UK - Any colour from the popular Lee Filters colour range is now available as a pre-cut polyester insert for use in fluorescent lighting. The chosen colours will be cut to size and delivered to the user ready for install. The sleeves are made from a thermally stable, electrically insulating polycarbonate. The ends of each sleeve are capped with an end cap which fixes the sleeve to the fluorescent bulb, making installation easy. The sleeves are available in 0.61m (2ft), 1.22m (4ft), 1.53m (5ft) and 2.44m (8ft) lengths for T5, T8 and T12 diameter tubes.

Alternatively Lee Filters can supply you with pre-cut rolls of your chosen colour along with the clear polycarbonate sleeves enabling you to assemble the inserts and sleeves yourself. The pre-cut rolls are 7.62m (25ft) long and are available for T5, T8 and T12 diameter sleeves.

Lee Filters has also announced its new range of Quic

UK - Jump-Start - a small hand-held RDM and DMX512 programmer - is the latest product from the Artistic Licence test equipment portfolio. As the new Remote Device Management (RDM) protocol gains acceptance, the DIP-switches on the rear of moving lights will gradually disappear. There is no need for them as RDM allows the lighting console to patch the lights.

But, says Artistic's Wayne Howell: "What do you do when the lighting console is still in the truck? Or when you need to address a light in the workshop? Or if you want to check the temperature sensor? That's where Jump-Start comes in - plug it into the DMX connector and moments later you have a display of all the important information: start address, footprint, personality, sensors, temperature, voltage, lamp hours to mention but a few. A couple of key presses are all it takes to edit the settings, you can even plug int

USA - American DJ has introduced a new lighting effect for clubs and DJs. The Hyper Beam is a 250W multi-coloured prismatic effect which can be operated all night, with no duty cycle. Coloured rays of light reflect off of four mirrors through a rotating three-sided prism, creating constant movement and covering a wide area.

The Hyper Beam can create nine different colours plus white. An FX switch lets DJs choose from three different modes of operation: Sound-active prism rotation and continuous dichro dish rotation; sound-active prism rotation with dichro dish stationary; and sound-active prism rotation and sound-active dichro dish rotation. Each mode puts its own unique and exciting twist on the Hyper Beam's hyperactive performance.

"The Hyper Beam is a great example of American DJ's commitment to keep coming out with club and DJ lighting effects that deliver increasing

UK - Australian manufacturer LSC Lighting Systems will preview its newest lighting controller, Xtc, at next week's PLASA Show in London. This is a powerful system, say LSC, its power generated from the proven maXim engine and advanced intelligent light control from the company's PaTPad touchscreen module. The unit has a multitude of playback masters - up to 29 simultaneously, 500 memories, 100 fixtures, 100 groups, 100 presets, 100 palettes and 1024 DMX output channels. It has no faders, just dedicated latching and flashing buttons with a tri-colour status LED for each playback. Eight 'specials' can store looks or timed events for strobes, smoke machines or other DMX-controlled equipment. The front panel is made from 8mm laser-etched clear acrylic that is side-lit with white LEDs.

Also on show will be LSC's recently released range of installation digital dimmers - EKO. Available

USA - TransAudio Group, the US distributor for A Designs Audio, showcases the ATTY at 117th AES Convention in San Francisco (28-31 October 2004). ATTY is a passive in-line audio level controller designed to control mono/stereo audio signals from powered monitors and amplified units having no output control, such as a series of mic pres, power amps or speakers.

ATTY has two Neutrik combo input jacks (quarter-inch XLRs) for true stereo and two balanced output XLRs. Included is a level control knob and a mute switch for those moments when an immediate response is required. The mute switch operates as a 'panic button' shorting the signal until full control is regained. Owners of powered monitors will find A Designs ATTY an effective tool against possible system failures that may result in expensive, blown speaker diaphragms. It is small and compact measuring 2" x 3" x 5&q

Italy / UK - Outline will be showing its innovative 'Globe-Source', an omnidirectional loudspeaker whose characteristics represent the state of the art in the field of sound sources for professional acoustical use in the architectural field, according to Outline. Globe-Source has been nominated for a PLASA Award for Innovation.

Outline will also show the Micra II SP - an ultra-compact, self-powered loudspeaker enclosure that has achieved a strong reputation for its use in TV studios and on some of Italy's top tours (including Claudio Baglioni). It has a built-in (250W continuous power) digital amplifier and is fitted with two sophisticated 5" woofers and twin Neodymium magnetic circuit.

Also on show, the H.A.R.D. 212 SP is a self-powered version of the ultra-slim (33cm) monitor, used on tour by Eric Clapton, Steve Howe (Yes), Hayley Westenra and by top Italian artists inc

Australia - ARX Systems, the Australian pro audio manufacturer, has announced the release of the new V.8 Pro Audio Product Guide CD-ROM, featuring full and updated details on all current ARX products, including the new AudioBox audio interface series and Driveline column array loudspeaker series. The new CD also includes an updated Technical Resource Section covering audio applications and general audio information. To see a copy of the new CD-ROM, please just email your postal address to ARX at the e-mail below.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - James Thomas's Pixel LED division launches four new products at PLASA 2004 following the brand's most successful year to date. Sharing the stand with its core business colleagues from both American and British manufacturing operations, along with the new Pixel products being launched, the JTE team will be showing a selection of the industry standard JTE products, including trussing, ground support systems and its diverse range of theatrical lanterns.

Firstly the PixelPAR 24ec (enhanced control), a high power projector, utilizing twenty-four 1-3W Luxeon emitters in RGB and amber, thus providing a full spectrum output. The lightsource is the same as the popular PixelPAR 90(A) architectural fitting, and the unit uses the same streamlined mechanical housing. Taking advantage of new 3W blue and green LEDs combined with the 1W red and, for the first time, an amber emitter. The st

UK - Rock Solid Ethernet is a new book by Artistic Licence managing director, Wayne Howell. Ethernet technology is becoming commonplace in entertainment technology. This means that end users, specifiers, designers and engineers need to know the rules: What can you do? What can't you do? So what can you get away with?Rock Solid Ethernet is split into three sections, discussing the technology from the perspective of end users and specifiers, system installers and manufacturers and designers. Subjects covered range from making an RJ45 cable through network topology to the use of radio links. This book is laid out in a style that allows the reader to quickly find the answers to their questions.

Howell commented: "Over the past few years I have looked for a concise reference on the subject of Ethernet. Somewhat to my surprise I was unable to find what I wanted! There are many go

UK - DHA Lighting, specialists in entertainment and architectural lighting, will introduce the Derksen Lightbrush colour-mixing architectural washlight system at this year's PLASA Show.

Lightbrush is a modular, colour-mixing system that uses three coloured (red/green/blue), energy-efficient fluorescent tubes to allow the creation of 16.7 million colours. Ideal for providing even washes of light and colour, Lightbrush can be successfully used where the throw available for lighting is less than 500mm.

Available in lengths from 636mm up to 1546mm, they are all housed in lightweight, rugged aluminium cases and designed for indoor or outdoor use. Cube and tower configurations are also available. Lightbrush units are controlled by Lightbrush controller modules, which may be programmed using the Lightbrush hand-held remote unit or controlled via the DMX512 lighting protocol.

Lightb

UK - Stardraw.com and Dove Net Technologies have announced that background music provider Muzak has opted to standardize its proposal-generation and audio systems design and documentation procedure on Stardraw A/V and The Project System. Originally known for its infamous 'elevator music', today Muzak provides sophisticated music, voice and sound systems to over 350,000 clients worldwide. Drawing from a vast library of over 1.5 million CDs, the company has an ever-evolving pool of original music programs that can be tailored to the client's specific requirements. Over 100 million people hear Muzak every day, be it in Gap or McDonalds or countless private homes and businesses.

The Project System brings to the table a flexible estimating platform that will be used by the National Accounts Division of Muzak to speed up its estimating process on system installations around the count

UK - Beyma will present new models at the PLASA 2004 Trade Fair with its solution for Line Array design as the main innovative product. The new items included in the Beyma 2004 catalogue provide a response to the growing demand for very light and powerful loudspeakers.

The greatest innovation is the WL5, which Beyma launches to the market as the best solution for the high frequency design of Line Array Systems. This model is composed of two components: A specially designed high frequency compression driver, based in the CP-755/ND but in a much more compact size for optimum assembling, with 108dB and 80 W AES, and a simple but effective wave guide which transforms the circular aperture of the compression driver into a rectangular surface, without excessive angle aperture to provide minimum vertical dispersion to the acoustic wavefront. The design fulfills the curvature requiremen

Germany - Introduced at the ProLight+Sound 2004 exhibition in Frankfurt, the Line 212-SP, with integrated active electronics and the new SW 215E and SW215E-SP subwoofers, are now available, say manufacturer Kling & Freitag.

Like the passive version, the Line 212-SP is available as a 65° and a 90° version. One unique feature of the Line 212 Systems is the patented FLC technology which causes a targeted dispersion pattern which already begins in the lower frequency spectrum. If necessary, the horn-loaded extremely compact full-range system Line 212 can be supplemented with additional subwoofers. The new double 15" subwoofer SW 215E, also available as an SP version (self-powered), is especially well-suited for this. Using stacking foot grooves on the top and the side of the SW 215E, the Line 212 systems can be set up for stand-alone or cluster use. Both systems can be opera

UK - dB Technologies new electronically-controlled active system, Fifty Line, is a flexible and compact PA system with three main components. The FL10 passive high frequency speaker, equipped with a horn loaded 10" woofer and a B&C 1" pressure driver (coaxially mounted). dB has used its long history and experience in plastics to develop this horn and this is reflected in the weight, sound and output pressure of the system. The 1" driver has been specially designed and manufactured for the unit to achieve an smooth frequency and dispersion.

FL15 is the mid-bass of the system, incorporating both a 500W/RMS power amp and a 300 +100 W/RMS power amp, used to power the FL 10, by way of a four-channel speaker cable. The result of combining the two units is a complete full-range speaker system.

FL18 sub-bass is a bass reflex unit driven by an 18" B&C woofer, togeth

UK - Stagetec Distribution will again be sharing a stand with Compulite at the PLASA show, helping with the launch of a range of new products, these will include the first showing of the new Vector Green console, the smallest in the range, but with the same power and flexibility of the larger versions. Vector Green still utilizes two powerful processors to ensure maximum stability and has all the features of the larger consoles with one built-in colour touch screen and one external monitor, 10 playback faders, a separate crossfade playback, four on-board DMX outputs and a further 12 over Ethernet. Vector Green is designed to follow on from the popular SparkTOP system by providing an extremely light and portable, yet powerful control console. It will be supplied complete with a clip-on cover to enable it to be easily carried around.

The Vector iControl is designed around the Comp

Canada / USA - Cast Software introduced Vivien, a new software application for event and meeting design, at Event Solutions in Washington last week. The new product was received with overwhelming response, say Cast.

Vivien is an integrated solution for event design and rollout, designed to meet the needs of planners and designers servicing corporate events, special functions, incentive meetings, tradeshows and parties. The program is built on a specialized CAD engine that allows users to design any space in 3D. The Vivien 3D library contains a comprehensive collection of items, including tables, chairs, décor, AV, architectural, banquet, and staging items. Users simply click and drag the items into their virtual space. Everything is tracked by a database and paperwork component for issuing floor plans, layouts, reports, order sheets, schedules, and renderings.

"The show

UK - Newly-formed Muse Research has launched with Receptor, a sophisticated but simple-to-operate VST instrument and effects player for studio and live applications. The problem with many VST instruments and effects is that they are difficult to use and set-up, but the Receptor's intuitive front panel with knob controls, makes it easy. But the 2U rack-mountable, multi-timbral sound and effects Receptor makes the task of using plug-ins as easy as "dial and play". Using proprietary Muse software, Receptor can run VST software from the best developers in the world without the complexity and fragility of a computer.

Receptor's mixer-like architecture combines up to 16 different audio sources, which can be either internal VSTi instruments or external analogue/digital inputs. Each source is then routed through its own inline effects matrix, allowing three VST plug-ins to be

UK - Production Services has announced the upgrading of its SP Series power amplifiers - despite the fact that the existing designs have provided sterling service with only one breakdown (due to operator problems) over the last 12 months from all the SP Series amps in use worldwide, say the company.

The changes start with the front plate, machined from 10mm thick aluminium block. Superior airflow has been achieved as well as making the amplifier more robust. According to the manufacturer, everything about the amplifiers has been upgraded from transparent output limiting through components to general design and layout. The result, the company says, is improved reliability and sonic performance - with no price increase.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Denmark - Dynaudio Acoustics has introduced AIR Base 12 and AIR Base 24, two new powerful active subwoofers featuring an original 12" driver specifically designed for low frequency reproduction and tight impulse response. AIR Base 12 features 500W into a single 12" driver and AIR Base 24 features 700W of amplification into two 12" drivers. With these latest additions to the series, AIR System owners have even more options for selecting the right subwoofer for the size of their monitor system. The AIR Base 12 and AIR Base 24 subwoofers will ship in September 2004.

Dynaudio Acoustics has put great effort into designing a pair of subwoofers that are able to withstand resonance within the enclosure due to low-end frequency response, thus ensuring a more precise output. With a total frequency response of 22Hz - 200Hz and a 500W amplifier, AIR Base 12 delivers a lot of

UK - A.C. Lighting is set for another exciting show at this year's PLASA exhibition, where several major product launches and new distribution lines will be unveiled on the stand. Two new lighting products receive their official trade show launch at PLASA, and set new benchmarks in their fields of LED and lighting console design, say the company.

The Chroma-Q Color Block DB4 LED fixture features a modular design, comprehensive fixing options and advanced effects engine, allowing users to create a versatile LED system using stock of just one fixture type. The product will be shown its many configurations and fixing options.

Also launching this year from Chroma-Q is the 4Play - a fault-tolerant, self-healing 4-way DMX buffer designed to fully isolate all outputs from each other. Supplied with 4 x 5 pin connectors, each output is separately generated and boosted from the origin

UK - Denon's flagship DN-S5000 CD player, with turntable, along with its tabletop companion, the DN-S3000, can now be road-protected. Leading DJ bag supplier, UDG, has been commissioned to produce purpose-designed, padded shoulder bags for the two popular products.

Manufactured in a heavy nylon weave - with a generous provision of pockets - the bags incorporate the famous Denon DJ graphic. Now in production, the new bags will be available from distributors with effect from this month's PLASA Show in London.

Said D&M Pro Europe's David Atkinson: "This is the first time we have supplied kit with their own bespoke, branded bags, and I must say they look fabulous." UDG (Ultimate DJ Gear) started out four years a go with the production of the SoftBag. Many DJs - such as Tiesto, Carl Cox and Paul van Dyk - are using its products, and using this feedback UDG is striving tow

UK - Out Board has launched the all-new DM Series of chain hoist rigging motor controllers, configured in 4- and 8-channel versions to manage Direct Control hoists such as Verlinde, Chainmaster and the new Columbus McKinnon direct control hoists.

As with the company's established CM-Series Low Voltage controllers, the DM4 and DM8 are each packaged in rugged, compact (3U) rackmount chassis, ideal for touring, theatre, corporate, festival or installation applications. Like the CM-Series, both controllers are automation-ready for integration with intelligent rigging control systems such as the IBEXtm Programmable Hoist Controller.

Direction control is available via front panel switches or by optional remote handset, plus remote and linkable GO and E-stop functions. The DM4 four-channel unit has Cee-type output connectors and the DM8 has Socapex-type connectors; truss-mounting spl

UK - A complete range of voice alarm loudspeakers to cover all requirements of BS5839 has been developed by Audio Design Services, and will be launched at the PLASA Show at Earls Court. The Omega ceiling loudspeakers have been designed by British engineers with installation engineers also playing a part in the provision of labour saving fitting devices. Fire domes have cable entries to the side as well as to the top giving at least four inches of extra headroom when required. The easy removable ceramic terminal block with integral heat fuse makes termination of MICC speedy and simple. The surface ceiling loudspeaker, which also acts as an effective wall loudspeaker, has a unique fitting assembly allowing 'first fix' to be achieved in minutes just leaving the actual loudspeaker to be snapped into position when required.

All loudspeakers have been analyzed in the EASE computer for

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