Users of Avab lighting control systems have been waiting to learn how ETC's acquisition of the Avab console brands would affect them. ETC announced at PLASA 2004 that there will be new additions and new expectations for this product line in the near future.
"When we acquired transtechnik Lichtsysteme we were pleased to gain the Avab product line as a part of the transaction," says Fred Foster, ETC CEO. "We have now dedicated additional product development resources to the Avab console effort in Europe. We will continue to support the development of Avab systems while also providing ETC’s worldwide technical service and quality control."
To build on the strong heritage of the Avab control product line, ETC has retained most of the original Avab product development team members, such as Ulf Sandstrom and Anders Ekvall who have been working together on Avab control products for over 20 years, and added new members as well. According to Sandstrom: "We are steadily improving our approaches to product development and look forward to a lot of exciting collaborations with ETC."
Newer members of the Avab development team include Bullen Lagerbielke, well known lighting designer and programmer. Lagerbielke provides guidance and direct feedback as he works with Avab control products in the field on live productions. He helped developed the moving light feature set of the Avab Pronto! Console, which ran the Eurovision Song Contest, powering hundreds of moving lights and multiple Catalyst systems.
Also new to the ETC Avab team is Ingo Bernert. Previously a Field Project Manager for ETC Europe, Bernert has been appointed Product Manager for the Avab console range as well as the newly acquired IES dimming range. Bernert works closely with the development team helping to direct the commercial focus of the various projects. "The Avab development team is tight, with an emphasis on constant dialogue with the user," Bernert says. "My role is to expand that user base. We are looking for an exciting future with the Avab line of products from ETC."