LumenRadio recently announced availability in the U.S. of their latest wireless DMX/RDM/Ethernet device, the CRMX Nova FX (Flex) RDM. The CRMX, or Cognitive Radio Multiplexer technology, is an automated and adaptive wireless technology that was designed and developed specifically for the lighting industry. It adapts to its surroundings to maximize performance and range while minimizing interference with other systems.
For 40 years, London-based White Light has been supplying lighting equipment to the entertainment industry. Although manufacturing is not their primary focus, they have been building the VSFX image projector for some time. But they turned to City Theatrical to work with them in a joint venture to improve the product. According to City Theatrical president, Gary Fails, the VSFX had some "design challenges that White Light wanted to overcome."
In the realm of professional video, it's fair to say that the video production switcher is the heart of the show, whether it's a live event, a newscast or even a corporate gig.
Check out these products you will see at LDI: atmosphere, Chauvet COLORdash Batten-Tri, Chauvet COLORado 1 VW Tour, Guard Dog Low Profiles with and without ADA Compliant Ramps, Ramp-Runner Transport Power Pack, Vector Violet, Pipe Case & Hamper, Altus Rigging Controller, RC4Magic Wireless Dimming, Sanyo PLS-WM5500/4500, Snow Masters Magic Lamp DS9000, Snow Masters Cryo Jet, Wildfire 150W Long-Throw Series II UV Light, Wildfire UltraRail Series Black Lighting and Wildfire Effects Master Energy Series Black Lighting.
One of the earliest automated lighting consoles on the market was called the Animator. It was very advanced for its time, but it never gained the widespread popularity it deserved in North America, probably because it had limited distribution. The company that designed and built that console is Compulite.
In the post-MP3 world, production values in live events are often dictated by economics. Those fat advances that record companies used to front to recording artists have gone the way of reel-to-reel tape machines and typewriters. Today, they are much more reliant on ticket sales and profitable touring, so every means of saving money on the road is of capital importance.
When the company that paved the road for the era of automated lighting and drove down the highway of that technology on cruise control for more than 25 years suddenly takes a left turn at the intersection of LED Boulevard and Automated Lighting Way, it's bound to turn some heads.
There’s a fascinating book called The Big Switch: Rewiring the World, from Edison to Google by Nicholas Carr about how cloud computing is changing the world.
In one of my many past lives, as a systems integrator, I specified a number of Zero 88 Frog consoles, mostly the Fat Frog, which was nicely positioned for the entry market. I was surprised when Zero 88 opted to drop the Fat Frog and jump to the Leap Frog range. Rather than an entry-level board, it’s now a mid-range console with control of up to 200 automated lights. Zero 88 has kept the ease of getting started on the console, plus, if you plan to grow your system, Leap Frog does not have the limitations of Fat Frog.
The production world needs inverted lighting like up needs down, black needs white, and yin needs yang. Some luminaires, like automated fixtures, come with their own built-in floor stands and need no accessories to stand in an inverted position. Others, like PAR cans and Lekos, not so much.