MA Lighting has extended its product range with another innovative new console, the grandMA ultra-light, which neatly plugs gap between grandMA light and the well-known Scancommander.

The compact desk offers 1024 control channnels (two DMX lines) and most of the software and programming features of the grandMA light. It uses the same future-oriented grandMA software and is therefore compatible with other show files. The console features a full-color TFT touchscreen, 10 manual executor faders, 10 executor buttons, four encoders and a single multi-functional trackball (for mouse and wheel-operation). It has Ethernet, MIDI and timecode, together with a floppy and a built-in hard-disk. Two control desks (also in combination with other grandMA range controllers) can be linked for full tracking back-up or playback tracking in order to increase the channel count. In comparison to grandMA ligh

The perfect time to show off High End Systems' hottest products is during the hottest time of the year in Texas. During July 11-12, High End Systems is inviting all interested parties to see the latest new offerings at its Lone Star headquarters in Austin. From 3-6 pm on both days, visitors can chill out with the High End team with cold beverages and hors d'oeuvres while watching demos of x.Spot, EC-2, Handshake, Indy 575, Color Pro and Studio Beam. The office is located at 2217 West Braker Lane, Austin, Texas 78758. Anybody wishing to attend should call the special reservations hotline at +1 877-468-1693.

Direct marketing company Smart Sound Direct, has introduced the latest in its line of ancillary equipment. The Chameleon CF8 mains distribution unit/high frequency filter is designed to sit quietly within any sound system fending off those inherent mains born nasties such as high frequency ‘spikes’ and ‘saw tooth wave’ beasties living within the power supplies. Using Chameleon evolved precision winding techniques, far more mains filtration is now possible than previously achieved for a unit of this size and weight. The compact close coupled design allows 1U rack models to be fitted with Neutrik 15 amp Powercon sockets feeding up to eight appliances, or alternatively a 2U design featuring six 13 amp outlets.

For the fifteenth year DHA Lighting will be exhibiting at PLASA.

PLASA will see the launch of DHA’s new YoYo+, ideal for revealing images and for creating effects such as sun rises, opening doors and windows, bouncing balls and floating balloons. Available in single and double versions, with the option of a gobo-changer on the double design, the YoYo+ was initially designed for the current production of My Fair Lady, in which it has been used to create a window effect on stage. Using ETC Source Fours, each with a distortion corrected glass window gobo with a net curtain, the YoYo+ gobo has a heavy curtain profile - when Higgins pulls a rope all four curtains 'open' to reveal the window patterns and the room floods with light.

Continuing on from last year’s success, DHA Lighting will be conducting lighting effects workshops in the Kensington Room on Wednesday 12 September

The new CCS 800 compact discussion system from Philips CSI provides an easy and affordable way to improve the management of meetings and conferences. It also comes with an extra incentive - a free delegate unit for every 10 delegate/chairman units purchased.

The CCS 800 is suited to small to medium-sized applications for up to 100 delegates. Each delegate unit comes complete with built-in microphone, loudspeaker and two headphone sockets with volume control. Optional units have an additional priority override button which cuts off all other speakers when pressed, allowing meetings to be managed more effectively. Other optional features include simultaneous translation facilities, remote participation by telephone and linking to a PA system for broadcasting proceedings to a larger audience. The CCS 800 interfaces easily with external equipment to extend its capabilities. For instance, a

At the 10th annual British Entertainment & Discotheque Association Awards, held in Birmingham, the Mackie Fussion System walked off with the top award of the evening when it was voted Product of the Year 2001.

The BEDA/Miller awards are voted upon by members of the association and a panel of judges. The judges had the following to say about the system. "Mackie's high-output active speaker system has made a major impact in late night venues across the UK. Combining high precision transducers with application specific amplifier technology, the system is capable of generating extreme output levels with incredibly low distortion levels. Its in-built amplification allows for ease of installation and minimal signal loss."

Amptown Cases is celebrating a staggering 10,000 sales worldwide of its versatile Transflex road trunk system by launching Transflex2, offered in a standard range of four lengths and two widths (1/4 and 1/3 truck packs). As part of the launch, Amptown is offering the first 598 customers over 20% discount.

The Transflex2 has been updated to allow even greater flexibility. The movable partition systems have been redesigned to allow them to be positioned at 25mm centres, and are available in two heights, one which fits the full height of the case and a shorter version, designed to fit under any trays that are used. The Transflex2 trays themselves are self-supporting and can now be firmly located anywhere along the length of the case - they can also be fitted in multiples. Existing users of Transflex will be pleased to learn that all components of the new Transflex2 are compatible with the

GuidePort is a unique 'intelligent' visitor audio guide system from Sennheiser. It employs the very latest multiple-channel, digital wireless transmission technology to provide an almost limitless degree of functionality, in providing a soundtrack to any visitor attraction.

By the use of digital sound transmission techniques and cellular-based computer network control, a virtually unique visitor experience can be provided, incorporating multiple languages, any number of different levels of description - with separate soundtracks for children, adults, locals, tourists, experts or even individual visitor groups - each visitor experiencing a soundtrack specific to their chosen route through the attraction, automatically received as they approach each exhibit or enter an area of the attraction. Thus any number of 'different' tours can occur continuously and simultaneously.

Additionally m

Established in 1996, AVW Controls has a growing reputation for leading the way for affordable stage machinery automation, and this year is exhibiting at PLASA for the first time.

PLASA 2001 will see the launch of the company’s latest chain hoist controller. The six-way chain hoist controller is designed for Verlinde and CM Lodestar type hoists and can be used either in the usual way or controlled with AVW’s Impressario computer control system. AVW will also be promoting its Impressario motion control system, designed and built by AVW. In response to industry needs, Impressario offers sophisticated computerised automation for rigging and scenery, at a significantly lower price than anything else in its league. Developed primarily to control flying systems, Impressario suits any motor and is ideal for scenery changes and synchronising flying bars.

The console can be plugged

Gemini’s lighting division has launched a number of new fog machines. The FG-5200 is a low profile, lightweight professional fogger built around a large, internal 1.5 quart fluid tank. Boasting a high output pump providing 10,000 cubic feet per minute, the FG-5200 also has a 1200W heat exchanger for denser fog. The unit incorporates a 32 foot remote control with magnetic backing, while the remote itself features both timer and duration controls. Also new are the FG-1200 and FG-2200 fog machines. While the FG-1200 boasts a high output pump offering 3000 cubic feet per minute, the FG-2200 will pump 4000 cubic feet in the same time. For denser fog, the FG-1200 has a 700W heat exchanger, while the FG-2200 has an 800W version. Both units have a 32 foot remote control with magnetic backing and a lower heating temperature as an added safety mechanism.

Coe-tech Ltd is now stocking the PR.com projector system - the latest product from Italian company Travel Show, for which Coe-tech is exclusive UK distributor. The PR.com is suited to a wide range of applications including retail/point-of-sale, museums, attractions, bars, restaurants and club.

The system comprises two small projectors: the PR 5.2 is an effects projector using 200W or a 250W HSD light source whilst the PR.com 3.1 utilizes a 250W 24V halogen lightsource. The PR 5.2 is a versatile multi-functional device, offering bright, sharp images up to 10 metres from the source. A variety of effects are available to fit on the front of the projectors. Two metal prongs extrude from the lightsource and support the lens system, plus a large range of motorized or fixed accessories and effects. The effects mechanism is designed specifically to offer very quick and simple access for changi

For the 10th year, drape, track and rigging specialist Blackout Triple E will be exhibiting at PLASA.

This year the company will be launching a modular curtain track control system with DMX protocol. The 19-inch rack-based system will control the entire range of Blackout Triple E systems and will feature DMX interface as standard to enable track systems to be integrated into a lighting and movement package. Also on display on the Blackout Triple E stand will be a variety of track, drapes, starcloths and automation equipment, as well as acoustic blind systems.

Blackout Triple E was formed when two market leaders merged in 2000 to provide the entertainment, architectural, presentation and event industries with a range of solutions for drape, track and engineering requirements. Offering a combination of specialized drape creation with an expertise in tracks, Blackout Triple E's experie

Hayden Laboratories Ltd, exclusive UK distributor for Rane products, has launched the Rane DA 26 distribution amplifier - a neat 1U splitter/mixer device providing a one-box solution for all installers of paging and background music systems.

The Rane DA 26 provides a paging preamplifier, dynamics processor, crossover, distribution amplifier and remote-level-control in one unit. It can serve up to six zones, routing a mono Program Source and a Priority Page Source. The program source is processed by an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) circuit with adjustable target level, ratio and attack/decay. The Priority/Page Input features automatic signal detection and remote zone assignment. Automatic program attenuation with a range of 0dB to -80dB allows mic/line mixing, talk-over or Priority-Replaces-Program operation.

Each of the six outputs can distribute full range, high pass or low pass prog

Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW), part of the fast-expanding Mackie Designs Inc group of pro audio manufacturers, hosted a demonstration of the new KF760 line array solution in Amsterdam during the recent Audio Engineering Society Convention. Delegates and press were treated to a full-scale workout for the array, installed at the Jaap Eden Hal ice rink just minutes from the RAI Convention Centre. Over 150 people attended the event, during which director of research and development David Guinness outlined the technology behind the KF760, and traced its evolution within the EAW family of products. "This is really our second-generation line array, after the KF860 - which became a highly specialized product for sight-line events such as television shows, the Superbowl and things like that," he said. "It never got used a lot in touring, however. It was a big cabinet, and we learned

Hayden Laboratories has supplied West London-based installation and audio consultants Phoenix Technologies with a large number of Denon multi-play CD players for an innovative North London installation. Their client Richard Abbott has a large house and a colossal CD collection. He was looking for a flexible, cutting-edge audio system that would allow him quickly and easily to locate and replay any CD or track in his vast music archive – numbering over 2000 discs! Richard set Phoenix a demanding brief for a versatile and robust systemThe Phoenix Team set about designing a system, and selected the Denon Multiplay DCM-5000 machines at an early stage in the process.

Phoenix specified the Denon machines because they wanted the most reliable technology available. They have used the Denon brand in a variety of other installs over the years. It was also essential that this system was exp

Due to be launched at PLASA 2001, the innovative ChromaRange is a new state-of-the-art family of LED technology lighting fixtures designed and manufactured by Pulsar Light of Cambridge. Each fixture houses 80 powerful, high efficiency LEDs. These comprise of a mixture of Red, Green and Blue types to allow endless RGB colour mixing - making 16.7 million colours possible. The LEDs have a rated life of 25,000 hours at full power white, but this is greatly increased if the fixture is dimmed or producing coloured light as in normal use. The units can crossfade slowly from any colour to another or strobe if required, as they feature fast-response electronics. Alternative clip-in diffusers will be available for different beam angles and shapes allowing various effects to be achieved. The LED units boast a high light output, and the infinite colour palette ranging from pastels to deep intense hu

The MTFX Party Cannon is a single-shot cannon which fires both confetti and streamers in to the air together using a built-in compressed air cylinder. Each cannon is pre-loaded with a mixture of both tissue confetti and metallic streamers in a wide variety of colours. The confetti shapes include stars, circles, bubbles and flowers as well as regular Flying Fetti!

The Party Cannon is available in four sizes to suit all venues and operators: the 200mm cannons are particularly suitable for smaller indoor venues as they fire the confetti and streamers to a distance of up to 4 metres. The 300mm cannons are ideal for larger parties and venues as they will fire the contents up to a distance of l0 metres. The 500mm cannons are aimed at very large venues and outdoor parties as they can shoot confetti and streamers to a distance of up to 20 metres. The 800mm cannons need to be reserved for footb

The Moving Light Company has added Vari*Lites to its extensive hire stock. The latest additions are the VL2202 spot luminaire and VL2402 wash luminaire. Both based around the same case design, familiar from Vari*Lite's popular VL6B luminaire, the VL2202 and VL2402 both use a 700W short arc lamp to provide high light output. The VL2202 spotlight offers a wide zoom range, fixed and indexing/rotating gobos wheels and an interchangeable colour wheel, while the VL2402 washlight, one of the most talked about products at last year's LDI trade show, offers CMY colour mixing coupled with a highly controllable variable beam.

Both units have already been specified for the forthcoming UK tour of Miss Saigon by lighting designer David Hersey, where they will replace the VL2C spot luminaire and VL4 wash luminaire used on the original London production. The Moving Light Company will be supplying Miss

PCM, UK and European distributors for Columbus McKinnon Lodestar hoists, will show a selection of the many types of Lodestar motors available, including standard rigging range, VGB 70/BGV C1 type and the FX range - now available for theatrical use. The company will also highlight its renowned and highly successful hands-on Motor School and Rigging School training courses.

A new version of the compact CM Prostar motor is also being launched at the show, with increased capacities and speeds. This new higher speed version will climb at six metres a minute and 10m/min (increased from the industry standard four metres a minute). A new 500 lb SWL @ 4m per minute version is also to be launched - an increase of 200 lbs over the pervious 300 lb SWL.

PCM - Stand F18

PLASA 2001 sees Avolites also launch the Art2000-US 20 Amp digital dimmer, specifically designed for America.

The Full Mains Patching, virtually silent operation and 100% duty cycle, 20 Amp channels will satisfy America’s sharply growing demand for portable, high density touring dimming systems.The Avolites Art-2000 dimmer is an established and proven design, and the American system utilises the flexible Dimming or Mains Distribution modular design that has made the Avolites Art dimmer popular around the world.

The system features a Mains Patch with four sockets per dimmer channel (total 192) to 162 Patch Cords connected to 25 Socapex and 12 Stagepin outlets. All patch cords are numbered, colour coded and utilise the 32 Amp rated ‘Multi-lam’ contacts. Mains connection is via 5 wire Camloc inputs complete with Camloc loop outlets. The Rack system is supplied with Vol

InnovaSon has announced the availability of V6.6, the latest version of its Sensoft software and is available for free download at the www.innovason.com download section. Sensoft 6.5 is still available for download. Sensoft is the software used to run a Sensory Live Console and can be installed also on a stand-alone PC or a laptop. The show can be set up anywhere, without the console, and transferred to the console via floppy disk.

Tannoy has launched two new in-wall speakers, and the new i7 Contour full range installation loudspeaker.

The in-wall products integrate the company’s highly-regarded cabinet-based speaker technology into a flush-mountable format. Designed to provide value for money, ease of installation and high performance, the new speakers are suitable for music and film playback, multimedia and teleconferencing applications in boardrooms, themed visitor attractions, shops and residential installations. The powerful m2iw is a two-way system with a 165mm (6.5") long-throw mid/bass driver, 25mm (1") soft dome HF unit and onboard crossover. The design offers the assurance of long-term reliability combined with excellent sound quality.

The high-performance S8iw features a Tannoy 200mm (8") Dual Concentric constant directivity driver with an integral crossover network to provide su

Hacousto International plans to unveil its new fully digital speaker array at PLASA.

"If our predictions regarding the industry’s response to this new digital speaker array prove as successful as our attempts to keep the design and specification under wraps until its launch at PLASA, we will have met our launch objectives," commented Hacousto’s Albert van der Hout. "Our evaluation of market needs has already been proven with a vote of confidence from one of the World Cup Stadiums. Following successful trials The Stadium has already committed to installing the new speakers," he continued. "We are sufficiently confident to invite the industry gurus to take up our challenge with a bench test. But only after the show," Albert concluded.Hacousto - Stand B24

Visitors to Baldwin Boxall’s stand will see a range of new products. These include the VIGIL Communicare, a product developed in response to the publication of BS5588, which states that every public building must have a communication link to each Refuge Point. The system enables a fire officer to remain in contact with any disabled person whilst they are in the safety of a refuge area. The main Communicare control panel will be available in four versions, covering up to 16, 32, 48 or 64 areas. Communicare will, of course, be compliant to BS5588 and BS5839 part 8.

Also new is the VIGIL Eclipse/BVCOM - a serial data port being designed to enable adecentralised VIGIL Eclipse/BVCOM to be controlled externally via the BVRM intelligent microphone. The company’s R&D team is also currently working on software which will enable the BVR20 to be programmed via a laptop. Finally, the

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