USA - New software for the Hog iPC console has been released by High End Systems Inc (HES). This new software provides many enhancements to the hybrid lighting console, say the company, and adds support for a third monitor or touchscreen. Users can download the software and read detailed release information at the web address below.
The Hog iPC console contains three applications (Hog 3PC, Hog 2PC and Hog iPC configuration panel), all of which have been updated. The Hog iPC configuration panel is the central utility program for interfacing with the unique elements of the Hog iPC system. Improvements to this application allow users to enable a third monitor or touchscreen connected to the DVI port of the console.
This functionality was requested by customers, says Brad Schiller, HES director of control systems development. "We are pleased to have been able to react to user's requests for additional monitor support. Without any hardware changes, we were able to activate the DVI port and allow use of an additional monitor or touchscreen. This feature expands the capabilities of the Hog iPC console by allowing additional windows to be viewed and adjusted simultaneously across multiple screens."
Also released is an updated version of the Hog 3PC software for the Hog iPC console. This update is "a huge step" toward synchronizing the Hog 3PC software with the Wholehog 3 console software, say the company. This version contains all the features and enhancements from the recently released Wholehog 3 console software v1.3.8.
Additional improvements h
UK - Robe Show Lighting has launched its latest moving light - the ColorWash 250 AT. This completes Robe's AT line of fixtures, which now offers moving heads in 1200W, 575W and 250W models, in both spot and wash versions.
The 250 AT is billed as "ideal for television, theatrical and architectural applications where quietness is vital. It's also suitable for clubs, discos, installations and scenic lighting of all types, where expedient sizing, reliability, and cool design top the agenda." It features a new optical system, making it 50% brighter than its predecessor, the Wash 250XT.
Says Robe, "The extremely silent cooling system and movement make ColorWash 250 AT an ideal choice for TV and theatre. Even with the strobing function activated, the fixture's operation is virtually inaudible.
As with all other Robe AT moving heads, ColorWash 250 AT features full 16-bit resolution for seamless movement, colour wheel positioning and dimming. The fixture's physical aesthetics include streamlined size and elegant design, following in the footsteps of other products in Robe's AT line.
(Jim Evans)
UK - Turbosound has announced the availability of two new powerful and compact DSP-based loudspeaker management systems. The Turbosound LMS-D26 and LMS-D24 digital systems both incorporate pre-set programmes for Turbosound's Aspect, QLight, HiLight, TFM and TCS series enclosures.
Designed for touring and fixed-install applications, the LMS series controllers combine the functions of multiple conventional crossover products in a compact 1U high, 19" rack unit. The LMS-D26 offers a 2-in/6-out format, while the LMS-D24 provides a 2-in/4-out configuration. Both systems offer quick set-up and adjustment via an easy-to-use menu structure accessed by front panel buttons and rotary encoders. They provide full control over crossover frequency, filter slope, gain and polarity, and have integral, fast-acting limiters.
The new controllers are also equipped with electronically balanced inputs and outputs, and feature auto-switching power supplies. These adjust automatically to mains input supplies between 85 and 240 volts, enabling deployment anywhere in the world.
(Jim Evans)
UK - Lifting, and rigging sales specialists Lift-Turn-Move launches its new Equipchaine electromechanical chain lifting device into the UK at ABTT 2005. The device has been specifically designed for theatrical applications. The Equipchaine is an electromechanical chain lifting device that has been specifically designed for theatrical applications. Each device consists of several modular elements connected together to suit the structural environment. Several chain drop positions are linked by the same drive mechanism that can be used to lift lighting bars, stage sets and curtains of various lengths.
Equipchaine is appreciated by theatre consultants and architects throughout Europe; it has been installed in a diverse range of over 130 theatres and multi purpose spaces. Existing applications range from single to 40-device projects. Using simplifies any structural problems, as it fits into existing structures, allowing service spaces and back stage areas to be freed up from large lifting machinery, say LTM.
Equipchaine's lifting mechanism is fully integrated within its own slender truss structure - for easy fixing into existing spaces. The length of each Equipchaine corresponds almost exactly to the fly bars that it lifts. The forces transmitted to the supporting structure are all verticalEquipchaine is easy to install; it can be simply placed on a primary structure and moved manually. It also exists in a format integrating a system of trolleys - for quick and simple deployment of one or several Equipchaine units to the required position above a scenic space.
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UK - The new MAC 700 from Martin Professional will be on preview at this week's ABTT show. This fixture is ideally suited to the theatre market, say Martin, as its features include an Animation Wheel, CMY and the option to run in Quiet Mode. Also on show is the newly released MAC 250 Wash, as well as the new Woodroffe Gobo Collection for the MAC 2000 Profile. Martin says it will also be giving two lucky people the chance to win one of its Mania Aqua and Fire Animation Effects at the show.
(Lee Baldock)
Hall Stage will host Swedish company Visual Act at next week's ABTT show in London. Visual Act will demonstrate its Advanced Wagon system, which allows for cable-free horizontal movement of any type of stage element. The wagons use a laser locational system to position loads of up to 600kg - to millimetre accuracy - without any tracks or guides on the stage.
Visual Act recently provided all the stage & flying automation equipment for the Eurovision Song Contest finals in Kiev. The staging for the event, one of the most advanced ever, included 46 separate moving components. VA control was used to create a range of stage configurations and dynamic scene changes during each act.
(Jim Evans)
USA - Road Ready Cases has launched its world exclusive Cool Cases line, featuring built-in electric cooling and venting fans. Plugged in for power, the cases cool live gear by an average of 12°F (7°C - cooling tested at 20°C / 68°F ambient temperature). "We're constantly looking for new ways to further the life of our customers' gear," says Mike Gerutto, Road Ready Cases president. "With this new built-in safeguard against overheating, we have taken the next step in protecting gear both inside and out."
The first five cases in this new line, specifically designed to hold and cool some of the most popular DJ gear in the market today, including popular equipment from Pioneer, Denon, Technics and Stanton.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - White Light's presence at ABTT will be bigger this year, with new products from Robert Juliat and Clay Paky and the award winning Digital Festoon System. White Light will also be announcing its appointment as a Prolyte distributor and also exclusive Arri Theatre Lighting distributor in the UK.
White Light will be showing examples of the latest lighting technology, including conventional lighting, automated lighting and LED lighting. Conventional lighting will include the Arri Studio Theatre 1K and Studio Theatre 2K fresnels. Moving lights will include the new, tungsten Alpha Wash Halo washlight from Clay Paky. LED lighting will take the form of the ChromaQ ColorBlock, which has been put to spectacular use on a number of recent projects lit by White Light's events team.
Also on show will be products from manufacturers for which White Light is the exclusive UK distributor, including lanterns and follow-spots from Robert Juliat, DMX distribution products from ELC, colour scrollers from Rainbow and smoke and haze machines from Look Solutions. Representatives from ELC and Robert Juliat will join White Light's staff on stand. The award winning Digital Festoon System will be demonstrated.
White Light's main stand at ABTT will also use another product line for which White Light has recently been appointed distributor - the Prolyte range of trussing.
(Jim Evans)
UK - Summit Steel will be exhibiting at ABTT for the first time, aiming to raise its profile within the theatre industry. The company's expansion plans include developing more relationships with theatre and performance orientated projects. "ABTT is an ideal opportunity for meeting potential clientele, illustrating our services and raising our profile in the world of theatre," says a spokesman. In addition to its range of truss, hoists, ground supports, including its SmarTmasts and rigging hardware, Summit is specifically highlighting its Kinesys Elevation movement system at the show.
The Kinesys - Vari-speed System for high capacity lifting solutions is billed as "a dynamic, fully programmable vari-speed hoist and winch control system, complimented with 32 double brake CM Lodestar Hoists capable of running at speeds of up to 21m/min." The system provides accurate, ultra controllable movement combined with high capacity lifting, and was recently in use with the ENO at the Coliseum, suspending cantilevered PA frames for the production of On the Town.
Further features include Kinesys' Vector control software for the creation and editing of multiple cues, group and single running facilities, a manual mode and programmable ramping for starts and stops.
Kinesys Elevation 1+ controller allows variable speed running and full positional control of one elevation per hoist or winch The controller is housed in a hard wearing aluminium case with multiple fixing points and industry-standard connections throughout.
(Jim Evans)
UK JVC's SR-DVM70EU recorder has three-in-one video recording that incorporates MiniDV, HDD, and DVD and offers a range of professional features. Additional to its triple recording capabilities, the recorder has a 160 GB hard disk that provides high-storage capacity for extended recording times. It also enables mass duplication with high-quality picture and audio.
It is being promoted as is "an ideal tool for quick and easy editing of live programming and recorded DV footage as well as for dubbing, archiving and duplication in a post-production facility or corporate office".
When dubbing, the deck analyses content as it is recorded on the hard disk drive and assigns optimum bit rates to ensure picture quality while calculating disc capacity. In addition, the deck features selectable recording times and data rates depending on the application. Copying of DVD discs can be performed at a maximum recording speed of 64 times in FR480 mode. A video output terminal with a BNC connector promises reliable and secure connection to other professional equipment.
"What makes this recorder stand out from the crowd is the synchronized editing function allowing video data that has already been edited on the hard disk to be transferred digitally to disc via the DVD recorder. The DVD recording signal preserves picture quality and ensures seamless playback and a smooth, natural, high quality picture," says John Carpenter, general manager, sales and marketing.
(Jim Evans)
UK - Stardraw.com has welcomed Aurora Multimedia, Rane and Vity to the ever-expanding family of manufacturers whose products are supported within Stardraw Control. Stardraw Control generates customized standalone control applications and has been engineered to support any device using any protocol - if a product is remotely controllable or remotely monitored, Stardraw Control can be used to control and monitor it. Support for a product or product family is implemented by the creation of a driver which means that manufacturers do not need to change or add any hardware or software for existing products for them to be supported. To ensure the easiest transition into full support within the Stardraw Control platform, Stardraw.com currently undertakes all work required to add support for products at no cost.
The rapidly growing number of manufacturers supported in Stardraw Control includes Audace, Audient, Aurora Multimedia, Aviom, Bosch, CobraNet (Cirrus Logic), Digigram, Dynalite, iMerge, QSC, Rane, Toshiba, Vity, Yamaha, ZWave and more.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - bar.05 will be Pulsar's fourth attendance of the Bar Show. Within the Koko feature bar Pulsar will be featuring a comprehensive display of its entire ChromaRange LED products and solutions. Also on display at the show, say Pulsar, will be the recent additions to the ChromaRange - the high-power IP65-rated ChromaFlood200 and ChromBatten200. These fixtures open up to possibilities for large-scale LED illumination projects, says the company's Andy Graves..
Pulsar can be found on stand C33.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - The Scan Operator 12 Advanced Professional DMX controller for intelligent lighting controls up to 12 fixtures with up to 16 channels. With its two different layouts, it is specially designed for use with midi applications. Additionally, it has an Easy Mode, which simulates a 160 channel fader unit, which can be used as a standalone controller or to enlarge other DMX Controllers.
Meanwhile, the Scan Operator 12 PT Advanced is based on the Scan Operator 12 Advanced, But allows the user to control pan/tilt via jog wheels, and any channel can be inverted. A further feature is the programming of selective chaser overlays which can be combined with the normal chasers.
(Jim Evans)Scan Operator 12 Advanced/Scan Operator 12 PT Advanced.
Hong Kong - Lighthouse Technologies has introduced what it claims to be "the industry's first portable, self-contained 'pop-up' high brightness light emitting diode (LED) video screen". Lighthouse, will be showcasing the PopVision at InfoComm which opens in Las Vegas this week.
PopVision features Lighthouse's proprietary technology, enabling "a high-resolution screen with better quality images at an affordable price". Designed for aesthetic integration, PopVision - with brightness level up to 3000 nits - Is intended for use in any digital signage network (new or existing) where LCD, Plasma and projection systems are not appropriate. PopVision can also be used in outdoor applications and be seen in direct sunlight with the proper weatherproof housing.
The 6mm screen is contained in a 5ft x 2ft mobile case with a wireless remote and hydraulic system that enables the display to 'pop up' for fast, simple set-up. The case's hydraulic 'Power lift' mechanism works off dual-voltage input with 100VAC and 240VAC.
The first in a new series of LED products, the PopVision is based on the technology behind Lighthouse's M6 self-contained, fixed-installation display, which can be networked for digital signage applications. Last year, a network of 80 M6 screens was installed atop New York City subway entrances, displaying video advertisements that can be transmitted and controlled remotely. Lighthouse plans to extend this family of products to address other rental and staging and mobile digital signage applications.
The PopVision screens are available in
UK - Community Professional Loudspeakers has chosen this month's ABTT for the UK introduction of the first of its new iBOX range of installation loudspeakers, offering "a straightforward approach to implementing arrays, clusters and distributed systems with just two sizes of discrete enclosures".
Says Community: "iBOX are particularly suitable for regional theatre, offering the transparent, natural audio needed for high-end productions but with the power and dynamics to provide for the range of variety acts and bands that are commonly hosted."
The iBOX 1200 Series combines a 12" mid/bass driver with a 2" HF (1.4" exit) on a large format horn, providing uniform pattern control. Six rotatable horn patterns offer precise coverage and arrayability. Each full-range cabinet operates from 45Hz to 18kHz with power handling of 500W continuous. For systems requiring greater LF extension, Community provides 1x12" and 2x12" subs in the same 1200 Series dimensions.
The six models in the iBOX 1500 Series offer the same HF horn options while incorporating a larger enclosure and using a high-power 15" mid/bass driver, which effectively extends the LF response to 38Hz. Again, greater LF extension is attained in the same enclosure dimensions with the S115 1x15" and S215 2x15" subs.
(Jim Evans)
UK - Strand Lighting has chosen ShowTech in Berlin and ABTT in London for the introduction of its EC21 series dimmer racks. These have been developed in response to feedback from customers and consultants.
A first for EC21 is the ability to have up to 96 Sinewave dimmers in a single rack, simplifying the implementation of full or partial Sinewave dimming solutions.
The new racks allow users to freely mix and match dimmers of any type (both Sinewave and conventional dimmers) within a rack to meet the needs of different installations. Also new with this system is a Quad standard dimmer module allowing racks to have a density of up to 144 dimmers. EC21 Dimmers are available with a wide range of circuit breaker and filter choke options. Status reporting is also available for most dimmers and is standard on Sinewave modules.
Continuing the implementation of Strand ShowNet networking solutions, the racks feature a high performance processor with integrated Ethernet control input with a Web Browser based configuration and monitoring system.
(Jim Evans)
UK - The first European showing of Slingco's Vortek rigging system will be at at ABTT 2005 in June. Vortek is a complete theatrical rigging system designed and manufactured by Hoffend in the USA, represented in the UK by Slingco. The hub of every Vortek system is a patented brake, specifically designed for theatre applications. This continuously applied, variable-load, back-up brake totally is claimed to eliminate overspeed brake and "shock-load" type problems.
The brake is connected to the drum, and operates independently of any electrical or drive-train system. Says Slingco, "In the event of all other elements in the drive-train system failing (including the gearbox), with the Vortek back-up brake, everything stops within 3mm. The mechanical Vortek back-up brake also remains fully functional in the event of a power failure."
Vortek also features overload and underload protection. At the heart of the set-up is the VAC (Vortek Automated Controls) centre which offers intuitive touch screen control and menuing to make the system simple to administer and use, with three levels of password access. A wireless remote option allows the system to be operated from various locations around the venue, and a pendant option is also available.
The Vortek VAC can operate multiple battens together, and can control up to 250 Vortek units as a rigging system.
(Jim Evans)
Italy - The CP Color 400 SH (Separate Head) is a new, silent, 400W CMY colour changer, with the power supply unit separate from the lighting body. The lighting body can be placed up to a distance of 300m (984ft) from the power supply unit, with connection via a single power cable. This, says the manufacturer, is of particular benefit where space is at a premium and in theatres where equipment must be hidden from general view.
If required, the lighting body can be clamped to its own power supply using an optional 'fast clamping kit'.
(Jim Evans)
Australia - New to Australian Monitor's Installation Series, the AMIS ZRM4 is an easy to use, yet highly featured 1U zone routing mixer, say the company. It features six inputs that can be balanced XLR mic or dual RCA/balanced XLR line level, all available to any combination of four zone outputs.
Input one can be designated as a paging input with priority over all other inputs individually selectable at each zone output. Front panel switches with LED indication provide for simple routing of each input. Each input has bi-colour status LED indication and two-stage equalization. Each input has an internal gain trim which can provide a further +/-15dB of gain. Phantom power and high-pass filters are also supplied per input. Outputs feature bi-colour status LEDs and remote master volume VCA control.
Also new, from The Australian Monitor AMAV brand, the AV25PS and AV40PS are active two-way stereo speaker systems. Supplied in pairs, the AV25/40PS consist of one powered and one passive speaker, say the company; both are of a compact and architecturally pleasing design and feature on-board stereo amplifier; treble, bass and volume control; power switch; stereo RCA line input; speaker output and installation brackets.
The AV25PS features a 5" bass driver and dome tweeter and delivers 25W, while the AV40PS features a 6.5" bass driver and dome tweeter and delivers 40W. The new AMAV AV powered speakers deliver high quality sound reinforcement for a variety of AV applications, say the manufacturer.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Carlsbro has introduced the Wanderer and Wanderer Deluxe portable PA system series, aimed at a range of applications including seminars, training classes, street entertainers and aerobics classes. The Wanderer is available in three versions, say Carlsbro: the Wanderer Deluxe (with true diversity handheld UHF radio microphone) is a 50W RMS unit with two 8" speakers, a CD Player, cassette tape player/recorder; master volume, echo, tone and tape/CD level controls; voice priority function; mains or battery (4-hour life) operation; two microphone inputs and MP3/Minidisc input. The Wanderer Deluxe is also available with a headset mic, while the basic Wanderer system is supplied without a microphone. All versions come with a trolley handle and wheels, and a pole mount.
(Lee Baldock)
USA / Europe - When ETC bought the Avab brand three years ago, they promised to continue to support and develop it: now, the company has announced that it has kept its promise with the release of v3.5 in October 04 and now v3.6 of the popular Safari software.
In response to requests from users, the upgrade includes improved scroller handling, display of device addresses in patch and editing timegroups in blind (including extended drag-and-drop functionality). A history of status files now allows the user to go back to un-recorded play. A few issues experienced by a small number of users have also been resolved.
Safari v3.6 is available as a free upgrade for a limited time. Current v3.5 users can simply email the address below, indicating whether they want a download link (about 4MB) or a disk set. Other v3.x users can register at www.avabcontrol.com to receive details of how to upgrade free of charge. Users can also register in order to be kept up to date with future upgrades. The software will run in systems with a minimum processing power of 800MHz and 64MB RAM. Users with a system running Safari v2 or older will need to contact their dealer for a hardware upgrade.
(Lee Baldock)
USA - Gefen has released the DVI-1000 ST - which is a new version of the DVI-1000 HD video extender, but is equipped with more durable fibre optics cable connectors to accommodate the rental and staging markets.
Though armed with cable connectors that are better able to endure frequent and repetitive setup and take-down procedures, the DVI-1000 ST uses the same methodology to extend high definition digital video up to 500m (1,640ft) from source to display. Small sender and receiver units link the source to the extended display with multimode fibre optic cables, available from Gefen in lengths ranging from 10m (33ft) to 100m (330ft). The DVI-1000 ST supports high resolutions up to and including 1080p or 1920x1200 for computers, and is equipped with DVI inputs and outputs to connect its sender and receiver units to the source and the extended display, say Gefen.
"This new version of the DVI-1000 came about in response to feedback from our customers, who were pleased with its video extension capability and performance, but needed more robust cable connectors that could handle repetitive plugging and unplugging," said Hagai Gefen, president. "The new DVI-1000 ST meets this demand."
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Carlsbro has developed the Liberty wireless system, a "unique" product, say the company, that allows any powered speaker to be linked to any mixer, without cables. The initial system is supplied with one transmitter and two receivers, although additional receivers are available singularly for larger speaker and installation configurations and will operate from the same transmitter.
The Liberty's uniqueness, say Carlsbro, come from the fact that it broadcasts a 2.4GHz uncompressed signal suitable for multi-speaker and multi-room environments, which means a high quality of output, almost without loss. The Liberty Wireless was developed primarily for the installation and professional PA markets, but is useful in any environments where cables are used, say Carlsbro.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Pinnerton UK, the UK distributor for the Alcorn McBride range of show control products, has announced the availability of the Digital Video Machine - a rugged, compact MPEG-2 player offering flexible control capabilities and a wealth of interface options.
The Digital Video Machine allows clips to be copied from PC and stored on Compact Flash; clips can then be triggered using contact closures, playlists, real-time schedules or RS-232.
The Digital Video Machine offers a number of flexible options: a stereo amplifier provides two channels at 20W each; the pro audio module provides balanced, S/PDIF and Dolby 5.1; and an SMPTE-259M SDI module provides digital video out. With the optional Ethernet module users can update clips, schedules and GPS coordinates remotely - even using wireless networking.The Digital Video Machine fits almost anywhere and is vibration resistant, so it's equally at home in equipment rooms or on-board vehicles, say Pinnerton.
(Lee Baldock)