Canada - CAST Software of Toronto has announced the release of wysiwyg R27, for members only, on 11 July 2011.

New features include: Beam optimization - lights respond 5X faster, keeping up with how fast you work; Native Art-Net connectivity: receive and render realtime DMX data over Art-Net directly into wysiwyg; Improved Attribute Layout: speed up your plotting and designing process; New Image Manager: Easier and faster browsing through images and textures.

As with every release, wysiwyg takes the new features and improvements from the previous release and brings them to the next level, says the company. R27 is no exception.

With the 3D mouse users can pan, zoom and rotate as if they're holding the model in their hand. Users can also operate cameras with this new powerful addition to wysiwyg, focus conventional fixtures, and create amazing flybys as well as switch camera v

UK - Distributor Proel (International) has announced the launch of a new wireless in-ear monitoring system from JTS - the SIEM2

The SIEM2 joins the JTS range of microphones and professional audio products at a time when increasing numbers of performers are making the switch to in-ear monitoring and offers the usual JTS combination of a high quality professional specification product at an affordable price, says the company.

The SIEM2 also addresses a major objection from performers to the use of in-ear systems - the common complaint that they leave the user feeling isolated from audience feedback. With the SIEM-2, performers can connect an optional lavalier microphone to the beltpack, allowing them to hear stage and audience ambient noise.

Operating on channel 70, 863-865 MHz, the JTS SIEM2 is ready to go and licence free for use in the UK.

(Jim Evans)

USA - EAW last year entered into a strategic partnership with Lab.gruppen and Powersoft, whereby those manufacturers would integrate proprietary EAW DSP algorithms into a subset of their product lines. As the first fruits of this partnership, the three brands announce that the latest software upgrades for Lab.gruppen's PLM (Powered Loudspeaker Management) Series amplifiers and Powersoft K Series DSP Series amplifiers introduce support for EAW Focusing.

Jeff Rocha, EAW vice president and general manager, stated, "Our partners, Lab.gruppen and Powersoft have developed new firmware for their DSP-enabled amplifiers that allows direct importation of standard EAW Greybox files - the very same files that you can currently load into an EAW UX8800 Digital Signal Processor.

"This brings the power of EAW Focusing to a wider range of hardware platforms and provides a huge advant

Germany - Steinberg Media Technologies has announced the shipping of the Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5033 EQ and 5043 compressor, two pro-audio VST/AU signal processing plug-ins, unveiled at this year's NAMM show. Each plug-in is available as boxed version at authorized Steinberg dealers and as boxed or download version.

Thanks to Yamaha's Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM) technology, the hardware of Rupert Neve Designs has now been successfully emulated in the digital domain, says Steinberg.

"At Yamaha and K's LAB, we apply very strict circuitry modelling if required. This way we can choose how to emulate the sound and tonality of each hardware unit accordingly," comments Toshifumi Kunimoto, general manager of the Corporate Research & Development Centre at Yamaha Corp. "We invest lengths of time to obtain the right sound."

The RND Portico 5033 five-band e

Belgium - On the occasion of their 2011 distributor meeting in Belgium, APart Audio has announced a number of new products for the second half of the year.

OVO is a new cabinet speaker series that combines budget with quality sound. Available in low impedance as well as 100 Volts, and ready to fit in any décor or interior style, OVO can be used in covered outdoor applications and exists in three sizes : three, five and eight inch.

The MA247 (100V mixing amp) replaces the MA246 and has been improved with 24V dedicated priority output per zone and folder selectable MP3 playback.

CMAR is a new range of low-impedance marine speakers. A series of three in-wall/in-ceiling speakers designed especially for use in the most humid and hot conditions like on yachts or in saunas.

CHAMP-3D is still the flagship of the 2011 line up. The three-channel fully programmable digital amp

UK - Marl International's recently extended Colorbeam range of linear lighting solutions features a 1.6m+plus RGB colour palette, lower power consumption and a long life of 25,000 hours in a typical application depending on the product specified. They are easy to install and maintain, and many products support the DMX512 control interface, says the company. Some versions also have a built-in power supply to eliminate the need for a driver, or offer IP65 sealing for use in outdoor lighting applications.

Adrian Rawlinson, managing director of Marl International comments, "Linear LED lighting strips are growing in popularity as a way of delivering creative effects in retail, office and other environments. They are energy efficient and last so long that they are essentially maintenance free. The Colorbeam range is particularly attractive as these are high quality products that

USA - Acclaim Lighting's new Rebel Band 600 can scale 100' buildings with amazing ease, says the company. This powerful IP-rated LED wall wash provides lighting professionals with a solution for long throw dynamic illumination of large structures, façades and landscapes.

The biggest and brightest LED fixture introduced by Acclaim to date, the Rebel Band 600 is equipped with 104 high-power Rebel LEDs. It provides enough output and covers enough area to handle large-scale applications where LED fixtures typically haven't been used, such as washing 100' building façades.

With an IP-65 rating, the Rebel Band 600 is able to withstand rain and dust, so it can be used either indoors or outdoors. In addition to architectural applications, its precise light distribution and extremely even field make it perfect for high-impact stage scene settings, adds the company.

The Rebel Band 6

UK - Cooper Controls has announced the launch of Version 7.0 ZerOS software for the Zero 88 Leap Frog 48, Leap Frog 96, Frog 2 and ORB Series consoles.

ZerOS 7.0 is the most substantial update to the ZerOS software platform to date, says the company, incorporating over 30 new features including: a completely redesigned look and style for an enhanced, clearer user interface; colour filter lookup - match your moving lights to any Lee, Rosco or Apollo filter using on-screen palette keys or syntax; a new 'Fixture Levels' window to provide instant view and modification of tracking data for the entire cue stack, and an updated fixture library with over 2500 fixture types from 175 manufacturers.

"The launch of ZerOS 7.0 is a testament to the investment Cooper has made in Zero 88 over the last four years. During this time our software capability has been growing and growing, and

UK - Tower Productions has recently devised a showpower package of four generators in an attempt to lessen fuel use and 'empty running' at concerts and other applications where the load profile changes dramatically.

The synchronised package of two small and two large machines has proved popular with promoters as it offers fuel saving and greater redundancy than a traditional two-engine set up, says Tower. Typically only one small machine is needed for the fit-up period or night running, this can be synchronised with its mate or left running/standby, with the large machines not commissioned until rehearsals/showtime.

All four machines can be synchronised together to give 600kVA. So far, Rod Stewart and JLS have had this setup, with Simple Minds and Boyzone coming up.

Tower's Pete Donald comments: "It's a fantastic set up as it allows us to shoe-horn machines into tight s

USA - The Christie YK100 won the title of Most Innovative New Product at the InfoComm/Rental & Staging New Product Awards ceremony held in Orlando, Florida.

The Christie YK100 single-arm yoke system is designed for use with the Christie M Series and Christie LX1500 projectors, offering brightness levels ranging from 5700 to 15,000 ANSI lumens and a choice between 3-chip DLP and 3LCD technologies. DMX512 protocol manages projector movement and control - empowering users to integrate and control lighting equipment and video projectors easily with the same console. Another advantage of the Christie YK100 design is its quick lock system. This interchangeable head system lets users replace the video projector with another Christie projector or Xenon light - on the same yoke.

Installed at ground level or rigged to truss, Christie Nitro Solutions are designed for video projection map

USA/UK - Following the unveiling of their latest design/documentation tool, Stardraw Design 7, at InfoComm last month Stardraw.com has reported a massive uptake for the public beta programme.

Stardraw.com marketing director Rob Robinson explained that the beta program for Design 7 was announced publically on Friday 1 July and interested parties were invited to register. "Considering that it was the start of one of the biggest holiday weekends in the US, we were anticipating a slow take-up in the first week following the announcement. However, by Tuesday 5 July, despite the fact that there had been no working days in the US since the beta programme was announced, we already had well over 1000 registrants."

The application is Stardraw.com's seventh-generation software solution for systems integrators. Offering a holistic approach to system design and documentation, Sta

UK - The XPar 390 from PR Lighting is brighter than the earlier XPar 348, while the XPar 390-W, which broadens the width of the beam, offers greater white light.

The key features of the new DMX-controllable XPar 390 are the 90 x 3W high quality LEDs (24 each of RGB and 18 white) rated at 50,000 hours. This offers full colour mixing and linear CTO, with 0-100% linearly adjustable dimmer; 1-20 fps strobe; Beam Angle of 14° (Field Angle 28°) and IP67 waterproof rating. Power Consumption is 300W@220V and the weight is just 14kg.

Contained in the same housing, the XPar 390-W offers 66 x white 3W LEDs and 24 amber, with full colour mixing and linear CTO. It comes with standard 14° lens (8° and 45° optional) and beam angle of 32° (24° and 55° optional), with 0-100% linearly adjustable dimmer. Other features include: 0.3-20 fps strobe; IP 67 waterproof

UK - GDS recently exhibited at the ABTT show for its fifth consecutive year. The event saw GDS win the ABTT Lighting Award of the Year, become the sponsor of the new Student of the Year Award for The Stage Managers Association and collect its Theatres Trust People's Choice Award which was won at PLASA 2010.

Richard Cuthbert, director of engineering comments: "This is our fifth year of exhibiting at ABTT, it is a fantastic show for us and a great opportunity to meet end users, customers and most importantly theatre consultants who have valuable input in to our product development."

The ABTT Lighting Product of the Year Award was given to GDS for ArcSystem, its new LED house-light system. The award was presented to Richard Cuthbert, director of engineering for GDS. The judges were impressed by the wireless dimming performance of ArcSystem, a bespoke fitting manufacture

Germany - At last month's Showtech in Berlin, a strong Gerriets presence showed both established and new products, receiving a very positive response, says the company.

At the 2011 show, the 180sq.m Gerriets stand with its elaborately designed Track On Café (with reference to the new heavy duty Cargo track systems) was the meeting point for the fair visitors. Fifteen Gerriets employees from around the world were on hand to offer professional advice throughout the three days of the show. In addition to the technical and sales teams, the established in house Gerriets-exhibition-catering-crew kept everybody going with a constant supply of food and drinks.

Show Tech 2011 also saw the first appearance of the new comprehensive catalogue, Source Book, providing customers with the full Gerriets product range in one complete document.

There were many new products this y

UK - LEDHead EPW is the new multi-function LED moving head from MilTec (UK).

The LEDHead EPW uses the latest LED technology to give a moving head with true spot and wash capabilities, says the company. The 60W white LED light engine, colour wheel, two gobo wheels and rotating prism provide the spot functions.

Wash lighting is provided by 8x high powered tricolour LEDs situated at the front of the unit. This allows both functions to be used independently or simultaneously, giving many possibilities for creative lighting design.

In addition to these functions the tricolour LEDs are arranged in four zones to provide visual effect capabilities.

(Jim Evans)

USA - EAW has announced additions to the MicroWedge series of stage monitors. The MicroWedge8 (MW8) and MicroWedge10 (MW10) are a small-format continuation of the MW line from EAW. Although even smaller than the already compact MW12 and MW15, the MW8 and MW10 offer volume levels and voicing that rival full-size industry-standard 12-inch and 15-inch monitors, saysthe company.

The MW8 and MW10 are suitable for mid-to-high-volume rock/alternative performers, houses of worship, theatres, edge of stage-fills, corporate shows/events and presenters. They are also a designed for front-of-house or monitor engineers looking for a live monitoring option on the console meter bridge.

The MW8 is the smallest in the MW line of products, featuring an 8-inch woofer, and the MW10 features a 10-inch woofer. Both units' coaxial designs pair the respective woofers with a 3-in (diaphragm) coaxially

UK - After many challenges and years of experience in the design of sound systems, LD Systems has introduced a multi-purpose all-in-one portable public address system, the RoadMan 102 Series.

The RoadMan 102 is a compact and mobile PA solution with an integrated battery, which is suited for solo entertainers, churches, schools, business conferences and presentations where versatility is required. The Roadman comes with a CD/MP3/USB/SD Player as well as a wireless microphone unit with handheld mic. A tape-deck with recorder function and a second wireless microphone unit are also available.

Andrew Richardson, managing director of Adam Hall UK comments, "The Roadman 102 Series is an extremely versatile performer, it is truly portable with an array of features and easy set up and operation. With the optional audio link, a network of Roadman units can broadcast to a much wider

UK - Studiomaster has published details of its new Class AD Polyphase proprietary amplifier development, in a technical reference document on the company's website.

First announced at this year's prolight+sound exhibition in Frankfurt, the technology provides for major improvements in sound quality, efficiency and power density over current Class D designs, says the company. The new topology combines a number of design innovations with a Studiomaster patented 'polyphase' output stage. The effect is to provide the equivalent sonic performance of a pure analogue design and greater efficiency than a Class D amplifier - "enabling better sounding, more compact devices and power circuit integration".

Commenting on the significance of the Class AD Polyphase development, head of R&D Paul Belcher stated, "Innovation has always been at the heart of Studiomaster's R&D, fro

USA - EAW has debuted its new SBK Series Subwoofers. The SBK subs are designed to "perfectly complement EAW's MK Series Full-Range Loudspeakers in construction, size and sound", but they can also be used as stand-alone subwoofers in a system from any other manufacturer.

The line includes three models: SBK150 (Single 15-inch), SBK180 (Single 18-inch) and SBK250 (Double 15-inch) Subwoofers. All three units operate in passive mode. Applications can include concert halls, houses of worship, arenas, large ballrooms, live theatre products, gymnasiums and much more.

Premium components and optimally tuned ports match the performance associated with EAW's SB line of direct radiating subwoofers, says the company. The SBK line includes a variety of forms of subwoofer providing a system designer with selections that can be specifically matched to their application. Multiple 3/8-

USA - Community Professional Loudspeakers is introducing two new monitors to its M-Class Series. Applications for the new MX8 and MX10 models include houses of worship, corporate presentations, musical theatre, education facilities, television, studio and live music performance.

Handling 300W and 500W programme respectively, the 8-inch MX8 and 10-inch MX10 use Community's proprietary co-axial driver units. Their co-axial design means that all of the sound emanates from the same point source and the Tru-Phase conical high frequency waveguide eliminates the transition anomalies that occur in most square and rectangular horns. This results in "exceptionally smooth phase and frequency response performance with reduced feedback, improved intelligibility and uniform coverage exactly where it's needed". The MX8 and MX10 are suitable for single performers who often move off-a

UK - The Reflection LEDko, Coemar's LED profiler that had its world preview at ProLight+Sound in Frankfurt, received a special mention during the ABTT 2011 Awards ceremony.

Reflection LEDko (in the Soft Profile and Profile versions) is the first LED profiler able to project a shaped light with diffused edges, also offering the possibility to reproduce any tone and nuance of colour, and any shade of white, says the company.

It guarantees reduced installation costs and maintenance, and cuts energy consumption by at least 70%. What's more, it allows you to print gobos on glossy paper using a normal printer. The costs of lamp replacement, dimmer, scroller and gelatine are eliminated.

Reflection LEDko is available in three models: Reflection LEDko Full Spectrum, Reflection LEDko VariWhite 3000/7000 K, and Reflection LEDko White 3200 K, with Soft Profile and Profile optics.

(Jim

UK - Highlight Pyrotechnics will display the latest version of their Cool Confetti Blasters at the PLASA Show 2011, Earls Court (September 11 - 14, London).

"The new Cool Confetti Blasters have an improved injection system that increases the jet efficiency, therefore pushing confetti higher and extending the flight time," says the company. "The latest design produces a higher output which is 45% higher than other machines on the market. We produce better results with less machines and therefore take a smaller footprint and provide a more cost effective solution for your confetti launch."

Highlight will be demonstrating the Cool Confetti Blasters on stand 1H41.

(Claire Beeson)

UK - At PLASA2011 Out Board will preview iPad and iPhone apps developed to control the TiMax2 SoundHub mix matrix, playback server and audio showcontrol matrix. Simple factory-default setups are user-configurable, and a custom programming service provides bespoke GUI's specifically tailored to individual systems and sound effects control projects.

Also demonstrated will be powerful new S-Version software features for the TiMax2 SoundHub - the PanSpace effects map and TimeLine Editor for in-depth sound-effects programming, featuring multi-channel waveform-based editing, looping, panning, volume profiling and versatile showcontrol trigger management.

TiMax2 SoundHub is a scaleable mix-engine, sound effects playback server and delay-matrix platform which offers up to 64 channels of analogue or AES I/O - with MADI, Ethersound, Cobranet and Dante networking options - all in a singl

Europe - An addition to the Philips Entertainment LED lighting arsenal is the Philips Strand Lighting LightPack LED controller.

Grant Bales Smith, sales manager for UK, Scandinavia and Benelux for Philips Entertainment EMEA explains, "Smart addressing technology has simplified LED fixture set up by ensuring that end users can quickly address any luminaire in the Philips PLTR1 range.

"The range features three types - the PLTR1W (Tunable White Flood), the PLTR1RGB (RGB Colour Mixing) and the PLTR1RGBAW (five colour unit with tunable colour temp settings). Each one has different channel requirements and differing features.

"The LightPack LED controller can sense which unit is which and assigns the correct number of channels. It can also include a virtual dimmer channel and is capable of setting the mode of a fixture i.e. 8 or 16 bit. The LightPack LED controller'

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