Germany - LED manufacturer Absen reports that they they have won the Red Dot Product Design award for their latest rental staging LED solution, the Venus (VN) series.
The Red Dot Design Award has become established internationally as a seal of quality for good design. Established in 1955, the Product Design award is presented to the best products created each year, as decided by a jury of 40 international experts on product innovation.
Winners of the award are judged on a range of elements, such as innovation, functionality, quality, and ecological compatibility. Commenting on the winning VN Series, the Red Dot Award’s jury praised “a particularly high flexibility and durability which makes the Venus series universally applicable in various usage scenarios.”
“We’re delighted to have been presented a Red Dot award for Product Design,” said Amy Tang, VP of product at Absen. “The VN Series was designed with users in the field in mind every step of the way. Not only does the product deliver a visually stunning performance, it is radically different to what is currently available on the market and will see customers save on weight and cost, without compromising on the performance of the product.”
The Venus series is an LED display that has been specifically designed for concerts and festivals due to its ability to create super-sized screens at speed. The product features an integrated ‘module-on-frame’ design, which has removed the need for a sub-frame and is 27% lighter than competing solutions, allowing creative teams to cut b

UK - Cornwall-based bespoke audio specialist Apt-GB has introduced the CMA Range consisting of ‘two compact top packs that pack a serious punch’ – the versatile SC208 (CMA44) and SC122 (CMA82).
The speakers are designed to cover most install, conference and live music needs. With multiple rigging points they fit discreetly into most spaces in installations. You can also rotate the horn for more control.
Leading the design team, company founder Graham Gosden has over 20 years of experience in design and engineering for live touring and fixed installations.
All Apt-GB cabinets are manufactured in itson-site facility at the heart of Cornwall’s Bodmin Moor.

Italy - Powersoft has announced that its full line of amplifiers will be available for specification within the popular D-Tools software for systems integrators. In celebration of this announcement, Powersoft dealers will be eligible for a free 45-day trial of D-Tools Cloud.
“It is our pleasure to bring the full breadth of Powersoft amplification to the D-Tools platform,” says Francesco Fanicchi, brand communication and trade marketing manager, Powersoft. “Our diverse line-up of industry-leading amplifiers presents compelling possibilities for installations of all sizes, and we are happy to now make them available to integrators through this powerful and efficient software tool.”
“We are excited to add Powersoft to our amplification offerings within D-Tools’ software solutions,” says Barrie McCorkle, director of supplier programs, D-Tools. “Powersoft amplification’s unique capabilities and diverse configurations help broaden our users’ selection of amplification solutions, empowering them to design and build systems that best meet their clients’ needs.”
D-Tools’ award-winning on-premises software, System Integrator (SI), and cloud-based platform, D-Tools Cloud, streamline project workflows for system integrators including sales, comprehensive system, design, project documentation, procurement, installation, back office management, and service, through a data-driven process that leverages an extensive and integrated product library. The D-Tools product library will now include detailed product information and dealer-specific

Switzerland - Following on the success of its virtual NAB booth, audio over IP specialist Barix will present its latest products for the professional AV market and host individual meetings with end-users and systems integrators during its virtual InfoComm event on 22-24 June.
“While we will miss not being able to meet with AV professionals, integrators, and partners face-to-face in Las Vegas this year, we look forward to engaging with them virtually,” comments Manuel Merki, head of marketing at Barix. “Our virtual NAB booth for broadcasters was well received, and with more virtual event experience under our belts, our Virtual InfoComm may prove to be even better. With businesses starting to emerge from lockdowns and projects ramping back up around the world, this is a perfect time for end-users and integrators to learn what’s new from Barix and discuss their specific requirements with us one-on-one.”
Barix will present its latest AV product news on 22 June in three sessions, allowing attendees around the world to choose the most convenient time for their region: 10:00am CEST, 1:00pm EDT (10:00am PDT), and 5:00pm SGT. A highlight of the webinar will be the full launch of Barix’s IP Former hardware for transforming virtually any loudspeaker into an IP Speaker, following its early preview at ISE.
Other featured products will include the SIP Audio Endpoint for bridging analogue audio with SIP-based phone systems; a new SDK available for the AudioPoint 3.0 low-latency, audio-to-mobile streaming platform; and enhancements to the company’s S

UK - DiGiCo’s latest software update, V2.6, for its S Series consoles delivers a number of significant new features. These include control of the A164D Wall LCD and A168D Stage for networked audio in installations via the Dante 64@96 DMI, and support for the DMI-KLANG, both of which were launched at this year’s ISE show in Amsterdam.
A164D Wall LCD, a 16 input 4 output I/O Expander, and A168D Stage, a portable 16 input 8 output I/O Expander, deliver all the connectivity of the original A164 Wall LCD and A168 Stage, but with the additional advantage of Dante connectivity. This not only adds the flexibility and familiarity of the Dante network protocol, but also means that consultants and integrators can take advantage of existing network infrastructure to drop I/O anywhere on the network.
With a Dante DMI 64@96 card installed in an S Series console, access to 64 channels of I/O to or from the Dante network is provided. This allows control of both racks and can be set to either be in Full Control mode or Receive Only mode in the audio routing menu. In full control mode, socket properties can be changed from the console, whereas in receive only mode, socket property values are only received from the Dante IO device, and not transmitted by the console.
This can be utilised when sharing inputs with another console; one can have full control of socket properties whereas the other cannot control them, but still receives the value in order for gain tracking to be used.
The DMI-KLANG takes KLANG:fabrik’s immersive in-ear mixing core and rebuil

USA - Altman Lighting has announced release of the new PHX3 LED Profile and PHX3 LED Zoom luminaires. Designed for theatres, special events, television studios, or ‘any location where superior, energy-efficient lighting performance is required’, the 340W PHX3 LED ellipsoidals ‘enhance your design versatility and efficiency without sacrificing performance’.
“Wanting to make sure that we implemented the most robust technology possible into our next-generation LED ellipsoidals, the PHX3 Profile and Zoom introduce a number of innovative features in function, style, and efficiency,” says Pete Borchetta, Altman vice president product innovation. “Having spoken with a number of lighting designers and dealers worldwide, we wanted to expand our PHX series even further with these two new high-performance and dependable luminaires.”
Utilising a 340W (RGBL) Red, Green, Blue, and Lime LED engine, the PHX3 luminaires output just over 10,000 lumens for a true front-of-house workhorse fixture. Available in 5°, 10°, 19°, 26°, 36° and 50° fixed focus Profile Spot models, as well as 15-35° and 30-55° Zoom Spot models, the fully locking shutters and 360° rotating barrel helps you keep the PHX3 fixture focus intact with virtually no light leak.
Providing multiple on-board control options such as colour fades and strobes, PHX3 luminaires also offer a console-free stand-alone Player Mode, and 8-bit or 16-bit virtual dimming for smooth, high quality blackouts and colour shift minimization during dimming.
“Looking for a lighting solution tha

USA - The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for UV-C lighting products offering reliable disinfection, even from coronaviruses. ACT Lighting has announced that it is distributing UV-C lighting devices from Luxibel as well as the GSUV product range from Golden Sea.
“ACT Lighting has begun to distribute UV-C disinfecting devices from our suppliers, which are ideal for use in production environments of all types,” says Aaron Hubbard, regional sales manager at ACT Lighting. “We are delivering a myriad of products from both manufacturers geared toward the permanent installation markets as well as portable solutions ranging from smaller, consumer level applications to theatres and arenas.”
Luxibel, the professional AV lighting brand of AED group, which has its headquarters in Belgium and offices in The Netherlands, Germany, France and the UK, currently offers four UV-C products that can be wall, ceiling or tripod mounted. B HYBRID is a direct and indirect disinfection unit and B AIR is an indirect disinfection unit; both take care of 24-hour air disinfection in the presence of people and animals and eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungal and mould spores in the air.
B DIRECT is a single direct UVC radiator with reflector and B DIRECT II is a double direct UVC radiator with reflector. They disinfect air and surfaces, up to 22 and 38sq.m respectively, prevent secondary infections and eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungal and mold spores in the air. Luxibel products are shipping now.
Goldensea UV products are manufactured by Golde

UK - TSL Lighting has developed a Covid-secure remote control lighting system.
The Basingstoke-based company devised the solution in response to a project brief from digital web streaming pioneers Beings Broadcast, on behalf of creative agency Collider.
“The COVID-19 lockdown has required companies across the event production industry to look at new ways to deliver client communications,” says TSL’s Loz Wilcox. “When the message is important, it’s imperative that this is delivered in a slick, professional manner and sometimes this can be tough to do outside of the normal production environment.
“TSL was contacted by lighting designer Paul Cook, who required a lightweight and easily transportable lighting solution. There were multiple needs: no bulky flight cases which might not be suitable for a home broadcast, simple setup that could be achieved by someone from a non-technical background, and the ability to control it all remotely to ensure lighting levels for camera balance could be monitored during the presentation.”
After exploring various options, TSL created a package using their Litepanels Astra 6X Bi-Color LED Panels and a pre-configured laptop as the interface to the remote lighting controller. Once the client receives the lighting and control package, they connect the colour-coded system by following the supplied instruction manual and simply connect the laptop to the local network or WiFi.
Once connected, the laptop automatically logs on to TSL’s central server, and onwards to the remote console, enabling the l

USA - American Audio’s APX12 GO BT is a self-contained portable audio system designed for playing music and making announcements ‘absolutely anywhere’. Combining a 12” speaker cabinet, class D amplifier, internal battery, on board media player with Bluetooth and wireless mic receiver, it offers ‘a complete audio system in one easy to transport package’.
With a sleek moulded plastic design and matte black finish, the speaker enclosure is fitted with a tough protective metal grille on its front. It features a 12” woofer with a 1.5” voice coil paired with a 1” high frequency driver. An internal Class D module provides 65 Watts RMS of amplification for a peak power output of 200 Watts. The system has a frequency response of 40Hz-18KHz and a sensitivity of 93 +/- 2 dB.
The APX12 GO BT’s internal 700mA 12V battery allows up to eight hours of use from a single charge, while a handy four-segment LED battery life indicator provides a snapshot of the amount of charge remaining. An IEC power input socket can be used both for charging and running the system from a wall socket instead of the battery.
Weighing in at 35 lbs. / 16kg. and with compact measurements of 16.375” x 14” x 27.5” / 415mm x 355mm x 700mm, the APX12 GO BT is easy to lift and will fit in the trunk of most cars. It is also fitted with a pair of wheels and a retractable handle, which means that it can be wheeled to where it needs to be as simply as wheeling a cabin bag to a plane. It also features two convenient side handles as well as a tripod mount on the bottom.

Italy - Powersoft has released new plug-ins supporting Mezzo Series and its non-DSP install dedicated amplifier platforms ranges for the Q-SYS and Crestron control ecosystems.
These free-to-download plug-ins allow for user friendly network-based control of amplifier functionality via third-party systems. They feature ‘a refined, modern-looking interface, extended functionality, and a high level of user customisability, compared to legacy plug-ins for the format’.
In addition, a new Q-SYS plug-in supporting DSP+D versions of Duecanali, Quattrocanali, Ottocanali, X and T series is slated for release this summer with brand new functionality.
“Powersoft enables wide-ranging control and configuration of our amplifiers through our own ArmoníaPlus software, but we are also committed to ensuring interoperability with other popular control ecosystems,” says Michael Perry, Powersoft application engineer, North America. “Our new Q-SYS and Crestron plug-ins improve functionality and usability for any users integrating our premium amplifier technology with these popular products.”
The latest plug-ins extend third-party network-based interoperability to Powersoft’s new ultra-compact Mezzo half-rack installation amplifiers. For Mezzo, the new plug-ins allow Q-SYS and Crestron controllers to access numerous key functions, including power and standby, LED blink / identify, amplifier nickname, backup strategy mode, source selection priority, gain and mute control, polarity control, and user delay.
The new plug-ins for Duecanali, Quattrocan

Denmark - DPA Microphones has introduced the latest addition to its microphone line-up, the 4097 Core Micro Shotgun Microphone. Featuring the same sonic qualities as the brand’s supercardioid Choir Microphone, the 4097 Core Micro Shotgun has been optimised to pick up speech from a distance.
Incorporated into the company’s new 4097 Core Interview Kit, the mic has been designed for use with a lightweight boom and windjammer. This kit is particularly useful for journalists in today’s socially distanced world as it allows users to conduct interviews from up to two meters (6.5 feet) away. It is a plug and play solution that allows users to get started quickly and employ their existing workflows, says the company.
The kit features one each of DPA’s new 4099 Cold Shoe Mount, which incorporates a one-quarter-inch thread; DPA MicroDot cable; transmitter plate; lightweight telescopic boom pole, to further ensure social distance protocols; and windjammer, to provide ideal conditions for outdoor productions. Terminating in a MicroDot connection, the 4097 Core Micro Shotgun can attach directly to a transmitter or be used with the company’s 4099 series mounts, clamps and clips, for easy mounting on any surface. The mic can also be used as a plant mic solution for film and TV production environments.
“The 4097 Core Micro Shotgun was designed as a solution to help complement broadcasters’ toolboxes,” says René Mørch, product manager, DPA Microphones. “Prior to social distancing protocols, a typical interview incorporated standard handheld or la

USA - Visix has released version 1.32 of their AxisTV Signage Suite digital signage software with a new Voice Recogniser Widget that turns any screen into a hands-free interactive sign.
AxisTV Signage Suite users can drag and drop the new Voice Recognizer Widget (VRW) onto any layout, then set custom parameters that instruct the sign what to listen for and how to respond to requests. It can be used on single displays, banks of screens and video walls in any environment.
“Clients no longer have to depend on touchscreens for interactivity, which is especially important in this time of concern about germ transmission,” says Jill Perardi, creative services manager for Visix. “Just as people got used to using touchscreens because of smartphones, they’re now starting to expect a voice user interface like they use with their virtual assistants at home. Now anyone with digital signage can offer that experience without having to invest in expensive touchscreens or custom programming. They can just use the software and displays they already have.”
Real-world application of the VRW allows viewers to walk up to any display, ask for the material they want, and then immediately see that content on screen. AxisTV Signage Suite users simply design the various content options, employ the VRW, enter speech triggers, and configure those triggers to launch the appropriate content. Keywords can launch different slides within a layout, or simply hide or show things on the same slide.
A microphone is always listening for the triggers set in the software b

UK - sunDial quad, the PLASA Gold Award-winning mains LED dimmer from Artistic Licence, demonstrates just how good the dimming achievable with an ETC Source Four Mini LED can be. Artistic Licence used its photometric lab to create a custom dimming curve for the fixture, with impressive results.
The Source Four Mini LED from ETC is a miniature version of their classic stage spot. It uses a 12W LED and some clever optics to provide impressive projection, aimed at the museum, retail and restaurant markets.
It has an onboard LED driver that can be controlled with mains phase dimming - as such, it is compatible with the sunDial quad dimmer. Curious to see the results, Artistic Licence trialled the Source Four using sunDial's default linear curve. The dimming was excellent, but limited to the central 70-80% of the DMX512 range. Additionally, the linear curve provides limited control over the critical low light end of the curve.
Artistic Licence then used its photometric lab to create a custom dimming curve for the Source Four Mini LED. The ability to upload custom dimming curves is one of the unique features of sunDial quad (see below for a full description). Artistic Licence maintains an ever-growing library of dimming curves on its website, available to sunDial customers as a free downloadable resource.
The Source Four Mini LED curve spreads the response over the entire DMX range and adds a logarithmic response to improve low level control. The results show the ETC product off to its fullest potential, with a response that should satisfy the most

USA - Obsidian Control Systems continues to expand its line of professional solutions with the launch of the NX Sync, a plug’n’play USB SMPTE timecode device.
The NX Sync captures timecode in various SMPTE formats from its three-pin XLR connection and converts it to a MIDI Timecode (MTC) stream, where it can be read into Onyx or any other MIDI Timecode compatible software. Additionally, it also has the power to take MTC and send it back out as SMPTE. The NX Sync contains a powerful hardware architecture for instant processing and minimal frame delays.
The NX Sync does not require custom drivers, and in addition to working with Onyx, it can be used as an SMPTE to MTC/ MTC to SMPTE device for both Windows 10 and MAC OS software applications.
The device is available for immediate shipping from Obsidian Control Systems’ global distribution network.

The Netherlands - Highlite International has introduced a new addition to the DAP family: the Edge wireless microphones.
DAP's Edge-series wireless microphones feature a handheld system and a beltpack system. The UHF True Diversity receiver is equipped with a clear full colour LCD-screen which makes operating the system very easy.
The main feature of the Edge-Series is the Scan-feature. With this attribute the Edge receiver shows exactly which frequencies are not occupied, giving the user the possibility to choose the right frequency without having to worry about any interference.
The system operates between 606MHz and 668MHz frequencies and is therefore very well suited for use across many parts of Europe. The handheld unit holds a cardioid condenser microphone and both the handheld and the beltpack are equipped with an OLED-display
Communication between the receiver and the transmitter regarding frequency, gain, microphone name or group happens through a separate infrared connection. The Edge receivers come complete with 19” brackets, power adapter and 8 identification-stickers to label the different microphones. The Edge-series offers optionally a dedicated ED-1 antenna distributor and a set of 2 EUA-1 unidirectional antennas. The Edge handheld and the beltpack are available as additional accessories as well.

Europe - Yamaha has launched new additions to its range of professional audio products, the Rivage PM5 and Rivage PM3 digital mixing systems. The launch of two new control surfaces and two new DSP engines gives sound engineers greater choice and flexibility to deliver optimum sound in a much wider range of applications, says the company.
The core components of the new PM5 and PM3 are the CS-R5 and CS-R3 control surfaces. Both feature the same fader configuration as the rest of the Rivage PM series, with three bays of 12 faders each. The combination of touch screens and selected channel controls offers functionality and intuitive operation familiar to Rivage PM series users, while also offering easy entry for users of Yamaha’s CL and QL series consoles.
The commonality of fader configuration also means the same layout can be maintained when using different control surfaces, for example on different days of a tour.
Designed with multi-operator use in mind, the CS-R5 for Rivage PM5 systems features three 15" ultra-sensitive, extra bright capacitive touchscreens, suitable for daylight viewing, and a condensed selected channel section for smooth, intuitive operation. To maximize the advantage of the screens, the depth of the control surface has been reduced to bring them and the controls within easy reach for comfortable, stress-free operation while also improving sight lines.
Meters located beside each fader offer precise dynamic metering and outstanding visibility, making fine adjustments easy. At just 42kg, the CS-R5 control surface is also re

Germany - The VLink communication solution for RTS intercom matrix systems has become a key tool for broadcasters during the COVID-19 pandemic. The software-based virtual intercom platform has been a common part of the broadcast comms workflow for many years. However, it has become even more relevant in recent months as it has allowed broadcasters all over the world to work remotely during the international crisis, maintaining vital public information services while observing social distancing protocols.
RTS VLink enables remote users to interface with their RTS intercom matrices via the Internet using a simple application, allowing a new degree of control and flexibility from anywhere in the world - including from home.
“In the current pandemic, remote production is the new normal for broadcasters everywhere,” says Denis Castanet, director product management at RTS Intercom Systems. “VLink has been designed to make this process as seamless as possible. Judging by the recent increase we’ve seen in software licenses, VLink is becoming a key tool for organisations all over the world.”
To support the broadcast industry during this period, RTS has also decided to offer short term software licences for VLink. These rental licences are valid for three months and can be renewed for an additional three months following this if required.
To empower this expanded user base, RTS recently created a dedicated webinar that focuses on how to set up a remote production using VLink. “Training is a vital element of quickly getting up to speed with

The Netherlands - The Power Of Entertainment, Highlite International’s latest campaign, is well on its way. The campaign contains several product introductions and continues with the presentation of the latest additions to the well-known Performer-series.
Showtec adds seven new Performer models to the already successful Performer range. It starts with a house-light, the Performer Pendant Q6. This offers a six-colour RGB ALC LED engine with which a very broad colour spectrum can be achieved, resulting in a very high CRI level of over 90. It is very well equipped to be used in theatres, auditoriums and more.
The new models continue with three Performer 1500 units, available as Q6, Tungsten and Daylight luminaires. The Daylight version has a colour temperature range between 4000K and 6500K while the Tungsten version starts at 2700K until 4500K. Controlling each unit can be done via DMX but for quick changes in any setup manual control is available as well. The manual zoom, approachable on both sides of the unit, delivers a beam angle ranging from 10° to 50°.
If more output is required then the Performer 2500 models offer the right solution. They are also available as Q6, Tungsten and Daylight with the same functionalities and DMX-channels as the 1500 units. This makes it very easy to use the various models in one setup. The difference between the 1500 and the 2500 is a stronger LED engine and a wider zoom range which goes up to 60°. The CRI-levels are 90 for the Q6 units and 95 for the Tungsten and the Daylight Performers.

USA - Point Source Audio’s CM-i family of lightweight in-ear intercom headsets has received a design upgrade. The new design - brought to market earlier than initially planned in light of the current health crisis - adds factors such as detachable earbuds for improved hygiene and accessibility to more easily customize with a user’s custom in-ear monitors.
The upgraded design now features a connector common among in-ear monitor manufacturers that will allow for a much quicker change over should the user choose to personalize their headset with in-ear monitors from brands such as 64 Audio or Ultimate Ears.
A further benefit of this important feature is for rental companies and venues that supply headsets for their techs. The comfort and noise-isolation of in-ear headsets are a no-brainer, but no one is comfortable sharing in-earphones no matter how well they may be cleaned. The new detachable in-ear design addresses hygienic concerns with earbuds that quickly detach from the cable so they can be assigned to the user and replaced for new users.
“The current global situation has brought hygiene to the front of everybody’s mindset, but in fact, these challenges have always been looming,” says James Lamb, president of Point Source Audio. “This design change can help ease the administration process of dispensing personal gear to work crews, especially in regard to reducing the health risks if sharing equipment.
“Customers tell us again and again that they will never go back to their old-style headsets after using a Point Source headset,

USA - Avante Audio has expanded its Imperio Series by launching a collection of pre-configured systems designed to make the lives of audio professionals easier. Devised around specific applications and methods of deployment, each of the systems include everything necessary to get an Avante Audio Imperio PA up and running, including array modules, subs and rigging hardware.
Imperio is a ‘mini array’ system that offers ‘a powerful, flexible and scalable active audio system that is ideal for installation in mid-size venues as well as for use by production companies working on one-off events or touring productions’. At the heart of the series is the versatile Imperio mid/top module, which offers a 90-degree x 15-degree dispersion angle and an integrated rigging system allowing multiple units to be connected together with splay angles of 0, 4, 8 or 12-degrees.
The compact and lightweight cabinet incorporates a 240W (RMS) Class D amplifier module driving a pair of 4.75" Neodymium woofers alongside six 1.75” IDVAT (Inverted Dome Vertical Array Technology) high frequency drivers.
The largest of the new Imperio Series Systems is the Imperio Max210. It combines eight Imperio modules and a pair of Imperio SUB210s with a pair of Imperio Flybar LGs and three Imperio Link Pin Kits. This provides everything needed to fly a full hang of eight Imperio array elements with the two subs sitting above. Two of these systems would create a complete audio rig suitable for theatres and concert venues with a capacity of 1000+.
The Imperio Theatre Rig 210 is

USA - Medialon has launched a new micro embedded solution for museum audio-visual (AV) control applications – Showmaster Mini.
Showmaster Mini is suited to simple AV control applications and installation types. Its ruggedised and fanless small form factor makes it easy to mount where AV racks aren’t suitable, says the company. The ultra-compact design solution is available, as standard, with a reduced-feature version of Medialon Manager show control software which makes it a low-cost solution.
Created for less demanding installations, Showmaster Mini can control up to 20 devices in its standard configuration, and is expandable in batches of ten devices, up to a maximum of 50 devices.
Each Showmaster Mini unit measures 158 mm × 114 mm × 53.5 mm and weighs 1.2 kg.
“For some installations, the requirement is for a control solution that simply needs to schedule and automate the AV system’s daily power-up and shutdown sequences, or have a tablet interface for managing media on a video wall. Showmaster Mini has been designed for such applications,” explains Eric Cantrell, VP business operations, Medialon. “It’s also compatible with other Medialon products so can work as a sub-system controller under the scope of a larger Medialon system.”

France - Robert Juliat has announced the launch of Arthur, its new 800W LED long throw followspot capable of matching the lumen output of a 2500W HMI RJ Aramis followspot and delivering up to 29,000 lumens.
This eagerly-anticipated move opens up the use of LED followspots into large venues such as opera houses, musical theatre and live music venues, concert and touring venues, both indoors and out, says the company.
Arthur’s powerful LED engine, narrow beam angle (5.5° - 15°) and long-throw capability, ensures “invincible performances with a minimum output of 2000 lux at a distance of 40m (200fc at 130 ft), while offering premium light quality with a high CRI (>90) - an essential feature for a followspot whose main role is to shine a light on performers in the most sublime way possible”.
A smooth flat beam with no hot spot is teamed with excellent gobo projection, sharp focus at every beam angle and independent control of image size and focus, thanks to Arthur’s variable zoom optics featuring a 3:1 beam ratio.
The electronic dimmer ensures smooth, high quality dimming without clipping or cut-out at low intensity levels, and no shift in colour temperature.
Power consumption is minimised, not only by the lower power requirement of the LED source, but also because it can be switched off when inactive, unlike discharge sources which need to run constantly throughout a show.
With the choice of several ventilation modes and silent-running cooling fans, Arthur is much quieter than its discharge rivals – “Arthur can rule

USA - Altman Lighting has introduced the Genesis lighting console.
The desk combines physical fader and touchscreen control and provides advanced programming functionality with features such as Shape FX, Chases, Fan, and Individual Cue Timing. Additionally, the graphical user interface allows control of luminaire parameters via familiar icons, colour picker, movement targets or touch sliders.
For moving light control, pan and tilt are also controlled via the touch pad adding a fine movement control for those critical focus points. The animate feature provides a simple and intuitive way to quickly create chases, sequencing, and patterned attribute control within a single cue.
“Focused on giving programmers of all skill levels the operation simplicity of an instinctive console which boasts high-end features, we are very excited to be releasing Genesis,” adds Pete Borchetta, Altman vice president product innovation. “This product line takes us into a new direction that allows us to broaden the innovative and affordable technology solutions that people in the industry have come to expect from Altman Lighting.”
Genesis control consoles can control up 24 discretely addressed luminaires, each with a physical intensity fader and bump button, and each console is capable of controlling one DMX 512 universe. Additional universes and luminaire counts may be achieved through the connection of an optional Genesis wing, and two Genesis wings may be added to each control console.
(Jim Evans)

USA/Europe - Wireless microphone developer Q5X and Shure have announced a collaboration to combine their expertise to provide “superior sound quality and security that today’s sports broadcasts require”. Together, Q5X and Shure have developed specialised Axient Digital-Enabled Q5X Wireless Transmitters that deliver the latest wireless digital technology “with unparalleled RF stability, encryption, and spectral efficiency”.
“With the combination of Q5X and Shure, this is really the best of both worlds,” said Jens Rothenburger, director of pro audio marketing at Shure. “The new Axient Digital-Enabled Q5X Wireless Transmitters provide sound engineers and the sports industry with a complete solution in a superior, already-established form factor.”
For more than a decade, Q5X has worked closely with professional sports leagues (like the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, MLS, and CFL) and major sports networks to develop wireless bodypack transmitters specifically to safely meet the rigorous demands of athletes without impeding athletic performance.
Shure has extensive experience bringing sound to live sporting events, including the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, the Olympic games, NHL finals, World Cup soccer, and MLB World Series telecasts with its portfolio of microphones, transmitters, and receivers.
Developed to directly address ongoing technical challenges plaguing major sports organisations, the Axient Digital-Enabled Q5X Wireless Transmitters incorporate the most innovative wireless technology in the world. With outstanding signal quality in ev