USA - City Theatrical's new SHoW DMX wireless DMX received the 'Best Debuting Product of the Year' in the Lighting category at the LDI show in Orlando.

The SHoW DMX system utilises a method that synchronises the hopping pattern of the radio with the incoming DMX burst to attain levels of data fidelity previously unreachable with wireless DMX, says the company. Additionally, SHoW DMX has a range of features including adjustable output power, limited bandwidth mode, and limited burst mode that allow it to peacefully coexist with other radio signals in the busy 2.4 GHz band.

SHoW DMX also is fully RDM, so users can change radio settings and monitor receiver strength from their laptop during the performance, as well as monitor any other manufacturer's RDM gear on their production.

City Theatrical's president, Gary Fails said: "Our SHoW DMX system is truly breakthrough techn

USA - Digidesign's Eleven guitar amp emulation plug-in for Pro Tools, Avid, and Digidesign Venue systems is now available for purchase.

"Eleven really captures those subtle, yet immensely important nuances that make the guitar amp combos we cloned sound like the real thing," cites Dusty DiMercurio, marketing manager for Eleven. "Our Eleven team really went the extra mile with this plug-in by including non-linear characteristics often overlooked in other amp-modeling solutions - things like power amp sag, speaker cone breakup, cabinet resonance, and ghost notes. The result of this painstaking attention to detail delivers what we feel is the most incredible and realistic digital guitar amp emulations we've heard; it's something we're all very proud of here at Digidesign."

"Eleven was a very exciting, and truly challenging project for our engineers,"

Japan - The International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition (Inter BEE) held at the Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, Japan from 20 to 22 November will see the debut of Lighthouse Technologies' new black-faced indoor LED panels, which are available in two models, the R4-B 4mm pixel pitch and R6-B 6mm pixel pitch.

By combining a superfine resolution with Lighthouse's new 3 in 1 black Surface Mount Device (SMD) LED, a much better contrast level and visual performance have been achieved, says the company. Their light-weight with a slim casing design makes these panels suitable for rental applications. They can also be easily installed and integrated.

"Reducing the environmental impact of our products is extremely important," says Lighthouse's managing director Mark Chan. "To be able to do this whilst enhancing the picture quality in this way is a real achievement. Our 6mm p

Denmark - Martin Professional has announced its newest flower effect light, the Mania EF4. Designed for anywhere decorative lighting is desired, the Mania EF4 houses eight multi-coloured metal gobos for "spectacular midair effects and cool projections". With 18 beams of light, a manually selectable gobo wheel and a manual focus that allows you to frost any effect, the Mania EF4 is extremely versatile, says the company. Its multi-functionality means it can be used for a variety of purposes - revolving dance floor design, funky wall or stage projection, brilliant mid-air effects and more.

The Mania EF4 features a long-life halogen lamp with 800 hours of action. And like all Manias, the EF4 operates continuously meaning there are no cool down periods and no stopping the show. The effect can be either sound triggered with patterns moving to the beat of the music, or automa

USA - M-Audio has announced the Studiophile Q40 closed-back dynamic headphones. This new product offering represents the company's entrée into the headphone market following years of success with studio reference monitors like the popular BX and EX series.

"The Studiophile Q40 headphones utilise professional-grade dynamic drivers that deliver full-range specs and stunning sonic detail," says the company. The extra-large drivers measure 40mm in diameter. The combination of vented diaphragms made of low-mass treated mylar, neodymium magnets and copper-clad aluminum voice coils, deliver efficient performance for enhanced bass. These elements come together in M-Audio's custom enclosure, which has been specially tuned to further extend low frequencies, the company says.

The headphones feature sealed backings and comfortable ear cups that completely surround the ear

USA - A chameleon-like capacity for change makes the new VersaBar 270 LED Color Wash from Elation Professional the ultimate versatile stage and theatre light, says the company. Equipped with 270 5mm LEDs and RGB colour mixing capabilities, the compact, lightweight VersaBar 270 not only changes colours on command, it also adapts to its environment by taking on completely different configurations.

Manufactured by Alkalite and distributed exclusively by Elation in North America, the VersaBar 270 features a selection of optional brackets and accessories that allow users to link multiple units together in different ways to create fixtures like light bars, blinders and various multilateral shapes - whatever the situation calls for. Additionally, an integrated power supply, auto switching from 100-240V, as well as power link of up to 10 pieces on one line and 3- and 5-pin DMX connectio

Denmark - Martin Professional has introduced Light Fox, a simple and inexpensive interface for control of colour changing luminaires in fixed installations. Light Fox is billed as an easy-to-use, wall-mounted, playback controller optimised for Martin's range of fluorescent Cyclo, LED Extube and LED Stagebar luminaires, but capable of controlling all types of RGBW fixtures.

Light Fox comes with 20 pre-programmed scenes - static colours or colour changing. Anyone can easily connect the controller and run programmes for quick atmosphere adjustments. Light intensity is also adjustable for instant mood manipulation, says the company.

The lighting presets are pre-programmed to achieve market-useful lighting looks with smooth cross-fades between presets. Free-for-download, Design Fox software allows for easy re-programming of presets. DMX communicable if needed, Light Fox can mange u

USA - GE Consumer & Industrial says that its ultra energy saving T8 linear fluorescent lamps (F28T8, F32T8/XL/HL and F32T8/XL/WM) now pair with the company's UltraStart multivolt (120-277V) programme-start ballasts (offered in .60, .71, .89 or 1.15 ballast factors). These ballasts significantly extend lamp life and reduce energy use compared to standard ballasts, says the company.The UltraStart ballast matches instant-start high efficiency energy savings and performance benefits, while protecting lamp life in frequently switched applications (five or more switches per day), the company says.

When used with the UltraStart programme-start ballast in settings such as office and industrial buildings, warehouses, retail chains, schools, hospitals and government buildings, the GE F28T8 lamp can deliver a 15% reduction in wattage compared with a standard three-lamp F32T8 system. It als

USA - Technomad Associates reports that its complete line of loudspeakers and subwoofers are compliant with the International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) IP56 rating under its IP Code. IP56 is a stringent standard for superior protection against hazardous parts and water ingression, and is an extremely rare rating for full-range outdoor loudspeakers. IEC provides international standards and conformity assessments for government, business and society for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

The IP Code, defined in IEC's international standard 60529, classifies the level of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, water and accidental contact. All Technomad products ranging from its 60W Vernal 15 loudspeaker to the 800W Chicago 15/12 subwoofer have an IP56 rating.

Technomad loudspeakers are installed around the world in cruise shi

UK - Christie has introduced the Christie HD405 - the first native HD model in the company's single-chip DLP portfolio. The new projector combines DLP image quality with full 1080p resolution, making it a solution for small-to-medium sized conference rooms, boardrooms, training rooms, home theatre and 24/7 applications where single chip DLP reliability is paramount, says the company.

The HD405 presents dynamic, high definition images with 4100 ANSI lumens brightness and a 1000-7500:1 contrast ratio. "The Christie HD405 is the first 1080p single-chip DLP projector in the Christie line, and the first to market with on-board 10-bit image processing and the capability to deliver 4100 lumens," notes Neil Wittering, director of product management, business products, Christie. "The combination of brightness, high resolution and advanced image processing single this out a

USA - The new EAW NTL720 is a self-powered line array loudspeaker system featuring a true three-way design and numerous other EAW patented and proprietary technologies housed in a compact (9.4" x 24" x 14.3") and low-weight (less than 50lb/22.68kg) package. The entire enclosure face of each NTL720 module is filled by a full-sized mid/high horn providing 110° (horizontal) by 12° (vertical) dispersion. The extreme horn size insures broadband pattern control throughout the entire MF/HF pass-band.

High frequencies are produced by six 1" dome tweeters, configured in two vertical columns (each with three tweeters) mounted on a manifold that feeds a single slot in the centre of the horn, highly effective in controlling vertical dispersion. Flanking the HF section, dual 6" cone woofers handle the MF range, also loading on to the horn, with minimal space

UK - Kramer Electronics has announced the availability of the VP-26 presentation switcher. The VP-26 offers four independent routing switchers as well as a master audio switcher all in one box, and is capable of passing computer graphics video, s-Video, component, composite or SDI signals at high bandwidth. Its multi-functionality, full feature set, and compact size make the VP-26 ideal in robust presentation and multimedia environments, says the company.

The VP-26 is a high performance switcher that includes three independent 4x2 audio/video matrix switchers and one independent 2x2 audio/video matrix switcher, all in a compact two rack unit frame for a standard 19" professional rack enclosure. It combines the functions of a 4x2 matrix switcher for computer graphics signals with audio, composite video and audio, and s-Video and audio, as well as a 2x2 matrix switcher for co

France - ETC France enjoyed an exceptionally busy Heavent 2007 show in Paris, launching two innovative new products - OnlyView 3D and the Focal Triple.

The stand was the result of a collaboration with three other international companies - UK-based Stage One, specialists in automation systems, stage machinery and set creations; Anglo-French draping and material specialists Blackout and lighting, LED screen and sound rental house, Lumière et Son Paris.

The stand and the live show presentation on it were designed by Fabien Martineau of Scenographism, who was also integrally involved in the R&D of the new OnlyView 3D product launched by ETC at the show.

The show centrepiece was a revolving cube, projected onto with video controlled by OnlyView 3D. This was Martineau's brainchild for demonstrating the versatility and scope of the system, on which he collaborated with ETC France'

USA - Link, introduced the new DGlink digital audio distribution system, at the LDI Show in Orlando.

"The primary objective was to offer a solution that will replace, or integrate with, traditional audio distribution systems (analogue and digital) during live applications, utilizing one, or multiple, digital transport protocol standards over Cat 5 or 6 cables", said Marco Piromalli, president of Link.

DGlink is a modular touring grade digital audio distribution snake (48kHz/24-bit) designed for live applications leveraging the architecture of traditional Stage Boxes.

Supporting up to 64 mic/line level inputs and up to 64 line level outputs (foldback and drive sends), DGlink offers remote control of all stage box functions including control of phantom power, polarity, and gain settings, while maintaining a modular system that supports multiple configurations of inpu

USA - Nexxus Lighting reports that it has been issued a new patent related to its LED lighting technology. US patent number 7,303,301 is for a unique method of heat-sinking an LED light engine in a lighting fixture when it is submerged in a body of water.

"As solid-state lighting expands its penetration into white light illumination, submersible applications such as fountains, pools and architectural water features are being transformed by digital technology. In order for these new high brightness LED arrays to achieve their promoted 30,000 to 50,000 hour rated life, we are developing new thermal management techniques to provide proper heat sinking," stated Mike Bauer, president and CEO.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Elation Professional has added a new model to its Opti Series of LED stage PAR cans. The new Opti 30 RGB is a high-output RGB colour-mixing PAR can with 12 powerful 1W LEDs which can be combined via DMX to create virtually any colour in the spectrum. Additionally, this fixture comes equipped with smooth colour changing macros, and manual control option, says the company.

A compact version of Elation's popular Opti RGB, the Opti 30 LED is billed as an ideal colour-changing stage light for smaller spaces and also fits easily into 12" box truss for truss toning. Its 1W LEDs produce more vibrant colours than the typical truss toner, casting "a dazzlingly brilliant glow on stage productions" the company says.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Aquagraphics, a company managed by effects specialist MTFX, has introduced the Aquagraphics programmable water screen.

The screen uses hundreds of individually controllable jets of water to form precisely-controllable falls of water droplets, to create text, graphics or logos and various effects for branding and messaging applications.

Aquagraphics is a 2.4m-long linear bank water jets, illuminated by LEDs. The units can be truss mounted, stand alone, framed or un-framed, the company says.

(Lee Baldock)

Germany - Camco has introduced its new Q-Power Series of high-output 4-channel power amplifiers. At launch there are two models in the Series, the Q- Power 6 and Q- Power 10, both of them 19" 2U 4-channel amps using class D and class H technology respectively and benefitting from developments in Camco's proprietary dual-voltage SMPS with automatic voltage selection for 120V/230V operation. They are designed for live sound and theatre applications.

Rated at 2500W (Q-Power 10) and 1500W (Q-Power 6) peak power RMS output at 4 Ohms, the Q-Power 10 offers 625W per channel for 100V line operation, and the Q-Power 6 will deliver 950W per channel for 70V line operation. Although the Q- Power units represent a high-tech 'no-frills' alternative, they have been given careful consideration when it comes to basic features, for example, having XLR and Phoenix input connectors, and Speako

USA - Digidesign reports that its Pro Tools 7.4 software has already surpassed the 10,000 mark in downloaded purchases. This milestone was reached last Saturday (December 1, 2007), after only 25 days on the market, says the company.

"Digidesign is fortunate to have grown one of the largest and most loyal user communities in the professional audio industry," remarked Dave Lebolt, Avid vice-president and general manager of Digidesign. "Their allegiance and dedication inspires us to continue to raise the bar as Pro Tools has evolved and grown. Achieving this milestone is extremely gratifying, and is a testament to the importance of Pro Tools to professionals and hobbyists alike from all over the world."

(Jim Evans)

USA - Apollo Design Technology has introduced six new colours to the ApolloGel Series 7 swatchbook. The new colors are: AP3520 Alexander the Grape; AP4130 Blurple; AP4870 Bluetylicious; AP5430 Green Gello; AP7630 Peach My Interest; and AP7770 Hot Wings.

"The evolution of ApolloGel has been interesting to watch," states Monty McWilliams, VP marketing at Apollo. "The selection of new colours used to be based on Apollo staff opinions. The process is now driven strictly from end user recommendations. Without widespread use of our colour filters, this wouldn't be happening."

(Jim Evans)

Switzerland - Barix recently introduced the Annuncicom 1000, a professional grade device that combines intercom, paging and IP-based audio conversion for PA system playback into a half-width 19" rack-mountable box. It will be shown at the forthcoming ISE trade show (Amsterdam, 29-31 January).

For entertainment applications, the Annuncicom 1000 is designed for multiroom audio distribution in hotels, clubs, sports venues, and restaurants where there is a need to relay audio to multiple rooms from a central point. Eight relay contact closures can be used to distribute audio to specific speaker sets, or zones for improved control.

The Annuncicom 1000 is also suitable for integration into complex, professional intercom and paging environments. Security system operators at universities, business campuses, shopping districts, industrial facilities, airports or transportation cen

UK - FocusTrack, the production lighting documentation system already in use on a wide range of shows around the world, has announced the launch of its new on-line support and discussion forums.

Available now through the FocusTrack website at www.focustrack.co.uk/forums, the forums are designed to give FocusTrack users a place to find information, ask questions or offer comments about using the FocusTrack software.

Since its launch in 2005, FocusTrack has been used to document a number of high-profile theatrical productions around the world, including Billy Elliot in London and now in Australia, Mary Poppins, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Never Forget, Rock 'n' Roll, Guys and Dolls and Young Frankenstein.

FocusTrack is also in use in a number of theatres that have to document shows that tour or play in rep, includ

The Netherlands - Audica Professional is making its first showing at an ISE trade show in 2008 (Amsterdam, 29-31 January). On display will be the company's complete range of MICROseries electronics, loudspeakers and accessories.

The Audica MICROseries system is designed for background music in applications such as retail outlets, restaurants, bars and public areas and for AV systems in boardrooms, meeting facilities, museums and galleries, visitor centres and hotel guest rooms.

Established in late 2006, Audica Professional is already distributed in 27 countries and is looking to ISE to further expand its sales and distribution. Sales director, Derek West, comments, "Our first full year of operation has exceeded our very best expectations. We have already exhibited at PLASA, ProLight+Sound, PALME and PALM and we see ISE as a key exhibition to add for 2008. Its focus and in

USA - Polar Focus Audio Rigging has issued its new product catalogue. Mike Akrep, president of Polar Focus Audio Rigging, says that: "Audio rigging should be as easy as putting a mic on a mic stand."

The Polar Focus catalogue shows the company's large stock of standard hardware, and describes its Turnkey Audio Rigging Systems, as well as its Consultant Support Programme. From large systems using speakers such as JBL's newest VLA line array for stadiums, down to a pair of speakers neatly attached to wood beams in a small church, Polar Focus has what you need, says the company.

(Jim Evans)

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