Canada - The new BlackTrax Beta 2.0 makes tracking even easier, faster to calibrate, programme and use. Developed for over a year, 2.0 has the largest number of new features, GUI and workflow improvements in any BlackTrax release yet.

"A lot of these improvements were developed from customer suggestions, requests and general feedback," explains Marty Cochrane, BlackTrax product manager. "This includes better system reporting, real-time chapter programming and more control over fixtures during the calibration process."

Highlights include: All-new GUI designfor BlackTrax, BTWyg, Tracker, and Follower - with full-screen mode for BlackTrax and new simpler basic mode for Tracker and Follower; new Fixture Calibration mode improvements ensure faster calibration; rigid and soft frames for more flexible tracking operations and objects. Frames combine a collection of Stringers (aka

UK - Following a year in which Doughty Engineering has upped its game in the film and TV industry, visitors to the company's stand E39 at BVE 2016 will see a range of its products specifically designed with the broadcast sector in mind. With two new additions to Doughty's award winning Modular Rigging System making their début at the show, as well as a selection of grip, rigging, suspension and lifting equipment on display, Julian Chiverton, sales director at Doughty, believes shows like BVE are more important than ever to the company.

"We really got our teeth into the broadcast space in 2015," he said. "We're involved in an ongoing job with the Stop Animation and Puppet Making faculty at the University of Staffordshire and have some fascinating projects within the media department at Queen's University in Belfast under our belt, as well as working with major shopping c

Germany - At the recent ISE show, Shure introduced two-channel, physically compact versions of the charging and routing hardware in the Microflex Wireless range.

Launched in 2013, the versatile and scalable MXW Systems range of wireless microphones and supporting hardware have become a popular solution for managed AV Conferencing in large corporate boardrooms, multi-room environments and networked campuses.

Shure is adding to the range the MXWAPT2 - a two-channel version of the Access Point Transceiver, or wireless mic routing hardware - and the MXWNCS2, a two-channel version of the existing four- and eight-channel networked charging stations. The compact dimensions of both units extend the use of Microflex Wireless to even smaller-scale installations than before, for example in compact strategy planning and 'huddle' rooms. The more compact hardware is also suitable for en

Germany - Philips Entertainment Lighting will be unveiling a broad portfolio of new creative tools for lighting designers as part of the group's immersive 'be inspired by light and create great experiences' stand concept at Prolight+Sound 2016.

From Philips Showline comes the SL HYDRUS 350, which will be launching live at the show. The first Platinum lamp-based luminaire in the originally LED product line, the SL HYDRUS 350 is a super bright hybrid moving light that is designed for the live event and TV market because of its small size and speed.

Feature-packed with a wide zoom range in each mode, the SL HYDRUS 350 offers a vibrant colour pallet and is loaded with all the tools a designer needs to create mid-air effects, clear and precise projection as well as seamless blended animated washes.

"We're really looking forward to launching the SL HYDRUS 350 at Prolight," s

USA - Lumileds today kicks off Mid Power March, a month-long event to introduce a variety of mid power products that feature "breakthrough performance and unmatched product reliability".

"Since we first entered the mid power market in 2012, our focus has been to offer mid power LEDs with a performance edge over our competitors," said Lumileds senior VP of sales & marketing Emmanuel Dieppedalle. "Part of that edge has come from leveraging our leading high power technologies for the mid power market. Mid Power March is all about showcasing the many breakthroughs we've made and are making in application-optimized mid power LED development."

Lumileds will release products during Mid Power March to specifically address different market needs. These new products will join Lumileds already extensive mid power and low power family.

"We know that the mid power LED market is gro

UK / USA - With the NAMM announcement of DiGiCo's Stealth Core2 upgrade, you will soon be able to upgrade your current SD9 with the latest processing and application code. This upgrade will be an option for the company's SD series digital mixers and is due to be released this summer across the range.

Whilst the external architecture of the SD9 remains in its familiar form, Stealth Core2 will open up a massive additional amount of processing ability, thereby taking the complete range to a new level of processing and flexibility.

"Being able to expand not only the features, but the audio processing in the SD range consoles, is really allowing our customers to gain more value from their existing and future investments," confirms James Gordon, managing director, "In fact, we are even going to apply discounts to the upgrade to make it even more accessible for all our existing c

UK - Pearce Hire reports that after a five year hiatus they will be showcasing their production services and rental business this week at the Event Production Show (EPS) at Olympia in London.

With an ever increasing client portfolio in the outdoor event and corporate conference sectors, alongside continuing investment in a significant brand inventory, Pearce Hire have made the decision to return to the Event Production Show for the first time since 2011.

"The extended opportunities the co-location of Event Production Show alongside Confex offers Pearce Hire makes the show an interesting proposition," explains Shaun Pearce, MD, Pearce Hire. "Having not exhibited here for a few years we are looking forward to seeing plenty of our long standing corporate, conference, festival and outdoor event clients, as well as expanding our network with new connections across these industr

Germany - Market-leading Finnish media playback experts, Picturall Ltd., are gearing up for a busy Prolight+Sound 2016 in April. The company will be presenting a range of media servers including their flagship Octo server as well as the all-new Duo media server. In addition to their own displays, visitors can also witness Picturall products in action on the Panasonic stand where the Japanese electronics giant has elected to use a Picturall Octo server to run a number of screens.

First launched in 2009, Octo was the first media server in the world to have eight physical dual link DVI outputs, ten optional Full HD inputs and to fully control sixteen Full HD displays. Still going strong at the heart of the Picturall range, the latest incarnation of Octo - as shown at ISE - raises the bar still higher with up to sixteen physical outputs (DP 1.2/HDMI/Dual DVI) and the ability to pl

Germany - BroadWeigh's newly updated wireless load cell monitoring system will make its Prolight + Sound debut at this year's show. Distributors for the brand, including AC Entertainment (Hall 5 Level 0, Booths A26 & A27) Hof Alutec (Hall 3.0, Booth A44) and Louis Reyners (Hall 3.0 Booth C14) are all set to feature BroadWeigh's latest offering on their stands.

Jonathan Purdue, sales manager at BroadWeigh who will be on hand for the duration of the show to meet with customers, said, "We're delighted to have three of our European distributors demonstrating our updated system at Prolight+Sound. BroadWeigh has worked hard to develop a new radio module which gives four times the range of the previous system. Improvements in the omni-directional antenna have provided increased performance in more challenging environments such as high concentrations of truss or wall. We want our cust

USA - As energy use restrictions grow, consumers need more reliable, flexible and affordable power-control solutions for lighting systems. ETC developed the Unison Echo family of products to meet those demands and to enable complete integration of control systems.

With the addition of EchoAccess and the DMX Scene Controller - both of which are compatible with all currently shipping Echo hardware - users can configure and customise self contained systems, presets and zones while maintaining system wide control. Existing Echo products have also been updated in terms of capabilities and features in order to better meet energy codes, such as ASHRAE 90.1, CA Title 20/24 and IECC.

EchoAccess is ideal for those looking to utilise the full capabilities of the Echo lighting system. Consisting of a Bluetooth interface and a mobile app, EchoAccess allows you to remotely configure and

UK / Germany - Following six years of development, British loudspeaker manufacturer, Funktion-One, has chosen Prolight+Sound Frankfurt for the launch of Vero - a new, large format touring sound system. The company will also debut the Evo 7T Touring loudspeaker and F132 bass enclosure at the show.

The impetus for Vero germinated from frustration with the declining standard of audio quality in the live environment, coupled with an understanding that the industry's ergonomic expectations demand a system that can be flown quickly and easily, and with minimal crew. In answer to this, says the company, Tony Andrews, John Newsham and the Funktion-One team have designed a system that is conveniently arrayable and boasts a new level of performance characteristics relating to sound quality, efficiency and directivity.

Vero is a complete system, with each element specified or designe

Germany - Triple E is launching the 'universal building system', ModTruss, Europe-wide at Prolight + Sound Frankfurt 2016 in Hall 3, Level 0, Booth 19.

The team launched the US-designed ModTruss in the UK in June 2015, immediately winning 'Engineering Product of the Year' at the ABTT Theatre Show Awards in London.

Best described as full size Meccano, the ModTruss system features a lightweight aluminium construction and a repeating hole pattern, meaning applications are practically unlimited.

"When I first saw ModTruss at LDI in Las Vegas I was immediately inspired by its potential," says Triple E's managing director, David Edelstein. "We've put a lot of hard work in to bring this product to the European market and are extremely excited about what it can achieve for the industry. ModTruss is now available exclusively from Triple E and interest is incredible. There is no

Germany - Avolites will be on Booth E80, Hall 3 Level 0, at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt from 5-8 April to exhibit its 'supercharged' Ai R Series of media servers and officially launch the new feature-rich Titan V10 and Ai V9 software.

The much anticipated Titan V10 OS features a wealth of new features. One of the most striking additions is the full 3D visualiser powered by the Capture engine, which allows the user to create and edit shows right inside the Titan interface and lay out fixtures in the space using the console's encoder wheels. V10 also allows the user to view intensity values in one place via the Intensity Grid. This clearly shows levels, source of information, whether increasing or decreasing and tracking information.

Ai V9 features an all-new Audio Engine, a Dynamic Content Page, a new User Interface, and 58 new and updated effects.

The Ai R Series, wh

USA - LED video technology manufacturer PixelFLEX has introduced the FLEXLite NXG, the next generation of their already successful FLEXLite product line. With improved pitch resolution options, higher refresh rates and a new die-cast frame, the FLEXLite NXG now provides designers with even more freedom to push the creativity of their video designs using the multi award-winning PixelFLEX, says the company.

"From the time we first introduced the FLEXLite product line, it has excelled as one of our most successful LED video solutions," said David Venus, PixelFLEX director of marketing. "When we saw that there were opportunities to make the product even stronger, we were excited to continue the evolution of the line into FLEXLite NXG."

With one of the highest resolution displays on the market, the FLEXLite NXG is now available in two sizes (500mm x 500mm and 1000mm x 500mm) to

USA - Elation Professional now offers the RDMX6S, an easy-to-use six-way RDM/DMX data splitter useful in maintaining proper data levels over long runs or several runs of RDM or DMX signal.

The RDMX6S helps to correct disruptions in the signal by splitting the DMX/RDM data link into six separate branches while boosting the weak signal to its original output level before it becomes too low.

RDM E1.20 compliant, the RDMX6S features opto-isolated DMX output ports with DMX loop through port with built-in termination. It houses 5pin XLR input, a 5pin XLR thru output, (6) 5pin XLR outputs and powerCON In connection.

Wrapped in a rugged die-cast aluminium housing, a single-unit mounting bracket is included for truss/clamp installation and optional single and dual unit rack mount kits are available. Compact at 6.8 x 6.7 x 2.9 inches (173 x 170 x 74 mm, L x W x H) and light at 2

UK - Calibre's first ever-combined video & audio 4K scaler-switchers are in the form of four new models: HQView620A, HQView625A, HQView630A and HQView670A.

Enabling access to a greater range of applications which can benefit from Calibre HQUltra 4K technology, the new models are designed to reduce the level of equipment in installations, the multi-function units being suitable for lecture theatres, boardrooms, meeting rooms, house of worship and more.

HQUltra uses Calibre's in house developed video processing algorithms to deliver best in class solutions providing a seamless interface between the worlds of HD and 4K. Calibre HQUltraFast is the world's fastest input switching technology that changes inputs in typically 0.25 seconds, or a quarter of a second.

"This new product type brings Calibre technology to the mainstream audio visual market. It includes analogue and

USA - As is customary each January, the annual winter NAMM show at the Anaheim Convention Centre recently concluded. For anyone who has ever walked the aisles of this show, the first and foremost impression is just how unbelievably loud it is. For this very reason, loudspeaker manufacturer D.A.S. Audio elected to take matters 'off-site' and host an after show party so that interested parties could hear the D.A.S. difference in a more controlled environment.

Available for free to all NAMM show badge holders, the after show party took place on Saturday, 23 January at the Sutra nightclub. In addition to hosting a wide range of business associates, the event was specifically geared as an opportunity for critical listening of D.A.S. Audio's recently introduced Sound Force series loudspeakers, which are designed for today's high-level dance venues where exceptional sound, imposing p

USA - In the world of high-powered laser, users often must choose whether they want to produce vibrant aerial beams or be able to create crisp custom graphics. The new Mobile Beat MAX MK2 removes that decision entirely, and allows mobile entertainers to craft both aerial beam shows and graphics displays without sacrificing brightness or precision - and without any compromising, says the company.

"It's no question that DJs, nightclubs and entertainment venues have loved our Mobile Beat series, and we wanted to make sure that continues into the future," Dan Goldsmith, president of X-Laser USA, said. "With the MAX MK2, we made this simple by combining the brightness of the traditional Mobile Beat MAX and the graphical precision of the Mobile Beat MAX IE that came out last year. The response we've gotten on the MAX MK2 so far has been awesome, and we think it'll be popular for a l

UK - BroaMan has announced a new version of its Route66 video router, now offering AutoRouter and smart fibre patch bay. This additional functionality is powered by sister brand Optocore, making it suitable not only for Installation (where there are multiple connection points, including mobile devices) but equally for live events or broadcast.

The AutoRouter is compatible with Optocore and DiGiCo fibre loops, creating a redundant 'star' out of the advanced ring topology.

It was developed based on customer's needs, especially in the installation market, where mixed ring/star or star topology is more desirable due to a star based fibre cable layout.

The Route66 AutoRouter automatically finds mobile and remote devices and closes the Optocore loop even when unconnected wall boxes are found. It always switches the links automatically to establish redundancy. New I/O units o

UK - Martin Audio has announced that its Coaxial Differential Dispersion technology, that lies at the heart of its best-selling CDD installation range, has been awarded a UK Patent, GB2525407.

Coaxial Differential Dispersion technology combines the true 'point-source' benefits of coaxial designs with the consistent coverage Differential Dispersion technology, and in the process overcomes the weaknesses of both classic coaxial systems and systems with fixed dispersion X° x Y° horns.

Significantly, until now one disadvantage of conventional coaxial devices has been high frequency beaming, where the high frequency dispersion reduces as the frequency increases. This is primarily because conventional coaxial devices channel high frequencies through a narrow tube in the pole-piece of the magnet system. CDD Series coaxial devices overcome this by incorporating an innovati

UK Turbosound is celebrating the arrival of its iNSPIRE Series of powered modular column loudspeakers, one of the most anticipated product lines in the British company's history.

"The market response for a lightweight, portable, vertical array has been overwhelming. We've developed an industry-leading product which exhibits powerful, high-quality sound and optimized dispersion - perfect for small to medium sized venues." says Andy Trott, SVP of MUSIC's Enterprise & Entertainment Division.

Designed for challenging performances, the iNSPIRE iP1000 and iP2000 feature 1,000 watts of sonic performance in a lightweight, easy to use, all-in-one, ultra-portable form factor.

(Jim Evans)

USA - DPA Microphones is debuting its line of d:screet Miniature Microphones at this year's United States Institute for Theatre Technology convention | USITT (Booth 1501). On display at the company's booth will be the d:screet 4061, d:screet Slim Microphone and d:screet Necklace Microphone.

"We are excited to debut our line of d:screet Miniature Microphones at this year's USITT convention," says James Capparelle, marketing manager, USA, for DPA Microphones. "Miking talent in a fast-paced theatre production can be an extremely delicate process. At DPA, we offer easy-to-use and easy-to-conceal high quality condenser microphones, providing sound designers on Broadway and productions alike the best tools possible to get the job done."

DPA's d:screet 4061 Miniature Microphones are well-known and are used in theatres around the world. In situations where the talent requires flex

Germany - Chauvet Professional is unleashing Maverick, a power-packed series of tour ready moving fixtures at Prolight+Sound (Hall 4 Stand G45). Featuring the MK2 Wash, MK1 Hybrid and MK2 Spot (with more fixtures to come), the new series serves up an arsenal of performance features intended to shatter budget barriers, free the imagination and set a new standard in their price category, says the company.

The Maverick Series provides the touring market with a complete and powerful set of design tools at an affordable price. Marketed around a Top Gun flight theme, the new series takes affordable design options to new heights. Indeed, the Chauvet team believes that if light did make a sound, the tour grade fixtures in the series would produce the rolling thunder of jet fighters, letting loose weapons of mass creation like full-spectrum colour mixing, custom optics, wide zoo

Germany - Sommer Cable knows what it's all about when it comes to good sound: neutrality and musicality. The new hi-fi connection leads of the SC-Stratos line will precisely meet this demand. Moreover, they rely on a heat-dissipating design to ensure a long service life - especially when plugged into power amplifiers, which produce considerable heat also on the input side.

"A lot of budget-priced cables on the market show a noticeable decline in sound after only a short period of time," says Pascal Miguet, product & sales manager at Sommer Cable. "A porous jacket, shrinking insulation or oxidized copper are among the most frequent problems. Our new SC-Stratos line takes a stand for better quality here.

"During the development phase it was important for us to design a product that convinces both sound-wise and in technical respect. The combination of durability and a natura

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