The winners of the PLASA Awards for Innovation were applauded by the industry on Monday, September 13th at a champagne reception at PLASA 2004's Central Bar.
The Product Excellence Awards at the PLASA show underwent an important change for 2004 and were relaunched as the PLASA Awards for Innovation.
This year, products were not judged within category lines, but on the grounds of their innovation alone. The judges looked for products that advanced the industry, demonstrated a new style of thinking, represented a key step forward in safety terms, or improved technical practices.
Despite the tighter judging criteria, 66 products were entered, raising over £10,000 for charity and bringing the total amount donated to good causes over the past 7 years to £55,000. The Awards for Innovation winners included:
- XLNT Advanced Technologies' Cyberhoist with InMotion 3D software control as a leap in forward chain hoist control with an elegant solution in control and planning aspects of the production process.
- Enttec's Datagate for its clever design and flexibility in lighting distribution control coupled with a good approach to remote system configuration.
- Hall Stage's DGS Counterweight Drive for its revolutionary approach to design and a noticeable advancement to stage machinery technology.
- Stardraw's Stardraw Control for its innovative approach to architectural building control and with the potential to become a cost-effective control interface for a wide range of applications.
- White Light's Digital Festoon System as an innovative return to incandescent lighting that the judges thought safe and foolproof and believe will make inroads into entertainment lighting.
- Wireless Solutions' W-DMX Transceiver because it takes wireless data to new levels.
- Lewden Electrical's T-Line Splitter since it is a very simple and useful device, making the judges wonder why it hasn't been done before.