USA - High End Systems' DL1 digital light fixture now features an optional Sony camera accessory that forms the basis of its patented Digital Eye technology. The Digital Eye offers practical as well as special effect functions for event professionals. The company showed the system at InfoComm at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta (9-11 June 2004).

The DL1 equipped with the Digital Eye technology features an infrared illuminator on one side of the DL1's lens, while the Digital Eye is positioned on the other side - both inside the fixture's shell. When the infrared illuminator is activated, the Digital Eye reads the infrared waves and responds to it, operating in the dark and without emitting any visible light itself. The Digital Eye is outfitted with a serial interface that connects internally to DL1, allowing it to be controlled through DMX. It uses nine channels of D

Italy - Designed specifically to complement RCF's Installed Sound Division's ranges of speaker systems, the new RCF HC Series provides leading edge audio quality with three compact models, say the company. The three models in the line are the HC3200 - which offers up to 1600W per channel into 2 ohms (700W per channel into 8 ohms); the HC2000, which provides 1000W per channel into 2 ohms (500W per channel into 8 ohms) and the HC 1600, which gives 800W per channel into 2 ohms (350W per channel into 8 ohms).

According to RCF, these professional stereo power amplifiers are designed using ultra-high efficiency class-H mode topology, providing from 2 x 800W up to 1 x 3200W, at an efficiency of around 85%. A powerful transformer-based power supply and hand-selected components make these power ratings possible with exceptional audio quality and absolute reliability, even in 2 ohm mode,

UK - The latest addition to the DiGiCo product line is the D5 RE (Redundant Engine), a stand-alone outboard engine system that provides total audio engine redundancy through a few simple connections to any DiGiCo D5 Live console. The RE is daisy-chained to the main console and stage racks via standard D5 optical fibre cables and additionally connected from MADI port 2 on the RE to the auxiliary MADI port on the D5 local rack with two 5m BNC MADI cables (supplied). A crossed Ethernet networking cable is then connected between the Cat 5 ports on console engine and RE, so sessions can be synced to enable the RE to mirror the D5 console.

This means that, in the very unlikely event of the master audio engine developing a problem, audio is automatically and transparently switched to the RE without any interruption in programme material. Audio processing can be switched back to the mai

USA - Total Structures' new wave truss is now the proud winner of six widely recognized awards, making it one of the most decorated products in entertainment and exhibition history. The latest award is First Place in the Professional Category - Commercial of the 2004 International Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition held by the Extrusion Technology for Aluminum Profiles Foundation.

Since its launch at LDI 2002, the innovative new wave, with its carbon fibre technology and nine-port aluminum extrusion that is used for the shear webs, has caught the eye of entertainment and exhibition industry professionals. The truss and, in particular, the shear webs have now been recognized by the global aluminum extrusion industry.

Ian Coles, president of Total Structures Inc, said: "I am delighted that the product has now received recognition outside of the entertainment and exhibiti

Germany - German pro audio manufacturer K.M.E. has announced that its Digital Delay Module (DDM), launched at the Frankfurt ProLight+Sound show in April, is now available. The DDM has been designed as an additional plug-in for fixed installations into active speakers CSA 400 D, QSA 200 and QSA 500 D. Both DDM and MM2 mixer modules can be integrated into the existing module tower at any time. For example, if it is used for the active system CA 6 (the top part CSA 400 D), installation of the required delay-line is quick and easy, without the need for any additional equipment.

K.M.E's DDM features 'internal' or 'external' delay mode. The internal mode setting transmits the required delay time to the active speaker as a signal delay, while the 'external' mode routes the delay to the DDM output and provides a signal for controlling external PA systems (e.g. K.M.E. CA 6). The internal

Denmark - Martin Professional has announced a number of useful changes made to its ShowDesigner (MSD) lighting design simulation software package. New version 4.6.6.0 contains a new set of keyboard shortcuts and additional mouse functions that accelerate and facilitate the virtual lighting design process. Additionally, a number of Bugfixes have been implemented, say the company.

The latest updates, which can be downloaded from the Lighthouse website, address below:

(Lee Baldock)

Italy - SGM has introduced the X-Line, a new range of products created to provide high quality performance with an exceptional quality/price ratio. The X-Line Idea is a new family of moving heads offering great reliability and a stylish and modern design. The Idea line is made of four models, fitted with 250W or 575W discharge lamps: the Idea Spot 250, Idea Wash 250, Idea Spot 575 and Idea Wash 575.

With special attention paid to both the styling and performance of these fixtures, the Idea line offers a high level of performance using a Philips MSD 250/2 lamp (luminous flux 18,000 lumens, colour temperature 8,500°K - Spot 250 and Wash 250) - or a Philips MSR 575/2 lamp (luminous flux 49,000 lumens, colour temperature 5,600°K - Spot 575 and Wash 575).

The Idea Spot 250 has a 13° beam angle (18° and 21° on request), while the Idea Spot 575 has three selectable beam angles

Australia - Enttec has released a community-based DMX USB interface - a USB to DMX widget that can be used by any PC to generate DMX using the USB port. The project is composed of hardware and a software driver. Enttec has released full schematics of the hardware and full source code of the example application on the website under a GPL license. The requirement for users is that they must give back to the community any improvement or change made to the project.

At Enttec we believe that it's important to lower the entry barrier for students and enthusiasts wanting to get involved with Lighting control and DMX512. This project allows anyone to download the information from the website and build their own interface. From there they can write software based on our example. Enttec also offers very low cost prebuilt hardware.

The project was released two weeks ago, and in that shor

USA - Chauvet has introduced its ILS (integrated lighting system) technology which, the company says, pioneers total synchronization of different types of intelligent ILS fixtures (yokes, scanners, colour changers etc) via a custom-built, user-friendly DMX-512 controller and even on stand-alone mode. "This is a first for Chauvet, and a first in the USA. We are thrilled that we can now offer a technology that is not only innovative but gives much more options to DJs while making DMX lighting easier than ever," said Chauvet CEO Albert Chauvet.

ILS technology offers unprecedented flexibility and ease of operation, say Chauvet. Unlike other moving fixtures that can only be synchronized when they are the same type, ILS intelligent fixtures can be linked together and work in synchronization regardless of type. All ILS intelligent fixtures - i.e. ILS scanners, yokes and proje

UK / USA - RK Sound Engineering, the St Albans-based sound design and installation company, has been appointed UK distributor for the Gold Line range of audio and acoustic test and measurement equipment. Aimed principally at sound engineers, especially those involved with commissioning public address and voice alarm systems, or testing installed or touring sound reinforcement systems, the products are manufactured at Gold Line's US factory in West Redding, Connecticut. The product line-up ranges from essential tool-kit problem-solvers such as impedance meters, to the world's only dedicated, portable, STI-accredited speech intelligibility meter - vital for the compliance testing of voice alarm and evacuation systems.

The extensive portfolio also includes the DSP30 Portable Real-Time Analyser - an expandable, multi-function digital measurement device, plus general-purpose Audio T

Denmark - TC Electronic is shipping Dynamic EQ, the new mixing and mastering plug-in exclusive to the PowerCore platform. This new EQ tool offers up to four definable bands, which can work in static or dynamic mode, or in a combination of both. Also, each of the bands can be configured as a parametric EQ or a high/low shelving filter.

This virtual processor eliminates the shortcomings of static EQ by combining dynamic processing and EQ. Sidechain bands, which are independent of the processing bands, enable the high frequency content of a mix to control the low-end and vice versa. All processing is in 48-bit double precision, and may even be used in a phase linear mode, for much more transparent results. Dynamic EQ represents a new generation of mastering tools for PowerCore.

PowerCore is the open platform DSP engine for professional signal processing for Mac and PC. Its proce

UK - A wireless PA system by German manufacturer Fohhn is available in the UK from Oswestry-based Systems Workshop Distribution. The battery-powered EasyPort FP1Pro and FP1CD systems provide 40W of continuous power for up to 20 hours. The package (about the size of four standard office box-files) incorporates a three-channel mixer, optional CD player and a slot for any brand of half-rack radio mic receiver.

According to SWD, the two-way speaker design offers a maximum volume of 114dB SPL, wide dispersion and a clear, natural sound ideal for both voice and music applications. The FP1pro/CD is suitable for any application requiring compact and portable solution for sound reinforcement, quick preparation and easy, safe, wireless operation.

The FP1pro/CD, together with its larger sibling the FP2 and the new X-Perience range of self-powered PA systems are now shipping around UK and

UK - Stardraw has now announced that all of its subscription-based applications have been upgraded to support Autodesk's AutoCAD 2005. Support is bi-directional, which means that users can read and edit any DWG version and save to any DWG version. This enhancement represents a total rewrite of Stardraw's DWG engine, say the company. Indeed, improvements may be noticed in earlier versions of DWG files, and among the advances is the addition of support for TrueType fonts.

According to marketing director Rob Robinson, it was crucial that Stardraw implement support for AutoCAD's latest release as quickly as possible. "Full compatibility with AutoCAD in both directions is an important part of the value we offer systems integrators. It allows them to communicate and exchange information with architects and planners quickly and easily, because nothing is more frustrating than find

USA - Wilmington, Delaware-based Main Light Industries Inc, inventor of the patented Lightscape fibre optic curtain, has announced the release of its new Soft-LED dynamic drapery. To create Soft-LED, the company has incorporated a full colour LED array to its Lightscape curtain. The Soft-LED dynamic drapery allows audiences to enjoy a familiar fibre optic star field background, and then be blown away by full-colour graphics and low-res video images that seem to appear from nowhere, say Main Light.

Soft-LED takes advantage of Color Kinetics' next-generation Chromasic LED control technology, which allows precise control of the individual RGB LED sources. The Soft-LED dynamic drapery is compact, lightweight and easy to pack at the end of the show - especially when compared to other LED display technologies, say the company. Soft-LED systems are available specifically packaged for t

UK - A co-development between the Le Mark Group and the Technical & Production Arts Department of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) picked up the Widget of the Year Award at the recent ABTT Show in London.

Le Mark was presented with the award for the CAD Tag system, a simple but effective means of high level printed identification for all types of flown equipment. It utilizes a special self-adhesive tape that bonds rigid PVC laminates to form a printed 'tag' that can be secured directly to all types of lighting bars and trussing.

Commenting on the award, Le Mark's Stuart Gibbons said that the system was seen as a major breakthrough in visual awareness, both in terms of load safety and the positioning of flown equipment.

(Barry Howse)

Denmark - Mach Speakers has launched a new installation series of speakers, and the first in the new range are ready to hit the market. The new series, the C-Range, embraces more than just incomparable sound quality however. Co-designed by contractors for contractors, the C-Range is a breakthrough in installation speaker design and extraordinarily easy installation.

Mach says the new range has improved sound quality, as well as other improvements such as reduced speaker size, improved functionality, ease of installation, reduced service time, increased flexibility, and improved speaker strength. Advances have also been made in range and distortion levels, say Mach, and overall speaker design has been updated, while the cabinets are available in a wide range of colours.

The CN-7 and CN-8 have been specifically developed for natural sound reproduction in near field applications

UK - Pure Distribution, a division of Stirling Audio, has recently supplied theatrical productions around Europe with the 1788 eight-channel remote-controlled microphone preamplifier, manufactured by Aphex Systems.

Chris Full, from rental company Autograph Sound Recording, chose the 1788 microphone preamp for its reliability, features and multi-channel capabilities. Several units are in use on the UK and European tour of Fosse, the Tony Award-winning musical. The Aphex 1788 are in addition to the original system design by Jonathan Deans, and have been specified to accommodate all orchestra microphones, offering extra mic inputs on the front-of-house mixing desk. Another critically-acclaimed musical, We Will Rock You, also made use of the Aphex preamp. This time the 1788 was on the Madrid production, working with four Neumann microphones in an off-stage vocal booth,

USA - According to the manufacturers the new CA-8F Easy Foot controller gives hands free control of lighting by providing DMX-512 control via three (stand by, function, mode) pedals. The CA-8F is designed for all lights that work with Chauvet CA-8 or CA-6 Easy controllers including the LegendTM moving yokes and scanners Trackscan TM, IntimidatorTM and InsigniaTM. The controller features a five-pin output to a 1/4-inch jack and is sold with a cable.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Italy - A new Class-H topology style technology has allowed RCF to manufacture the ED series of amplifiers using SMD technology which greatly reduces the number of components used, whilst still offering top class performances. The Ed series produces slew rates of 50 V/µs and high-end extended dynamic sound. The high efficiency of the ED series enables maximum efficiency with low heat generation.

The 2U amplifiers at 2 x 300W for the ED 600 or 2 x 550W for the ED1100 respectively into 4-ohms are equipped complete with temperature-controlled fan cooling, all common protective circuits such as over-temperature, short circuit, RFI and soft start. The integral soft clip limiter protects against damage to the connected loudspeakers, the activity of a protective circuit, signal and limiter are shown for each channel by LED's. Connections are provided as follows: Inputs are with two X

USA - CITC, creator of the Award-winning SnoBiz biodegradable snow and the original soundproofed snow machine, the Little Blizzard SP, has announced two new members of the Little Blizzard family, the Little Blizzard Junior and the Little Blizzard Basic.

The Junior measures just 13" x 8" x 6", weighs 10lbs, and has an on/off remote control. Stephany Crawford, the VP of CITC, says that the unit is an ideal snow effect for parties, school proms, and company celebrations. The Little Blizzard Basic is 20" x 11" x 9" and weighs 24lbs. It includes a bracket for hanging, has a two speed motor, and variable output. Both machines come in either 110V 60Hz or 230V 50Hz.

(Lee Baldock)

USA - ETC has announced the release of version 1.8.0 software for its Emphasis lighting control system. The release is part of the ETCNet2 Version 4 Suite, compatible and interoperable with other Net2 products. Emphasis v1.8.0 includes many new features, including added support for moving lights like ETC's Source Four Revolution.

This release boasts Dynamic Effects, allowing the user to quickly create complex effects such as ballyhoos, figure eights, colour and iris chases for moving lights, using a combination of fixture lists, dynamic templates and editable parameters. The new Source Four Revolution library files and dedicated encoder setup option will make Revolution set-up even easier, say ETC.

The new Emphasis Offline Editor (EOE) v.1.8.0 runs on a PC and provides the ability to edit show files offline. EOE does not require a Wysiwyg dongle, so anyone can use it. Wysiwyg

USA - US manufacturer Light Stream Controls (LSC) has announced that it is re-branding its lighting controllers under the name of its affiliated Elation Professional division. All LSC controllers will now bear the Elation brand name in every market where the products are sold.

The name change was implemented in light of the growing popularity its controllers have enjoyed in Europe, Australia and other areas of the world where the Elation brand is known, according to Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of Companies, the parent company of both LSC and Elation Professional.

LSC controllers are being marketed internationally by the same distributors, to the same customers, as our Elation lighting products, so it makes sense that they should have the same brand identity," commented Davies. "This is especially true because the Elation name has become so

UK - Olmec Advanced Materials, based in Sheffield, has introduced a new product to the lighting design world. Surelight Super Bright wire is an innovative new way of providing illumination for TV, Cinema, and the Theatre industry. Surelight Super Bright is a low voltage; flexible wire, providing a 360° light source available in all the colours of the rainbow including white.

Recent users include Scottish Opera for special effect lighting on its productions of Magic Flute, The Ring Cycle, Aida and Minotaur. Ian Irvine, lighting manager at Scottish Opera said: "Surelight was a phenomenal success, we would never have been able to illuminate the stage, costumes or props in the way intended without Surelight and we keep finding new ways to use it."

London's National Theatre used Surelight for its highly successful production of Philip Pullman's novel His

UK / Japan - Asahi Kasei Microsystems Co. Ltd. (AKM) a leading supplier of audio ICs for professional and consumer markets, recently introduced a new Class-D two-channel modulator generating 110dB signal-to-noise ratio. The AK4730 marks AKM's first entry into the high-power amplifier world and is aimed at both professional and consumer products.

AKM's AK4730 exceeds Class-AB performance with Class-D efficiency. The input to AK4730 is digital and supports two-channel, 192kHz sampling. The chip combines a two-channel PWM modulator with pre-driver circuitry for external MOSFETs. Unlike other solutions that use two voltage levels for modulation (H-Bridge), AKM's Class D products utilize an advanced multi-reference E-Bridge architecture that achieves higher linearity and SNR performance for audio playback with fidelity closer to the original sound.

With an integrated driver, the AK

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