UK - Digidesign has unveiled the latest member of its Mbox 2 family, Mbox 2 Micro - a pocket-sized Pro Tools LE system that provides Pro Tools users with "an ultra-portable sequencing, editing and mixing solution".

The size of a typical USB flash drive, Mbox 2 Micro combines audio output/monitoring capabilities with the power of Pro Tools LE software, allowing Pro Tools users to edit and mix live or studio-recorded sessions created on Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE, or Pro Tools M-Powered systems anywhere they go, or create loop-based and virtual instrument-driven tracks in Pro Tools LE.

"Digidesign is fortunate to have an extremely dedicated user base that is exceptionally diverse, spanning a full range of disciplines and musical genres," remarks Dusty DiMercurio, marketing manager for Digidesign personal studio products. "We've received many requests fro

USA - Sennheiser and Neumann products were honoured in two of the 15 categories at the 23rd Annual Technical Excellence (TEC) Awards, which were presented at the AES Convention in New York City this October.

The Neumann KMS 104 cardioid condenser handheld microphone received a 2007 TEC Award in the Mic Technology/Sound Reinforcement category, and the Sennheiser NET 1 wireless systems manager was awarded top honours in the Wireless Technology category.

In addition, the Neumann Stereo Disk Lathe, introduced in 1956, was inducted into the TECnology Hall of Fame at this year's awards ceremony.

(Jim Evans)

USA - In response to requests from professional audio contractors, Symetrix has created Syminar, a free of charge, web-based training curriculum that introduces users to the fundamental skills and concepts behind SymNet.

Once users register, they can complete Syminar at their own pace from any internet connection, at any hour, on any day of the week, says the company. Users can repeat lessons as many times as they like. Once they're satisfied with a lesson, users can take a short quiz to test their knowledge. Users who complete and pass each quiz will receive a Basic Level Certificate from Symetrix, as well as four InfoComm CTS credits.

"We're very happy to have Syminar up and running," said Paul Roberts, director of sales for Symetrix. "We have been holding effective in-person regional SymNet trainings for some time now. The next step was to take that curriculu

USA - Field Template has announced the availability of SoftSymbols Version 3, a significant overhaul and expansion to the award-winning VectorWorks-based symbol library. In addition to another 800 symbols, it ships with DataConvert Macros, allowing the entire software package to be converted from Imperial scale to Metric scale and back again.

Field Template's SoftSymbols is a CAD-based lighting symbol package that uses symbols designed by Steven Shelley, based on the patented icons used to create his award-winning series of Field Templates.

Shelley reports: "We have added the entire Rosco, Gam, Diversitronics, Reich & Vogel, CCT, and Robe product lines, as well as updated the latest from Coemar, Martin, Selador, Selecon, and the City Theatrical libraries. We have also added the beloved archive product lines from Strand and Berkey Colortran."

The 2D Drafting Element

Brazil - Nemetschek North America has announced that CAD Technology, its international distribution partner in Brazil, has released its localized version of the VectorWorks 2008 family of design software. CAD Technology has tailored the VectorWorks products to meet the specific needs of the Brazilian marketplace.

CAD Technology held an event on 31 October in Sao Paulo to promote the release of this new version for Brazilian VectorWorks dealers. Similar events will be offered by CAD Technology dealers in Latin American countries.

The English-language versions of the VectorWorks 2008 product line were released in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and other international markets on 13 September. Many major European markets also recently released their localized versions.

"We have all worked hard during the 2008 development cycle to minimize the time between the English-l

USA - Apollo Design Technology and Blue Pony Digital recently announced the launch of the Top 100 Apollo ColourScenic standards in digital format. The same ColourScenic gobos used for lighting can now be used in projection and media servers formatted at optimal resolution.

"Apollo introduced the ColourScenic glass gobo, in November 1999, winning ESTA's coveted Dealer's Choice Award for New Product of the Year," states Apollo dealer manager Keith Kankovsky. "Stunning full colour photographic resolution from moving and static projectors became the industry standard, which Apollo continues to lead today."

With frequent requests for Apollo standards in digital format from Apollo and Blue Pony customers, Joel Nichols, president and founder of both companies, decided Apollo and Blue Pony should join together to release the award winning gobos in a digital file. N

USA - Wybron will launch Luxera, a new line of theatrical light fixtures at LDI 2007 (16-18 November, Orlando, Florida) . The Luxera is built on Wybron's award-winning Nexera optics and was developed based on demand from the house of worship market's need for affordable spotlights, says the company.

Wybron is offering three Luxera fixtures: a washlight, 19-26° profile and 25-40° profile in 575W or 750W tungsten models.

"The Luxera is ideal for houses of worship that need to arrange strong white spotlights with the same zoom angles," said Terry Taylor, Wybron's houses of worship specialist. "Like our Nexera line of fixtures, Luxera is a complete solution and is convection cooled for virtually silent operation."

(Jim Evans)

USA - At LDI 2007 (16-18 November, Orlando, Florida) the TMB "Village" has expanded to house new additions to the TMB distribution family and many new product offerings. Global manufacturers will be on-site, as will TMB's entire global sales staff.

Alpha One of Germany will be showing their complete range of Falcon fixtures, including the new Falcon 6,000 Xenon unveiled recently at the PLASA Show.

FinnLight will introduce the Space Bag Accessory for the Toplight. This device ceates a "Space" type pattern overhead light. The Toplight and Space Bag Accessory are designed by Emmy Award-winning Director of Photography, Bruce Finn.

GDS' Blues System has been widely adopted as a solution for architectural lighting problems of all kinds. Blues' low-voltage, solid-state LED fittings are compact, low profile, durable and IP rated. They offer many mounting options,

USA - Middle Atlantic Products is introducing its RSH Series Custom Rackmounts that include enhanced thermal management features. The enhanced RSH Series better enables systems integrators to provide a clean, finished look for enclosures that house non-rackmount components and offering advanced ventilation and cable management at no extra charge, says the company.

Enhanced RSH Series Custom Rackmounts provide increased ventilation on the shelf sides, as well as the base, to promote optimised thermal management. The newly enhanced ventilation on all RSH Series Custom Rackmounts improves overall airflow by accounting for components that vent hot air to the sides.

"As audio/video technology continues to evolve, the requirements for efficient ventilation of the technology have also advanced," said Dean Wheelan, application engineer, Middle Atlantic Products. "The ne

Denmark - The Mania SCX800 is the latest in Martin's Mania series of powerful, compact and feature packed scanners. Driven by 150 watts of discharge power, the SCX800 is a one-of-a-kind rollerscan effect with all new gobo designs, four "fat" beam projection and a continuously rotating mirror drum for all-night dance floor mayhem, says the company.

This scanner effect houses "the highest quality optical system for maximum light output and true high-definition image quality". It combines with a long life 150W discharge lamp (6000 hours, included) to kick out a powerful array of graphics and colour.

Included are eight interchangeable, indexable rotating gobos in a multitude of colours for a barrage of effects.

(Jim Evans)

USA - ET Live, held during LDI (16-18 November 2007, Orlando, Florida) is an event designed to allow visitors to the expo to hear professional loudspeaker systems in "real" conditions.

In a large outdoor area at this year's show, six line arrays manufactured by leading European and US companies will be put through their paces.

Outline will take part in ET Live with two line arrays - Butterfly and the new compact Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. The Butterfly rig will be used along with Outline Subtech 218 subwoofers, and the entire set-up powered by the new T7 power amplifiers.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Wybron is launching the Net-IT PS600 at LDI 2007. The Net-IT PS600 is a 600W 24V power supply for Wybron products and other popular lighting accessories. The Net-IT PS600 receives DMX via DMX over Ethernet protocols and also acts as an Infotrace Gateway, providing all the benefits of RDM to the devices powered from it, says the company.

The Net-IT PS600 has two standard DMX outputs, making it a network node as well. It also features an LCD Display of user settings, the IP address and the protocol used. Wybron will demonstrate the Net-IT PS600 at LDI 2007 using Artnet.

"One advantage of the Net-IT PS600 solution is that it supports common DMX over Ethernet protocols," said Miles Dudgeon, marketing director at Wybron. "We have designed it to support ACN when fully implemented and are actively working to support other DMX over Ethernet protocols."

(Jim

UK - Kramer Electronics has introduced the VS-42HDMI Matrix Switcher for HDMI signals. The 4x2 switcher offers signal optimization and EDID data capabilities. Its feature set and small frame size make it ideal in HD-equipped conference, advertising, or rental and staging environments, says the company.

The switcher is compatible with all HDTV signal types and features Kramer re-Klocking and equalization technology that rebuilds the signal allowing it to travel longer distances. The VS-42HDMI is able to route any or all inputs to any or all outputs simultaneously and supports HDCP (High Definition Digital Content Protection).

The VS-42HDMI matrix switcher routes HDMI 1.1 signals up to 1.65Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel. Kramer uses a sophisticated EDID handling mechanism to make installation and operation of HDMI devices a "plug and play" experience. EDID data all

USA - Automation specialists Kinesys will be at LDI 2007 in conjunction with their US distributor TMB, where they will be demonstrating their K2 motion control system.

K2 will again be in action with Unusual Rigging's Revolution winch, following a very successful event staged in LA by TMB in October, designed to show the capabilities of these two products working together.

K2 offers a real-time 3D programming view so the objects are moved on the screen via a graphical interface by the operator - while the computer does the calculations.

The flexible nature of K2 makes it suitable for any number of environments, from concert touring to film, from theatre to TV, says the company. Recent US projects include Genesis, American Idol and Dixie Chicks.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Tensioned wire grid specialists Slingco exhibit at LDI for the first time in Orlando, showcasing their CABLEnet system.

CABLEnet is a completely custom tensioned wire grid system, designed and engineered to fit the exact space and specifications required by the venue - making it unique to the US market, says the company.

The CABLEnet system is created by weaving and tensioning high tensile steel cable within a frame, which is then hoisted to the required level in a theatre or concert hall and fixed to the building. This creates a totally safe 'virtual floor' on which lighting, audio and AV technicians and riggers can work in complete confidence.

Almost invisible from ground level, the grid also has the key benefit of creating no shadows when lighting fixtures positioned above it are shone through to the stage, studio or auditorium below.

(Jim Evans)

USA - American DJ has introduced the Dual Gem LED - and launched yet another of its classic club moonflower effects into the LED revolution. Like the company's highly popular Dual Gem, the Dual Gem LED is a dual-lens fixture that provides "double excitement" by projecting two moonflower effects from one unit. But instead of the halogen lamps used by the original, it is powered by high-output LEDs, which produce razor-sharp beams of red, green and blue light that will not fade and are not dependent on a fog machine for their brilliance, says the company."LEDs are acknowledged as the future direction of club lighting, because of the many benefits they provide," said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. "This is why we have been re-designing our most popular halogen effects in LED versions. The Dual Gem is certainly one that ou

USA - ETC is set to unveil its next control desk, Ion, at LDI in Orlando. Visitors to ETC's stand will get the first look at this latest addition to ETC's Complete Control line - the much-anticipated follow-up and smaller sibling to its award-winning Eos desk.

Like Eos, Ion is designed for today's multimedia lighting rigs - delivering seamless control over conventionals, moving lights and LEDs, says the company. College and community theatres, TV studios and rehearsal halls are among the venues that will benefit from Ion's operational style. With its convenient small footprint - only 48cm wide - Ion is billed as "a compact, affordable solution for space starved venues, with the flexibility to grow even more powerful as needed".

Ion comes in 1000, 1500 and 2000 channel/output configurations and features an integral LCD for softkeys and non-intensity parameter control.

USA - FogScreen has announced that their successful AV rental partner programme will be showcased at LDI 2007. Resellers and dealers can continue partnering with FogScreen to sell and rent the fully interactive device.

"Our resellers and dealers have greatly benefited from having the FogScreen projection screen in their inventory," said Jorden Woods, president of US operations at FogScreen. "We are looking to expand our reach to new territories this year by adding additional resellers to our AV rental partner programme. With the added benefit of fully interactive functionalities and a dedicated technical team, we feel that this is the perfect time for resellers and dealers to partner with FogScreen."

(Jim Evans)

USA - "Provalo!! I'm Italian" will be the catch phrase at LDI, as LDR and Strong Entertainment Lighting introduce a new range of Italian theatrical fixtures, developed for North American designers.

This new line includes both Profile and Pebble Convex spotlights that are quite popular in Europe. But until now American designers had little opportunity to work with such tools, says the company.

Unlike an ellipsoidal, the Profile is designed around a spherical reflector and double condenser lens system - much like that of a movie projector. It provides a flat field and projects clear gobo patterns.

The Pebble Convex spot provides a crisper field than the Fresnel that is so popular in the USA. The LDR design adds the ability to change lenses in the field from PC to Fresnel and back again.

"Once they 'try it,' we are sure they'll be back for more," says Jack

USA - J. R. Clancy has announced the availability of a new hoist designed specifically for architectural settings with vast spaces and high ceilings, in which lighting fixtures are often out of reach of maintenance personnel.

The LumaLift architectural lighting hoist makes it easy and safe to lower lighting to an accessible level for re-lamping, cleaning, focusing and maintenance in lobbies, atria, arenas, gymnasiums, convention centers, auditoriums, churches, factories and warehouses, says the company.

"With all of the versatility and dependable automation available in the theatrical rigging industry, it's only natural that the ability to raise and lower lighting in a simple, safe, cost-effective manner would come to architectural settings as well," said Mike Murphy, executive vice president of J.R. Clancy. LumaLift is designed specifically for architectural setting

USA - Hall Stage will be exhibiting at this month's LDI expo in Orlando and will be showing the full range of high quality tracking systems now available from stock in the US. From the low profile T40 and industry backbone T60, through to heavyweight champion T70, all Hall Stage track products are built in the UK. Last year, Halls made over 18 miles of tracking for clients all around the World.

All three steel track ranges from Halls have been proven under the most demanding pressures over the last 50 years and can be found in hundreds of venues across Britain & mainland Europe.

Working closely with key partner, Thern Inc, Hall Stage North America will be showing the full catalogue of theatre products, including hoists, winches, roller systems & grid blocks to suit any venue rigging requirement.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Intelix recently released the Audisey 70V-AM, an eight channel 70V transformer module for use with the Intelix Audisey Athena matrix mixer/amplifier or in standalone 70V applications.

The Intelix 70V-AM provides eight toroid transformers in a compact 1U, 19 inch rack-mountable chassis. The Intelix 70V-AM features a rack and panel style input connector, providing a single quick connection point when used with the Intelix Audisey Athena matrix mixer/amplifier, and eight convenient screw terminal (Euroblock) output connectors.

The fully isolated transformers provide flat frequency response within 1dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, and are designed for an 8ohm 50W input.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Philips Lumileds has announced its new cool-white Luxeon K2 with TFFC LED. Chip and packaging advancements enable extended capabilities that deliver maximum performance in any environment, says the company.

"Customers are already making the move to 1000 mA drive currents and higher to take advantage of higher light output and improved efficacies," said Erik Milz, product manager at Philips Lumileds.

"Incorporating TFFC technology and package improvements gives us the best LED for the most demanding applications and environments such as automotive, signaling, general lighting and architectural applications. Using a single chip allows for the smallest optical source size making it easier to design optics such as reflectors, diffusers and lenses that are essential for most applications."

(Jim Evans)

USA - City Theatrical's new SHoW DMX wireless DMX received the 'Best Debuting Product of the Year' in the Lighting category at the LDI show in Orlando.

The SHoW DMX system utilises a method that synchronises the hopping pattern of the radio with the incoming DMX burst to attain levels of data fidelity previously unreachable with wireless DMX, says the company. Additionally, SHoW DMX has a range of features including adjustable output power, limited bandwidth mode, and limited burst mode that allow it to peacefully coexist with other radio signals in the busy 2.4 GHz band.

SHoW DMX also is fully RDM, so users can change radio settings and monitor receiver strength from their laptop during the performance, as well as monitor any other manufacturer's RDM gear on their production.

City Theatrical's president, Gary Fails said: "Our SHoW DMX system is truly breakthrough techn

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