USA - American DJ's new Mega Pixel LED is a long, thin colour bar with 384 red, green and blue LEDs that "produce eye-popping moving patterns and chases for a truly one-of-a-kind visual display".

Measuring a stretched-out 1m in length, the Mega Pixel LED is designed for adding drama, colour and movement to a nightclub or band performance, as well as highlighting a display, retail area or trade show booth. The elongated effect has 128 red, 128 green and 128 blue 5mm LEDs, which are arranged in 24 color banks of 16 LEDs each. Along with this massive militia of LEDs, the Mega Pixel LED has strobe, chase and colour-mixing effects that run at speeds from fast to slow, as well as 0-100% electronic dimming.

Using a DMX controller, operators can go a step further and blend their own custom colours via RGB colour mixing. The Mega Pixel LED can be operated in a variety of DMX

USA - ETC's Net3 Radio Focus Remote, which was released recently, provides an advanced, wireless solution for remote control. Designed for use with ETC's Eos, Ion, Congo and Congo jr lighting control systems, this handheld device allows users to work away from their control desk, easily accessing frequently-used desk functions, such as dimmer and channel checks, as well as update and record functions, says the company.

The RFR and its receiver unit feature a high-frequency (HF) link providing bi-directional communication with the connected ETC control desk. Users are able to view their lighting system's status, including completed commands, on the RFR's convenient built-in graphic display.

In addition to the high-resolution display, the RFR features two encoders for quick menu navigation and easy focusing of moving lights, as well as 24 buttons, six of which are soft-keys prov

Liechtenstein - Oerlikon Optics, a leading supplier of precision optical components to entertainment lighting OEMs, is now providing GoboXtreme Dark blanks to OEMs for imaging by laser ablation or chemical etch processes. The high performance black and white blanks provide improved long term temperature stability and extended lifetime compared to conventional gobos - critical for the increased output of today's luminaires, the company says.

A highly reflective surface faces the lamp, transmitting light only where coating has been removed to reveal the gobo image pattern. Facing the lens, a highly absorbent multi-layer coating absorbs incidental light to maximize contrast and prevent image ghosting. An enhanced version is available to provide maximum optical performance, say Oerlikon: "The increased output and demanding thermal management of today's luminaires are putting go

USA - German pro audio manufacturer d&b audiotechnik unlocked its latest treasures for all to view at the USITT exhibition in Houston, Texas last week. These included the latest additions to the company's renowned E-Series range, four new loudspeakers; the E8, E12 and E12-D as well as the E15X subwoofer and last but by no means least, their lightweight D6 amplifier.

Lightness and power typifies the new additions to d&b's multipurpose E-Series; thoroughly modern loudspeakers, the E8, E12 and E12-D combine astutely engineered polyurethane hard foam cabinets with highly efficient coaxial LF/HF drivers at their heart, say d&b. Designed for use as stand-alone, full-range loudspeakers, any of these models can be integrated seamlessly into larger d&b systems. All three models have rotatable horns, with patterns of 90° x 50°, 80° x 50° and 110° x 50° (h x v) resp

USA - Elation Professional has introduced LED fixtures based on tri-colour LEDs. Instead of each LED lamp being a single colour, the new tri-colour technology makes it possible for each lens to contain a combination of three 1W LEDs - red, green and blue. This advanced three-colour innovation gives users advantages over single-colour LEDs, including improved RGB colour mixing, the elimination of multi-colour shadows, and a much brighter, more even field, says the company.

Elation is introducing its first LED fixture to utilise the tri-colour technology, the DLED36 Tri-Brick. An RGB colour mixing brick, the DLED36 Tri-Brick features four heads, each containing three of the new tri-colour LED lamps for a total of 12 tri-colour lamps. With a 1W red, green and blue LEDs per lamp, there are a total of 36 1W LEDs in this high-output, compact fixture.

Eric Loader, director of sales f

Germany - Designed for the working musician, HK Audio's Premium PR:O series now offers further flexibility with the addition of new versions of all models with integrated Class-D digital power amplifier, providing 600W RMS. This only adds an extra 1.5kg to the overall weight of the boxes, the company says, thanks to its innovative internal cooling system.

The powered components have been designed to match the tonal qualities of the passive versions, and to further facilitate the use of both powered and passive components in one system, the powered cabinets are equipped with a parallel 'speaker out' which allows another passive cabinet to be fed.

All full range cabinets come with gain and tone (music/speech) controls and a Mic/Line switch. Furthermore, the integrated active stereo crossover in the Premium PR:O 18 Sub A makes system expansion even easier. The light weight and en

Germany - Robert Juliat's presence at ProLight & Sound,Frankfurt, proved considerable with the company "clocking up impressive sales across its followspot range". Foremost amongst these were the Lancelot 4K HTI image projector and the latest followspot model, the 1800W MSR Victor, both of which attracted many orders on the stand, says the company.

"We were extremely pleased with the interest generated by our stand again this year," comments Lionel Garraud, international sales director. "The Lancelot has really come into its own now with customers grasping the concept behind its motorised, modular design. They are now using it in ways which exhibit its full potential beyond that of just a followspot.

"The Victor is winning fans rapidly following its launch at PLASA last year. This is the first time it has been shown in Germany and the response has

Denmark - Martin Professional's Magnum line of fog effects is now complete with the introduction of the mid-range Magnum 850.

This replacement for Martin's popular Magnum 800 fogger, upgraded with new electronics and a new design to match the rest of the Magnum family, is Martin's latest fog solution for small clubs, mobile DJs, bars, bands or any venue where a mid-air projection canopy or atmosphere enhancing effect is needed, says the company.

The compact Magnum 850 uses a 750W heat exchanger together with a piston pump to punch out a full 200m3/min of dense fog. The delivery of a continuous and even level of fog and the incorporation of soft-start electronics means that the Magnum 850 operates at a very low noise level.

"This new series of Magnum fog machines has been created with the ambition to capture new technology and solid performance in a new design," sta

Germany - At the recent ProLight & Sound in Frankfurt, RCF unveiled a raft of new products for 2008. Standing out among these is the new ART 7 Series the latest addition to its ART amplified speaker range.

The ART catalogue has been expanded with the 7 Series, representing "a series of speakers that combine the results of a major functional and acoustic study with a new design".

The new ART has a cabinet specifically designed for use by musicians in live performances. Its structure is designed to dampen vibrations and the reflex tubes have been resized for improved efficiency.The handles are in fully rubber-coated aluminium for a more ergonomic grip.

All the loudspeaker models are equipped with a new generation of powerful, cutting-edge 750W digital amplifiers - 250 for the compression driver and 500 for the woofer. Each amplifier presents both XLR/jack (Combo) bal

UAE - Lifting and rigging sales specialists Lift-Turn-Move (LTM) - will show a range of its standard products at PALME 2008.

LTM offers an extensive range of lifting and rigging equipment including the Lodestar and Prostar electric chain hoists which are being highlighted at the show.

Also showing will be the compact CM Prostar hoists, with capacities up to 500 kg and speeds up to 10m/min. This higher speed version will lift at 6 or 10 m/min (increased from the industry standard of 4m a minute).

LTM started manufacturing hoist controllers in 2005 and has constructed systems for both direct and low voltage controlled hoists. The past 12 months has seen the range expand from standard units to more bespoke control systems to fit clients' exact and specific requirements.

To highlight this they will be demonstrating their latest custom products - a variable speed controller whi

Germany - The new EASERA SysTune software based measurement system, first exhibited at AES in New York and launched in Europe at Prolight & Sound this month, is now available on the ADA-Foundation's Educational Discount Programme.

The powerful EASERA SysTune programme measures time-domain and frequency-domain simultaneously using live programme material while an audience is present. The non-profit ADA-Foundation gGmbH offers educational discounts on software from AFMG Ahnert Feistel Media Group.

All verified university or college instructors who teach courses in the design, installation or analysis of acoustical treatment, noise isolation/remediation and sound reinforcement systems are eligible for substantial savings on EASERA SysTune real-time analysis software as well as on EASE, simulation and design programme, and on EASERA (Electronic and Acoustic System Evaluation and R

UK - Goboland chose EvenTech, Scotland as the springboard from which to launch its Gobo Tweaker.

Previewed at PLASA 07 where it received much positive response, this little gadget incorporates any design from the Goboland Premier Steel Collection into an all-in-one tool, complete with orientation handle, for easy alignment of images within the gate of a profile lantern.

The Gobo Tweaker is designed to fit into a standard gobo holder with the handle protruding out of the gobo gate. This allows the gobo to be turned within the lantern into the exact position required and without the use of any additional tools. The heat dispersing holes in the handle ensure this manipulation can be made without burning the fingers whilst a clip holds the Gobo Tweaker in place to secure it from being knocked out of position.

Gobo Tweakers are made of the same non-reflective, black coated steel

Germany - Launched at ProLight & Sound, Anchor Audio's MiniVox public address system is capable of delivering 108dB of intelligible speech from one small, self-contained portable sound system.

The MiniVox offers a 16-channel UHF wireless receiver and the ability to connect an external audio source such as an iPod, CD or MP3 player. The wireless microphone has a range of 250ft from the receiver and for hands-free use, Anchor offers headband, collar, lapel and handheld microphones.

Also new from Anchor is the Explorer Pro portable sound system. "Even in areas where AC power is not an option, the Explorer's built-in battery continues to perform. One wireless mic, two wireless mics - it's up to you. And remember, even when the power goes off the unit stays on," says the company.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Bandit Lites' UK operations has recently added Vari*Lite products to their rental inventory in order to better supply European clients. The purchased products include VL2500 Spots, VL3000 Spots and VL3500 Washes.

CBeebies Live! was the first show to take the newly stocked Vari*Lite products on tour by using VL3000 and VL 2500 Spots for their five week tour over the festive season. Since then, the VL3000 Spots have been out on Paul Potts, R.E.M., and are currently out on Mark Knopfler's 13-week European tour.

"It is our objective to offer clients the best possible products and we feel that Vari*lites are an exciting addition to our rental inventory," commented Bandit UK general manager, James Harden. "Vari*lite products continue to be a favourite with designers and we look forward to growing our relationship with the vender in the future."

(Jim

Dubai - Green Hippo, creators of the Hippotizer Media Servers, will be spreading the HippoWord to the Middle East at PALME in Dubai later this month (27-29 April).

Exhibiting as guests of VenueTech, Green Hippo's training manager, Simon Harris, will be taking the Hippotizer V3 through its paces to demonstrate its full capability to this growing market.

"The increasing number of music tours and rock and roll shows which proliferate in this region make it an area of great potential for the Hippotizer," says Harris. "Many tours are already using Hippotizer and we have found the demand for it across the Middle East is expanding. The theatre and club scene are still small but developing and some our latest technology, due for release later this year, is aimed specifically at the architectural market."

Green Hippo's newest family member, the HippoPortumus, will

Germany - Building on the success of its iCANsoft architectural lighting control software, iLight is launching iCANview at the Light and Building 2008 exhibition in Frankfurt this April. Designed to meet the demand for more detailed visual monitoring of larger systems, iCANview is an enhancement to the existing software package. Any existing iCANsoft system may be upgraded with the addition of the iCANview software package.

The iCANview software enables users to import a large site floor plan and then view the site information on a PC showing individual fixtures and their position within the building(s). Users can move around the floor plan with ease and zoom into areas to view current light level, adjust levels and recall scenes."The iCANview graphic floor plan will simplify large lighting projects where hundreds or thousands of fittings are used," said iLight's Europ

Germany - From outdoor façade lighting for architectural enhancement to indoor store and shop window attraction to branding and promotional projection, Martin comes to this year's Light and Building trade fair in Frankfurt (6-11 April) with a spread of new colour changing luminaires and control systems.

The Exterior 200 LED is a long-life programmable luminaire offering full RGB, amber and white colour mixing. Weatherproofed for the dynamic illumination of outdoor architecture, it features a comprehensive colour range from 44 high power LEDs and choice of optional spread angles. It is designed for applications where projection distance is limited.

The Exterior 1200 Wash features a full range CMY colour mixing system and additional four-colour wheel. It is designed for dynamic illumination of tall structures, high-rises or any high-visibility architecture. Intensity control is

Germany - Prolyte Products Group reports that it enjoyed a successful Prolight & Sound in Frankfurt, with no less than five new products on show, including the Rotating Stage and the Mammoth truss.

"The show was very well attended. As well as meeting with our existing distributors, we also experienced much interest from new contacts. The movement of the Rotating Stage proved to be a real show stopper," comments Marina Prak, communications and marketing manager from Prolyte. "Presenting new products is always a challenge, but it is very rewarding to see and hear the response."

The launch of new products has had an immediate effect on sales, says the company. The Rotating Stage has already been sold to several customers including Kimix from Belarus and Prolyte distributor in Russia, JSA, who have both ordered a complete 6m rotating stage.

(Jim Evans)

USA - High End Systems has announced the release of Flying Pig Systems software version 2.4.0 for Wholehog control systems including the Wholehog 3, Road Hog Full Boar, Hog iPC, Road Hog and Hog 3PC.

Version 2.4.0 introduces network file sharing; a new feature that allows users to transfer show files from networked consoles to networked computers.

"This is another highly requested feature that we are pleased to be able to offer our customers," says Brad Schiller, HES director of control systems development. Several other features, an updated user manual and bug fixes are also included within this release.

(Jim Evans)

Denmark - Martin Professional's popular Maxxyz lighting console is now available in a Compact version that offers full Maxxyz functionality in a modular mid-sized design. Built of a heavy-duty, long lasting aluminium construction and thoroughly market tested, Maxxyz Compact has been designed with the touring and rental market in mind, says the company.

This latest addition to the Maxxyz range features four modules requiring only USB and power connections. The modules - Cerebrum, Programmer, Motorized Playback and Master - make the system's functionality more flexible and intuitive.

The Cerebrum module is a powerful touch-screen computer, running the software on Windows XP Embedded that controls Maxxyz Compact. It can control up to 32 DMX Universes. The Maxxyz Cerebrum can also be used stand-alone for controlling installations, for example in hotels or on cruise ships. The Prog

USA - The new EAW SB1002 is a large-format dual-18-inch-loaded subwoofer that can be groundstacked or easily flown via an integral rigging system, making it suitable for a wide range of high-output live and installed sound applications.

Following in the footsteps of the EAW SB1000z subwoofer, the SB1002 offers a direct radiating design, with driver mounting that maximizes cone area and minimizes frontal area. The result is acoustical performance and physical configuration well suited for creating large subwoofer arrays.

The two 18" drivers - designed specifically for the SB1002 - offer very large (4.5") voice coils as well as powerful neodymium magnet structures that also reduce weight. The operating range of the SB1002 is 27Hz - 161Hz (+/-3 dB), while maximum sound pressure levels are 129dB (average) and 135dB (peak).

The SB1002 rigging system, similar to that of

USA - Sennheiser's new evolution wireless SR 350 IEM G2 twin transmitter makes its debut at the 2008 NAB Show and expands Sennheiser's most successful monitoring system.

"The output power of the SR 350 IEM G2 can be switched between 15mW and 100mW - offering an optimal fit for stages of all sizes," explains Robb Blumenreder, industry team manager for Sennheiser Electronic Corporation's music industry division. "The menu control is as user-friendly as ever, thanks to the backlit graphics display which lights up red during peak warnings."

The twin transmitter with HDX compander can be used with the EK 300 IEM G2 and EK 3253 monitor receivers. In total there are 1,440 UHF frequencies available for interference-free transmission. For a direct choice of channel, every transmitter has eight channel banks, each of which has twelve pre-sets, as well as a bank with

Germany - Sommer Cable has introduced the Sideguider. Developed by Harry Ruf, a German inventor from Baden-Württemberg, it can be installed on a Schill cable drum GT310 simply and quickly. It automatically lets the cable wander from left to right during winding, thus distributing it evenly across the cable drum. So, the cable no longer needs to be guided manually.

The user can walk up to plugged in cable ends with the drum in one hand and simultaneously wind the cable onto the drum with Sideguider. This is practical and saves time, says the company. The Sideguider can be used for cables up to a diameter of 18mm.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Cirrus Research has introduced the CR:260A series of sound level meters. Suitable for a wide range of applications, from noise at work assessments to vehicle noise testing and environmental noise measurements, Cirrus' CR:260A sound level meters are easy to use, yet capable of meeting sophisticated modern noise measurement guidelines, says the company.

There are eight meters in the new series, all of which are operated with single function buttons. Each is capable of taking A and C weighted measurements for HML applications and machinery noise testing. Available in Class 1 or Class 2 accuracy Cirrus' CR:260A sound level meters comply with the latest IEC 61672 measurement standard as well as IEC 60651 and IEC 60804.

They include the option of data download to a PC via a USB connection, and the ability to take measurements which will help to identify the most appropriate hea

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