However, while the industry at large ponders that, High End has announced the other, more positive side of the latest restructuring, which sees the return of company co-founder Richard Belliveau to a full-time role - as chief technology officer - and HES' stated aim of focusing its energies on digital lighting, and lessening its dependence on electro-mechanical products.
Belliveau left HES in 1998, since which time he has served as a consultant to the company, with a focus on intellectual property and patent development. In his new position, Belliveau will concentrate on advancing the development of digital lighting technology, say HES. Of course, the company has already made its mark in this area, with the introduction of the Catalyst system in 2000, which won five industry awards its first year. The DL1 digital light engine and Catalyst v3 Media Server and software debuted late last year, winning awards at PLASA and LDI.
In the company's official statement, which makes no mention of anyone having left the company, CEO Frank Gordon says: "This reorganization reflects a shift in our technology platform and we're targeting those parallel skill sets that are required for success. We're advancing the digital and software products with less dependence on the electro-mechanical products. We're focused on innovation. Richard's work on patent development has created an opportunity that we will exploit. Our recent awards from PLASA and LDI support the company's vision and direction."
Lowell Fowler, HES co-founder and chairman, is quoted: "Having partnered and worked with Richard for more than 25 years, it is great to have him devote more time at our new facility and interface with many of the same engineering crew with which he built many great products. His dedication and determination set him apart as a true 'rocket scientist' in the lighting industry. He never ceases to amaze. We're excited about seeing some innovative new products from this team."
(Lee Baldock)
