The development team spent time talking to board operators, rental companies, theatre lighting technicians and lighting designers to ensure they got exactly what they wanted. Feedback from the previews is now being implemented into the software, to hone the development of Congo further. The console has been designed "to be the most complete theatre and moving light hybrid - without losing the feel of a classic lighting control system," according to Avab software developer Anders Ekvall. Other team members included Jean-Louis Pernette and Christian Rezgui of Avab France, who were instrumental in directing product development.
Congo offers uncluttered graphics, direct keys for ease of use and a programming pad instead of a mouse and graphic pen. Visitors to PLASA were enthusiastic in their response: "I like that, it's so simple" (of the channel layouts); "It's fast" (about programming with Direct Select)."We got a lot of useful input at PLASA, LDI and several workshops, resulting in some physical improvements and a lot of functional improvements - we've fine tuned the concept of working fast, with direct control from the console," says Avab designer Ulf Sandström. "This includes adding Direct Select Tab keys, moving the Main Playback to improve ergonomics and fine tuning the Live and Blind concept which allows the user to work in parallel without a programmer. Some of our brave Beta-testers have even run shows of the revised consoles!"
According to Bullen Lagerbielke, three-time lighting operator and assistant lighting designer for the Eurovision Song Contest, and member of the Avab board development team: "With Congo we can operate in any traditional theatre, studio or opera environment. We can also manage hundreds of moving lights, if necessary, without getting bogged down in mouse operations and computer menus."
Combining the power of Avab's and ETC's lighting control experience - when ETC acquired the Avab brand of lighting controls in 2002, the original Avab development team with its 20 years of experience and reputation was kept on - with additional experience brought on board specifically for this project. "It's a dream team," says ETC product manager Ingo Bernert, "and it shows in the product."
"This is an exciting time for ETC in the European market," says ETC CEO Fred Foster. "With our broad line of products, including IES dimming technology, the Source Four Revolution and now Avab Congo, we have an incredible package to offer the market."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
