Jul/Aug 2004 Issue

Memorex introduces the Memorex Mini DVD. At eight centimeters (3.15 inches) in diameter, the discs are ideal for video recording with DV camcorders like the Sony Handycam and for mobile storage of multimedia presentations, videos, MP3 files, and data. Available in -R and -RW formats, the Memorex discs can contain 30 minutes of video or 1.4 GB of data. Consumers can also use Memorex Mini DVDs for PC recording and replay discs in most standard DVD players.

Lycian Stage Lighting introduces its newest followspot, the Midget II Quartz. The Midget II Quartz is a high quality followspot that incorporates several new design and optical features, including a new dichroic glass reflector for a smooth beam, a six color boomerang, fader, Lycian's smooth action, durable Nichrome iris, a Gobo slot, and a new cam operated brake for smooth tilt. Lamp change is fast and easy and requires no-tools.

Martin launches the new MAC 550, featuring unprecedented illumination for a 400W fixture (according to the company), featuring illumination for a 400W fixture, high-quality graphics and gobo animation system (the same one found in the MAC 2000 Performance), all wrapped within the award-winning design of the MAC 2000. Combined with its motorized zoom (14 to 30 degrees) and new color and gobo motors, it is a small revolution in the world of quiet, mid-sized fixtures. Its modular design simplifies servicing.

TV One introduces the new SC-1250 Video Scaler, designed as a high quality interface between video sources and today's high-resolution display devices. The unit is designed to convert composite video, s-video or component video to a variety of computer and HDTV resolutions. Video inputs are de-interlaced and scaled to resolutions of VGA, SVGA, XGA or SXGA. It also outputs HDTV resolutions of 480p, 576p, 720p and 1080i.

Samsung announces its new 50-inch PPM50H3Q, offering a 1366 x 768 resolution, a 3000:1 contrast ratio and 1000cd/m2 brightness level. The PPM50H3Q is one of four plasma displays in their new lineup, which includes a mix of both affordable and high-end display solutions designed to meet the needs of any display environment. Samsung's high-performance plasma displays feature its Digital Natural Image enhancement, offering improved detail, contrast, 3D motion and color, ensuring maximum on-screen image quality.

Liesegang introduces the dv 540 flex and the dv 560 flex projectors. These projectors combine highimage quality with convenient operation and versatility. In addition to its brightness of 3,500 ANSI lumens and 4,500 ANSI lumens (respectively) and contrast ratios of up to 800:1, these XGA projectors also provide for quick lens exchanges. Additional features include motor-driven lens shift, power zoom, power focus, and a comprehensive range of signal and control inputs.

Digital Projection Inc. expands its value-driven 3-chip DLP MERCURY series lineup by introducing the MERCURY 5000HD. The 5000HD incorporates 3-chip Dark Metal DLPtechnology and delivers brightness of 4,500 ANSI lumens, contrast ratio of more than 1000:1, 1280 x 720 native resolution and more than four trillion on-screen colors. It can support any video or computer source and includes advanced options such as accurate image resizing, optimized video processing and user-definable geometric warp.

Barco is pleased to announce the introduction of its new iCon H600 network centric visualization solution, featuring a native 1920 x 1080 HDTV resolution and 16:9 wide aspect ratio. The 6,000 ANSI lumen LCD projector is equipped with a powerful integrated display server and features advanced picture-in-picture (PIP) functionality. The iCon's progressive features create a visual canvas capable of displaying multiple sources on just one screen.

Analog Way introduces CentriX, their latest Seamless Switcher. Featuring a new high quality scaling process and eight universal inputs, it can be used in two different operation modes: either as a Mixer Seamless Switcher or as a Scaled Native Matrix. In the Mixer mode, CentriX scales all the sources and performs seamless switching transitions between any two inputs. In Matrix mode it switches any of the eight inputs to any of the two outputs.

Sennheiser introduces the EM550-G2 Wireless Series dual-channel true diversity receiver, offering advanced features and enhanced design concepts while maintaining the outstanding pricing of Sennheiser's original Evolution Wireless Series. Incorporating some of the features of the higher-end Sennheiser professional receivers, the EM550-G2 includes AutoScan for simple and secure frequency selection from 1,440 available frequencies. Sennheiser's Evolution Wireless G2 Series boasts 30 percent smaller bodypack transmitters and receivers. Transmitter battery status telemetry is provided on all models.

Renkus-Heinz launches a new 3-way, high output line array that combines the company's proprietary line array technology with its CoEntrant Waveguide Topology. The STLA/9 is the lightest 'full size' self-powered line array module available. It provides 139 dB peak SPL broadband per module, yet the self-powered version weighs in at under 200 pounds per cabinet. The horizontal spacing of the 12' woofers provides a horizontal pattern control down to 200Hz.

Eastern Acoustic Works, a LOUD Technologies Inc. brand introduces a new series of arrayable loudspeakers that incorporate a revolutionary coaxial MF/HF driver design to provide consistent coverage over the widest possible frequency range. To achieve this coverage, the AX series' innovative MF/HF driver assembly is coupled to a single horn. The advanced design of the AX series results in a smooth frequency response, consistent polar patterns over a wide operating bandwidth and exceptional vocal clarity.

Audix is pleased to introduce the RAD-360 UHF Wireless system, the company's first entry in a new line of professional wireless systems. The Audix RAD-360 is a frequency agile UHF Wireless microphone system with 193 selectable frequencies and a dual tuner, true diversity receiver. The handheld microphones have a gain setting control that will enable a '10, -20, and '30 dB pad to help prevent overload. The threaded capsule housing enables fast microphone capsule changes.

Audio-Technica announces the AT898 Subminiature Cardioid Condenser Microphone. Intended for high-quality, low-profile operation, the AT898 provides maximum intelligibility and clean, accurate reproduction for lecturers, stage and television talent, and houses of worship. The AT898 is a mere 5 mm in diameter, making it ideal for applications requiring minimum visibility. The subminiature cardioid element is enclosed in a rugged, low-profile housing with internal construction designed to minimize noise from handling, clothing, and wind.

AKG introduces the new C 414 family of condenser microphones with the C 414B-XLS and C 414B-XL II. Replacing the C 414B-ULS and C 414B-TLII microphones, these new models retain the sonic character and look of its predecessors, but every other facet of its performance has been improved with new features, substantially lower noise and higher sensitivity. The C 414B-XLS accurately reproduces all acoustic instruments, while the C 414B-XL II brings out the best in voices.