possible outcomes in the educational segment as a result of COVID-19, Greg’s company has been quick out of the blocks. In the new world of blended learning and socially distanced classroom teaching, visual acuity from anywhere in the room, both on- and off-axis, becomes essential.
“With every inch of the teaching space now in use with these reduced classroom sizes, it is vital that we deliver optimum readability, and thereby ensuring students remain engaged with the media, without suffering fatigue or sheer boredom,” he continues. At the same time VDL knew the set-up needed to be both optimisable and operable by deskilled staff, be reliable, easy-to-use, lightweight (for simple wall mounting) and virtually maintenance free.
CLD-XL has been tailor-made for the higher education sector, where large-format and flat p