Belgium / The Netherlands - At ISE 2010 this week Barco is introducing PlusPAK, a powerful new configuration package for the FSN Series switcher. Specifically designed for the presentation needs of the events market, PlusPAK leverages the field-proven FSN platform with new Universal Output Cards, Multiviewer, DVE, and full 2.5 M/E control.

PlusPAK is a new hardware and software suite comprised of four components - a new Universal Output Card (UOC), the system's new Multiviewer (MVR), a Digital Video Effects Card (DVE) and new software capable of controlling 2.5 M/Es from the compact FSN-150 Controller. Because contemporary presentations are often more complex than single screen, single output, single format shows, PlusPAK answers that requirement with a purpose-built solution.

When combined with the FSN Series' plug-in NIC (8-channel Native Input Card), UIC (2-channel Universa

The Netherlands - Bosch Security Systems' new Vari-directional Arrays are designed for use in challenging locations such as railway stations, airports and places of worship where hard construction materials are often used which absorb very little sound, creating a reverberant environment.

The loudspeakers are fully EVAC compliant, which means they conform to local and regional requirements and are suitable for all voice-alarm applications. All the amplifier and loudspeaker components including the drivers are fully supervised, faults are logged and a 24 V DC backup power supply can be connected.

The modular-designed product range consists of a base unit and extension units that can be simply connected together. The configuration software can automatically detect a connected extension unit to reduce configuration time. On its own, the base unit can cover up to 15m. Adding one e

Taiwan - GlacialTech is launching the GlacialLight T8 low power Light Emitting Diode (LED) light tubes under the GlacialLight brand. The tubes are extremely low in power consumption with under 10W power consumption for the 2ft tube, and under 20W power consumption for the 4ft Tube. They can support 110V AC or 220V AC via a G13 socket.

The LED T8 Tubes are designed to replace the equivalent Cathode Fluorescent tubes (CFT) available in markets today. Using lower wattage compared with the original products, the T8 LED has the same structure and style of traditional CFT tubes but delivers a brighter performance per watt, with less heat radiation and few of the pitfalls faced by traditional CFT tubes.

There are no toxic gasses present in the design and the tubes are robust and weatherproof. The LED T8 Tubes can be used for general everyday use, for indoor applications.

(Jim Evans

USA - Genielux, the rental and sales equipment locator tool for the iPhone and iPod touch, is now available free from the iTunes App Store.

Genielux allows users around the world to locate pro video, audio, and lighting rental and sales inventory from companies who sign up online and place their inventory to Genielux. The application features proprietary code that can identify model numbers regardless of format, which was specifically written for Genielux. "We spent 10 months developing code that can match what an iPhone user may type in and match them correctly to our vendors. We're amazed how accurate the results are," said Michael Zinman, president of The Zinman Co.

UK - Visitors to the Baldwin Boxall stand at ProLight & Sound 2010 (24-27 March) and Firex South 2010 (16-17 March) will be able to preview the Eclipse2M, wall-mountable, stand-alone, voice evacuation/public address system. Other products on show will include the Unitouch touchscreen paging station, BVRD microphone controller and the popular OmniCare disabled refuge and fire telephone system.

Fully networkable, the VIGIL Eclipse2M is monitored and battery backed (backup batteries are contained within the unit). It utilises the new BVRD2M4 DSP-controlled router, a BVSMP switch mode power supply and either a BV120D (dual 120W amplifier) or BV050Q (quad 50W amplifier). With the BV050Q amplifier fitted the system is capable of serving two zones with dual circuits (or four, single-circuit, zones or three with reserve). Up to 126 units can be networked (digital networking can be achie

Spain - This month's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona (15-18 February) will be the stage for the first large scale unveiling of DB Systems' newest piece of software solution for exhibitors, ecoXpress.

ecoXpress is billed as a revolutionary touchscreen-based system that has been designed to help companies save money and reduce their environmental footprint when exhibiting at events all around the world, as it removes the need for printed brochures and corporate material.

At MWC, ecoXpress will be installed on numerous exhibits. When delegates visit those exhibits rather than taking away a printed brochure or guide, they will instead be able to browse the exhibitor's literature on touch screens. Delegates can then choose what information is most relevant to them and email that selected information to their office computers.

Oliver Richardson, DB Systems' sales director, said

UK - Clear Vision Systems, supplier of installation tools and equipment for home cinemas and AV installations, announces the availability of the EZ-Snapjack, a professional, self-terminating, snap-on jack for Cat 5 and Cat 6 cabling. The jack can be fitted instantly, without a punchdown tool, making for less work and a more accurate termination and connection.

The reusable, time saving EZ-Snapjack is suitable for new or retrofit commercial network and home automation installations. With the EZ-Snapjack there is no need for eight punchdowns and the installer can repair damaged jacks on the spot.

A colour-coded wire guide is included to ensure that the conductors remain in place until the connector is snapped closed by hand to complete the connection. An adapter is available to allow the EZ-Snapjack to fit standard Euromod outlet plates.

"The EZ-Snapjack is an ideal addit

UK - A.C. Video, a division of A.C. Entertainment Technologies, has been appointed as the exclusive UK and Northern Ireland distributor for the award-winning Midiator Vision, an innovative new way of controlling video and lighting on live shows.

Recipient of a PLASA Award for Innovation at last year's show, the Vision finally offers a master control that can be the interface between lighting consoles, media servers, MIDI / SMPTE devices and many other show system components. With minimal set-up time, its large touch screen mappable buttons allow it to quickly navigate to and trigger all other devices. As a result, programming a show is faster and easier, says the company.

For real live control, by connecting the Vision to a favourite lighting console, users can directly navigate into their cue-lists / executor lists, and add all kinds of new functions to their show.

The Visi

UK - Combining an emergency voice alarm system with digital audio PA, paging and BGM functionality, the new VM-3000 Series from TOA brings new levels of flexibility to the deployment of PA/VA in small to medium-sized commercial projects, all at an affordable price, the company says.

The VM-3000 offers a range of emergency functions, including built-in voice alarm and continuous speaker line monitoring without interruption of BGM distribution or paging announcements. All audio is digitally processed and controlled, resulting in PA broadcasting, paging and BGM delivery of consistently high sound quality and intelligibility.

The system is controlled by a choice of two System Amplifiers, and can be expanded using up to nine VM Extension Amplifiers, each of which offers six assignable speaker zone outputs to give a maximum of 60 speaker zones, each with its own programmable volume

USA - Audio-Technica has announced updates to its award-winning Artist Elite 4000 Series and 5000 Series Frequency-agile True Diversity UHF Wireless Systems. To signify the enhancements, the letter "a" will be added to the end of all 4000 and 5000 Series system model numbers.

Product updates include a new backlit LCD on transmitters and locking battery door on UniPak body-pack transmitters; two-colour (green/red) power/mute LED to indicate on/mute status; new 25kHz spacing, providing up to 996 selectable frequencies; and a new v3.0 of the AEW Control Interface Software, which now works with all popular operating systems. A newly announced five-year warranty is also included.

Audio-Technica's updated Artist Elite 4000 and 5000 Series Frequency-agile True Diversity UHF Wireless Systems will be available Spring 2010.

(Lee Baldock)

Switzerland/USA - Barix AG will introduce Store and Play, a new FTP/HTTP download and playback application for in-store audio programming at the upcoming Digital Signage Expo, taking place 23-25 February at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

"While digital signage and out-of-home networks remain the big buzz for in-store entertainment and advertising, many businesses continue to rely on audio as their main resource for reaching customers at the point of purchase," said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and Founder of Barix AG.

"Recent studies have proven that the right mix of music and advertising can have a significant influence on brand perception and in-store atmosphere, de-stressing both customers and employees to respectively increase purchasing and raise productivity. The Barix Store and Play application can deliver these benefits to retailers and hospitality busin

Germany - Providing a budget priced LED stage lighting system for small bands, dance groups, exhibition displays and mobile DJs the MultiBar comprises four MultiSpot Eco RGB fixtures, mounted on a 1m extruded ali cross bar housing the 16 Channel DMX controlled power supply. With a mains input of 90-250 V 50/60 Hz the Multibar will operate in most countries of the world.

The MultiBar can be mounted on a 35mm dia. tripod stand, or suspended from a truss or lighting bar using a pair of hook clamps. Rugged metal brackets allow each fixture to be tilted and swivelled individually.

The sophisticated switched mode power supply has four internal and three DMX modes of operation: Fade(29 selectable fade patterns), Auto (33 selectable chase patterns, Colour (19 selectable colour presetsColour Pattern (mixed scene mode with 9 presets, DMX Preset (5 DMX channels to remotely control intern

UK - Blackbox Recorder manufacturer JoeCo has announced the release of its latest software update. Version 1.1 now allows recording direct to USB flash drives and will also format any USB2 disk drive as required. These latest features are designed to make live performance recording even more flexible and cost effective for both new and more established bands and artists, says the company.

"As well as being a great touring resource, the BlackBox Recorder is also ideal for installing in smaller venues, pubs and clubs, permanently hooked up to a live console," says JoeCo managing director Joe Bull. "It gives visiting bands and artists a rare opportunity to take away a multi-track of their performance, without the need to bring half their home studio with them.

"Now, it's simply a case of plugging in a flash drive before the start of the set and pressing record

USA - QSC Audio has announced an extension to its AcousticDesign ceiling speaker range, with the release of two new high-output models: the AD-C1200 and AD-C820/C821.

The AD-C1200 High-output Ceiling Mount Loudspeaker System features 12" low frequency woofer, 1.75" diaphragm compression driver, 300W continuous power rating, and a 70V / 100V multi-tap transformer (enabling the system to operate in distributed or low-impedance mode).

The AD-C1200 has been designed for music playback, public address and distributed audio in applications that require high output from a ceiling mounted loudspeaker.

The AD-C820 and AD-C821 are acoustically identical and designed for music playback, public address and distributed audio in applications that require high output from a ceiling mounted loudspeaker. Both models use custom designed transducers and crossover networks, in combina

The Netherlands - At ISE in Amsterdam, Christie announced the launch of two new projectors, the Christie LX505 and Christie LX605. Targeted at the Pro A/V market, both projectors feature 3D Keystone technology, a new four-corner geometry correction function for versatility in projector placement and easy display set-up.

"The LX505 and LX605 are full-featured, high-lumen products with exceptional price-performance," says Christie business products product manager, Frank Anzures. "They are designed for flexibility and ease of use with the latest in LCD technology and new networking capabilities. With the added four-corner digital keystone correction function, users have a wide range of projector positioning while still maintaining a perfectly square display."

The Christie LX505 is a 5000-lumens 3LCD projector for users in higher education, fixed installation,

UK - A.C. Rigging, a division of A.C. Entertainment Technologies, has been appointed as a dealer for the Leica DISTO range. The hand-held laser measures provide quick, easy and precise distance measuring of length, areas and volumes with the press of a button.

Designed to meet the toughest industrial applications, the Leica DISTO range is suitable for entertainment applications such as measuring grid heights, venue parameters, stage sets and hard-to-access areas. Features include a measuring range of up to 200m, laser accuracy of ± 1mm and a robust, water resistant (IP54) design.

The eighth generation Leica DISTO range includes the world's smallest measure device, the DISTO D2, and DISTO D3 with built-in tilt sensor which quickly and simply determines tilt angles up to ± 45°. Also available is the DISTO D5, which comes equipped with a digital video point finder using a h

Germany - At the upcoming Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt, Movecat will be presenting the new I-Motion Basic Show Controller.

The compact system controls kinetic drives for mobile and flexible project applications. Suitable for up to 72 drives, it is capable of controlling and supervising any application involving D8, D8 Plus and C1 drives, whether fixed- or variable-speed, as well as supporting mixed operation of all kinds. With it, depending upon the drive and controller specifications, entire systems can be realised from safety integrity level (SIL) 1 to SIL 3. Integrating existing drives and other stage machinery is also possible.

In its basic configuration, the controller complies with the D8 or BGV C1 standards, but as an option it can be upgraded for applications up to SIL 3 and therefore for the movement of loads over people. The Basic Controller controls and supervises

The Netherlands - Equipson reports a very successful ISE show. This year, two products from WORK specially stood out, says the company. The Digiline series and the IC6ProA, that received the InAVation Award 2010 for the best innovation in loudspeakers for commercial use.

Last year, a beta version of the Digiline series (all-in-one solution for digital audio processing) was presented at ISE and achieved "great results". This year the series was shown with the presentation of WorkNet Control, the software for the Digiline series. Enables interfacing for a full visualization and an independent audio processing of each output signal.

(Jim Evans)

USA/Italy - FaitalPRO reports a recently very successful Namm 2010. A major success was the award winning 18"super woofer, 18XL 1500. With 3000 Watt maximum power, 98dB SPL, an exclusive demodulated neodymium magnet assembly, it is appreciated for power, rapid response and unparalleled linear excursion, says the company.

A new HF compression driver, the HF144, with 1,4" mouth, implementing an innovative Ketone-Polymer diaphragm has combined characteristics of rigidity and elasticity, in order to guarantee the reduction of break-up in the high end of the response curve, typical of metallic diaphragms.

The new 15" FaitalPRO, 15FX560 is a product capable of satisfying even the most refined and demanding cabinet manufacturers. A loudspeaker with very important characteristics that an experienced engineer requiring a technically superior product can really appreciate

UK - A.C. Entertainment Technologies, an authorised UK distributor for German Lighting Products (GLP), has added the new Impression XL 5-colour version and Volkslicht LED models to its line-up of the innovative moving heads range.

A variation of the original Impression XL model, which utilises 240 K2 LEDs to deliver high light output and brilliant colour performance, the new 'RGBWW' version features five colours rather than the previous three. Adding to the red, green and blue diodes are two circuits of white - one rated at 3200K and the other at 7200K.

Adding two white channels to the existing RGB format gives designers more shades of colour than was achievable before, particularly with pastel ranges, and the ability to use single white LEDs for powerful and clean open white beams.

Also new is the Volkslicht fixture, which brings affordability without compromise to those wa

USA - Audio-Technica has announced updates to its 3000 Series Frequency-agile True Diversity UHF Wireless Systems. Now offering up to 1001 selectable UHF frequencies in 25kHz spacing in three available frequency bands (including the US's new I Band), Audio-Technica's upgraded 3000 Series delivers outstanding professional performance. Nine new pre-coordinated frequency scan groups simplify selection of usable frequencies in a multi-channel wireless system, the company says.

The UniPak body-pack transmitter features a backlit screen for easy reading in low-light situations and a locking battery door for added security. A three-position sliding cover on the transmitter's control panel prevents accidental shutoff or channel-switching.

The 3000 Series is available with either a dynamic or condenser handheld transmitter featuring robust metal construction and slim ergonomic design.

The Netherlands - Alcons reports another very successful participation in the ISE show. This year's highlights on the Alcons stand were the CRMS three-way reference cinema sound system and the LR7 micro pro-ribbon line-array system.

As a result of the increasing interest in Alcons pro-ribbon sound systems for sound-for-picture applications, Alcons Audio showed the CRMS system. The Cinema Ribbon Monitor System is a reference-quality sound reproduction system, with fully matched loudspeaker, processing and amplifier components.

The three-way reference system is designed for A/V projects, high quality screening rooms, post-production rooms and high quality home theatre installations.

The LR7 micro pro-ribbon line-array saw its first appearance at ISE in final finished mode, including the LR7B micro line-array bass.

Alcons MD Tom Back comments: "Again, the ISE show was ab

UK - LED specialists i-Pix has developed a new four and six lamp Power Bar, to which it's new BB1 LED fixtures can be fitted.

This is suitable for all types of portable applications from film & TV shoots and location work to small stages live concerts and performances, site-specific theatre, exhibitions and conferences.

The BB1 is a sealed, low voltage, self-contained fixture, requiring only power and data, offering completely homogenised optics for the smoothest of output and available in either 20 or 35 degree beam angles. Its powerful customised RGB LED light engine has iextensive colour mixing capabilities including the effortless sourcing of tungsten and daylight colour temperatures. The BB1 is fully RDM/DMX enabled, with remote address mode and detailed fixture feedback.

The Power Bar provides low voltage to the BB1 and is equipped with an onboard user interface. This

Germany - The upcoming ProLight+Sound Show in Frankfurt sees the world premiere of Camco's new V8 high-performance Class H amplifer, delivering 8800 Watts of power whether in two Ohm or four Ohm mode. The first of three planned additions to the celebrated Camco Vortex Series, the V8 shows off a new design aesthetic and streamlined user interface, says the company.

There are no control knobs or switches, front or back. In this new format, the control of all parameters is via screen display and gain sliders.

"The new V8 is much beefier than its distinguished stablemate the Vortex 6, because the industry across-the-board is asking for more power from its amplifiers," explains Camco international sales director Mick Anderson. "This unit will give you 4400 watts of peak power per channel whether you use two Ohm or four Ohm mode; being able to sustain the same power o

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