Innovation Abounds
It’s one of my favorite times of year! Manufacturers in the entertainment technology industry are coming out with new products. It’s time for the public to see what they’ve been working on in R&D, engineering, and out on the road with beta-testers. Many companies took advantage of the ‘downtime’ the last few years; they took a deep look at how we work and what new or improved tools would give designers creative options, improve workflow for technicians, and improve the products themselves. They’ve also thought about Mother Nature and come up with products that should stand up to the elements, making them better investments for rental and production houses.
To those ends, we’re seeing new LED chip colors—like Lime—to improve the color rendering; and ways to provide designers better ‘tungsten’-like color temperatures. A bevy of launches of IP65 rated products and moving lights that now employ lasers, which are more sustainable sources. Laser-based illumination offers numerous advantages such as power savings, increased brightness, lower maintenance, and for projectors—improved color and contrast over similar lamp-based models. Also, solid-state lasers used in projectors today are very bright, have wider color spaces, deep black levels, and never require lamp replacement.
Looking at lasers for special effects, there have been a lot of improvements with higher wattage, more colors, and improved safety features, plus more control options as well. When looking at Pangolin and KVANT laser manufacturers this month [Page44] they took the downtime of the last few years to complete and launch the award-winning BeamBrush, a system that was an idea kicking around since the early 90s.
All this creative innovation by manufacturers, companies, and designers deserves to be nominated for Parnelli Awards, so be sure to nominate your favorites at https://parnelliawards.com/.
There is also innovation in how we as an industry gather with THE Conference: Live at Lititz [Page 57] coming up and a new idea of how we might present ourselves with discussion of The Entertainment Association [Page 56]. Lots to talk about, to see, to demo, and to take on the road.
Michael S. Eddy, Co-Editor
‘Nothing Happens Until Something Moves’
Albert Einstein has said: “Nothing happens until something moves.” That’s been my mantra for many years and it certainly applies here as key elements in this month’s concert coverage. The dramatic moments all hinge on movement. In this issue, we look at KoRn’s tour. During the pandemic, the LD moved back to his role as a hospital tech, while designs swirled in his head for the 2022 tour. The band, which plays behind moving LED screens, says it’s their best show yet. We also check in with Swedish House Mafia’s creative team, which broke out of the square stage template with its big ring and circular rig movement. Our LD at Large points out what happens when one joins a tour already in progress, and his process for finding the movement of the music, going with flow of the show on the console.
As we move into the final months of 2022, let’s reflect on this year’s creative productions and nominate the best for the upcoming Parnelli Awards in 2023. This is part one of the process, with nominations then appearing on the ballot for voting by magazine subscribers. Renew or sign up for that free subscription now so you can participate in the industry’s most prestigious awards. This is also a time for gathering at trade shows, corporate events and festive functions. Look for PLSN and FOH at LDI 2022, booth #623 in the Las Vegas Convention Center, to connect with us face to face. But the day before the exhibit hall opens, the magazine brings back the PLSN/FOH/Parnelli Golf Classic tournament. Join us for an early tee-off on Nov. 17 at the Rhodes Ranch Golf Club for fun competition and industry networking. Find details at https://parnelliawards.com/golf/ . Wherever you may be —attending or working the gig—I hope things are moving well in your world, and I hope to meet up with you there.
Debi Moen, Co-Editor
