equipment news

Chain Hoists from ChainMaster Now Available in Special Colours

All ChainMaster chain hoists can now be delivered in an extended choice of special RAL colours. ChainMaster, the manufacturer of innovative chain hoists and chain-hoist controllers from Saxony, will quote individual delivery times and prices upon enquiry. Requests for chain hoists colour-matched to the interiors of the buildings in which they are destined to be used are becoming ever more frequent, and in order to satisfy such demands, ChainMaster has expanded its delivery range accordingly.

In picture: Chainmaster D8+ 500 kg chain hoist in white.

www.chainmaster.de

Alcons Introduce CR1 Ultra-Compact 3-Way Sound System

The CR1 is an ultra-compact 3-way sound system, designed to provide medium output, high quality cinema and A/V sound reproduction. It is recommended for cinema theatres, screening rooms, board-rooms and dubbing stages, as well as surround sound recording and Home Theatres / residential sound systems.

The ultra-shallow MDF enclosure design of only 18cm/7-in. provides for very flexible mounting in even the smallest spaces behind the screen. It can be stacked, wall-mounted, or even flown, with a weight of only 29.8 kg (65.6lb).

Featuring a 4" pro-ribbon driver for HF, a Neodymium 6.5" vented mid-range driver and Neodymium 12" side-vented woofer, the system's frequency response is 45Hz - 20.000Hz (-3dB) with a dynamic range of up to 128dB.

Alcons' proprietary and multiple-patented RBN401 pro-ribbon driver offers non-compressed sound reproduction from 1.000Hz. to 20.000Hz; With a peak power handling of 800W, the RBN401 delivers crystal clear sound reproduction with digital-media dynamics. Alcons' proprietary and patented "Real-90" horizontal dispersion widens the stereo experience for far left and right seated audience substantially.

The HF section is mounted on a swivel bracket for adjustable precise projection. The dimensions of the waveguide of the HF section have been kept minimal to combine projection control with a reduced effect of screen reflection (sound bouncing back from the screen into the waveguide).

The CR1 is completely passive-filtered with a system impedance of 4 ohms; this offers economic powering from only one channel of ALC2 amplified loudspeaker controller. The relatively low impedance is enabled by the ALC's Signal Integrity Sensing circuit; This dynamic circuit actively compensates the impedance effects of long speaker cables. SIS also further reduces (filter) distortion.

For full system performance, the CR1 is designed to be used in combination with an ALC amplifier/controller. Driven by the ALC, the CR1 delivers maximum sound quality with significantly increased headroom under dedicated equalisation and inaudible (power and excursion) protection (SDP circuit).

www.alconsaudio.com or www.digitalcinemaready.com

Kling & Freitag Simulation Software for K&F Sequenza 10

The release 1.0 of the CON:Sequenza software is available in the Download Area of the Kling & Freitag website. The simulation software CON:Sequenza was specially developed for the Sequenza 10 line array system. Using the software, the user can determine the splay angle, the pick points on the rigging frame, and the total load of the array according to BGV C1 or DIN 18800, and the sound distribution.

The simulation of the sound level distribution uses the FEM multi-source model that had already been produced for the development of the Waveguides. With this, the software produces extraordinarily precise calculations of the level - even with mid-range and short distances to the array.

CON:Sequenza 10 enables you to enter several areas that can be freely positioned. Using the auto-splay function, it can calculate the optimal angles between the individual Line Array elements quickly and easily. The sound distribution and the configuration of the array are drawn up as comprehensive reports that can you can print and save as PDF files.

In addition, you can also freely assign virtual measuring microphones that already enable true-to-life predictions of the corresponding frequency responses during the simulation.

In picture: Simulation Report and Rigging Report.

Barco Releases New High End Systems Automated Luminaire

Barco has announced the release of a new High End Systems automated luminaire.

The new version of Showgun, the Showgun 2.5 automated luminaire, has begun shipping. Showgun 2.5 offers 30 percent more photonic output than its predecessor via a new 2500-watt Philips MSR lamp source producing 130,000 lumens of light. High End Systems co-developed the lamp with Philips.

The Showgun 2.5 automated luminaire is a hybrid spot/wash beam combination which provides entertainment lighting design possibilities in three dimensions: first, in the air with hard or soft-edge beams; second, with images projected on the stage surface; and third, at the Showgun fixture itself by using an innovative LED Tracking System. Showgun 2.5 produces a true focused hard-edge (for projecting LithoPattern images) or brilliant soft-edge, without the need for two fixture types.

The LED Tracking System encircles the lens, allowing the user to either match the colour of the main output beam or to project a complementary colour. The LED tracking system alone provides 7000 lumens of output.

Showgun is being specified on a number of televised awards shows, game shows, sports events and concert stages around the world. Showgun 2.5 was recently unveiled in a sneak peak to the professional lighting industry at the LDI 2008 show in Las Vegas.

Wybron Releases Updated Gel Swatch Library for iPhone

More gels and more ways to compare and sort them come with the latest version of Wybron's award-winning Gel Swatch Library for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Gel Swatch Library version 1.2.0, now available through Apple's App Store, gives users more options in browsing and searching nearly 1,000 GAM, Lee, and Rosco gel colors.

Users can now compare any two colors in the library, not just similar and complementary colors. And the complementary feature now offers 12 complementary colors instead of the previous six - an improvement suggested by lighting designer Richard Pilbrow.

Other new features include: sort gels by how they're organized in the physical swatchbook; E-mail comments directly to Wybron with the feedback button; maintain a list of recently viewed gels even when using other applications; view gels by manufacturer line - for example, Rosco E-Colour and Lee HT.

The Gel Swatch Library earned the ESTA Member's Choice Product Award in the "Widget" category at LDI in October. Since its July introduction, more than 1,700 copies have been purchased, and the application has been praised by many in the lighting industry.

"We've been listening to our customers, and we think these updates will make the application even more useful to them," said Wybron's Scott Longberry, head developer of the Gel Swatch Library.

In the comments section of the Gel Swatch Library page on iTunes, one customer shared how he "used the heck out of this app".

"A touring company sent me their rider with three different brands of gel on their lighting sheets. I was able to quickly cross-reference each color and get the colors close enough to keep them happy," the customer wrote. "I had most of what they wanted but not quite the same brand. ... I don't have the budget (rather, a budget at all) to accommodate every touring group that comes here. This helped me do just that with what I had in my inventory."

The updated application still offers the same features as before - letting users search for gel colors by name or number and displaying each color's Spectral Energy Distribution curve and CMY/RGB percentages.

Customers who have already downloaded the Gel Swatch Library will be notified when the update becomes available. They can download the updates at no additional charge.

For more information visit www.wybron.com or call +1 719 548-9774.

Barco Announces New Processor for Lighting Control and New Software

Barco has announced the release of a new High End Systems product for lighting control operation and programming.

The Wholehog DMX Processor 8000 is designed to manage up to 16 DMX universes with ease while expanding the power and reliability of the Wholehog control system as a whole. By providing DMX and Art-Net output at a steady rate, the possibilities for lighting design are expanded. DMX Processor 8000 is 50 times more powerful than its predecessor the DP2000.

In addition, Version 3.0 software for all current lighting console products is now available. Version 3.0.0 represents major improvements to core components of the Wholehog software. Furthermore it adds support for the new DMX Processor 8000 and Art-Net output from the DMX Processor 8000 and Road Hog Full Boar console. Many network configuration windows, patch windows, and other dialogs have changed to add new functionality or improve existing functionality. Users of all systems will find significant performance increases throughout many areas of console operation.

Brad Schiller, product manager for controllers, says: "We are very excited about the release of version 3.0 software and the DMX Processor 8000. Our development team has done a remarkable job with this release. Our beta testers have also provided important feedback and testing to help ensure the stability of the software and new processor."

Marty Postma beta-tested the DMX Processor 8000 on the recent Neil Young tour. "I have used both the DMX Processor 8000 and v3.0 software in BETA on a full Wholehog 3 desk as the primary console for my entire fall tour without so much as a hiccup during playback. The issues that concerned me on old DP-2000s have been completely obliterated by the new DP."

The DMX Processor 8000 made its pre-release preview at LDI 2008 in Las Vegas.

Visual Productions Now Shipping Duple

Visual Productions has released a new USB device: the Duple is a dual DMX input and output interface, compatible with both the Canvix matrix control software and VisualDMX software lighting control programmes, available from the company. 

The Duple enables both VisualDMX and Canvix to send and receive DMX Signal merging the functions of the Input and Output in order to supply customers with a cost efficient and smart solution: in essence an in and out for the price of a current output and still in the handy pocket sized unit. 

The Duple hosts two DMX ports designed in compliance with the new DMX512A specifications; featuring a grounded bi-directional output with RDM talkback and an optically isolated DMX input. Multiple Duples can be connected to your computer to create a large multi-universe system.

Martin ShowDesigner 5 (MSD 5) Now Available

A new version of Martin Professional's ShowDesigner (MSD) lighting and set design software package is now available. Brilliant for developing realistic 3D lighting simulations for stage, club, architectural and other applications, Martin ShowDesigner 5 (MSD 5) includes a host of improvements, most notably a new state-of-the-art 3D graphic engine delivering near rendering quality in real-time. Also new is a convenient way of acquiring and upgrading ShowDesigner packages online.

The latest updates to Martin ShowDesigner include: 3D graphic engine that delivers stunning real-time quality rendering; Fixture beams that show true-life light distribution; Animated smoke with adjustable density and evenness; Camera animation using intuitive time-line control; New User Interface with sidebar for quick access to all features; New drag-drop of object and fixture onto 3D space; New ISO camera view for easy manipulation of objects in 3D view.

MSD 5 comes in five different packages; Gold, Live, Live-4, Silver and Live-LJ. Each version is carefully balanced with regard to features and price.

MSD 5 is available via Martin's worldwide partner network or through a new MSD web shop at www.martinshowdesigner.com where users can purchase or upgrade an MSD package and much more.

Lab.gruppen Unveils PLM 14000

In the wake of the unparalleled success of Lab.gruppen's revolutionary PLM 10000Q Powered Loudspeaker Management system with built-in Dolby Lake processing, the company has announced a powerful new addition to the range, the PLM 14000. Built around a two-channel amplifier platform optimized for high-power requirements, the PLM 14000 pumps a massive 7000 W per channel into 2 ohms and 4350 W per channel into 4 ohms, making it ideal for demanding subwoofer and low-end applications.

As with the existing four-channel PLM 10000Q, the new PLM 14000 integrates Dante networked audio distribution, Dolby Lake drive processing, and load verification with real-time performance monitoring into a single 2U hardware unit plus unified software controller. The PLM Series is now the exclusive hardware platform for new Dolby Lake processing, and the addition of the PLM 14000 enables even more complete and extensive system solutions built around this unique combination of technologies.

While based on Lab.gruppen's road-proven FP+ Series, the amplifier platform in the PLM 14000 incorporates further enhancements for greater sustained output power. New circuitry provides substantially greater current-carrying capabilities and the Regulated Switch Mode Power Supply (R.SMPS) is optimised to deliver full power during long low-frequency bursts. PLM 14000 also offers extreme power density, patented Intercooler cooling, a full suite of protection features, and a Power Average Limiter (PAL) to prevent tripping of mains breakers. Parallel or redundant inputs and outputs are provided for analog, AES digital and Dante networked audio signals.

All PLM Series models are equipped with a sophisticated set of load verification and real-time performance monitoring tools, and of course full-featured Dolby Lake processing modules offer precise settings for gain, crossover, delay, equalization, and limiting functionality. The Super Module feature enables flexible assignment of processing modules among separate PLM Series units. Lab.gruppen has also announced that PLM Series units will incorporate new functions designed to satisfy requests from AV system designers, and to meet safety code requirements for voice alarm systems.  A complete third-party control protocol will allow seamless integration into systems managed by the control platforms such as Crestron and AMX, with all critical status, fault, warning and network data made available. Pilot tone and line monitoring functions have also been added to the PLM's feature set.

 "PLM 14000, like the PLM 10000Q, offers a fully integrated solution that is more than the sum of its parts," stated Lab.gruppen head of marketing Tim Chapman. "Comprising a full palette of processing tools from Dolby Lake, audio networking from Dante, plus load verification and performance monitoring, all built into Lab.gruppen's unrivalled amplifier platform, PLM 14000 brings technical and operational benefits to both live touring and fixed installations in a new format tailored to extreme high-power applications."

Wings Platinum 3.70 with New Formats and Quicktime Video Integration

AV Stumpfl of Austria is making Wings Platinum 3.70 available for download.

The days of format conversion are over: Quicktime videos can now be played directly in Wings Platinum projects. In the past, high-quality footage that was only available in MOV format had to be converted specifically into some other format. Today, some of the modern digital cameras also create videos in MOV format, which can now be played directly in Wings Platinum.

The new version also features a functional extension for the Starter license: one text track was added in order to display a title, the credits or any other information. This is a wish come true for the Wings Platinum users. Texts can now be added or modified in next to no time without having to resort to Photoshop graphics.

Users of timecode will take a keen interest in the fact that the new Wings Platinum version allows jumping to a defined timecode from where playback can be started. The timecode function has been supplemented by two new triggers "Read external timecode" and "Continue internal timecode". Another trigger has been added that allows execution, via the network module SC LAN Remote 8 of AV Stumpfl, of various actions in Wings Platinum by means of switches. The SC LAN DMX512 in/out Module can now be used for DMX output via the network. Previously this was only possible via an SC Net Module.

Wybron Offers Free Infogate Through December 31

A few weeks remain for a Wybron promotion offering a free feedback system with the purchase of 24 feedback-compatible products.

With the promotion, customers receive the hardware and software for Infogate, the brains of Wybron's Infotrace feedback system, which uses Remote Device Management, an industry-standard two-way communication protocol that lets the equipment on a rig "talk back" to its operators.

The RDM-compatible products include the Coloram IT scrolling color changer, the CXI IT dual-scroller color-mixing changer, the Eclipse IT mechanical dowsers (shutter and iris), the Transition fiber-optic illuminator, and the Nexera luminaire.

Each product comes equipped with sensors that gather information such as fan speed, temperature, voltage, and more. Infogate takes this data and sends it to the operator's computer or iPhone. With this feedback, users can troubleshoot and pinpoint problems.

Infogate also lets users set DMX addresses from a computer or iPhone.

The free Infogate offer ends Dec. 31.

For more information visit www.wybron.com or call (719) 548-9774.

Strand Lighting Introduces openPalette initiative

Strand Lighting has announced the introduction of the openPalette initiative, providing network access to the core of the Palette OS software. openPalette provides the route for third party developers of software and hardware to connect to their systems in a highly flexible and functional manner.

Recently, lighting designer Richard Pilbrow and programmer Robert Bell presented some of the applications that they used on ‘Tale of Two Cities' that benefited from the openPalette program.

openPalette offers several techniques by which theatre practitioners or other software developers can interact with Palette consoles: Palette's internal scripting system, based on the Lua open source language, allows anyone to create complex additions to Palette's functionality, whether that be importing a patch from Excel or creating automated show reports with show timing for stage managers. Telnet connectivity allows communication between Palette and external software in real time, useful for any number of functions - and already used to provide command line and channel selection display to Westside System's Virtual Magic Sheet application, dramatically extending its functionality. openPalette also offers data export in formats suitable for software such as Rob Halliday's FocusTrack that allow semi-automated creation of show-documentation with focus descriptions and photographs of conventional and moving light focuses and lighting cue states, analysis of equipment (colour, gobo) usage within the show and much more; FocusTrack will also be able to control Palette to further automate the process of taking show documentation photographs, improving the speed and efficiency of that process.

The openPalette methodology demonstrates how the collaborative effort of many diverse developers can succeed where those of one company trying (and often failing) to build a product that does everything for everybody might not.

Robert Bell and the Palette software team at Horizon Controls continue to develop new connectivity. This includes open source applications such as  "Cue Tip" illustrated here, allowing cue information to be displayed for stage management, follow spot operators and others direct from any Palette family console.

www.openpalette.org

www.strandlighting.com

ADB introduces new Mikado Lighting Desk Family

Heralding the arrival of a new family of compact, budget-friendly multipurpose lighting desks, ADB Lighting Technologies has unveiled the new Mikado manual/memory control desk.

With a host of features generally not available in its price category, the easy-to-use Mikado is intended for stage and studio lighting, particularly when manual and memory control are required.

Major features include 12 channels/2 presets or 24 channels/1 preset, 36 memories or chasers on three pages, manual and automatic dipless crossfade, remote control of chasers, and audio input.

Stored memories can be edited and previewed with channel level indicators.

Speed control of chasers is provided, along with chaser effects including Start/Stop/Step, random, bounce, single shot, forward/reverse direction, and delete/add steps.

ADB lighting marketing manager Jerome Bel comments: "The new Mikado has been designed in response to growing demand for a more powerful compact and budget-friendly lighting desk."

www.adblighting.com

Anolis ArcPad 3.48

Specialist LED lighting manufacturer Anolis has launched its new Anolis ArcPad 3Ÿ48, an LED RGBW ‘brick' fixture, designed for colour-changing applications like wall washing and highlighting of large alcoves and areas where space is a premium and installation can be challenging.

Its neat dimensions and flexible focus options enable it to be squeezed into small recesses and other inaccessible corners, nooks and crannies, while the projected lifespan of up to 60,000 hours make it ideal for all types of ‘fit-and-forget' architectural applications. It is IP 65 rated, so is also perfect for exterior use.

The ArcPad 3Ÿ48's head is a cast aluminium radiator onto which the LED matrix and lenses are fitted, and this can be panned plus or minus 46 degrees and tilted plus 60 and minus 90 degrees in relation to the base.

The cast aluminium base can be utilised for floor or wall mounting via two holes in the bottom, and it is controlled by the Anolis ArcPower 48 driver, with full RJ45 connectability.

The fixture features 48 Luxeon Rebel LEDs, a standard 25 degree lens array and is convection cooled. Its maximum power consumption is 60 Watts and it produces a smooth, rich selection of colours.

ArcPad 3Ÿ48 benefits from Anolis's quality engineering and is robustly built for all types of permanent installations requiring little maintenance and to withstand challenging environments and the elements.

QFlex Set to Steer Tannoy into New Market

After a series of high profile international trade show launches for QFlex over the latter half of this year, Tannoy's eagerly anticipated new digital beam-steering array product is now available. QFlex defines a new set of performance benchmarks including class-leading steering capability, and control over the widest possible bandwidth - delivering unheralded intelligibility and musical fidelity in even the most acoustically imposing spaces.

To fully appreciate the unique benefits of QFlex we must first consider why the digital beam-steering approach to loudspeaker design is beneficial to designers, specifiers and architects. When faced with highly reverberant, acoustically challenging spaces, such as houses of worship or major transportation hubs; the biggest challenge is in designing a system which will deliver high direct to reverberant sound ratio. In other words, we need to maximise the sound that arrives directly at the listener's ear, while avoiding reflective surfaces. Achieving this with conventional loudspeakers is extremely difficult, especially where there is a specific requirement to minimise architectural or aesthetic impact.

QFlex uses multiple channels of advanced amplification and DSP to produce beams of acoustic energy, which are directed on user defined target areas. With this ability to focus acoustical output in target areas where needed, comes better speech intelligibility in highly reverberant spaces - effectively increasing the ‘hall radius' beyond which reverberant sound becomes dominant. The multi-beam capability allows for multiple audience areas to be targeted from a single QFlex column, such as within auditoria where the stalls and gallery need to be considered separately.

There are limitations to what can be achieved with existing beam-steering solutions, particularly with regards to higher frequencies (eg. >2kHz) where effective beam control is compromised due to the incidence of lobing (spatial aliasing). This is where strong side beams occur, often stronger in intensity than the main beam - particularly when steering at extreme angles. Additionally, the extent to which beams can be steered is generally limited to angles of 20-30 degrees at most, restricting the height at which the loudspeaker can be located in a space, while the software used to program the array tends to be complicated and unintuitive. In instances where the room demands a larger array, there are often restrictive considerations to be given to transportation and physical installation due to the cumbersome nature of huge columns.

This all changes with the arrival of Tannoy's QFlex range.

Thanks to its advanced design featuring densely spaced transducers, integrated cutting edge DSP and powerful Regularised Least-Squares Multi-channel Inversion software algorithm, QFlex boasts state-of-the-art beam control, even at high frequencies (up to 12kHz). This means it's effective for full-range material rather than just being restricted to voice only applications. Combining this with the flexible and highly intuitive GUI of the BeamEngine software, the ability to steer up to +/- 70 degrees and a modular design (based around small eight or 16 channel ‘easy to transport' units which can be combined to form longer arrays of up to 48 channels), QFlex offers acoustic designers a genuine breakthrough in capability when it comes to dealing with reverberant spaces. This is before we consider the fact that QFlex is fully networkable with other Tannoy VNET products allowing full optimisation and control with other compatible products such as VNET subwoofers.

In the context of what's available on the market at the moment, perhaps the most significant factor to consider with QFlex is the cost. For any given array size within the QFlex range, the pricing is highly competitive against any equivalent competitor product, delivering far superior performance and flexibility for increased value.

QFlex has recently been announced as a finalist for the inAVation 2009 awards, in the commercial loudspeaker category. Winners to be announced on 2nd February on the eve of ISE Show in Amsterdam.

Built To Last: Tannoy i9VP (Vandal Proof)

Tannoy has announced the launch of the i9VP vandal proof loudspeaker. A development of the Tannoy i9, the i9VP (Vandal-Proof) is a tall, slim but ruggedly built loudspeaker equipped with four 100mm (4") low frequency direct radiating drive units and three 25mm (1") titanium dome tweeters, partially horn loaded and arranged as a line source.

Designed for use in acoustically challenging applications where wide but controlled coverage is required, the dispersion characteristics of the i9VP (Vandal-Proof) direct sound into the desired space while minimising ceiling reflection from above. This makes it ideal for high quality speech reinforcement in highly reverberant or expansive spaces such as transportation hubs, convention centres and retail malls. The solid metal housing and protected cable run make this product especially suited to outdoor/public spaces where there's easy access to the mounting position, offering maximum protection from malicious damage.

The loudspeaker casing is constructed of ruggedly thick section aluminium, with electro-statically applied paintwork, each layer being hand sanded and polished to produce a deep gloss mirror-like silver finish. The aluminium enclosure and steel front grille provide ample protection for the speakers and coupled with the custom specified E30 fire resistant cable system, the i9VP is specifically engineered to be vandal resistant and able to withstand the rigours of being within easy reach of the general public.

The coupling effects in the vertical plane result in a narrow and controlled 40 degrees coverage pattern while the horizontal coverage is an extremely wide 120 degrees. The complex frequency shading and integration techniques employed in the internal passive network result in a smooth and uniform frequency response from 90Hz to 30kHz.

Tannoy DMT (Differential Material Technology) is extensively used in the extra thick walled aluminium cabinet extrusion to minimise any cabinet resonance. The i9VP comes with steel mounting brackets that allow the unit to be positioned either vertically or with a four degree angle, directing the sound downwards into the desired area.

Alcons Introduces LR7

Non-compressed, 1:1 high-output sound reproduction with exceptional intelligibility, projection control and "throw" are the characteristics that are making Alcons ‘The Ribbon' pro-ribbon line-arrays recognized around the world.

Now Alcons has transplanted these specifications into the new LR7 micro line-array.  Weighing a mere 8kg/17,7lb and measuring just 1,5 CD high and 3 CD's wide - and with Alcons' patented pro-ribbon technology, it delivers the sound quality people expect from an Alcons system - as always without "creative horn plumbing".

The LR7 is a passive 2-way line-source loudspeaker system. It is a true line-array system, to be used as vertical array, either in stacked or flown configuration, for both portable and permanent installations.

The frequency response of 74Hz (-3dB) to beyond 20kHz. enables a full-range deployment without the immediate necessity of additional bass systems. In applications where extended bass response is required, the LR7 can be combined with a pressure-bass or deep-sub system.

Loaded with the RBN401 pro-ribbon driver on a ‘Morpher' lens (up to 94% frontal radiation!), the system features a 90° or 120° dispersion of choice with seamless coverage, due to the ribbon's all-natural cylindrical (Isophasic) wavefront. Its transient response and unusual high peak power handling (800W/200mS) caters for a superb intelligibility and throw, while offering maximum "gain-before-feedback" up to directly under the array. The micro-compact size, combined with the weight-saving all Neodymium drivers, makes the system very easy to handle.

The ‘Morpher' is mounted in the ‘Alrad' waveguide, which utilises the stiffness and heat transfer capabilities of aluminium. Mounted on the RBN, the ALrad extends the cooling surface for even further reducing power-compression for increased SPL over time.

The SignalIntegritySensing pre-wiring ensures complete cable/connector compensation between the LR7 and ALC. Typical (short to medium throw) applications for the LR7 include as compact main system for theatre, A/V or corporate events where minimal sightline obstruction is required, with exceptional sound reproduction.

For full system performance, the LR7 is to be used in combination with an ALC

amplifier/controller. Driven by the ALC, the LR7 delivers maximum sound quality with inaudible (power and excursion) protection (SDP circuit). The 16 Ohm impedance enables up to 8 cabinets per controller amplifier channel.

The LR7 is part of the The Ribbon Network inventory; Alcons' global dry-hire network and comes with a six years' limited warranty.

www.LR7.info and www.theribbonnetwork.net

Beamax Announces Dellegno Illuminated Projector Lift

Beamax, the international manufacturer of home cinema and commercial projection solutions, has announced the launch of the Dellegno illuminated projector lift - a companion product to the award-winning Dellegno motorised projection screen.

The new Dellegno illuminated projector lift houses the projector in a neatly designed cabinet that also serves as a stylish lighting module. It is the ideal solution for customers who do not have a ceiling void in which to recess a traditional projector lift.

Sharing a design philosophy with the X-series Dellegno projection screen, the lift cabinet features clean lines and a high gloss finish, in the customer's choice of colour. For the genuine ‘lights down' movie theatre experience, the cabinet features eight spotlights which can be controlled independently of the lift.

The Dellegno illuminated projector lift represents a further advance in the Beamax discrete cinema concept. This has been developed for consumers who want a sophisticated home theatre, but who need to preserve the flexibility of the space within their home.

Otto Tromm, Dellegno designer and founder of Beamax, explains that: "Consumers demanding flexible use of the space in their home are unlikely to want to see their projector when their home theatre system is not in use. The Dellegno illuminated projector lift provides our customers with the means to get rid of the ugly ceiling mount for their home theatre projectors, while making a stylish addition to their room."

The Dellegno lift can house projectors weighing up to 15kg, which includes the majority of popular models. The lift is compatible with regular AV switches and a wide variety of other control technologies, such as RF, IR and 12V triggers. All of these options are available through Beamax as accessories.

The Dellegno illuminated projector lift is available now through Beamax resellers world-wide.

Element Labs Introduces Revolutionary Cobra Technology Platform

Element Labs, Inc., has announced the launch of its revolutionary Cobra technology platform.  Cobra 16 and Cobra 11, the first two panels in the Cobra family. It will debut at the LDI show in Las Vegas today.

The Cobra range of LED video display panels is the result of an extensive research and development effort by Element Labs to create a next-generation display technology that renders existing alternatives obsolete. Cobra technology boasts no less than eight industry firsts, including a revolutionary panel design less than 70mm deep and weighing as little as 29 kg/m2 (fixed install panels), extremely low power consumption, full IP66 rating front and back, no cooling fans, an extended RGBC color gamut, FCC Class B emissions and true 100,000 hour lifetime. The result is an industry first: a truly environmentally friendly LED display technology that offers superior visual performance.

The Cobra platform's revolutionary design and superior visual performance make it ideally suited to indoor and outdoor applications in both the entertainment and architectural markets.

Barbara Nelson, CEO of Element Labs, says: "The introduction of our new Cobra platform forms part of our strategy to lead through innovation with our products and our people. Cobra 16 and 11 will completely redefine how the industry views LED displays. The technology establishes us with knockout competitive advantages on every front and lays a strong technology foundation for Element Labs to establish itself in a class of its own - now and in the future."

Grant Elliott, CTO of Element Labs, adds: "With Cobra we have taken a number of key requirements for LED video panels, and by pushing the envelope from an engineering perspective in all of these areas, have created a product that excels in almost every technical aspect. Cobra is lightweight, razor thin, highly efficient, flexible in terms of usage, rapid to deploy, employs a four color pixel for increased luminance depth and deeper colors, and looks as good from the back as it does from the front.  Combined with the new PXL architecture which will form the basis of a number of our products moving forward, Cobra represents a large leap forward for both Element Labs and the industry."

Wybron Introduces Infogate for iPhone

Infogate for the iPhone, the latest innovation by Wybron, lets lighting pros control their rigs and troubleshoot problems from virtually anywhere in the building - all with a pocket-sized wireless device.

Scheduled for release at LDI 2008, Infogate for the iPhone gathers invaluable feedback from lighting equipment and uses a wireless signal to transmit the data to an iPhone or iPod. With that wireless signal, users can inspect and manipulate equipment without being chained to a booth, board, or computer.

Depending on the setup of the user's network, Infogate's wireless signal can stretch hundreds to thousands of feet, letting users monitor and control equipment onstage, backstage, and beyond.

"Now lighting techs don't have to keep running back to their computers or consoles when they want to troubleshoot a problem," said Wybron director of technologies John Sondericker, co-developer of the iPhone application.

Infogate for the iPhone is the newest component of Wybron's award-winning Infotrace Control and Management System, which took home LDI's Best Debuting Product Award in 2006. Infotrace uses Remote Device Management, a two-way communication protocol developed by ESTA, to let lighting equipment talk back to its operators.

Serving as the "brain" of the Infotrace system, Infogate processes feedback from the lighting equipment and displays it on the user's computer or iPhone in an easy-to-use, easy-to-understand graphical interface.

The Infotrace feedback system lets users troubleshoot and pinpoint problems quickly and warns users of potential problems. During load in, Infotrace lets users install and configure equipment faster by setting DMX addresses remotely and accessing a wide variety of device parameters.

Other lighting manufacturers embracing feedback systems include Martin, ETC, Robe, High End Systems, Ocean Optics, Leprecon, and many more. And the list keeps getting longer.

Feedback systems should prove especially helpful for moving lights, said Wybron engineer Scott Longberry, co-developer of the iPhone application.

"Imagine checking out a pan problem in one of your moving head fixtures. Using your iPhone, you can see any error messages and exercise the equipment from anywhere on the stage," Longberry says.

Infogate for the iPhone joins two other iPhone applications released by Wybron earlier this year. The Gel Swatch Library lets users browse, compare, and search nearly 1,000 gel colors made by GAM, Lee, and Rosco, and the CXI Color Calculator lets users create hundreds of colors for the CXI IT dual-gelstring color-mixing scroller.

"We had a great response with our first two iPhone apps, so we're pretty excited about getting the Infogate application into the hands of the lighting industry," said Wybron president Keny Whitright.

Try out Infogate for the iPhone at LDI booth 859.

www.wybron.com

WYSIWYG's R22/R23 Bringing New Lights to Footprints

CAST Software has announced it will give LDI visitors (in Las Vegas, October 24-26 2008, in Booth 3731) a sneak preview of its newest version of wysiwyg - Release 23 which delivers momentous innovations in pre-visualization.

The highly acclaimed R22, released in May 08, was the first of a two-phase update approach that set the stage for R23.  CAST will begin beta testing R23 later this month and targets its general distribution by the year end.

R22's ground-up build, including a new realtime highly efficient engine, marked substantial advancements that produce softer beams, with more depth, texture and colour mixing, which actually flare! The new animated life-like 3D smoke greatly enhances the environment and also highlights improvements to gobo projection, showing the breakups in the beams.

Leaping forward yet again, R23's new features will make design more lifelike than previously thought possible. The notable advancements will include: new visualization features that deliver the real quality of light - in realtime; variable focus which allows users to focus beams, gobos, video, etc., at any distance; beams moving across objects will produce realtime shadows; hot spots will display a truer representation of the light; and to keep pace with the exploding trend in digital lighting, video content is displayed in beams, enabling users to model digital media fixtures and see the output in realtime.

Designers can now get the focus they originally envisioned - right from the start.  R23 introduces an innovative fixture point-of-view picture window that at the touch of a button sends an accurate reference point by soft or hard copy of the focused light, including shutter cuts, of your vision to the electrician up the ladder, saving both time and money.

R22 and R23 are free to current wysiwyg Members.

In picture: a screenshot from R22 showing softer beams with color mixing, enhanced flares, and 3D smoke with gobo projections.

Martin's Feature-rich Jem K1 Hazer

The Jem K1 Hazer is Martin Professional's new generation, top-of-the-line hazer for high performance applications where a high level of reliability and easy serviceability is required.

Feature-rich and built of solid construction, the Jem K1 is a professional machine that provides the ideal combination of continuous operation, long hang time, and low fluid consumption for greater economy.

Extremely easy to set up (turn it on and press a button), the Jem K1 is quick to heat up. It features exceptional output from an innovative and powerful 600 W heat exchanger yet overall power consumption is less than 750 watts - half of many competitor products in its class.

The Jem K1 Hazer's variable haze output ensures a consistent distribution of effect and uniform canopy of haze. A high quality air pump system gives a smooth and uniform output while a unique mixing channel allows the haze to optimize before being expelled. A highly reliable machine, a unique automatic shut-down cycle has been implemented to prevent clogging.

DMX controllable, the Jem K1 Hazer is continuously operational for a set it and forget it effect. Other features include an easy to read and convenient 14 digit LED display. A digital remote control is available as an option.

Fluid consumption has been greatly optimized thanks to a specially-formulated K1 Haze Fluid that leaves no residue on light fixtures or other equipment and furnishings. An ‘Eco' mode extends the K1's run time by several hours and improves fluid economy by a factor of four compared to other hazers in the market.  It also features a `silent´ mode especially suitable for theatres and other applications where noise level is an issue. It is this combination of special fluid and innovation that makes the Jem K1 Hazer unique.

Easy serviceability is at the heart of the K1's design. All serviceable parts sit together for convenient access and a new compact tubeless block is easily removed for annual cleaning. Service can be handled on site with the simplest of tools so the show can go on with a minimum of disruption.

With a look that fits in with the existing Jem range, the K1 is perfect for rental houses supplying shows as well as clubs, bars, TV studios, the theatre or anywhere a truly reliable hazer is needed to create a light-enhancing canvas of water-based haze for long periods.

Highly reliable with a solid design, high performance combines with service advantages to clearly distinguish the K1 from the competition, all while economizing on fluid.

www.martin.com

Artistic Licence Data-Lynx Range of DMX/Art-Net Ethernet Converters

With immediate effect, Artistic Licence is shipping Data-Lynx, their new range of high density DMX/ Art-Net Ethernet Converters. Available in three versions - I/P, O/P and IO/P - and in a 1RU 19" rack mount, the Artistic Licence Data-Lynx is a no-frills solution giving the customer maximum packing density, at the lowest cost, whilst maintaining the customary Artistic Licence quality and features.

The Data-Lynx O/P is a 12-Universe Art-Net to DMX converter which supports both draft and standard RDM. Its all new technology also supports a full speed DMX refresh rate ensuring the fastest conversion rates. It has been designed with the channel-hungry DMX pixel-based market in mind and is particularly useful for applications such as low resolution video walls and animation effects.

Data-Lynx I/P provides the designer with 12 DMX512 universe inputs which it converts to Art-Net data. Designed for use with media servers and those converting large DMX512 systems to use with an Art-Net system, the I/P has been designed at the request of AL customers to provide an efficient means of centralizing data distribution.

Data-Lynx IO/P varies slightly from Data-Lynx O/P and Data-Lynx I/P in that it has the capacity to convert six Universes of DMX512 to Art-Net and six Universes of Art-Net to DMX512. This gives it the added functionality of being able to loop back the incoming DMX data to the outputs and simultaneously merge another controller to the same outputs. Alternatively the inputs can remain completely independent from the outputs.

The Data-Lynx IO/P can also act as an RDM injector, upgrading existing DMX512 systems to utilize the RDM protocol for configuration control over RDM enabled fixtures. Data is transferred seamlessly from the desk's DMX signal and, by using free DMX-Workshop software, adds the functionality of RDM without having to upgrade the DMX controller.

All DMX connections use front mounted Neutrik XLR 5 pin connectors. Each unit can be connected to a Network using either the front or rear mounted Ethercon RJ45 connector. Each pair of DMX universes have DMX status, power, and network status LED's. A single front panel switch sets the 'Box Address / Sub-Net' for the simplest possible configuration. The Artistic Licence Data-Lynx range is powered via a universal mains IEC connector located on the rear of the unit.

As with all Artistic Licence Art-Net products, DMX-Workshop can be used for detailed configuration such as individual universe addressing on all three Data-Lynx products. Configuration can also be achieved using the internal web-server allowing remote control and configuration from any laptop.

New Panasonic 12,000 Lumen Professional Projectors Launched

Panasonic has announced the launch of the PT-D12000 and PT-DZ12000, a pair of high resolution projectors which will now form the top of their range.

As a solution this will be Panasonic's brightest projector in the range at 12,000 lumens, with a spectacular WUXGA 1920x1200 resolution these projectors demonstrate the very best in Panasonic projector 3-chip DLP technology.

As well as these features the projector's geometric control software enables curved and cylindrical surfaces to be projected on seamlessly. This can also be controlled simply through remote control, perfect for live environments where immediate set up is vital.

Building on Panasonic's unrivalled reputation and technological advancements, the new 12,000 lumen range will be perfect for both rental applications and permanent installations, particularly in venues where high ambient light is a problem.

The PT-DZ12000 offers a wide screen image viewing alternative, ideal for business applications where widescreen laptops are becoming the norm. The Full-HD resolution enables the projection of intricate, highly detailed images. 

To increase the brightness performance of the projector, it features a four 300-watt AC lamp optical system; enabling the projector to use the optimum number of lamps for the environment, in turn reducing the maintenance intervals. This also allows the projector to work even if one lamp needs replacing.

A new liquid cooling system has also been developed and implemented in the projectors, with each chip being cooled individually to reduce operating noise, making them the market leaders for use near audiences and crowds. The special auto-cleaning robot and double-filter structure provides 2,000 hours of use without filter maintenance, reducing the maintenance intervals required for the projectors.

Daniel Rose, category manager, professional plasma & projector, explained: "The ultimate effect has to be seen to be believed in these projectors. The new models come with impressive features of convenience, flexibility and reliability as well as easy maintenance, ideal for new and innovative projection ideas including 360° circle projection."

Meyer Sound Announces the 500-HP Compact High-Power Subwoofer

Meyer Sound has announced the new 500-HP compact high-power subwoofer. The self-powered loudspeaker brings the power-to-size ratio and extremely low-distortion signature of Meyer Sound subwoofers to a package ideal for rigging with the M'elodie line array loudspeaker to create an aesthetically pleasing array. With its excellent bass clarity, the self-powered 500-HP provides a superior option for sound designers especially when space is a key consideration.

In addition to being the ideal partner in a flown M'elodie array, the 500-HP can be used in groundstacked configurations. With an integral pole mount receptacle, the 500-HP is also an appropriate complement to a variety of other Meyer Sound loudspeakers, including the UPJ-1P VariO and UPA-1P/2P loudspeakers. The 500-HP is best suited for enhancing low-frequency headroom in applications such as small-to-medium theaters and clubs, houses of worship, and portable and installed AV systems.

"M'elodie has become the benchmark in compact line arrays, and it was apparent that we needed to create a fitting subwoofer complement for M'elodie," says John Meyer, CEO and co-founder of Meyer Sound. "The 500-HP is the answer to requests from our customers for a compact subwoofer that carries the clarity and definition that Meyer Sound engineering promises."

The versatile 500-HP subwoofer features two high-power 12-inch cone drivers designed and manufactured at Meyer Sound's Berkeley, Calif., headquarters. The two cone drivers are housed in a rectangular, optimally tuned, and vented enclosure that is the same width as M'elodie. Operating frequency range is from 36 Hz to 150 Hz, with a peak SPL of 134 dB, an impressive output for its size.

Each cone driver is driven by a channel of the integral two-channel class AB/H amplifier with complementary MOSFET output stages. The 500-HP's modular amplifier and processing electronics incorporate Meyer Sound's Intelligent AC power supply, which adapts to any power voltage worldwide.

The optional MRF-500 rigging frame uses captive GuideALink rigging system. It provides versatile rigging options for arraying and storage, and allows the M'elodie loudspeakers suspended under a 500-HP subwoofer to be uptilted for balcony coverage or downtilted with respect of the 500-HP. The 500-HP can also make use of the optional MG-M'elodie rigging grid to accommodate a variety of flown configurations.

In addition to QuickFly rigging hardware, available options for the 500-HP include weather protection and custom color finishes. The RMS remote monitoring system allows comprehensive monitoring of system parameters on a Windows®-based network.

The 500-HP subwoofer will begin shipping in December 2008.

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