PLASA Media is looking for feedback from readers of Lighting&Sound International magazine and PLASA Online News, to find out the products that are making the biggest impact among entertainment technology practitioners - and we want your input.

'Tried & Tested' will take a simple approach: we're not asking for your views on hundreds of different product categories, we're just after your gut reactions to a series of broad-based questions on the equipment you're using, in the fields of lighting, sound, staging and effects.

The aim of this is simply to sniff out what's impressed you, what's made a difference to your working life. There are no awards and no ceremonies - we're just going to stir the pot and see what, if anything, floats to the top. The products you vote for can be new or old, high-tech or low-tech - all are valid.

The products which have the highest profile from among th

OPTI has just released its 2001 Christmas brochure, aimed at giving retailers, bar operators and exhibition organizers access to a range of display options for the Christmas period. The OPTI Kinetics range of 6" rotating effects wheels has been strengthened with the new Christmas-themed versions featuring stained glass windows and Father Christmas scenes, to add to the snowflakes, stars, snowmen, bells and Nativity scenes which make up the range. All of these effects wheels can be used in conjunction with any of the OPTI Kinetics range of high quality effects projectors. Clear, concise and helpful advice on lighting effects, projection and installation is available free from OPTI staff, plus information on how individual requirements can be tailored to provide customized effects for any environment.

The Stage Accompany SSA amplifier range is specifically designed to meet the very high demands of (digital) cinema sound reproduction: these 'digital-cinema' dedicated amplifiers, have been developed with some unique features, to dramatically enhance the cinema experience, say the company. The SSA amplifiers feature SA’s ‘high speed, high current’ class G design. This high efficiency design, together with the 280 joules capacitor bank, makes the SSA 200 deliver 1380W of fast and sustained power per channel.

An important feature is the Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) system that completely eliminates the influence of (in cinema, often very long) speaker cables. The result is a highly accurate bass and mid response, without the need for using high impedance speakers. Through the tamper-free internally accessible EFN circuit slots, extra signal processing functions can be

Audient has launched a brand new product to augment its Surround Sound range - the ASP520 bass management processor. Launching in November 2001, designer David Dearden describes the ASP520 as "a unique problem solver for bass management in any surround monitoring system." Any surround sound monitoring environment which does not have five full-range loudspeakers in addition to a subwoofer needs some form of bass management in order to reproduce the full bass content of the surround mixes.

The ASP520 is a flexible bass management controller which permits selection of both the bass redirect source and destination. Phase compensation at the crossover point and two bands of parametric equalisation are provided to enable the LF performance of the monitor system to be optimized without resorting to external EQs. The ASP520 can be used alone, or in conjunction with the ASP510 Surrou

The recently developed VIGIL CommuniCare from Baldwin Boxall Communications is unique within the emergency communication sector, having been especially designed for use within a completely new market - Disabled Refuge Areas. Market leaders, Baldwin Boxall took the initiative to develop VIGIL CommuniCare, a sophisticated emergency communication system that meets the requirements for public buildings containing Refuge Areas, such as: Cinema Complexes, Hotels, Theatres and Office Blocks.

The main Control Panel allows Fire Officers or Building Managers to keep in contact with wheelchair bound personnel who, in an emergency, are kept from danger within Refuge Areas. The control panel is supplied as a 64 way unit which can be divided into 16-way blocks, is wall mountable and battery backed to meet EN60849, BS5839 part 8 and BS5588. The Remote Unit is housed within the Refuge Area and, once t

Electronic Theatre Controls chose LDI as the platform to launch a new lighting control product - Emphasis. The new product integrates two technologies that have never been together before - the hands-on lighting control of the company’s Express and Expression consoles and the new level of WYSIWYG’s Emmy award-winning visualization software. Emphasis can now handle the whole lighting process from start to finish: tasks don’t have to be repeated and a high level of integration means that the data only has to be entered once and the system will automatically update everything related to it. It also features WYSILink giving users a graphic representation of the system. The good news for current users of Expression and Express users is that they can upgrade to the new system.

Vari-Lite kicked off its participation at LDI 2001 with the debut of a ground-breaking new luminaire - the Vari*Lite VL1000 ellipsoidal reflector spotlight. The special sneak preview event, in Junior Ballroom G at the Rosen Centre Hotel, featured an overview of the innovative VL1000 by Vari-Lite chairman and CEO Rusty Brutsché. "With the VL1000, we believe Vari-Lite has taken the largest single step towards one of the goals the company set for itself when it was founded 20 years ago - developing automated systems for all stage lighting.

In addition to getting the preliminary, close-up look at the VL1000, attendees at the special event had the opportunity to see history in person as Vari-Lite displayed the numerous revolutionary luminaires from its 20 years of innovation, including the first ever automated light from Vari-Lite - the Vari*Lite VL0 prototype. It was the VL0 that he

QSC Audio Products Inc has introduced the DSP-30 digital processor. Building on the power and success of the DSP-3 signal processing module, the DSP-30 is a cost-effective, highly customizable, single rack unit, 2-channel signal processor featuring a high degree of functionality that can improve the performance of any sound system, say QSC Audio. The DSP-30's powerful processor facilitates a wide range of signal processing functions, including screen channel crossovers, multiple parametric EQ and time delay for surround channels, or subsonic filters for subwoofers. Compound these functions with compression/limiting, precision attenuation, mixing, plus tone or noise generation, and the DSP-30 is as flexible as your system's needs - easily capable of performing the most complex speaker processing tasks.

Featuring an intuitive front panel layout for easy program selection coupled with a c

Kelsey Acoustics has launched Duracat, a tough Cat5 DMX and AES data cable for industrial applications which provides a durable and reliable data solution for patching, theatre, studio stage and public area usage. According to Kelsey's Michael Whiteside, the brief for this cable was to produce a tough, "stage-proof" Cat5e cable that terminates with standard RJ45 connectors and yet has a build that provides real protection for its structure as a data cable. "We have gone to great lengths to ensure that Duracat is constructed for maximum flexibility combined with the strength and durability that is fundamental to the accurate transmission of data," he commented.

Satisfied customers already include Marquee Audio who have used Duracat for a recent theatre installation, and rental company SSE who were delighted with every aspect of the cable's performance in a live envir

A high quality successor to the Rosco 1600 fog machine - with radical improvements and lower cost, has been introduced by the company, offering solutions for theatre, clubs and rental applications. According to Rosco, every feature has been evaluated and state-of-the-art technology applied to give long-life reliability and high performance. The Rosco model 1700 delivers fog output equal to or more than that of the 1600, but in keeping with modern practice, draws low power - 1190W (230v) or 1130W (110v). The machine accepts either the 4L or 2.5L Rosco Fog Fluid bottle. The entire range of Rosco fluids is available in these sizes. This new machine has a remote control stored on board, with a 5m lead and fine control for on/off settings. It can be connected to a lighting control board through an optional DMX interface. An XLR socket port enables up to four machines to be operated with one

ARX Systems, the Australia-based manufacturer of pro audio products announces the release of the new ARX Product CD-ROM V5, the total resource centre for all things ARX. Completely revised and updated the V5 CD includes new products such as the SPL8, SPL20 and SPL 28 powered loudspeakers, 8 Pre mic preamp, ZAT multi-channel transformer packs, updated application notes and much more.

To obtain a copy you can either register online at the ARX website below.

Stardraw selected LDI 2001 as the launch platform for its latest lighting design and documentation software. Stardraw Lighting 2D is an all-new offering from the London-based software company and replaces the Stardraw 2DV3 package which has been available since 1998. The Windows application boasts a library of over 8,000 symbols of fixtures and truss, regular monthly updates of new symbols and program features, advanced reporting and an interface that is "so easy, even a salesman can use it."

David Snipp, Stardraw’s managing director and head of development, described some key elements: "This code has been under development and evolving for eight years so it’s very robust, reliable and above all, fast. With Stardraw Lighting 2D we've added a lot of advanced features and implemented a subscription-based philosophy, in line with Stardraw Audio and Stardraw AV.

Elektralite has launched the CP 16/24, a universal moving light controller and big brother to the renowned CP10xt - the workhorse of many club designs the world over. Whereas the CP10xt offers control of 16 x 8-channel fixtures, the new CP16 / 24 allows the user to control the very largest fixtures with its 16 x 24-channel capability (384 DMX channels). The CP16/24 is capable of programming a wide variety of different manufacturers' intelligent moving fixtures through the use of extensive libraries already patched and ready for use. There are even additional entries to cover fixtures not already specified in the library. It will also control dimmers, colour changers - in fact, virtually any device that utilises DMX protocol.

Retaining the ease of programming which made the CP-10xt such a world-wide success, it takes only seconds to learn how to enter a cue, create a chase, and construc

DPA Microphones has released its next-generation model of waterproof microphones - the Type 8011 - which, according to the company, is the only high-quality phantom-powered hydrophone in the world.

The 8011 is the only 48V phantom powered waterproof microphone specially designed to handle the high sound pressure levels and the high static ambient pressure in water and other fluids. With a full bandwidth of 100Hz-20kHz, the 8011 hydrophone uses a piezoelectric crystal sensing element which is enclosed in a capsule so that it can withstand high pressure encountered at depths of up to 50m without being damaged or suffering changes in its performance characteristics. The sensing element gives the hydrophone a dynamic range of more than 100dB, so that even large fluctuations in the SPL emitted from a sound source, or in the distance from the sound source to the hydrophone, will cause no dis

The Alien O5 is an elegant recessed colour changer from Martin Professional, which opens up new design possibilities in retail and themed environment illumination thanks to its stylish design and interchangeable colour possibilities. The compact and powerful Alien 05 is made of die-cast aluminium and offers eight interchangeable dichroic colour positions, plus open white. The Alien 05’s adjustable spherical head can be angled and swivelled in any position. It can be used as either a recessed ceiling fixture, or be positioned in a wall as an uplight, downlight or sidelight. The beam angle is 55-degrees and a special long life MR16 lamp (3000 hours) is included. The Alien 05 is also electrically dimmable using an appropriate transformer.

Colour and intensity can be controlled for various colour presets with colour sequences also controllable. With the Alien multi-driver unit, it is

BassBox Pro and X.Over Pro are a suite of programs designed to give the constructor a hassle-free method of constructing their own speaker cabinets.

BassBox Pro has a selection of seven cabinet styles with user-customizable parameters including dimensions, driver choice and vented or enclosed styles. A wide variety of drivers are available from including single, dual and three-way cone drivers and flat radiators. The BassBox software is aimed at the home/semi-professional constructor looking to build cabinets for the home hi-fi, small venue or car.

To this end the software has a section depicting typical home and car acoustics to help the constructor choose their design. X.Over Pro is a standalone crossover design program that is quite comprehensive and allows the user to design their own crossovers or modify examples. All parameters are calculated and response graphs updated as va

Arbiter Group has launched the ProVocal from dbx Professional. The ProVocal is a unique, dedicated and powerful vocal processor, featuring state-of-the-art microphone and preamp modelling, award winning compression and dynamic effects, a 24bit digital effects section and a selectable 44.1 or 48Khz digital output. There are 18 microphone models and 10 microphone pre-amp models. Effects include compressor and de-esser, as well as chorus, flanger, delay parametric EQ and reverb. The ProVocal features a 24-bit, 44.1 or 48kHz digital S/PDIF output and is MIDI controllable.

Entertainment Design magazine's EDDY Awards will be presented on 7 December 2001 at John Jay College Theatre in New York City. This special 10th anniversary EDDY event also includes six awards (both group and individual) to outstanding designers and technicians, as well as a tribute to all past winners, and a special salute to a talented group of young designers. This year's winners are High End Systems for the Catalyst projection system, developed in conjunction with Wynne Willson Gottelier. This latest Award follows on the heels of the PLASA Show and LDI Awards it has already won this autumn.

Lighting Accessory awards go to Lee Filters for the Quick Roll, a roll of colour gels already cut to standard fixture color frame widths; to Rosco for the Image Pro system of making low cost full-colour high-resolution plastic gobos; and to Wybron for the Eclipse II, a variable speed iris douser

The StratoSphere is a 60ft tall by 50ft wide inflatable dome with two airlock systems for entrance and exits. It has been designed to be a projection sphere capable of holding 300+ VIP guests and offer excellent projections of video, lighting and laser images inside a unique 360° environment. It is also possible to use the projection surfaces as a giant video screen as the surface of the sphere is specially designed for this medium, we have projected both on the inside and on the outside of the StratoSphere with equally impressive results and couple with the quick erection time of the sphere, Laser Magic feel that this system will attract users from many areas of our industry.

Its first showing was for a large event celebrating 20 years of King Fahad's reign in Saudi Arabia, where it was mounted on a barge in the sea. Inside the StratoSphere, Laser Magic installed high power video and

Coemar has launched the CF7WashZoomX, a new unit which complements the already popular CF7HEX. The new 700W MSR unit continues the Coemar tradition of using carbon fibre in the construction of the body and, alongside now standard features from Coemar such as high output and crisp definition, uses a powerful zoom lens system and a range of filters to alter the beam output from maximum intensity to maximum evenness to maximum diffusion. Alongside the zoom capability, which can produce beams as narrow as 9° and as wide as 54° with the diffusion lens, and as wide as 80° with the prismatic lens - Coemar's rich CMY colour mix system is included with a single dichroic colour wheel and colour correction filters.

Also new from Coemar, the new iCyc250 and ColourCyc250 LX are designed for applications requiring compact, intelligent colour wash facilities and are both constructed utilising the

Nady Systems, one of the world's largest wireless microphone manufacturers, has introduced a cost-competitive UHF package via its recently-appointed exclusive UK distributor, Lamba plc. Lamba see the UHF-10 as being one of the best value-for-money products on the market, the system offering all the advantages of clear-channel operation on the uncluttered UHF band (operating between 794-805MHz). Featuring the full 120dB dynamic range, the UHF-10 promises a typical operating range of 250ft - extending to up to 500ft in open areas.

Features of the UHF-10 receiver include DigiTRU Diversity for maximum range and drop-out protection, Tone Squelch for locking out potential interference; noiseless transmitter; both quarter-inch unbalanced and balanced XLR outputs and full LED indicators. The BodyPack Transmitter (UB-10) features: Off/Standby/On switch; low battery LED indicator; locking 3.5mm

Yesterday, Pioneer introduced to the world its first Pro DJ 19" rack-mount mixer; the DJM-3000. To ensure the widest possible music-making flexibility, the DJM-3000 is equipped with an industry-first Effect Mix Mode that easily and accurately effects phrases in a BPM-linked operation along with an improved auto beat effector. In addition to Echo and Zip, Pioneer has come up with a new effect, 'Roll'. This runs a mix while changing the pitch of the song up the chromatic scale to the beat of the music.

The Auto BPM Counter automatically measures and digitally displays a track's BPM (measurement range: 70-139 / 91-180 / 70-180 / Manual) allowing the user to merge one song into another smoothly. Tapping on the TAP button enables the user to manually input BPMs of tracks that are difficult to measure. DJs can now see the music beat, making it faster and easier to mix tracks with differ

Digital Audio Research Limited (DAR) has launched the Trigger Audio Replay System, building on its innovative workstation and disk-recorder technology to create a unique, flexible and powerful system for live television productions, as well as for radio and live theatre. Ideally suited to game show applications, Trigger provides easy-to-use instant-play facilities, allowing sound effects, music segments and voice-overs to be managed from a single system.

Trigger offers the the ability to record, edit, assign and replay audio segments from within a single-screen display. Mono and stereo audio segments can be assigned across up to four stereo outputs, with segments sequenced as four separate Playlists, or triggered individually by the 32 instant-play Trigger keys. Specific segments can be programmed for triggering by external switching - including contestants' and presenters' buttons, an

According to manufacturers Audio Digital Technology, its new SDA11 digital analyzer is a 'Digital Swiss Army Knife' for anyone who works with digital audio, verifying the final link in the audio chain. Visual indication is provided to indicate sample rate, line errors and channel status. The three output BNC connectors when connected to an oscilloscope will allow further investigation of data word length, eye patton and jitter. Word clock output is also possible from the incoming AES/SPDIF signal.

The small, hand-held, battery device will accept sample rates up to 96kHz at 24bits and will allow monitoring via headphones or internal loudspeaker of the incoming AES or SPDIF signals. For cases requiring a 'get out of trouble' fix, the analyzer is also capable of editing and re-transmitting the channel status bits causing the problem in communication, establishing a temporary working conn

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