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

UK - Worldwide automated lighting manufacturer High End Systems Inc (HES) has introduced the Catalyst DL1 - a digital video engine that bridges the worlds of automated lighting and video projection. The Catalyst DL1 incorporates rugged moving light technology with a digital video engine and includes both lighting and video communications protocols. HES is positioning the DL1 as the lighting industry's first commercially available digital moving light and will immediately begin promoting it to entertainment and information markets including theatre, television, film, concert touring, night clubs, churches and corporate events planners.

HES will publicly debut the Catalyst DL1 at the PLASA Show in London (7-10 September). Preview showings in August include the Nissan Auto Dealer product launch in Mexico City and the Aerosmith world concert tour.

Catalyst DL1 is the second genera

Australia - ARX Systems has released the new EQ130 single-channel 1/3rd octave graphic equalizer. Following in the steps of ARX's legendary EQ60, the EQ130 is ideal for all critical sound reinforcement, installation and broadcast applications requiring one channel of high quality equalization.

The EQ130 features 30 of the company's new extended resolution long-throw, centre-grounding sliders, switchable to either ±15dB or ±6dB, for the ideal combination of high fader resolution and maximum cut and boost. Other features include a Gain Level control with up to +10 dB of gain; a Clip LED to indicate circuit overload, a sweepable 20-200Hz high pass filter, and an In/Out hardwire bypass switch with optional transformer output. With its state of the art circuitry and ultra low-noise design, the EQ130 boasts a signal-to-noise of 95dB un-weighted, a dynamic range of 120dB and distorti

UK - Studio Due has chosen the PLASA Show to launch its most recent product development in the field of architectural lighting - the Hercules. The chassis of this fixture is manufactured in die-cast aluminium, guaranteeing safe use under the most extreme conditions.

Featuring a new reflector made of borosilicate glass, light-emitting efficiency has been significantly improved. The innovative shape of the reflector allows ultimate exploitation of light output (the lamp may vary, from model to model, between the new Philips MSA600 with 6000 hours life and excellent colour rendering, or the Osram HMP 575 and the Sylvania BA800W SE HR) thus making this new fixture an excellent alternative to projectors using 800W lamps.

The Hercules will be available on the market from October 2003 in two models - 600 and 800W. The 600W will come with magnetic ballast, dimmer, CMY colour-changing

USA - CITC, the special effects equipment company that brought the Little Blizzard snow machine to market, is now offering it in five different styles, from a Basic version through to a Little Blizzard SP (soundproofed) with DMX on board, which is now, according to the company, extremely quiet.

The Little Blizzard SP can now run continuously and features CITC's 'reverse sound' technology. The Little Blizzards now blow snow to 20 feet without a fan, and up to 80 feet with CITC's Hurricane II fan. The Little Blizzards and Hurricane fans have been used successfully in films, concerts, cruise ships, amusement parks, and events worldwide.

CITC has also created a new foam machine called the Foam 'Super' Dome, which produces foam three times faster than the original Foam Dome. CITC is also debuting a new line of fluids, which are economically priced - Fog-It, Bubble-It, Basic Little

UK - Sonic8 has been appointed to handle the UK distribution of Dateq professional audio products. With their roots in broadcast and DJ consoles, Dateq, based in The Netherlands, now also designs products for the installation market. "I was attracted to Dateq's range of installation products" states Stephen Helm, Sonic8's managing director, "as I feel that they are very well thought out and I believe that installers will share that feeling too. Initially we will be focusing on Dateq's sound limiters and MusiCall paging and audio routing system."

The MusiCall system is an audio matrix available in three formats: 8 mono/8 stereo/16 stereo audio source inputs routing through to 8 mono/8 stereo/16 stereo audio output zones respectively for amplifiers, or loudspeaker systems in, for example, a 100V system. MusiCall comes with a central control unit and can be eas

Denmark - Martin's new MAC 550 features unprecedented illumination for a 400W fixture, astounding graphics and gobo animation system - the same as in the MAC 2000 Performance - all housed in the award-winning design of the MAC 2000. The combination of efficient lamp (Osram double-ended HTI 400/D3 - 750 hour lamp life) with new glass reflector technology produces a light output of 9,300 lumens, higher than most 575W fixtures.

In response to market requests for a zoom system in a mid-range fixture, Martin has included a fully motorized zoom in the MAC 550, capable of beam angles from 14-30°. Unlike step zoom systems that offer only two or three different beam angles, the MAC 550's zoom can achieve any beam angle within the range. Lenses inside the MAC 550 come with optical coatings to decrease light loss and improve projection characteristics. The lens system also comes with remo

UK - The Wavefront AL3101 DSP-1K is a powerful audio processor optimized for signal filtering, equalization and dynamics processing. With its 49 MIPS throughput (at 48kHz), 28-bit internal data path, and on-board data and program memory (1K each), the AL3101 offers higher performance than many of the more expensive DSP chips on the market, according to Profusion. The AL3101 is capable of processing a 1024 tap FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filter; acting as a compressor/limiter, gate, or de-esser; serving as a speaker crossover or equalizer; or creating a wide variety of audio effects such as chorusing and flanging.

The DSP-1K offers large word size, providing easy, accurate algorithm creation for audio and other high dynamic range applications. The chip also operates stand-alone with a serial PROM (DSP-1KM) or in conjunction with a host microprocessor or microcontroller. Additio

UK - Leading Australian lighting manufacturer, Jands, will be unveiling its new console, the Vista, at the PLASA show in London (7-10 September). Featuring a major new design that takes advantage of the latest user interfaces, the Vista is a whole new world of speed, ease of use and sheer intuitiveness in lighting desks.

Dispensing with touch screens, keypads and tedious number crunching, the Vista uses a pen and a huge colour screen to give you unprecedented creative power and control over every aspect of your show. For the first time, the Vista incorporates a timeline that lets you see what's happening in your design in relation to time: when lights come on, when they go off, when they change colour and so on. You can jump in at any point to edit, and all the variables such as colours, focus and gobos are there on the one screen.

The Vista also features a generic fixture m

Denmark - Martin Professional has introduced 'Fingers', a handy hardware interface for its popular software-based LightJockey controller. Fingers is a robust playback and programming wing that makes LightJockey even more intuitive and accessible, say Martin.

LightJockey is a Windows-based lighting controller capable of controlling up to 100 DMX fixtures that can interface either 512 - 2048 channels. It is used extensively for club and DJ lighting control, special events, retail environments and more. Highly customizable, Fingers permits a large number of the LightJockey functions to be mapped directly to physical faders, buttons and jog wheels, providing the user with easy, hands-on, live show and playback control.

Fingers allows easy button control for launching programs, triggering of individual or multiple sequences and latching of specific cues/sequences. Next, previous a

Norway - The CLS DMX65R is a new 19" rack-mounting, digital DMX dimmer, based on noiseless IGBT technology. The unit is 1U high and offers many professional features including 6 channels of DMX512 in a programmable digital dimmer unit and 100-250V 50-60Hz automatic switching. Output is provided by six 5A channels by Neutrik's Powercon as standard. A choice of output connections is available, plus a USB input for PC connection, electronic auto-protection on each channel with auto reset, double fuses on each channel with overload, short circuit and temperature protection.

The CLS DMX65R is fully programmable and offers preheat, maximum and minimum value and dimming or switchpack select, on each channel. A PC program allows the user to program all the dimmer settings from a laptop, including up to 20 scenes that can be run from the dimmer rack, crossfade and pause times on ea

UK - KV2 Audio is launching its premium EX10 high-output active full-range speaker at this year's PLASA Show. "We designed the EX10 for customers who want the very best sound quality possible in a compact cabinet," says KV2 president, Marcelo Vercelli: "The EX10 is aimed at serious sound contractors, rental houses, small churches and in-house AV departments who need maximum fidelity from an extremely small enclosure."

Vercelli says the EX10 was developed at KV2's Milevsko R&D facility in the Czech Republic, and embodies the company's philosophy of increased dynamic range, very high output and consistent sound character - no matter what the output level. The EX10 employs a new LF transducer with KV2's TransCoil technology and neodymium motor structure that is said to dramatically increase force, lower distortion and provide increased frequency linearity. A new

Uk / Netherlands - T2, the truss safety product originally developed by Total Fabrications, is now also to be made and sold by the Prolyte Products Group, based in Holland. Speaking of this major collaboration, TFL's managing director Chris Cronin said: "Since T2 was first launched in 2000, we envisaged the T2 system as the new standard of safety for trussing with fall arrest and that it should be available from more than one major truss manufacturer. A separate company, T2 Systems Ltd, was established to manage the various patents, registered designs and trade marks that cover T2 and to license its production to suitable manufacturers in the industry."

"T2 systems are in use across the UK and abroad - including two major London venues. With work underway on an exciting new installation in the South West and a number of other UK-based projects, it is only natural

UK - Italian pro audio manufacturer Outline will be at the PLASA Show with its Butterfly, also known as Outlinearray. The C.D.H. 483 Hi-Pack element (which has two patents pending, both applied for in mid-2002), is a bi-amp three-way cabinet, which uses mechanical interaction rather than DSP to achieve its goal.

It uses two forward facing 8" cone transducers and two further 8" cone drivers. These are acoustically coupled and do not require DSP. The HF section uses a compression driver with a 3" diaphragm, as a line source can only be achieved by using one high frequency driver. Connected to this is a patent-pending Double Parabola developed by Guido Noselli (DPRWG). This radical new HF configuration works as a ribbon driver but with a very high efficiency (110 dB 1w/1m). The C.D.H. 483 Hi-Pack weighs in at just 35kg, including its integral flying system. Outline c

UK - German loudspeaker manufacturer d&b audiotechnik has announced the introduction of the D12 Amplifier, a new electronics platform at the very heart of the company's system concept. d&b have long been champions of the 'system' approach, where integration of all the components is fundamental to providing users with flexible, efficient, predictable and reliable tools for their work.

The D12 Amplifier is a two-channel power amplifier specifically designed for use with d&b loudspeakers; digital signal processing is incorporated, as are both analogue and digital signal inputs. Digital elements are specified and constructed to achieve audio performance meeting, or exceeding, that of analogue devices. Loudspeaker specific controller functions for the d&brange are implemented within the DSP, and both channels have independent user definable four band parametric equalizers and signal

UK - As in the year 2002 VXCO Lighting Systems Switzerland again has an own stand at PLASA in London. The company will present news around the DMXCreator computer lighting controller. The newest interface in the product range, the DMXCreator 512 Basic, will be the highlighted product. This product also is nominated for the PLASA award for product excellence.

The combination of the DMXCreator software and the three DMX512-interfaces results in one of the most powerful PC lighting controller on the market, say VXCO. Running on Wiondows, the DMXCreator software is packed with features usually reserved for large and expensive lighting consoles. Features include 3D Visual Emulator, Effects Generator, Track-effects Editor, 16 multi sequences, MIDI control, Position-Memory, scene crossfade control, DMX512 input recording, physical master. Each DMX controllable device has its own custom

UK - Bosch Security Systems has announced the availability of Intellivox PA loudspeakers, which incorporate Digital Directivity Control (DDC), which allows the loudspeaker's sound output to be 'shaped' under PC software control to match the requirements of any venue. This makes them ideal for both general public address and emergency voice evacuation systems in venues such as large halls and exhibition centres, public buildings and entertainment venues, railway stations, airports, churches and cathedrals. The extensive integrated remote monitoring also makes Intellivox loudspeakers extremely reliable and suitable for use in emergency evacuation or voice alarm systems to IEC 60849 and BS5839 part 8 standards.

Each individual loudspeaker in the line-array has its own Class-D amplifier and can be driven independently under the control of a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), resulting

UK - This year's PLASA show at Earls Court will see the introduction of a number of new and improved products from Strand Lighting - including additions to the company's dimmer range, a new tool for lighting designers and updates to its operating software.

The LD24 is a new version of the company's popular LD90 family of dimmers: its new design is aimed at cost-conscious facilities that need basic DMX control combined with a high quality digital dimmer. Strand's new SLD Sinewave dimmer will also be presented for the first time and on stand will be a working demonstration unit with a range of loads that will allow users to see the features of the new dimmer first-hand. These include true sinewave output for quiet lamps and accurate control; SST dimmer modules which can dim a wide range of loads including incandescent, inductive and capacitive devices from a fraction of a watt to

UK - Gemini 12X48, the first of a new range of products from Multiform Lighting since its merger with Light Engineering, is scheduled for release on the Light Engineering Multiform stand at PLASA.

This budget-priced desk features 12-channel 2-preset mode, 24 channel wide mode and 48 memories, including 20 chases. Easy to programme and edit cues, the desk is aimed primarily at the small theatre and educational markets, but its compact size and aesthetic design should make it an attractive choice for any small DMX-controlled installation.

Light Engineering Multiform is on stand F10.

(Ruth Rossington)

UK - Lightfactor Sales launches its distributorship of EKS' revolutionary XP10 audio pad at PLASA 2003. The XP10 is one of the first real 'plug and play' system for playing digital audio streams - making it a reality for DJs to carry all their playing equipment - including music - around in the average sized briefcase.

When connected to a PC, the XP10 provides direct control over file playback and has the ability to 'scratch' the digital audio stream via its 4.5" touch-sensitive vinyl emulation wheel. Just like vinyl and the very latest CD players, tracks can be stopped with the fingers and the wheel can be used for cueing.

The XP10's device controller is near-pocket sized and weights under 400g, but boasts features found in larger, heavier DJ equipment. Audio quality is 'hi-fi' in texture, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 105 dB or more, say EKS.

XP10 connects to a PC

UK - Martin Professional comes to this year's PLASA exhibition with the Magnum and Jem brand smoke machines encompassing everything from compact DJ foggers to heavy fog generators. Magnum is a range of high quality, high value fog effect generators for today's DJ and late night venue operator while Jem is a professional range of high quality haze, smoke and heavy fog machines designed for the stage, studio and event markets. Both ranges offer users the latest in high quality fog generation.

Martin Magnum 550 is a portable yet powerful smoke machine providing the DJ with a light-enhancing atmosphere. It houses a 600W ECO-Mass Vaporizing System for economical and even distribution of haze. It has a fast heat-up time and extended operation and comes supplied with remote control and a high quality overheat protection.

The Magnum 2000 delivers high smoke output, advanced microproc

UK - Germany-based Smoke Factory has always been known for innovation and user-friendly features with its fog products: from output control via 0-10V or via DMX, the use of standard DMX-cables as control cables, or the flightcase design for reliable touring, most international exhibitions have witnessed a new feature from the creative minds in Hannover, Germany.

One of the most revolutionary concepts Smoke Factory presented a decade ago at the PLASA Show in London was Scotty - the first truly battery-operated fog machine. Since then, Scotty has been sold all over the world and has been used in all kinds of environments, from theme parks to photographic shoots and from special events through to school theatres.

Now, the new Scotty II - to be shown for the first time at PLASA 2003 - will have a major new feature over 'old' Scotty which had one small disadvantage - the relatively

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