The Netherlands - Dutch dimming manufacturer IES has led the way in sine wave Ethernet-networked dimming systems in Europe with several recent major projects having high-capacity Ethernet networks for dimming, automated lighting, effects and dimmer status reporting. The company says it saw an obvious requirement for a dedicated product range of Ethernet nodes tailored to the needs of a new generation of lighting network, and in response has introduced the iNode.

The new iNode is a small, self-contained unit which operates with power-over-LAN and can be located anywhere within the lighting rig using Cat 5 cable or wi-fi. The range comprises iNode2 in cable, 19" rack-mounting or wi-fi versions with Ethernet in and 2 DMX-in and 2 DMX-out and iNode4 (Ethernet in and either 4 DMX-in or 4 DMX-out). The innovative design, which also includes a merge function, may also be integrat

Germany - The Fun Company, a new Germany-based venture aimed at bringing new show control solutoions to the market, launched its E.GO show control system at the recent Frankfurt ProLight&Sound exhibition. The E.GO system offers control of lights, video and sound in professional theatrical or event environments, and follows a fully modular concept which allows the user to add and combine any number of modules to one console.

In addition, each module can work as a stand-alone unit, so it can function as a full desk on its own. There are three modules available, each being tailored towards a specific use: the Designer module for direct access, the Performer for playing back complex shows and the Fader module for flexible device mixing.

Technologies such as the easy to use ColorTarget and the ShowDrive make the E.GO show control system one of the most versatile and easy to use s

Australia - Enttec's latest product, the Datagate, is essentially a DMX Splitter, a DMX Merger, and a DMX-to-Ethernet node in one package. It has an Ethernet port, which acts as an input or an output, as well as eight 1500V opto-isolated DMX ports, any of which can be configured as an input or an output. This allows the Datagate to be configured to distribute up to eight DMX Universes from its Ethernet input, or to take a common application, accept four Universes via Ethernet and distribute each to two optically isolated DMX outputs.

The Datagate can also accept standard DMX inputs and merge or copy them to the other 5-pin DMX outputs, or the Ethernet port. Merging can be configured as HTP for LTP, and the configuration can vary from port to port. Some of the other features of the Datagate are easy wireless DMX links (using third party wireless LAN access points), opto-isolatio

USA/Europe - Digigram, one of the market leading developers of PC sound cards for high end pro audio applications, announces the arrival of a new industry standard by taking its PCX range of sound cards to the next level. The new cards will be previewed this spring at NAB 2004 and AES Europe.

The HR (High Resolution) series of PCX sound cards is designed for the most demanding applications in broadcast such as production, on-air, continuous playback, and logging. Featuring state of the art sound quality with 24-bit/192 kHz converters, more advanced functions, more processing power, and greater flexibility for custom developments, the new generation will be the Number one choice for pro audio manufacturers and independent software vendors. The design of the new generation addresses current and future market needs as expressed by Digigram's 100+ OEM development partners.

Philipp

USA - At this year's NAB show, Mackie unveils its latest digital recording console based on the versatile dXb platform launched at the AES show last October. The new dXb.400, which joins the dXb.200 - introduced at the NAMM show last January - is designed with professional recording and post-production applications in mind.

Ken Berger, vice-president of marketing and product development at Loud Technologies Inc said: "The significant excitement generated by the dXb concept at the AES show last October revealed a universal acceptance for the platform. Because the dXb platform is so versatile, we've been able to introduce two distinct models for two individual markets, in a very short period of time."

Both dXb.200 and dXb.400 share the same basic architecture including the unique dual touch-screen interface, 96kHz operation (optional to 192kHz), on-board automation and

USA - Mike Wood Consulting LLC has announces the launch of a web-based database containing full versions of patents relating to entertainment lighting. Although patents are public documents which can be obtained from the various Patent Offices around the world, it takes time and resources to locate the ones you want. This new, freely accessible database makes it easy to get hold of important or interesting lighting industry patents and will help keep you up to date with new patents as they issue.

The system is fully searchable and currently contains nearly 400 US patents including both utility and design patents: applications and European patents will follow. Complete copies of all patents in the database are available for immediate download as PDF documents.

To access the database visit the web address below and follow the 'Industry Patents' link.The database is for general i

UK - Audiolight has announced the availability of its Emerald series lasers, which include a 19" rack-mount controller, or can be purchased with a PC control system, using Zion 3D laser software. The high quality beam can produce text, animations, sequences, 2D or 3D projections, say Audiolight. The Saffron Series provides more scope with colour, housing red, yellow and green diodes. The compact system is ideal for many applications, including promotional, display and corporate projections. Because the Emerald or Saffron Lasers do not require 3-phase or water supplies, they can be rigged up, plugged in and running a show within 10 minutes.

If required, the Emerald and Saffron laser systems can come with The Zion 3D laser show software and PC. Zion 3D is one of the most advanced software titles available for laser display applications, and provides an easy-to-use interface e

USA - Gefen has announced a new method of high definition video extension which can transmit audio and video data up to 150ft over Cat 5 cable - the first time, according to Gefen, that Cat 5 cables can carry the large amounts of data required for HD clarity and precision. New chip technologies have created a method of packaging data that can be transmitted successfully using industry-standard Cat 5E cables, say the company.

Multiple resolutions up to 1080i and multi-channel digital audio are effective at distances up to 150ft, making the HDTV Extender over Cat 5 cable an economical alternative to fibre optics or copper cables for medium-length installations. It is highly advantageous when upgrading audio/video systems from analogue to digital because cabling does not have to be replaced.

THe HDTV Extender is available in two models that work with HD's two most popular interfa

UK - Allen & Heath will be showcasing the next generation of its best selling MixWizard range of multi-purpose compact consoles, at the A.C. Lighting North show 2004, taking place at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds on 11-12 May. Allen & Heath has utilized the latest technology to add new and improved features to the range, which comprises the WZ³12:2, WZ³14:4:2 and WZ³16:2 mixers.

The WZ³16:2 and WZ³12:2 feature a dedicated mono output fader, with innovative mode for control of aux fed subs, while the WZ³14:4:2 builds on Allen & Heath's pioneering dual functionality and boasts a 6x2 matrix, a unique feature for a compact mixer.

All models now have a new mic preamp design and advanced grounding scheme further enhancing sonic quality. WZ³ also feature individual phantom power switches, channel signal indicators, lamp sockets and backup supply capability. Internal conf

Denmark - Martin Professional has introduced a new tool for power distribution - an intelligent mobile switch pack for use wherever DMX power control of a complete installation is needed. The PSP-12 offers easy DMX control of interior and exterior light sources and many other devices. Also, using high quality power relays, the PSP-12 will reduce installation costs, say Martin.

Individual circuit breakers, one on each output, protect against short circuits and overloads, while a Bypass Safety Switch allows manual control of all outputs: the DMX address switch is selectable using the pole DIP switches. DMX gives individual control of all output channels, and a high power output of 2300W (230 V) on each channel makes it possible to connect nearly any device.

Multiple devices can also be connected to the same output, with the status of each output clearly indicated through the P

UK - Distributed internationally by Proel UK is Alto's new PS4HA - an active, two-way 12" enclosure, with a heavy-duty, high-resistance ABS housing. It comes equipped with multiple points for flying, and features an onboard Class H power amplifier, which delivers 300W into the low frequency driver and 100W for the HF section.

Proel says that the new speaker provides high quality acoustic performance - far better than budget-priced plastic housed PA enclosures. The PS4HA is the first of a completely new generation of PA enclosures from Alto, with seven more models destined for launch in the next few months.

(Lee Baldock)

Italy - The ELISA 2126from RCF is a multi-function unit combining a six-CD auto-changer with cartridge operation, FM tuner with station memory and a seven-input integrated amplifier with 120W RMS - available on four selectable speaker lines.

Suitable for bars, restaurants, retail stores and fast food chains, the EL 2126 offers four balanced mic/ line inputs and an external Line-Level input for an additional source (i.e. Satellite Receiver). The system can be connected to a priority source (i.e. PABX) and has a built-in chime and a double siren with adjustable volume for emergency. This versatile unit also has an integrated four-zone selection keyboard for individual activation of the sound to different rooms.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Czech Republic - Robe's latest product release, the ColorSpot 250AT, builds on the ColorSpot 250 XT, one of its most popular moving head models. ColorSpot 250 'Advanced Technology' is the ColorSpot range luminaire for applications requiring smaller and more discreet lights. The ColorSpot 250 AT is aimed at TV studios, small- to medium-sized clubs and various other types of installation, including retail environments.

The fixture uses Robe's high-efficiency optics, designed and manufactured in-house, to ensure the fixture is exceptionally bright for its size, while its streamlined new shell design follows the same aesthetics and style as the larger ColorSpot 1200 AT.

ColorSpot 250 features include a new rotating gobo wheel with seven replaceable 'Slot and Lock' dichroic glass gobos and open, and a new colour wheel hosting 10 replaceable 'Slot and Lock' colours plus open. The th

USA - VTG Audio and Stardraw announced that Net CAD has won a Pick Hits award at NAB 2004. Net CAD is VTG Audio's new on-line custom panel design and ordering application, commissioned from software providers, Stardraw.com, which went live at the recent NSCA show in Las Vegas.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Sweden - Wireless Solution AB is Swedish based company with wide experience of the wireless industry. A radio engineer and a real-time programmer - formerly from a worldwide manufacturer of mobile phones and GSM base stations - run the company's R&D Department.

Swelite W-DMX is based on the technology and philosophy of GSM, with the same security of transmission including Frequency Hopping (FHSS) and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), which was originally developed by the US Army for safe and encrypted communication during wartime. With 128 different FHSS patterns plus TDMA it is more or less impossible to get interference from other equipment on the 2.4GHz band. To make it even safer the company has included an encryption on the signal from sender to receiver so that each receiver only listen to his master sender and ignores all other signals.

The system is used for both P

USA - Interactive Technologies Inc, manufacturer of professional entertainment and architectural lighting controls, has introduced the Figment DMX version 5.1, which adds next-generation Bluetooth wireless connectivity features to the award-winning Figment DMX lighting console software package for Palm OS compatible PDAs.

Also new is a Sidewinder Bluetooth Module that easily adds Bluetooth wireless functionality to the company's Sidewinder family of DMX interfaces.

With Figment 5.1 running on a Bluetooth-enabled PDA, Figment can be used to focus fixtures, tech moving lights, run show files, perform diagnostics, view console channel levels and more, by wirelessly connecting to a Sidewinder DMX interface that has been outfitted with a Sidewinder Bluetooth Module.

Adding a Bluetooth module to the Sidewinder DMX interface allows a PDA running Figment DMX with built-in Bluetooth

UK - Klark Teknik announced the launch of a PC remote control for the award-winning Helix DN9340 digital equalization system. This is the latest add-in to the ELGAR software control shell that has been developed for Klark Teknik and Midas products.

The PC controller mirrors the operation of the units themselves, allowing instant and simultaneous online control of up to 64 channels of EQ from a laptop, tablet computer or compatible device. The unique 'FastNav' feature allows access to any function of any channel with just two button clicks, making control of even the largest systems quick and simple. The software has been extensively beta-tested on numerous events and tours with excellent results.

The Graphical User Interface is intuitive and straightforward to use. The Homepage provides a composite view of the overall operation of any channel and full real-time metering is pro

Denmark - TC Electronic introduces Mastering 6000, which will make its debut at AES, Berlin. The Mastering 6000 is a four-engine mastering processor based on the company's award-winning multi-channel processing platform, System 6000. Mastering 6000 is a custom set of precise timing and high-resolution digital signal processing tools designed specifically for mastering engineers producing high-quality audio for CD, DVD, SACD and film. Mastering 6000 has a license-based structure, which enables it to be augmented with optional processing tools.

New limiting and compression algorithms in Mastering 6000 include MD4, featuring a five-band stereo and MS processor with linear phase split filter topology, an updated Brickwall Limiter that prevents listening fatigue and distortion using internal sample rates of up to 480 kHz (five times upsampling) and new custom A/D and D/A conversion

Germany - The Major S/E (Safe and Easy) blinders are the currently the safest blinders on the market, according to German distributor Lightpower. They are equipped, say the company, with an all-pole automatic shutoff which guarantees a safe and easy lampcheck and/or exchange, as the blinder is switched off after the lamp line has been opened. The complete product range includes 4-Lite and 8-Lite Par 36 blinders.

Both are divided into two swivel-mounted sections. The Par 36 blinders have been completed by the new 9-Lite and 8-Lite circle versions. In addition, the complete product range includes the 8-Lite blinder 4 x 2, which offers the possibility to achieve the popular fan-shaped effect when using ACL lamps. It is also available with a yoke to mount it horizontally or vertically.

(Lee Baldock)

Germany - Steinberg Media Technologies recently announced that the latest version of its award-winning WaveLab audio editing and mastering application is now shipping to resellers worldwide. Offering full multi-channel surround support, a video track and DVD audio mastering and authoring.

One of the major new releases in Steinberg's 20th anniversary year, WaveLab 5 now encompasses a full set of DVD Audio mastering and authoring tools, making WaveLab 5 the first and currently only application to support both CD-Audio and DVD Audio formats within a unified interface. WaveLab 5 is also the first and currently only application to combine all aspects of stereo and multi-channel high-resolution audio editing, processing, mastering and DVD-Audio authoring/burning.

Arnd Kaiser, Steinberg's senior product manager for Music Technology commented: "We are, of course, very proud to be

UK - Le Mark Group has introduced one of the world's most extensively-used gaffer tapes to its range. Pro-Gaffer from Pro Tapes & Specialities replaces Scapa 3101 as Le Mark's heavy-duty all-weather tape.

Pro-Gaffer is one of the best vinyl coated cloths available and is used by leading movie technicians and engineers worldwide. The advantages over Scapa 3101 are that the range offers 20 standard colours plus a superior matt surface thus reducing light reflection. Vinyl coated cloth tapes offer advanced performance in both high and low temperature applications and a high adhesive weight ensures a strong hold for extreme conditions such as 'off shore location-filming' and extreme rigging and fixing. Pro-Gaffer now companions Permacel P665 within the ever-growing Le Mark waterproof cloth based specialist tape range.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Germany - Digigram, manufacturer of sound cards for high end pro audio applications, launched at AES Europe the LCM220v2 sound card with 2/2 balanced analogue I/Os, which replaces the popular LCM220. The new board is targeted at broadcast automation, permanent playback, logging, and other pro audio applications.

By offering a more specific set of functions, the LCM220v2 provides Digigram on-board audio processing and features at a lower price point than comparable cards in Digigram's PCX range. Full duplex, the card offers simultaneous and independent record and playback capabilities, as well as real-time, simultaneous MPEG Layer I and Layer II compression and decompression during record and playback.

New features include 24-bit converters, analog and digital level control on the outputs, short length PCI format (175 mm or 6.875"), as well as Universal PCI bus (5V, 5V+3.3

UK - Trantec has introduced its PT1 UHF stereo audio system, aimed at use in theatre venues and other public buildings. In October 2004, new legislation in the form of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) will come into force requiring theatre venues and all public spaces to make facilities available for patrons with sensory disabilities. Trantec's PT1 offers a flexible radio-based solution to the complex issues surrounding this new legislation.

The DDA requires that theatre venues should be able to provide subtitles or captioning and signed performances for hearing impaired patrons and audio description for partially sighted and blind patrons. The key to the solution is to offer dual-channel systems either through Infrared or radio frequency-based systems, which can simultaneously transmit hearing reinforcement and audio description.

The PT1, originally designed for multi-

International - The June 2004 issue of Lighting&Sound International magazine (published 9 June 2004) will feature a Technical Focus on the new Working at Height Regulations. PLASA's Health & Safety consultant, Ron Bonner, has been delivering a seminar to the industry on the subject of the new regulations, including at the PALME exhibition in Dubai in February, and at this week's A.C. Lighting North trade show in Leeds. He comments: "This legislation is being forced on our industry - and a number of others - very soon. As so much of the work in entertainment technology is carried out at height, I believe it is vital that professionals working in this industry have an understanding of what is in store for them."

The Technical Focus article will also go on to provide a round-up of chain hoist motors and their control systems. The review will examine standards and safety,

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