The winners of this year’s PLASA Awards for Innovation were announced last night at PLASA Show at Olympia London. The awards celebrate future-focused technology that improves safety, efficiency and performance through new methods and materials. 40 products were entered this year, with the judges ultimately awarding eight products, including one Gold Award. This year’s judging team comprised 12 independent technical specialists from a wide array of backgrounds.The winning products and judges’ comments are listed below:Astera, PlutoFresnel The judges said that the versatility of this battery powered Fresnel-come-profile is unmatched and it will find a home in many rental companies. Coda Audio, SPACE The judges felt that although flat panel speaker technology is not new, this product provides an innovative approach to the market need for wall speakers to be heard and not seen.Elation, Netron EN6 IP The judges say that this device brings lighting control distribution and format conversion to the outdoors at an accessible price point. Funktion-One, VX M-BEAM The judges were impressed by the innovative speaker rigging system and how it will enable greater use of the products in venues with single-point hangs. Martin, MAC Aura XiP The judges say that this product brings a different, considered approach to IP rating to the table without compromise on weight or output. “With an innovative lens system, it is indeed the first nodding bucket!”Robe Lighting, iForte LTX “The full feature set in an IP-rated enclosure allows the light to be used as a long-throw or short-throw followspot, as well as a good moving light.” Coupled with the interchangeable camera, the combination of features impressed the judges. Robe Lighting, Footsie The judges say this product will be welcomed by anyone who needs to route cables across the front of the stage. Integrated safety marking lights, performer markers, integration with the Robospot, coupled with the ability to light actors in a traditional manner impressed the judges.Gold AwardEach year the judges also have the option to award a Gold Award in recognition outstanding innovation. This year they have decided to award one to . . .Brompton Technology, Tessera G1 The judges said: “This unassuming circuit board demonstrates true future-focussed innovation, and facilitates the next generations of video panels. It is a true enabler for those manufacturing R.G.B.W LED video products with high frame rates. And the developers have considered a wide range of applications. It will prove a game-changer for virtual productions and the use of LED in TV and film.” CpmmendationsIn addition to the winners, the judges commended six additional products, which are:Cameo, PixBar 400 IP Generation 2The Judges commended this product for the innovative rigging and integration hardware.Innovate Audio, panLab ConsoleThis is commended for making spatial audio available to the masses.Offstage Controls, Protocol Emulator with RDM NetThe judges feel that this is a great training tool for the next generation of lighting technicians.Singularity (UK), Art Net Compliance TesterThis software is commended for its ability to give end-users confidence in their products as well as enabling manufacturers to check their equipment.Spectralbot Djinni & the SpectralBot PlatformThe judges praised this product for showing a glimpse of the future of systems integration.APT-GB, conn AVThe Judges felt that this is a really useful Swiss Army Knife of AV integration at a good price point.
