UK / USA - MediaMatrix by Peavey has announced the new nTouch Series control interfaces, consisting of touch-screen interactive controllers designed for remotely controlling audio systems designed in MediaMatrix NWare software for the NION platform.

The nTouch 180 and nTouch 60 feature full-colour, resistive touch-screen panels that measure approximately 7" (180 mm) and 2.4" (60 mm) diagonally, respectively. The nTouch panels display and control projects hosted on a MediaMatrix NION or nControl processor.

Based on an Intel Atom N270 CPU, the nTouch 180 controller runs an embedded version of NWare Kiosk software for NION, the control arm of NWare system design software. System designers can programme the nTouch in NWare and then control an audio project designed in NWare from a remote location. Once the nTouch is programmed, it runs independently of external computers

Denmark - Neets A/S, a specialist in developing and selling control systems for AV-equipment has introduced introduce the Neets Control - Alfa.

Neets Control - AlFa is the company's largest and most sophisticated system as well as the first dedicated 19" rack mount AV controller in the Neets product range. Developed with ease of installation in mind, the AlFa provides comprehensive AV system control in advanced auditoriums and conference rooms with only one touch of a button.

Neets Control - AlFa is controlled from an Apple iOS or Android touch device or by computers with Safari or Chrome browsers. Using the Neets Project Editor software, users can create their own custom-designed graphical user interfaces. The system controls the connected devices through RS-232, IR, LAN and dedicated I/O. Integration of the touch device makes off-site control possible simply by accessin

USA - The new Art SSC from Elation Professional is billed as a total solution for controlling lighting in permanent installations. A 1024-channel DMX command-line controller, the Art SSC offers a complete array of features and capabilities that "let you programme, operate, record, playback and schedule light shows, in one low-maintenance solid-state unit that has no moving parts - without requiring a computer".

Suitable for architectural lighting, outdoor applications, nightclubs, hotels, museums, cruise ships, theme parks and other permanent installations, the Art SSC features two 512-DMX channel universes, as well as one DMX Input. The DMX Outputs and Input are optically isolated from each other to ensure secure, interference-free performance. The Art SSC also includes Art-Net Output and Input; MIDI In, Through and Out; and an Ethernet connection that supports HTML,

Germany - t&m Systems, based in Ibbenbüren, is launching the ProjectMix818, a flexible and competitively-priced eight-zone mixer with paging functions for installed public address and music applications.

The ProjectMix818 features four line and four mic/line inputs that can selectively be switched as the source for any of the output zones. Easy to read LCD displays for each zone show which input source is in use and a similar LCD display is also used on the remote control panels.

A further mic input can also be sent, with level control, to any or all zones in addition to their selected source. The ProjectMix818 also has 2 inputs for t&m paging mics. These paging mics have selection switches for each zone or all-zones and an expansion module can be used to expand the paging mic by another 8 zones if two or more ProjectMix818 units are linked together.

Each zone features an a

UK - LED screen brand Pixled has significantly expanded its range of portable, lightweight screen surfaces.

The P-6 is a high resolution lightweight dynamic tile, offering 2000 Nits of brightness, available with either white or black faced SMD's, and a true 6 mm, budget friendly product, suitable for rental and staging companies and fixed installations.

Flex-10 is a newly developed ultra-thin flexible display module, currently available in 6 and 10 mm resolutions for convex and concave fixed installations. The bendable Flex-10 LED display opens many new possibilities for LED usage, says the company. It can be bent and flexed to fit curved surfaces of almost any shape or form, both convex and concave as well as horizontally and vertically.

The F-50C/F-75C/F-150C Soft Curtain LED "makes ideal stage backdrops and has great imaginative potential including for the cladding o

USA - LSC Lighting Systems had a busy and successful exhibition at LDI in Orlando where the prototypes of two new models of the new Clarity LX console range were shown for the first time in the USA.

Following on from the initial preview of the Clarity LX300 console at PLASA in London in September, on show at LDI for the first time anywhere in the world was the Clarity LX900 console and it received wide acclaim.

The Clarity LX range comprises three models, the LX300, LX600 and LX900 all with touch screens, multiple programmers, unlimited undo/redo, Fader Ident TM for playback mode indication, media server integration, LED pixel mapping and innovative Rig Schematic patching, that allows importing of rig or venue images to overlay patched fixtures making fixture selection both quick and easy.

Built on the already debugged Clarity PC/Mac software base that has been in the market

Portugal -- Acoustic solutions manufacturer Vicoustic has released ViTUNE, the company's first acoustic measurement software. More than simply a measurement tool, ViTUNE is designed to help both audio professionals and hi-fi enthusiasts tune their rooms without requiring specialist training.

Based on a simple 'traffic light' indication system, room measurement is carried out in four easy steps via the software's intuitive interface. Configure the sound card, test the signal level, enter the room dimensions and click Go! For customers with more experience of acoustic analysis, the software also includes an Advanced section showing results for full frequency response, smoothed frequency, impulse response, reverb time and energy time curve.

As well as measuring the room, ViTUNE also indicates how much treatment should be used to improve the overall acoustic. Two choices of produc

The Netherlands - Systems integrators visiting ISE 2012 will get an opportunity to hone their audio skills and knowledge with loudspeaker manufacturer, Genelec. The sessions will run on the Genelec booth throughout the show and will allow integrators to get hands-on with products and see demos of acoustic simulation software for the fixed installation market.

"The A-V market is becoming increasingly competitive and integrators with a good background in audio have a real business edge," says Markus Kahelin, installation product specialist at Genelec. "Our short courses will give the integrator - whatever their existing level of knowledge - the confidence to tackle all types of audio installation and deliver maximum benefit to their clients."

Two years ago Genelec launched the 4000 Series active loudspeakers. The range has grown to include the compact and pow

Australia - ENTTEC Pty Ltd's new software-based lighting controller D-PRO debuted at LDI 2011 in October and is shipping now.

D-PRO, a short way of saying DMXIS-PRO, was born out of the successful collaboration between ENTTEC and db Audioware on DMXIS, the 2009 ESTA Rock Our World Award-winning lighting control product.

"D-PRO is comparably easy to use, but it also contains the features that lighting professionals demand from their day-to-day tool kits," said Jeremy Kumin, general manager of ENTTEC Americas, LLC.

A version of D-PRO is immediately available for the Datagate MK2 - ENTTEC's powerful, simplified Ethernet-DMX networking tool - and soon on a new standalone USB-based product.

The D-PRO software has an intuitive graphical user interface that transforms your computer into a lighting console with the use of a mouse, in command-line mode or with a touch scr

Italy - FaitalPRO has announced the introduction of several new families of Ferrite products.

Flavio Naggi, overseas sales manager, states, "Our FaitalPRO brand has been on the market for just five years, but we are already appreciated worldwide as a reference point for professional neodymium loudspeakers and are now meeting the requests of numerous clients in the PA and SR areas with the launch of many new products in Ferrite.

"We are offering our clients an alternative based on new, soft and refined acoustic tonalities: the current product range will remain and the new families with a ferrite heart will join them to complete a now very extensive catalogue."

This launch will not only respond to budget related issues: many clients had already requested them also for challenges regarding acoustics and weight: for example, in many fixed installations, where ther

UK - New features including user friendly Hire Management Dashboards will be launched by inspHire at the Executive Hire Show 2012. inspHire Dashboards provide "key, real time, information in a simple, easy to read, graphical format for all areas of the business - whether it's live hire and analytical information, for the hire manager or a snapshot of items due for preventative maintenance or breakdown for the workshop2. inspHire's Dashboards can also be accessed whilst on the move via inspHire-iX, inspHire's iPhone/iPad application, which was demonstrated at the event last year.

Graham Dobbs inspHire MD said, "The inspHire Dashboards have been designed to illustrate a variety of different information. From operational information, such as quantity of items on hire, awaiting off-hire inspection or quotes outstanding, through to analytical information such as customer pe

UK - Software provider Stardraw.com has announced the launch of Stardraw Design 7. Stardraw's all-new system design/documentation tool is available for download from www.stardraw.com. The move follows the initial unveiling of the software at InfoComm 2011 in June which marked the debut of a public beta phase.

The application is Stardraw.com's seventh-generation software solution for systems integrators. Drawing on nearly two decades of market experience, and exploiting the latest in software technologies, Stardraw Design 7 offers audio and video system designers/installers "unparalleled speed, ease of use and task-orientated functionality in a modular package" which will enable integrators to custom configure the software to suit their particular requirements and budget. Users also have access to the industry's largest quality library of manufacturers' products.

Usin

The Netherlands - Tannoy, Lab.gruppen and Lake will feature a number of firsts at ISE 2012, with Tannoy exhibiting brand new VLS (Vertical Line Source) passive column range. With a sleek curvilinear architectural profile specifically designed for install applications, the VLS Series comes in three models that each utilise proven transducer technology adapted from Tannoy's award-winning QFlex steerable column range. Making its international debut at ISE 2012, VLS promises to be "an evolutionary product that further enhances Tannoy's offering in the architectural installed sound market".

Visitors will also be able to see the full range of Tannoy's VX Series and VXP Series, the latter featuring Lab.gruppen's new IDEEA (Intelli-Drive Energy Efficient Amplifier) power module.

Also on the stand will be Tannoy's QFlex digital beam-steering array loudspeakers, complete with

USA - Aviom's Pro64 Firmware version 4.35 and Pro64 Network Manager version 2.1 are now available for download. The updated firmware introduces additional flexibility to Aviom's m-control mic preamp control protocol for Yamaha digital consoles, as well as the ability to seamlessly extend Pro64 networks while the network is running.

The new m-control feature allows users to select from two methods of mapping mic preamp gain settings from the Yamaha console to the gain and pad settings of Aviom's Pro64 Series mic preamps. For most users, Auto Pad, which automatically switches Aviom pads on and off based on the position of the Yamaha gain control and whether the gain is being adjusted up or down, is a good balance of performance and simplicity. However, for users who prefer separate gain and pad controls, Manual Pad delinks the two settings, mapping Yamaha gain settings directly to

The Netherlands - At ISE 2012, Analog Way will exhibit a selection of its powerful solutions. Di-VentiX II is a multi-layer mixer scaler seamless switcher with universal analogue and digital input/output and full high resolution digital processing. It can display up to seven layers: four live sources, one Frame, one logo and one mask. Live layers can be customised.

Eikos is a multi-layer mixer scaler seamless switcher offering up to 12 inputs including four fitted with SDI and two fitted with DVI-D. Eikos offers three operating modes: Multi-Layer Mixer, 12 by 2 Seamless Native Matrix and QuadraVision modes.

OPS300 is a multi-layer mixer scaler seamless switcher with full high resolution digital processing. This high-grade and easy-to-use solution is particularly adapted to rental and staging and high-end installations, says the company.

(Jim Evans)

Germany - Fohhn Audio AG has released the A-1 live, a new portable stereo USB audio interface that has been specially developed to "enable high-quality, trouble-free transmission of audio directly from a computer/laptop to a professional sound reinforcement system", without the need for additional hardware such as a mixer or DI box.

Primarily designed for live sound applications and permanent installations, the A-1 live is a stand-alone USB device equipped with balanced XLR stereo outputs and a galvanically isolated USB connection. These features enable audio to be directly transmitted from the computer to the sound reinforcement system avoiding any interference, hum, reduction in sound quality or loss of output level - common issues that can occur when using interfaces with unbalanced connectors, or when there is no galvanic isolation between the computer and the inte

The Netherlands - Ateis Europe will showcase a raft of new solutions at ISE 2012, while its new IDA8 fully compliant public address voice alarm system makes its ISE debut.

The IDA8 system has already been deployed at Silverstone's Formula One racetrack and London Underground's new Paddington station with considerable success.

The IDA8 is a 'one-box' solution that runs open DSP software. It boasts IP connectivity and features an IP microphone to maximise this facility. In addition it offers remote diagnostics for easy configuration and enhanced systems operations.

Also featuring as part of the ISE showcase, the UAP G2 stackable, programmable digital audio processor, steerable column array loudspeaker, the Messenger G2, and the Orbit omni-directional line array are designed to "create a new standard in modern PA/VA, commercial and professional audio".

Amongst Ateis

UK - Paradigm AV will have a powerful presence at BETT 2012 (11-14 January, London Olympia).

After securing the contract to provide well over 200 dnp Supernova Core optical screens for primary and secondary schools in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, the company will be showcasing the power of this front projection platform - possibly in 3D as well as 2D.

Paradigm AV also represents GestureTek, gesture-controlled technology in the UK - which is proving increasingly popular in schools, particularly those with special educational needs.

One of the more recent innovations has been the GestureTek Cube, which will be on display at BETT. This is a compact, turnkey, 'plug and play' interactive portable interactive floor. The latest version projects entertaining games and special effects in a larger, higher resolution image, onto virtually any floor, enabling children to

The Netherlands - dnpdenmark will have a strong presence on the stand of their German partner, Comm-Tec Germany at this year's ISE Show in Amsterdam, showing significantly enhanced versions of Supernova products, alongside the Zenith rear-projection screen, which was seen for the first time at last year's show.

These will include an upgraded Supernova Core Screen, with new frame and mounting; an improved version of the Supernova Flex Screen, and the Supernova Flex Classic with IR remote (as an alternative to its RF remote).

These refinements are expected to have a considerable impact upon these already popular models in the Supernova range.

The Supernova Core is available in two types of screen materials: ISF-certified Supernova 08-85 for high contrast and extreme viewing angles and Supernova 23-23 high gain version for high contrast and uniform brightness.

SupernovaFlex C

UK - Console manufacturer DiGiCo once again returns to ISE alongside the brand's Dutch distributor TM Audio, with its complete range of consoles that "addresses every part of the installation market, from the largest multi-purpose complex, to the smallest theatre".

The SD7, which will be joined on Stand I H90 by the SD10, SD8, SD9 and the smallest in the range, the SD11, is the first digital mixing console to use Stealth Digital Processing - now be found in the entire SD Range. Its flexible bussing structure features a possible 128 busses and 256 processing paths, plus a 32 x 32 Matrix, 32 x 32 band graphic EQ and a plethora of internal effects.

Next in line is the SD10, which has "all the refinements you would expect, but with some exciting new options." Thirty-seven 100mm touch sensitive faders provide fast access to the SD10's channels, which include 96

USA / UK - A sleek new addition to ETC's Unison line of architectural control, Tessera combines a 4.3" (10.9cm) touchscreen with a 512-channel DMX over Ethernet Mosaic controller. Complex lighting shows as well as devices like moving lights, colour-mixing LEDs, conventionals and dimmers can all be controlled by Tessera. It also handles impromptu show control, accessories, automation, waterworks and other non-lighting effects.

ETC named its new product after the ancient word for 'tile'. ETC's architectural market manager Joe Bokelman explains, "A tessera is a tile in a mosaic but also an object of beauty and utility itself. Our Tessera is both a part of a greater sophisticated networked system and a standalone full controller, in a compact interface.

"Imagine colour-changing lights in a shopping centre or office block that can go through dynamic effects, seasonal

The Netherlands - Barix AG will unveil its Annuncicom PS1 Paging Station at ISE 2012 show in Amsterdam early next year. The compact, elegant device gives commercial businesses, office buildings, educational institutions, medical facilities and others a simple, fully-integrated hardware solution for paging and intercom over IP, says the company.

The PS1 features two backlit push-to-talk buttons, volume control and a built-in speaker and microphone, giving security guards, receptionists and other operators a simple way to make announcements to an entire facility. The device's IP addressability enables a simple connection to the network, allowing systems integrators and end users to take advantage of existing infrastructure, reducing costs and equipment requirements. Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability further simplifies installation, requiring only a single cable to the device.

The Netherlands - Magenta Research will introduce a wide-range of new and improved products at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2012 in Amsterdam.

ISE 2012 marks the official public debut of upgrades to Magenta's MultiView line, which has served - for over 10 years - as an adaptable, top performing solution for the distribution of Pro-AV signals over UTP cable.

MultiView II's enhancements are all designed to make it even easier to replicate 1080p resolution (and higher) video at distances to 610m. MultiView II products on display will include the MultiView II DVI, T4, STx and XRTx transmitters, plus MultiView II AK600 and AK1200 receivers.

(Jim Evans)

The Netherlands - Technomad will show "the world's first completely weatherproof, all-in-one, self-casing portable PA system for the commercial pro audio market" at ISE 2012 (31 January-2 February, RAI, Amsterdam, The Netherlands).

The DragonFly, adapted from Technomad's rugged military technology, is designed for mobile pro audio and staging events that require outstanding audio quality, lightweight portability, quick set-up, ease of operation and durable construction for outdoor events, says the company. The weatherproof design fully protects system components from moisture, dirt, shock and other elements in outdoor environments, supporting everything from ceremonies and parades to sporting events and concerts.

The inclusion of green, rechargeable and long-lasting NiHM battery power, along with a potent

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