VIDEO/PROJECTION
VJX16-4 Video Mixer
VIXID
The VJX16-4 video mixing console is a portable, 16-channel mixer that has four video layers with blending modes, a video assignment system, 42 storable effects in 144 presets, MIDI, and audio interactivity. Connectivity is via 16 video inputs — for DVD players, cameras, VCRs, computers, etc. — six video outputs, USB, MIDI, and audio. The video mix can be displayed immediately on three independent systems (plasma, TV, projector, etc.). Additional features include full resolution PAL or NTSC, high performance video processing, and extremely low latency.
www.vixid.com
Watchout 4
Dataton
Version 4 of Dataton's Watchout multi-display production and presentation system adds auxiliary timelines, compositions, stage tiers, and movie and audio export capabilities. It bridges to other commonly used systems using DMX, MIDI, TCP/IP, and serial data control capabilities. Auxiliary timelines resemble the main show timeline except that they lie dormant until accessed manually or by an external input. They can also be used as a backup track or for an escape to other show elements. Composition allows grouping of a set of cues on their own sub-timeline and then treating them as a single media element, so users can reuse or shuffle show sections, or apply motion or other effects to the entire group. External control is a gateway to interactivity, as users can employ MIDI or DMX signals as inputs to trigger tasks and control in-between tracks and output DMX to control lighting channels and other devices, or send arbitrary data to other systems or devices via TCP/IP, UDP, or serial data protocols. Stage tiers provide increased control of display devices, allowing grouping of associated displays. Edge-blending occurs only between displays on the same tier. Timeline layers can be restricted to specific tiers, allowing mix overlapping and detached displays with detailed control of where images appear. Export movie and audio commands provide export capability of a standalone movie file or a complete audio mixdown. The new version also offers additional features for multi-timeline control, enhanced animation, geometry correction, large display management, display color correction, motion tracks, timecode synchronization, and user interface enhancements.
www.dataton.com
Showpix™
High End Systems
Showpix™ is a combination LED wash light and graphic image display fixture and the first in HES' new line of Pixelation Luminaires™. Its 18" diameter head features a circular array of 127 homogenous 3W LEDs, with an output of 24,000 RGB lumens, projecting washes of color, images, and effects. Equipped with a PixelArt™ collection of custom media files and images, users can upload files and images through the new Echo™ application, a program offering content visualization, management, and upload capabilities, as well as RDM management. Instantaneous conversion of many file formats automatically optimizes images and maps files to the LED pixels. The mapping is displayed prior to uploading to the fixture. Control is via a standard DMX lighting console. Additional effects include color mixing, rotation, scale, wipes, dissolves, transitions between layers, strobing, and dimming. Content can be mapped across numerous fixtures using the Pixellage™ software process. DMX Scratch™ allows synchronization of the frames of a media file to music in realtime. A user-selectable pixel-mapping protocol also provides individual control of each LED.
www.highend.com
LIGHTING
Madrix Version 2.4
Madrix
Version 2.4 of Madrix LED lighting control software for live applications includes a new backup system (master/slave), editable frame rates for all DMX and Art-Net devices, and a highlight mode (flash devices) in the Device Manager for DMX devices, as well as a highlight mode for fixtures in the patch. The music-2-light single tone effect has a new shape (circle explode) and additional options, and the music-2-light interval tubes effect has new directional buttons. Additional features include upgrades to the static color effects (SCE), including SCE ColorRamp, SCE ColorScroll, SCE Ticker, and SCE Wave, as well as MIDI remote control support for Numark NuVJ controller. An Ultimate version supports up to 256 DMX universes.
www.madrix.de
VisualTouch Upgrade
Visual Productions
The latest release of VisualTouch features increased versatility of commands enabled in the interface, particularly for triggering preprogrammed commands in the lighting control setup. The application has no editing capability, so it simply acts as an interface that can safely be presented to non-lighting technicians, who can alter the lighting in a venue based on immediate needs. New features include onscreen color options for changing the color of lights and effects; fader controls for changing intensity levels and effects speeds; and customization of the user interface with images and labels for the buttons. VisualTouch is available as a free download for current users of VisualDMX and Canvix. It can run on the same computer as the control software or can communicate remotely over a fixed or wireless network.
www.visualproductions.nl
Congo™ V5 Software
ETC
Congo Version 5.0 for Congo and Congo jr lighting consoles includes a new effects package, new graphics and handling, as well as improved editing tools, more functions, and accessories. Additional features include a new chase effect with an editor to free up presets and sequences, a dynamic effect in the new area of Effect Playbacks, and a content effect that can reuse existing show data. All are handled in Effect Playbacks, selected and controlled like channels and recorded into presets within sequences or on masters. A new Groups & Palettes Overview tab shows all the texts of items that have already been recorded. Track Editing for Attributes now allows users to choose whether to update the last preset that sourced a move or multiple presets containing repeating data. The browser has been reorganized to be more task-based with new settings information to the New Play dialog. A Default Show Data wizard and Delete Data wizard have also been added. Additional features include inhibit and exclusive modes on all the masters, ability to name and delete screen layouts, direct selects for quick access to the direct color picker function, a large-venue management tool for assigning output universe mappings to named logical networks, faster handling of graphics in channel layout views, enhanced display within tables, and small enhancements like clickable-go, pause, and go-back controls in the playback tab.
www.etcconnect.com
Blue Ring Gaffer's Glass™
Alan Gordon Enterprises Inc.
Blue Ring Gaffer's Glass is designed to allow users to locate the center of a keylight or hot spot to accurately determine where to position the light to achieve optimum coverage. It incorporates a 3.8 density filter with a handheld ring that lets the user to look directly into a light. This allows focusing of the light to the exact location of the subject. Incorporating a UV inhibitor, the tool can also be used to inspect the condition of a lamp filament. It is precision-machined and anodized, and includes a 36" lanyard.
www.alangordon.com
3D Studio Max 2008 Plug-Ins
ESP Vision
Modeling plug-ins for use with Autodesk 3D Studio Max 2009 are now available from ESP Vision, so Vision models can now be created using 3D Studio Max 2009, 3D Studio Max 2008, Autodesk VIZ 2007, VIZ 2008, VectorWorks Spotlight 12.5 (PC and Mac), and VectorWorks Spotlight 2008 (PC and Mac).
www.espvision.com
System Builder™ Version 2.1
Strand
Version 2.1 of System Builder™ (SSB) is an upgraded lighting control design software tool that assists in the design and specification of Strand Lighting control products. The free, downloadable program guides users through the process of selecting the right lighting control solution for various applications. The new version is primarily for adding, building, and specifying systems with the company's R21™ Powered Raceway dimming system that includes patented Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) dimming technology.
www.strandlighting.com
Accu LED MH
American DJ
Accu LED MH is a nine-channel DMX fixture that combines stepper-motor and moving-yoke technology in an LED unit with a program for editing and saving scenes. With 69 red, green, and blue LEDs that produce an output similar to a 250W halogen lamp, its power consumption is rated at 30W. The unit includes pulse and strobe effects, as well as built-in LED programs for use in sound active mode. The editing program allows users to write scenes directly into the fixture's built-in memory using the control panel or an external DMX controller. Additional features include auto x/y repositioning, 360° pan, 265° tilt, a four-button menu system, and a 27.5° beam angle.
www.americandj.com
SOUND
K3 Digital Amplification System
Powersoft
The ultra-compact K3 digital amplification system is a 1-RU unit that produces 2,800W per channel at 2 Ohms. It features power factor correction for low power consumption and wide mains operating range and an advanced switch-mode worldwide operating power supply. The front panel display menu with an LCD matrix includes interactive displays for load impedance, output power, and mains voltage measurements for each channel. Other functions include a digital gain-attenuator control and user-selectable maximum output power for each channel, along with maximum mains current draw. A variable speed fan reduces noise to digital audio threshold; temperatures can be closely monitored with LCD-recorded performance tracking. Additional features include built-in remote control (RS-485 interface), and Smart Card settings and parameters. Options include built-in DSP and Ethernet control featuring Powersoft's KAESOP protocol.
www.powersoft-audio.com
TiMax2 SoundHub and RoomHub
Out Board
Two new versions of TiMax2 control software are available: TiMax2 SoundHub, configured specifically for programming and running shows and events; and RoomHub, optimized for AV installations with less focus on realtime show control or audio animation. The software incorporates a scalable multi-channel audio matrix and mixer to handle multiple sources and zones in a variety of applications. The 2U chassis provides 16 inputs and 16 outputs in analog or AES/EBU format, expandable up to 64×64 within the same frame. Optional networking interfaces include CobraNet and EtherSound with full redundancy. Delay matrix capability provides tools to help create precedence-based audio imaging to direct listeners to a performer, speaker, or particular attraction. Every input and output has parametric EQ, as well as instantaneous random-access multi-track audio playback and recording. Users can run a show either from the front panel or remotely from external show control systems via onboard GPIO, MIDI, SMPTE, or TCP/IP show control interfaces. The software suite (PC or Mac) allows programming and loading of different routing, zone level/delay EQ configurations, dynamic pan effects, and audio playback into each cue. Front panel menus also offer input and output metering with mute and solo functions, as well as group level, mute, and solo controls, with multi-level password security. Options include input relay bypass, dual-mirrored audio playback hard drives or flash drives, dual power supplies and fans, and an extra AC IEC cable.
www.outboard.co.uk
W8VDQ
Martin Audio
The W8VDQ compact, three-way system combines line array and differential dispersion technologies to provide even coverage over wide angles and throw distances. The system provides a short-throw horizontal dispersion of 120°, narrowing to 100° as the throw increases. The vertical differential directivity (VDQ) creates progressively more HF output as throw distance increases. The resulting dispersion pattern is suited to covering audiences located on flat or gradually sloping surfaces. Designed for passive or bi-amp operation and combining a Hybrid™ quad 8-in LF and MF configuration with quad 1-in HF, all horn-loaded, the system achieves a maximum SPL of 131dB (continuous) and 137dB (peak). The W8VDQ is compatible with WMX, WS18X, and WS218X subwoofers.
www.martin-audio.com
MicPlot 3.0 And Palladium 3.0
CH Sound Design
MicPlot 3.0 wireless mic optimization software is a Windows-based program that generates a mic plot and minimizes the number of mics/packs required for a show. Features include analysis of understudies to ensure mics are available, as well as appropriate adjustments; optimization when mic/pack swaps occur; and support of last-minute changes and rules customizable by the sound designer. Inputs to MicPlot include character names, actor names, character-to-actor assignments, and character movements, while outputs include a wall chart of the show and occurrence of swaps, labels, running orders for sound crew, rehearsal tags, and cast slips. Mic Priority allows each character to be assigned a priority mic. Palladium 3.0 theatre sound system control software, also Windows-based, provides simultaneous control of up to three mixers, eight effects processors, eight playback sources, and 16 GPIs/tallies. Users create a virtual sound system and then add MIDI commands required to control the real system. New features include actor-tracking EQ; scribble strips that allow actor and character names to be downloaded to the mixer displays; input patching that automatically repatches an input if an actor changes to a different mic; cross-fade function; and high-level editing functions for both cue list and channel editing. The software can control any device with a MIDI port, and all MIDI messages generated are fully programmable and can contain up to 127 bytes.
www.chsounddesign.com
STAGING
Liberty™ Clip System
American Harlequin
The Liberty™ Clip System allows Liberty modular panels to be easily assembled or separated. Suitable for multiple-use spaces and platforms, its sprung panels clip together using one tool and patent-pending clips to create a stage in a variety of interiors. The clip system requires no nails or screws, and the Liberty Sprung Floors are designed with shock absorbing qualities to provide cushion for users while performing a variety of tasks over long periods of time.
www.harlequinfloors.com
Magnum 2500 Hz™
Martin Professional
The Magnum 2500 Hz™ is a plug-and-play hazer for wherever a simple haze solution is needed in smaller venues, clubs, and bars. Its one gallon (3.8-liter) fluid container and optional DMX also make it suitable for a variety of installations. The compact unit is continuously operational and uses a 900W heat exchanger to pump out 2,500m3/minute of uniform haze for mid-air projection or atmospheric enhancement. Haze output and on/off timing are controllable via a remote control that can be stored in its own compartment. The unit incorporates Jem technology, including new electronics, machine-saving overheat protection, and fluid-out sensing.
www.martin.com