direct from: www.etnow.comRegularsContentsthis monthJobs and CareersWeb DirectoryFeaturesIssue: 317Festival Drayton Centre Upgrades to Wavefront Precision Minipage 12July 2019Counterfeiting is becoming more commonplace and Avolites is saying ‘the first rule of the fight back is let’s talk about the fight back’.Several units of GDS lights were installed for the Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week, thanks to its 100% to zero dimming and low power consumption.ACET Upgrades its Northern Sales Office page: 14page: 15page: 2page: 31pages: 28 to 31AC-ET has completed a major upgrade of its Northern UK sales office facilities to deliver an enhanced experience for its customers, suppliers and staff.LIGHTING | SOUND | VIDEORIGGING | STAGING | DRAPESw: hawthorn.bizt: 01664 821 111e: hire@hawthorn.bizROBE LEDBEAM 150 Zoom range of 3.8° to 60° uses an eminent custom-designed optical system Colourful chases and smooth transitions are powered by multichip 40W RGBW LEDs Light Output: 2.842 lm, 12.200 lux @ 5m Virtual colour wheel: 66 pre-set swatches Weight: 5.7kg (12.6 lbs)AVAILABLE TO HIREVari-Lite’s new VL6500 WASH delivers high output and vintage stylingVari-Lite has announced the Vari-Lite VL6500 WASH. This new high-output wash lighting fixture combines the VL6000 BEAM’s arena-scale performance with a head-turning visual attraction reminiscent of the legendary VL5, offering show designers an unmatched mix of modern power and vintage styling.More on page 9Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madridpage: 16On the Anti-Counterfeit Fight Back with Avolitescontents this monthJuly 2019page no.FeaturesTECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR PLACES OF ENTERTAINMENTRevised in February 2017 Available now from www.etbooks.co.ukpage : 5page : 8page : 11page : 11News This MonthPages 4-1112 Festival Drayton Centre Upgrades to Wavefront Precision Mini A Martin Audio WPM loudspeaker system has taken pride of place in the local community-owned and operated Festival Drayton Centre in Market Drayton. The installation was carried out by long-standing specialists, B.S.B. (Sound) Ltd, which was set up 50 years ago by Elwyn Bickley and two partners. Today, one of the largest outdoor PA contractors of its type in the UK, the company also undertakes pro audio installations.14 Securing Our Future: On the Anti-Counterfeit Fight Back with Avolites In Park Royal, West London, a digital fight back is brewing. Innovation is being threatened by replication. Progress is under attack. Counterfeiting is becoming more commonplace and Avolites is saying ‘the first rule of the fight back is let’s talk about the fight back’. Avolites is on a mission to share its story and galvanise both the AvoLife community and the industry as a whole to join its war against the pirates. They have also started to spearhead an alliance between major lighting console and media server manufacturers to embolden its campaign.15 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid Several units of GDS lights were installed for the most important event in the Spanish fashion calendar, thanks to its 100% to absolute zero dimming and low power consumption. The Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week Madrid (MBFW Madrid) is world renowned for combining the creativity of designers, artists and style icons all under one roof, showcasing the latest fashion trends for the year. For five days the Madrid fashion week brought together 50 high-quality programmes, 43 fashion brands and over 50,000 visitors to the capital. Register forKeep up to date by signing upat www.etnow.com/etexpressWeekly News Headlines16 A.C. Entertainment Technologies Upgrades its Northern Sales Office and Looks to a Bright Future A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ltd. (AC- ET), a leading ‘one-stop’ provider of cutting-edge technologies to over 80 countries, has completed a major upgrade of its Northern UK sales office facilities to deliver an enhanced experience for its customers, suppliers and staff. AC-ET’s Leeds-based operation was formed in 1996 to service clients in the North of England alongside its head office near London, which has been trading since the early 1970s. Originally 6,000 square feet, AC-ET North’s sales office and warehouse premises were acquired in 2000. Located on the outskirts of the city, which has strong links with the creative and digital industries, the office is well placed to service AC-ET’s customers in the North of England.18 ABTT Theatre Show 2019 Held in the West Hall at Alexandra Palace, London, etnow‘s editorial camera toured the stands.from the editordirect from: www.etnow.comEntertainment Technology is published 12 times a year in conjunction with the leading industry portal www.etnow.comEditor: John OffordTechnical Editor: Jackie StainesPublished by: Entertainment Technology Press LtdThe Studio, High Green Great ShelfordCambridge CB22 5EGTelephone: +44 (0)1223 550805Fax: +44 (0)1223 550806Website: www.etnow.comemail: editor@etnow.com© Entertainment Technology Press Ltd.Subscription Rates:Annual Subscription for 12 issues (UK): £27.50Annual Subscription (overseas): £50.00Subject to acceptance, subscription is free to UK based industry professionals.Subscribe online at: www.etnow.com/etmag/Opinions expressed in Entertainment Technology are not necessarily those of the publishers. All rights are reserved and reproduction of any part in whatever form is prohibited without the prior permission of the publishers.etnow.com (entertainment technology news on web) is the industry portal site with news from around the world added daily under various sector headings coupled to an extensive archive. The site also features a books section where titles from Entertainment Technology Press can be ordered online via our secure Sage Pay credit card services.Issue: 317Prolyte Trussing, LiteDeck & StageDex from the premier UK stockist…Six ‘Theatres at Risk’ get a helping hand from Theatres TrustA total of £90,000 worth of support has been awarded as part of the new Theatres at Risk Capacity Building Programme.Theatres Trust, the national advisory body for theatre, has announced the six theatres that will receive support through the first round of its Theatres at Risk Capacity Building Programme:Burnley Empire, Morecambe Winter Gardens, Peterborough New Theatre, Salford VictoriaSpilsby Theatre and Swindon Mechanics’ InstituteThe programme is designed to support theatres on the Trust’s Theatres at Risk Register to commission expert advice and acquire the skills and knowledge to push forward capital projects to help save their theatres.This round of funding will support projects ranging from a ceiling void inspection to governance training to viability studies. The theatres are all on the Theatres at Risk Register 2019 but are at various stages in their journey to restoration and revival.Musician, actor and Theatres Trust trustee Gary Kemp says: “We know how difficult it can be for theatres to raise funding for the early stage concept and viability works and for organisational support. These first stages of a project provide the vital foundations for both project and organisation, and we hope that with this support, these theatres will be able to make real progress.”Theatres at Risk Capacity Building Programme is supported by Historic England, The Pilgrim Trust, Swire Charitable Trust and individual donors.Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England says: “It’s great news that two of the historic theatres on the Heritage at Risk Register – Grade II* listed Morecambe Winter Gardens in Lancashire and Grade II* listed Mechanics Institute in Swindon – are being given a vital helping hand by being awarded a grant from this important new scheme. We are delighted to support this programme and to be able to provide our technical advice and expertise to help save important theatres.”Georgina Nayler of the Pilgrim Trust says: “The Pilgrim Trust recognises the importance of supporting theatres at risk to save their buildings and give them a viable and sustainable future. This is not just because so many of the buildings are of outstanding significance, but also because a restored, vibrant and well visited theatre building can assist with the regeneration of the centres of our towns and cities. We are delighted to be funding this programme.”Martha Allfrey Trustee of the Swire Charitable Trust says: “The Swire Charitable Trust is delighted to be supporting the Theatres Trust’s Theatres at Risk Capacity Building Programme. We applaud its goal of removing vulnerable theatres from the Theatres at Risk Register, thus securing the future of these vital cultural, community and heritage assets. Theatres Trust’s unique and intense work with these theatres can lend support in so many ways, offering exciting opportunities to the community and campaign groups involved – we will follow the progress of each project with great interest.”July 2019news4Allen & Heath Debuts Custom Control Install App for dLiveAllen & Heath has released Custom Control, a customisable, cross-platform control app created to provide elegant, bespoke control over its dLive installed audio systems.Integrators can now freely design multiple user interfaces for systems built on the dLive engine, tailored to different user levels and/or device types. For example, a bartender can be presented with a simple phone interface, while the AV operator can access uncluttered levels and routing on their tablet, but more comprehensive control when using their laptop.The design of the app interface is via Custom Control editor software for Windows and Mac OS. Access to all levels, mutes and sends is provided, together with preset recall, source selection and metering. Tabs can be configured for easy access to multiple control pages or zones. Once complete, the configuration is uploaded to the core of the system, the MixRack, ready for deployment.Any device running the Custom Control app can log into the system with a given user profile, at which point the correct user interface is instantly downloaded and displayed. This allows for both kiosk applications and BYOD use, since the configuration is deployed on demand. Users can be password protected for added security.Installation product manager, Martijn Verkerk welcomed the new software and app, commenting: “The name says it all – Custom Control empowers users by giving them the exact controls they need. Using Custom Control editor, the integrator can even tailor the design of the interface to seamlessly blend into the look and feel of the venue.”The Custom Control app is available for free on iOS, Android, Windows and Mac operating systems.Kinesys joins the TAIT group of CompaniesTAIT (formerly known as TAIT Towers) has announced that Kinesys, a leader in motion control technology, has joined the TAIT group of companies. The combination yields unmatched capabilities in automation and show control and creates exciting opportunities for existing and future customers of both companies.Since 1978, TAIT has been a premier global provider of advanced creative, engineering, and automation services to the live entertainment industry. At the core of TAIT’s technology offering is TAIT Navigator, a proprietary automation and show control platform capable of controlling machinery, lighting, audio, pyro, fountains, and other special effects yielding unparalleled ability to create dynamic, live environments.Similarly, for 16 years Kinesys’ signature Elevation, Libra, and more recently Apex product lines have helped set the standard for modular automation. At the heart of the Kinesys design philosophy is creating products that work not just for the designer but also for the programmer and operator. Central to the Kinesys product range is the ability for all elements of a system to integrate seamlessly for maximum flexibility and ease of use.Together, TAIT and Kinesys will be working to link their automation technologies to allow Kinesys products to be seamlessly integrated in new and existing TAIT shows and installations. At the same time, Kinesys will add some of the market-leading technology developed by TAIT to its offering making TAIT Navigator and TAIT products available via the company’s global sales and distributor network.Both TAIT and Kinesys have strong company values emphasising quality, innovation, safety, and customer service all of which will continue to be at the core of the combined ethos. The companies will continue to operate as separate brands with all the existing contact details and staff remaining in place.Dave Weatherhead, CEO of Kinesys said: “I have long admired the amazing work that the team at TAIT have delivered over the years. From ground-breaking touring shows to epic installations they really have earned their reputation for quality and innovation. Being able to bring that magic to our Kinesys family of customers and rental partners is exciting. This will take the choice of automation available to every tour, production, and venue to a whole new level. By sharing our respective experiences and expertise we can bring extraordinary solutions to an expanded customer base in integrated and affordable packages.”In agreement is Adam Davis, chief creative officer at TAIT: “Kinesys’ success in show control and automation products is unparalleled. We believe that offering the power of both Kinesys and TAIT to our customers creates a market leading platform. Together TAIT and Kinesys will continue to develop cutting edge automation technology, to focus on our core client bases, and to provide the highest level of excellence and service to our customers.”In picture: Martin Honeywill, Dave Weatherhead, Andy Cave and Adam Davis.photo: Ed Williamswww.taittowers.com4Issue: 317news5Light Fantastic Production Services assist L’Atelier Five at HarrodsWhen looking to orchestrate a unique installation at Harrods, L’Atelier Five called upon technical event specialists Light Fantastic Production Services to devise a suitably creative rigging solution to manoeuvre the extraordinarily precious cargo into place.Created as part of an art installation featuring the work of French artist Richard Orlinski, the project required the ultra-precise handling and positioning of a 200kg ‘King Kong’ gorilla statue, valued at over £250,000.The challenging brief involved lifting the 200kg statue from street level down into position at the entrance to the Harrods fine watch room, located on the lower ground floor. The lack of rigging points, minimal clearance and need to protect both the cargo and the interior required delivery of a precision solution to carry out the rather unique task.The LFPS team devised a custom rigging system based around a wheeled truss structure with a bespoke trolley beam to support a pair of moveable hoists. Having lifted the simian statue from its transit case, the structure was moved into position over the stairwell with just millimetres to spare. Carefully negotiating the delicate environment of the store, the package was lowered gently into its final position as part of the striking installation.LFPS managing director Rob Myer comments: “We love a unique brief and were delighted to rise to this king sized challenge. It’s been great helping our friends at L’Atelier Five create such a stunning installation, a proper work of art!”photo: Ed Williamswww.taittowers.comJuly 2019news6Contact us – Tel: 01777 948089 email: info@ropeandrigging.co.ukUnit 6 Rossington’s Business Park, West Carr Road, Retford, Notts, DN22 7SWTheatrical and Entertainment Rigging SuppliesHawthorn Appoints New Business Development ManagerCreative technical event production company Hawthorn has announced the appointment of Jolene Price who has joined the company as business development manager. Following a period of substantial growth, Price has joined the business to support the development of new and existing business for Hawthorn’s award-winning live event technical production service.Before joining Hawthorn, Price held the position of sales, events and marketing director at Rail Media and brings with her over 19 years of experience in sales and events.Scott Rooney-Ashby, account director at Hawthorn said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jolene to Hawthorn. She brings a wealth of experience to the position and with her previous experience in the industry, I believe she will be a great asset to the team. Investing in our people is vital to developing the service we provide to our clients and maintaining the extremely high-standards we are renowned for delivering.”Price added: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Hawthorn team at such an exciting time for the company, which has seen exceptional growth over recent years. It’s clear over the short time I’ve been with the business that I’ll be working with a team of talented, experienced and dedicated technical event professionals and I can’t wait to start working with them to deliver incredible events for existing and new clients.”www.hawthorn.bizMovecat presents PROStage+ D8-PLUS hoist in 1000 class with integrated operating hours counter Since this year’s Prolight + Sound, the Movecat portfolio has included a PROStage+ chain hoist also in the 1,000 class. With it, the D8 Plus IGVW SQP2-10:2018 electric chain hoist segment of the market has gained a model with an outstanding unladen weight to load capacity ratio of 60.8kg : 1.000 kg which, furthermore, with a noise level in operation of only <60 dB/A /1 m, is also extremely quiet.A new feature is the D-Type special chain, which boasts an eight per cent greater load-bearing capacity than standard chains, and despite its exceptionally compact dimensions achieves a static chain safety factor of 8:1.A further industry innovation is the PROStage+’s integrated, digital operating hours counter, which is capable of keeping track of operating hours automatically during operation. The user can read without difficulty from the battery-powered LC display – even in idle mode – not only the number of elapsed operating hours but also the remaining service life for different load collectives.The new PROStage+ 1000 D8 Plus has an unladen weight of 60.8kg and is capable of moving 1 metric ton load at a speed of 4m/min. The PROStage+ 1000 offers hoisting heights of 18 or 24 metres. Optionally, the hoisting height can be extended to up to 60 metres.The hoist can be used in climbing or standard installation positions without conversion. It is equipped with maintenance-free brakes, an integrated operating hours counter, a high-tensile Movecat D-Type Special Chain and a flame-resistant textile chain bag. 400 V AC direct control (DV control) is currently supported with a low-voltage control version (LV Control) in preparation.Thanks to its modular design, it can be optionally equipped with LME load-measuring eye bolts for integrated overload monitoring, gear limit switches, incremental or absolute encoders, and temperature monitoring.Artistic Licence DMXtoDALI quadArtistic Licence has launched its latest DMX512-to-DALI conversion product, DMXtoDALI quad. Integration between the protocols has never been easier. With support for DALI DT8 (colour), DMXtoDALI quad is ideally specified for the new generation of DALI products coming to market.Artistic Licence has extensive experience in DMX512 and DALI interconversion. The popular DIN rail solution, Rail-DMX-DALI, was launched several years ago to serve customers needing to add DALI fixtures to DMX based lighting control systems.With the continued growth of the crossover market, Rail-DMX-DALI is still very much in demand. However, the recent introduction of DALI DT8 (colour control) means that this product is not compatible with the very latest DALI technology.AL therefore took the opportunity to redesign Rail-DMX-DALI to incorporate the new standard, and to implement major product upgrades that greatly improve the performance and user experience. The result is DMXtoDALI quad.DMXtoDALI quad (hereafter ‘DMXtoDALI’) retains the core functionality of its predecessor: it converts DMX512 to four circuits of DALI, allowing up to 256 devices to be connected. However, the feature set and user interface have been significantly enhanced. The operation of DMXtoDALI is also much faster, implementing interleaved DALI transmission.Most significantly, DMXtoDALI features DT8 colour support for colour temperature and RGBWAF. This is in addition to conventional DT0 (intensity) control. DMXtoDALI provides simultaneous control via all four addressing modes (broadcast, group, device and scene).Converting DMX to DALI involves some complex mapping between DMX channels and DALI addresses. Fortunately, the product does all the hard work, presenting the user with a choice of nine pre-defined personalities to cover commonly encountered scenarios. The personalities are selected using RDM. The Artistic Licence free software package, DMX-Workshop, is ideally suited for this purpose.DMXtoDALI quad is highly configurable, enabling it to be tailored for specific installation requirements. The DMX start address of each DALI circuit can be changed so a patch can be used. If DALI luminaires are to be used alongside DMX lamps, a dimming curve correction can be implemented to improve the visual effect.Other configuration options include the ability to disable buffering (a trick that can be useful for fast-moving effects), and a ‘quiet mode’ that suppresses automatic discovery of commissioned DALI devices (to allow interoperability with multiple DALI masters).The front panel of DMXtoDALI features status LEDs that give useful instant feedback. In particular, the DALI circuit LEDs will not illuminate if the DALI bus power is missing. The DMX512 light gives confidence that input data is being received, and the power indicator flashes when an RDM locate command is sent (this feature enables easy identification of the DALI devices on each circuit).Artistic Licence has also been beefing up the electrical protection on many of its products, and DMXtoDALI is no exception. The DMX input can withstand accidental continuous connection to 425 VAC, and will recover when the fault is removed.Product designer and Artistic CEO, Wayne Howell, comments: “The demand for DMX-DALI interconversion technology shows no signs of slowing up, but the introduction of DT8 places new demands on products designed for this arena. DMXtoDALI is a timely arrival and appears well placed to capture this market, particularly as it benefits from the years of insight gained from its popular predecessor, Rail-DMX-DALI.”he only you needJuly 2019news8ABTT 2019 Annual Theatre AwardsThe Association of British Theatre Technicians’ Annual Theatre Awards took place on Wednesday evening (5 June), after the first day of the 2019 ABTT Theatre Show at Alexandra Palace, London.The five highly sought after Awards for Lighting, Sound and Engineering Products of Year, ‘Widget’ and Stand of the Year, were complemented by the announcement of the ABTT’s Technician of the Year for 2019.The Jury, made up of an experienced group of working practitioners and industry peers, awarded as follows:ABTT Lighting Product of the Year 2019: Robe T1 ProfileJudges’ comments: “The lighting product of the year award goes to a new moving light that has clearly had a great deal of thought put into its development. Robe’s new T1 fixture delivers an immensely useable theatre lantern. It is light weight, quiet and extremely well featured. Of particular note, the scrim function and the brown/blue focus tweak on the hard edge on the PC lens version is a welcome addition to the lighting designer’s pallet.”Judges’ commendation: GLP’s beam light accessories that adapt the Impression X4.ABTT Sound Product of the Year 2019: Sennheiser DIGITAL 6000 SK 6212Judges’ comments: “Having a discreet belt pack transmitter for radio microphone systems is a goal of costume designers and sound designers, this product caters for both! The Sennheiser SK6212 belt pack for the Digital 6000 series at just 63 × 47 × 20mm and a weight of 112g including battery and clip, has already been successfully deployed on a number of West End shows where high quality is demanded, and small size is desired. Long battery life of up to 12 hours becomes an attractive option for commercial and corporate use.”Judges’ commendation: “We look forward to seeing the production of the d&b D8 compact sub.”ABTT Engineering Product of the Year 2019: AED Group Showlift AED-SL18Judges’ comments: “A piece of engineering equipment with the lighting designer in mind. With a small lifting platform that can take the weight of a moving light and controlled from the same DMX system as the moving light, the Showlift allows all the programming to sit in one place.”Judges’ commendations: Safety Lifting Gear’s Battery hoist & Lift Turn Move’s G-Pro Briefcase Controller.ABTT Widget of the Year 2019: Mantracourt Electronics and BroadWeighJudges’ comments: “As a quick way to provide monitoring of small rigs, the BroadWeigh load cell shackle – in conjunction with a Bluetooth connected device running the Broadweigh App – is exceptionally useful for those touring shows that require up to 12 points of rigging. The App also sums selected load cells to enable a maximum load to be identified. Use of this product will greatly speed up prep days.”Judges’ commendation: Igus’s adjustable shim.ABTT Theatre Show 2019 Stand of the Year: TheatreplanJudges’ comments: “As ever a lot of people made a big effort and the Theatre Show looks stunning as a result, especially with the new layout giving a more open view of the hall on entry. One of the criteria for judging the Stand of the Year Award is that it clearly shows what the exhibitor does. Theatreplan is a new arrival at the ABTT show. They have a well laid out stand that clearly shows their creative process, with a soft, welcoming and intimate feel, inviting those who enter to engage with the consultancy’s global work. The Sydney Opera House variable acoustic reflector on display is a particularly striking and fun feature.”ABTT Technician of the Year 2019: Martin ChisnallCitation: A Production Electrician at the top of his industry, known for a dry sense of humour mixed with sharp technical knowledge and attention to detail. He nurtures new talent, spotting promising people and giving them freelance work to encourage their careers. He has worked on the largest of musicals and spectaculars and brings that level of knowledge, attention to detail and professionalism to the smallest of plays. Going into a production week with Martin by your side is to know that you have chosen the best.In picture: Robin Townley, ABTT CEO, with Kevin Gwyther-Brown, channel sales manager at Sennheiser UK Ltd and Richard Bunn, ABTT chairman.Launching New Vulcan Shockmount ChassisThe Vulcan Shockmount Chassis is another ingenious new technically enhanced 19-inch rack mount product, launched by global flightcase hardware specialists Penn Elcom, that gives affordable military grade (ANSI accredited to MIL STD 810G) protection against impact, shock and vibration. This is ideal for the secure housing and transportation of a diversity of sound, lighting, AV and IT equipment.A basic Vulcan rack can be assembled in just six minutes and due to the incredibly pragmatic design, the units are available in a super easy-to-assemble flat-pack format. This saves vital storage space for customers and re-sellers wanting to keep stock, who no longer need to purchase bulky pre-assembled frames.The unique patented Vulcan design utilises hollow triangular sections of high tensile tempered aluminium alloy, bringing an amazing strength-to-weight ratio to any size of chassis. A 6U rack, for example, weighs just 3kg, and 2U to 18U kit sizes are available with no loss of strength.Tested to Penn Elcom’s truly industrial parameters, and engineered to the brand’s robust and exacting standards, the Vulcan chassis will keep its contents safe from drops, shaking and impact during transportation or storage.Delicate and sensitive devices including servers, processors and other networking elements can be added with confidence to Vulcan rack enclosures without having to upgrade to heavier and more expensive steel chassis.Touring with Vulcan is a highly practical option, for example, when amp racks or power distribution kit must be flown to save space and other portable scenarios. Overall freighting costs can be reduced by utilising Vulcan racks in system designs or custom projects, and there is also an ecological consideration; in the fact, that every little bit of weight saved makes a difference. This innovative product can potentially benefit any areas of the entertainment and professional AV industry that involve touring equipment, and all events where there is constant and growing pressure to increase the overall carbon-consciousness.Building a Vulcan rack is quick and easy using Penn’s logical and straightforward slide-and-lock technique. The rack components are precisely machined to slide and lock into place perfectly each time with no forcing or banging necessary. Strategically located cage nuts enable the swift line-up of fixing screws, and the rails are accurately machined to effortlessly clamp the 19-inch panels safely in place.www.pennelcomonline.com7news9Issue: 317Enter the world of Area Four Industries with A4 MagazineA4 Magazine is the key to the world of Area Four Industries and is now available for download.Within its pages, readers are given full access to the latest information about the group, new product launches from its brands, interviews with key management, insights from brand managers, technical articles and other interesting information. It’s like taking a whirlwind tour through its headquarters, brands, direct distribution offices and activities.A4 Magazine gives full access to Area Four Industries and its brands, and is just one click away…Download A4 magazine fromhttps://www.milossystems.com/getmedia/a18743fe-6554-43a5-9c89-8b11f8455486/A4-Magazine-Issue2-EN.pdfVari-Lite’s new VL6500 WASH delivers high output and vintage stylingVari-Lite has announced the Vari-Lite VL6500 WASH. This new high-output wash lighting fixture combines the VL6000 BEAM’s arena-scale performance with a head-turning visual attraction reminiscent of the legendary VL5, offering show designers an unmatched mix of modern power and vintage styling.Sharing the big-picture format of the VL6000 BEAM, the VL6500 WASH is a fully featured wash fixture with the same form factor and colour-matched presets as its award-winning sibling. “The VL6500 WASH is a direct response to requests we have received from lighting designers,” explains Martin Palmer, senior product manager, Vari-Lite and Strand Luminaires at Signify. “We partnered with designers every step of the way when creating this fixture, improving the colour system while matching the presets for a consistent experience. The result is a perfect partner wash for VL6000 BEAM’s large-format presence on the world’s most ambitious rock stages.”While it shares the distinctive large front lens of the VL6000 BEAM, the VL6500 WASH also adds Vari-Lite’s iconic Dichro*fusion blades. These unique blades offer diffusion with variable beam width and hark back to the vintage styling of the Emmy Award-winning VL5. “More and more, lighting fixtures serve as set pieces in their own right, and designers are looking for fixtures that not only create great light, but also look great on camera,” explains Palmer. “The Dichro*fusion blades on the VL6500 do both.”One of the enhancements the VL6500 brings is Vari-Lite’s renowned full CYM+CTO colour system that provides numerous vivid and creative colour options. For even further creative colour possibilities, the VL6500’s extended colour range mode offers the ability to move the colour mixing wheels beyond full saturation back to open. This allows designers to use creative split colour effects that can be seen both in air and on the Dichro*fusion blades. To simplify programming when moving between colour presets, the VL6500 offers the same Cloak Transition Generator (CTG) first seen on the VL6000. This allows the fixture to automatically dip to dark when moving between colour presets without additional programming.“The VL6500 WASH is an exciting addition to Vari-Lite’s range of unique new fixtures,” says Fernand Pereira, global head of marketing and product management, Vari-Lite and Strand at Signify. “While it includes a variety of modern technology features, it also offers a look that makes it a stunning addition to the brand’s unrivalled moving light heritage.”Next >