October 2006 Issue

Elation Professional introduces the Antari Z-1020 fog machine featuring an innovative heating system that uses advanced mirror pipe technology. The Z-1020 fogger works well in spaces where a conventional fog machine will not fit. Additionally, it can be mounted on the wall without having to use a special bracket. With 10,000 cubic feet per minute smoke output, it also has a thermo switch that automatically cuts power when the fogger overheats and includes an on board DMX interface with a wired toggle switch.

Dymo Industrial introduces new colored vinyl labels as an extension of its array of RhinoPRO Industrial labels. Vibrant colors such as red, orange, yellow, green and white, these labels are clearly recognizable and have the added benefit of being usable in outdoor environments due to their resistance to direct ultraviolet light. Also, the printing on the RhinoPRO vinyl labels will not smudge or fade.

AudioSkin is an innovative cable organizer that collects loose cables and 'zippers' them into one snake with a simple twist of the wrist. AudioSkin organizes all the untidy cables behind A/V, computer and office equipment.

The digital intercom matrix Performer 32 supplements Riedels' Performer line and is particularly designed to meet the requirements of theatrical and performance environments. According to Thomas Riedel, managing director of Riedel Communications, 'The Performer 32 intercom system was developed as a cost-effective system by leaving out rarely utilized features, without dropping important features like modular structure, digital audio quality and redundant power supplies.' The new intercom system can realize matrix sizes up to 32x32.

Lowell introduces a new rackmount sequential power panel with surge suppression and alarm interface. The ETL-listed model ACSPR-SCS4-1509 features six switched and three unswitched outlets. The sequencer is engineered to provide time-delayed four-step activation and deactivation of equipment that is directly plugged into the unit. The surge suppressor provides GSA Grade A/Mode 1/Class 1 endurance along with UL1449-2 and ANSI C62.41 surge suppression compliance. The 120-volt AC unit defeats surges up to 72,000 amps using Lowell's Triple Clamping Redundancy technology and provides EMI/RFI filtering. Termination blocks on the rear provides remote switching and alarm interface functions.

Microboards announces the Blu-Ray Copywriter Tower, available with five or ten recorders in a single system, using Pioneer Blu-Ray recorders for the Blu-Ray disc generation of optical media. The Blu-Ray Copywriter Tower's high-capacity hard drive supports image storage and duplicates both Blu-Ray and DVD-recordable discs. Systems come with a one-year warranty and unlimited phone support.

Philips Electronics launches two types of recordable Blu-Ray Discs in the United States and Europe. The first disc is a 25-GB single-layer BD-R (recordable) and the second is a BD-RE (recordable and erasable), both of which store more than 370 minutes of high definition (HD) video, or more than five times the content of a DVD. A 50-GB dual-layer BD-R disc will follow soon.

City Theatrical launches a new product in its award-winning WDS Wireless Data System product line, the WDS Four Port Opto-Receiver. The WDS Four Port Opto-Receiver receives a universe of DMX data via wireless broadcast from a WDS Transmitter, and turns it into four fully optically isolated five-pin XLR outlets. An external power supply allows for either mains or battery operation.

Chauvet Lighting announces Colorbank LED, an LED-fitted strip lighting fixture with a total of 304 longlife LEDs housed in four pods that offer full RGB mixing capability. The Colorbank LED is DMX-512 controllable and produces a concentrated, richly colored flood, according to the company. The Colorbank LED is also portable and provides wall washes and scenic painted drops for stages. All functions can be performed stand-alone, and units can be attached with a bracket that is included.

Avolites launches the Pearl Expert. The Pearl Expert features an additional five submaster playbacks for a total of 20. New 'add' and 'swop' buttons for the top row of faders allow easy placement of fixtures and dimmers on all 60 preset faders, while a 'color picker' delivers rapid control of color mix devices. An internal hard disk provides storage, while USB memory storage and a CD/DVD re-writer help lend portability and long-term back up.

Apollo Design Technology Inc. introduces the Smart Move Vertical gobo movement product. The product features motion, time and speed manual presets that create vertical movement of patterns or text. The Vertical's gobo offers multiple areas that allow one image at a time to be placed in the focal path of the fixture. The unit fits into the iris slot of an ETC Source Four and Altman Shakespeare. A DMX model is also available.

Toshiba's digital products division announces the TDP-TW350U DLP projector with wireless capabilities. The TDP-TW350U delivers high image quality with a brightness level of 3,500 ANSI lumens, a contrast ratio of 2,000:1 and a native 1,024 x 768 XGA resolution. The projector includes IEEE 802.11g wireless networking functionality that enables presenters to connect to the projector from anywhere in the room, delivering sequential presentations without the need for cables. Includes an auto focus and ultra-wide 1.5x motorized zoom.

360 Systems introduces the Image Server Select, a three-channel video server that features composite video I/O, balanced audio XLR I/O and provides more than 100 hours of RAID-protected storage. The server can also import and playback DV files over Gigabit Ethernet from non-linear editing programs such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premier. Head/tail trimming functionality and advanced playlist software is also included. The Image Server Select is plug-and-play-compatible with production switchers from Ross and Echolab.

Hitachi America Ltd. announces the portable CP-X260 LCD projector with 2,500 ANSI lumens of brightness. The CP-X260 offers XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution and a 4:3 aspect ratio, two RGB inputs, MyScreen/MyMemory preset options and a remote control with Hitachi's MyButtons functions. The CP-X260 also features a low 34 dB noise rating in whisper mode, 1:1.2 manual zoom and a digital keystone correction. Comes equipped with a security bar, Kensington security slot and transition detector.

Extron Electronics introduces the ISS 506 that offers switching between RGB, HDTV and standard definition video sources. The ISS 506 also offers advanced scaling technologies for high-resolution video presentations using the latest displays. Other features include two program outputs, independent preview output, switching transition effects and the ability to insert logos/titles. The ISS 506 includes six inputs with audio, four that accept any signal from RGB to composite video.

The Canon XH G1 HD camcorder offers a genuine Canon 20x HD zoom lens, super range optical image stabilization, and three 1/3-inch native 16:9 1,440 x 1,080 CCDs that capture images at 1080i resolution. The camcorder features 60i, 30F and 24F selectable frame rates to allow users to adapt to each assignment. The genuine Canon 20x HD video lens includes both fluorite and UD glass elements to achieve HD performance throughout the whole zoom range.

City Theatrical Inc. releases the Projector Dowser, an electromechanical device that sits next to or on top of a digital projector and swings a metal plate in front of the beam to change video black to a real blackout, instead of a dark gray that can be distracting on stage. The Projector Dowser feature is controlled by one channel of DMX (or can be manually operated) to swing the flag through an arc of up to 90 degrees.

Presonus Audio unveils the DigiMax FS microphone preamplifier with eight channels of digital optical light pipe ADAT and 96-kHz dual SMUX input and output. The DigiMax FS also offers analog direct outputs and TRS inserts on each channel. The DigiMax FX can expand the following digital audio hardware systems: Digidesign 002 and 002 Rack, Yamaha DM-series digital mixers and RME recording interfaces.

Walthall & Associates, authors of the original Sound Made Simple training book and CD-ROM, announces its latest training application: Sound Made Simple iCD. The iCD provides information on sound and hearing, signal path and gain structure, mixing consoles, equalization, acoustics, microphones, signal processors, power amplifiers, loudspeakers and cables, connectors and impedance. An interactive mixing console simulates the look, feel and function of a real console. Sponsors include Allen-Heath, Audio Technica, QSC and Whirlwind USA. MSRP is $149.

The DriveRack 4820 system processor features selectable DSP inserts on the inputs and outputs, numerous EQs, delay, band pass and crossover filters and dbx compression and limiting. Also offers four inputs and eight outputs, as well as a 96-kHz processing engine and standard digital I/O with an optional CobraNet card. The 4820 incorporates Harman Professional's HiQnet protocol.

Lectrosonics introduces the DM84 digital audio processor with LecNet2 control software that operates on Windows 2000 or XP platforms. The DM84 runs on the latest DSP architecture and features the compatibility to route a combination of inputs to outputs, as well as auto mixing via a proportional gain algorithm, filtering on each input and output, built-in delay on each input and output and low throughput latency, according to the company. The DM84 also offers eight mic/line inputs with four outputs, switch-able phantom power to handle condenser microphones and programmable front-panel control knobs for easy adjustment.

QSC announces its WL218-sw, a dual-eighteen subwoofer built for flown or groundstack applications. The WL218-sw is operable down to 31 Hz and capable of delivering 139 dB SPL at one meter. A heavy-duty frame of welded aluminum helps each array hold up to eight individual subwoofers. When flying is impractical, the WL218-sw can be pressed into groundstack service via interlocking feet and recess features machined into each enclosure's end-caps.

AKG Acoustics introduces the Perception 400 large-diaphragm, multi-pattern condenser microphone. The Perception 400 features selectable cardioid, omni and figure-eight pickup patterns with a switchable 10-dB pad, switchable bass cut filter, shockmount and metal case. The mic's diaphragms are made to deliver classic, warm sound, according to the company. The Perception 400 features a 20 ' 20,000 Hz frequency response and high 145 dB SPL capability at less than 0.5 percent THD.