LAS VEGAS – After being cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19, the LDI show returned to the Las Vegas Convention Center, where exhibitors and attendees welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate all the products that had been developed during and since the shutdown.
One thing is for sure from what was exhibited: The pandemic did nothing to dampen the development of new products and upgrades, as innovation and creativity was found in every booth, signaling a bright future for the industry as we move into 2022. As PLSN publisher Terry Lowe said while surveying the floor on the second day: “This is a good first step back” to normalcy.
Here’s a recap of some of the innovation seen on the show floor:
4Wall Entertainment provided support for LDI’s xR Lounge area. This high-tech space served as a showcase for the lighting, video and rigging capabilities of 4Wall. The xR Lounge got an assist from xR consulting firm Zanni. Technology partners included Brompton Technology (S8 LED processors), disguise (VX and RXII servers), Fray video content, MaxiCrane camera motion control, Panasonic UC4000 camera bodies, ROE Visual Black Pearl 2.8 tiles (for the walls) and Black Marble 4 tiles provided by Matrix Visual Solutions (for the floor) and stYpe RedSpy camera tracking. Further information from 4Wall Entertainment: www.4wall.com
Absen displayed its new AX Aries Series that’s designed for virtual studios. Features include: Absen Common Cathode Technology, pixel to pixel 4K & HD resolutions, flexible installation, and auto-lock and auto-eject systems. The Absen MR Series LED floor was honored with the LDI award for Projection. Further information from Absen: www.absen.com
Among the products at the ACT Entertainment booth, which was honored with the LDI award for Best Large Booth Award, was the Sidecar DMX from AC Power Distribution. Users can plug into their SST Series lunchbox to create a power + data box with no tools required. Further information from AC Power Distribution: www.actlighting.com
AOTO Electronics showed off its newly released SV3.9 Series for outdoor applications. The panels are incredibly strong and durable, but also extremely lightweight. Due to its innovative unique rear triangular foldable wind bracing system, each cabinet has a large load capacity and advanced overall stability, and can withstand high wind speeds and harsh weather. They also highlighted its CV Series all-in-one LED solution with the technical strengths of mini-LED products paired with better stability and visual performance. The slim yet tough structure comes with seamless and wireless connection, and a UHD display. Further information from AOTO: https://en.aoto.com
Apex Technologies/D.T.S. Illuminazione S.R.L.: Apex is the Santa Fe-based distributor for DTS, who highlighted its new Alchemy 7, which was honored with an LDI2021 new product award for Lighting – Entertainment. Further information from Apex Technologies: www.apextechnologies.tv/products.
D.T.S. Illuminazione S.R.L., which last exhibited at LDI in 2017, heralded their return with the new, award-winning Alchemy 7, which joins the company’s other products including the previously released Alchemy 5, Synergy 7, Synergy 5, Katana, Brick, and XBric fixtures. Further information from DTS: https://dts-lighting.it/products/wash-moving-heads/alchemy-7/
Arri highlighted its Orbiter luminaire, which can go from hard- to soft-edge in a matter of minutes. Further information from Arri: https://microsites.arri.com/orbiter/
Astera featured their AX2 LED bars with built-in battery, including the AX2 50 and AX2 100. Also on display was the Astera AX9 PowerPAR, the bigger and brighter new sibling to the battery-powered AX5 TriplePAR. Further information from Astera: https://astera-led.com
AV Stumpfl displayed its new PIXERA media server software version 1.8. One of the key additions to the popular media server system is the introduction of a new and powerful show control solution called PIXERA control. In addition, they informed booth visitors of their latest product developments in the area of ALR (ambient light rejecting) screen systems, and presented their AT64-SHIFT screen system legs. Further information from AV Stumpfl: https://avstumpfl.com/en/
Ayrton’s Huracán LT (Long Throw) fixtures were on display within the ACT Entertainment booth. Further information from Ayrton: https://www.ayrton.eu
Brompton Technology highlighted the Hydra measurement tool for LED panels. Further information from Brompton Technology: www.bromptontech.com
Chauvet Professional, which took home the LDI award for Best Creative Use of Light in its booth design, was showcasing its IP65-rated and broadcast lighting fixtures. Featured in this collection of innovations were the new Maverick Force series of moving fixtures; the Color STRIKE M, an IP65 rated strobe/wash with two white light tubes surrounded by a color-mixing, pixel-mappable face; and the onAir IP soft light panels. Further information from Chauvet: www.chauvetprofessional.com
Claypaky was showing off its Arolla Profile MP, which is designed to be a small and light moving head fixture. While small in stature, its 470W white LED engine delivers over 22,000 lumens output. Further information from Claypaky on the light: https://www.claypaky.it/en/products/arolla-profile-mp
Stage automation manufacturer, Creative Conners, highlighted the newest version of its Spike Mark 5 software. This latest version of its control software is great for new customers, but those installations with older versions can be easily updated. Further information from Creative Conners: https://creativeconners.com/
Doug Fleenor Design unwrapped, as part of their 31st Anniversary, their not-yet-named 4 universe Preset Ten device. Further information from Doug Fleenor Design: www.dfd.com
Eilon Engineering highlighted the company’s new Ron 2501 Wireless Dynamometer, an exceptionally small, light, and advanced wireless dynamometer with long range and built in transmission verification mechanism. It features fatigue-rated load cells with high accuracy (0.1% of full scale); the small dimensions of this wireless dynamometer ensure low headroom loss and portability. Further information from Eilon Engineering: www.eilon-engineering.com
GLP showed off the GLP impression X5’s white-light color temperature control as well as the GLP impression X5 IP Bar. The company was presented with the LDI award for Small Booth. Further information from GLP: www.germanlightproducts.com
IATSE – Las Vegas-based IATSE Local 720 teamed up with United Scenic Artists Local 829 with side-by-side booths at the 2021 show.
Igus E-Spool that works with the company’s new 70W belt-driven slide table. Further information from Igus: www.igus.com
Just Networking highlighted its the.Bridge, a networking solution for design teams working remotely. the.Bridge won the LDI Widget award at the show. From the ACT Entertainment booth on the LDI show floor, they showed how to manipulate, in real time, the lighting system for a demo stage set up in Australia. This product allows for more design work to be done through remote control. Further information from Just Networking: www.just.industries
The LK Connector range from Link, S.R.L. is designed to streamline connections for show technologies, particularly in fast-paced changeover situations. The LK Connector Range was presented the LDI Widget Honorable Mention award. Further information from Link USA: www.linkusa-inc.com
Luxibel highlighted its range of LED PARs: B PAR105 V2, B PAR180 V2, B PAR180 V2 IP66 and B PAR360Z. All are IP65 or IP66 and all have a new ‘humidity extractor’ technology that converts water droplets into gas. Further information from Luxibel: www.luxibel.com/en
The power control company, LynTec was on hand showing off its new LCP Lighting Control Panel Series and Narrow Profile Panelboards. The LCP Series intelligently supports the power demands of lighting and video and comes completely self-contained with a built-in web browser-based interface, mobile control app, astronomical timer, and contact closure inputs for sensor control. The LCP can also interface with any third-party control system that uses DMX, sACN, HTTP, or Telnet protocols — the same feature set as the patented RPC Series, the go-to power control solution for integrated AVL installations. Further information from LynTec: https://lyntec.com/
Madrix presented their compact Aura unit. Measuring just 86 x 105 x 49 mm in size, the unit has an SD card slot that supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. The Aura works as a central stand-alone controller for simple recording and large-scale pixel mapping. Further information from Madrix: www.madrix.com
France-based Minuit Une unveiled the IVL Photon at LDI 2019… and then Covid hit. More compact and rounder in shape than the IVL square, the IVL Photon gets assembled from modular parts transported in a compact carrying case, using laser light sources and mirrors to dazzle the eye with a wide range of creative looks. Further information from Minuit Une: https://minuitune.com
Pangolin’s booth showcased the new BeamBrush laser concept, allowing for hard-edged, soft-edged and hard-and-soft mixed beams. The company won the LDI award for Special Effects for the BeamBrush as well as the LDI award for Best Product Presentation. Further information from Pangolin: www.pangolin.com
PixMob highlighted their Nova and Nova Pro products. The company, known for its glowing wristbands, is adding more emphasis to permanent installed stadium seat lighting units. PixMob was also presented with the LDI Excellence in Sustainability award. Further information from PixMob: www.pixmob.com
Portman Lights showed off the strikingly-shaped Mantis LED light fixtures, a best-seller for the company. Further information from Portman Lights: https://portmanlights.com
ProCo, an ACT Entertainment brand, showed off its new and low-cost Wireless In-Ear Monitor System (WIEMS) for houses of worship and others with limited budgets. Its designed for wireless audio systems that operate in the 5.8 GHz wireless spectrum and was recognized with an LDI award for Sound. Further information from ProCo: www.procosound.com
Robe displayed its new Forte at LDI, with a choice of engines with its Transferable Engine technology, giving you the ability to maintain light quality. You can now choose between the TE™ 1.000W HP White LED Engine producing the highest output possible, or the TE™ 1.000W HCF White LED Engine for those requiring exception color quality. Now you can fit either engine within the same fixture, without alignment or warranty issues, within five minutes without the expense, and complication of needing separate luminaires with differing sources. Further information from Robe on this light: https://www.robe.cz/forte
Robert Juliat showed off showed off its 800W Arthur LED followspot and compact 115W retrofit-friendly Sully unit. Further information from Robert Juliat: www.robertjuliat.com
Schnick Schnack Systems is now distributed by Montreal-based Acideo Distribution. Further information from Schnick Schnack Systems: https://schnick.schnack.systems/en/
Staging Concepts was highlighting its new Caprice Folding Acoustical Shell Tower, which took home an LDI award for Staging and Rigging for the Caprice acoustical shell, which is aimed at the educational market. Learn more about the Staging Concepts’ Caprice. Further information from Staging Concepts: www.stagingconcepts.com
Stageline sees particular growth potential in 2022 and beyond for the company’s 24’ x 20’ SL 100 model, which is also the most popular item in Stageline’s range of portable stages. Another highlight is the SAM 450, a 44’ by 38’ model that comes with an impressive rigging capacity of 66,000 lbs. (29,937 kg). Further information from Stageline: https://stageline.com/
StageRight displayed the company’s range of seating risers, event stages, crowd control barricades, party platforms, ADA Ramps, meeting room risers, telescopic risers, black box theater seats, pit fillers, orchestra enclosures, and more. Further information from StageRight: https://stageright.com/
Swisson highlighted its XND series. XND-4D Ethernet DMX node has every feature of the XND series, but is designed for DIN rail mounting. The XND-4D converts Art-Net and sACN to DMX. You can configure the 4 DMX ports as inputs or outputs and connect them via RJ45 or terminal connectors. Further information from Swisson: www.swisson.com/en/
Ultratec Special Effects featured its newer Radiance hazers, including the Arena system, Stadium package and also their TwisterX fan. Further information from Ultratec: www.ultratecfx.com
Ushio displayed its Sai-500 LED follow spot, a lightweight and portable 440W medium-throw LED fixture. Its compact size and low power consumption make it the ideal choice for medium-sized venues. Further information from Ushio: www.ushio.com
Vectorworks’ focus at LDI 2021 included the GDTF (Global Device Type Format) protocol and MVR (My Virtual Rig) solutions along with its new Vectorworks v22. Further information from Vectorworks: www.vectorworks.net
The inventive artistic drone company, Verge Aero was on hand showing off the very inventive work they do with drones. Further information from Verge Aero: https://verge.aero/
Wenger & J. R. Clancy displayed their new Vantis Wall Controller and Remote Lighting Support. Further details at: Wenger Introduces Two New Innovations at LDIFurther information from Wenger: www.wengercorp.com
Zactrack discussed how its technology was behind the novel beam-tracking setup at ACT Lighting’s booth.
The ACT Entertainment booth would win the LDI award for Best Large Booth. From a special screen set up to promote Zactrack products, visitors could view a locator screen showing where key personnel could be found within the busy booth. Push a button, and they’d be instantly lit up by one of the Ayrton fixtures in the overhead rig. Further information from Zactrack: www.zactrack.com
Here is a complete list of the LDI award winning companies, products, and booths:
Lighting – Entertainment
Alchemy 7 from D.T.S. Illuminazione S.R.L. – Learn more about the D.T.S.’ Alchemy 7 here
Lighting – Architectural
NAtouch-1 by Nicolaudie Architectural
Staging and Rigging
Caprice Folding Acoustical Shell Tower by Staging Concepts – Learn more about the Staging Concepts’ Caprice here
Projection
Absen MR Series LED floor
Projection Honorable Mention
XVVR Media Player by Theatrix
Special Effects
BeamBrush Lasers by Pangolin
Widget
the.BRIDGE by Just Networking – Learn more about Just Networking the.BRIDGE here
Widget: Honorable Mentions
The LK Connector Range by Link
Propared by Propared
Sound
ProCo Wireless In-Ear Monitor System by ProCo
Excellence in Sustainability – PixMob
Booth Awards
Small Booth Award – GLP, Booth 2640
Best Creative Use of Light – Chauvet Professional, Booth 2041
Best Product Presentation – Pangolin, Booth 2023
Best Large Booth Award – ACT Entertainment, Booth 2658
