Autograph Sales debuted the Swedish LDS 'invisible' true line source theatre loudspeakers. New to Autograph's portfolio is Aviom, whose new A-Net digital multicore system, available with a Yamaha interface, was demonstrated with the DM1000 digital mixer.
Lee Filters added to its 700 series of filters, created by lighting designers. New from Dave Davey: Provence (701), Twickenham Green (736), Dirty White (744), Hampshire Frost (749) and Burnt Yellow (770); from Kate Wilkins - Virgin Blue (723) and Easy White (747) and from Rick Fisher - Cool Lavender (708).
Alcons Audio debuted at ABTT with a complete line of theatre speakers (the VR8 and VR12, based on the company's pro-ribbon technology), the ALC2 controller-amplifier and the TS-series of compact in-fill speakers. The focus, however, was on the LR14 - the ultra-compact ribbon-loaded line-array.
Avolites showed production models of two new products - the eDMX and the ART 2000s stand-alone dimmer. eDMX transfers DMX data across a Wi-Fi radio link - removing the need for DMX data cables. The ART2000s is a stand-alone dimming module designed for distributed systems. Available in 10A, 16A and 32A per-channel ratings.
As well as introducing the familiar face of Andy Trevett, and demonstrating its increasingly popular Warp profile luminaire, ADB-LSI showed its compact and powerful Mentor control system. This is offered in 120, 240, 360 or 512 'instrument' versions (an instrument being anything from a single-channel dimmer to a channel-hungry automated light). Mentor is flexible, networkable and expandable.
Miltec, distributor in the UK for Fal and Pearl River lighting fixtures, and for Ecler audio products, was enjoying a busy show. Attention was drawn to Ecler's range of Digital Trilevel (DT) technology amplifiers, while also on show was a new range of colour-changing LED tubes.
Among its vast range of products, A.C. Lighting gave the final tradeshow preview of the Jands Vista console, prior to its full launch (see pages 43-45 for more on Vista). Also from A.C. was the Chroma-Q 4Play 4-way DMX buffer.
New exhibitor Specialz is a young company set up to offer custom design and manufacturing solutions to the entertainment industry. Custom projects to date include set pieces for R.E.M and lighting fixtures for Placebo.
Hall Stage picked up its second consecutive ABTT Award, this time for the DGS Counterweight Drive system, designed in conjunction with ASM Steuerungstechnik. The DGS offers 'an end to counterweight loading'. Fitting directly onto an existing counterweight frame, it uses twin steel bands with a combined safety factor of 20:1 to raise and lower the weight cradle at speeds of up to 1.5m/second - in virtual silence.
White Light was cementing its appointment as UK distributor for ELC Lighting's range of DMX tools, which include the Focus Hand, Focus Brain and ShowStore. Also from White Light was the DFS2000, an IP67-rated, digitally controlled festoon lighting system, designed in-house, which can run with up to 250,000 lamps and should find particular favour with set designers.
Orbital was flying the flag for the Yamaha PM5D digital mixing console, which picked up the show's Sound Product Award. Meanwhile, the company was also highlighting its assisted hearing services relating to the Disability Discrimination Act.
Main Stage was debuting brand new seating systems, designed and manufactured in-house, including a banquette system and a stacking/linking chair system. The company was also highlighting its wheelchair ramp fabrication, again addressing DDA requirements.
Fourth Phase added some visual impact with the PixelLine LED battens from James Thom
