BROOKINGS, S.D. – Apr. 6, 2011 – Attendees gathered around the Daktronics booth #550 at the annual United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) at its March 9-12, 2011 Conference & Stage Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina. Students joined the dealers and specifiers in examining the latest products in automated rigging: the E Series controls and Daktronics light duty Banner Hoist.
Booth visitors were anxious to learn about Daktronics new E Series rigging control platform designed to fill the needs of smaller installations, ones that do not need the advanced level of show rigging control Daktronics Pro Series controller offers. Responding to customer demand, the E Series controller integrates with all variable speed hoists in high and low speed/capacities. Features include hoist targeting, preset memory and recall, and load sensing. The compact, economical controller can operate up to 32 hoists, and is available with a handheld remote controller pendant.
Another product promoted at USITT's New Products Showcase was Daktronics Banner Hoist. Targeted for retail centers and other non-performance environments, the Banner Hoist lifts signage, advertising, banners, and other lightweight applications. The hoist's secondary brake makes it suitable for use above high traffic spaces. Dave Rossi, Rigging Operations Manager, is excited to see the possibilities of the 150 lb capacity hoist. “This convenient hoist eliminates the need for awkward lifts and ladders, plus it ships with a handheld wireless remote control.”
Besides the dealers and specifiers who checked out the new products, the booth had many students specializing in theatrical automation stop to visit about the specifics of Daktronics networks, controller platforms, hoist mechanics, etc. According to Ted Paget, Rigging Sales Manager, “Although USITT is premier venue to debut innovative products, the conference is also a great education opportunity for students. Two years ago many of the same students didn't really know what automated theatrical rigging was. It's amazing progress we've made in educating the future of the rigging market in this country in such a short period of time.”
Jake Winkelman, Southeast sales representative, added, “It was reassuring to see that automated rigging has become so standard. Everyone who came by had specific questions about specific projects or opportunities that we can address with our growing list of innovative products. It's nice to know that we've helped de-mystify this technology and make it available to such a broad range of users throughout North America and in worldwide markets.”