A packed audience gathered to see SGM CEO Peter Johansen collect the coveted prize from PLASA chairman, Ed Pagett in a ceremony at the ExCeL's AudioLab Arena during this year's PLASA Show in London, as Association CEO Matthew Griffiths made the announcements.
The PLASA Awards for Innovation recognise products that advance the industry by demonstrating a new style of thinking, improving technical practice or taking a key step forward in terms of safety. During the show's opening two days, 45 new products were judged 'live' by an independent panel of expert judges who toured the show floor to view each product presentation.
The G-Spot was accoladed for a number of reasons. Firstly, it has achieved double the light output since the first protocol was unveiled to widespread acclaim back in the spring, and now delivers a brightness that outperforms most 1500 watt discharge lamps, with a virtually unlimited colour palette.
However, its IP65 rating is the real differentiator, making it is water-, dirt- and sand-proof. This means there will be no accumulation of dust or other externally induced impact on optics, gobos or lamp unit, and so reduces maintenance to a minimum.
These were all points picked up on by the adjudicating panel, who noted that "[G-Spot] is the first fully weatherised automated profile spot. It's an elegant and aesthetically pleasing fixture that will be able to withstand any show in any environment, and be able to withstand even the British festival season."
Added Peter Johansen, "In such a competitive marketplace it's gratifying that the judges have recognised that G-Spot stands out as being completely unique. We already have huge advanced orders on this fixture, and once we start shipping we know this will find applications in arduous environments and climates where it has never previously been possible to deploy a product of this nature."
(Jim Evans)
