Equipment News
Convert Any MAC 2000 Wash XB or MAC 2000 Wash Into A Powerful Beam Fixture In Minutes
Posted on Sunday, September 5th, 2010
Martin Professional has now made it possible to easily convert two of the most advanced wash lights on the market — the Martin MAC 2000 Wash XB and MAC 2000 Wash — into a powerful beam fixture with an inexpensive conversion kit that installs in minutes.
Ideal for any large scale event where both beam and wash effects are required such as stadium and arena shows, the conversion kit gets the most out of existing lighting gear, eliminating the need to invest in a completely new fixture.
The MAC 2000 Beam XB upgrade kit consists of a new front lens module with micro-Fresnel lens and a set of four beam effect gobos/apertures. The kit installs in less than five minutes and also works with the MAC 2000 Wash. Components can be easily uninstalled and the fixture returned to a standard Wash configuration at any time.
The 1500W MAC 2000 Beam XB delivers a fat, tight and hard edge beam, perfect for big beam effects and long throws. Even at very narrow beam angles, output is outstanding with very high intensity. An electronic ballast offers hot-lamp re-strike and the advantage of flicker-free light.
The extremely high output from the MAC 2000 Beam XB is made possible by a combination of high efficacy and very efficient optics. If users require the fixture to match the power output of existing 1200W fixtures, a reduced 1200W mode can be employed, saving energy and increasing lamp life.
Despite a surprisingly compact size, the MAC 2000 Beam XB includes all the proven features of the MAC 2000 Wash XB including full colour mixing, colour wheel, smooth dimming, strobe, variable CTC and zoom (wash effect).
A CMCY colour mixing system offers a broad spectrum of colours. A four-position (plus open) colour wheel is interchangeable, allowing designers to customise shades and complement perfectly the colour mixing system.
The fixture allows for very smooth fading via a combined dimmer/shutter. Mechanical dimming is from 0 to 100%, and the shutter offers rapid strobe effects up to 10 Hz with instant open and blackout. In addition to mechanical dimming, an optional dimming wheel can replace the colour wheel.
A continuously variable colour correction system adds the flexibility to gradually and smoothly increase or decrease colour temperature. It is also useful when working alongside tungsten halogen or for smoothing out colour temperature inconsistencies when working alongside older lamps.
A gobo wheel with four static beam effect gobos/apertures plus open allows for wider or tighter beam effects as well as multiple beams or cone looks.
With a motorised zoom option, the fixture generates a wash effect instead of a hard-edge beam. The wash effect can be zoomed from tight to wide.
The MAC 2000 Beam XB keeps the same optical train, effects and form as the MAC 2000 Wash XB, guaranteeing advantages such as proven reliability.
The MAC 2000 Beam XB is constructed of rugged, modular components for easy maintenance. It has an auto-ranging switch-mode for worldwide use and features the no hassle reliability that has made the MAC 2000 series a market leader.
www.martin.com
Australian distributor: Show Technology www.showtech.com.au
Barco Combines Industry-Leading Media Server and Digital Luminaire to Create Powerful Lighting Package
Posted on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
Barco has announced the release of a fully optimized digital lighting package that harnesses the high brightness and DLP-quality video capabilities of the DML-1200 digital light and combines it with Axon Media Server. This improved solution offers tour companies, corporate events managers and fixed installations, such as houses of worship, expanded opportunities for creating dynamic, multi-faceted shows in a variety of rental and fixed applications.
The brightest digital light on the market today with 12,000 field lumens, the DML-1200 was originally designed as a dual moving digital luminaire and high-quality video projector, offering unlimited image selection with the ability to seamlessly switch between video projection and light mode, cue by cue-the company states. The Axon provides lighting designers with a full complement of digital lighting features, including collage and curved surface support, warping and edge blending, and access to thousands of images. Now, by integrating the DML-1200 with the Axon Media Server, Barco delivers a feature-rich, highly versatile tool that empowers lighting designers with pure creativity at their fingertips, enabling them to produce a truly unique show for every event, client and purpose.
The DML-1200 w/Axon advances the product line’s core capabilities by virtue of its Version 2.0 software, offering up to nine media layers, keystone and digital shutter features, enhanced Collage Generator™ and curved surface support, unlimited effects, and over 1,200 pieces of royalty-free stock content. When combined with the DML-1200’s fast 4:1 zoom, warping and edge blending for external inputs with virtually no frame delay, and light mode with CMY color mixing abilities, the DML-1200 w/Axon provides users with a full complement of unique features.
“We are very pleased to introduce this comprehensive enhancement to the DML-1200 digital luminaire,” said Chris Colpaert, VP of creative lighting for Barco. “By combining the superior functionality and processing power of the Axon Media Server with the vast output and unique illumination capabilities of the DML-1200, we feel the DML-1200 w/Axon is an extremely powerful fixture. Additionally, all DML-1200 w/ Axon fixtures are now built in Austin, TX alongside our other popular lighting products. Together, these advances demonstrate our commitment to the technology, and our keen desire to address our customers’ requests.”
Robe launches green Initiative at PLASA
Posted on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
Robe launches a major new green initiative – Think of the Future – Consider Nature- at PLASA 2010 to underline its ongoing commitment to developing and producing genuinely cutting-edge, innovative and energy saving products.
Using Robe’s latest products, the booth lightshow will consume 30% less power than before, and look equally impressive, says the company.
There will also be no less than seven newly launched environmentally friendly moving light and LED products on stand 1-F47 from the Czech Republic based manufacturer.
Says MD Josef Valchar, “Robe has already been operating a strong green policy for several years, we are not just jumping onboard a current trend, and now is the time to push this philosophy to the next level”. He adds that Robe intends to keep at the forefront of developing sustainable technologies and encouraging everyone to think seriously and imaginatively about their application in our industry, with “our collective futures in mind”.
Think of the Future – Consider Nature also sees a whole new range of Robe marketing materials and merchandising, which will be available and running alongside all the classic Robe brand idents.
Robe’s stand at PLASA this year will have a strong green theme and colouration, and feature several strategically placed Bonsai Trees to really bring the environmental message home.
The ergonomics of the stand design allow maximum accessibility for visitors and customers to view the new products and meet the people behind them. The space is completely open all round, with an inviting feel, encouraging the rapid and fluid movement of people, with a raised area in the middle that can be utilised for meetings or chilling out and enjoying Robe’s famous hospitality.
The top of the stand is draped on three sides and hanging from the roof will be a series of projection cones in stretched white fabric, with one larger central cone. These will be used to highlight Robe’s DigitalSpot 7000 and 3000DT fixtures and their projection capabilities.
Lighting and visuals for the stand are designed by Robe UK’s Nathan Wan, and will utilise Robe’s latest Robin series of moving lights, both 600 and 300 versions in Spot, Wash and Beam ranges, and also their ColorWash 750AT Tungstens.
The New Product gallery will be open and accessible all around the ground floor area of the stand allowing people a close up look at the technology.
The back of the stand will feature a section for sister company Anolis’s latest architecturally orientated LED products, and at the top, a large projection screen will receive material from DigitalSpot 7000DTs rigged on the nearby HSL stand.
Robe’s demo room will also be running throughout the exhibition, where individuals or groups can be booked in for an in-depth session on the new products and to learn more about Robe’s concepts and dedication to carbon emission reduction.
www.robe.cz
Australian Distributor: ULA www.ulagroup.com
New W-DMX™ BlueBox Unveiled at PLASA
Posted on Monday, August 23rd, 2010
Wireless Solution Sweden AB will unveil the latest product to the award-winning W-DMX™ line, the BlueBox RDM Controller, during PLASA 2010 in London, September 12-15 in Stand 1-E43.
BlueBox is the industry’s first PC-based intelligent, integrated DMX and RDM controller software. Built from the ground up specifically for controlling large rigs of RDM enabled products, the BlueBox RDM controller allows users to search for any RDM enabled product in a DMX/RDM Network, automatically patch the fixture, and control the fixture, as well as receive status updates on the fixture and configure settings such as fixture mode, lamp on/off and more. This makes the BlueBox RDM controller perfect for quick setup and programming of corporate and live event rigs (much quicker than an equivalent DMX console due to the fast automation that RDM allows for), and is ideal for autonomous monitoring of large scale lighting installations in architectural environments.
The BlueBox RDM controller is built with a set of features specifically for the W-DMX™ G4 range. BlueBox will automatically search for and find any G4 transmitters and RDM enabled G4 receivers and display them clearly on the screen. Useful information, such as signal strength and wireless channels used can be displayed, and useful configuration options such as signal power, transmitter/receiver pairing and compatibility modes can be set up quickly and easily from dedicated W-DMX™ menus. Users can also see which RDM fixtures are connected through which W-DMX™ receiver, simplifying installation.
The DMX controller allows cue lists to be built, coupled with powerful timing control to enable automatic, architectural or event lighting to take place, with minimal user intervention. The clear, concise fixture alerting system alerts the user if there are any problems with fixtures on screen and by email, virtually eliminating all manual checking of fixtures in fixed installations. The cue list quick select allows dynamic shows to be programmed and run ‘on-site’.
BlueBox comes as an Ethernet dongle and PC software, and is optimized for touch screen PCs. Use of a simple wireless LAN allows the controller to be brought practically anywhere in a venue, making patching, focusing, testing and programming much easier. Multiple dongles can be used for multiple universes of DMX/RDM, allowing a practically unlimited system size.
www.wirelessdmx.com
Australian Distributor: ULA www.ulagroup.com
Martin EC-20™ LED Panels: Creative LED Never Looked Better!
Posted on Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
The EC-20 is a new generation LED panel by Martin Professional designed for those who place value on solid, dependable performance and superior image quality.
By combining the image quality and precision of conventional high resolution screens with the creativity and low weight of mesh type screens, the EC-20 provides new design possibilities for all manner of indoor and outdoor staging, as well as permanent installations.
The EC-20 offers several advantages over other types of LED panels. It features a 20 mm pixel pitch and delivers an impressive 4,000 nits of brightness. Designed for rapid setup and teardown in combination with maximum flexibility, color and brightness is calibrated for each individual pixel for maximum image quality.
Using high efficiency Nichia LEDs, the EC-20 offers visual performance at the highest level. Pinpoint 48-bit color processing ensures uncompromised color depth at any brightness setting. Each pixel is color and brightness calibrated for maximum color and brightness uniformity and consistency from pixel to pixel and panel to panel.
A high level of brightness – 4000 nits (cd/m²) – is more than sufficient for any indoor use and bright enough for virtually any outdoor application.
An optional integrated curving system enables a panel to panel angle of +/- 20° with maintained pixel pitch. This makes it easy to create curved screens and circles with a radius of only 1.5 m (5 ft) without visible gaps.
Each panel is made up of 18 pixel blocks, each one easily removable for creative design/shape flexibility, including the integration of different resolution pixel-blocks. The EC-20 operates completely flicker free thanks to a 3000Hz LED refresh rate (3-8 times higher than other screens).
The EC-20 panels are transparent and allow light and effects to pass through (audio, smoke and air too), creating increased possibilities for multi-layered looks.
The EC-20 is driven by Martin’s innovative and award-winning P3-100 System Controller, an ultra robust unit for advanced video signal processing and integration with lighting control. The P3 processing system makes setting up an LED screen a true “plug and play” experience. Based on Gigabit Ethernet and Cat5e wiring, P3 technology removes the limitations of video-type protocols for easy connectivity and speed of set up.
A key feature of the modular EC-20 system is its ease of set up (and tear down) with no tools required for savings in time and hassle. The panels are low weight for easy one man handling and the user-friendly design requires no separate rental structure. Integrated power and signal connections have eliminated the need for cables between panels.
Built of rugged materials with precise mechanics, the EC-20 features a true IP65 protection rating, fully protected LEDs, and a wide operating temperature range for use in all types of environments. They will remain specification-ready 2-3 times longer than cheaper LED screens.
Essentially maintenance free, the EC-20 panels are completely convection cooled and use no fans which means no noise, fewer parts to fail, less cleaning, and greater reliability. The panels are also ultra quiet for use in noise sensitive environments.
www.martin.com
Australian Distributor: Show Technology www.showtech.com.au
W-DMX™ Goes Down Under with ULA at Integrate 2010
Posted on Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Wireless Solution Sweden AB will be showing the newest revolution of Wireless DMX control, W-DMX™ Generation 4 to Australia during Integrate 2010 in Sydney. The product will be demonstrated with the ULA Group, W-DMX exclusive distributor in Australia, August 24-26 at the Hordern Pavilion and Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park. ULA offers the best in lighting and solutions for entertainment, architectural and LED Vision technology, in addition to world-class technical service and support. As such, training courses for W-DMX will be available three times daily during Integrate 2010. Visit the ULA staff for training session times.
Wireless Solution has always claimed to be as good as cable, but with the introduction of W-DMX Generation 4, it’s actually better. Unlike any cable, the new G4 is able to repair corrupted data and vouches for maximum security by running on dual band and creating a backup duplicate of the signal. This new standard is transparent and works with several protocols, creating extreme flexibility and reliability without the need for additional controllers or software.
Visitors to the ULA booth will learn about how the new G4 product line brings innovative new features to the award-winning W-DMX line of products, including Adaptive Frequency Hopping technology to avoid interference from Wi-fi, Intercom and other radio products, W-DMX invisi-wire and data-safe technologies for unparalleled fidelity, and support of RDM (Remote Device Management) so units can be configured remotely with no fuss or cables. W-DMX G4 is the only product on the market to support the 5.8GHz band as standard, ensuring that even if the 2.4GHz band becomes too crowded with other users, your lighting control remains rock solid. G4 also has the highest output power, up to 800mW on 2.45GHz and 1000mW on 5.8GHz.
ULA operates not only as the exclusive distributor and importer of W-DMX (along with some of the world’s leading entertainment and architectural lighting brands) but in fact as a working partner. Niclas Arvidsson, CEO of Wireless Solution says, “ULA has been an extremely strong partner to W-DMX for a long time, and our partnership grows stronger each year. Their technical knowledge and support of the W-DMX brand can be seen in these regional shows like Integrate that include training sessions. We get really great feedback from these shows.”
Cuono Biviano, Managing Director for ULA says, “ULA takes great pride in representing the world’s best brands in the industry and W-DMX is one of those brands. We look forward to demonstrating the new Generation 4 product line during Integrate 2010. The show is one of the best in this region for reaching top quality professionals and we expect to get a great response on this new product.”
The Streamline Series of LED lights – a modular lighting revolution
Posted on Thursday, August 5th, 2010
Hotbeam – Pioneer in LED lighting has released the Streamline Series of table, floor and pendant lights in the Australian market. These products offer stylish design and an innovative modular approach to lighting. Lighting modules can be easily changed or added to the sleek stylish housing to vary the color and amount of light output. With very low power usage and a long life span, the Streamline Series combines aesthetics with sustainability in products suited to a wide variety of applications.
The Streamline table light is a versatile and stylish free standing lamp that will provide warm illumination to enhance the atmosphere. This lamp is composed of an anodised aluminium housing and high powered LED modules. The light measures 500mm high. The Streamline table light can be used on benches, tabletops, side tables, etc.
The Streamline floor light fitting is an ultra sleek statement piece. The light measures 1600mm high. Like the table light it swivels on it’s base for easy adjustment.
The Streamline pendant light fitting is an environmentally friendly way to provide over table, bench and desk lighting. The pendant measures 1000mm. Not only can the light source modules be added and changed, you can position the modules to provide lighting exactly where it is required above the work surface or table.
The Streamline Series uses high output LEDs to provide lighting that consumes about one third of the energy of Halogen lights. These LEDs have a life span of 50,000 hours. The lifespan of these fittings is further enhanced by the modular design. Whereas most LED lighting has a lifespan only as long as the LED itself, the Streamline series light source modules are easily replaceable. This gives the Streamline Series real eco-credibility.
MDG theONE™ Digital Atmospheric Generator
Posted on Thursday, August 5th, 2010
MDG’s theONE™ is a fully digital, dual mode fog/haze atmospheric generator that offers control over atmospheric effects from a single source. An efficient multi-level user interface, accessible from the backlit LCD panel, allows gradual switching between fog and haze modes via various networking protocols. Each parameter is set into specific presets but can be accessed and redefined by advanced users. The networking capability allows installation of the generator as part of an existing ACN network. Automatic refilling occurs from an external 20-liter (5.3 US gal) fluid container and with the two interconnected 9kg (20 lb) CO2 or N2 gas bottles. The generator and accessories sit in separate cradles, and the standard aluminum rolling rack provides several rigging options. Total running time with the 20-liter container is estimated at 10 hours in fog mode and 308 hours in haze mode.
www.mdgfog.com
Australian Distributor: Bytecraft Entertainment www.byteent.com
Mac version of LSC Clarity now
Posted on Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
In reply to the overwhelming demand for a Mac version of the Clarity Lighting control software, LSC Lighting Systems is proud to announce this week, the release of Clarity for Mac.
After months of extensive beta testing in many parts of the world and on various shows, the new release of Clarity for Mac software is show safe and is now available for download from the LSC website.
This first public release for the Mac has exactly the same features and offerings as the newly released version 1.2 of the PC software. For this reason, the first Mac release of software is also labelled Version 1.2 to ensure that the PC and Mac versions track each other.
The latest PC version of Clarity can also be downloaded from the LSC website www.lsclighting.com
New Philips Vari-Lite VL550 Wash and VL1100 ERS Luminaires Now Shipping
Posted on Thursday, July 15th, 2010
Philips Vari-Lite has announced that the new VL550 Wash and Vl1100 ERS luminaires are now shipping. Updating the current VL500 Wash and VL1000 ERS luminaire models, the new VL550 and VL1100 series have undergone design enhancements to provide a more quiet and smooth operation, while maintaining the same power and performance of their predecessors. Plus, each series now offers a 315W ceramic discharge lamp model, further demonstrating the Philips Vari-Lite commitment to being a market leader in eco-friendly lighting technology.
“As part of our responsibility to offer ongoing engineering improvements to all our product lines, we are excited to now be shipping the VL550 and VL1100 luminaires,” stated Bob Schacherl, vice president of sales and marketing. “We feel that by introducing these latest improvements, we are ensuring the sustainability of the product lines and solidifying our commitment to implement technology that leads the way in Green entertainment lighting, without sacrificing the performance expected from a Vari*Lite luminaire.”
The Vari*Lite VL550 Wash luminaire is still based upon the Emmy Award-winning VL5 Wash luminaire, but with significant design improvements, including a 50 kHz. drive system that quiets the operation of all two-phase motors in the fixture during movement and while in static positions. This luminaire is now available in the VL550, VL550D, VL550CD, and VL550 80V models. The VL550CD model utilizes a 315W ceramic discharge lamp that offers the color temperature of tungsten, a high CRI, and an incredibly long-rated lamp life of 8,000 hours.
The current VL500A luminaire model is now being discontinued, but will continue to be serviced and supported by the Philips Vari-Lite customer support team.
As the next generation of the VL1000 ERS luminaire, all models of the VL1100 luminaire will also have a new 50 kHz. drive system that quiets the operation of all two-phase motors. Additional enhancements include new, three-phase, ultra quiet stepper motors that provide a smooth, timed continuous pan and tilt motion; and a new central bearing system in the gobo wheel reduces noise and ensures smooth operation. This luminaire is now available in the VL1100 Arc, VL1100 Tungsten, and VL1100CD models. As with the VL550CD, the VL1100CD model also utilizes a 315W ceramic discharge lamp for an 8,000 hour lamp life with more than 8,000 lumens of output, and a high CRI.
www.vari-lite.com
Australian distributor: Jands www.jands.com.au
DTS DELTA gets even Brighter
Posted on Friday, July 9th, 2010
DTS have unveiled their new DELTA 10 F RGBW. Its compact, it delivers superb colour and it’s really bright.
DELTA 10 F RGBW is the brightest LED colour changer in its category: 7.000 Lux at 5 m. With a high protection rating (IP55), its ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
The light source is composed of 240 LEDs (60 Red, 60 Green, 60 Blue, 60 White) with 19.500 total lumens. There are five interchangeable lens sets available: spot (12°), medium flood (25°), wide flood (45°), elliptical (15° x 45°) and asymmetrical, which offer different light beam projection angles.
The LEDs distribution pattern guarantees a smooth colour mixing quality for RGBW colours and a uniform projection on surfaces, no matter what colour is used. DELTA 10 F RGBW can generate 16 million colours; colour temperature can be varied over a linear range from 2800°K to 6500°K.
As in the original version of the Delta, the new DELTA 10 F RGBW offers a range of exclusive functions, including: *Twilight sensor for switching the unit on and off automatically, according to external light intensity, making it ideal for maximising energy savings in today’s energy conscious environments.
With DMX as standard, there is also a complete on board menu that allows the fixture to be programmed and memorised in a sequence of events for stand alone use. It even includes a built in scheduler.
The DELTA 10 F is also available in RGBA or in a White+Amber version (180 white LEDs + 60 amber LEDs).
LSC introduces TruPower
Posted on Monday, June 28th, 2010
For a number of years LSC has been listening to the requests, particularly from larger venues, for a way to allow the easy conversion of any dimmer channel into a simple switched power outlet. One solution is to offer ‘hot swap’ modules that allow 2,4,6 or 12 channels to be quickly interchanged from dimmer module to switch module and back again. However the cost, complexity and low flexibility of these systems often preclude them as a viable choice; so LSC went to their R&D department to find a better way.
The result is TruPowerTM, an affordable technology where every individual channel of the dimming system contains both a dimmer and a bypass contactor circuit to allow any channel or combination of channels to be instantly changed from one mode to the other.
A TruPowerTM channel can be switched to provide either standard dimming or direct power. This means that any circuit that may require dimmed or direct power now or in the future can be wired with a single power run and the type of power offered can be set by the dimmer. This not only makes the system flexible but future-proof. Today the rig can be all incandescent profiles and dimmed in a tradition manner and tomorrow you can set the rig to be all direct power and fly moving lights safe in the knowledge that the moving light is seeing the same power as if you plugged it into a normal power outlet.
Available now in the EKO and TEKO dimmers, the configuration of which channels are dimmed and which are direct power can be selected:
1. via the User Interface;
2. permanently – for situations where it is desirable that any particular channel’s power mode is fixed;
3. via RDM – the latest addition to DMX512 allowing control of the dimmer from a remote location.
4. via LSCnet utilising a wall mount push-button controller or from a Building Management System.
5. remotely using Houston – LSC remote monitoring and control software.
One of the first customers to use TruPower is the Gold Coast Arts Centre where 516 channels of EKO TruPower dimming were installed in February 2010.
There is an expanded version of this press release on our website:
www.lsclighting.com
ArKaos Releases Media Master Express
Posted on Monday, June 21st, 2010
ArKaos, the world-leading provider of technology for live visual performances, is pleased to announce the release of MediaMaster Express, the latest update of its successful media server software.
MediaMaster Express is a simple, cost effective version of ArKaos’ professional tool for creative projection and LED use within video design. It has been created especially for small theatres, clubs, shops, bar installations and freelance light designers. Anyone with a limited budget can now enjoy the results of a powerful media server at an affordable price.
Easy to set up
ArKaos has designed MediaMaster Express to help users to set up a show and incorporate video quickly, easily and cost-effectively. There is no need for large or expensive lighting consoles. With only a small lighting desk or the basic ability of DMX or MIDI synchronization, customers can now benefit from the powerful media management and efficient media playback of MediaMaster, by choosing MediaMaster Express.
Simple to use
MediaMaster Express has been designed with a simplicity that makes it equally suited to both entry level users and to the more experienced technician who requires only Simple Mode use.
MediaMaster Express uses a similar method to that which made the ArKaos VJ DMX Simple Mode so popular. Just drag and drop visuals on the interface – no video recompression is needed – then assign them to DMX or MIDI triggers.
Control is via a computer keyboard – like all ArKaos products, Media Master Express is compatible with both MAC and PC – a simple DMX lighting desk or any MIDI controller compatible with your system.
Cost effective
ArKaos MediaMaster Express is probably the most affordable media server software on the market, so is within reach of small shows, theatres and freelancers. Plus, its upgradable license system saves you money in the future. Start now with MediaMaster Express for simple control of your show through DMX or MIDI; later, just pay the difference and upgrade to MediaMaster Pro to obtain access to full fixture control mode and advanced compatibility with professional lighting desks. ArKaos MediaMaster Express is economical on cost, not on results.
Simply put, MediaMaster Express is the easiest and most economical media server software that has ever existed.
Marco Hinic, ArKaos CEO says, “Based on years of expertise we wanted to build the Swiss Knife of media server software. Reading almost any video file, being used from most types of controllers and displaying on video screens and LEDs. We wanted the solution to be always there, simple and fast to use like a Swiss Knife.”
MediaMaster Express Training
Dedicated to distributors and customers across the Europe, US and Asia, a series of training sessions and demonstrations of MediaMaster Express start 14 June, details of the futures dates will be announced on the ArKaos web site.
MediaMaster Express Main Features:
• Easy to use
• Mac and PC compatible
• 8 HD layer
• Control video layers with just a few DMX dimmers or MIDI notes
• Work on a single DMX universe or MIDI channel
• Drag & Drop visuals directly on the main interface
• No video recompression needed
• Organize your shows with up to 64 patches of 64 cells
• Control up to 3 parameters per cell via DMX or MIDI
• Optional fade time on trigger
• Led mapper included
www.arkaos.net
Australian Distributor: Show Technology www.showtech.com.au
wysiwyg R25’s App on Apple website
Posted on Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
The latest extension for wysiwyg R25 is featured on the Apple iPhone website as part of Apple’s new Apps for Everything campaign focusing on remote control. Essentially, the theme is that apps can make your handheld device the ultimate remote.
wysiwyg R25, developed by CAST Software of Toronto, Canada, is the latest update in the industry standard for professional lighting previsualisation. The Company added this addition to R25 as a new third party application extension to work with Luminair 2.0 wireless multi-touch DMX control software for the iPhone and iPod touch, developed by Synthe FX of Cincinnati, Ohio. wysiwyg can download fixture point of view and the necessary DMX data to these handheld devices so users are able to see what a specific fixture’s focus should be and adjust the fixture accordingly. Once that fixture is focused, the user can turn that light off and the next one on from the remote location viewer, leading to download and trigger abilities for looks.
Synthe FX founder and lead product developer Ryan Hisey says, “Never before have lighting professionals had the option of designing looks on a master console, recording snapshots and building a simple show that they can carry in their pocket. We are very excited to be working with CAST Software, which is a highly respected industry leader, on such a groundbreaking new feature for lighting pros.”
Philips Selecon Announce SPX, Ellipsoidals for the 21st Century
Posted on Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
Philips Selecon is pleased to announce the release of a new generation of tungsten halogen ellipsoidal luminaires. SPX represents a fresh new look at the ellipsoidal profile, taking advantage of the advances in manufacturing technologies and the core technology of Philips Specialised Lamps. Developed to meet the evolving needs of 21st century entertainment lighting practice SPX is outstanding in its class with many new and innovative features while still retaining intuitive controls, standard beam angles and a familiar appearance; no need to re-learn your craft.
SPX has been designed to complement the existing Philips Entertainment ellipsoidal inventories (Pacific and Acclaim), while at the same time offering a more efficient, reliable and safer solution for everyone working in a hands-on capacity in a theatre lighting environment regardless of age, experience, amateur or professional status. Available in 15°-35° and 25°-50° Zoomspot and 14°, 19°, 26°, 36° and 50° Fixed Beam models the SPX is the first ERS to fully exploit the output and successfully deal with the high heat associated with the latest generation compact filament 800W lamps.
SPX delivers more light for your stage (up to 63% more than current industry benchmarks) which allows you to consider energy saving options such as the use of a lower wattage lamp or through using SPX at lower dimmer levels (less power). The combination of this optical reflector design with premium optical lenses (supplied as standard) provides a crisp white light with no pinkish hues or other colour cast for high definition pattern projection as well as the colour results you deserve from your filter selections.
Completely new to the Philips Selecon ‘innovations’ repertoire is the moulded yoke design which provides a stiffness factor twice that of steel as used in current industry unit yokes. Coupled with the Selecon-designed precision tilt lock off, SPX delivers a more stable luminaire reducing the wasted time and frustration of ‘focus slippage’. This new yoke design also features integral formed guides which hold the power cable, and if required a data cable, clear of the luminaire body and safely up to the lighting bar.
Further advancements introduced in the SPX range include the integral shutter lock. The two plane shutter design ensures the same focus on all four shutters which can then be secured using this unique clamp solution. Secondly, SPX is double insulated, removing the need for earth testing for quicker, simpler testing procedures than conventional luminaires.
The application of Cool Touch technology, as pioneered by the Pacific range, means the lamp module with its large grab handle and the lens tube are able to be handled without the use of gloves minimising the chance of burns when adjusting focus. Automatic mains power disconnection when the lamp module is removed to change the lamp is a standard feature on all Selecon entertainment luminaires and SPX is no exception.
Industry standard size colour filter holder and fitted safety bond supplied. Accessories include ‘B’ size steel and glass pattern holders; irises, rotators and scrollers.
SPX is evolutionary, from its form to its structure and size. Like all of Philips Selecon products SPX has been designed and developed to exceed your expectations and lead in energy efficiency, proudly supported by the Philips Selecon industry-leading three year warranty.
Hotbeam ultra slim LED MiniStar light
Posted on Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
Hotbeam – Pioneer in LED lighting has released an exciting, energy efficient modular lighting product – the LED MiniStar.
The LED MiniStar has very low power consumption of 3.5 watts per unit. It has a pleasant warm white light output. The LED MiniStar’s dimensions are 75mm x 75mm x 12 mm high, making it ideal for use in small spaces. It weighs in at just 77 grams.
Sleek and minimal in appearance, the innovative design provides for excellent heat dissipation giving the product a long life span. The life of the product is further enhanced with the provision of a replaceable LED module.
The LED MiniStar comes as a pack of three modules pre-wired with a wall transformer making it a simple product to specify and install. It can also be purchased in single modules for custom installations.
Use the LED MiniStar in shelving, kitchen lighting, cupboards, display cases and under cabinets. The LED MiniStar provides a simple, environmentally sound and easy to install lighting system.
Underbelly 3 Haze
Posted on Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
The producers of Underbelly used the HZ400 in the series currently being screened on TV, ‘Underbelly – The Golden Mile’. The Antari HZ-400 is capable of producing very large quantities of haze both quickly and quietly, with fine translucence and long hanging time.
It’s a professional product that creates a more ‘pro’ look compared to standard fog. The fluid lasts considerably longer, 1 litre per 16 hours or 40 hours from a full tank, and is less likely to set off smoke alarms in venues. The hazer can be used in ballrooms or theatres where restrictions on fog use may apply, and with silent operation it is well suited for TV, film, theatre or any stage applications. The specially designed compressor used to disperse the haze is vibration free and operates with virtually no noise. These machines have been used in Hollywood movie productions such as X-Men Wolverine, so have found great favour in professional production duties.
The unit uses a mineral oil-based haze liquid and comes with an HC1 remote, featuring timer with interval, duration adjustment and manual on/off. Great for ‘set and forget’ operation. In addition with built-in DMX512, haze operation is readily controllable within your DMX chain. Profiles are easily available for lighting control software. The HZ-400 is equipped with an internal, maintenance-free air compressor, a sophisticated haze transfer mechanism and a specially designed liquid tank, all built to high quality standards. The warranty period is 12 months with Industry Gear service centers easily accessed around the country.
Antari HZ400 road cases are also available at a very realistic cost.
For dealer and sales enquiries please email sales@industrygear.com.au or call 02 9718 4900.
Radio DMX Ratstands Eat Spaghetti
Posted on Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
RAT Music Stands introduce a new range of professional battery powered LEDlights with optional radio control.
“The new radio control receiver is an integral part of the very slim lamp housing”, said Andrew Michell, Managing Director of R.A.T. Music Stands, “and in conjunction with rechargeable batteries this system enables the total elimination of cables that would otherwise present an ugly mess on the floor”.
In response to customer demand the new system enables every stand to have its own DMX address, so that in a situation where different combinations of musicians are required for different parts of the performance, each stand can be separately controlled.
The transmitter has built in rechargeable batteries and a local control mode which enables it to be used completely autonomously. As Keith Hogben, Sales Manager at R.A.T., points out, “in local mode, you can just plonk a group of stands in the aisles or the middle of a field and control them wirelessly without having to plug in a single thing”.
The new LEDlights have a housing as thin as a finger, and yet give sharper control of stray light than any previous R.A.T. light. A wide range of power sources is available including a choice of NiMH batteries giving 5 or 9 hours use at full power, and much longer if dimmed.
About R.A.T. (Music Stands) Limited
Based in London, England, and with North American offices in Atlanta, GA, R.A.T. (Music Stands) Ltd is the world’s leading designer and producer of professional music stands and related products. R.A.T.’s designs are the result of over thirty years of collaboration with musicians, musical directors and music venues around the world.
Further product and individual purchase information on RATstands are available at www.ratstands.com
Green Hippo Announces New High-Performance Hardware for Hippotizer and Special Trade-In Policy
Posted on Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
Green Hippo has begun shipping all Hippotizer HDs with extensive hardware revisions enabling radical performance gains for the award-winning media server range. Based around Intel’s i7 processors the revisions harness the processors unrivalled power and work in conjunction with version 3.0.14’s new software Playback Engine from the London based company. The i7-based servers are significantly faster and allow for more video playback layers. Previous machines ran between 2-5 layers depending on the specification and the age of the unit whilst the new i7 based units are capable of eight layers of full HD playback simultaneously. (Based on 3.0.14 beta version running standard 1920×1080 content at 100% speed on a single HD output.) “We’ve always implemented hardware revisions unannounced as a matter of course but the gains from i7 are too significant to be seen as a progression ; it’s more of a milestone” says James Ross Heron from Green Hippo. “Several other revisions have coincided with the new software perfectly and users will see a quantifiable performance gain, especially in jobs utilizing our built in encoder and split media rendering such as UberPan projects.”
Johan West of West Lighting, Finland recently received shipment of an i7 based machine and is completely converted “The differences between the previous HD and the i7 HD are remarkable! It’s so much faster especially with regards to media decoding. It’s given Hippotizer the edge in the server world and it’s pretty amazing what you can do with it. It’s opened up host of new possibilities for what I can do with these servers”
Other features in Hippotizer 3.0.14 software include support for EMS’ iVu4 2×2 video wall controllers allowing 2 of these devices to be driven by the outputs of a Hippotizer HD providing 8 screen feeds of 1024 x 768 each. Used in conjunction with the latest VideoMapper plugin, the machines can freely place and rotate any of the outputs within the playback canvas and hence gives tremendous freedom to design and deliver new staging concepts with reduced hardware costs.
From May 1st all Hippotizer HD machines will ship with i7 processors and for those customers that already own a Hippotizer HD V3 an upgrade path will be offered, allowing them to take full advantage of the new hardware at a reduced price. Green Hippo are also offering a global trade-in offer for older machines, so even customers with V2 units can benefit from the latest technology at a recession-busting price with additional discounts offered on any units traded in for new i7 machines.
“These gains are too great to limit them to future owners so we’ve decided to allow existing users to share in the performance gains via trade-in. We think it’s only fair that those who’ve championed our products should share in the ability to have Hippotizers fly on their shows!” says Heron.
www.green-hippo.com
Australian Distributor: Clearlight Shows www.clearlight.com.au
Pathway Connectivity Celebrates 10 Years of Pathport With Octo
Posted on Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
The new eight-port Octo, a rack-mounted node that allows for compact installation of large numbers of ports in limited space
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the unveiling of Pathway Connectivity’s Pathport® DMX-over-Ethernet nodes, and the company now launches the new eight-port Octo, a rack-mounted node that allows for compact installation of large numbers of ports in limited space. The eight ports are individually configurable in any combination.
A front-panel interface allows quick access to port direction, DMX output speed, Ethernet protocol choice, and basic universe patching. Full merge and priority channel patching, along with advanced features such as signal loss behavior (including crossfade), port-labeling, and choice of E1.31 streaming ACN version, are set via the free, platform-independent configuration software, Pathport Manager.
With choice of XLR or terminal strip connectors, the system works on its own as a DMX splitter with Ethernet connectivity or as the heart of a new DMX distribution system. It can also be retrofitted into the existing cabling of legacy systems such as DMXPathfinders.
www.pathwayconnect.com
Australian Distributor: Jands www.jands.com.au
Chroma-Q Color Charge Provides Battery Powered RGBA LED Fixture
Posted on Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Recently shown at USITT, the new Chroma-Q Color Charge LED fixture is a 600 lumen, battery powered, wireless DMX fixture which is ideal for any indoor temporary lighting application where wiring is a challenge or where install speed is critical, transforming a venue in minutes.
The Color Charge fixture’s environmentally friendly design includes a recyclable long life battery cell and an interchangeable LED head for upgrading in the future. The highly efficient nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) power cell delivers up to 30 hours usage from a single charge and provides up to 1,000 charges; approximately double the life of lead-acid batteries. The fixture also features a built-in mains charger that enables it to continue to be used while charging, and a gas gauge showing the percentage and hours of usage remaining.
The Color Charge features Wireless Solutions wireless DMX control and synching between units, allowing connection of up to 512 fixtures on a single network. With a wireless range of 150m in a crowded room and 250m with a clear line of site, the Color Charge is ideal for large indoor spaces. Also, the unit’s wireless aerial folds away discreetly for convenient transportation.
The plug and play fixture also features synchronized effects between units, slave modes allowing simple opposite a/b color effects and a built in stand-alone playback mode.
Manufactured in North America and part of the new generation of Chroma-Q LED lighting models, the Color Charge utilizes unique color mixing and control management technologies providing a high quality light output.
The Chroma-Q RGBA engine has been developed to deliver an incredible CRI of 92, for true color balance across the spectrum and accurate tungsten white light emulation. The fixture utilizes unique ColorSure technology for enhanced color consistency across cells and fixtures.
The Color Charge is extremely bright for a battery powered fixture, producing 600 lumens output. The unit also features smooth, theatrical grade dimming, making it suitable for a wide range of temporary indoor entertainment and architectural lighting applications.
Featuring a quick focus click mechanism providing stepped beam angles, the remote head can be quickly and easily positioned. For discreet usage, the unit features a black body and optional half hat snoot to hide the lens source from view.
The Color Charge can be floor mounted or hung from truss via M12 nutsert and safely secured in place via a built-in Kensington lock slot. For maximum practicality, the Color Charge can also be mains powered and controlled via wired DMX.
www.chroma-q.com
Australian Distributor: Jands www.jands.com.au
Light Emotion Ledbar 3 x 12tri
Posted on Wednesday, May 12th, 2010
The Ledbar has become renowned as a supremely versatile fixture that is as equally at home in a 5 star hotel as a nightclub. The flexibility of use and application is of appeal to production companies and installers alike. With the burgeoning variety of led bars available, with more power and affordability on offer, now sees Light Emotion offering a 3 x 12 Watt Tri Colour LED wash light for a low $599 RRP. With multiple hanging brackets for stage floor, truss or lighting stands, and housed in a compact and lightweight chassis. Beam angle is set at 42 degrees while the 12 by 3 Watt Tri Colour LEDs actually reduce shadow, providing smoother colour mixing. Plenty of control options can be accessed with multiple DMX control options, up to 36 channels. Additional features include built-in automated and sound-activated programs via master/slave, as well as a hypnotic variable speed-pulse effect. Rich red, green and blue colour washes can be achieved (plus static colours), without the need for a DMX controller. Lux is set at a powerful 1,360 at 1m, and weighing in at a modest 3.2 kgs you won’t be breaking your back handling them. The ledbar is just over 1 meter in length with power auto switching built in, and piggy-back plug. For dealer or stockist information please email sales@industrygear.com.au or call +2 9718 4900.
The Martin Exterior 400 Range™
Posted on Wednesday, May 5th, 2010
The outdoor installation market now has the best combination of powerful, compact and energy-efficient LED light fixtures to date – the new Exterior 400 Range from Martin Professional.
No matter the application – long or short throw, cold or warm white, dynamic or static color – the Exterior 400 Range does it all.
Exterior 400™
For lighting designs requiring uniform color washes at great distances, the Exterior 400 provides extremely bright light (4900 lm) at narrow beam angles. Great for lighting the tops of structures or reaching across long spaces, the Exterior 400 also broadens your choice of colors by mixing red, green, blue and white LEDs.
Exterior 410™
When closer distances, perfect color mixing at the fixture and no color separation is called for, the Exterior 410 steps in with very powerful pre-mixed LEDs. At 4900 lumens, the Exterior 410 is also extremely bright and uses RGBW color mixing to provide a wide and rich palette of colors.
Exterior 420™
If white light is what you need, but you want the added flexibility of color temperature control from warm to cold white, the Exterior 420 offers one of the most powerful white light units on the market, with the widest color temperature range possible.
Exterior 430™
Finally, for designs needing just one color, the Exterior 430 offers the choice of red, green, blue or white light fixtures.
With very low power consumption (max 139 W), the Exterior 400 Range is also the new leader in energy-efficient LED lighting. All fixtures include color calibration ensuring uniformity, a super rugged IP65 housing, and internal power and control.
www.martin.com
Australian Distributor: Show Technology www.showtech.com.au
DTS Releases new RA7 Head Full Colour LED Projector
Posted on Monday, May 3rd, 2010
RA 7 HEAD FULL COLOUR is a compact LED projector ideal for lighting and colouring objects and surfaces with a homogeneous projection. It is designed either for fixed or mobile installations, either indoor or outdoor, and is complete with an adjustable bracket for fitting on walls or other supports.
RA 7 HEAD FULL COLOUR is ideal in range of applications, including clubs, restaurant, stands, public and commercial spaces, museums, exhibitions, buildings, monuments, etc.
It is a modern alternative to conventional compact light sources, offering a new approach to architectural lighting in terms of light quality, flexibility of use and installation, energy savings and component duration.
ENERGY SAVING
The power consumption of the built-in LED’s is lower than that of normal light sources, and it is proportional to the luminous intensity emitted.
The LED’s generate extremely saturated colours with no need for additional filters (with a higher yield of W/Lumen), and don’t emit infrared or ultraviolet radiation.
The use of LED’s solid-state technology allied with the extreme robustness of the assembly allows RA 7 HEAD FULL COLOUR to be used in fixed or temporary applications calling for levels of reliability and durability that cannot be achieved with traditional compact projectors.
The effective lifespan of the LED’s is about 100,000 hours in normal operating conditions, and the quality of light emission remains constant over time, with a drastic reduction in installation operation and maintenance costs.
NETWORKING
RA 7 HEAD FULL COLOUR can be remotely powered by a choice of Z-series external power suppliers / controllers.
Ample networks of interconnected RA 7 HEAD FULL COLOUR projectors can be created, with up to 32 units for each network.
RA 7 HEAD FULL COLOUR units can also be remote-controlled using the USITT DMX 512 standard digital communication protocol.
IP65 PROTECTION
RA 7 HEAD FULL COLOUR is constructed in corrosion-proof aluminium and steel offering high resistance to mechanical stress and to atmospheric agents.
RA 7 HEAD FULL COLOUR guarantees a full level of IP65 protection against infiltrations of solids and liquids, allowing it to be used safely both indoors and outdoors.
LIGHT SOURCE
RA 7 HEAD FULL COLOUR light source consists in 15 x 3 W Full Colour P5 LED’s.
The Full Colour LED’s guarantee high-quality colour mixing (significantly superior to conventional light sources and other systems using normal LED’s). Colour synthesis takes place in fact inside every single LED, capable of independently generating up to 16 million colours.
The RA 7 HEAD FULL COLOUR light source is able therefore to project a perfectly uniform beam of light onto surfaces, no matter what colour is used.
Luminosity at 2 m, with spot lenses, is 1288 Lux.
Colour temperature can also be regulated with linear variations between 2800°K and 6500°K, passing progressively from warmer tones to cooler ones.
Three interchangeable lens fittings are available: Spot, Medium Flood and Wide Flood. These three lenses offer different aperture angles for the light beam, always ensuring constantly regular and uniform projection on surfaces, and also allow RA 7 HEAD FULL COLOUR to be used at varying distances from the surfaces to be coloured.
www.lighthousedistribution.com.au
Martin Upgrades with MAC 350 Entour LED Moving Head
Posted on Friday, April 30th, 2010
The new MAC 350 Entour from Martin Professional is the most powerful and energy-efficient LED-based profile moving head fixture on the market to date. It marks a radical advancement in light output and quality compared to other LED profiles on the market.
The direct result of a technology grant for the development of new LED technologies, the MAC 350 Entour surpasses what has previously been possible in terms of brightness, efficiency and compactness in a hard edge LED fixture.
Light output is exceptional for an LED profile yet the MAC 350 Entour is highly energy efficient. It delivers 8,000 lumens of output from extremely efficient 50 W white LEDs, an output greater than many larger and more expensive 250/300 watt fixtures and four times more than comparable fixtures.
The MAC 350 Entour houses 8 easily interchangeable dichroic colors with split color effects and continuous rotation. It houses 6 rotating and indexable gobos, all new designs that are easy to change. Beam angle is 25o and a superior optical system and variable focus produce extremely crisp images.
The 350 Entour produces an enhanced color spectrum, and color rendering of the fixture’s LED source exceeds that of any HID fixture, producing substantially better and more natural skin tones than discharge fixtures.
The LED light sources in the MAC 350 Entour easily exceed 25,000 hours of operational life, eliminating any lamp replacement costs with color shifts that are insignificant over time for a more consistent look across fixtures.
It offers other benefits of LED technology as well like greater reliability, less maintenance and low energy consumption for a lower cost of ownership. An efficient fan cooling system draws no dirt or dust into the optics, which along with an easy access design for quick maintenance keeps service intervals to a minimum for lower fixture service costs.
The MAC 350 Entour’s advanced LED technology allows it to dim electronically from 0-100% for perfectly uniform fades with no color shifts. Instant LED response means there is no limit to the shutter speed for ultra-crisp shutter and fast strobe effects.
MAC 350 Entour is extremely compact and lightweight with fast pan and tilt movement. And unlike other fixtures of its size, the beam can be quickly and accurately resized via a motorized iris for use in a wider range of applications.
The fixture operates at a very high LED refresh rate making it completely flicker free for on-camera productions.
Noise levels are kept remarkably low, especially in ECO mode, for noise sensitive environments like TV and theatre. If full light intensity is not required the fixture can run in a virtually silent mode.
The ideal LED profile fixture for all manner of touring and event applications, the MAC 350 Entour is also highly suited to permanent installation in a wide variety of venues.
www.martin.com
Australian Distributor: Show Technology www.showtech.com.au