USA - Technomad Associates reports that its complete line of loudspeakers and subwoofers are compliant with the International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) IP56 rating under its IP Code. IP56 is a stringent standard for superior protection against hazardous parts and water ingression, and is an extremely rare rating for full-range outdoor loudspeakers. IEC provides international standards and conformity assessments for government, business and society for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
The IP Code, defined in IEC's international standard 60529, classifies the level of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, water and accidental contact. All Technomad products ranging from its 60W Vernal 15 loudspeaker to the 800W Chicago 15/12 subwoofer have an IP56 rating.
Technomad loudspeakers are installed around the world in cruise shi
UK - Christie has introduced the Christie HD405 - the first native HD model in the company's single-chip DLP portfolio. The new projector combines DLP image quality with full 1080p resolution, making it a solution for small-to-medium sized conference rooms, boardrooms, training rooms, home theatre and 24/7 applications where single chip DLP reliability is paramount, says the company.
The HD405 presents dynamic, high definition images with 4100 ANSI lumens brightness and a 1000-7500:1 contrast ratio. "The Christie HD405 is the first 1080p single-chip DLP projector in the Christie line, and the first to market with on-board 10-bit image processing and the capability to deliver 4100 lumens," notes Neil Wittering, director of product management, business products, Christie. "The combination of brightness, high resolution and advanced image processing single this out a
USA - The new EAW NTL720 is a self-powered line array loudspeaker system featuring a true three-way design and numerous other EAW patented and proprietary technologies housed in a compact (9.4" x 24" x 14.3") and low-weight (less than 50lb/22.68kg) package. The entire enclosure face of each NTL720 module is filled by a full-sized mid/high horn providing 110° (horizontal) by 12° (vertical) dispersion. The extreme horn size insures broadband pattern control throughout the entire MF/HF pass-band.
High frequencies are produced by six 1" dome tweeters, configured in two vertical columns (each with three tweeters) mounted on a manifold that feeds a single slot in the centre of the horn, highly effective in controlling vertical dispersion. Flanking the HF section, dual 6" cone woofers handle the MF range, also loading on to the horn, with minimal space
UK - Kramer Electronics has announced the availability of the VP-26 presentation switcher. The VP-26 offers four independent routing switchers as well as a master audio switcher all in one box, and is capable of passing computer graphics video, s-Video, component, composite or SDI signals at high bandwidth. Its multi-functionality, full feature set, and compact size make the VP-26 ideal in robust presentation and multimedia environments, says the company.
The VP-26 is a high performance switcher that includes three independent 4x2 audio/video matrix switchers and one independent 2x2 audio/video matrix switcher, all in a compact two rack unit frame for a standard 19" professional rack enclosure. It combines the functions of a 4x2 matrix switcher for computer graphics signals with audio, composite video and audio, and s-Video and audio, as well as a 2x2 matrix switcher for co
France - ETC France enjoyed an exceptionally busy Heavent 2007 show in Paris, launching two innovative new products - OnlyView 3D and the Focal Triple.
The stand was the result of a collaboration with three other international companies - UK-based Stage One, specialists in automation systems, stage machinery and set creations; Anglo-French draping and material specialists Blackout and lighting, LED screen and sound rental house, Lumière et Son Paris.
The stand and the live show presentation on it were designed by Fabien Martineau of Scenographism, who was also integrally involved in the R&D of the new OnlyView 3D product launched by ETC at the show.
The show centrepiece was a revolving cube, projected onto with video controlled by OnlyView 3D. This was Martineau's brainchild for demonstrating the versatility and scope of the system, on which he collaborated with ETC France'
USA - Link, introduced the new DGlink digital audio distribution system, at the LDI Show in Orlando.
"The primary objective was to offer a solution that will replace, or integrate with, traditional audio distribution systems (analogue and digital) during live applications, utilizing one, or multiple, digital transport protocol standards over Cat 5 or 6 cables", said Marco Piromalli, president of Link.
DGlink is a modular touring grade digital audio distribution snake (48kHz/24-bit) designed for live applications leveraging the architecture of traditional Stage Boxes.
Supporting up to 64 mic/line level inputs and up to 64 line level outputs (foldback and drive sends), DGlink offers remote control of all stage box functions including control of phantom power, polarity, and gain settings, while maintaining a modular system that supports multiple configurations of inpu
USA - Nexxus Lighting reports that it has been issued a new patent related to its LED lighting technology. US patent number 7,303,301 is for a unique method of heat-sinking an LED light engine in a lighting fixture when it is submerged in a body of water.
"As solid-state lighting expands its penetration into white light illumination, submersible applications such as fountains, pools and architectural water features are being transformed by digital technology. In order for these new high brightness LED arrays to achieve their promoted 30,000 to 50,000 hour rated life, we are developing new thermal management techniques to provide proper heat sinking," stated Mike Bauer, president and CEO.
USA - Elation Professional has added a new model to its Opti Series of LED stage PAR cans. The new Opti 30 RGB is a high-output RGB colour-mixing PAR can with 12 powerful 1W LEDs which can be combined via DMX to create virtually any colour in the spectrum. Additionally, this fixture comes equipped with smooth colour changing macros, and manual control option, says the company.
A compact version of Elation's popular Opti RGB, the Opti 30 LED is billed as an ideal colour-changing stage light for smaller spaces and also fits easily into 12" box truss for truss toning. Its 1W LEDs produce more vibrant colours than the typical truss toner, casting "a dazzlingly brilliant glow on stage productions" the company says.
UK - Aquagraphics, a company managed by effects specialist MTFX, has introduced the Aquagraphics programmable water screen.
The screen uses hundreds of individually controllable jets of water to form precisely-controllable falls of water droplets, to create text, graphics or logos and various effects for branding and messaging applications.
Aquagraphics is a 2.4m-long linear bank water jets, illuminated by LEDs. The units can be truss mounted, stand alone, framed or un-framed, the company says.
Germany - Camco has introduced its new Q-Power Series of high-output 4-channel power amplifiers. At launch there are two models in the Series, the Q- Power 6 and Q- Power 10, both of them 19" 2U 4-channel amps using class D and class H technology respectively and benefitting from developments in Camco's proprietary dual-voltage SMPS with automatic voltage selection for 120V/230V operation. They are designed for live sound and theatre applications.
Rated at 2500W (Q-Power 10) and 1500W (Q-Power 6) peak power RMS output at 4 Ohms, the Q-Power 10 offers 625W per channel for 100V line operation, and the Q-Power 6 will deliver 950W per channel for 70V line operation. Although the Q- Power units represent a high-tech 'no-frills' alternative, they have been given careful consideration when it comes to basic features, for example, having XLR and Phoenix input connectors, and Speako
USA - Digidesign reports that its Pro Tools 7.4 software has already surpassed the 10,000 mark in downloaded purchases. This milestone was reached last Saturday (December 1, 2007), after only 25 days on the market, says the company.
"Digidesign is fortunate to have grown one of the largest and most loyal user communities in the professional audio industry," remarked Dave Lebolt, Avid vice-president and general manager of Digidesign. "Their allegiance and dedication inspires us to continue to raise the bar as Pro Tools has evolved and grown. Achieving this milestone is extremely gratifying, and is a testament to the importance of Pro Tools to professionals and hobbyists alike from all over the world."
USA - Apollo Design Technology has introduced six new colours to the ApolloGel Series 7 swatchbook. The new colors are: AP3520 Alexander the Grape; AP4130 Blurple; AP4870 Bluetylicious; AP5430 Green Gello; AP7630 Peach My Interest; and AP7770 Hot Wings.
"The evolution of ApolloGel has been interesting to watch," states Monty McWilliams, VP marketing at Apollo. "The selection of new colours used to be based on Apollo staff opinions. The process is now driven strictly from end user recommendations. Without widespread use of our colour filters, this wouldn't be happening."
Switzerland - Barix recently introduced the Annuncicom 1000, a professional grade device that combines intercom, paging and IP-based audio conversion for PA system playback into a half-width 19" rack-mountable box. It will be shown at the forthcoming ISE trade show (Amsterdam, 29-31 January).
For entertainment applications, the Annuncicom 1000 is designed for multiroom audio distribution in hotels, clubs, sports venues, and restaurants where there is a need to relay audio to multiple rooms from a central point. Eight relay contact closures can be used to distribute audio to specific speaker sets, or zones for improved control.
The Annuncicom 1000 is also suitable for integration into complex, professional intercom and paging environments. Security system operators at universities, business campuses, shopping districts, industrial facilities, airports or transportation cen
UK - FocusTrack, the production lighting documentation system already in use on a wide range of shows around the world, has announced the launch of its new on-line support and discussion forums.
Available now through the FocusTrack website at www.focustrack.co.uk/forums, the forums are designed to give FocusTrack users a place to find information, ask questions or offer comments about using the FocusTrack software.
Since its launch in 2005, FocusTrack has been used to document a number of high-profile theatrical productions around the world, including Billy Elliot in London and now in Australia, Mary Poppins, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Never Forget, Rock 'n' Roll, Guys and Dolls and Young Frankenstein.
FocusTrack is also in use in a number of theatres that have to document shows that tour or play in rep, includ
The Netherlands - Audica Professional is making its first showing at an ISE trade show in 2008 (Amsterdam, 29-31 January). On display will be the company's complete range of MICROseries electronics, loudspeakers and accessories.
The Audica MICROseries system is designed for background music in applications such as retail outlets, restaurants, bars and public areas and for AV systems in boardrooms, meeting facilities, museums and galleries, visitor centres and hotel guest rooms.
Established in late 2006, Audica Professional is already distributed in 27 countries and is looking to ISE to further expand its sales and distribution. Sales director, Derek West, comments, "Our first full year of operation has exceeded our very best expectations. We have already exhibited at PLASA, ProLight+Sound, PALME and PALM and we see ISE as a key exhibition to add for 2008. Its focus and in
USA - Polar Focus Audio Rigging has issued its new product catalogue. Mike Akrep, president of Polar Focus Audio Rigging, says that: "Audio rigging should be as easy as putting a mic on a mic stand."
The Polar Focus catalogue shows the company's large stock of standard hardware, and describes its Turnkey Audio Rigging Systems, as well as its Consultant Support Programme. From large systems using speakers such as JBL's newest VLA line array for stadiums, down to a pair of speakers neatly attached to wood beams in a small church, Polar Focus has what you need, says the company.
New Zealand - Two new Selecon Acclaim Fresnel luminaires blend the advantages of discharge light source efficiency and life hours with all the features that have made the original 500W version so popular.
The new Acclaim CST 250 Fresnel with Hot Restrike capability (no fans) has been designed specifically for high output, high intensity architectural/specialised display lighting and for smaller studio or production applications where energy saving and cool light are important. The CST 250W HR discharge light source with its 3200°K colour temperature is interchangeable in this luminaire with the Philips MSR 250 HR discharge lamp (6000°K), offering designers a choice of either tungsten or 'daylight' colour temperatures.
The second new addition to this range is a high intensity display Fresnel luminaire with an adjustable 7°-60° soft edge beam for controlled illum
USA - Global Truss America has introduced a white and black aluminium square truss. In-stock and ready to ship in a variety of lengths, Global's new white and black-coloured trussing makes a stylish statement that will complement and blend in with a variety of applications, says the company.
"Truss today is meant to be seen," said Ken Kahn, general manager of Global Truss America. "Architects, designers and lighting directors like the way it looks and are incorporating it into their aesthetic schemes. We came out with white and black truss in response to the growing role that truss is playing in event, production and interior design."
The underlying truss itself is TÜV approved and made of the same high-strength 6082-T6 extruded aluminium alloy as the rest of Global's line. Additionally, like all of Global's trussing, the new white and black truss utilises
USA - Global Truss America reports that nine of its clamp models have received TÜV certification. The clamps join the company's popular TÜV-approved aluminum trussing in being awarded this internationally-recognised seal of safety and quality.
TÜV approval is granted only after rigorous testing of a product and its manufacturing facility. Consumers can therefore be assured that Global Truss clamps meet the highest quality standards and will perform with the utmost security and reliability in fastening fixtures and trussing, said Ken Kahn, general manager of Global Truss America.
"Clamps are an essential component of any trussing setup - they are, literally, what holds the whole rig together," said Kahn. "The mark of TÜV approval is a formal assurance to customers that they can rely on our clamps, like our trussing, to perform safely and reliably. We are very
USA - Symetrix has released version 2.1 of the Integrator Series Zone Mix 760 paging and music management system, which is designed to deliver the optimal feature set and I/O count needed for restaurants, hotels, sports bars and nightclubs.
With version 2.1, Symetrix solidifies external control by adding full support for the entire family of Modular ARCs, including the K1, SW4, SWK, MIC and XLR models. Both the ARC-MIC and ARC-XLR - which respectively offer a built-in condenser mic and an XLR input source - are totally integrated into the system's Page Station functionality under version 2.1. Each wall panel can function as a self-contained paging station with zone groups and push-to-talk.
All Zone Mix 760 hardware units shipped since December 2007 include an RS-232 port, and version 2.1 software brings a fully-documented third party control protocol for use over IP or the new
UK - Marl CreativeArc, a division of Marl International, has announced the availability of a new series of dual up and down light fixtures for producing powerful illuminations to enhance any environment.
The 735 Series from Marl is designed to be mounted on a vertical surface and can emit light in two directions, either horizontally or vertically. The new range is suitable for both internal and external installation making simultaneous illumination of both buildings and pathways possible, says the company.
Vibrant effects can be created with a choice of warm white, cold white or RGB with colour mixing at source, creating a shadow-free vivid illumination. The 735 Series can be fitted with different colour light engines top and bottom. The product can be supplied with white, RGB or monochrome red, green or blue LEDs. This enables the sides of buildings to be washed with colourfu
UK - EcoLEDLighting is returning to The ARC Show with its range of BSI (British Standard's Institute) approved LED downlights - claimed to be the first ever BSI-tested luminaries to fully comply with Part L 1 (A & B) and 2 (A & B) of the UK building regulations.
Looking to build on last year's successful launch of the MR16 LED luminaires, the company now has a wider range of products (including lift lighting and linear lighting) with the additional benefit of BSI compliance to offer.
"I'm delighted to be back at the ARC Show after a very successful year in business," comments Robin Day, managing director of EcoLEDLighting. "Last year visitors were impressed with our high quality, long lasting, low energy fittings. We now have an expanded range and the ARC Show represents the perfect opportunity for us to display our range to the country's leading lighting design
Denmark - The new smartMAC from Martin, first seen at PLASA 07 in London last September, is billed as "an extremely bright, fanless 150W profile luminaire offering a number of unique performance and economic benefits, not least the ability to reduce operating costs".
Suited for lounges, bars and restaurants, and appropriately silent for noise sensitive environments, smartMAC will liven up any space while saving money on power bills and service and maintenance checks, says the company.
The smartMAC features new fanless thermal management. With no dust and pollutants forced into the fixture, lamp life is optimised, service intervals extended (up to two years with 9000 hour lamp), maintenance kept to a minimum and operation costs reduced.
"The smartMAC is a unique product and a significant step for Martin," states Martin product manager for moving heads, Pet
USA - Technomad Associates has announced that new versions of its Vienna 16 and Paris 616 weatherproof outdoor loudspeakers are now available and shipping. The Version8 models include upgrades that maximise the loudspeaker output while retaining broad dispersion and clear audio, says the company.
Technomad Vienna 16 and Paris 616 loudspeakers are part of the company's MP Series, a range of weatherproof loudspeakers designed for permanent installation, indoors and outdoors. Popular applications include city walkways, public spaces, tourist attractions, hockey and ice skating rinks, cruise ships, municipal swimming pools, and outdoor community amphitheaters.
The Version8 models add compression drivers that provide an added 3dB of maximum continuous SPL and an added 10dB of dynamic range, ensuring voice intelligibility and musical output at all volume levels.