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Events

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The V4 software upgrade for DiGiCo's desks, and D5T (12) are both welcome additions. The (12) variant adds 12 master faders or groups, yet maintains a smaller footprint than the D5T plus wing (achieving the same operational surface) saving four theatre seats. The V4 software adds a hardware element as well - a new, non-volatile random-access memory board, an up-rated processor board and brand new, high-density mini drives.

Software improvements include a redesigned hardware configuration panel; refined networking with graphic interface; auto-route inputs; improved auxiliary architecture; a channel presets recall scope; effects presets; and many more. A major overhaul.

DiGiCo TV - or more correctly www.DiGiCo.tv - answers the problem of console operation familiarisation DVDs becoming rapidly obsolete as DiGiCo issues the next software improvement: desk users can go online and find the

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Prolific as ever, Artistic Licence launched four new products: The Pixi-Stream - a media server capable of processing eight layers over 20,000 channels with 3D effects; the Candle-Power CP3-12 - a DIN rail-mounting dimmer for high-power Lumileds and Lamina-style LEDs; 'The Mother Of All Products' (MOAP) - a modular control and distribution system comprising a wide range of plug-in modules (up to 10) which allows for bespoke configuration and finally, Hi-Res - a transparent, flexible, modular light wall with 64 pixels per square metre.
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Crest Audio used PLASA to launch a brand new mixing console. The CV20 is a large-format FOH console available in 24-, 32-, 40-, 48- and 56-channel frames. The desk, due to start shipping in January was so popular that sales representative Bob Harrison told us that 10 desks had already been sold at the show.

In addition to the CV20, Crest showed the Ci20x4 and Ci20x8 power amplifiers providing four or eight channels respectively. Both amps are capable of running from 4 ohms through to 70V line switchable per channel and can run 100V system with an optional unit. Other modules allow the amplifier to sit on a CobraNet-8 network providing a fully monitored and controlled solution.

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Ben-Ri Electronica demo'd its new range of LT-Light Hydra Light consoles, plus its new hand-held remote control system which offers a wireless Ethernet version running on a PDA. Licensed for Capture 3D stage lighting design tool, Hydra Light comprises three main lines - Spirit, Sky and Space.

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Exhibiting for the first time at PLASA, and winning an Innovation Award for its V-Lock connector, Volex Power Products has developed a lockable rugged IEC-compatible connector. Offering a wide range of IEC standard configurations, it features an integral locking feature and inlet, plus a sturdy release button, and is designed to eliminate the problem of accidental power disconnection during live performance.

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XTA were celebrating the 10th year of AudioCore, and released a new version of the audio management system as a free download. Version 8.30 is now unrecognisable from its original incarnation way back in 1996: the latest release features Array Control and Ganging for the DP448. As part of the celebrations, AudioCore was renamed AudioCare for the four days of the event and the ladies of Urban Chill provided a much-needed Indian Head Massage for any lucky visitor to the stand or the After-Show bar.

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Interspace Industries provides talkback and cueing solutions for a range of areas and at PLASA announced the 'Traffic Light' live event signalling system, the MicroCue wireless cue light system, the MasterCue V5 presenter cueing system and, finally, the CiO Comms Audio Adapter. The latter allows any audio signal to be combined with a Comms feed, negating the need for two sets of headphones. The CiO allows personal balancing of the two signals in the headset and is fully isolated to avoid hum or earth-loop issues.

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Turkish sound and lighting rental company Playback Music Istanbul exhibited at the PLASA Show for the first time, reflecting their increasing levels of work across Europe. Their subsidiary company, Focus, also distributesa number of leading brands including L-Acoustics and Space Cannon, which was receiving a lot if interest at the show.

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Having recently announced its move to a new HQ in Harrogate, UK, speaker system manufacturer KV2 Audio showed upgrades to the ES Series which are largely about about packaging - better handles, new front grilles, and neat, magnetically-located cabinet wheel boards with profiled rims that take the strain of maintaining positive attachment when the speakers are moved over rough terrain.

KV2 Audio was also representing other lines (distributed in the UK under its 'Resolution' company banner), not least Apex Intelli-X and Intelli-Q, two audio DSP units. Also from Apex, Argos measures real-time SPLs to control sound levels, and used in conjunction with Hera, records sound system performance (good for site noise control measurement) and will activate external equipment, e.g. mains switch-off in the event of system abuse.

The Vieta So Cube is a production version of an

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Extensive starcloth rental and sales from S&H Technical Support has been further enhanced by the introduction of Interactive Video. Supporting images from up to three linear linked projectors, this system uses motion detectors at the projector position to overlay 'interference' animation - put simply, step into a projected image of fish in a pond and each footstep will trigger ripples and the fish to dart away, all from image macros within the animation footage. Not cheap, but great for branding impact.

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Exhibiting for the first time, Dialight Lumidrives launched some major new products including the Colourdriver XP. This innovative four-channel driver offers a range of benefits including a wider choice of colour combinations and a selection of 350mA to 1Amp output. Other products launched include the newly updated and improved HL11 and HL16 (high light output) modules - alternatives to the MR11 and MR16 bulbs.

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Networking is now a seamless match between all three-console models from Flying Pig Systems, Wholehog3, Hog iPC, and Hog 3PC can be mixed and matched. The prototype Expansion wing shown at last year's PLASA show is now in full production; and there is a new custom keyboard for the Hog 3PC with fully labelled and coloured buttons, making access to all the keyboard shortcuts that much easier to find.

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DMC were promoting the hugely popular concurrently running two-day World Mixing Championships, staged up the road at Hammersmith Palais. They are also a DJ agency, so were at the PLASA Show to meet DJs and alert them to their latest subscription services and Technics merchandise, for which they are licensed dealers.

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Highlight International's diverse range spans over 6,000 products, but at PLASA this year the stand majored on the new Dark Shade range of DJ mixers and amps and the new Xcaliber range of cables and adapters. The latter come with a lifetime warranty, which is attractive for installation work. Highlight was also buzzing with the news that they have just sealed the deal to be the exclusive UK distributor for Antari smoke machines and effects

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Aside from picking up an Innovation Awards for its new m-DMX (DMX over mains) system, Avolites also unveiled its Pearl Expert, which boasts even more submasters and flash buttons. Powered by an Intel Core Duo Processor, it offers exceptionally high-speed button response, a total of 20 submasters and new Add and Swop buttons on the top row of faders, allowing easy placement of fixtures and dimmers on all 60 preset faders. The new 'Colour Picker' gives instant control of CMY and colour mix devices and a new 'Split Roller' separates the 20 sub-masters into two banks of 10 allowing for live mix and match of memories.

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Steinigke Showtechnic GmbH were having "a very successful show" thanks to their Futurelight PHS-265 (spot) and PHW-265 (wash) wireless DMX fixtures. These moving heads have an integral wireless receiver, and can also be operated in stand-alone master/slave modes or be sound-controlled via a built-in microphone.

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Nemetschek North America - developer of VectorWorks Spotlight entertainment and lighting-design software - was demonstrating its latest version. The company say the software makes it easy to draft lighting plots, create stunning set designs, automate paperwork and visualise design concepts in 3D . . .

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HM Electronics was celebrating its 35 years in the development of wireless audio technology. New products included the WH200 ComLink wireless headset, which provides flexibility for users of HME's award-winning DX series of digital wireless intercoms.

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PLASA stalwarts Batmink revealed eight new products, heavily LED-based, including an LED PAR containing 24 x 1W LEDs and the similar PARlight fixture, a heavier-duty and more industrial version of the fixture suitable for installs. Batmink also showed the new RGB colour changing version of their Neon Flux product, which is reckoned to be among the smoothest on the market. It comes with its own DMX controller, or can run stand-alone.

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Italian lighting manufacturer LDR had an impressive presence at PLASA this year, alongside UK distributor Lightfactor, and showed two new products. Soffio, a pole-operated Fresnel, comes in two versions: F150 - a 150W cdm, and F1200 - a 1200W halogen source. For the top-of-the-range Canto 2000 followspot comes the addition of a remote control colour change fitting. Designed to operate up to eight of LDR's own range of Xpress colour scrollers this is a handy tool for producing snappy colour cues.

LDR's Fabiano Besio told us: "The PLASA show is recognised as the leading show in the lighting business. At the 2006 edition we've seen a great response and attention to LDR products, especially for our Fresnel theatre range."

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A derivative of its ChromaMR16, ChromaTube from Pulsar is an LED-based RGB colour mixing 5cm diameter tube in three lengths - 300, 600 and 900mm. The tube wall is soft focus frosted, the MR16 end-mounted. The rack-mount ChromaZone X3 is a 600W dimmer designed to drive a dozen 50W fixtures - ChromaBatten 50s, for example. ChromaStrip is intended for decorative 'lining' emphasis, comes in 1.2m lengths, is single colour, and has two variants, Standard 17W, or Extreme 45W.

Of most interest was Pulsar's Custom Service, where the company seeks to make strategic advantage of being UK-based by offering full customs, design, advice and development service to architectural and interior designers

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Although only launched late last year, InMotion the 3D motion control software from Cyberhoist/XLNT has a new addition in the form of RC-1; as the name implies, it's a hand-held remote controller that enables direct control of a Cyberhoist system - especially useful at load-in/out by obviating the need for computer control connection. Also on show, the Cyberhoist 250 is a variable speed hoist (zero to 40m/min) with a 250kg capacity, plus the one-ton Cyberhoist 1000, again vary-speed up to a more modest 10m/min.

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EAW was highlighting its NT Series of loudspeakers, which feature its 'Gunness Focusing' DSP technology, which EAW tell us corrects the inherent sonic problems in compression driver phase plugs, horns, and LF driver technology: combined with high quality internal amplification, this allows both high sonic performance and high output levels.

The 2-way NT speakers are available in 12" and 15" LF driver models, with differing coverage patterns available, depending on application. The trapezoidal design makes them suitable for either main PA or floor wedge use. The companion NT Subwoofer complements the full-range boxes. The full-range loudspeakers are bi-amplified, meaning the LF and HF drivers each have their own Gunness Focusing DSP and built-in, high-efficiency amplifier (1000W LF and 500W HF). The subwoofer is dual-amplified, meaning each driver has its own built-in,

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Some nice, simple, low-tech electric travel trolleys were shown by lifting specialists, Lift Turn Move (LTM). These are currently in use on the Robbie Williams tour and soon to be seen on George Michael. This company has a knowledge base that sidesteps the expensive process of developing machinery from scratch - rather they find, or assemble, solutions from existing industrial suppliers. Invaluable.
  1. DPA Microphones
  2. RAM Audio
  3. Computer DJ
  4. Current Thinking
  5. CLS-LED (Creative Lighting Solutions)
  6. Sovis Optique
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