First on the PLSN side of the equation, our digital media coverage is exploding. Today’s game is to give you, the reader, as many choices how you access our content as possible. So now, not just on PLSN.com, but on our social networking site ProLightingSpace.com, we offer up-to-date information from around the industry that allows you to put your two-cents worth in on every story. We have the Disqus program in place on plsn.com and, of course, you can just start your own group or discussion on PLS.
But the digital story doesn’t end there. Now you can be apped in the face to your heart’s content by PLSN. We have apps for iPads, iPhones and all Android platforms, so now, if you are on the road, you never have to wait to get home to read the current issue. In fact, you will get the issue quicker with an app or our digital edition. Speaking of which, we have totally revised the digital edition, making it much more user-friendly.
Of course, with the digital editions of the magazines come new abilities. If you haven’t noticed, now you can see me on the Editor’s Column with a video every month. You can rest assured you will see more and more video exclusives in the magazine as time goes on. This will give you, our readers, much more of an opportunity to learn about new products and productions first hand right from the horses… mouth.
For those of you who do not get PLSN in a digital format, you can still see our videos at PLSNtv on Youtube.
Now don’t get me wrong… I love the printed version of the magazine. When I am sitting with the magazine in a comfy chair, with no digital distraction, it gives me that warm feeling inside only ink and paper can provide. And after I am done, the large format makes awesome paper planes — my nephew Griffin will attest to that.
So enough about us… What’s happening in the rest of the industry?
LEDs
Getting better by the minute. There has been a huge influx of LED products at all levels of the pricing spectrum. The good news is as LEDs become more powerful and feature-rich, pricing has remained stable. This means the ROI is better than ever for LED products. It might be more expensive on the front end, but it will save you a bundle in the long run. Plus, they are very green!
What’s coming down the road in LED world? The LED ellipsoidal is poised to make a big splash. In 2011, numerous manufacturers introduced a version. This means the LED ellipsoidal market is still in its infancy. So it has time to grow into what we all want: an LED replacement for our tungsten-based ellipsoidal. It is exciting to think where we will be in a year.
Big Control in a Small Package
Control is another segment of the market that is evolving. Each control manufacture is looking to make their desk more powerful, easier to use and feature-rich. Manufacturers are beginning to realize that smaller tours and traveling LDs can also benefit from these features, but in a smaller package. And so begins the tour-sized desk. It may not be a radically new segment of the market, but most of the major control manufacturers are offering a desk designed to travel with the LD (perhaps in a carry-on bag) rather than on the truck. For a busy LD, this can be a huge time advantage on site.
Rigging Standards and Safety
Last summer opened our industry’s eyes to the importance of safety. It was tragic that lives were lost at events that were meant to bring happiness and pleasure. Since then, we have listened and learned from our mistakes. We are still dealing with the aftermath of lawsuits and court rulings, but we have grown and become more aware of our surroundings.
Economy
The hard and simple truth is, money is on everyone’s mind. A news cycle doesn’t go by with out mention of the current situation that our country is in. We are moving past the money drought of 2008 and heading toward greener pastures. We are still on that road to recovery, but with money being spent more wisely.
What’s Next?
The industry is strong. We’re working smarter and expanding again. Will 2012 be a boom? Maybe, but I am sure it will not be a bust!
