Also new, CompuPACK is a range of portable digital dimmers being launched at PLASA.Available in either 12 x 2.5kW or 6 x 5kW power ratings, a range of formats will be shown including hard-wired, UK 15A, Ceeform, Schuko, Socapex and Weiland. CompuPACK can be controlled via DMX or Ethernet and incorporates both MCB protection for the incoming mains supply and an MCB per output channel. The built-in LCD display and function buttons allow quick and easy set-up of a whole host of features including patch, fade curve and maximum output level, say Stagetec.
ePORT and eSMS are Ethernet driven nodes which provide additional physical DMX connectors (1 in/4 out) and remote SMS (sound, MIDI and SMPTE) for any Vector console or the Vector PC to turn it into a fully functional Vector console for back-up or stand alone operation. This year will also see the launch of the Vector Editor Wing and the Vector Channel Wing. The Editor Wing is essentially the Vector main system editor housed in a portable unit that can be used as a remote designers control, an additional editor panel adjacent to the console or even as fully functioning Vector console when connected to the Vector PC. The Channel Wing provides access to channels and cues, it incorporates a large dimmer wheel with associated level display. Any number of these can be connected to a Vector console or the Vector PC and used as channel controllers. The wings can be set to work as a completely separate user, without interfering with the main console operation.
PLASA will also see the preview of Vector software version 3.13, which will be launched soon after the show. This includes a number of major new features, including: Full integration of the High End Catalyst media server allowing thumbnails of media on the Catalyst system to be automatically displayed on the Vector picker dialogue windows; Multi-user features allowing two systems to share the same show; DMX input patch allowing any input channel to be patched to any output channel and triggering of macros from DMX; and Direct on-screen editing of data such as cue names and times and time line events.
Stagetec / Compulite - stand E30.
(Lee Baldock)
