The most obvious change is the new-look silver console, but underneath its modern exterior Impressario Advance! makes use of the latest computer technology in the form of Windows XP. Hardware developments mean that a floppy disc is no longer necessary, being replaced with a CD R/W drive, whilst the Pentium II board had been replaced with a more powerful and faster Pentium IV.
Changes to the software include a new Cue List and Equipment List facility, which enables users to look at all cues/equipment on a single page rather than scrolling through as is currently the case. To provide more relevant information to stage managers, such as axis name and cue data, Impressario Advance! has an improved Print function, plus a new Swap Cue facility. Impressario Advance! has been developed to allow extended group control, plus a Repertory function which will make the system particularly appropriate to theatres that regularly rotate their shows.
Impressario Advance! retains all its predecessor’s functions and qualities, including suitability for any motor, a generous 500 programmable cue capacity, advanced cue following facilities, group control and group synchronization of scenery bars, plus a real-time virtual reality simulator. Developed within the space of three months Impressario Advance! is now set to build on the achievements of Impressario and will be featured for the first time in the new Madness musical, Our House and at the RNT Cottesloe Theatre.
AVW has nominated the Impressario Advance! for a PLASA Product Excellence Award. See www.plasa.org/show for details.
AVW Controls can be found on stand N9.
