Positioned in the middle of the popular Eos range, between the Eos and the Ion desks, Gio features the family's powerful hardware and software for sophisticated effects - like pixel mapping and media server control - as well as the instantly recognisable ETC syntax. Programmers familiar with other Eos family members will immediately settle in with Gio; novice users will quickly master the direct, intuitive operational style.
As well as being lightweight and portable, Gio also introduces new technologies to the Eos line-up. The console's buttons are backlit, making programming in dark situations much easier (and freeing up Littlites for script reading). Gio also includes two articulating 12.1" LCD multi touch displays, allowing the screens to be positioned flat for shipping and angled for programming, according to preference. Whether a programmer is sitting or standing, the view is adjustable to their sightline and comfort. Gio also supports up to three high resolution external displays - all of which can be multi-touch - speeding up programming by putting navigation and more control right at the fingertips.
Gio accommodates the broad and varied range of modern lighting demands. Fully networked with ETC's ACN-based Net3, Gio can act as a primary desk, a synchronised back-up, or a client integrated within an Eos or an Ion system. Offline and client programming is available on PC (Windows 7 or XP) and Macintosh (OS X Intel). And 12 discrete online users with partitioned control means a lighting team can work faster - splitting the workload by accessing the same show file simultaneously.
Transition will be smooth from Congo and many other desks, say ETC: shows can be imported from ETC's Obsession, Express, Expression and Emphasis, as well as the Strand 500/300-series show files via ASCII. All Eos and Ion accessories work with Gio.
Gio offers 10,000 channels (devices); 2048, 4096, 6144, or 8192 outputs/parameters; a dedicated master-playback fader pair; 10 definable motorised faders, with 30 pages of control; 999 cue lists; 200 active playbacks; 300 submasters; and four pageable force-feedback encoders. Gio's sophistication also includes Virtual Media Server Control with stock content (user images may be imported).
"Easily handling conventional and moving lights, LEDs, and media servers, Gio will adapt to today's rigs in theatre, TV studios, academic institutions, corporate productions, exhibitions, special events and touring - any venue or production that is looking for complete control sized right," the company says.
Gio will be officially debuted at autumn industry tradeshows like PLASA in London, LDI in Orlando and WFX in Dallas.
(Lee Baldock)
