Version three of Coolux's media server Pandora's Box now gives double the layers (up to 24) from this already well-endowed system, with remoting and sync'ing implemented. Remote allows simple multi system set-ups: nominate one unit as master and the rest automatically subordinate. Sync'ing in under 10 milliseconds means the ability to sync' frame-to-frame. Also on show was the prototype version of a dedicated console tentatively named Media Vision, and expected to become available January '07.

From A.C.'s Sound department comes the full Kling & Freitag range of speakers, so too all Yamaha consoles including the latest LS9 (see elsewhere), plus the Roland Digital Snake, a Cat 5-based system (32 send, 8 return), the Whirlwind E Snake, and the Light Viper optical digital snake system.

PLASA regulars Lite-Puterrom Taiwan were back again with a new range of products including the DP-E450 and the DP-E4000 lighting control Ethernet interfaces. The E4000 can remotely control up to 4,096 channels of DMX via Ethernet to a PC controller.

Based in Blackburn, Lancashire, rental specialists HSL announce a fair expansion of their inventory with the addition of 350 units of Robe moving heads, and are also expanding their range of LED products, which already include Color Kinetics, Chroma-Q Color Block, and PixelLine. They currently have equipment out with Massive Attack and Snow Patrol, as well as with several TV shows, not least X Factor and earlier with Dancing on Ice.

Sunlite showed their USB interfaced PC lighting controllers, including the Easy Stand Alone range plus a new stand-alone Ethernet DMX512 interface (IP version) - through which the programmer can work locally or via the Internet. They have two ranges using two different variations on the software - one for clubs and live control, and the other for architectural and installed schemes . . .

In themed or retail environments lighting is often used alongside audio and video, and the Pharos AVC offers control of all these elements from a single system. The compact and elegant AVC combines the functionality of two DVD players and a vision mixer using solid-state electronics. It can not only play back video but also do dissolves, wipes, video effects and accept a live video input. All functions are programmed using timelines with Pharos Designer software. A standalone AVC has a realtime clock and serial port for triggering, or it can receive triggers from Pharos LPCs via Ethernet.

Carlsbro had a wealth of new products on its stand with the Carlsbro/DARE range of PA systems being the latest edition. Having only been available for three weeks the systems, comprising amplifiers, processing and speaker system, had been very popular, said John Roberts. The systems, starting with the 2.8kW bi-amped G8 grow in size to the 6.2kW three-way G15Vs2 6-box big brother. Intended for use by gigging bands, Carlsbro is busy providing demos across the country and purchasing one of the rigs gives users 24-hour access to the 'Doctor DARE' helpline, which can assist with any technical issues.

On the other end of the spectrum, Carlsbro showed the Speakezee portable PA system - a self-powered, battery-operated loudspeaker/tape deck combo, complete with VHF handheld, tie-clip and headset mic and receiver for the staggering SRP of £109.99.

Available in the EU only, the SM25 from Verlinde/ Stagemaker is an electric hoist with double brake and a 10:1 safety factor. Its powerless secondary brake, a simple drop ratchet lock, makes this unit fully BGV D8+ compliant. Also new is the SM2, a hoist contained within the same sized tiny body of the SM1 but which will drive 250kg at 4m per min.
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HK Audio, distributed in the UK by John Hornby Skewes, launched the ConTour Array at this year's PLASA. Designed to bridge the gap between traditional touring systems and large line arrays, ConTour consists of the CTA 208 mid/high unit, which is loaded with two 8" and four Neodymium drivers. The high frequency drivers are connected to HK Audio Acoustic Lens HF transformers as featured in the company's flagship COHEDRA system.

For big bottom end, the CTA 118 Sub is the self-powered, DSP controlled and direct loaded 18" sub box designed to work with the CTA 208s. It contains two 1kW RMS PWM power amps; one drives the sub while the other is configured by the controller to drive either the CTA 208 or a ConTour CT108, 112 or 115 box.

According to Robert Juliat, 'Only RJ can do better than RJ'. In the case of its new followspot projector - the Lancelot, the company might be right. This high-power spot, unveiled on the White Light stand, features 4k of whacking brightness, an extremely flat beam and is the first truly modular long-throw effects projector. A wide range of accessories including a 100% closing iris, two rotating gobo wheels, animation disk with integrated gobo holder, smooth four-blade dimming shutter and a Chromix cassette, can be manually or motor operated, locally or remotely from any DMX console.

The TX series trussing system from Litec now has a re-engineered end plate made from special alloy that increases overall payload by 30%. The new end plate fits to the old one, but obviously the lower load rating applies; and the plate is now available on both standard and heavy duty ranges.

Not new, but an addition to the Libera roofing system is AlusFera - basically a series of parts that enables Libera's standard trussing type components to be used to create curved roof structures, complete with Luff groove fittings for taut and secure fabric fitting. A specially engineered central boss to make quarter hemispherical structures - so popular with the outdoor summer orchestral event scene - is also available.

Bill Lewington is an MI-orientated sales operation based in Essex with an enormous catalogue . . . from which they selected key items to bring to this, their third PLASA Show. Highlighted products included Konig & Meyer stands - for all applications from music to lighting fixtures, and also SD systems - a brand of specialist mics for a wide variety of orchestral instruments. The company also distributes Nady, offering a wide range of studio mics, and was celebrating its 50th birthday at the show.

Paragon Projection are a trade-only rental operation based in London, the Midlands and Scotland. The featured product at PLASA was the Screen Stalk, a lifting system (also available with integrated flightcase) designed to elevate 50-84" screens to a height of up to 2.2m. Using this system dramatically reduces the risk of personal injuries or damage to equipment during erection.

Alcons Audio showed off its new QB36 bass cabinet and their SR9, a small, low-profile full-range speaker cabinet featuring an RBN401 pro-ribbon HF driver and wide angle coverage (120 degrees), combined with very precise vertical projection. Other new products included Alcons' DDP multi-effects processor.

USA - FiberPlex, one of the leading fibre optic supplier to the professional audio industry, was displaying the company's new LightViper EF-2, a Dual Channel 10/100 Ethernet-to-Fiber Converter, at the 121st AES convention in California 6-9 October.

The 1U rack-mounting EF-2 will accept two independent channels of 10/100 Ethernet via two standard RJ-45 connector/receptacles and then convert the signals to two fibre optic transmit/receive pairs. It will operate in a choice of three configurations: standard Ethernet using transmit and receive pairs (Standard mode); two channels of single direction Ethernet (TX-only); or as a combination of both modes.

Because the EF-2 is a hardware device, it ignores packet structure and data content, thus facilitating transparent use with Aviom's Pro16 Monitor Mixing System, CobraNet and EtherSound networks as well as standard Ethernet equipment

British manufacturer Ohm UK was showing a new wedge to complement their HD stadium systems. Comprising two 12", a 2" and a 1" compression driver, the HDFM is designed to give back to the artist what the HD FOH system is giving to the audience, say Ohm.

PLASA 2006 was a first for Douglas Scheller and TSC Music. The company, which brands music for retailers, were very impressed with the quality of visitor to the show. As well as providing music packages for the likes of Starbucks, Adidas and Billabong, the company also provides commercial MP3 players in either rackmount or desktop versions to play audio into a store's PA system. The MP3 players are simple to use, robust and can be updated with the latest playlist over the Internet.

City Theatrical launched two new products from its award-winning WDS Wireless Data System product line. The WDS Four Port Opto-Receiver receives a universe of DMX data via wireless broadcast and converts it into four optically isolated five-pin XLR outlets - external power supply allows for either mains or battery operation. The WDS Candle Adapter allows the City Theatrical Candle Lite electronic flicker candles to be controlled or dimmed through WDS Dimmers.

Kinesys showed several new innovations this year including the Elevation Beam Trolley system - complementing the Elevation Chain Hoist system. Based around a standard 'off the shelf' motorised trolley, a simple electrical modification allows it to be plugged into the Kinesys Elevation 1+ controller, providing variable speed control and positioning. The controller can be used for trolleys and a range of hoists, making it one of the most flexible systems available. Two new communications distribution products were also on show - the Array IP, an 8-port 10/100 Ethernet switch, and the Array 485.

UK/Europe - XL Video UK is supplying Pink's I'm Still Alive tour with video equipment including screens, Barco Mi-Pix modules, a specially modified Catalyst digital media server and full and PPU camera system - plus crew.

The provocatively visual, adrenalised, energy-pumping show is currently taking the UK and Europe by storm, with video an integral element of the production design created by Baz Halpin and Mark Fisher, which is also linked closely to the lighting.

The live performance is every inch a contemporary mixed media fusion of technology and human emotion, ending with Pink treating fans to a stunning high level aerial display of silk acrobatics.

Video is divided into a two components - playback and IMAG. The playback sources are all run from a customised Catalyst digital media server triggered by a WholeHog II console (operated by Craig Allnutt), and the 3-ca

Complementing its extremely successful Venue live sound environment, Digidesign launched the D-Show Profile into the live arena. A 24-channel framed desk, it is compatible with all existing Venue hardware and sportsa smaller footprint than its bigger brother. Although smaller, it is also totally compatible with any shows created on the Venue: "With Profile, we've paid particular attention to feedback from vendors and operators who work in many different styles of operation. We feel that D-Show Profile addresses a great deal of the needs in markets outside the realms of concert sound," said Digidesign's marketing manager for live sound products, Robert Scovill. In addition, Digidesign showed the entire Venue range and provided full overviews of both products in its demo room.

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