UK - London's Sounds Expo will witness a number of UK product debuts and promotions on the Shure Distribution stand 525. Firstly Shure's E4c sounds isolating earphones will make their UK debut, having already made headlines, as they were one of this year's International CES Innovations 2005 Award honourees. They are the ideal accessory for music lovers who are serious about sound quality and detail, the E4c's are also the lightest in Shure's family of E Series earphones and mirror the iconic design of the iPod.

Furthermore Phonic's Helix Boards will also be unveiled and consist of two models; the Helix Board 12 is a 12 input compact mixer with 4 mic/line input channels, two paired stereo input channels and two stereo AUX returns. While the Helix Board 17 is a 17 input compact mixer with five mic/line input channels, three paired stereo input channels and three stereo AUX returns

Germany - From an artistic point of view, the use of video and image manipulation is becoming more and more a central element in a wide range of different productions; at the same time, "digital lighting" is also becoming increasingly widespread with the expanding number of inexpensive and significantly brighter LCD and DLP projectors available.

grandMA video has been designed to provide an optimal solution to meet these requirements. As a result, grandMA video is capable of controlling, by means of the grandMA consoles, any commercially available pc server hardware and the video projector plugged into this server.

In cooperation with Publitec, MA Lighting also offer an integrated system solution consisting of special 19" server hardware (publitec proVideor) and moving video lights (beaMovers), which are based on a modular design. The grandMA consoles are at the

USA - Lumileds Lighting introduced new colour-matched white Luxeon Lamps that enable lighting manufacturers to quickly build LED-based luminaires with consistent white light. Advanced binning algorithms applied during manufacturing ensure colour uniformity within each fixture as well as from luminaire to luminaire.

"The lighting community looks for white-point consistency whether viewing the light source directly or the effect that's being created," said Keith Scott, market development manager. "Uniform white light is essential in luminaires, but achieving a consistent colour temperature with LEDs has been a major challenge because of the wide colour variations inherent in the LED manufacturing process, "Our Luxeon Lamps offer the first practical solution to the problem by supplying pre-matched, pre-mounted LEDs that not only provide the desired colour consis

USA - Newly released Djtube from Chauvet offers RGB colours and the extended life of LEDs, but without the stiff price tag usually associated with them at about a fifth of most LED tubes available today, say the company. It houses 90 red, green and blue light emitting diodes inside a durable milky white UV-coated plastic tube and is simple to install and operate, not requiring controller. Each tube performs automated rainbow patterns in seven colours induced by RGB mixing: red, green, yellow, blue, purple, cyan, white. DJtube lends itself to a wide range of DJ, club and architectural lighting applications.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Germany - Osram is expanding its modular SharXS lamp family with the HTI 1200 W/D7/75, which provides cold white light at a colour temperature of 7500K - meaning that the most powerful lamp in the family is now available in two colour temperatures.

Like all members of the SharXS family, the metal halide lamp is compact and double-ended. Its key features are a short arc and eXtreme Seal (XS) technology, which makes the lamps capable of withstanding thermal stress (up to 450°C). Its main areas of application, say Osram, include stage, film and television, and its improved heat handling offers benefits in terms of reduced cooling, smaller housing requirements and quieter operation in the luminaire, say Osram.

The company has also introduced a new version of the SharXS HTI 400 W/D3/75 - which now boasts 30% longer life, of up to 1000 hours.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Following numerous enquiries and subsequent orders from sound hire and touring companies, Smart Sound Direct has launched a special PA package aimed at larger outdoor events such as carnivals, festivals and concerts.

The 'Carnival PA Package' comprises two pairs of Precision Devices-loaded Concert Performance CP115 tops and a pair of CP28SPD subs - offering a total power handling of 7.2kW RMS.

Fitted with a compression driver and super tweeter, the CP115s are rated at 3.2kW RMS, and the CP8SPDs at 4kW RMS. The latter offer added flexibility courtesy of a special input connector plate, allowing for 4 or 8 ohm operation.

Constructed from plywood with a hardwearing carpet finish, the tops and subs benefit from heavy-gauge, zinc-plated grilles for added speaker protection, plus Speakon connectors and bar-type handles for easy handling. Heavy-duty castors and 'skid' mounting

Denmark - Martin Professional has added a Fresnel version to its new MAC 250 Series of moving heads - the MAC 250 Wash - which joins the previously released MAC 250 Krypton and full-featured MAC 250 Entour profile spots to complete the new generation MAC 250 Series, say the company. The MAC 250 Wash has been designed for environments where powerful colour wash effects are required from a compact 250W Fresnel moving head - such as touring and special event applications, television studios, club installations, and retail and leisure environments.

Advancements include a new, more efficient reflector technology for greater output, fast and quiet movement, a variable frost filter for zoom effect and a CMY colour mixing system with a complementing colour wheel, say Martin. The company also says that a highly effective, multi-layered dichroic reflector gives the MAC 250 Wash an excepti

USA - Lightfair International in New York was a great success for Martin Architectural, the company tells us. Reporting a busy booth and overall high level of interest from visitors, Martin was also pleased that its Inground 200 won the award for 'Best New Product of the Year'. Presented at an awards ceremony on 12 April, the award is considered the top accolade of the show. The Inground 200 was also granted the Best of Category accolade for Exterior Luminaires for Flood, Façade and Sports Lighting.

The Inground 200 Series is a durable range of IP 65/67-rated inground luminaires that integrates Martin's colour-changing technology into a system of buried uplights. Designed for all terrains and weather, the series offers high-performance tools for dynamic uplight illumination of facades, columns, landscapes, and interior applications. The series offers three different colour syst

Spain - Based on the success of its powered systems, D.A.S. Audio has expanded its offering with two powered stage monitors. The bi-amped SM-12A 12" two-way and SM-15A 15" two-way systems use the latest in power amplifier technology, offering a Class D 500W amp for the LF section and a 100 W Class A/B amp for the highs, say the company.

The SM-12A utilizes a high efficiency 12" low frequency speaker with a 3" voice coil. The large ferrite magnet structure and pole piece cooling provide high power handling and low power compression. The high frequency section makes use of a neodymium magnet compression driver with 1.5" exit and 3" titanium diaphragm. The compression driver is coupled to a narrow dispersion horn.

The SM-15A's LF section uses a high efficiency 15" speaker with a 3" voice coil. The HF section, as in the case of the SM-12A, u

Germany / UK - High-quality wireless microphone systems do not have to be expensive, say Sennheiser, following the launch of the three freePort systems that Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co KG launched at ProLight+Sound in Frankfurt recently - 'Vocal', 'Instrument' and 'Presentation' versions. All three systems allow four switchable frequencies to be operated simultaneously, ensuring high transmission reliability and flexibility. "freePort offers outstanding quality at a tremendously low price," says Michael Polten, industry team manager for the Music Industry at Sennheiser. "The systems can be operated without licensing and without a fee in many European countries."

All three have a diversity receiver installed in a sturdy metal housing, ensuring optimum reception. A dynamics processor provides the freePort systems with a wonderfully clear and natural sound.

Germany - The new optically isolated DMX Output USB Elite hardware interface was on display at Frankfurt's ProLight+Sound exhibition recently. The Elite version has all the features of the DMX Output USB and in addition allows for continuous automatic playback of pre-programmed sequences to infinity. The development of the Elite box enables users to store up to eight dynamic sequences or lightshows, say VisualDMX. The stored sequences or lightshows are then recalled by manual selection of the push buttons.

The fluidity of each programmed sequence allows for subtle movements and colour changes: a compression technique is applied on the storage of the sequences, enabling long sequences to run smoothly and still fit in this small yet powerful hardware interface, say the company. All features of the VisualDMX software can be used in programming including all the features of Matrix M

USA - Intelix has announced the release of a DVI balun capable of distributing a high-quality DVI (digital visual interface) signal up to 150 feet over two inexpensive Cat 5 cables. The latest addition to Intelix's line of audio/visual baluns, it supports standard HDTV and VESA resolution, as well as the DDWG standard for DVI compliant monitors.

Intelix provides a broad line of baluns, including solutions for audio, multiple formats of video, and VGA. In addition baluns, Intelix manufactures an extensive line of serial controlled mic/line, matrix, room-combine, and automatic mixers.

(Mike Lethby)

Germany - ChainMaster has announced the introduction of the world's first dual drum Point Hoist Cable Winch. The device features two cable drums and an integrated cable guide on a second spindle running parallel to that of the drum. It overcomes, says Chainmaster, the disadvantages of single-drum point hoist cable winches, in particular the problem that, in the course of winding or unwinding, the cable inevitably moved out of position - causing the attached load to move as well and potentially creating poor load distribution.

With the new winch, which will be presented as a functioning prototype at Showtech in Berlin, the load cable always hangs directly beneath the suspension point. Chainmaster adds that it is exceptionally well-suited to the demands of touring, with the cable on the drum protected by a robust plastic cover that makes it impossible for it to spring out of the g

UK - Allen & Heath has launched the next generation of its GL range with four new models - the GL2400, GL2800, GL3800 and GL4800 live sound consoles.

Based on dual-function capability, which Allen & Heath pioneered in the early 1990s, the range has been developed with a feature set dedicated to modern sound engineering, such as ambient matrix recording, fast IEM mixing, aux-fed sub, and engineer's wedge monitor. Aiding sound quality, the new GL models benefit from new audio circuit developments, a responsive, musically-tailored EQ, extended preamp gain range of 74dB with input on XLR or jack, and a new ultra-quiet mix head amp design for optimum dynamic range.

Frame sizes vary from 16 to 56 channels, in all-metal space saving frames that feature individual card and nutted pot construction; the GL3800 and GL4800 are also available in different combinations of mono and stereo ch

UK - HHB Communications has introduced a new range of 1X - 8X speed DVD+R and DVD-R recordable discs, offering reliability and compatibility across an even wider range of DVD hardware products. Whether using a professional DAW, personal computer or a standalone DVD recorder, this latest generation of recordable media, says HHB, provides an even greater level of user confidence through its instant plug-and-play compatibility with a vast array of professional and consumer DVD devices.

With consistently low block error rates and ultra-low jitter performance, HHB DVD media combines excellent performance with absolute security. The company's new recordable DVD media offers enhanced reliability using a unique azo dye formulation, which guarantees complete stability and a secure archival life in excess of 70 years.

Full metallization of the entire surface of the disc yields a greater

Germany - The MS-4002 Master Station in Telex's Audiocom party-line series is both compact and powerful. Only one rack unit in height and 19" wide, it offers four channels, four amplifier power supplies and a built-in speaker as well as being fully programmable from the front panel. By obviating the need to fiddle around with a screwdriver and DIP-switches, the Advanced Programming Mode not only saves time but also increases considerably the operational security and reliability of the system. Like all the other Audiocom master stations and line power supplies from Telex, the MS-4002 is equipped with an impedance generator that - regardless of the actual load - maintains the power supply load at a constant level, thereby ensuring that the audio level itself remains constant.

Despite its wide range of features, the Telex MS-4002 is simplicity itself to use. Just plug it in (a

France/USA - Digigram presented the XIP882 as first product to embody its eXaudi technology, an IP audio streaming, processing, and routing system at the NAB trade show in Las Vegas. Creating a new product category, XIP882 combines in one single device the functions of four different traditional product categories: IP streaming client/servers, audio processors, routers, and codecs. eXaudi enables the integration of radio automation applications and audio transport over IP networks within a single scalable, manageable, and integrated system, which makes the entire broadcast chain easier to manage and significantly reduces engineering and operating costs. Digigram has described the underlying network-centric approach of radio infrastructure in its white paper Digitalization of radio broadcasting - the next step, which is available for download at

Denmark - Mach's 20.04 Digital Speaker Management Controller has been designed as a high quality, easy to use digital management control system for small and medium sized installations. Together with the Mach C-Range of installation speakers, the 20.04 provides an ideal audio control solution for a wide variety of applications, say the company.

The 20.04 is a 2-input, 4-output controller suited for 2, 3 and 4-way speaker management, channel distribution and room EQ. This digital circuitry is based on DSP technology and comes equipped with the latest 24-bit A-D and D-A converters. With up to 200 manufacturer definable presets, the 20.04 may be used across a number of different pre-defined speaker set ups. Each preset offers carefully optimized crossover points and slopes, polarity, delay, limit settings and EQ settings to fit the individual characteristics of each Mach loudspeake

UK - Rosco has introduced new colours to its Supergel range of lighting filters - the first colour addition in nearly five years. A total of 15 new colours and one new diffusion filter have been added, which Rosco say they "are confident will answer many of the requests for more saturated blues, blue-greens and the demand for a better range of lavenders".

Feedback on the new colours from lighting designers has been very positive, say Rosco. To receive a free swatch book and details of your local Supergel dealer, contact Rosco at the e-mail address below.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Leading RF manufacturer Trantec will launch its S6000HTX handheld transmitter at the ABTT Theatre Show (15-16 June, Royal Horticultural Halls, London). Designed for use exclusively with Trantec's international award-winning S6000 wireless radio microphone system and its sister products - the S6001 and S6002, it has been engineered to the highest specifications at Trantec's south London based HQ.

Perfectly complementing the S6000's unique advanced systems' design, the HTX is a high quality frequency agile handheld transmitter that boasts a brand new ergonomic design. Aimed at the professional user, the HTX will be offering a variety of inter-changeable capsules in the near future - dynamic, condenser, omni or cardioid. This will augment the systems' potential, as a very versatile tool across a variety of application environments, including live, theatre, broadcast and AV app

USA - Elation Control Systems has the newest member of the Show Designer lighting controller series - Show Designer 2CF - which features a built-in compact flash drive. Faster and more reliable than a disk, the compact flash drive lets users store the controller's entire memory on one 64MB compact flash card, say Elation. Offering control over 1,024 DMX channels, as opposed to the standard 512 channels, the Show Designer 2CF has two universe outputs that can be "split" to run entirely different lighting presentations in two separate rooms or areas. Great for concerts, stage productions and clubs, it commands up to 48 fixtures (up to 32 channels each) with 1,152 programmable chases, 4,752 programmable scenes, 1,152 programmable shows and 1,152 programmable presets.

"One major advantage of the Show Designer 2CF's built-in compact flash drive is that it's more depend

UK - The new Frog clips from Hall Stage provide "a simple and highly effective line connection for anything on a lanyard, including torches, tools and telephones - even riggers working at height," say the company. Rated with a shock loading of 22kN and designed to EN 362, Frog clips can be safely used as an alternative to carabiners and connect easily on to steel wire rope catenaries up to10mm - or belt clips for those heavy bunches of keys. Attached with an easy, one-handed action, Frog clips look set to find favour with riggers and technicians everywhere.

You can see the full range at the ABTT Trade Show in London, 15-16 of June.

(Lee Baldock)

USA - City Theatrical reports that its WDS Wireless Data System is all over Broadway and the on the road this spring, playing an important part in nearly every new musical and many plays. New musicals with WDS installations include, Little Women, Sweet Charity, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mambo Kings, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (WDS supplied by PRG NJ). Other long-running musicals with WDS installed include Tony Award winners Hairspray and Lion King, as well as Fiddler on the Roof (also WDS by PRG NJ). Recent Broadway straight plays to utilize WDS include the productions of Julius Caesar, and Sly Fox (WDS supplied by GSD Productions).

Shows touring the US this spring using WDS installations include Wicked tours 1 and 2, Contact, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Movin' Out (WDS supplied by PRG NJ). Non-Broadway show

UK - 5 Star Cases Limited, the Wisbech based manufacturer recently supplied a large number of new style cases for moving head lights. The trunk is an adaption from an existing design and this particular unit was to house the Robe 1200AT. The design department at 5 Star set about re-designing the trunk using the recently installed 3D modelling software. This enables the designers to produce a 'virtual case' to the exact dimensions including all appropriate case fittings etc.

Once the design had been verified, various renderings of the trunk was e-mailed to Blackburn based HSL who were the first to benefit from this updated designed trunk and placed an order for 167 units. Minor modifications were carried out to the 'model' to cater for HSL's specific requirements. The trunks house twin moving light units, however a unique feature is the option to add a separate door to convert th

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