With voting underway for the Parnelli Awards, PLSN readers can vote on lighting, video, and staging & effects products and technologies worthy of the name Indispensable Technology for the Parnelli “IT” Award. There are six products nominated per category and PLSN subscribers can vote for one in each category. The winners will be presented at the Parnelli Awards on Friday, January 26, 2024, during the 2024 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. Here are the 18 products from the three categories for your consideration. The ballot is available for voting at www.parnelliawards.com/vote. There are also six IT nominees in the Audio category you can read about in Front of House magazine at fohonline.com. Also be sure to go to the Parnelli Awards website at parnelliawards.com to learn all about this year’s honorees and to get tickets to join us at the award ceremony on January 26, 2024, in Anaheim, CA. For more information, visit www.parnelliawards.com
LIGHTING
CHAUVET: OVATION-CYC-3FC.jpg
Ovation CYC 3 FC’s sleek low profile blends discreetly into stage sets as either a cyc wash or footlight and pairs with the CYC 1 FC to easily extend coverage in interchangeable configurations. Completely convection cooled, the unit is ideal for applications where silent operation is critical. It features RGBAL color-mixing system found in the company’s other Full Color Ovation units to render nearly any color with tremendous realism and saturation. Given the low profile of the unit, it can also be used effectively as a footlight. This versatile fixture has an integrated kick stand and included glare shield that can adjust and shape its throw and also features included omega brackets.
Elation: Proteus Excalibur.jpg
The Proteus Excalibur is a compact, IP65 fully featured beam fixture with comparable output to 2kW or 4kW Xenon fixtures. The extremely narrow 0.8¡Æ beam paired with a 260mm front lens ensures the fixture is visible at great distances. A wide array of gobos and prism overlays animate the sky, and with its light intensity all CMY colors remain strong and vibrant even when fully saturated. Beam control is provided through a precise internal focus lens, providing crisp projection. Dual variable frosts allow softening the beam when required. A remote-controlled Expander lens allows widening the beam to approximately 3.5¡Æ. The Sky Motion system operates the fixture as a searchlight without the need for a controller.
GLP: JDC Line
The JDC Line is a hybrid strobe that offers RGB pixel mapping mixed with a 500mm lens tube to create a unique look. The fixture features a 25mm pixel pitch, and each segment can be split into an upper and lower part. The second part of the fixture is a strobe tube, similar in design to the JDC1s center beam of white LEDs. It channels the strobe and RGB output through the same lens tube for a unique look and avoids ugly separate LEDs or light reflections from white face LEDs. The JDC Line is available in two versions: The JDC Line 500 with a 50cm width and the JDC Line 1000 a 1m width.
Martin: MAC Aura XIP
The MAC Aura XIP includes a radical aura filament effect and full pixel control with video mapping capabilities onto the beam, aura, or both. Rated for outdoor use, with close to zero compromises in weight, size, and aesthetics. It features an even wash field with soft edge, minimal stray light, and high intensity mid-air beams with improved light engine control. As well as including variable calibrated color temperature control, 200+ built-in FX macros, rapid movement, and 6.3° – 50.4° zoom range. RGBW color mixing delivers bright and vibrant colors as well as soft pastels and white tones that are all factory-calibrated. It offers DMX, Art-Net / sACN / P3 connectivity for multiple control options.
Robe: iFORTE®
The IP65 rated iFORTE combines far-reaching output and feature-rich effects in a fully protected package, capable of handling all the challenges of being outdoors. It negates the traditional weight penalty associated with IP rated fixtures. With its form factor, size, and appearance, and all the features and identical performance of the indoor original, iFORTE enables seamless integration with each other. The ingress protection system has been specifically designed to allow standard maintenance procedures, such as TRANSFERABLE ENGINE exchange and gobo replacement without any additional tools, as gobo change or maintenance work can be done on-site. The onboard RAINS™ (Robe Automatic Ingress Neutralization System) manages humidity, temperature, and pressure control using an active monitoring system to automatically remove any moisture.
Vari-Lite: VL3600 Profile IP
The VL3600 Profile IP is a large-scale, high output profile fixture designed to withstand inclement weather without compromising on weight and size. Designed with lightweight IP technology, it uses advancements in mechanical design to ensure that the weight and size remain closer to a non-weatherproof fixture. With a 1,000W monochromatic light engine, it produces 85,000 source lumens with an efficient optics system delivers 45,000 lumens out of the front of the fixture. A dedicated color wheel loaded with CRI boost and color correction filters ensure colors render beautifully. Its CMY+CTO color wheel mixing system produces a wide range of rich colors while eliminating the appearance of blades in the lens, improving direct view applications.
VIDEO
Absen: PR Series LED Video Panel
The VL3600 Profile IP is a large-scale, high output profile fixture designed to withstand inclement weather without compromising on weight and size. Designed with lightweight IP technology, it uses advancements in mechanical design to ensure that the weight and size remain closer to a non-weatherproof fixture. With a 1,000W monochromatic light engine, it produces 85,000 source lumens with an efficient optics system delivers 45,000 lumens out of the front of the fixture. A dedicated color wheel loaded with CRI boost and color correction filters ensure colors render beautifully. Its CMY+CTO color wheel mixing system produces a wide range of rich colors while eliminating the appearance of blades in the lens, improving direct view applications.
Brompton Technology: Tessera G1 Receiver Card
The Tessera G1 has 20x more computing power than the current R2+ receiver card and unlocks new capabilities for the future of LED processing. A single G1 card can support one-million-pixel capacity for new generation ultra-fine pixel pitch panels but is also capable of driving panels at refresh rates up to 1,000 frames per second and controlling extra emitters beyond RGB with full per-pixel calibration. It supports 10Gb fiber Ethernet connections direct to the panel and can connect directly to the fiber outputs on the Tessera SX40 processor. The G1 also supports Brompton’s Dynamic Calibration technology, building on this foundation for Brompton’s TrueLight® functionality, which enables dynamic control of RGBW panels.
disguise: gx2c Media Server
The gx 2c media server features more GPU processing power, more capture, more storage, as well as 10-bit and HDR support. The gx 2c machine features eight 3G-SDI inputs, unlocking new workflows for live production with the ability to use more live feeds than possible with its gx 2 predecessor; and includes two 10GbE network ports. It has a workstation GPU capable of 38,433 Notchmarks. Storage for content can be upgraded to 8TB AS, RTM, or 16TB AS, RTM. Warranties and support include a two-year return to base hardware warranty (plus options to extend warranty). It includes a keyboard, mouse & pad, power cable, Active DP to DVI adapter, and two-year Notch Playback License.
Epson: L775U 3LCD Laser Projector
The lightweight, compact PowerLite L775U laser projector offers native WUXGA resolution with 4K Enhancement and 7,000 lumens of brightness, providing smooth, ultra bright, detailed images—even up close. The projector’s sleek, black exterior seamlessly blends into dark surroundings. Display images up to 500” and switch between a variety of aspect ratios, from standard 16:10 to ultra-wide 16:6 and 21:9 that provides for a more immersive experience. Designed with convenience in mind, this projector features a 20,000-hour virtually maintenance-free laser light source and air filter. Plus, simplify complex multi-projector applications with the optional attachable PixAlign™ camera, which provides access to features, including a projector stacking assist function, tiling assist for edge blends, color calibration, and screen matching.
INFiLED: DB Series LED Video Panel
The DB Series is designed specifically for fine pixel pitch rental applications and utilizes ultra-black masking material and exclusive black LEDs to produce a new level of contrast for LED screens. With high grey scale levels, a fast refresh rate, and the highest quality components, the DB Series provides the ultimate LED screen picture quality. The DB Series was designed with an emphasis on ergonomics and usability. The panels are of a modular design built around a robust die-cast aluminum frame, with inbuilt feet and edge protectors to prevent physical damage during assembly. The DB Series comes equipped with a fast-locking system for rapid construction, a curving system allowing both convex and concave configurations.
ROE Visual: Topaz LED Video Panel
Designed with high-precision mechanics and excellent visual quality, Topaz is a creative platform that can be configured as flat, curve, or cube, that combines stable and reliable performance with affordable cost-of-ownership. The Topaz LED platform, with its small pitch from 1.9 to 2.6, and vibrant colors, is an indoor LED solution. With its high-brightness LED, the Topaz panels give excellent visual performance for direct viewing and in-camera visuals. Topaz panels feature both front and rear module service, and the integrated PSU and Hub unit streamline repair and spare part replacement. The Topaz-Cube elements allow for easy construction of 90¡Æ corners, 4-sided columns, or 6-sided cubes. The separate building elements can be combined with the regular Topaz modules.
STAGING AND EFFECTS
APEX Stage: Gen3 5040 Stage
The Gen3 5040 stage takes scalability and versatility to a new level, accommodating small to large events. With a safer and easier setup and an overhead beam design that eliminates “no fly zones” with ease, allowing endless options for hanging items from the roof. It features a combination of aluminum and steel to maximize performance, and minimize trailer weight, a non-slip floor, and a five-section deck, and a bi-folding deck on each side. The design allows for many configurations of equipment hangs. The trailer frame is supported at six points by hydraulic controlled leveling outriggers which can vary the floor deck height to adapt to terrains and venues within a 24” variation over the 50’ deployed width.
Look Solutions: Viper NT Fog Machine
The Viper NT originated from the continued development of the Viper fog machine. It unites current digital technology with the proven power of its predecessor. New features guarantee a simpler operation, reducing the amount of time needed to set it up. The Viper NT is a 1,300W fog machine, and is the most frequently used of all Look Solutions fog machines, due to its level of output, no maintenance, and reliability. It can generate full output fog for 40 seconds or run continuously at a reduced output level. It includes a digital timer, digital stand-alone controls, and a 5-pin DMX interface. Available in 120V and 230V versions and comes with a 5 liter bottle of Regular Fog fluid.
Master FX: Prodigy Professional Fog Generator
The 1,200W, 25,000 CFM Prodigy Professional Fog Generator is a powerful machine built to last, delivering high-output fog. With 1-100% output control, you can customize the intensity of the fog. Plus, with an automatic shut-off when the fluid tank runs dry, you can rest assured that your machine is protected from damage. It includes a five-minute warm-up time, an integrated timer, 3-pin DMX XLR connector, and a smart OLED control panel. The intelligent temperature control ensures optimal vaporization of a variety of Master FX fog fluids, giving you a range of options for the perfect atmosphere. Combining all that with Master FX’s three year warranty, the Prodigy is the ultimate choice for producing spectacular fog effects.
Pangolin: BEYOND and QuickShow 5.2 Software
With its latest software upgrade, Pangolin included a range of new features and improvements made in its BEYOND 5.2 and QuickShow 5.2 software. This release from Pangolin includes major upgrades to its software, including tons of improvements in quality of life, functionality, and usability. Features include an entirely new Blender 3D animation plugin, and updates to colors and effects. New and improved features deal with Colors, Effects, Zoning, Projector settings, custom DMX profiles, and more. The Blender 3D plugin for BEYOND, which is now accessible to all BEYOND users, from Essentials to Ultimate versions. The cost-effective and free nature of Blender will encourage more users to experiment with laser animation tools.
Stageline: Promobile Stage
Promobile, with 1,700 sq. ft. of usable space, is designed as a mobile marketing tool featuring two accessible levels. A mobile stage designed when you need more height, more space, and more load-bearing capacity. The lower deck measures 32’ x 24’, and the upper deck measures 34’ x 27’. It takes three people about three hours to fully set up the stage. The wind resistance is 115 mph without wind walls, and 77 mph with wind walls. It has a rigging capacity of 30,500 lbs. and can screen support of 4,500 lbs. and installs from the ground directly to the roof. Other features include adjustable roof height, climate-controlled environment, and tented tops for the upper level.
X-Laser: Skywriter Series Laser Projector
X-Laser upgraded its Skywriter Series to make the designer-favorite laser fixture even more approachable and dependable. Taking feedback from LDs who have toured with the Skywriter, X-Laser reengineered the yoke mechanism for faster, more secure rigging. Another feature is the scanner set that X-Laser verified for reliability so designers can program with abandon. The refreshed Skywriters also boast the latest version of X-Laser’s Mercury laser control, offering more builders (up to eight, from six); preset and DMX test modes; and a robust refactored core engine. This upgrade has also been made available to current owners of Mercury-equipped systems, who can now upgrade to the latest version for free via a firmware patch.
