We don’t mean to be cavalier about this, but compare and contrast the recently-held LDI 2008 in the Las Vegas Convention Center to the one held immediately after September 11, 2001 in Orlando and you can come to only one conclusion: What recession?
As Bob Levin of New Horizons put it, “We received the invitation to join in the recession but we respectfully decline.” (Thanks to Bill Maiman for supplying the quote.)
Thousands of entertainment production professionals crowded the isles of the peculiarly long and narrow trade show floor, making a statement about the current economy and the state of the industry. The resounding consensus was that if the industry is not recession-proof then it’s at least recession-resistant. As the banking debacle continues to drag down Wall Street and the world economy joins the pity party, the entertainment industry is having a party of its own. If the attendees weren’t dancing in the aisles, then they were at the very least performing a ritualistic ballet, squeezing past each other at times, trying to take it all in.
And there was a lot to take in. This year’s crop of new products filled the hall to the bumper. Even more encouraging than the quantity of new products was the quality of new and truly innovative products. “Innovation” is a term that is thrown around a lot in this industry, but this year a number of companies could apply it correctly. Some of them – and in no particular order – included: the Chauvet Q Spot LED, a hard-edge moving yoke fixture with an LED source; a preview of the Vari-Lite “VL-X” (as of yet not officially named), a very bright 600-watt LED color wash fixture; a preview of the Robe fixture with a Luxim plasma source (the lamp is the size of a Tic Tac and produces a tremendous amount of light); the Ocean Optics Nemo dichroic color changing ERS with the same Luxim lamp source; the Syncrolite Bi-axial Scroller with Dichro-Film (dichroic coated film); the Uni-Par UP4/Ultra-Beam Projector with a hybrid elliptical/spherical reflector that produces amazingly crisp projection; the Philips Color Kinetics Color Reach, an LED fixture that can light structures up to 500 feet tall; the Elation ELED Fresnel, a white light LED Fresnel fixture; and the new hi-resolution laser oblated gobos made by Apollo.
In addition, there were many new automated luminaires with innovative manufacturing techniques and new features including, but not limited to: Martin MAC III and MAC 2000 Wash XB; PRG Bad Boy; Vari-Lite VL3500 Wash, VL 500 with ceramic metal halide source, VL1000 with ceramic metal halide source; Zap Technology RGBig LED fixture; Coemar Infinity ACL, Infinity Spot S, Infinity Wash S, Infinity Spot XL; JB Lighting VaryLED A7 moving yoke LED wash with zoom (distributed by Creative Stage Lighting); Clay Paky Alpha Beam 1500 and Alpha Beam 300; Barco/High End Systems ShowBeam, a 2500-watt moving yoke fixture with a “Twin Beam” effect and the signature LED tracking system; Syncrolite MX4, a 4000-watt moving yoke fixture with OmniColor II additive and subtractive color mixing; DTS Delta 7, a moving yoke LED fixture; Elation Impression XL, a soft-edged LED color wash with 240 Luxeon K2 LEDs, Design Spot 1400, a 1200-watt moving head spot fixture and Design Spot 300E, a 300-watt version of the Design Spot.
Perhaps even more significant in the long term was the sudden appearance of a number of new fixtures and devices with RDM (Remote Device Management) and/or ACN (Architecture for Control Networks) features. Wybron and ETC have been onboard with the new protocols pretty much from the start, but other manufacturers are finally getting with the program. Some of them include High End Systems, Martin, Robe, PR Lighting, W-DMX, Compulite, and, hopefully, some others that we missed.
According to Jake Berry, Robert Plant once said that the two most expensive letters in the English language are “R” & “D.” Or was it Dennis Sheehan who attributed the quote to Bono? Either way, whoever said it was almost right; the most expensive letters in the English language are “lack of R&D.” This year, it seems, that’s not an expense that most of the companies in our industry are willing to bear, recession or no recession.
A.C. Lighting exhibited new technologies from Chroma-Q, DTS and Jands. The Chroma-Q Color Span is a configurable low profile LED fixture for indoor/outdoor wall wash, cove, effects and feature lighting applications. It comes in a choice of indoor (IP20) or outdoor (IP67) ratings, three body lengths (16”, 32” & 48"), ten body colors, RGBA, single color or any color combination of LEDs and narrow, medium or wide beam angle optics.
The new Vista I3 is a mid-range lighting desk the same features as the full-size T4/T2 consoles in a smaller, more economical package. It has the software, processor and control elements of the stand-alone consoles, and by connecting a pen-tablet, touch screen, or a standard monitor, keyboard and mouse, the I3 becomes a fully operational Vista.
The new Delta 7 RGB from DTS is an LED color changer with an IP65 rating. It has 108 1-watt P4 type LEDs (36 red, 36 green, 36 blue). The color temperature ranges from 3200 to 5500K. Four optical units can be interchanged for different beam projection angles (spot, medium flood, wide flood, very wide flood). The auto-ranging power supply operates from 90V to 260V at 50 or 60Hz. Up to 32 units can be daisy-chained and run without a console. Other features include: twilight sensor for automatic nighttime operation; three color mixing modes: RGB, CMY, HSV; storing custom white either from the menu or via DMX.
A.C. Lighting was recently appointed as the North American distributor for Madrix, an LED lighting and video control software package. The new version 2.5 includes DVI output.
A.C.T Lighting showed a preview of the grandMA2, the new signature console from MA Lighting due to be released early in 2009. A.C.T is the exclusive North American distributor of the grandMA. The new desk uses the same syntax as the original grandMA but it has upgraded hardware and software.
Also featured on the A.C.T booth was a trio of LED fixtures from i-Pix, including: the BB 7 beamlight, a seven-cell LED fixture with seven customized light engines from Lamina that provide a blended RGB output with no color separation; the 120-watt BB 4 washlight, an LED fixture with four custom light engines (also from Lamina); and the Satellite, a 42-watt RGB self-contained LED wash fixture with daisy-chained power and data that can run up to 60 fixtures off a single 16-amp feed. i-Pix fixtures have been on tour with Radiohead, George Michael and The Killers among many other productions worldwide.
A.C.T Lighting is also the North American distributor for Zero 88, creators of the Frog range of lighting control consoles. Zero 88’s new generation of desks includes: the Jester TL, designed for theatre environments with control of up to 120 dimmer channels and 30 moving lights from a numeric keypad using standard syntax; and the Orb console, which combines theatre-style programming with an adaptable hardware platform, control of latest LEDs, moving heads and video systems.
Also on the stand was A.C.T Lighting’s new line of proprietary power distribution and motor control products called DistroTech. The line features industry-standard connectors in ready-to-ship standard configurations or built-to-order custom configurations. The units are UL-listed and will be stocked at A.C.T’s California and New York locations.
A.C.T Lighting also introduced Schnick Schnack Systems LED Media Display Systems. The LED systems can be used for both backlighting and the display of animated graphic images. Many configurations can be combined to create a coordinated system with a consistent output that is compatible with existing lighting and rigging technologies.
The Spectra Cyc from Altman Stage Lighting is a 100-watt LED-powered cyclorama/wall wash luminaire that uses 3-watt Luxeon Rebel LEDs in red, green, blue and amber. It’s designed for theatrical or architectural applications and it blends colors via a patent-pending LED lens that reduces pixilation from direct view. The unit features an on-board power supply and power can be daisy chained through 10 units. Designed for use on 4' to 6' centers, individual units can be linked side-by-side. The fixture is compatible with both DMX and RDM protocols and comes with a library of preprogrammed single colors and various color mixes.
Apollo Design Technology has spared the environment over 4,000 gallons of chemical waste annually by adopting laser oblation technology to make high-resolution gobos instead of using conventional etching. At LDI they showed their new Smart Color Pro gel scroller with 24 color frames, push button menu with LED display, 25 percent less power consumption, universal mounting and 17 percent less weight. Also on display were the EZ Iris DMX, a remote iris accessory that fits in the gate of a conventional ERS fixture, three new models of Smart Power Supplies, Gel Miser with IR filtering and built-in fan and Gelwrap color for fluorescent tubes.
Applied Electronics kick-started their LDI with a double-yoke accessory to the Source Four Par called the Kick Stand. The yoke works as a floor stand that rests on three points, or it can be folded back on itself and rigged to a pipe. Another new product on the stand was the LA25 Line Array Tower with a load capacity of 1500 pounds. The self-erecting tower can be assembled by one person in about 30 minutes.
Also on the Applied Electronics stand was the LSC line of products. Their new MDR DMX data distributor is available with an RDM module and an optional wireless receiver. It comes in a 5-output model or a 10-ouotput model and it will be available in January 2009.
Avolites used their LDI stand this year to launch their new Titan operating system for the Pearl and Diamond 4 series consoles. It was developed from the original D4 Operating System and adds new features to the Diamond 4 and the Pearl Expert. It retains the syntax of the consoles while porting features and functionality to both consoles including Fixture Exchange, Clone Fixture and Multiple Timers. Fixture Exchange makes it quick and easy to exchange fixtures from one type or manufacturer for another. Clone Fixture enables the adding of additional fixtures into a show even after extensive programming, with all cloned fixtures inheriting the properties of the source fixture. They can be performed off line using the Titan Simulator. Titan Expert for the Pearl offers Diamond 4 features including Multiple Times on Cues and Memories on Preset Faders. Avolites also introduced a new digital media server, The Addict Server, which was developed by Dave Green, Mark Calvert and Ralph Lambert of Pixel Addicts Ltd.
Barco brought a number of new High End Systems lighting and control products including the ShowBeam 2500-watt automated wash luminaire and the ShowGun 2.5 automated luminaire. Also making its first appearance at LDI was the DMX Processor 8000 for Wholehog software.
ShowBeam features uses an MSR 2500-watt lamp source that was developed jointly with Philips Lighting and produces 140,000 lumens. A new radial lenticular homogenizing lens system produces a soft edge beam and provides a unique look to the fixture. A unique feature is the “Twin Beam” effect; two discrete hard edge beams with a variable angle can be rotated with color change. The signature LED tracking system that debuted with its ShowGun predecessor is also standard. Other features include variable CTO, CMY color mixing, electronic strobe and a zoom range from 12 to 32 degrees. The fixture can also produce an 11-degree fixed hard edge beam.
A new version of ShowGun, the ShowGun 2.5 automated luminaire, was also on the stand. It also uses a new 2500-watt Philips MSR lamp source that produces 130,000 lumens.
The new Wholehog DMX Processor 8000 manages 16 DMX universes with both DMX and Art-Net outputs.
ShowPix and StudioPix Pixelation Luminaires were also shown for the first time at LDI. They can be used for graphic image display or as LED color wash lights. ShowPix features 127 homogenous 3-watt LEDs and StudioPix has 61 homogenous 3-watt LEDs. Both feature an onboard LED graphics engine, over 400 stock content animations and patterns (or add your own), DMX Scratch, Echo software for visualization and content management and more.
Barco LED, projection and image processing solutions on the stand included MiStrip and MiTrix modules and “true black” NX-4 LED displays, plus CLM HD8 and FLM HD20 projectors. Also, the Encore Presentation System with the ability to blend up to 32 screens were also working the stand.
BCi Pocket Console
The Pocket Console is now available with RC4 wireless DMX technology as an option by adding an RC4-DMXio transmitter. The unit functions as a remote-control dimmer board, wireless circuit check device, redundant dimmer check, wireless DMX effects trigger, or a roaming Wholehog 2 as a wireless eight-submaster wing. Operating in the 2.4GHz ISM band, the unit’s indoor range is up to 300', with a typical range of 200'. Outdoor line-of-sight range is up to one mile and transmitter power output is up to 100mW (20dBm) EIRP, with a receiver sensitivity of -100dBm. The unit runs on a 9V lithium battery, providing a minimum life of eight hours.
Lee Vestrich of Bulbtronics, which offers a line of lamps and production expendables for film, video, TV, concerts, nightclubs and themed entertainment.
Chauvet unveiled a number of new products this year, including a very interesting hard edge spot moving yoke fixture with an LED source. The Q Spot LED 250 uses number of white 6-watt LEDs but it looks to the naked eye like a more conventional lamp source. Features include a color wheel with seven colors, “slot-n-lock” static and rotating gobo wheels, a three-facet rotating prism and built-in effect macros that can be triggered by DMX. This technology could be a game changer.
Another very unique product on the stand was the Q-Phase, a white LED-fitted moving yoke fixture with nine independently controlled cells that converge in the air to produce a single white beam.
The Chauvet Legend 6500, an LED moving yoke fixture with RGBW color mixing, was shown as a prototype at LDI 2007 but it is now shipping and in stock. Features include adjustable color temperature, instant color change and careful color binning for color consistency between fixtures. The Legend 4500 is a scaled-down version of the Legend 6500 with RGBW color wash.
Other new items on the Chauvet stand included: the Colorado 6, an automated and upgraded IP66-rated version of the Colorado 3 wash bank with 108 LEDs arranged in three concentric rings and RGB color mixing; the Colorado 2, a bigger version of the Colorado 1 with the addition of white LEDs for more precise color temperature control; the Colorado Batten 80i, an RGBW LED color wash batten with control modes that vary from 3 to 80 channels, 4.2 billion colors, 80 2-watt LEDs and adjustable preset color temperatures; the Colordash Batten, a compact LED bank system intended for use as a cyclorama, border or strip light
City Theatrical revealed the latest version of SHoW DMX wireless data links with its now-fully realized RDM capabilities. Meanwhile, John McKernon was on the City Theatrical stand to preview the new Lightwright 5, which features real-time data exchange with Vectorworks 2009. It also features network connectivity, new work notes and network connectivity.
Other new products on the City Theatrical stand included the VSFX3 effects projector and the iW Blast TR Lighting Kit. The kit contains three each of the following: iW Blast TR fixtures; lighting stands adjustable to 8'; snap-on barndoors and egg crate louvers, neither requiring tools or accessory holders; sets of five polycarbonate holographic symmetric lenses; sets of four polycarbonate holographic asymmetric lenses; and two-channel LED dimmers allowing control of intensity and color temperature, powered by either 100VAC to 240VAC mains power or 24VDC battery power. The kit comes in a transport and carry case with wheels. City Theatrical also offers polycarbonate holographic lenses in symmetric and asymmetric beam spreads to fit iW Blast TR and ColorBlast 12 TRs, available from 10° to 60°, as well as asymmetric beam spreads such as 60°x10°. A new lens adapter also allows the use of these lenses in other Philips fixtures, including ColorBlast 12 and ColorBlast12 Powercore.
Lightwright 5 software for managing theatrical lighting paperwork will soon be available from John McKernon Software, featuring Lightwright/VectorWorks Data Exchange to share data with VectorWorks Spot¬light 2009 and keep the plot and paperwork synchronized in real time. The new version also keeps a complete history of who made changes in the worksheet and when, allowing a user to undo another user’s changes. Worksheet Rec¬onciliation takes advantage of the history log by showing where two sets of data disagree, allow¬ing multiple versions of the file to be worked on simultaneously. Users can also keep any number of show files open at once, and multiple users on a network can share worknotes and files. Worknotes have also been reconfigured, with adding, editing and prioritizing now more flexible and a “distribute” feature that prints personalized worknote lists for multiple recipi¬ents, emails worknotes from within the software and sends them to other users on the network. A color scroll design window allows choosing of colors from palettes of all the major color brands and dragging them into a graphical view. A mov¬ing light wheel design window provides a graphic picture of the wheel, with any number of holes, with indicator notches and rotating gears. Addi¬tional features include global search in any data category, live counts for a running total of lights and accessories, 18 user-definable columns and automatic dimmer load balancing.
The Alpha Beam 1500 made its debut on the Clay Paky stand. The 1500-watt automated fixture produces a concentrated beam of parallel light similar to an ACL, but with much more power. It features a patent-pending focusing system, 14 gobos (six rotating and eight fixed), two rotating prisms, CMY color mixing, color wheel, rotating beam shaper, 0-100 percent dimmer plus a precision dimmer on separate channels, iris, strobe and three combinable linear frost effects.
The Alpha Beam 300 was also featured on the Clay Paky stand. Like its 1500-watt big brother, the 300 produces an ACL effect with a 300-watt source. Other features include eight fixed gobos (four gobos plus 4 beam angle reduction gobos), a patented frost effect, “soft mode” and “hard edge” mode, CMY color mixing and color wheel and electronic ballast.
Among the products on the Columbus McKinnon stand was the CM Prostar electric chain hoist. It features an overload device that protects the hoist, operator and structure from damaging overloads. Simultaneous brake activation delivers two times the brake torque in the hoist as compared to aftermarket brakes, and an electromagnetic spring applies the double DC brake distributing nominal brake torque of 40.32 cm/Kg (4 Nm) per brake. The hoist has a rated capacity of 136 to 500 Kg with standard lift of 18 meters. It operates at speeds ranging from 2.4 to 12.19 m/m and it is H-4 duty-rated. Single phase and three-phase models are available.
Coemar and its North American distributor, Inner Circle Distribution (ICD), brought five new lights to the party. The Infinity Wash S is a 300-watt moving yoke automated fixture with the same patented beam effects as the Infinity Wash XL, 6° to 36° zoom range, CMY color mixing, color wheel and a universal electronic power supply. The Infinity Spot S is the companion spot fixture to the Infinity Wash S. It features one aerial wheel, one gobo wheel with seven gobos and open, one break-up wheel, one color wheel with five colors plus open (all replaceable), CMY color mixing, 7° to 36° zoom range and an iris.
The new Infinity ACL is a moving yoke automated ACL with focusable black-light, variable beam size and variable beam control with rotating aerial effects. It features moon flower effects and split color beam effects with CMY color mixing. It has a six degree beam angle, iris and LCD menu display.
The Infinity Spot XL is a 1500-watt moving yoke automated fixture with a patented color mixing system able to achieve CMY and RGB colors. It has proportional CTO, 7° to 50° zoom, mechanical and electronic strobe and more.
Also on the Coemar/ICD stand was the StageLite LED, a unique LED cyc light with three rows of LEDs that swivel to focus the light evenly on a cyc. It has an electronic dimmer, electronic strobe and synchronized, random and pulsed effects.
Creative Stage Lighting recently announced that they will be distributing Germany-based JB Lighting products in North America. In addition to showing High End Systems ShowPix and Showgun, CSL also had live demonstrations of the JB Lighting VaryLED A7 Zoom, a moving yoke LED fixture with an 8° to 28° zoom range. It features 108 Luxeon LEDs, stand-alone mode and an optional DMX receiver.
Daktronics’ new PST-10 modular display panel combines the cabinet design of the PST series with their MAG-10 technology using 3-in-1 black stamped LEDs. They carry an IP-66 rating, and the modular panels can be arranged in various shapes and sizes to form large-screen video displays. Each panel has 12 removable MAG-10 modules housed within the cabinet.
In addition to the DMX-controlled glockenspiel (seriously!), Doug Fleenor Designs exhibited a new version of the Preset 10 Panel called Chameleon. The passive touch-sensitive wall control panel allows you to capture scenes from incoming DMX and then alter and record them. It features an intensity fader with a 21-segment bar graph that displays the current intensity level. Multiple Chameleons can be configured to provide multiple control locations for the same channels or different control channels in the same dimmer rack.
Also on the stand was the new WD100, a wireless, battery-powered power supply for LED fixtures. It features a lead-acid battery that runs for 24 hours on color fade in a single charge.
The folks at E.GO Control Systems said that they are the “most expensive” lighting console on the market, and that if that ever changed, then they would raise their prices. Whether or not they were joking is a matter of speculation, but with the modularity and sophistication of the system, it’s likely they could keep the title. EGO was developed by some of the same people who helped develop the AVAB Safari console, SandMan and SandNet. The console has unlimited capacity for memory and playback, multi-user operation, a built-in 15.4” WXGA touchscreen, a rate joystick and a pair of motorized faders. The Main, Fader and Wheel modules can be configured into consoles and systems according the needs of the production.
Eilon Engineering
The Ron Stage Master was developed to help prevent trusses from collapsing by monitoring loads at the rigging points in real time. The wireless system can monitor up to 96 wireless load cells on a laptop, and you can overlay AutoCAD drawings for graphical representation. The system was used at Grammy Awards. It features real-time pictures, monitoring of set points, and up to 328 load cells can be displayed on one screen with multiple systems. The cells have up to 1500 hours of battery life, and there are downloadable data logs with months of data.
After the big launch of the Elation Impression at LDI 2008, the lighting company showed, among many other new products, a preview of the Impression XL. Like the Impression RGB, the XL uses Luxeon K2 LEDs to produce a bright, soft-edged color wash. But instead of the 90 LEDs in the RGB version, the LX has 240 LEDs and weighs 48 pounds. Other new products on the Elation stand included: the Design Spot 1400, a 1200-watt moving head spot fixture with electronic ballast, CMY color mixing, a color wheel, six rotating, indexed gobos, seven static gobos and more; the Design Spot 300E, a 300-watt version of the Design Spot; ELED Fresnel, a white light LED Fresnel fixture with built-in dimming; the DLED 36 Tri-Brick, which was reviewed in the October issue of PLSN; the DLED Tri Strip, an RGB LED strip with 20 cells of three tri-color LEDs; the Event Panel, a self-contained RGB LED portable fixture with a built-in batter that lasts up to 10 hours with continuous use; Event PAR, an PAR version of the Event Panel; ELED Strip 100, an RGB LED strip with 10 cells each with one red, one green and one blue LED; ELED Strip RGBW, an RGBW LED strip with 16 groups of 1-watt LEDs, each group having one red, one green, one blue and one white; two ELAR Image Projectors, the ELAR X and the ELAR XR; the ELAR Tri PAR IP, a tri-color LED PAR rated for outdoor use; the DLED 108IP, an RGB color mixing PAR 36 K2 LEDs rated for outdoor use; the DNG-200 low-lying fog generator; and the HZ-500 haze machine.
The Cobra 16mm (virtual 8) LED video display from Element Labs is a flexible, indoor/outdoor system suited to both permanent installations and rental applications. The range of displays was designed to create an environmentally friendly system with low power consumption, heat generation and weight. It features a 100,000-hour lifetime with RoHS and Class B EMC compliance and 6,500 nits of brightness. A cyan LED expands the color range and helps to yield purer white. The fanless display is IP66-rated and requires no tools for deployment and removal. Cobra is powered by the Vizomo video processor.
The newest version of ESP Vision, version 3.0 is a cross-platform Windows or Mac program with “improved performance,” and new user-interface that includes a quad view. It runs natively on the Mac OSX (10.4.1 or greater) without the need for Parallels or Bootcamp on any video card that supports OpenGL 1.4 or greater. This includes both Intel chipsets and legacy Motorola chipset Macintosh computers, including the Mac Book, Mac Book Pro, iMac, Mac mini and PowerPC computers. Other features include the addition of user preferences, allowing users to choose between imperial or metric display settings, cut/copy/paste, undo/redo functionality, improved navigation, true full-screen and other improvements over Vision 2.3.
ETC is one of the main companies leading the charge in ACN and RDM. Through ACN, ETC’s Eos console can make changes to ETC’s Sensor+ CEM+ and receives dimmer feedback at the console. Plus, Eos with Net3 DMX/RDM Gateways discovers and monitors Wybron scrollers. These Gateways make RDM information available to any ACN console and demonstrate how ACN and RDM work together to automate configuration and feedback.
ETC also demonstrated their new Unison building-control system and its centerpiece, the Paradigm lighting control system, merging ETC’s entertainment control with architectural control. Paradigm brings its library of conventionals, moving lights, LEDs and more, ACN-based networking, daylight harvesting, occupancy-sensing, time schedules and touchscreen control to help create dynamic lighting environments.
Next to Paradigm in the ETC booth was the SmartLink lighting control solution for smaller-scale applications enables the automatic activation of lighting presets and sequences using real-time or astronomical events. The new SmartLink TimeClock brings time-of-day control to ETC Unison, Sensor+ and SmartPack dimming.
Also on the stand was ETC’s new 70W version of the long-life Source Four HID family, as well as the 375W HPL lamp option for Source Four tungsten fixtures. Plus, new versions of ETC software were on display. SmartSoft, which was originally for the SmartFade ML lighting control desk, now covers SmartFade 1248, 2496 and 1296 desks and is Macintosh compatible and it’s still free. Also, the new Congo v5 software has an enhanced effects package, new graphics, better editing tools and expanded functionality.
The DMX-controlled Loop Tray from GAM is the fifth available effects tray in the SX4 family of special effects devices for ETC Source Four ellipsoidals. It has built-in programs for stand-alone operation, with more than 40 off-the-shelf effects and loops. With five interchangeable trays, users can have user can have a four- or six-gobo changer, color changer, effects loops, or discs. The unit does not require a dimmer circuit for control; it is controlled via DMX. In addition, GAM offers 24 new patterns for use in conventional ellipsoidals, ranging from skylines to juke boxes, pagodas to pyramids, totem poles to breakups and geometrics.
G-LEC America has new offices on Broadway with support in Los Angeles, and they announced that the Phantom range is now on sale. New products on the stand included: the Chimera, a hard-backed display with integrated LED video that can be cut to any shape while retaining the functionality of individual LED pixels; and Solaris, an LED video curtain with a series of 40mm diameter pixel spheres hung in strands in drape fashion.
The new Thomas Audio Tower from James Thomas Engineering is constructed of 20.5” SuperTower and had a load capacity of 2700 pounds. The base can accept two additional sections of tower for added stability or it can be used in the traditional “V” configuration. The parts are constructed of 6061-T6 aluminum, with the exception of the leveling jacks, which are steel.
The new LPC Series of consoles from Leprecon are two-scene preset boards designed for hands-on fader control and interactive user interface. There are two versions, a 48 and 96, and they have submaster operation (12 pages of 24 or 48 subs), 200 control channels, six snapshot memories, a graphical cue timing display, touchscreen capability and more. They will be available in early 2009. Also on the Leprecon stand was the Aris Architectural Interface System.
The new Piccolo console from Leviton is available in 48-channel, 96-channel, 144-channel and 192-channel models. They feature 12, 24, 36, or 48 submasters respectively, 10 submaster pages, key pad operation, MIDI, Ethernet and 512 channels of DMX output, and they can be used with or without monitors.
Also on the Leviton stand: the new Multi-Lens Par uses the same lamp as their ERS fixtures (575-watt or 750-watt) and is available in black or white finish; 1-in/8-out DMX Splitter with a terminal strip in the rear for permanent installations; and the 8700 Series consoles, which now incorporates Capture visualization features.
The new SR-516 wall panel controller from Lightronics is a theatrical/house light zone controller with multi-location capability. The wall station allows control of any theatrical or architectural dimming system via standard DMX-512 placed in-line between dimmer and console, and it communicates with remotes of several types and accommodates multiple mixed-type remotes. Features include: DMX-512 pile-on operation; 16 scenes with fade times to 99 minutes; multiple remote station control; show mode station lockout via DMX; mutually exclusive scene grouping; last scene recall; three configurable contact closures; and two-gang wall box installation.
The new Confetti Xtreme from Le Maitre has a 10 pound confetti capacity and outputs 1.3 pounds per minute with variable fan and output control. The DMX input requires two control channels and a manual remote is included. It draws five amps and weighs 300 pounds.
Lex Products introduced the new LSC 6Circuit Live Multi-Cable Tester that tests and performs diagnostics on cabling problems while the cable is still installed. The tester plugs into the end of any energized, dimmed, or non-dimmed six-circuit cable. It tests live 120 VAC 19-pin cables and connectors, verifies power on each of the circuits and diagnoses broken or swapped wires and pins. It has three diagnostic LEDs for each circuit, similar to popular electrician’s single-circuit testers, and the LEDs can be used as temporary work light in tight and dark spaces above and around stages. It can also confirm power on a moving-light 208VAC multicables. The unit is 5.5” L (with connector) x 2.47”W x 2.95”H, with a rating of 120/240 VAC.
Martin Professional introduced two new 1500-watt luminaires in the MAC range, in addition to a number of other new products. The MAC III Profile, the first product in the third generation of MAC moving heads and the MAC 2000 Wash XB, an “extra bright” version of the MAC 2000 Wash. The SmartLED and PixelLED fixtures were previewed in prototype form, and the LED moving yoke color wash fixtures will be available early in 2009.
Also on display was EvenLED, a modular LED system for even field projection; new hazers in the Jem and Magnum lines; and several new products and product updates in Martin’s controller range, plus the new Exterior 1200 Image Projector and new indoor and outdoor LED luminaires.
The MAC III Profile is the first product in Martin’s third generation of MAC moving heads. It features color mixing with a broadened color range plus more saturated hues, a fat beam, wide zoom range, new gobos, animation effects, fast effects and movement and “low noise” cooling.
The new MAC 2000 Wash XB uses a 1500-watt lamp to produce over 60,000 lumens, making it 40 percent brighter than the MAC 2000 Wash. New efficient fans, ballast and starter combine with MAC 2000 modularity, optics and effects in the same housing as the MAC 2000. An upgrade kit is available for existing MAC 2000 Wash fixtures. It includes a new 1500 W lamp, lamp socket module, electronic ballast, starter, heat filter, fans for more efficient cooling, color mixing module, base cover plates with new logo plus other minor parts.
EvenLED is a panel of six-watt RGB LEDs used to back-project an even field of light over a projection surface. Each color features 16-bit resolution that can produce waves or gradation of color across a surface. The modular system is convection cooled for silent operation (no fans).
In the fog and haze arena, Martin introduced two new products; the Magnum 2500 Hz, with a 900-watt heat exchanger, a large fluid container and optional DMX and the Jem K1 Hazer.
For architainment lighting, the Exterior 1200 Image Projector provides effects projection and animation for the outdoor environment. The 1200-watt luminaire houses a CMY color mixing system, color wheel and effects animation system. Also, the Exterior 200 LED is an RGB + Amber and White color mixing fixture with a weatherized housing and 44 LEDs with various optional lenses. And the Extube Series is a modular system of linear LED luminaires designed for colored illumination of facades, bridges and structures with an IP rating of 65. It also has RGB+W color mixing and a choice of opaque lenses. It comes in a 30 cm (1 ft) or 120 cm (4 ft) version.
For the interior, the Alien LED Downlight is a range of recessed LED downlights available in a regular or “high power” version, both with RGB+W color mixing and an IP rating of 67.
Maxxyz Compact is a compact version in the Maxxyz with full functionality in a modular, mid-sized design at more competitive price. Four modules – Cerebrum, Programmer and two 5 fader playback sections – make a complete stand-alone system with the ability to control up to 32 DMX Universes. Four Universes are included and more are available via Artnet or the Universal USB-DMX device.
The new Ether2DMX8 is a new version of the Ether2DMX with eight bi-directional DMX ports that can be configured as DMX in or out. It is ArtNet compatible, ACN and RDM ready and has a 500MHZ processor. Any DMX input can be merged to any output with LTP or HTP support. Additional support for future functionality is available through USB ports, a VGA port and keyboard and mouse connections.
The new version of Martin ShowDesigner (MSD 5) is optimized for DirectX 9 and 10 and features real-time shadows, real-life light distribution, animated smoke, smooth camera displacement and HD 1080p video creation.
The new Maxedia Broadcast features a RAID hard drive system, Quad Core Processing and two graphics cards, each of which support a Maxedia engine output. Each output can be expanded with an external TripleHead2Go unit from Matrox for a total of six outputs, which can be edge-blended for multi-screen applications with projectors. It allows two independent rendering engines. SDI input is standard in the Maxedia Broadcast and close to one terrabyte of disk space is available. Maxedia Broadcast has the same graphical user interface as other Maxedia systems and can be networked with them as well. All Maxedia products now support thumbnail exchange with Maxxyz and other third party controllers over the public CITP protocol.
Maxedia Compact Rackmount is a new rackmount version of the media server. The two-rack space system adds analog video input and two universes of DMX. The graphics cards and all other hardware have received an upgrade with the latest technology, and it offers the same removable disk drive tray as other Maxedias. Control of the media server is available over a customizable touch-screen interface without the need for a lighting console. It also supports 32 Universes of RGB pixel mapping to drive large LED arrays.
The Axis LED from Mega-Lite is a moving yoke LED fixture with 54 3-watt LEDs (18 each, red, green and blue). The LEDs provide RGB color mixing controlled via 12 DMX channels. It has 360° of pan, 270° tilt and a 32° field angle. Data connection is via 3-pin XLR connectors, and the unit’s lifetime is rated at 60,000 to 100,000 hours. It has an electronic ballast and draws 170 watts.
Peter Stressing (center) of Mobil Tech, with Chris Feneis (left) and Jim Feneis of Quik Stage next to the Mobil Tech Alp Tech 6500 manual crank stand. It has a lifting height of 21’-3” and a load capacity of 441 pounds. Quik Stage is the new North American distributor for Mobil Tech.
Nemetschek launched their newest version of lighting design software, VectorWorks 2009 with Spotlight. It includes a new 3D modeling engine called Parasolid from Siemens. The new modeling engine speeds up modeling operations four to five times, and there are over 70 new features in the upgraded software, including an expanded lighting fixture library with new fixtures from several different manufacturers.
Ocean Optics’ new Nemo is an ETC Source Four compatible color engine with a Luxim LIFI plasma source that delivers 15,000 lumens from 180 watts (more than 83 lumens per watt). It uses existing ETC Source Four front-end barrels and an assortment of ETC optics. It comes with the Extreme Green wheel that extends the CMY color gamut. The unit retails for $3700.
Also on the Ocean Optics booth was the new ColorBug, a wireless handheld device for testing CIE color and luminance values. The software stores and analyzes data and allows you to share data with the iPhone and iPod touch wirelessly.
The BTH halogen lamp from Osram is a 575W upgrade for 6” and 8” Fresnels, and it is also suitable for PC spots using medium pre-focus base lamps. The lamp operates on 115V and is a direct replacement for the 500W, 120V BTL lamps, providing 30 percent more lumens and a higher color temperature. The 15,500 lumen output is higher than most BTL lamps at 11,000 lumens. At an average rated life of 300 hours, the lamp has the same life as most major SSTV lamp types.
Also on the Osram stand was the Kreios family of LED modules, which incorporate a feedback system to monitor time and temperature to help extend the life and performance of the modules. It has twelve LED chips with custom programmability.
Philips had on display their newest FastFit lamps, the 750/115 FastFit and 800/230 FastFit, which are used in Strand fixtures. In addition to these, the range has been extended with the MSR Gold 300/2 FastFit (designed in fixtures of Coemar, Elation and Clay Paky), MSR Gold 1500 FastFit (designed in fixtures of SGM and Coemar) and MSR Gold 2000(/2) FastFit (designed in fixture of High End Systems). Since the initial launch of the Philips FastFit system two-and-a-half years ago, 17 manufacturers have used the lamps in more than 30 fixtures.
The new ColorReach Powercore from Philips Color Kinetics outputs more than 5,000 lumens and is capable of projection up to 500 feet. The RGB color mixing fixture includes an integrated mounting yoke and optional diffuser lenses. It incorporates Powercore technology to directly accept line voltage.
Also on the stand was the new ColorGraze Powercore, a linear RGB fixture designed for exterior grazing and wall washing applications of color and color-changing light. It is available in 2-foot, 3-foot and 4-foot lengths.
Several of their existing fixtures have been upgraded with new LEDs to increase the light output. ColorBlast 12 TR, ColorBlaze are now 50 percent brighter and iColor Flex SL and iColor Flex SLX are twice as bright as before.
PixelRange showcased the new PixelMax Wash, PixelMax Pro and a compact 36 by 6 pixels half-length PixelArt batten. PixelMax Wash is an RGBA LED fixture with 132 Luxeon K2 LEDs in a six-cell configuration. PixelMax Pro is a combined wash and pixellation luminaire with 288 RGBA Luxeon Rebel LEDs. It is built around the same housing as the PixelMax Wash, but with 18 individually controlled cells in a 3×6 matrix.
Also debuting was a major new software upgrade for PixelArt that supports control of the video batten fixtures directly via DMX by feeding an ArtNet compliant signal in to the VideoMapper.
Lastly, PixelRange is now the exclusive distributor in the USA for Luminex lighting control, which was also featured on the stand
Production Resource Group (PRG) brought several new products to LDI, including the Bad Boy hybrid luminaire; the V676 lighting control console; and the Mbox EXtreme v3 media server. The products are networked on PRG’s proprietary Series 400 Power and Data Distribution System. Also introduced was The Nila Lighting System, a solid-state (LED) lighting solution for television and film applications, which is exclusively distributed by PRG.
The Bad Boy Luminaire is a hybrid luminaire that combines a traditional automated light with a large venue fixture. It outputs 48,000 lumens with sharp optics and fluid control of focus, zoom, dimming and imaging using high-speed servo motors. It features the Quantum Color system, an 8” diameter front lens, 8:1 zoom range from 7° to 56° and beam size iris. The zoom consists of four groups of lenses—each independently controlled to maintain focus during zoom changes—plus edge control for gobo focus and gobo morphing. Bad Boy’s two rotating gobo wheels are indexable, with each of the seven gobos per wheel individually calibrated so the unit will automatically index the orientation of each gobo regardless of placement.
The new PRG V676 console has eight touchscreen monitors, including five monitors built into the low-profile face panel. In addition, three external monitors on moveable arms attach to the console, and they can be positioned in any direction including landscape or portrait orientation. The mobility of the monitors allows programmers an unobstructed view of the stage. Super Palettes provide a graphical interface for color, template, preset, macro, snapshot and timing selection, giving programmers a graphical way to select, record and edit parameter and system functions. Six encoders plus full-time pan, tilt and intensity control provide direct control of manual parameters. The software platform expands on the Virtuoso programming and playback platforms.
Also on display was Mbox Extreme v3 Media Server featuring increased speed, streamlined user control, new hardware and enhanced input and output options. The custom dual I/O module, which provides two discrete outputs for each server, is packaged in a road case with a UPS, Auxiliary Input panel, keyboard and trackball. The media server works with up to six layers of content, which can be displayed simultaneously. Users can transition content on the same layer with 1080p playback, and it can play back embedded audio tracks from selected movies as well as AIFF files of 16bit, two-channel stereo complete with volume control. The software can handle up to four local video inputs, including one input standard via a DeckLink HD Extreme capture card with inputs (SD, component, or composite) up to 1080p and a second input standard using FireWire/USB DV. All video inputs can be de-interlaced on the fly. Mbox Extreme v3 also includes SMPTE and MIDI timecode inputs for synching movie playback. In addition to the DVI, RGBHV and SD/HD-SDI stage outputs, both of the Dual Output I/O module’s outputs have a DVI preview output. No additional hardware is required for the SDI output.
Networking everything on the PRG stand was the Series 400 Power and Data Distribution System, an integrated system that combines 120V or 208V power with an Ethernet network in the same cable. The S400 system distributes power and control signals for automated luminaires or other remote non-dim devices up to 500’ away. It features built-in control signal distribution and the rack accepts 10/100Mb/sec Ethernet, DMX, DMX over Ethernet and RDM, and has the ability to handle all protocols simultaneously.
PRG also has Ethernet switches designed for entertainment applications as a part of its Series 400 system. They are available in 7-Port and 10-Port versions.
RC4 showed their Magic 200-watt wireless dimming system. Also on the booth was the Motion Match system, which allows the integration of real-time motion into a show by allowing the operator to take control of any attributes in the console, such as the pan and tilt of moving lights.
FlexiFlex is a modular LED video display system for large format video presentation. It is flexible, modular, scalable, translucent and portable.
Now that Robe and PRG have inked a licensing agreement for Robe to use PRG intellectual property pertaining to digital lighting, Robe is free to show and sell their digital lighting products in the U.S. The latest of these includes the new DigitalSpot 7000 DT, a combination 6500 ANSI lumen digital projector and RGBW LED modules with a contrast ratio of 2000:1, two LED modules with 48 Luxeon Rebel RGBW LEDs, DVI input and SDI input/output. The new DigitalSpot 3000 DT is a combination 2700 ANSI lumen projector with a REDWash LED module. It has a contrast ratio of 2000:1 and it uses a 200-watt lamp. Also on the Robe stand were the new Robe Emitting Diode (RED) series of LED fixtures including the REDWash 3•192 moving head wash light with manually adjustable beam angle from 12° to 45°. REDWash 3•192 communicates via Robe´s DreamBox USB interface with a computer running Robe RDMNet software enabling remote menu configurations and fixture setup. Other new RED luminaires included the REDFlash 3•192 (LED moving head strobe light), REDMix 3•192 and REDStrobe 3•192.
The new Victor M followspot from Robert Juliat features the crisp optics they are known for, as well as DMX control of the shutter, lamp strike, plus one DMX optional channel. Also shown was the Noria, an automated gobo changer for use with Lancelot followspots. It has the capacity to take up to six A-sized gobos, each fully rotatable with control over speed and direction. Each wheel also rotates in either direction at any speed, and all are controllable via DMX, with a manual alternative also available. A Lancelot can house up to two changers simultaneously slotting into the gate, with a switching capacity to identify the first unit from the second. The pair offers a selection of up to 10 separate gobos (five, plus open on each wheel).
Also new is the Chromix graduated color-mixing system that uses high-temperature theatre color filters. It consists of a module with four blades, each with a frame to hold any HT filter—color, frost, or color temperature. Up to five modules can be used at one time, each independently controllable. Each blade is attached with a quarter-turn screw to change or replace the color filter. In the event of a power failure, a safety system allows manual control of Chromix, disengaging the motor and enabling manual operation from a handle located on the top of the followspot. Connectors for both Chromix and Noria provide power and data.
Selador’s two newest fixtures, the Luster and the Coletta, boast of being twice as bright and 20 percent less expensive than their predecessors. The Luster is optimized for white light but it can produce colored light, while the Coletta is optimized for color wash.
Selecon’s Wing range is a new line of wall wash floods for illumination of walls and general display lighting. The range is designed around a wide flood angle with an adjustable fixture tilt angle to position the output, providing the ability to use fewer fixtures to evenly light a wall—20 percent fewer than other products, according to Selecon. Features include precision pan-and-tilt Allen screw lock off adjustments with reference scales for standardized setup and reduced installation time. A wide range of available light sources (linear tungsten halogen, Halolux, CDM metal halide and compact fluorescent) offer a choice of color rendering, dimming capability, lamp life and energy consumption. Power supplies are integrated into the length of the fixture and the units are available in three colors: white, black and silver-grey with either track adapter or ceiling mounting options.
In addition to showing their line of followspots, Strong had on display some Studio Due products that they are now distributing, including D-Color LED fixtures.
Swisson exhibited their new wall-mounted Sine Wave Dimmer for architectural applications.
Syncrolite has upgraded the MX line from 2K to 4K (MX4 Xenon Skylight) and introduced the new SBX-7/3 7kW Xenon Skylight and the XL10 7kW, 8kW, or 10kW Xenon Skylight. In addition, they have introduced OmniColor B Biaxial Color Changing System with DichroFilm.
Techni-Lux brought the new Giotto 1500 from SGM. The modular automated fixture can be converted from a spot to wash or, with the addition of the new digital module, to a digital light. The digital module consists of a 0.7” XGA (1024×768) DLP chip and two color wheels and it gives it the ability to project animated gobos in black and white with a color overlay. The lamp source is a Philips MSR Gold 1500 FastFit or a 1200-watt MSR.
The TMB “Village” showcased a number of new companies and products including: ProTester 19 Mobal cable tester by GDS; PufferSphere spherical display system from Pufferfish; ProFan high velocity DMX-controlled wind machine; and TMB’s new ProPower NCB Series: non-conductive power distribution without the rubber.
Kinesys motion controls debuted the Libra loadcell, a system with load-measuring shackle and accompanying software to display load information in a variety of formats. Also on display will be Kinesys’ K2 motion control software.
From Green Hippo, new additions to the Hippotizer range include: HippoCritter, a full-featured mini-server; HippoPortamus, a Hippo in a laptop; and the Hippotizer V3 R2 tour-ready chassis. Hippotizer’s latest significant software release V3.0.12, with new features and enhancements.
New to the TMB distribution family is Sand Network Systems with a wide range of connectivity solutions, including SandBox multi-protocol hardware for Ethernet, USB, DMX and MIDI. Also on hand was W-DMX by Wireless Solutions.
TMB Architectural products included: Blues System by Global Design Solutions (GDS); curveLED transparent, flexible video display; Digital Festoon DFS color changing LED display system; Falcon high-power fixtures by Alpha One; and Leader Light flood and linear LED fixtures. New from Leader Light are LED Sound Panels with music control via DMX and the Pro LED Point MR16s. All architectural products were controlled by the new DejaCue web-enabled playback controller.
Innovative Film and TV lighting brand was also featured, including Solaris Quasar and T-Light strobe lights and lightning machines up to 85,000 watts. Also, the newly improved FinnLight Toplight with Space Bag was on hand.
Total Structures brought out two new products for the first time, including the Air Roof system and CM Lodestar and Prostar electric chain hoists. Also showcased was the Element and Totalite ranges of truss.
The new VL3500 Wash FX fixture from Vari-Lite has characteristics of both a wash fixture and a spot fixture. In its color bulkhead there is one effects pattern wheel with four spring-loadable, rotatable and indexable 50mm glass patterns plus one open position. It has over 50,000 lumens of output and the dual-wattage unit runs at either 1200 or 1500 watts or 900 watts in standby. Vari-Lite was also showing prototypes of the soon-to-be released versions of the VL500 and VL1000 with 400-watt ceramic metal halide lamps. The units will carry on-board power supplies and offer 10,000 hours of lamp life. They are expected to start shipping in the second quarter of 2009. And by special invitation to their demo room, a fixture with a new LED light engine was previewed. The 800-watt LED light engine drives the RBGW color mixing system in a moving yoke package. The output lens had hexagonal cells that helped to homogenize the field, producing a beautifully uniform and surprisingly bright output. It has a high CRI and efficiency in the range of almost 17 lumens per watt. Though the prototype had a fixed field angle, the finished product is supposed to range from 15° to 44°. Delivery is expected to be in early 2009.
The new W-DMX BlackBox S-2000 from Wireless Solution is a 19” 1U double universe transmitter compatible with ACN Lite, ETCNet and Strand ShowNet. Supporting both RDM and Art-Net, the units are also stackable for up to 32 DMX universes and support W-DMX Co-Existence technology. Remote addressing for up to 512 fixtures is possible in point-to-point mode when daisy-chained by cable and in point-to-multipoint mode. All units are shipped with a multi-purpose bracket as well as a standard 2dBi rubber whip antenna. Other antennae options are available to increase the standard transmission range of 2,300’ to up to 7,550’. W-DMX units use Adaptive Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (AFHSS) and change frequency every 910uS. The operational frequency range is 2,402 to 2,479MHz (ISM band), with a channel bandwidth of 1MHz.
Wybron demonstrated the new Infogate for the iPhone at LDI. It provides wireless control of lighting equipment with a pocket-sized wireless device. Infogate gathers information via RDM from lighting equipment and uses a wireless signal to transmit the data to an iPhone or iPod. It allows users to troubleshoot and pinpoint problems and warns of potential problems. During load in, Infotrace lets users configure equipment, set DMX addresses remotely and access a variety of device parameters. Other lighting manufacturers using RDM include Martin, ETC, Robe, High End Systems, Ocean Optics, Leprecon and many more.
