The launch of Dio Core at PLASA is significant for InnovaSON. This is essentially a stage box compatible with any device so long as it is Ethernet capable. Used typically with InnovaSON consoles, Dio Core allows greater input to the console, and can be used in multiples linked together by simple Cat 5 cable. One stage box gives up to 64 ins and outs in modules of eight. Patch at the desk, every remote gain, phantom power, high quality pre-amp, etc - all the renowned InnovaSON features are there. Naturally, software updates have been made for the InnovaSON Sy80 and Sy48 consoles to manage the Dio Core functions.
KAM - on the stand of UK distributor Lamba - introduced its first ever lighting range - aimed at the mobile DJ and small installations.
As its name suggests, ShowTex is a specialist in the world of textiles. Alu-Shape is a new durable foil product combining aluminium foil and foldability with a subtle weave textile support; endlessly reusable and extremely strong. ShowTex also offers a unique printing service for its Polystretch fabric, printing that maintains colour density and detail even when the fabric is stretched to its limits.
Stark is an Italian manufacturer of large video and film projectors and currently has three models available - the Starklive, the Stark New Theatre and the Stark Revolution. The latter has a moving head and works with up to 6 x 7 film format. It's a 1200W light source which outputs 70,000 ANSI Lumens and is arguably the brightest film projector on the market. Stark supplies kit to a huge variety of events worldwide.
A busy corner of the show was occupied by ESP(UK), sharing a stand with two of the leading brands it distributes - MobilTech and RVE Technologie. "We've met loads of new people and old friends," said David Stressing. But there were also plenty of new products on show, among them the MobilTech Alptek 5500 and 6500 tower lifts. Adjustable to heights of up to 6.5m with a maximum load of 200kg, the lifts feature a key block system for safety and comply with BGV C1. Franck Dujardin of RVE was pleased to show off that company's newest products, including the Dimkit modular dimming system (shown last year as a prototype but now in full production), the Mini Cube 3W single channel dimmer and the Z10 Serenity modular spotlight.
PLASA regulars Lite Puter Enterprise from Taiwan showed the new EDX-610 DMX switching dimmer pack, aimed primarily at the architectural and installation market. Dimmers can be selected for all types of lighting on this six-channel product and different 'on' or 'off' times can be set. The product has recently been used for several five-star hotels in Taiwan, including the Sheraton and the Hyatt in Taipei.
London-based sound and lighting distributor Fametrack was promoting its latest trade catalogue.
American Audio launched no fewer than four new MP3 players, including the Velocity twin MP3 player with interactive jog wheel. The machine, which plays MP3s and CDs, boasts advanced cueing to the frame (not the second), digital scratching, nine onboard effects, digital BPM counter and tempo lock.
Also launched were the MCD range of MP3/CD players - the MCD-110 single deck, MC-510 dual deck with separate controller giving pitch control, fader start and relay play and the MCD-810 at the top of the range. Also new was the CDI-500, a single deck but with many of the features already mentioned plus the addition of a tap button for manual BPM entry, reverse play and storage of up to 1500 cue points.
Tannoy's successful V-Series dual concentric loudspeakers were launched in 2003: at this year's show, Tannoy exhibited the latest update, the VNET, which is self-powered and networkable. The new cabinets use VLINEA class D amplifiers, which do not use fan cooling. The integrated DSP looks after the amplifier and will, according to engineering director Ben Ver, attempt to make some kind of sound at any cost! Designed from the ground up, the VNETs are available in several flavours - VNET 12, 12HP, 15 and 300 with three subs - the VNET 15BP, 15HL and 18DR.
LMC Audio was showing a wide selection of new products under its 'Pure Audio Choice' banner. Martin Audio, Turbosound and Nexo compact systems were all featured, with both analogue and digital consoles the cause of interest and sales. The compact Soundcraft MH2 led the way, with Midas Sienna and Yamaha digital consoles also vying for attention. "One of our most successful shows ever," said Paul Hinkly.
Lagotronics is a Dutch manufacturer majoring in customized LED lighting solutions. Although the company also has a range of standard products, its key interest is in providing total solutions - from design to installation. At PLASA this year it introduced a new range of standard products made in the Far East, all aimed at the fast-growing 'architainment' sector.
Cable testers from Cable Jog are well-known, the company's latest audio cable tester was launched at PLASA last year and continues to be a good seller. The company will soon be announcing a new Italian distributor, having signed at deal at this year's show.
New lasers were the main product interest at Chauvet, which gave the world launch of its 'Scorpion' line of DMX-controllable lasers. Featuring a fat beam and taking eight channels of DMX, Scorpion is a very dynamic range. Its USP is the fat beam, which, via a patented optical system, enables a 4.9mW laser to resemble a YAG. Chauvet also showed its range of moving light fixtures.
New from Daslight was the DVC 100 Basic interface for the company's Virtual Controller DMX software. A 'reduced function' version of the company's DVC 512 interfaces, the DVC 100 Basic works with a maximum of 100 channels or 10 fixtures, with the number of scenes, steps and effect is fixed at 30, four of which can be triggered simultaneously. "This was the fourth year that we have exhibited, but the first where the stand has been just Daslight products," said technical and sales manager Vianney Bourjot. "We have been very pleased with the show, meeting new international customers, old friends and regular users."
Ambient Lighting, Griven's UK distributor, shared the stand with the Italian manufacturer (see Griven) and helped launch its new products. Ambient also distributes Ledion and Tryka L.E.D. products and concentrates on architectural, colour changing and effects lighting applications and markets.
Sales director Bob Ferns reported very brisk business at the Musicase stand, with the extensive range of Road Ready and Gig Skinz products attracting attention from audio professionals, musicians and DJs alike. The Road Ready range covers flightcases for every conceivable kind of audio equipment, while the expanding Gig Skinz series is an imaginative range of tough gig bags which feature compartments for audio equipment plus pockets for accessories. A range of new hard cases for Denon equipment was also on show.
PCM-Pfaff announced its effective absorption into the Tomcat family of companies. Tomcat owner Mitch Clarke explained the move: "It's a natural fit to our work; Pfaff produce some excellent stage machinery and actuators that we already use in our own projects and those done by sister company Brilliant Stages." Read more in this issue, page 15.
Strong had a new followspot to dazzle attendees - the Radiance. The influence of the LDR range of spots, which Strong distributes in the US, can easily be seen in the Radiance. The aluminium extrusions that run the length of the fixture, and the low-profile yoke, along with some quite nifty focus and zoom controls, sets this 850W metal halide spot apart from the rest of Strong's range as a very new kind of followspot.
Award winner Hall Stage (see pages 58-59) had great fun featuring the new Visual Act laser guided, servo motor driven stage wagons from Sweden. These are millimetre accurate and come with a dedicated control desk designed to sync' both horizontal and vertical plane movement. Hall Stage also showed two new steel bond systems for touring and installation.
The second year at PLASA for Nordic, providers of modular staging and decking equipment, and the company is back with good reason. "We also tried Frankfurt back in the Spring, but the response from PLASA visitors proved to be much more positive," said its spokesman. "We had four or five very good orders last year, and hope to repeat that."
Canford Audio highlighted its vast range of cables: the company keeps an impressive 1.5 million metres of cable in stock. The two main new products here were by Anchor Audio - the first a wireless comms system requiring no base station and accommodating up to 15 belt-pack groups with no limit on the amount of packs per group. The second was the Beacon portable line array sound system, which resembled a large wheelie suitcase when compacted!
Lewden Electrical Industries, winners of one of last year's PLASA Innovation Awards for its T-Line range of IP44 16A inline connectors, were showing a full range of products to come out of its East London manufacturing base at this years show. Other products on display included its Linebacker cable management and protection system and a range of distros.
German Lighting Products (GLP) showed its new YPOC 700 moving head which weighs just 28kg with its electronic ballast. It is extremely bright and internal features include three gobo wheels, high speed iris, 14-32° focus and zoom and prism. UK architectural LED specialists i-Vision also showed its Lumos products on the GLP stand.
The Rigging Partnership gave a show debut to its Flywire 3D automated flying system, which is designed to fly products, objects, cameras and performers within a three-dimensional flying envelope. The system has already been used on several projects this year including feature films, where it was used for flying cameras and special effects. Company director Gavin Weatherall noted: "We've had an excellent show, the breadth of international attendance to our stand has been impressive and we feel we've made some exciting new contacts."