UK - Special effects manufacturer Le Maitre has announced the introduction of a number of new effects products.

First, Terrafog is a patented design, brought about by a desire from the nightclub market to have a high-powered smoke effect to simulate the large liquid nitrogen fog cannons seen in some of the superclubs of Ibiza and Florida. The company says that, whilst the effect of Terrafog is not as big as the liquid nitrogen cannons, or as cold, it is very close - given the price.

Terrafog uses one or two Le Maitre G300 smoke machines to give a visual effect, plus carbon dioxide for the cooling effect, compressed air or nitrogen for the pneumatics and special fog fluid to ensure the effect disappears quickly. The combination of these elements gives a large blast of cold fog that can be blasted upwards, down on to the audience or across a stage, say the company, adding that T

UK - The Setwear Light Pouch is now in stock and available from UK distributor Le Mark. The Light Pouch is available in five- and two-pocket versions and features a bright LED light built into the flap of the pouch. Made of a superior nylon material to withstand the toughest environments the Entertainment Industry can devise. The LED has a clever built in battery saver that turns off the light every 30 seconds.

A steel belt clip allows you to fast fix the light pouch to any convenient pocket, belt or harness. This allows clear 'close in' illuminated access to tools, say Le Mark.

(Chris Henry)

UK - If you are still looking for a present for your board operator or lighting technician, then Zero 88 has announced the addition of two new products to their control portfolio. The first is the new DMX tester - Cable Test. Made from brushed aluminium and shipped in a belt holster, Cable Test utilises nine diagnostic LEDs to allow a variety of test functions. The unit can test for the presence of DMX; detect reversed polarity in cables as well as checking all wires are connected. This battery-operated unit is priced to allow anyone to afford a good, easy to operate tester.

Also announced, is the availability of Light Converse. Light Converse is lighting control system software program with an internal 3D visualizer. The software is intended for lighting control in theatres, concert halls, clubs, bars, aswell as for architectural lighting. 3D visualizer shows realistic pictures

UK - For several years, newer CD players have expanded the length of continuous playback time without interruption by adding the ability to play compressed digital audio files off CD data discs. One CD data disc could provide as much as 20 hours when playing back low bit rate MP3 files.

Denon Professional's new 1RU DN-C640 takes this idea a step further. The DN-C640 can play back MP3 and WMA files from CD data discs, but it is also capable of decoding broadcast standard MP2 and uncompressed digital PCM (WAV) files of those same discs.

It also has the ability to read any of the above from any data DVD. This not only expands the 20-hour playback time to almost six days (continuously), but also allows those users who demand uncompressed audio quality the ability to play back full 44.1kHz PCM recordings without being limited to the 80-minute CD-R.

The DN-C640 can decode a host o

Germany - Modular in structure, the new DMXPWM/RGB DMX decoder from VLM GmbH offers over 500 addressable channels and can control up to 99 operating devices for LEDs.

With the new DMXPWM/RGB DMX decoder, VLM has expanded its range of DMX-controlled RGB solutions. No longer limited to 3-digit addresses like its predecessors but freely addressable, the new decoder is capable of controlling up to 99 operating devices using up to 511 addressable channels, the previous limit having been 93. This opens the door to a wide range of uses, covering virtually all DMX-controlled RGB applications.

The DMXPWM/RGB converts signals based on the DMX 512/2000 protocol into PWM (pulse width modulation) signals that can be interpreted and processed by VLM's own DLDC(C)/RGB/SLX colour control system, which was designed for use by all professional lighting designers and is especially suitable for t

Germany - Klotz Digital's Vadis router family has undergone a re-design. Recently the new Vadis 212 router was unveiled and Klotz Digital now introduces the new design and functionality of its bigger sibling the Vadis 888. Like the Vadis 212, the new Vadis 888 comes with an enhanced front panel display to provide more information, and a fan-less power supply unit (PSU) for absolute silent operation. An optional hot-swappable redundant PSU is available providing outstanding reliability and allowing maintenance operations while the frame is in operation.

Klotz Digital's hot swap technology applies to all essential components of the frame, such as Vadis cards and the synchronisation module. As with the forerunner model, the PSUs are installed at the front of the Vadis 888 for serviceability. The new Vadis frame is also available as Vadis 884 version, additionally equipped with a vi

USA - Lamp Lite's small MR RGB 12V and MR RGB E27 LED lamps, distributed by the American DJ Group of Cos, can simply be plugged directly into venues' existing electrical setups.The MR RGB 12V and MR RGB E27 are low-priced, high-power LED lamps that promise "tremendous brightness and cutting-edge RGB colour mixing". The lamps have their own wireless controller, the WR LED.

In most cases, the MR RGB 12V and MR RGB E27 can be used with existing fixtures. Since the lamps don't require the user to run cable or DMX, bar and restaurant owners won't have to make costly electrical wiring changes to integrate them into their venue - they can simply install them in, say, an ordinary track lighting setup. Even the mounting hardware is user-friendly: The E27 model attaches to a standard medium screw base E27 socket from 90-240v power, while the 12V model attaches with an ordinary b

UK - Proel Speakers have recently been installed - by Harlequin Sound Services - in the clubhouse at the prestigious Dulwich & Sydenham Hill Golf Club which boasts one of the most breathtaking views of the London skyline.

The white EDGE25PW are part of the professional touring standard EDGE series. With 2 x 5,25" woofers and a 1" dome tweeter, these compact speakers can handle up to 200W of programme power and are rated at 16 Ohm, allowing many speakers to be linked together on one amplifier.

The club has chosen to use the Proel EDGE25PW speakers as they require a natural sounding system for background music and presentations, but with enough power for parties and events.The installation has been designed with several feeds around the rooms, allowing additional powered subwoofers to be added when extended low frequencies are required.

(Jim Evans)

USA - New from the Q-Series, the Q-Wash LED is a DMX-512 programmable moving yoke fitted with eighteen 1-watt LEDs to deliver a wash with full RGB mixing capability.

Besides the obvious advantage of longevity, low power consumption and low heat emission afforded by the use of LEDs, the Q-Wash LED also offers the convenience of remote reset, vector speed control, and the functionality of full dimming and automatic pan and tilt correction. Users can program and store up to 100 steps for later recall without the need for a controller.

The Q-Wash LED comes equipped with standard lenses that create a 30-degree beam angle. Optional lenses are also available to create a wider, 45-degree beam angle.

Movement is extremely smooth and fast, within a range of 540 degrees of pan by 270 degrees of tilt. Pan and tilt are reversible. Users can access built in automated and sound-activated p

The Netherlands - 3M will launch its Vikuiti Rear Projection Film at Integrated Systems Europe 2007 (Stand O 50). The flexible, easy to apply film enables video, static images and dynamic messaging to be projected directly onto windows and glass surfaces or partitions, becoming the centre of attraction in any high street or shopping mall. A range of digital wall displays and interactive whiteboards will also be on show with the brand new Digital Media System 700 and 800 Series, featuring Vikuiti Super Close Projection from 3M.

The Vikuiti display enhancement film is 3M's latest rear projection innovation designed to transform any glass surface into a dynamic branding and promotions tool. Up to now, implementing on-glass or in-window digital signage in retail, banking, corporate and education environments has been problematic due to the inherent reflection challenges created when

Denmark - Martin Professional has released application software Version 2.0 for both the Maxxyz and Maxxyz PC controllers. Martin has also released Maxxyz OS (Operating System) 2.0. Version 2.0 software adds a host of features and updates to the Maxxyz controller range and is available for download. The key features of Maxxyz Version 2.0 are outlined below.

A redesign of the Graphical User Interface (GUI) provides more flexible control including saveable GUI configurations, new window docking and 16 views per touchscreen. Martin's Maxxyz and Maxedia Media Composer now share the same User Interface, making programming and operation easy and logical between different Martin Professional controller products.

Cloning allows users to copy fixtures for expanded lighting systems or to replace fixtures within the showfile between different types. Clones show content like cues, presets

USA - Meyer Sound has announced the MJF-212, a self-powered stage monitor loudspeaker designed to meet critical requirements in professional applications, such as use as a main vocal monitor, high-output drum or keyboard monitor, or as a side-fill monitor in small- to medium-scale systems. Exhibiting flat amplitude and phase responses, full-range bandwidth and exceptional impulse response, the MJF-212 far exceeds the capabilities of conventional stage monitors while offering the simplicity of setup and use provided by self-powered systems.

"We named the MJF-212 in recognition of the role our 20-year relationship with the Montreux Jazz Festival has played in our product development history," says executive vice president Helen Meyer. "The festival has often been the site for the first serious field testing of our new products. At this year's festival, the newcomer

USA - The Special Event Show and Vivien - Virtual Event Designer are getting together in Los Angeles next week to offer a series of "firsts." In a first-ever virtual lab setting, a diverse group of Vivien Users comprising students, event planners, and designers from around the world are coming together to participate in the inaugural seminar, Getting Started with Vivien - Virtual Event Designer. In this unique environment, attendees will not only learn directly from the Vivien team, but also from Vivien Ambassadors-industry leaders, clients, and students who are eager to share their design expertise with others. Participants will learn how easy it is to adopt Vivien's award-winning tools into their event planning process, the company says.

"This truly unique learning environment will provide attendees with valuable design skills that they can immediately ap

UK - Following the successful launch of the MICROseries system of electronics and loudspeakers for background music and pro AV applications, the company has introduced a range of aesthetically complementary accessories for greater ease and flexibility of installation.

The first of these is the MFS, a floor stand for the MICROpoint and MICROline loudspeakers. The elegant stand is one metre tall and is designed for meeting rooms with glass or other forms of partition wall where fixed loudspeaker mounting is not possible or desirable. It is also suitable for semi-permanent installations requiring the loudspeaker positions to be movable. Using heavy steel construction for maximum rigidity and audio performance, the stand merges with the style of the loudspeakers and allows for vertical or horizontal loudspeaker mounting with full use of the pivot functions of the loudspeaker's built

UK - Tower Productions, with locations in Edinburgh and Oxford, have recently added a number of new products to their hire inventory, including: Chroma Q Color Block DB4 units, SGM Palco 3 LED washlights, and the Jands Vista T2 console.

Chroma Q Color Block DB4 units satisfy the increasing demand for LED fixtures in both compact and batten formats and are available with either five way or 30 way Controllers/PSUs and a full range of rigging accessories.

SGM Palco 3 LED washlights fill the requirement for a lightweight, versatile, wash fixture that also benefits from an IP65 rating and a built in scheduler for standalone architectural use.

The Jands Vista T2 console heads the line up of existing Jands consoles including desks from the Hog, Event and Stage ranges. The Vista features timeline based programming as well as extensive networking functionality and a highly visual use

UK - Building on a highly successful 2006, OHM, the British designer and manufacturer of professional loudspeakers and sound systems, is launching a series of new products into the market, available from January 2007. OHM offers tailored solutions for every application and environment from dance floor to ceiling, and its speaker ranges can be experienced in venues around the globe, including the Vienna State Opera House and Moscow Airport.

OHM's recently improved TRS front-of-house stacking system is continuing to be a huge success, say the company: used extensively for live events and favoured by many in the music industry, such as the Leeds-based band Soul Story, who toured with the system for 21 consecutive performances in December. Additional TRS models will be available in 2007. Other successes include the installation of BR speakers in a number of UK venues, including Birm

USA - Nemetschek North America announced today the release of VectorWorks version 12.5.1, a maintenanceupdate for VectorWorks Designer, VectorWorks Architect, VectorWorksLandmark, VectorWorks Spotlight, VectorWorks Machine Design, VectorWorksFundamentals, and RenderWorks.

"As with any major VectorWorks release, it is our goal to improve thestability and performance of that release, as well as respond to ourusers and address any problems they may encounter," says Paul Pharr,Nemetschek North America's chief technology officer. "With VectorWorks12.5.1, we've worked to resolve our users' most frequently reportedissues with VectorWorks 12.5."

VectorWorks 12.5.1 contains important fixes that improve the program'sstability and robustness, particularly when opening and saving filesover a Macintosh network. Memory and other issues when working withviewports, as well

USA - Jands' Vista lighting control system has won Best Automated Lighting Controller and Best Overall Lighting Product at the recent WFX 2006 New Product Awards in Dallas, Texas. The awards program is part of the annual Worship Facilities Conference & Expo, the leading event for church facilities and technology teams, and is designed to recognize the most innovative new technology products to hit the worship market.

Fred Mikeska, US sales and marketing manager for A.C. Lighting Inc, the exclusive North American distributor for the Vista range, received the two awards on behalf of Jands from conference co-chair Brian Blackmore.

Brian commented: "The Jands Vista was selected for the two awards based on input from an expert panel of judges. Houses of worship present a unique set of circumstances that the Jands Vista feature set directly addresses. The console is a time-save

USA - Aviom, the manufacturer of personal monitor mixing technology, is now shipping its "ground-breaking" new Pro64 Series of audio networking products. Aviom says that the Pro64 kicks off a new era at the company, and the product line represents a sea change in how audio will be transported in applications such as corporate AV, broadcast, education and more. Pro64 products deliver the flexibility of a digital network, combined with the audio performance and simplicity of an analogue wire. All Pro64 products deliver audio with super-low latency, the company says, via its A-Net audio transport protocol.

The Pro64 products with A-Net "have been designed from the ground up for audio networking without compromise, breaking through the inherent limitations of Ethernet to deliver unsurpassed fidelity, performance, and flexibility", say Aviom.

The company says: &

UK - Stage Electrics has added to its £10 million hire stock with the purchase of the ChromaFlood 200 TC from Pulsar - and claim to be the only hire company in the world to offer "this exciting new product".

The ChromaFlood 200 TC is a high output solid state wash light containing 66 RGB tri-colour LEDs with an 8° beam angle. The tri-colour LEDs prevent split shadows and offer the user a possible 16 million colours. The unit can be powered directly from a 100-240v AC supply and has full remote DMX control of RGB levels to allow remote control of its colour mixing, internal sequences provides operation of the fixture without the need for a separate control system. The LCD menu system allows for quick fixture configuration and it's IP65-rated, therefore suitable for outdoor or indoor use.

Adrian Searle, head of hire from Stage Electrics said: "This is a

UK - 2007 is shaping up to be a year of new entertainment lighting products - and entertainment lighting supplier White Light is offering chance opportunities to see some of those products at a series of hands-on open days during January and February.

On Monday 22 January and Tuesday 23, White Light will be showing products from the ranges for which they are the exclusive UK distributor: Robert Juliat, LSC, ELC, Rainbow, Look Solutions, LDDE and Wireless Solutions. In addition, Isac Alkstrand from Wireless Solutions will be on hand to explain the advantages of Wireless Solutions' range of wireless DMX products, as featured in The Great Wireless DMX Shoot-Out in the July/August 2006 issue of Lighting&Sound Internationalmagazine.

The two open days will run from 10am-4pm at White Light's West End office at 52 Shaftesbury A

The Netherlands - Alcons Audio will be exhibiting at the ISE show (Upper Deck booth AA6) in Amsterdam with a representation of its pro-ribbon speaker systems of both the general product line-up as well as the cinema product line-up.

The CRMS, Cinema Ribbon Monitor System is a unique hybrid 3-way main- / 2-way surround-system. Each system consists of a separate mid-high frequency ("MHF") section, featuring one RBN401 pro-ribbon driver HF with non-vented 8" MF and a low frequency 15" ("LF") section, with low power-compression 4" voice-coil. The MHF section is specifically designed to act both as MHF section for the main/front system, as well as full-range surround system. This unique design results in a very uniform sound stage throughout the entire listening area.

The LR14 ultra-compact line-array system will also receive a new sibling: The LR

USA - Mackie have announced the debut of the newest member of the SRM family, the SRM150, following the success of the SRM450 and SRM350 Active PA speakers. The Mackie SRM150 Compact Active PA System delivers superior sound quality in an ultra-compact package, making it a versatile and expandable solution for a variety of sound reinforcement needs, says the company. And with 150 watts of ultra-efficient Class D amplification and the 5.25" EAW-designed, full-range neodymium driver, the SRM150 delivers high sound pressure levels (SPL).

"The SRM150 integrates the proven technology from the SRM series - along with an easy-to-use onboard mixer - in a compact package," said Mackie Brand group vice president John Boudreau. "It makes the SRM150 the perfect choice for a wide range of applications such as boardroom and classroom A/V, and live music performance in venue

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