USA - Chandler, a US-based innovator in LED technology, has announced its new patented R30 LED theatrical coloured floodlight series, which the company says provides the equivalent of 200W of light output while using just 22W. This is due to the enLux patented LED light engine, says the company.
Chandler claims that its strong light output and low heat and energy use make the new enLux floodlights ideal for applications including theatres, nightclubs, casinos and restaurants. Remote locations where power is limited, such as in tents, will greatly benefit, and can use more of the enLux units than would be possible with traditional floodlights. There are 23 theatrical-designed colours, as well as a UV LED black light.
The R30 can be used in Par-style medium screw based fixtures, R40 Striplights, as well as architectural downlights and track fixtures. Models are available for use in 120V, 100V and universal 220V. The enLux R30 LED Theatrical Floodlight is a drop-in replacement for incandescent floodlights with a medium screw base and an 80° beam spread that uses 22W of power consumption.
The R30 is designed to dim with specific SCR and IGBT theatrical dimmers as well as specific residential and commercial architectural dimmers. The company claims the fixture has a life of 50,000 hours - 25 times longer than an incandescent floodlight, and is also 10-20 times more efficient than incandescent colour filtered floodlights.
The new enLux units give exhibit designers and architects flexibility. "We've had numerous installations that have designated our theatrica
UK - At this year's PLASA Show, lantern manufacturer Robert Juliat launched a number of new products and upgraded a number of established lines. All of these, including the Lutin and the Super Korrigan, are now on-demo at Juliat's UK distributor, White Light - and a number of the products have already been snapped up by end users.
Leading the new products at PLASA was the Lutin - a 1kW tungsten washlight which, through interchangeable lenses, can be a fresnel, a plano-convex or a pebble-convex unit to provide the precise beam edge quality to suit any wash application. Ideally suited to rep theatres or rental companies, Lutin offers the maximum possible versatility from a much smaller investment than would be required to purchase separate lanterns of each type; the specially developed cable connection concealed within Lutin's rear handle also ensures that the luminaire is easy to maintain over a long working life, says the company.
Lutin joins Juliat's range of conventional lighting units which includes the 2/2.5kW 700-series of profile spotlights, one of the few remaining substitutes for the older workhorses of long-throw lighting such as the Strand Cadenza, as well as the 325-series of 2/2.5kW Fresnels.
The 325-series has recently been specified for an upgrade to the lighting rig at the Warwick Arts Centre; after careful comparisons with other products, Warwick's chief electrician, Mark Smith, ordered 18 Juliat fresnels. Fitted with a 250mm lens, the 325-series claims significantly higher light output than competing products, as well as Juliat's renowned high
UK - Pioneer GB has unveiled its new compact 2-channel mixer, the DJM-400, which offers a host of beat effects and an in-loop sampler that offers a new level of flair for creative remixing. Built around the same digital processing technology and components used in Pioneer's DJM-1000, the new unit is "a reliable and robust performer with exceptional audio quality" say the company.
Although the smallest mixer in Pioneer's range, the DJM-400 packs a wide variety of effects for creative mixing. The effects, which automatically detect the BPM and sync' to the beats, include Delay, Echo, Filter, Flanger, Phaser, Robot and Roll, all of which are processed at 24bits. In addition, by using the newly-adopted Beat Select Button, the DJM-400 automatically sets the effect time linked to the BPM for more intuitive play and responsive remixing, say Pioneer.
The manufacturer says: "The intelligent 96kHz/24bit sampler automatically detects the tempo of a track during playback, sampling it for four beats, then loops the sample. As the sampled audio is in sync with the beat of the track being played (regardless of tempo) the DJ is given more time to be creative. Samples are automatically beat matched and up to five samples can be stored in memory."
The DJM-400 has been designed with as a partner for the MP3 compatible CDJ-200 both in terms of style and function. When combined, these units create a small, portable yet powerful and robust DJ setup that offers exceptional versatility and performance.
Also new from Pioneer is the DJM-800, which features a high-e
USA - Audio specialist Sennheiser will be unveiling its new Evolution e912 boundary microphone at the NAMM show in Anaheim. A companion to the e901 bass drum boundary mic, the e912 has been designed for speech, vocals and acoustic instruments, especially pianos and concert grands.
"The e912 is an ideal solution for a wide range of applications from musical instruments to theatre and opera stages, from conference and church lecterns to video conferencing," says Stephan Scherthan, Sennheiser's product manager for wired microphones. The prepolarized condenser microphone with half-cardioid pick-up pattern has a wide frequency response (20 - 20,000Hz) and a maximum SPL of 136dB. Its flat housing makes the microphone extremely inconspicuous, and being highly robust it can cope well with rough treatment.
A rubber plate on the underside of the e912 ensures that vibrations are not transmitted, and mounting slots enable the microphone to be installed securely on a stage, table or lectern. Weighing in at an impressive 350g, the e912 remains stably positioned even where installations are not fixed. Preamp electronics are integrated into the microphone and the gold-plated XLR-3 connector is protected by the surrounding enclosure. The e912 is available in two colors - off-white and black - that help it blend in subtly with the installation environment, says the company.
(Chris Henry)
France - ETC distributor ATF (Avab Transtechnik France) will be showing a range of ETC products on its stand at the forthcoming SIEL exhibition in Paris (12-15 February), including the newly launched ETC Source Four EDLT option, which is being seen in France for the first time. A Source Four equipped with the EDLT (Enhanced Definition Lens Tube) option competes with the optical power of a condenser-optics system but comes at a more affordable price. For crisper projections with greater acuity and higher contrast, only one thing can outperform the Source Four - the Source Four with the new EDLT.
Also debuting in the Source Four family are three new field angles, giving "a Source Four for every lighting throw distance", say the company. ETC's new Source Four 14° gives a powerful alternative for front-of-house positions where a 10° field would be too small or 19° too big. The new 70º and 90° field angles give ultra-wide spotlighting for positions with low trim heights, like low ceilings or back of the set specials.
ETC's acclaimed IES Matrix Mk II technology will also be on show, with its Swing Frame Racks format. Most popular is the 180 dimmer rack, but custom-built racks are available on request, including SCR Basic, SCR Advanced and IES' pioneering SineWave dimmer modules from ETC, say the company.
ATF can be found on stand L51/KO52, Hall 5.2/5.3.
(Lee Baldock)
USA - Chauvet releases the Q-Series, a range of competitively priced yet advanced intelligent fixtures designed primarily for clubs and professional DJs.
"The Q-Series brings together cutting-edge features and the value, innovation and performance you have come to expect from Chauvet," said Chauvet product development manager Barry Abrams.
Featuring a consistent design and library of gobos and colors, Q-Series allows users to mix and match units across the line and still maintain a consistent look using a variety of fixtures and effects.
The initial product launch encompasses four moving yoke spot fixtures, one moving yoke wash fixture and four scanners. All nine feature a dimmer/shutter/strobe channel, speed control of pan and tilt, bi-directional color scroll, reset via DMX, quality built in programs, and very efficient fan cooling.
Presented in exclusive silver or black casings, scanners Q-Scan and Q-Roll offer clean, crisp gobos and are fitted with 150W or 250W lamps.
Q-Wash and Q-Spot yokes are fitted with 150W, 250W or 575W lamps. All Q-Spot yokes feature smooth vector movement, interchangeable rotating gobos, automatic pan/tilt correction and 16-bit movement resolution. The power source is switchable, 110V or 230V.
More Q-Series fixtures will be introduced throughout 2006 with cutting-edge features rarely available in their price range, says the company.
(Chris Henry)
UK - Following the success of their PMD570 solid state recorder Marantz are augmenting their range of audio data acquisition devices with the launch of the new PMD560. While the aim of the PMD570 was to replace the traditional cassette deck, the PMD560 takes this to the next level by offering a more cost-effective design to capitalise on entry-level sales.
Its simplicity and ease of operation, combined with the increased availability and lower price of CF cards, make this the ideal time to embrace the new digital media, says the company.
The PMD560 allows recording in either MP3 or PCM formats, with RS232 control. It enables automatic recording (with Auto Track & Time and Date Stamp), and simple transfer of files to PC via Compact Flash card or USB interface.
(Chris Henry)
UK - Pioneer Europe has announced the availability of a free system upgrade to its DVJ-X1 which enable artists to play MP3 files burned to CD, introduce a 'track Loop' feature (to continually loop a track), improve support for PAL and NTSC DVDs and enable 96kHz 'digital audio output' (in DJ mode), while the presentation of Wave display through a preview monitor output.
The new features are designed to further enhance the creativity and versatility of the system, say Pioneer, and are included as standard on new machines. The extra functions can be downloaded onto previously purchased units via a firmware upgrade CD available from DVJ-X1 retailers and Pioneer distributors.
With MP3, artists can 'travel light': depending on the compression level, several hundred tracks can be pressed to CD (via CD-R/RW media) - while the track data can be viewed on the preview monitor. VJs can now take advantage of the track loop feature (initiated by pressing the emergency loop button for more than a second) while interaction with Wave Data and Playing Address information has been improved through display on the preview monitor output. Pioneer has also added a Digital Audio output (while in DJ mode) to remove interference and deliver the utmost sonic purity.
Ian Jordan, technical manager of Pioneer Europe, says: "The DVJ-X1 has created a new genre of artist - the DVJ. The exceptionally positive response to the system from DJs to clubs, promoters and musicians indicates that its fusion of audio and video content will see it become a standard play out platform that's as succes
USA - Sennheiser will introduce a new, more powerful and flexible line of 3000 Series wireless monitor transmitters and receivers at the 2006 NAMM Show. The new SR3254-U single-channel transmitter, SR3256-U dual-channel transmitter and EK3253-U body-pack receiver are compatible with Sennheiser Evolution series wireless G2 monitor products. The new units offer extended tuning flexibility and an unprecedented 100mW output. "With a switching bandwidth of 36 MHz, and frequencies that are tunable in 5 kHz steps, we are providing PA companies, broadcasting networks and stage professionals with the best of the best in the ever more crowded RF spectrum," says Sven Boetcher, Sennheiser's product manager for Professional Wireless.
Engineered in response to customer requests for higher RF output levels, the new 3250 series transmitters incorporate the HDX compander technology used in Sennheiser's G2 wireless equipment achieving noise suppression of up to 90dB and ensuring a wide dynamic range and crystal-clear monitoring signals. Offering a total of 7,200 frequencies, all three products ship with 16 pre-coordinated preset frequencies and 16 user-assignable presets. Both transmitters are easy to operate, can be switched between mono and stereo mode and have a backlit LC display. These newcomers are especially recommended for demanding multi-channel applications and are supplied complete with integrated power supply unit, rack-mount "ears" and either one (SR3254) or two telescopic antennas (SR3256) says the company.
The system's bodypack receiver, the EK32
UK - KEF has announced the addition of two new speakers to the brand's Custom Installation Series. Models Ci3-80QT and Ci9000ACE, both now available, boast individual technical features and user benefits and, say the company, "in keeping with KEF's reputation in the Custom Installation market, deliver sonic qualities that set them apart from the rest of the field".
The Ci3-80QT is a quiet, motorised 3-way, 4-driver system, incorporating KEF's 75mm Uni-Q drive-unit array, along with two 75mm LF units in a sealed enclosure. Finished in white and mounted in a rectangular flush baffle, the Ci3-80QT is designed for in-ceiling applications and, say KEF, "represents the finest solution for those wanting unobtrusive, neat and ultra-quiet retractable custom installation speakers".
KEF's new Custom Installation Series flagship model Ci9000ACE brings the company's patented ACE technology to in-wall speaker systems. Utilizing 165 mm MF and 19mm HF drivers mounted in a Uni-Q array and two 165mm LF units in a sealed enclosure, the Ci9000ACE provides outstanding sound quality, with notably extended frequency response from the LF units, thanks to ACE technology, say the company.
The proud brushed aluminium front baffle comes supplied with three grille options; white grille assembly overhanging front baffle, black grille assembly inset from front baffle and paint-able white steel grille overhanging front baffle.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Projecta has introduced two 'Concealed-in-the-ceiling' electric screens - the Advantage Electrol and Advantage Deluxe Electrol - designed with the installer in mind. The screens are aimed at applications including business rooms, educational institutions, hospitality venues and home theatres.
The design allows installers to install the fabric and roller assembly after the case, ensuring the screen fabric remains un-damaged during case installation. A second feature is the adjustable roller mounting brackets which simplify fabric installation. The flange around the case makes installation simple because it provides trim for the screen: you no longer have to 'trim out' after the screen is installed. Projecta's adjustable ceiling mounting bracketsmake it simple to install the screen into various ceiling structures, say the company. And the tools to install fabric and roller are included with both screens. Both screens provide a clean look and easy installation of ceiling tiles.
Both screens feature patented 'in-the-roller motor mounting system' for quiet operation; preset adjustable limit switches to automatically stop the screen at the desired viewing level; high-quality matte white projection screen fabric for a flat-hanging screen with optimum image quality; and a black border for increasing the perceived clarity of projected image.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - RCF UK has announced the availability of two new additions to the Italian pro audio manufacturer's Acustica range of loudspeakers - the H1312 and the H1315.
The RCF Acustica H1312 is a three-way, full-range loudspeaker system incorporating a 12" LF transducer, an 8" cone MF transducer and a 1" exit titanium compression driver. The system is compact and provides high output and accurate voice and sound reproduction, say the company.
The H1312 is equipped with the latest generation of RCF precision transducers, all with powerful neodymium motors. The LF driver is equipped with a 4" voice coil mounted in a vented enclosure with optimised front loading. The MF cone driver is a unique RCF sealed basket design, loaded into a low compression polystyrene mid-range horn. The HF titanium compression driver is loaded on a constant directivity horn with a coverage of 90° x 60°. The compression driver Horn is rotatable.
The internal passive filter provides crossover and equalization between the midrange and the compression driver. The Crossover network offers Compression Driver Protection thanks to a unique design Active MOSFET Circuit. The system is driven in bi-amped mode, and is capable of producing a maximum SPL of 134dB and handles 800W AES (LF) + 300W AES (MF/HF).
The loudspeaker enclosure shape is multi-trapezoidal and offers a double coupling angle each side. The cabinet includes two recessed handles for transportation and positioning and a total of six double M10 fixing points for flown applications, and extensive internal metal bracin
UK - To meet the rapidly rising demand for new generation HDTV camera usage, Bryant Broadcast and Data Communications reports that it has scored a UK first, in manufacturing and stocking a complete line of hybrid optical fibre camera cables to the SMPTE 311M specification; incorporating LEMO and other manufacturer's SMPTE 304M connectors.
No other medium can cost-effectively challenge fibre optics for bandwidth, unrepeated transmission distance and noise immunity in SD or HDTV camera systems, say Bryant; and as for bulk, an SMPTE fibre cable can be half the weight of a comparable (and much stiffer) triax camera cable. Given the nature of the uncertain environments which camera cable "hire stock" is put to, it's small wonder that demand has been increasing for a professional and reliable source of optical camera cable repairs, say the company.
Now, using the very latest in polishing and testing technologies, and exhaustive OEM training, Bryant technicians are equipped to terminate and repair optical cables using all the major connector types including LEMO, Fischer and Stratos - in house, far faster than the original equipment manufacturer, the company claims.
Bryant also manufactures lightweight 'tactical' fibre optic cable assemblies as deployed and retrieved in both military and broadcast environments. These units are resistant to crushing by Outside Broadcast vehicles (or even tanks), contact with most chemicals, continued deployment over rough terrain and multiple powered and/or manual reeling. These can be supplied on preterminated and tested sta
Germany - Coolux Media Systems introduces the Pandoras Box Mediaserver White.The Mediaserver White is a two-layer PC-Shuttle version and will be the 'baby in the family' of the Pandoras Box Mediaserver range. The White version has two outputs and the possibilities of the additional features of the Pandoras Box servers like SE (soft-edge blending), HD (high definition playback). Collux says that with this server, customers now have the chance to use all the features of a Pandoras Box Mediaserver as a lower cost product for smaller applications.
As an upgradable version you can get the product Pandoras Box Mediaserver WHITE+, which is the White version as a PC-Shuttle, but with four layers. All Pandoras Box Mediaserver - Red, Green and Blue - are now available with the Pandoras Box Media Connexion - a 19" breakout box to protect the internal outlets and connectors of the server, equipped with one onboard DMX to USB Interface, one Ethernet, five BNC connectors for Video IN and two RGBHV BNCs for Video OUT.
Another new Product line is the Pandoras Box Media Matrix - available as a standalone Software to run video on an unlimited amount of DMX pixels via additional Artnet Output devices. The Media Matrix will be available as an optional feature for the Mediaserver and Mediaplayer range.
(Lee Baldock)
Italy - Italian manufacturer Outline snc has announced that ist Globe Source Radiator (GSR) - an innovative omnidirectional loudspeaker for acoustical measurements, is now available as a package incorporating a companion matching 4-channel 500W/channel power amplifier with built-in noise source and wireless remote control and accompanying subwoofer, which can store the GSR. Using the miniature matching amplifier, the nominal sound power level of the system is 125dB, say Outline, with less than 0.3dB power compression, but the source can deliver up to 130dB with a more powerful power amplifier, with the same power compression.
The GSR and Outline miniaturized power amplifier can be configured to power selected drivers to obtain different radiation patterns, useful for approximating musical instrument sources. An optional powered subwoofer extends the response to 40Hz.
The GSR conforms to ISO 3382, ISO 140-3, ISO 140-4, ISO 354, and ASTM E336, say the company. Pricing is available for three standard configurations: the Basic System (user provides power amplifier), the Upgrade System (includes Outline power amplifier, noise source, and radio remote control), and the Full-Range System (includes the full Outline system with subwoofer).
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Mitsubishi Electric has launched a new projector - the new XD205U, which utilises DLPÔ technology allowing high brightness of 2000 ANSI Lumens combined with a high contrast ratio of 2000:1, and is XGA resolution (1024 x 768).
The Mitsubishi XD205U has been designed with budget conscious corporate and education end-users in mind. Mitsubishi have strived to develop a unit that meets the requirements of any projector buyer with a small budget, without compromising on high quality performance. Mitsubishi have also ensured low cost of ownership when it comes to replacement lamp costs. The XD205U also benefits from a three year comprehensive loan replacement warranty.
Alistair Duthie, Divisional Manager of Mitsubishi Electric said "We are very aware that some end users have minimal budgets for AV equipment, and this new model has been specifically designed with them in mind. We are confident that the XD205U will become a very popular choice."
(Chris Henry)
USA - City Theatrical's new VL500/1000 floor stand is a sleek, low profile, moving light mounting base specifically designed for Vari-Lite's new VL500 Wash Luminaires. It features a broad, stable, low profile base measuring 17" x 13" x 1" tall (43.2cm x 33cm x 2.5cm) with stylish rounded corners. Fabricated from strong but lightweight aluminum, the VL500/1000 floor stand is stackable for ease of storage.
The mounting plate of the VL500/1000 Floor Stand contains ½" diameter (12.7mm) mounting holes on 8" (20.3cm) centers suitable for either VL500 or VL1000, as well as a centre hole to enable the mounting of any conventional lighting fixture.
City Theatrical specializes in inventing, manufacturing and customizing unique lighting accessories, and has been an innovator in the field since it began manufacturing in 1994.
(Chris Henry)
The Netherlands - Lumileds Lighting and Future Electronics re-set industry expectations for the price and value of high-power LEDs, releasing new manufacturer suggested retail pricing (MSRP) for Luxeon III and Luxeon I LEDs in advance of the release of its new Luxeon K2 LEDs.
Lumileds' new pricing positions the industry's most widely used high-power LEDs as the clear value leaders and demonstrates Lumileds commitment to rapidly growing the market for solid-state lighting technology, says the company. The new pricing is in effect immediately, worldwide, and is available on the companies' web sites as well as for online orders.
"As the market's only high volume producer of power LEDs, Lumileds is delivering the technology that will help to grow the market for solid-state lighting," said Mark Swoboda, executive vp of sales and marketing for Lumileds. "With Luxeon III LEDs lighting designers and engineers can move forward creating brighter LED-based lighting products while simultaneously taking advantage of the light output, longer life and other technical benefits of our Luxeon technology."
(Chris Henry)
France - French manufacturer L-Acoustics took advantage of the 119th AES Convention in New York City to announce the worldwide launch of two self-powered two-way coaxial loudspeakers, the 108P and 112P, both combining the significant advantages of L-Acoustics' proven coaxial point source technology with the convenience of self-powered performance and on board digital signal processing.
L-Acoustics president Christian Heil comments: "The introduction of a self-powered line of products does not indicate a change in our strategy, but an emphasis of L-Acoustics position towards multi-purpose, easy-to-use portable applications." And he clarifies: "It is not in our intention to extend the concept of self-powered speakers to the entire L-Acoustics range. However this approach seems relevant to us for small- to medium-sized multi-purpose systems."
Both 108P and 112P full-range self-powered loudspeaker systems continue L-Acoustics' proven coaxial technology lineage. Coaxial design provides total wavefront coherency over the entire dispersion pattern and exhibit characteristics that are free of the polar lobing effects. The end result is natural, studio monitor-quality sound that is ideal for nearfield monitoring, proximity fill use and small-to-medium-sized FOH applications. The combination of self-power with digital processing provides four application-engineered presets, offering optimum versatility in any portable application.
The 108P is a 500W / 250W bi-amplified loudspeaker containing a one-inch exit HF compression driver coaxially loaded into
UK - Building on the success of Digimic, the DC10 is a conference microphone unit designed for applications where portability and robustness are required to go hand-in-hand with sleek design and broadcast quality audio.
Multiple operating modes are possible in either stand-alone or software-controlled configuration. When used in combination with Brähler's MicControl software, it is possible to operate the system via a geographic layout showing individual microphones. Add touch-screen control or remote camera control and you have a fully-integrated, professional conference discussion system, says the company.
Each DC10 unit boasts a built-in loudspeaker, backlit on/off/request button and 2.5m lead for connecting further units. There is even a ring LED on the gooseneck stem to indicate when a microphone is active. The microphone is available now by contacting Brähler ICS.
(Chris Henry)
UK - 3M will demonstrate the latest additions to its range of screen products and technologies for the retail, point-of-sale, point-of-information, multimedia and self-service kiosk markets on stand F19 at Screen Expo Europe 2006 (1-2 February, Earls Court 2, London). Among the new products will be new rear projection display screen technology which the company says is "set to change the perception of projection screen viewing".
The XRVS rear projection display screens will offer innovative ways of communicating high-impact visual information to target audiences in countless applications, including car showrooms, conference rooms, exhibition floors and shop fronts, say 3M. Available in sizes up to 95" diagonal, XRVS is "far more eye-catching than traditional front or rear projection screens and offers a flexible, lightweight and cost-effective alternative to LCD panels or plasma screens of similar size," say the company, adding that a circular screen will be displayed, demonstrating its versatility for customisation.
MicroTouch DST from 3M will be featured on a 40" LCD display panel on the stand. DST (Dispersive Signal Technology), represents a fundamentally different approach to touch. Unlike other solutions that recognise touch by the interruption of electrical fields, acoustic waves, optical fields, or infrared light, DST recognises touch by interpreting bending waves created in the overlay substrate via the impact of a touch. This approach helps eliminate performance issues associated with on-screen contaminants and surface scrat
Canada - Adamson's M15 multi-purpose, high-performance monitors are now in full production, the manufacturer reports. The first run was pre-ordered by several of Adamson's European Partners while the M15 was still in the design phase. Guy Vignet, President of Adamson Europe - DV2, commented: "The M15 is a no compromise innovative monitor design, in a sleek package. It is aimed at the most demanding artists, sound-engineers and high-profile rental companies. There was a huge buzz surrounding it and we can't believe the response we've had upon releasing it."
In addition to the pre-emptive sales in Europe, more M15 speakers are bound for the United States, China, Singapore and India, say Adamson.
(Lee Baldock)
The Netherlands - As an addition to its L-series of products, Alcons has introduced the LR14Bass. The LR14B is a high-output bass-system, designed as a low-frequency extension to the LR14 ultra-compact ribbon line-array module. The LR14B offers surprising versatility, say Alcons, as it can be flown, stacked or serve as basis for a stand-mount triple-LR14 array.
The main focus in the development of the LR14B was obtaining the highest efficiency in "full-space" conditions, within the weight/size parameters set by the line-array application. The line-array specific "full-space" flown condition brings a substantial reduction (-3dB) of output, versus a "half-space" stacked bass application. In order to achieve a far higher efficiency than the conventional front-loading arrangement, the long-excursion 12" drivers are double-vented, double-tuned in a band-pass loading configuration. The resulting true 100dB (1W/1m, full bandwidth 46-200Hz)) efficiency, in combination with the 3200W. power handling, brings a 135dB peak SPL from a very compact cabinet, say Alcons.
As the LR14B is primarily designed to be used in portable (mainly flown) applications, special attention has also been paid to the weight of the system; The cabinet is made of 15mm/0.6in Birch wood with very clever bracing for a lightweight yet rigid construction. The drivers are two long-excursion 12" woofers with Neodymium magnet structures and low distortion/low power-compression design. This results in a total weight of 34kg (75lb), including all flying hardware, say A
UK - One of the latest innovations from Gary Crawford of CITC, the US-based manufacturer of special effects devices including snow, fog and water effects, has made the headlines in the US. The innovation may be used to control nuisance birds at farms and airports.
Crawford has modified a haze machine and come up with a grape concentrate-based solution that irritates birds without permanently harming them. When birds breathe in the substance, they cough and feel irritated, and keep away from the area. However, the solution does not affect other animals or people, says Crawford, who famously worked on effects for Steven Spielberg's E.T.
The Guardian Birdhaze machine emits a transparent, nearly invisible, haze that lingers in the air for up to four hours in an enclosed area. Outside, it spreads out over an area quickly, but remains effective. Tests in places where birds or their droppings are a problem have shown good results, Crawford said, and with the growing threat of bird flu, he expects interest to grow. CITC has worked with the US Department of Agriculture on the system's development, and now is talking with potential clients, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which uses cannons and other devices to scare birds away from runways, where they can get sucked up into jet engines.
"What I like is we've always done things that made people happy, and now we're doing something that really helps people," says CITC's Stephany Crawford.
(Lee Baldock)