USA - Chauvet has introduced the SF-4005 channel timer, a multi-tasking 2 or 4-channel timer/chaser designed to keep your lighting effects from exceeding their recommended duty cycle. Chase or sound-activated modes are also ideal for pin spots, Par cans and any other chase-able lights. A three-position switch controls timer, chase and sound-activation functions, while another switch lets you select two or four channels for timed control of up to four lighting effects.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Slough-based lighting and sound sales company Stagetec, the UK distributor for Compulite and LSC lighting products will have a number of new products lined up for the PLASA Show this year, including the company's showpiece new product - Compulite's Vector family of lighting consoles. The Compulite Rave is also highlighted, as well as the Spark Top.

New from LSC is the Minim lighting desk, a budget-priced 12/24-channel memory desk, shown alongside their MaXim series of fader-based lighting consoles. Dimmers will include Compulite's powerful CompuRACK digital dimmer racks and their CompuDIM and MobileDIM modular racks. Dmmers from LSC include the iPRO installation dimmer range, the e1220 and the ePAK and ePRO ranges, plus their Delta power distribution units.

Stagetec can be found on stand E40.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Yamaha has increased its PA speaker line-up with the introduction of six models in the completely new Yamaha E (European) series. Built specifically for the demanding European market, the new E series speakers will be positioned to replace the familiar SE series of American speakers. With their proven rugged carpet finish, high quality Yamaha build standards, steel carry handles and lightweight design, the SE series have become a popular model for the price conscious market. The new E series builds on this success, but now offer Speakon connections and a greater frequency response within the top end.

Peter Peck, marketing manager for music production at Yamaha-Kemble, said: "Ideally matched with our new Yamaha P series power amps or EMX powered mixers, the E series is ideal for applications where high quality sound, yet competitive pricing, are required. The Yamaha Pro

UK - Advanced systems solutions provider, beyerdynamic GB, is set to present its diverse, yet complementary range of manufactured and distributed products at PLASA. The focus will be towards showcasing integrated application-led solutions for the installation and contracting markets.

In addition to its extensive range of headphones and microphones, beyerdynamic will present a new range of Opus wireless radio microphones - the 300, 500MKII and 800 systems. The new Opus range benefits from an advanced Auto Scan/ACT function, exceptionally wide frequency response and up to 16 channels, which can be operated simultaneously.

As a new addition to beyerdynamic's distribution range, Bittner amplifiers will be showcased from Slovakian manufacturer, Bittner Audio. An expansive range of high specification amplification products which complement beyerdynamic's range of speakers and DSP ba

USA - Elation Professional has introduced the Pro Haze DMX, a high-output DMX-compatible haze generator targeted at the professional market. Suited to theatres, stage shows, concerts and nightclubs, the Pro Haze DMX produces a thin, even layer of haze, as opposed to bursts of thick fog.

With a 560W heater core and a haze output of 2500 cubic feet per minute, the Pro Haze DMX is powerful enough to handle even large-size concert halls and theatres. No warm-up time is required and the unit will start generating haze as soon as it is turned on. The unit can be operated with any standard DMX512 controller, allowing clubs and lighting directors to co-ordinate haze production with their other DMX-compatible lighting fixtures and special effects. The hazer can also be operated via remote control, either wired or wireless, and comes with wired timer/volume remote control. An optional 10

USA - UK console manufacturer Cadac is showing its S-Type compact live production console and the R-Type touring live production console on booth 743 at the 115th AES Convention, taking place in New York from 10-13 October 2003. Also on show will be the latest digital developments from the company's R&D team, with the production version of the D20 digital input mix matrix. Cadac will also be demonstrating its new M20 remote-controlled microphone amplifier, designed to operate with the D20 or as a stand-alone unit with the RM20 self-contained remote controller.

Cadac's S-Type console is building a strong international profile, with Cadac reporting orders across a wide range of applications - demonstrating the console's intrinsic flexibility. In the US, Masque Sound has recently deployed both S-Type and R-Type consoles for a variety of musical show and touring projects. The consol

UK - This year's PLASA exhibition will see the launch of several new products from Mackie Designs Inc brands EAW and SIA. PLASA will be the official UK launch of the new EAW KF730 SLAM (Small Array Module) and the European introduction of EAW's innovative new DSA (Digital Steerable Array) Series.

The KF730 SLAM packs a six-driver, horn-loaded KF Series design into an amazingly compact enclosure, setting a new standard for output per cubic metre. The full-sized mid/high horn fills the entire face of the enclosure, ensuring broadband 110° horizontal pattern control. The unique Phase Aligned LF design extends horizontal pattern control into the LF and a bi-amplified powering configuration (passive mid/high) reduces total system cost and complexity.

Users can quickly and easily construct vertical arrays ranging from 4-18 KF730 enclosures. As with the larger KF760 Series, the size

UK - The Spice 1210, which will be on show at this year's PLASA Show, is the latest rack mounting dimmer from Zero 88and has been designed to be easy to use, reliable and affordable. It is available either Harting or Socapex connectors and has a mains incoming cable with CEE17 32A connector. The units feature the intuitive user interface from the Chilli installation range to allow for ease of use in setting up and operating the dimmer. The spice range provides a host of sophisticated features suitable for professional applications, including 12 channels, 12 memories and three chases; dimmer curves - Normal, Linear, Switch or Square; channel voltage compensation calculated for each phase; dimmer lock-out function; voltage and frequency displays; supply frequency - 45 to 70Hz auto-sensing and auto- tracking. The units re also RDM hardware ready.

Zero 88 will once again be using PL

USA - Apogee Sound International has announced the installation of a custom-rigged Apogee ALA-3 line array loudspeaker system in the new Cherry Logan Emerson Concert Hall at the Donna and Marvin Schwartz Center for Performing Arts at Emory University in Atlanta. The main centre-cluster Apogee loudspeaker system, as designed by Richard Laidman of Kirkegaard Associates, features custom rigging constructed by Apogee to be ultra-compact, to enable it to retract into a very tight space in the ceiling of the 825-seat concert hall. "Apogee was extremely helpful in creating the rigging system to fit the available space," said Laidman.

When needed, the cluster is lowered from the attic space by an electric hoist system. The loudspeaker cables are reeled and unreeled, eliminating the need for the typical large and unsightly cable-catching tub. For unamplified performances, the

UK - PLASA 2003 will see the UK launch of the E Series switchmode amplifiers. The first two models, E25 (1250W/channel into 4 ohms) and E15 (750W/channel into 4 ohms), both in 2U chassis, will be on display at PLASA 2003. With a stunning new-look front panel, these lightweight amps have been designed specifically for the touring market and to the same high standards of reliability and sound quality for which MC2 Audio products have gained a world-wide reputation.

The series will be expanded with a bigger amp (2000+W/channel into 4 ohms), also in a 2U chassis, later this year. All MC2 Audio products are covered by a five-year warranty.

MC2 Audio can be found on stand EE42.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - At the PLASA Show this year, Czech Republic-based manufacturer of moving lights, Robe Show Lighting, will introduce its ColorSpot 1200 AT - designed as an ultimate creative tool for large theatre, TV, live shows and events, and for installations of all types. Robe will be also highlighting the new ColorMix 240 AT, which is aimed primarily at theatres, TV studios, stage lighting and interior architectural lighting applications. Also new is the DMX Control 480, the latest multi-purpose Robe lighting controller.

There will also be several other new product launches, and the company's comprehensive range of Robe moving heads and scanners will all be available for demonstration and viewing.

Robe Show Lighting can be found on stand F110.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Lightfactor Sales, the UK distributor for SGM, High End Systems, LDR, Xilver, Morpheus, Apogee Sound, LightProcessor and Parsafe 2 will have a wide range of products on show at PLASA this year. These include is the Xilver Droplet fixture, a compact lightsource utilizing high power LED technology, and the XP10 from EKS. A revolution in digital DJing, the XP10 is the first real plug'n'play system for playing digital audio streams. Also on show will be the SGM Giotto 400 Spot and Wash fixtures, as well as the DMX Flash 1.5 HP strobe.

From Italian theatrical lantern manufacturer LDR is the Soffio CDM-T series of luminaires, the Gobo Wizard and Canto followspots. New from LightProcessor are the Dimension series of digital dimmers, and the 'Zip' range of small control desks. American audio manufacturer Apogee Sound will shows its APL powered series of speakers, the AFI fixed inst

UK - Sennheiser UK has announced a significant extension - to 10 years - of the warranty period on all wired models from its Evolution microphone series. The increase, from the industry standard one year guarantee, is applicable to microphones sold in the UK since March 1st, 2003 and underscores the reliability that the Evolution series has demonstrated since its introduction in 1998.

John Steven, director of marketing for Sennheiser UK, comments: "The Evolution wired mic series has proven more successful than ever we hoped. Given careful design, stringent manufacturing techniques and high standards of quality control, we seldom hear complaints and rarely see returns. It makes perfect sense to us to underpin the sales success of the series with a full 10-year warranty. With the quality of these products, we don't expect to be seeing many more returns within a 10-year perio

UK - Bould Lighting Technology will introduce a new range of dimming systems at this year's PLASA Show. Bould is a specialist in distributed dimming, one of the most cost-effective ways to equip a venue, and a good solution for modern multi-purpose venues that require versatile lighting.

The company's BATPAC distributed dimming system sends and receives DMX512 via radio transmission, allowing the remote control of up to 85 BATPAC 6-channel dimmers simultaneously. Each BATPAC has six 10-amp switchable dimming channels and is designed as a clamp-to-bar or bolt-on dimming solution ideal for internally-wired bars with multi-pin connectors.

Bould Lighting Technology can be found on stand KK68.

(Ruth Rossington)

UK - At the 2003 PLASA Show Look Solutions, the company behind the Tiny Fogger - the world's smallest smoke machine - will launch their latest product: the PowerTiny. "There's been a gap in the smoke machine market for a while: for a machine bigger than the popular TinyFogger, with greater output - yet still compact in size and with off-mains operation," says Roger Hennigan of White Light, Look Solutions' UK distributor. "That's exactly what PowerTiny will deliver."

With an appearance familiar from the TinyCompact smoke machine - which effectively added a handle to the TinyFogger - the PowerTiny offers much to appeal to theatrical smoke users. The 400W machine runs from a 12V battery, yet is only around 223 x 100 x 210mm in size and 5.2kg in weight, including battery and ergonomic handle. Heat-up time is virtually instantaneous at just one second. The supplie

UK - London-based pro audio distribution company Autograph Sales will have a wide range of high-end audio products on show at this year's PLASA Show, including new product from Meyer Sound, Clear-Com and ATM Flyware.

Meyer Sound's MILO line array loudspeaker system is a self-powered four-way system with three dedicated transducers for the HF band to provide detailed resolution of transient information - even in long throw applications. Also from Meyer is the UPJ-1P Variable Orientation loudspeaker - a fully integrated two-way system comprising a 10" neodymium magnet low-mid frequency driver and a 2" HF compression driver, andemploying a rotatable 80° x 40° horn.

From Clear-Com comes the Eclipse matrix intercom system, offering up to 208 communications ports in a 6-RU chassis. Each 16-port MVX-16A matrix card provides full-duplex connections with digital matrix stat

UK - Edirol Europe (a member of the Roland Group of Companies), will be exhibiting with ShowCAD Control Systems at the PLASA show this year, and will be showing its latest range of live performance video products. Edirol products on show include the V-4 video mixer, which has been very popular since its launch earlier this year due to its combination of affordable price, functionality, durable metal construction and quality of results achievable.

Also on show is the DV-7PR - an innovative live performance video system for use in concerts, shows, conventions, hotels and seminars. The DV-7PR integrates with MIDI control systems (and DMX via MIDI/DMX converters) and allows the user to control in realtime various aspects of the video playback. Remote control is also possible. The DV-7PR can play and loop indefinitely, drawing from up to eight hours of unique content. It can be used

UK - With details of ETC's latest Source Four luminaire being kept firmly under wraps until the event itself, visitors to the show are being urged to go along to satisfy their curiosity. On the ETC stand, visitors will also be able to see the two latest additions to the SmartPack family of low budget dimmers, which are being unveiled at PLASA. SmartPack is now available as a wall mount unit that can be installed directly to ensure the lowest possible cost of ownership, ideal for regional theatre groups and small TV studios. This latest version can be installed directly without any other parts, ensuring lowest possible cost of ownership while optional kits are available to provide terminals, RCDs, breakers or other switch gear in an easily accessible chamber.

The new touring system SmartPack aims at a slightly higher market and boasts built-in mains distribution, all in one box.

UK - The launch of a second generation CM Series loudspeakers at PLASA 2003 completes a product development cycle for the Logic System brand, whose first generation products were launched at PLASA 1998. The company's sales manager Ade Hardy commented: "The launch of the new CM Series gives us one of the most complete product ranges in the pro audio industry and lets us compete in a diverse range of markets. The great thing about my job is that I don't really have to sell the product, I just need to get it under peoples noses, from there the product sells its self."

Logic System's new CM boxes benefit from cosmetic changes - to bring them in line with the rest of the product range - and from upgraded cone and compression drivers. The product mix for the range, which is principally intended for stage monitoring, will remain the same with co-axial 12" + 1", 15&q

USA - QSC Audio has introduced the new SRA (Studio Reference Amplifier) Series. Based on the company's flagship DCA Digital Cinema Series, the SRA Series brings QSC's 'Power Behind the Pictures' audio standard to environments such as recording studios, film and video post-production facilities, boardrooms, and high-end residential installations, say the company.

The three SRA models, ranging from 200W per channel to 725W per channel at 8 ohms, are designed to offer the professional cinema reference standards of the DCA series, with performance optimized for demanding production and residential applications. The SRA Series is packed with features designed to meet the specialized needs of critical listening environments, say QSC, such as a very quiet variable speed fan which is virtually inaudible at low signal levels, individually addressable clip limiters and subsonic filters, b

Japan - Digital Projection International and its joint venture partner NEC Viewtechnology, have announced they have carried out the first commercial demonstration of the cS25 projection system in Tokyo, Japan. The cS25 is the first commercial projector utilizing the new higher resolution Texas Instruments DC2K DMD, offering over two million pixels. The demonstration was arranged in conjunction with Japanese distributor, Toshiba Denko and was held at the Togeki theatre, owned by Shochiku, in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan.

"We are extremely proud to have been involved in the two significant world firsts within the Digital Cinema market. In December 2000 we sold and installed the first ever digital cinema projector and have followed this up with the world's first commercial demonstration of the DC2K unit. It demonstrates that Digital Projection is committed to innovation and is 100% beh

Denmark - Built from the ground up for greater performance and featuring an all-new look, the new MAC 250 Entour is the latest version of Martin Professional's 250W automated profile spot. Like its newly released sibling, the MAC 250 Krypton, the Entour incorporates the technology and design features of the MAC 2000.

The MAC 250 Entour has been designed for environments where powerful effects are required from a compact profile moving head, including stage, studio and event applications and permanent installations. The Entour includes a number of advancements, including an improved optical system and new achromatic lens system for brighter output and unsurpassed quality imaging, while all-new gobo designs and an additional gobo wheel provide an abundance of new effects. Other improvements include enhanced movement, a specially designed dimming system and a modular design that us

UK - LiteStructures will be unveiling much more than most other exhibitors at PLASA 2003 - as it will lift the lid on its brand new image and new website. LiteStructures' makeover comes during a period of expansion, which sees the company growing both in size and reputation. Managing director Adrian Brooks explains: "It was definitely time for a change. LiteStructures is going from strength to strength and we wanted to overhaul our image to reflect that."

While the LiteStructures logo is certainly different, visitors to the stand can rest assured that the company's products are still as stylish and reliable as ever, as Brooks explains: "The quality and service you'll get from LiteStructures is the same as before. The change of image simply brings the LiteStructures 'look' in line with the 21st century." Visitors to stand M40 will also be able to see LiteStruc

USA - Edirol has announced availability of the world's first multi-port high-speed USB (USB2.0) audio recording interface - the UA -1000. This is the new flagship of the Edirol Audio Capture product line, and offers high quality audio capture and playback with features that make it an ideal centrepiece of a PC-based recording studio, say Edirol.

The UA-1000 is connected to the computer via a single USB 2.0 cable connection. Data transfer is a fast 480Mbps, which offers 10 fully duplex audio channels of 24-bit/96kHz which can be channeled and routed in various modes, including stereo and surround channel formats up to 7:1. An added feature is that the volume knob can be set to control the stereo master or alternatively all surround channel levels at the single touch of a button.

The UA-1000 has a very strong selection of connectors and interfaces for use in the studio, includin

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