High End Systems' co-founder Richard Belliveau, the chief developer of the HES legacy product line, has returned to the Austin, TX-based automated lighting manufacturer in a new role as chief technology officer.
Belliveau departed HES in 1998 and has since served as a consultant to the company with a focus on intellectual property and patent development. In his new position, Belliveau will concentrate on advancing the development of digital lighting technology.
Richard Belliveau
HES' digital lighting product line was established with the introduction of the Catalyst system in 2000. This product, which combined the worlds of automated lighting and video, won five industry awards its first year. The DL1 digital light engine and Catalyst v3 Media Server and Software debuted late last year, winning awards at PLASA and LDI and an Entertainment Design Staging and Projection Product of the Year.
HES CEO Frank Gordon says, "This reorganization reflects a shift in our technology platform and we're targeting those parallel skill sets that are required for success. We're advancing the digital and software products with less dependence on the electro-mechanical products. We're focused on innovation. Richard's work on patent development has created an opportunity that we will exploit. Our recent awards from PLASA and LDI supports the company's vision and direction."
Lowell Fowler, HES co-founder/chairman, says, "Having partnered and worked with Richard for more than 25 years, it is great to have him devote more time at our new facility and interface with many of the same engineering crew with which he built many great products. His dedication and determination set him apart as a true 'rocket scientist' in the lighting industry. He never ceases to amaze. We're excited about seeing some innovative new products from this team."
High End Systems recently hired a number of new software engineers to support the ramp-up of digital lighting and continued console development.