When it last appeared in London in 1979, My Fair Lady held the record as the longest-running show at the Theatre Royal. So when planning the design for its 2001 homecoming, lighting designer David Hersey wanted to ensure there was something new for today's audiences. The traditional way of opening and closing curtains on stage using a simple fade wasn't enough for Hersey's new design for My Fair Lady, so the engineers at DHA Lighting put their heads together — the result is the YoYo+, which was launched at PLASA 2001.
The YoYo+ houses one or two effects plates, accurately positioned in the gate of an ellipsoidal spotlight, and, using a microprocessor controlled motor unit, allows the plates to move either vertically or horizontally to a specific point. The linear movement of the effects plates facilitates any effect that requires vertical or horizontal motion, while the continuous option produces repetitive movement effects. Thus, when Professor Higgins pulls a rope to open the curtains, the outlines of the curtains move back to reveal the windows behind them. [The windows, of course, are also projected, using DHA gobos.]
Careful positioning of the etched image on the YoYo+'s plate means that a pattern can be moved completely in or out of the gate via DMX. And the use of two plates in the double version means that one image can be swapped for another — effectively producing a gobo changer. There is also room for a standard “B”-sized fixed gobo, allowing a whole new range of effects to be created through the interaction of the fixed gobo and the effects plates.
Using digital technology, the YoYo+ is silent and can be connected in a chain of up to 20 units. Control can be accomplished either directly by DMX512 from the console, or up to 60 steps can be recorded onto a programmable chip (EEPROM), for use as a standalone effects unit, such as in a themed setting. Each step can be indexed to +/- 0.35mm. Some of the effects that the YoYo+ can create include image reveals, rising or setting sun, passing car, door opening, curtains closing, bouncing ball, waves on a shore, and swaying trees, just to name a few. In addition to the theatre applications, it is also ideal for advertising and themed entertainment venues. The variety of effects makes the YoYo+ a very versatile tool.
DHA Lighting Ltd., London, England
www.dhalighting.com
IQ Test
Crown Audio announced its IQ for Windows software version 5.0. Like the previous IQ for Windows version 4.1, the new software application, which is designed for configuring, controlling, and monitoring Crown IQ Systems, is available for free download at www.iqaudiosystems.com.
Compatible with Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000/Professional, and NT 4+, version 5.0 features enhancements that make it easier to use. System integrators now have a greater number of graphical tools with which to design customized work surfaces for operators, as well as the ability to create direct user controls free of confusing program elements. Fully indexed help screens are available to guide users through system setup, and no programming language experience or training is required to quickly be up and running.
Crown Audio, Elkhart, IN
www.crownaudio.com
Crown Audio introduced updated versions of two products designed for IQ System connectivity - the IQ-INT 3 Interface and IQ-RPT 3 Repeater. The IQ-INT 3 Interface is a simple yet important piece of hardware that bridges the RS232 connector on a host PC to an IQ Bus loop(s) for communication with IQ System components.
The IQ-RPT 3 Repeater is a component that helps an IQ System increase the length of a single IQ Bus loop. By reconstructing the data signal to prevent degradation, the IQ-RPT 3 can typically boost the operating distance of a IQ Bus by 1,000' (305m) or more. Up to 57 repeaters can be added to a single loop, so total loop distance may reach 58,000' (17.7km), or almost 11 miles.
There are two primary improvements on the IQ-RPT 3 and the IQ-INT 3; the new models have eliminated the DIN connectors in favor of RJ-45s. Likewise, status LEDs can now be found on both the front and rear panels of both products.
Crown Audio, Elkhart, IN
www.crownaudio.com
InFocus® Corp. announced the Proxima® DP8000, an LCD projector suitable for a variety of projection applications. The DP8000 facilitates web and video conferencing and is ideal for large meeting rooms, training rooms, and classrooms. The DP8000 offers built-in networking capabilities, which support the emergence of projectors as managed assets on a network. This, in turn, helps reduce total cost of projector ownership. Networking capability together with multiple connectivity options and an easy-to-install form factor make the DP8000 a versatile projector.
The DP8000 produces bright and clear images, with native XGA resolution and 3,000 lumens of brightness, and saturated colors with a contrast ratio of 800:1. At only 13.2lbs, the DP8000 is about half the size of other projectors producing 3,000 lumens. In addition to web and video teleconferencing, the DP8000 can be used to view DVD, HDTV, digital photos, and other digital content geared toward distance learning environments. Inputs including BNC × 5, RGB, component video, S-video and composite video, and RS-232 control, allow for numerous sources to be connected simultaneously.
InFocus® Corp., Wilsonville, OR
www.infocus.com
NEC Technologies, Inc. introduced the XT5100, the next generation of the XT5000 and the newest in the Nighthawk Series High Light Output (HLO™) projection systems. At 4,500 ANSI lumens, the XT5100 has the brightness for a wide range of applications, including arenas, auditoriums, concert halls, theme parks, classrooms, boardrooms, gaming venues, and other applications where images are viewed by audiences. It offers XGA resolution (1,024 × 768).
NEC's new projector is designed to be easy to transport, operate, and store. The XT5100 is compact and light at only 95lbs and features a wide variety of inputs. In addition, the lens-indexing feature saves significant setup time by storing key lens positions in the projector's memory. The XT5100 is designed to be compatible with XT5000 lenses.
The Nighthawk product line includes three XGA native resolution projectors: the XT4100, XT5100 and XT9000, and three SXGA native resolution projectors: the SX4000, SX6000 and SX10000.
NEC Technologies Visual Systems,
Itasca, IL
www.nectech.com
Jensen Tools, a division of the Stanley Works, released its Master Sourcebook for Fall 2001. This 300 — page, full color catalog contains thousands of products from leading manufacturers, including more than 400 new items. The new Master Sourcebook features an extensive selection of tool kits, carts and cases, test equipment, hand and power tools, wire and cable, soldering/desoldering equipment, lighting and optical products, field accessories, storage solutions, and much more. Jensen's Kit Team will also work with customers to design and build custom kits for unique requirements. Contact Jensen for a free copy of the its Fall 2001 Master Sourcebook.
Jensen Tools Inc., Phoenix, AZ
www.jensentools.com
GAM Products announces the introduction of the GAM SoloSpin, which is designed to rotate one glass or metal pattern at a time. Made for use in the ETC Source Four, Altman Shakespeare, and the Strand SL ellipsoidal spotlights. The SoloSpin operates at 110V and rotates a “B” size pattern at 3rpm.
The SoloSpin joins the upgraded TwinSpin II and the new TwinSpin Jr. in GAM's range of pattern effects units. The TwinSpin Jr. is designed to rotate “M” size patterns in the ETC Source Four Jr. ellipsoidal spotlight. Visit the GAM website and view videos of the actual effects.
GAM Products, Inc., Hollywood, CA
www.gamonline.com
Gardner Bender introduces the Live Wire™, adjustable, non-contact AC voltage sensor. The design features adjustable detection from 12 to 600V AC, providing the greatest voltage range of any non-contact tester on the market. The rubber over-molding style is durable, impact resistant, and ensures a comfortable non-slip grip. The battery self-test is an automatic check system to ensure working sensors. The Live Wire model GVD-505A includes all of these features in a convenient housing small enough to fit in a shirt pocket for handy carrying and storage. This is the ultimate detector for electrical, industrial, residential, consumer, electronic, and utility applications.
Gardner Bender, Milwaukee, WI
www.gardnerbender.com
Easyfit™ structural pipe fittings have been introduced by the IFA Foundry Company. Designed to be strong and corrosion-resistant, the new fittings enable fast and easy construction of handrails and tubular structures. The Easyfit pipe fittings are intended for both indoor and outdoor usage. Constructed of high-grade malleable iron, these fittings are designed for use with standard 1", 1¼" and 1½" pipe sizes.
IFA Foundry Company, Inc., Chagrin
Falls, OH
www.ifafoundry.com
JLG Industries introduced two new models in its 450 Series II articulating boom lifts. Theses two models fit into the 45-foot (13.7m) articulating boom lift class. The Model 450A Series II is an articulated boom lift and the Model 450AJ Series II is an articulated boom lift with a 4'-1" jib boom. Both Series II models have 500lb unrestricted platform capacity, with a horizontal reach of 24'-6" on both models and the up-and-over reach has been extended to 25'-2". Two — wheel drive and four — wheel drive models are available.
JLG Industries, Inc.
McConnellsburg, PA
www.jlg.com
Elation's Pro Color is a DMX color changer that features 10 dichroic colors, 10 split colors, and a frost filter for wash effects. The fixture uses a 150W discharge lamp with an average rated life of 9,000 hours, and it features two DMX channels, one for control of the frost and a 0-100% dimmer and one channel for control of the color wheel. The fixture has an adjustable beam angle of 10° to 19°. Other features include rear lamp access, a mounting yoke for hanging it horizontally or vertically, and a fan for cooling. The unit has a 120V power supply, weighs 29lbs, and has dimensions of 15.5" × 9.5" × 7".
Elation Professional, Los Angeles, CA
www.elationlighting.com
The latest product to use ETC's ETCNet2™ ethernet-based communications system is the Obsession WRFU, which is designed to turn a handheld PDA into an extension of ETC's Obsession II console. Designed for Pocket PC platform PDAs, the Obsession WRFU is offered in a software-only package or in packages that include software, Cisco wireless ethernet PC card and access point, Compaq iPAQ and card expansion sleeve. With the ethernet access point connected directly to the Obsession II network, the user can open up the RFU program on the PDA, complete a four — digit login, and the Obsession WRFU is ready to work. Pop-up menus and the navigator button allow access to six screens, each with the numeric keypad and selected function keys. New to both Obsession and RFU is the macro user screen, which gives the user access to 25 macros on a single-button touchscreen. Obsession systems can support multiple RFUs, and login allows access to systems with multiple Obsessions. All this can be controlled and configured by a simple drop-down menu system.
ETC, Madison, WI
www.etcconnect.com
The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones are designed to deliver isolation coupled with a unique fold-up design for compact portability. The HD 280s form-fitting, ergonomically designed circumaural earpieces can be rotated for flat mobility and space-saving transport. Single-sided coiled cable gives users maximum flexibility on the job. Easy replacement of all wearing parts insures long life and functionality.
Sennheiser, Old Lyme, CT
www.sennheiserusa.com
Setwear has unveiled the fingerless M-Pact glove, designed for procedures that require more control. The glove features two convenient pulltabs on the middle and ring fingers for easier removal, and a gel pad in the palms and between the index finger and thumb to lessen impact and vibrations. Neoprene knuckle panels are designed to provide increased flexibility and protection.
Setwear Products, Canoga Park, CA
www.setwear.com
The Wireworks TED-5 DMX cable tester is designed, according to the manufacturer, to show you if your DMX cables are “good to go or ready to throw.” The TED-5, which can test DMX lighting control cables in both five — pin and three — pin configurations, is compact enough for onsite use, but can also be used in the shop. The unit tests for shorts, open circuits, cross wiring, and shorts-to-case problems in both five — pin and three — pin XLR cables, which means it can also be used to test microphone cables.
Wireworks, Hillside, NJ
www.wireworks.com