USA - ETC has posted free source code for the upcoming DMX over ACN standard (also referred to as streaming ACN) to its website, "to help the industry gain experience with this upcoming protocol and offer meaningful user input to the ESTA standardisation process".

A link to this C++ source code may be found at www.etcconnect.com/product.downloads.asp?ID=20339.

ETC is also offering optional source code that adds features to streaming ACN and provides a flexibility and power similar to ETCNet2 protocol.

ETC has long supported the development of ESTA standards for lighting control, such as the new ACN suite of protocols (Architecture for Controls Networks, E1.17). With ACN now an ANSI standard (as of October 2006), ETC is involved in the addition of a new protocol for the ACN suite. The

Germany - The L-Acoustics will be promoting its KIVA PA system at ProLight&Sound. Packaged in a sleek, fully integrated, ultra-compact design, KIVA is intended to "meet the highest demands of audio professionals and deliver the ultimate performance level in its category".

KIVA also fulfills the five WST (Wavefront Sculpture Technology) criteria in line with the scientific concepts introduced by L-Acoustics in 1992 and shared by the benchmark WST lineage of V-Dosc, dV-Dosc, and Kudo.

The system is "highly appropriate" for both the fixed installation and rental production markets. The main system components consist of KIVA, full-range element operating from 80 Hz to 20 kHz bandwidth; KILO, complimentary low frequency extension element operating from 50 Hz to 100 Hz bandwidth, and the LA4 amplified controller.

"KIVA delivers a considerable number of imp

Germany - eJamming AUDiiO is being promoted as "the first and only software application and online service that enables musicians to find, network and play music with one another over the Internet in real time and in perfect synchrony, facilitating music education, social networking and collaboration".

eJamming AUDiiO provides a virtual practice and recording studio for musicians and singers worldwide. With eJamming AUDiiO, musicians can write, rehearse, record, learn and play with each other over the Internet, in real time and more importantly, in synchrony. All they need is access to a computer, broadband connection, audio interface device and microphone, says the company.

The eJamming AUDiiO portal includes such social networking features as searchable musician profiles including music samples, an automated calendar for scheduling sessions, forums, celebrity blogs

Czech Republic - Robe Show Lighting will showcase its latest moving light and digital lighting products at Prolight & Sound in Frankfurt. These will include the ColorWash 2500E AT, the new 700 Series, Robe's StageQube 324 and the DigitalSpot 5000 DT, complete with new functions. Robe will also highlight the new StageFaze 1500AT and its powerful, expediently sized Club Series of moving lights.

The ColorWash 2500E AT is the most powerful wash light currently available in the Robe range. Using the MSR Gold 1200 SA/SE FastFit lamp and a 1400W electronic ballast, the fixture offers a smooth linear motorised zoom, full CMY + CTO colour mixing system, two colour wheels with six easily replaceable slots and combined dimmer/shutter unit.

Also highlighted will be Robe's newly released 700 Series of moving heads, featuring the ColorSpot 700E AT, ColorWash 700E AT and the ColorWash 750AT

USA / Germany - Following the success of the SRM450 and SRM350 Active PA speakers, Mackie will unveil at ProLight&Sound the newest member of the SRM family, the SRM150. This compact active PA System is designed for a variety of sound reinforcement needs. With 150w of ultra-efficient Class D amplification and the 5.25" EAW-designed, full-range neodymium driver, the SRM150 delivers high sound pressure levels.

"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 venues such as coffee houses, piano bars, and rehearsal rooms. Plus, the SRM150 outperforms everything in its class by delivering higher

UK - FeONIC is to unveil its latest generation of loudspeaker driver systems, which it says can turn any resonant panel or surface into a loudspeaker. The sounders can be placed onto the hidden side, say the company, so no wiring, speaker grilles or boxes are visible.

Currently aimed at domestic applications, but also likely to attract attention from designers of retail and leisure spaces, FeONIC technology can be used with any audio system with sufficient power rating, replacing conventional speakers in 2.1, 5.1, 7.1 and even 9.1 systems, the company says.

FeONIC says its audio systems can be created from standard plasterboard, MDF, plywood or blockboard, and hardwood floorings, creating a truly integrated, hidden sound system. It also offers the benefits of an even dispersion, rather than the 'sweet spots' associated with conventional loudspeaker technology.

(Lee Baldock)

Australia / Germany - This year's ProLight&Sound exhibition in Frankfurt promises to be LSC's biggest and best, the company says. What they have in store for the show is "top secret", with the only clues a teaser advertisement campaign in the run-up to the show.

All they'll say about the new product release is: "It has legs, it's powerful, it's built well, and more importantly it's want you've been asking for."

Alongside the new product release will be the full LSC catalogue including: the maXim control consoles with built in Capture Visualisation Software allowing the user to fully integrate with their programming, and the complete range of dimming and power distribution products.

(Lee Baldock)

USA - Aviom debuted its AV-M8 Mic Input Module at NSCA 2007. Promoted as "ideal for distributing audio in boardrooms and conference rooms", the Aviom AV-M8 Mic Input Module saves contractors time, money, and labour, says the company.

The AV-M8 converts 8 analogue audio channels to a digital stream and provides eight mic-level inputs. It offers plug-and-play simplicity that runs over an easy-to-install Cat 5e cable, requiring no drilling of conduit.

Two channels include a 30dB switchable pad, allowing line-level signals to be connected. Eight channels of digital audio may also be input via ADAT, from a second AV-M8 module. Analogue audio is input via eight latching 5.0mm Euroblock connectors. Each analogue input channel features a set of configuration DIP switches for individually selectable gain settings, +48V phantom power, and low cut filter.

Analogue input chann

France - The new 8XT and 12XT from L-Acoustics represents "the next generation of single-point-source coaxial loudspeakers" according to the manufacturer. Drawing on two decades of leading edge experience dating back to the MTD coaxial concept in 1987, the new XT systems promise to deliver "the ultimate sonic performance in a compact and versatile multi-tasking package".

Featuring a compact and lightweight design, the 8XT cabinet is the most compact model of the L-Acoustics coaxial range. Operating on a frequency bandwidth of 65Hz to 20kHz, this response can be lowered to 32Hz with the addition of the SB118 subwoofer.

The 8XT contains a 1.5" diaphragm compression driver, coaxially loaded by an 8" low-frequency transducer in a bass-reflex tune enclosure. The internal passive crossover network uses proprietary third-order filters with built-in phase

USA - Blues System's North American debut at USITT, Phoenix was a great success, according to the company. The product range, manufactured in the UK by Global Design Solutions and specifically designed for backstage lighting applications in the working theatre, won the PLASA 2006 Innovations Award at its European launch last year and Blues System has already been installed at various venues in Europe.

TMB has been appointed the exclusive distributor for Blues System in the Americas, Asia and the Middle East. Said Chris Curran, TMB's architectural sales director: "Blues System is truly one of those 'why didn't I think of that?' new products. It solves many backstage lighting problems as well as offering options that were previously impractical. We were almost overwhelmed by the positive response at USITT and also by the various possible new applications that arose during con

Germany - ProLight + Sound will see a comprehensive range of Rosco products on its distributor Lightpower's stand and with partner CAST (C.Adolph & RST Distribution). The two companies will be showing different product lines with Lightpower focusing on Rosco's range of filters and CAST concentrating on projection.

Lightpower will show a selection of products including Permacolor, ChromaSleeve and E-Colour as well as the newly re-certified B1 for Supergel - still the most widely used colour filter.

Permacolor dichroic glass filters are specifically designed not to fade or shift colour. Rosco's manufacturing process also allows for precise batch to batch colour consistency. Permacolor filters are available in 24 colours and five standard sizes on durable borafloat glass 1.1mm, 1.75mm or 3.3mm thick. They can be custom cut in any size up to 342.9mm in diameter.

ChromaSleeve is

USA - APT will introduce its new coding technology apt-X Live, to US Broadcasters at this year's NAB show in Las Vegas. "apt-X Live sets a new benchmark of audio quality, low latency and error resilience," explains APT's commercial director, Jon McClintock. "The industry is demanding ever greater bandwidth efficiency and we sought to provide a solution which meets these demands without compromising on the core competencies associated with apt-X."

apt-X Live has already proven its audio quality in a series of independent listening tests where participants were unable to discern any difference between 24bit, 48kHz PCM Audio and apt-X Live, says the company. Shure Inc has signed a licensing agreement to incorporate the technology into its wireless live performance products.

(Jim Evans)

Sweden - The 2007 W-DMX product catalogue is now available for download at the Wireless Solution website www.wirelessdmx.com. The company will also have full colour print editions at Prolight & Sound in Frankfurt.

The new catalogue features the entire W-DMX Generation 3 line, the newest feature-packed product range for Wireless DMX. Generation 3 includes new and improved features such as easy overview of signal strength and battery power, plus full implementation of DMX over Ethernet.

(Jim Evans)

UK / German - Adding to its highly acclaimed S-4000 Digital Snake System, Roland Systems Group is announcing the S-1608/0816 Digital Snake System in a fixed 16x8 configuration. Based on the same 24 bit/ 96kHz low-latency REAC protocol used in the S-4000, the new S-1608/0816 features 16+8 high-quality, remote-controllable microphone inputs and 8+16 returns over a standard Cat 5e cable.

Consisting of the S-1608 Stage and S-0816 FOH units, the S-1608/0816 Digital Snake System is ideal for bands, rental/staging houses, and venues such as Houses of Worship and Theatres. It can also be used in conjunction with an S-4000 Modular Digital Snake System to create a 48-input, 16-return high quality digital snake. When used in pairs or multiples, the S-1608/0816 Digital Snake System can be used for extremely flexible split-stage or stage zone set-ups.

Designed to deliver the highest qualit

UK - 3M has announced the release of a new version of its leading digital signage software product, 3M Digital Signage Software - Network Edition (NE) version 3.5. The Network Edition 3.5 release builds on existing capabilities for scheduling playlists of multimedia files to play out on any screen anywhere in the world. It includes the introduction of new server-class software products that allow end-users to host their own network servers, expanded and enhanced Active Information Modules, enhanced network management functions, and augmented security features.

Highlights include 3M Digital Signage - Full Server, which enables end-users to host their own networks and enables full Network Edition functionality behind users' firewalls, internationalisation capabilities for multi-language support, and an application programme interface (API) that facilitates seamless integration bet

Germany - MA Lighting has expanded its grandMA range with a new member - the grandMA pico. The new console is specifically designed for the use in theatres and is similar to the grandMA micro. The hardware of the new console however has been optimised for the needs of theatres.

Similar to the bigger consoles of the grandMA range, a number-pad, a Go-plus, a Go-minus and a pause key are all present. One colour touch screen display, five manual faders, five physical playback buttons (on 128 pages), 1,024 DMX channels and free visualisation software make the grandMA pico the perfect introductory console, says the company.

Additionally it is also possible to connect one remote and up to four grandMA video stations. The console utilises the same syntax, windows and menus as the larger consoles. The new desk will be on show at ProLight + Sound in Frankfurt.

(Jim Evans)

Germany - Visual Productions, the makers of VisualDMX and Matrix Mania! will be presenting the Canvix dedicated Matrix Server at ProLight + Sound.

Visual Productions has "decided to allow their future generation of lighting control software to be led by the current market developments in lighting: namely LED technology". Canvix has been designed for the exclusive use with LED matrixes.

Working with the established hardware available from Visual Productions, Canvix tackles the control of matrixes with "a unique concept": instead of controlling the LEDs individually, Canvix bundles together all fixtures to form one whole canvas; a 2-dimensional area on which effects and graphics can be applied. This powerful approach allows for sophisticated video-alike visuals, as well as fast pixel painting for the easy creation of graphics, says the company.

By reusing c

Germany - Sunlite is showing a broad spread of its products at ProLight + Sound and reports that all the company's software products are 100% compatible with the new Microsoft operating system, Windows VISTA. All software have been successfully tested and work perfectly on this system, says Sunlite.

"As it is expected, all of our software will take advantage of the new Windows VISTA features in the future. Our engineers are already working on new releases that use these features, which will be launched throughout the year," adds the company.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Audio Codec Specialists, APT will unveil the latest addition to their new WorldCast IP Codec Range at this year's NAB. The WorldCast Eclipse is a multi-interface, multi-algorithm audio codec for a new age of broadcasting. It offers a professional and sophisticated platform for broadcasters interested in migration to IP, says APT.

The WorldCast Eclipse offers Ethernet, X.21/V.35 and ISDN ports providing access to a wide range of networks such as IP, Leased Line, Satellite, Microwave and Dial-up. Broadcasters can also choose from a selection of major coding algorithms such as Standard and Enhanced apt-X, MPEG 1/2 Layer II/III, MPEG 4 AAC, G.711 and G.722.All WorldCast codecs support SIP and SDP protocols which enable them to easily connect to all compliant IP codecs. All are designed around a DSP-based architecture to ensure reliability and avoid the instability associated w

USA - Zaxcom is now shipping the ZFR800 handheld digital recording microphone, a system optimised for use in radio interviews, broadcast journalism, podcasting, and any voice-recording application that "requires mobility and superior sound quality".

The ZFR800 records up to eight hours of uncompressed audio on a removable 2-GB memory card. An integrated time-code receiver allows users to jam time code and sync multiple ZFR800 units remotely. Featuring a professional look and feel, the ZFR800 provides an ergonomic, camouflaged control pad for easy one-handed control of all record functions. It can be used with any Shure screw-on capsule, giving users their preferred sonic quality, says the company.

"We're very pleased to be shipping our ZFR800 system and to better meet the needs of today's audio professional," said Glenn Sanders, president of Zaxcom. "T

Germany - High End Systems chose ProLight + Sound in Frankfurt to launch the newest member of the Wholehog family: the Road Hog, billed as a new breed of lighting console designed for speed and affordability.

Brad Schiller, HES Director of control systems development, says, "The Road Hog console has been developed as a lower cost alternative, allowing a wide range of users to experience the benefits of the Wholehog operating software. Its compact size and fast operating speed provide a sleek package that will fit nicely into various markets including corporate events, houses of worship, smaller touring shows and rental applications. We are pleased to strengthen the Wholehog family with another superb lighting console."

The Road Hog console provides 2048 DMX channels of control, offering fast performance speed. Two internal touch screens display data and allow quick a

Ireland - Abaltat reports that Abaltat Beat, a new software solution that works as both a beat calculator and a stand-alone rhythm machine, is now available for download from the company's website. This new picture analysis tool will be showcased at NAB2007.

Abaltat Beat reads and analyses the cut picture's edit decision list (EDL) using comparative analysis of beats-per-minute (BPM) and the edited rate of the picture to suggest a series of best-possible fits. This BPM can be played back in sync with the picture using a series of drum patterns included in Abaltat Beat. The time signature and tempo of the drum patterns can be adjusted (from 3/4 to 4/4, for example) to allow for a complete recalculation of the drum track to evaluate suitability of the music style to the edited video.

Abaltat Beat can export these results to a midi file, so the project can easily be sent to a mus

Germany - This week's ProLight + Sound in Frankfurt saw the release of Liquid Mix V2.0, a new software release for Liquid Mix, Focusrite's DSP-powered dynamic convolution mix solution, delivering 32 channels of EQ and Compression simultaneously

The new software release will be available for free to download early in April 2007 and delivers a number of improvements over the original software. The new release makes Liquid Mix a no-brainer for producers and engineers wanting classic vintage processing, but with the flexibility of the digital world, says the company.

Liquid Mix v2.0 now features an EQ side-chain on the compressor, providing an additional one-band EQ to be fed into the side-chain of any classic compressor emulation. Combined with the existing 'Listen' feature, this provides a solution for high quality de-essing and more creative compression.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Providing security integrators with an easier way to order full-featured enclosures optimised for today's most advanced network (NVR) and digital video recorders (DVR), Middle Atlantic Products introduced its new line of Configured NVR/DVR enclosures at ISC West 2007. Each Configured NVR/DVR enclosure is optimised with Middle Atlantic Products' most commonly requested thermal, cable and power management solutions and can be ordered using a single part number, allowing integrators to take advantage of significant cost, freight and labour savings, says the company.

The new Configured NVR/DVR enclosures are specifically designed to address the cable and thermal management needs of NVRs and DVRs. Each enclosure ships with Middle Atlantic Products' solutions for the essentials of any fully-integrated enclosure system.

"Now, instead of having to pick and choose from our c

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