In the end, just over 7,000 attendees came to LDI. It was a smaller show than usual, but, overall, exhibitors expressed satisfaction with the quality of the attendees, noting they could spend more time with visitors, without shortchanging anyone. Attendees were happy, too; what threatened to be a dry year, with little in the way of new technology, turned into a first-rate show for introducing new products, some of them promising fundamental changes in the art and business of lighting design.
ADB introduced the high-end Phoenix 10 control desk and the Niethammer 1,200W HMI zoom profile, equipped with the Ingenio color composer, for up to 64,000 shades. Altman Lighting showed the Mirage Wall Wash, the MR-16 Jazz Striplight, a new 250W blacklight, and the EconoCyc fixture, a lower-cost version of the Focusing Cyc. American DJ had the DMX Operator II, a 12-channel controller. Also shown were the DMX Solo and Auto-Mate DMX recordable DMX controllers; the Fire Bowl simulated burning fire effect; the Fab 4 DMX-technology lighting package; the Light Saver two-channel lighting controller; the Electra, Rover, and Propeller mini-moonflower effects; and the Flash Shot pack, a multicolor, sound-active strobing system. (The company's Elation line can be found further on.)
American Harlequin showed the Activity Sprung Floor System, designed to provide uniform performance, reduce vibration, and cut down on noise. Apollo showed its Spectra Q scrollers, available in seven sizes. Also shown was a combination SuperHolder for the Source Four ellipsoidal to hold A- and B-size metal and B-size glass patterns and SuperLife AL gobos manufactured from 10-mil aluminum. Applied Electronics had the Celco DMX Recorder, along with the Celco Fusion DMX Splitter 2.10 and Fusion DMX Splitter 1.5.1.
Arri introduced 200W and 400W additions to its line of Pocket Pars and Pocket Lite daylight fixtures. Artistic Licence showed the Down-Link, which converts Ethernet data into two universes of DMX512. Avolites presented the Diamond 4 console and the Art2000-US 20A digital dimmer; the latter designed specifically for the US market.
Chauvet had the DMX Junior universal DMX512 controller; the Intimidator DMX512 four-channel luminaire; the Obsession, a Compact DJ Series beat-activated fixture; the Aurora DMX, a DMX512 one-channel luminaire; the PAR-38 chrome unit; the DMX Dimmer Pack; the Abyss simulated rippling water effect; the Colortrack III unit; the Club Laser, Navigator Plus, and Explorer Plus moving-mirror units; and the Zipper moonflower effect.
City Theatrical has added to its growing AutoYoke line, with units for the Strand 2kW Bambino fresnel and SL ellipsoidal and the ETC Source Four PARNel. Also released is an EFX Idea Book with different effects possible for the EFX Plus2. Clay Paky, distributed in the US by Group One, presented new Silent Versions of its Stage Line, including the Stage Profile 1200SV, the Stage Color 1200SV, and the Stage Zoom 1200SV. Also shown were the Golden Spot 1200 moving-body effects projector; the Golden Color 1200 wash light; the Color Cyc, an accessory for Clay Paky wash lights, and the CP Color, a line of new color changers designed for live performance and architectural markets.
Clear-Com had the Vega Q700, a programmable, frequency-agile wireless intercom system and the RCS-2000 programmable source-assignment panel. Coemar, distributed in the US by Tracoman, had the iSpot range of automated lights. The most unique is the iSpot 150; its special Programmed Playback Facility allows the unit to operate in the absence of a controller. Also shown were the iCyc 250 and Colour Cyc 250 LX cyc lights, the ProSpot 150 LX automated spot unit; the Mariner, Onda, and Panorama Cyc 2.4 architectural units featuring Coemar's Twin Lamp Technology system.
Color Kinetics had the C-Splash digital lighting unit for underwater locations; the iColor Cove LTt; and iPlayer 2, which eight times the original iPlayer show storage capacity. Also on display was Zapi, a handheld device designed to set the addresses on Color Kinetics fixtures. Compulite had the Rave, a new compact lighting console that can control up to 100 channels, 40 moving lights, and 20 additional DMX devices. Compulite is distributed in the US by SSP International. DeSisti introduced redesigned reflectors eliminating the need for external intensifiers to its De-Lux series of compact fluorescent soft lights.
Diversitronics displayed the new Mark 3000 Strobe, which features 24,000W peak flash intensity and 1,500,000 candela output. Dove Systems showed off its new StarPort, which turns any PC-compatible computer into a full-featured DMX memory lighting controller.
Elation Professional had the Color Spot-575 and Color Spot-250 intelligent effects, which now feature a moving yoke that rotates a full 360º. There's also a new moving yoke for the company's DMX Color Wash 575 and Color Wash 250 units. Stage Color is a high-tech, multicolor DMX PAR can. Also shown was the Joy 300, a DMX-compatible color/gobo scanner/projector.
Electronic Theatre Controls unveiled Emphasis, a new lighting control system that combines the features of the company's Express and Expression control boards with a new version of Cast Lighting's WYSIWYG lighting visualization software. Also shown was the Obsession WRFU, which turns a handheld PDA into an extension of ETC's Obsession II console. Also on display was the reconfigured Cast Lighting WYSIWYG family of products, including WYSIWYG Report, WYSIWIG Design, WYSIWYG Perform, with WYSIWYG Learn soon to come, plus WYSILink, the dimmer monitoring tool.
Electronics Diversified premiered the Big Stik, a portable dimmer system with three-phase power; also shown were two new configurations to the Bijou lighting control systems: a Control Freak outboard unit for intelligent lighting functions, and a 72/144-channel console. Elektralite, a division of Group One, launched the CP 16/24, capable of programming a wide variety of different manufacturers' intelligent moving light fixtures through the use of extensive libraries already patched and ready for use.
Extron showed the USP 405 universal signal processor, an all-in-one high-performance scaler, scan converter, transconverter, format converter, and transcoder. New products at Doug Fleenor Design included Wall Mounted Combiners, designed for use in permanent installations, and Dual and Quad Isolation Amplifiers. Just published by the Focal Press is the second edition of Lighting Technology by Brian Fitt and Joe Thornley.
GAM Products introduced SoloSpin and TwinSpin II, indexing pattern rotators using a DMX signal to control position and speed of the pattern. Gala showed the Venue concept, a seating riser system that transforms flat floor areas into various levels or inclined seating configurations in a few minutes. General Electric Lighting introduced a single-ended HMI lamp line designed for automated fixtures, plus 750W HPL Long Life and the GLD and GLE 750W lamps for ellipsoidals, with better seal protection for higher temperatures.
High End Systems won Product of the Year Lighting/Entertainment with the Catalyst, which converts a standard high-output, three-chip DLP video projector into a powerful moving light. Also on display was the Wholehog III console. Receiving an Honorable Mention in the Products of the Year/Architectural category was the C-16 fixture. Hubbell Entertainment made its LDI debut with the Helux line of automated fixtures, plus Helux automated luminaire truss, developed in concert with Tomcat. Interactive Technologies showed a new version of the Sidewinder DMX interface that is rack-mountable. Sidewinder XR fits more appropriately into playback projects like trade show booths, retail displays, themed entertainment shows, and museum kiosks.
New from Kino Flo was the Kamio ring light, which snaps on the camera lens and creates a halo of soft fill light for close-ups. Lee Filters' new Quick Rolls, co-winner of the LDI Widget of the Year award, and the ESTA Dealers' Choice Award, introduces gel in a 25'-long (7.5m) roll, to make cutting less cumbersome and cut down on wasted gel. Lehigh Electric Products introduced a digital dimmer rack with up to 120 2.4kW dimmers.
Le Maitre's new products included the Fog Floor Pocket, Fog Blade, and Fog Curtain. Le Maitre also introduced a new sales division called ProStage Pyrotechnics. Leprecon presented the new LP-X24 console and the Litescape Houselite System, designed for houses of worship, theatres, and various architectural uses. New products from Leviton included the Power Light line of plugs and connectors, available in 15, 20, and 30A 125V straight blade and locking configurations and a new line of Lev-UPS uninterruptible power supplies.
Lex Products had a 19-pin splitter, essentially a multicable twofer, which garnered an LDI Widget award. Lightronics introduced the new AF-3007 fully digital, wall-mounted remote unit that works in concert with the AR-1202 architectural dimmer. Lowel-Light introduced LowelScandles, multitasking fluorescent fixtures developed in collaboration with lighting designer Gary Regester, and its updated Fluo-Tec line of studio fluorescents with state-of-the-art electronics for DMX dimming.
Lycian showed the new M2, a modular, customizable followspot. Mad Manufacturing launched its EVL Pro Lighting range of lightweight effects lights, which features world voltage auto setup and industry-standard E-size indexable gobos. MA Lighting, distributed in the US by AC Lighting Inc., showed the grandMA ultra-light, a 1,024-channel console that is portable and adaptable, and the grandMA 3D grandView, a new visualization program for Windows PCs. A special 3D option is obtained by using special glasses.
MDG unveiled the new Ice Fog Compact, the smaller version of the Ice Fog series, as well as new options on the Ice Fog allowing for high- or low-pressure CO2. In addition, the Ice Fog Touring unit has been redesigned for quieter use and more low-lying fog.
Martin Professional launched the MAC 2000 Performance, a 1,200W profile framing spot based on the popular MAC 2000. The new MAC 600NT comes with a new-technology color-mixing system. The FiberSource CMY is a professional full fiber illuminator for permanent outdoor and indoor installations. Lighting and sound come together in the new ViroStation, by Mach, Martin's sound products division. It consists of two oval-shaped flat panel loudspeakers mounted on a decorative post and illuminated by two pole-mounted Martin Exterior 200 CMY color changers. The very thin panel speakers function as both loudspeakers and light reflectors. Other Martin products included the Atomic 3000 DMX strobe unit and its Detonator controller; the Exterior 200; the LightCorder, a small DMX recorder; the LightJockey 2 Windows-based controller; the MC Showtime, the plug-and-play show controller for many Martin effects units; the TracMAC Mini automated spotlight; and the T-Rex and Wizard club units. Then there's the Martin Wife DMX tester--as the slogan says, if there's a fault, the Wife will find it. New from Jem, Martin's fog/smoke division, is the Glaciator, a low-power-consuming, low-to-the-ground fogger for theatre, touring, and large clubs, and Jem Intelligent I-Fog Fluid.
Mole-Richardson introduced 200W and 400W HMI Molesource kits, which affords a daylight option for the ETC Source Four, replacing the lamp socket assembly with 200W or 400W HMI fixtures. Omnisistem Lights & Effects is now distributing Studio Due products, including the Shark 250 and updated Shark 150. Osram Sylvania showed 70W and 150W CDM lamps in both 3000K and 4000K as well as longer-life lamps including a 7,000-hour ELC and a 1,000-hour EKE. Metal-halide lamps included 300W DEL HTI at 3,000 hours, as well as short-arc HTI lamps in 700W, 1,200W, and 1,800W.
Pathway Connectivity unveiled the new Pathport Manager, the PC software companion for the Pathport DMX network. Philips Lighting showed off its new P3 technology, which allows for highter pinch seal temperatures of up to 500ºC. Phoebus introduced the Ultra Quartz II followspot, a compact high-intensity followspot for key lighting in small spaces.
Protech showed its SmartMotion motorized rigging control system, which can control up to 30 fixed or variable speed motors. The software for SmartMotion was honored as software product of the year at LDI. Pulsar, also part of the Group One booth, showed the Masterpiece Replay Unit 216, which is capable of controlling up to 216 PMX or 512 DMX channels. Reel EFX showed its RE III fan, which features a new 16" blade, twice the blade area of the RE II and three times the horsepower.
Rosco Laboratories' new ImagePro gobo slide projector was LDI Product of the Year/Scenic Effects. It includes a drop-in holder for plastic slides images created with conventional computer printing technology. Also shown was the Delta 3000 Fog Machine, which features digital, analog, or solo DMX remote control for precise cue of effects. Rose Brand now has a range of dimensional soft goods available for rent. The company also touted its new custom digital imaging service for large-scale murals, backdrops, and banners. New from SGM is the Giotto Spot 400, which complements the existing line of the Giotto Wash 400 and Giotto Wash 250. SGM products are distributed in the US by New Century Lighting.
Selecon, distributed in the US by AC Lighting, Angstrom Stage Lighting, and Barbizon as well as by Jack A. Frost Ltd and Johnson Systems Inc. in Canada, had the Pacific Universal lamp housing, which has been redesigned for greater light output with improved beam quality. The Ardiis HiPort is a recessed pattern projector. Socapex introduced the Monopiece SL61 backshell, which is compatible with all the Socapex 419AR range, and waterproofed for outdoor application. The Monopiece SL61 includes built-in double insulation and black non-conductive plating for safety. Soundlight announced a new US distributor, Axis Entertainment. New from Soundlight is the 1512PCI card. Based on the 1512C card, this interface allows control of 1,024 channels out and 1,024 channels in simultaneously. New from Axis is the Axis DMX controller, a software package that controls up to 512 channels of DMX.
Space Cannon introduced the Helicopter, a 2,000W unit that features electronic high-speed strobe and built-in quick dichroic mixer. Also new were two 250W indoor fresnel units for architectural applications: the Deimos 250F with color changer, and the Phobos 250PF, with a silent professional color changer. Strand Lighting showed the new software version 2.5 of its 300 and 500 series of consoles, which was introduced on the hit West End revival of My Fair Lady. Also launched at the show was the SN110 node for the company's ShowNet product range. TMB Associates announced the addition of hot restrike capability to its PowerPAR range of lamps, and the choice of three heavy-duty RJ-45 connectors, including the Neutrik EtherCon connector, to the ProPlex Ethernet cable.
Techni-Lux brought a wide array of new products, including the ServoSpot and ServoColor automated units. Also new were the Tracer2 and Super Trace 2500 followspots, with full electronic control; the ArchiColor250 outdoor wash luminaire and Skyscraper 4000 outdoor moving-head fixture. Other products: a new line of white PAR cans, two new fog fluids--Elite LL and Elite QD--the Commander 48 controller, the Artist multi-role lighting and show controller, and two new laser products, Foil Line and Foil Cross, plus the CableClamp, designed for quick fastening and unfastening of cable from a pipe or truss.
Tempest Lighting had the Storm Enclosure, an LDI Product of the Year Honorable Mention in the Lighting Accessories category. Theatre Effects' new Viper NT digital fog machine features precise, variable output, with internal DMX and timer. Total Structures' Omni, winner of LDI Product of the Year/Rigging and Hardware, is a rotating, hinging, removable fork and spade truss connection system.
Ushio introduced improvements to its HPL line of lamps, now referred to as HPL+, as well as an MR-8 that is 1" (2.5cm) in diameter. Vari-Lite launched the VL1000 automated ellipsoidal reflector spotlight, with a tungsten source that produces an output in excess of 10,000 lumens, a unique color-mixing system, and many other features. Options include a 575W arc source for more output with a remote, truss-mounted ballast and a beam-size iris for models without shutters.
Wavien, formerly Cogent Lighting Technologies, has changed its name to reflect its new emphasis on illumination systems for the projection industry. The company introduced a dual paraboloid illumination platform, with one-to-one imaging, more efficient coupling for a smaller angle, and more uniform light along the length of the fiber optic. Also, 3M and Wavien announced a strategic alliance, offering the new 3M HL High Luminance Light Fiber with Wavien's SolarTec CL light source.
Wybron introduced a redesigned Goboram II, the Moiré double pattern rotator, and the APII Video Tracker, an accessory to the AutoPilot II system that allows a video camera to track the AutoPilot transmitter, and the LightWand moving-mirror accessory. The Product of the Year/Accessory went to the Eclipse II Iris Douser, which was based upon a George Izenour design that was used on an automated softlight at NBC in 1953. Zero 88, distributed in the US by AC Lighting, debuted the Bull Frog, which has double the number of moving light fixtures (24) and preset faders (48) as its sibling, the Fat Frog. Also shown was the new Mambo Frog and the new Frog Box, a 10" rack-mount version of the Fat Frog console for use in themed environments and retail spaces.
LDI 2002 will be in Las Vegas, October 18-20.