On view for the first time was the GlowUp, a portable, battery-powered uplight that solves the logistical headache of running cables at events - reducing set-up time and saving money. The wireless colour changer is intended for temporary architectural applications where access to power is limited or where cables represent a safety issue - in public access areas, exhibitions, conferences, weddings, trade shows and shopping centres.
Joining the ranks of the Alpha range for the first time was the Alpha Spot QWO 800, a compact 800W spotlight packed with artistic features for the most discerning of designers: an animation wheel for creating life-like projections; a self-focusing zoom with 7° to 55° range; and the new Dyna-Cue Creator, capable of enabling complex animations with minimum programming. The unit offers uncompromising image quality, intense brightness, excellent beam uniformity, silent operation and low energy consumption.
Also on display was the Igloo, a temperature-regulating enclosure that allows sub-700W moving lights to operate in any weather, offering protection against rain, heat, humidity and even sub-zero temperatures. Igloo comes with an IP67 power socket, an onboard wireless DMX receiver, and a unique system that maintains operational temperature between 0°C and 35°C (32°F and 95°F).
As well as providing a glimpse of next year's new technologies, the show also presented an opportunity to see last year's debutants, the Shotlight Wash and the Sharpy, up close and for the first time. The products were expertly presented as part of a lightshow and demo designed by Clay Paky designer Giovanni Zucchinali.
Commercial Director Pio Nahum commented: "The reaction to the Shotlight has been amazing. There's nothing else like it, so we realise it has to be seen to be fully appreciated. At the demo, we had 12 units working in sync, which really gave us an opportunity to show off its true potential for the first time. All the designers who saw the Shotlight were deeply impressed, and we've experienced an immediate spike in interest as a result."
Another highlight of the show was the Clay Paky Win-a-Sharpy competition won by lighting designer and programmer Alon Cohen from Tel Aviv, Israel. Over the course of four days, the Clay Paky stand attracted almost 2000 PLASA visitors who turned up to play the specially customized vintage slot machines in the hope of winning a much sought-after Sharpy. Cohen, who was at PLASA in his new role as product manager for lighting console maker Compulite Systems, said it was a "huge surprise" to win.
In addition to being one of the main sponsors of PLASA 2011, Clay Paky also fulfilled its role as organizer of the annual Knights of Illumination Awards ceremony, an event that has grown to become a highlight for the entire show lighting business.
(Jim Evans)
