UK - AudioStix are Switchcraft's newest additions to its expanding line of premium pro-audio products. The range consists of audio adaptors and impedance matching transformers which are supplied in compact, all-metal cases.

The two audio adaptors have 3.5mm stereo inputs and are designed to connect MP3 players, laptops, etc., to house sound systems - model 318 provides mic level output via an XLR connector, and model 319 provides line level output via a 3-way terminal block. Both products feature level controls and ground lift switches, and transformer isolation provides immunity from hum and buzz caused by ground loops and RF interference.

The impedance matching transformers have XLR to BNC connections and adapt 110 ohm to 75 ohm for AES/EBU, etc.

The range can be used as stand-alone adaptors, rear mounted into modular rack panels or permanently installed into any number of

UK - The Le Mark Group's range of Dirty Rigger gloves & accessories will be exhibited with more new products at the Safety & Health Expo 2012 at the NEC Birmingham from the 15-17 May (Stand E92).

Dirty Rigger products were designed for the diverse & arduous situations found within the rigging & outdoor event sectors of the international entertainment industry. Constant innovation and client requests have seen new gloves appear for exceptionally heavy duty industrial applications including mining, emergency services and mountain recovery. Dirty Rigger now has international distribution in over 40 countries.

Le Mark celebrates 2012 as their 30th year in the production of specialist security and heavy duty printed materials. These products will be equally represented at the Safety & Health Expo with a display of both custom printed 'Tamper Evident and Heavy Duty' equipment labell

USA - Analog Way is extending its range dedicated to soft edge blending applications. In addition to the Di-VentiX II, a versatile quad scaler seamless switcher with mixer, matrix and edge blending modes, Analog Way announces the release of Smart Edge FX. The STE200 is an advanced High Resolution Seamless Switcher with Dual Output Edge Blending. Also new for the show will be an improved Smart Edge upgraded to include a PIP feature and frame store memory.

These solutions will be exhibited in Analog Way's booth #N952 during InfoComm 2012, from 13-15 June in Las Vegas.

"Analog Way has a long history in the development of solutions enabling the creation of wide images, either horizontally or vertically", explains Franck Facon, marketing & communications director. "Combining this with different levels of processing capabilities, we now offer three Edge Blending syste

USA - Set to debut at InfoComm 2012 next month, Equipson's Work DCA 1 is a mixer amplifier designed designed for use in a variety of applications.. One of the biggest advantages of DCA 1 is its ability to receive remote instructions by RS232 or RS485 via ASCII, or even using DMX, says the company.

DCA 1 is a versatile amplifier featuring two channels, designed for for integrators to amplify installations like restaurants and small shops.

It features eight mono inputs, one of them with mic selectable priority, and also features double output of (120 W + 120 W RMS) with terminals. Its operating modes are different because the integrated microprocessor is able to set up an eight inputs- two outputs matrix, so it is like having two totally independent amplifiers. This way, DCA 1 has the following operating modes: Stereo: 1 stereo input to the stereo output; Parallel: the stereo in

USA - Clear-Com has introduced the latest additions to its line of professional headsets, the CC-300 and CC-400, which offer "extra comfort, better performance and more flexibility for users who employ intercoms for long hours". These new systems are compatible with Clear-Com's wide range of wired and wireless intercoms.

The new Clear-Com CC-300 single-ear headset and CC-400 double-ear headset were designed to reduce fatigue and accommodate individual preferences by offering a clear and comfortable audio experience, the company says.

The CC-300 and CC-400 headsets' microphone booms can be rotated 300 degrees, allowing the microphone to be worn on the right or left side of the head. Users can also make the headsets larger or smaller by manipulating the slide adjustments on either side of the headband. In addition, the enclosed headphones have very soft padding and a s

UK - At the forthcoming ABTT Theatre Show at the Old Truman Brewery, d&b audiotechnik will be presenting some of the more miniscule loudspeakers from the d&b range.

The teenyweeny E4 and E5 from the Black range are powerful two-way passive loudspeakers. Both are coaxial with100° dispersion and are commonly used for delay, in-fill, and surround sound. The comparably sized 4S and 5S from the xS-Series of the White range exhibit almost identical performance data and like their Black counterparts they too can reach 115 dB SPL and 117 dB SPL respectively, the company says. Yet White range loudspeakers are not designed for the rough and tumble of touring theatre; instead they are purpose designed for permanent installation and offer a comprehensive variety of mounting options, so too an almost inexhaustible range of colours from the RAL European standard.

For those eager to lear

Belgium - Stageco has developed Arena Lift, a new hydraulic lifting system that raises larger ground supports with grids into venues to increase rigging capacities. The innovative Arena Lift has been used for the first time this spring on a run of Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco shows, where a 20.4m high, 21.8m x 24m mother grid was installed into venues in Budapest, Rome and Casablanca.

Cirque du Soleil's senior production manager for arena shows Pierre Guillotte explains, "Conversations first started with Stageco in August 2011, with the system first being used mid-February; an impressive turnaround. When looking to extend the reach of our tours we looked at the suitability of many arena venues, some have capacity but there are a significant number of buildings that cannot accommodate us. Our research and scouting has taken us into emerging markets from Eastern Euro

USA - Technomad will introduce several new product accessories at InfoComm 2012 to complement its advanced audio solutions range. The innovative tools give systems integrators and end users flexible new options to simplify Technomad installations in stadiums, on college campuses and across other indoor/outdoor facilities, says the company.

Technomad will show a weatherproof breakout box and Apple AirPort Express audio streaming compatibility for its range of PowerChiton amplifier modules. The company will also show a new stainless steel mounting solution for its high-power weatherproof loudspeaker models.

"Technomad is always seeking ways to increase the range of applications for our products, and make life easier for systems integrators by innovating solutions that address installation challenges in the field," said Rodger von Kries, vice president, Technomad.

The

Russia Trussing and staging manufacturer Prolyte Group is exhibiting at the first edition of the P+S Moscow, held from 16-19 May. Together with the support from distributing partner MF Group, Prolyte Group kicks off her presence at this exhibition offering a mix of products, support and seminars.

At the exhibition Prolyte Group is showcasing a broad selection of its products, including new products like the H40R truss, PreRigTruss and the LiteConsole.

During the exhibition Prolyte Group will present two seminars. Marc Hendriks, technical director, will present a masterclass on the ProLyft Hoist on Friday and will also present two build up sessions for an MPT roof on Thursday and Friday.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Software provider Stardraw.com has announced the launch of the first of many planned Cloud services. The service supports their latest software design and documentation package, Stardraw Design 7, and is designed to automatically synchronise all User Defined Products (UDPs) across all the computers you use to run the application.

Stardraw Design 7 features vast libraries of product data; more than 55,000 symbols of products from over 600 manufacturers and users can also create their own product data with the User Defined Product Wizard. One of the challenges is that people tend to have Stardraw Design 7 installed on more than one computer - perhaps one (or more) in the office, one at home, and possibly a laptop as well.

Once activated, the Synchronize UDP service will automatically upload your customized product data to the Cloud where it is stored and backed up on three

USA - Cadac Holdings is exhibiting and demonstrating its new CDC eight digital production console to the US theatre sound industry as a sponsor of the Live Design Broadway Sound Master Classes. It will also be the first showing of the new 32 fader frame variant in the US.

Cadac's US theatre sound distributor, RF Productions of NY, Inc, will be showing the new console to theatre design professionals and students during manufacturers' showcase sessions, from 19 to 20 May, in the intimate confines of the 99 seat Abe Burrows Theatre at NYU. Cadac's participation is part of the New Technology Presentation, with RF Production's Tom Bensen and Cadac International Sales Manager, Ben Millson, in attendance.

Critically for the theatre market, the CDC eight offers a powerful mix solution, supporting a uniquely high input count on a desk with such a compact footprint; and at a cost that m

USA - With BlueLine system, Work introduces a new solution for audio control & distribution. It includes features such as the selection of different sources to different zones, the individual volume control of each speaker, or the control of the entire system via RS 485 or RS 232, and all through a single, reliable and cost-effective Cat5 cable. This point (the cabling) is the most interesting feature because it simplifies massively the installation time on users and saves costs, because of the fact that Cat 5 is one of the most inexpensive cables in the market.

With BlueLine it is possible to create up to 256 zones with seven audio channels plus one local channel on each zone and alarm system support, and all with a very cost effective way and with a fast installation, and everything remote controlled through RS 232 or RS 485, says the company. Finally, the possibility to use W

UK - Black Light reports that it is now offering the first Avolites Sapphire Touch lighting desk for hire in the UK. This just-launched product is not the only new addition to the company's extensive hire list, which, thanks to recent extensive investment, boasts a wide range of cutting edge technology such as the energy efficient range of LED lighting from Robe.

"The Sapphire Touch is a really great piece of kit," says Calder Sibbald, Black Light's Head of Hires and Events. "It offers real flexibility, a fantastic user interface and new pixel mapping. We're really excited about being the first company to be able to offer it. It shows our determination to be ahead of the field and offer more innovative products than our competitors."

The Sapphire Touch is Avolites' top-of-the-range stage lighting control console. It integrates the company's comprehensive Ti

UK - London-based audio and broadcast equipment hire company Richmond Film Services has upgraded one of its trio of SoundField ST250 portable microphones, replacing it with the recently launched ST450.

The ST450 is the latest in a long line of compact SoundField battery-powerable microphones aimed at location sound recordists. Like its predecessors, the ST450 can generate audio in any format including mono, stereo, Mid & Side, and phase-coherent 5.1 surround and beyond, without the need for more than one microphone.

"We got one of the new ST450s, and it's proved very popular amongst our rental clients so far," explains Nigel Woodford, co-founder of Richmond Film Services. "It's more convenient for many location recordists, because the ST450 can output four line-level signals, which suits users of some portable four-channel recorders better. We've retired two of

USA - "Making its US debut, the V-Series line array is the heavily anticipated new addition to the Black range of touring loudspeaker systems," said the d&b US marketing manager Roger Keim.

"But don't let that be the only reason you come to Las Vegas from 13-15 June: on booth C11528 we will also have many other interesting offerings from both the Black and White ranges, and as this is the first time that the White range has been shown in the west of the nation, we will also make four daily presentations of the range in our dedicated demonstration lounge." The lounge sessions are approximately thirty minutes, are free to attend and will take place each day at 9 am,11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm in room N103.

In short visitors will be able to see the new E4 and E5 loudspeakers, the teeny-weeny additions to the comprehensive assortment of delay, fill and effects loudspe

USA - In one of Las Vegas Convention Centre's larger meeting rooms (N110), Meyer Sound will set up the largest and most sophisticated multichannel surround system the company has ever assembled for a trade show. Combining the Constellation acoustic system and SpaceMap multichannel surround panning through the D-Mitri digital audio platform, a special demo programme Surrounded in New York will be featured.

The live presentations will also offer a sneak peak of the linearity of the 1100-LFC low frequency control element, a new loudspeaker for low-end directional applications in large-scale tours and installations. The 1100-LFC will begin shipping in June 2012.

On the main show floor (booth C9717), the recently expanded range of low-voltage, self-powered solutions will be shown in the US for the first time, including three 48 V,DC-powered models: the UPJunior-XP VariO and

USA - Swedish image processing and control specialists, Dataton will bring their Watchout 5.2multiple image and display software for the first time to InfoComm 2012. Watchout will be showcased on the main aisle booth at InfoComm together with the Dataton Pickup audio guide system. Along with their partner Show Sage, Dataton will launch their Academy programme offering in-depth training and education sessions for their North American customers highlighting how they can make the most out of their presentations, events and productions.

"Since the introduction of Watchout version 5.2 earlier this year, we've received a tremendous response from users.," says Fredrik Svahnberg, marketing director, Dataton AB. "We're consistently impressed with the new and exciting ways in which Watchout is used in the market and we hope to highlight just a few of these during InfoComm20

UK - With a heritage in effects projection development dating back to 1970, OPTI Kinetics has retained its iconic 'Solar' prefix to mark the launch of its first LED-based device.

Back in the golden era of disco the Solar 250 became probably the best known effects projector in the world. The company subsequently embraced the various evolutionary stages of lamp technology and has this month announced the OPTI Solar LED, in its customary white chassis.

Boasting light output of over 650 lumens from a 40W LED module, along with a high colour temperature for truer colour projection and image clarity, the OPTI Solar LED is suitable for all gobo and effect projection applications.

LED technology offers the operator many benefits, including cool running, virtually silent operation and a 100,000-hour effective life of the LED module - over 300 times that of an M33 lamp. LED technology

China - Wireless Solution Sweden AB will be exhibiting at PALM EXPO in Beijing with new products and new improvements to their W-DMX product line.

PALM EXPO, held 24-27 May 2012 at the New China International Exhibition Centre in Beijing is China's largest and most established technology event for the entertainment, pro audio and light, music, trussing and staging, installation and AV industry.

Wireless Solution will officially launch the new G4S, a completely new software platform that is prepared for future hardware functions as well as many new features and updated functions. W-DMX G4S has the lowest latency in the market under 5ms, available for a software update on all existing Micro F-1, BlackBox, WhiteBox and ProBox units already shipped via the USB Dongle, says the company. The new software is patent protected in Europe as well United States.

BlackBox MK2 offers supp

UK - Orbital Sound is planning a compelling product line-up of international brands on Stand No: 33 at ABTT 2012 (Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, 13-14 June) - including the first UK showing of the recently launched Clear-Com HelixNet all-digital intercom platform. Among the latest additions to Orbital's comprehensive portfolio will be the new Yamaha CL Series mixers, the d&b audiotechnik V-Series loudspeakers, and the Shure Axient radio microphone system.

Based on Clear-Com's advanced I.V.Core Technology, HelixNet is designed to break down the conventional barriers between intercom technologies, combining exceptional audio quality and network flexibility with cabling simplicity and system intelligence. Clear-Com products are distributed exclusively in the UK by Orbital.

Orbital's sales director Tom Byrne comments, "Although we all use analogue wired communication

USA - Tannoy, Audica, Lab.gruppen and Lake will be exhibiting together again at InfoComm 2012, taking place between 13-15 June at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

InfoComm 2012 will see a number of firsts, with Tannoy demonstrating its new VLS Series passive column loudspeakers for the first time. VLS Series is the first Tannoy product to incorporate FAST (Focussed Asymmetrical Shaping Technology).

Visitors to the show will also get an exclusive first opportunity to find out about Tannoy's new VSX Series subwoofer line - being unveiled in the demo room.

Leading the charge for Lab.gruppen will be its latest install-centric amplifier range, E Series, which was previewed at last year's InfoComm, well in advance of its official launch. Lab.gruppen will also exhibit its PLM Series (which incorporates Lake Processing technology) alongside the Lake LM 44 (another debut at InfoComm)

UK - Northamptonshire based Unusual Rigging has added in excess of £1m worth of stock to its rental inventory, including chain hoists, truss and control.

Responsible for more than 40 theatrical productions - West End, regional and touring - plus upcoming corporate events and installations - plus an exceptionally busy summer - Unusual has added 500 Liftket chain hoists to its existing stock of over 1,500 units. The new stock comprises 50 x 2 ton, 350 x 1 ton and 100 x 500kg hoists, all of which are direct control and double braked.

Unusual's hire stock of truss has been increased with the addition of Prolyte's H40 and S52. The H40 is designed for permanent or semi-permanent installations such as theatrical sets and studio grids, while the heavy duty square S52 truss is designed for high load bearing demands and high frequency usage, such as supporting structures, overhead

UK - MilTec (UK) Ltd has come up with new way to colour or brand your LED uplighters. Conferences, weddings and theatre productions can all be enhanced by co-ordinating the colour with the surrounding décor or scenery or by adding your customers own logo or message.

Ad Cover is a patented cover system designed for the entertainment industry and is designed to be used with all makes and shapes of LED uplighter from MilTec's own LEDHead units to those supplied by GDS, Core, Chauvet and Showtec. The lightweight, fold-flat design makes it easy to transport and also allows for re-use on tours and roadshows, says the company.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Trade AV rental specialist PSCo Rental has launched the omniSHAPES from manufacturer eyevis to the UK. omniSHAPES features seven high resolution tile shapes, including rectangular, arrows and hexagonal tiles, which fit together seamlessly to create walls or any shape or size. The modules have been designed with front and back access for operation and maintenance with a simple and robust mounting system.

Stuart Holmes, PSCo Group CEO explained, "At PSCo, our ethos is to invest in and bring new technologies to the UK market, making them available to our trade partners in compelling rental packages. The introduction of omniSHAPES will give customers more flexibility to be creative with the confidence of the latest German engineering supporting the product.

"omniSHAPES is believed to be a real game changer and the next generation of display and is the most technical

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