equipment news

Special Price on Music Stands and Cart from Black Cat Music

A special price offer this September from Black Cat Music should prove popular. As a special promotion, 10 Classic 50 Music Stands plus a small size Move & Store Cart are offered by Black Cat Music with a saving of £100 compared to the usual package price.

The package, normally priced at £695, is on offer throughout September at just £595 plus VAT with free delivery on the UK mainland. Schools and colleges looking to equip with new music stands designed for robust and regular handling can take advantage of the deal ready for the new academic year.

Already a top seller, the popular Classic 50 Music Stand doesn’t compromise on a design that is tough enough to handle the hardships of regular classroom use thanks to a formula of advanced polymers offering inherent tensile strength that will not bend or dent like metal stands - a design that also makes it quiet and rattle-free during performances. And the scratch resistant desk surface also incorporates a unique recess for keeping pencils in place. When the performance, rehearsal or class is over, stands can be stacked on the easy to load Move & Store Cart for transport and convenient, compact storage.

See 3D Processing Possibilities at IBC with TV One

TV One will be demonstrating 3D processing possibilities at the IBC 2010 Exhibition being held in Amsterdam next month on Stand 7.C27. Using the exclusive CORIO® Technology, TV One will be showing how their products can accept and process 3D resolutions and also provide additional capabilities.

3D processing will be shown throughout the IBC Exhibition on the TV One Stand with running demonstrations of a CORIO® product being fed live video from two standard 2D 1080p Cameras sources. These 2 inputs will be processed within the TV One unit to produce a single 3D image of live video which will be output to a 3D monitor.

The ability to insert picture-in-picture windows of 2D images such as logos and computer graphics so that they appear "floating" in front of a background 3D video source will also be demonstrated during the exhibition. Independent scaling of existing 3D resolutions and transcoding between the various types of 3D resolutions for alternative transmission methods is also possible using CORIO® products.

Steven Mattingly, managing director of TV One Ltd, states: "IBC is the pinnacle show of the Broadcast industry within Europe and it is a valuable time for us to gather market feedback and research. We welcome all input from industry peers and invite them to visit us at IBC and discuss what they want from future 3D development."

The Technical Sales Team will be available during the IBC show to discuss possibilities of future products and features within the CORIO® range from TV One on Stand 7.C27

Convert MAC 2000 Wash XB or MAC 2000 Wash into Powerful Beam Fixture

Martin Professional has now made it possible to easily convert two of the most advanced wash lights on the market - the Martin MAC 2000 Wash XB and MAC 2000 Wash - into a powerful beam fixture with an inexpensive conversion kit that installs in minutes.

Ideal for any large scale event where both beam and wash effects are required such as stadium and arena shows, the conversion kit gets the most out of existing lighting gear, eliminating the need to invest in a completely new fixture.

The MAC 2000 Beam XB upgrade kit consists of a new front lens module with micro-Fresnel lens and a set of four beam effect gobos/apertures. The kit installs in less than five minutes and also works with the MAC 2000 Wash. Components can be easily uninstalled and the fixture returned to a standard Wash configuration at any time.

The 1500 W

MAC 2000 Beam XB delivers a fat, tight and amazingly bright hard edge beam, perfect for big beam effects and long throws. Even at very narrow beam angles, output is outstanding with very high intensity.

An electronic ballast offers hot-lamp re-strike and the advantage of flicker-free light.

The extremely high output from the MAC 2000 Beam XB is made possible by a combination of high efficacy and very efficient optics. If users require the fixture to match the power output of existing 1200 W fixtures, a reduced 1200 W mode can be employed, saving energy and increasing lamp life.

Despite a surprisingly compact size, the MAC 2000 Beam XB includes all the proven features of the MAC 2000 Wash XB including full color mixing, color wheel, smooth dimming, strobe, variable CTC and zoom (wash effect).

A CMCY colour mixing system offers a broad spectrum of colours. A four-position (plus open) color wheel is interchangeable, allowing designers to customize shades and complement perfectly the color mixing system.

The fixture allows for very smooth fading via a combined dimmer/shutter. Mechanical dimming is from 0 to 100%, and the shutter offers rapid strobe effects up to 10 Hz with instant open and blackout. In addition to mechanical dimming, an optional dimming wheel can replace the color wheel.

A continuously variable colour correction system adds the flexibility to gradually and smoothly increase or decrease colour temperature. It is also useful when working alongside tungsten halogen or for smoothing out color temperature inconsistencies when working alongside older lamps.

A gobo wheel with four static beam effect gobos/apertures plus open allows for wider or tighter beam effects as well as multiple beams or cone looks. With a motorized zoom option, the fixture generates a wash effect instead of a hard-edge beam. The wash effect can be zoomed from tight to wide. The MAC 2000 Beam XB keeps the same optical train, effects and form as the MAC 2000 Wash XB, guaranteeing advantages such as proven reliability.

The MAC 2000 Beam XB is constructed of rugged, modular components for easy maintenance. It has an auto-ranging switch-mode for worldwide use and features the no hassle reliability that has made the MAC 2000 series a market leader.

In picture: the Martin MAC2000 Wash XB

 

 

ICONYX Systems Now Crestron Compatible

Renkus-Heinz has announced compatibility between their acclaimed ICONYX Digitally Steerable Arrays and Crestron Remote Controllers.

All ICONYX systems have long been equipped with an RS485 external connector for data communication. Now this data port will enable users to implement control and monitoring via third party controllers such as those made by Crestron.

Details on controlling an ICONYX array using a Crestron control system may be found on the Crestron website. Further information on initializing Iconyx systems for third party control via RS485 may be found in the ICONYX manual, Appendix V.

"User interface has always been very important to our customers and the addition of an open third party control protocol really adds to our flexibility," said Renkus-Heinz marketing manager Margie Ulm.

Cuelux Software Lighting Control Now Available on Linux

Visual Productions' Cuelux software lighting control is now available for the Ubuntu Linux operating system. Ubuntu is the most popular distribution of open-source Linux OS. It's free-of-charge and renowned for its stability.
Cuelux is a cost-effective DMX512 lighting controller for intelligent, conventional and LED lighting. It offers a darkened and touch screen optimised graphical user interface, industry-standardized cuelist system, iPhone remote control and can be used in 10 different languages. Cuelux has Plug&Play support for MIDI control surfaces that include fader wings, motorized faders and button stations.
With the new software release for Linux, Cuelux is now a truly multi-platform lighting software package; Cuelux was already available on Mac OSX and MS Windows (with both 32 bit and 64 bit drivers available). The advantage of a multi-platform system is that every user can choose his own preferred operating system in which he feels technically comfortable and in the case of Linux, even reducing the cost of the computer system and increasing the reliability.

Visual Productions will showcase Cuelux for Linux, Mac OSX and Windows during the PLASA2010 tradeshow in London, Hall 1 G23.

Cuelux for Linux - and the other operating systems - can be downloaded from www.cuelux.com  
www.visualproductions.nl

Strong with Evolight DMX Pen Live

Strong Entertainment Lighting brings the latest from Evolight with the DMX Pen Live, a DMX Recorder which can record a show in real time and then play it back at the touch of a button. The length of the show recorded is dependant upon the size of the Mini SD card used; the DMX Pen LIVE is supplied with a 2Gb card which will record several hours of data using a proprietary data compression software. The rotary switch allows for 24 independent shows to be recorde and replayed.

Use as an emergency replay unit, if the lighting controller fails just plug in DMX Pen LIVE and press play. Set up test routines for any dmx fixture, store different fixtures on different cards, have a faulty fixture on tour, simple, plug in dmx pen live and replay your test routines to check the fixture. DMX Pen LIVE includes MIDI Port and Ethernet interface which takes the Art net protocol allowing for Art net recording and playback. Additionally the Ethernet interface can convert Artnet to DMX and DMX to Artnet protocols.

Sennheiser UK Announces Full Availability of G3 GB

In response to the impending need for UK wireless microphone and in-ear monitor users to move from Channel 69 (854-862 MHz) to Channel 38 (606-614 MHz), Sennheiser UK has announced the full availability of its new G3 GB systems.

The eagerly anticipated G3 GB frequency range variant covers ALL of Channel 38 and as many ‘future proofed' interleaved frequencies above Channel 38 as its 42 MHz (from 606-648 MHz) tuning range will allow.

As previously stated in July, Channel 69 remains available nationally for wireless microphone use and continues to be licensable. However, the current Ofcom timetable will see access to channels 61-69 inclusive (790-862 MHz) cease during the second half of 2012. This means that any Channel 69 equipment purchased now will have a steadily reducing window of usability for most of its tuning range, with just over two years the longest period for which it will continue to be usable.

863-865 MHz (two MHz of Channel 70) will continue to be available for use by ‘wireless audio devices' after 2012. This will support a maximum of six wireless microphone links (subject to range variant and local conditions), but is generally not considered suitable for professional use.

Channel 38 (606-614 MHz) has been assigned by Ofcom as the replacement band for Channel 69, however some geographical restrictions on its use currently apply. In these areas it is supplemented, where available, with additional spectrum in Channels 39 or 40.

In an improvement to the previous schedule, Ofcom has announced that Channel 38 will effectively be available for both indoor and outdoor use by wireless microphones across the UK from 21 September 2011 - more than three months earlier than was previously indicated.

It is important to note that there is no de-regulated spectrum within the tuning range of G3 GB, therefore ALL G3 GB systems require an operator's licence. One shared licence per user covers multiple systems operating on the shared frequencies. Licences are available from Ofcom-appointed spectrum management company JFMG - 0207 299 8660 - www.jfmg.co.uk.

Operation of equipment in either Channel 69 or Channel 38 requires the user to hold a valid shared user licence (available from www.jfmg.co.uk). During the period of transition this licence also covers parts of Channels 39 and 40, where geographically appropriate. Operation of any wireless gear on frequencies from 470 - 862 MHz without holding the appropriate licences is an offence under the terms of the Wireless Telegraphy Act.

Optocore Releases New Server/Client Software

Optocore has developed new Server/Client software that will facilitate simultaneous network control from multiple computers.

Prior to this latest development, the standard Optocore control software had been purely Workstation-based - meaning that Optocore network control was confined to the software installed on a single computer.

"In other words, if different personnel, with their own computers, wanted to initiate simultaneous changes for different devices in the network, this would not have been possible," explains Optocore support engineer, Christian Pötsch. "However, the Server/Client version of the software provides much greater flexibility."

Setting up could not be easier. Upon installation, the software asks whether the user wishes to install ‘Workstation', ‘Client' or ‘Server & Client'.

By installing ‘Server & Client' on one computer - connected to the Optocore network by USB or RS232 - and ‘Client' on every other nominated computer the Optocore network can be controlled by enabling the Ethernet transport once a LAN has been set up between the computers (using standard components).

Once configured, every individual computer can access the server, and users can make changes to the network simultaneously.

Said Tine Helme, Optocore director of sales and marketing: "The major benefit of the server-client structure is the user right management. This creates so much versatility for multiple computer users on the network, enabling reconfiguration and status monitoring, with different access rights - all transported by the Optocore network via a standard Ethernet LAN between the client and server computers.

"At the same time there remains the option of operating in standard Workstation mode - all within the same package. It is what our customers have been requesting for some time."

JBL PRX600 Series Active Portable Loudspeakers Now Shipping

JBL Professional and UK distributor Sound Technology Ltd have announced immediate shipping of the new, highly evolved PRX600 Series active portable loudspeakers. The new PRX600 Series offers unparalleled power, rugged durability and incredible versatility for any small to mid-sized live sound environment.

The new PRX600 Series comprises four full-range cabinets (PRX612M, PRX615M, PRX625, PRX635) and two subwoofers (PRX618S and PRX618S-XLF). Utilizing tour-tested JBL Differential Drive speaker technology, dbx Type IV limiting circuitry and Crown award-winning class-D amplifiers, the PRX600 Series delivers uncompromised performance in a package that is light, small and professional in both function and appearance. At the core of the PRX line is a fully integrated DSP input section providing mic/line level input, selectable system EQ and a premium A/D converter for a maximum signal-to-noise ratio.

"We designed the PRX600 Series from the ground up to perform in the real world of sound reinforcement where challenging audio environments, high ambient noise levels and loud volumes are the norm," said Richard Ruse, Director of Marketing, Portable PA, JBL Professional. "Regardless of audio system requirements, the JBL PRX600 Series offers a decidedly powerful, rugged and versatile solution!"

In addition to Crown amplifiers, the PRX600 Series loudspeakers utilize new, ultra-low noise A/D converters that reduce idle noise and improve the overall spectral balance and audio performance of the speakers. The entire line has been revoiced for better clarity and tone and, with the addition of a new, professionally discrete appearance and strategically located M-10 suspension points on the full-range cabinets, the PRX600 Series is ideal for installation in any commercial facility or house of worship. The new models are at least 15 percent lighter and 20 percent smaller than their predecessors, making them the "performance-to-weight" ratio leaders in their class.

In addition to meeting the performance requirements for the PRX600 Series, JBL also met using Harman's "Green Edge" promise of being environmentally responsible. The new speakers require less wood and less plastic than their predecessors, use less energy to build and will use less fuel (due to the lower weight) to transport than previous models.

All PRX600 Series loudspeakers include: proprietary JBL Differential Drive® neodymium woofers; powder-coated, obsidian, 16-gauge perforated steel grilles; obsidian DuraFlex finish; integrated handles with backing cups; commercialgrade, lightweight, multi-layer, 18 mm plywood cabinetry; tongue and groove construction; dual 36 mm pole sockets on the PRX612M and PRX615M; single 36 mm pole sockets on the PRX635/PRX618S; and an M20 pole socket on the PRX618S-XLF.

Martin EC-20 LED Panels: Creative LED Never Looked Better!

The EC-20 is a new generation LED panel by Martin Professional designed for those who place value on solid, dependable performance and superior image quality.

By combining the image quality and precision of conventional high resolution screens with the creativity and low weight of mesh type screens, the EC-20 provides new design possibilities for all manner of indoor and outdoor staging, as well as permanent installations.

The EC-20 offers several advantages over other types of LED panels. It features a 20 mm pixel pitch and delivers an impressive 4,000 nits of brightness. Designed for rapid setup and teardown in combination with maximum flexibility, colour and brightness is calibrated for each individual pixel for maximum image quality.

Using high efficiency Nichia LEDs, the EC-20 offers visual performance at the highest level. Pinpoint 48-bit colour processing ensures uncompromised colour depth at any brightness setting. Each pixel is colour and brightness calibrated for maximum colour and brightness uniformity and consistency from pixel to pixel and panel to panel.

A high level of brightness - 4000 nits (cd/m²) - is more than sufficient for any indoor use and bright enough for virtually any outdoor application.

An optional integrated curving system enables a panel to panel angle of +/- 20° with maintained pixel pitch. This makes it easy to create curved screens and circles with a radius of only 1.5 m (5 ft) without visible gaps.

Each panel is made up of 18 pixel blocks, each one easily removable for creative design/shape flexibility, including the integration of different resolution pixel-blocks. The EC-20 operates completely flicker free thanks to a 3000Hz LED refresh rate (3-8 times higher than other screens).

The EC-20 panels are transparent and allow light and effects to pass through (audio, smoke and air too), creating increased possibilities for multi-layered looks.

The EC-20 is driven by Martin's innovative and award-winning P3-100 System Controller, an ultra robust unit for advanced video signal processing and integration with lighting control. The P3 processing system makes setting up an LED screen a true "plug and play" experience. Based on Gigabit Ethernet and Cat5e wiring, P3 technology removes the limitations of video-type protocols for easy connectivity and speed of set up.

A key feature of the modular EC-20 system is its ease of set up (and tear down) with no tools required for savings in time and hassle. The panels are low weight for easy one man handling and the user-friendly design requires no separate rental structure. Integrated power and signal connections have eliminated the need for cables between panels.

Built of rugged materials with precise mechanics, the EC-20 features a true IP65 protection rating, fully protected LEDs, and a wide operating temperature range for use in all types of environments. They will remain specification-ready 2-3 times longer than cheaper LED screens.

Essentially maintenance free, the EC-20 panels are completely convection cooled and use no fans which means no noise, fewer parts to fail, less cleaning, and greater reliability. The panels are also ultra quiet for use in noise sensitive environments

Optocore Launches New AES3 Card for X6R Converters

Optocore has responded to market demand for multi-format signal transfer by developing a new AES3 (AES/EBU) I/O card for its X6R 16-channel converters.

The new card provides 16 AES channels, with the ability to change the inputs or outputs in groups of eight. Complementing the existing Mic/Line conversion cards, the AES3 offers a number of new device options, providing unprecedented flexibility way beyond the 64 AES/EBU channels offered by its primary DD32E network device.

The user-configurable architecture will bring huge benefits to the pro audio community. For example devices equipped with an AES3 Card and an eight-channel analogue converter card will allow the user to decide whether he wants to use 16 AES channels (I/O switchable in groups of eight) or use the eight analogue channels combined with eight AES3 channels.

Optocore support engineer, Christian Pötsch, reinforces the advantages of software-selectability between the analogue and digital inputs. "Enormous flexibility resides in this solution, which can be configured according to the user's needs - whether the user wants to use all 16 AES channels (and no analogue I/O), or a combination of both," he says.

"These are genuinely innovative network devices, which can be directly connected to SANE or the Optocore fibre network - without the need for a DD32E in the chain - as was the case with the previous X6 converters."

The new combination, he says, would work particularly well in amplifier racks - where the amps can be connected by AES, but with the option to incorporate any analogue input feeds as well.

Calibre UK Debuts Latest VideoExcel Broadcast-grade Format Conversion Technology at IBC 2010

Format conversion has never been easier, more cost effective and accessible with three new universal format converters from Calibre UK. These are the VXL-150HD, VXL-100HD and VXL-75HD VideoExcel in the company's Broadcast product range.

Tim Brooksbank, chairman at Calibre UK, comments: "Users in outside broadcast, in-house studios, newsrooms to digital signage and other narrowcasting applications will benefit from our VideoExcel models which leverage the very best in format conversion, synchronization, noise reduction and image enhancement technology for the broadcast environment, a no-compromise solution at an affordable price."

The VXL-150HD is the most powerful and full featured broadcast image processor available in the market place within its price range. The VXL-150HD is a Universal Format Converter & Scan Converter and Frame Synchronizer with powerful noise reduction and image enhancement capabilities.

All important features of the VXL-150HD include flexible aspect ratio conversion with pre-defined and customizable formats and adjustable pan, zoom and trim, Closed Caption Support in HD CEA708 & SD CEA608 formats, VITC Embedded Time code support with automatic delay correction, flexible Proc-Amp controls and programmable logo insertion (bug burner).

The very best in image quality is assured with powerful scaling using a 1024-tap filter and SIMD-array based real-time image improvement algorithms. 3G-SDI, HD-SDI and SD-SDI are also supported with embedded or digital AES/EBU audio.

The VideoExcel VXL-75HD Scan Converter & Frame Synchroniser will demonstrate true broadcast grade computer graphics to video scan conversion. It converts VESA or CEA computer digital or analogue input formats to SMPTE broadcast formats and combines superb scaling performance with frame synchronization and flicker reduction.

To complete the line up of VideoExcel models, the VXL-100HD format converter offers up/down/cross conversion from SD to HD, HD to SD, and HD to HD with per-pixel motion adaptive processing. Real-time, per-pixel motion adaptive temporal and film noise reduction are provided as standard, as is SD MPEG2 codec noise reduction. The VXL-100HD's temporal noise reduction considerably improves codec efficiency for digital broadcast and substantially reduces file sizes for IPTV. The VXL-1000HD offers powerful image enhancement techniques such as a real-time ‘unsharp' mask process, which produces near-HD quality from SD and can greatly enhance reduced-quality or noisy HD footage.

Calibre UK will exhibit on stand 6.C28F at IBC 2010 at the Amsterdam RAI between 10-14 September 2010.

Mitsubishi Expands Pro-display Line-up

Mitsubishi Electric has announced the European launch of its latest public display LCD monitor, the MDT651S. The new display is a slim-bezel 65" display, designed especially for use in digital signage or point of information applications. Excellent display performance is complemented by numerous energy efficiency and design features that make the MDT651S an ideal choice in projects such as retail, leisure, transportation and public area signage.

The 65" diagonal screen delivers Full HD (1920 x 1080px) at 700 cd/m², with a contrast ratio of 2500:1. A fast response time of 8ms grey-to-grey ensures crystal-clear reproduction of dynamic content, and the screen can operate equally well in portrait or landscape formats, making it extremely versatile. MDT651S also has built-in image processing, enabling tiled displays of up to 5 x 5 units to be created for maximum impact.

The elegant, brushed steel, slim-bezel design blends effortlessly into any environment, making MDT651S a good choice for corporate as well as public area use. A built-in CAT5 receiver greatly simplifies installation and allows effective management of the display via LAN. MDT651S is also equipped with several power-saving features, including a unique dual light sensor that allows it to accurately match light output with its surroundings automatically. Sophisticated scheduling functions allow the screen to be programmed to change display mode at specific times, or to power on and off automatically. Mitsubishi's unique built-in pixel-shift function helps prevent the problem of image sticking which commonly afflicts LCD displays showing static content for extended periods. Other display features include Picture-In-Picture mode, user-defined side border colour and screensaver options.

The addition of the MDT651S extends Mitsubishi's range of professional public display monitors, which already includes 32", 42", 46", and 52" models. All the Mitsubishi LCD's have been designed specifically for demanding, extended-hours usage in digital signage or public information roles. Along with its comprehensive range of professional displays, Mitsubishi Electric also provides its own digital signage content solution - PlayOut - that allows users to easily create powerful and versatile digital signage applications.

PlayOut is a fully scaleable solution, capable of running any kind of digital signage system from a single display to an entire network. Combined with Mitsubishi displays, PlayOut allows users to purchase a unique turnkey package that includes everything required to effortlessly create a full-featured digital signage solution.

Upgrades Improve SeaChanger Tungsten Profile Range

SeaChanger has improved upon its flagship product, the SeaChanger Tungsten Profile. Through advanced optical engineering, the SeaChanger Tungsten Profile now has a flatter field, allows 10% more light out of the fixture, and comes standard with the new "bump" firmware, enabling faster color transitions.

The SeaChanger firmware upgrade greatly improves the "snap" transition time, with a full-speed, dual rotation that allows users to choose the shortest path to the color of choice. Quicker translations are achieved without sacrificing the smooth, transition-free fades and silent operation that are hallmarks of the SeaChanger family.

SeaChanger, based out of Largo, Fla., created a milestone in the evolution of theatrical lighting -- the CYMxG color changer for ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals. Through unique, patented processes, the ESTA, LFI Innovation and NAB Mario Award winning SeaChanger line of fixtures yields the most robust and highest transmission dichroics available. Colour, intensity and saturation of theatrical and studio lighting are controlled with unprecedented levels of precision and ease.

Single Cat.6 Cable + Easy Installation = TV One HDMI Solutions

TV One now offers the new 1T-CT-630 Series as a CAT.6 HDMI Extender Solution.

The 1T-CT-630 Series constitutes a system used to transmit v1.3 HDMI or DVI-D deep color (12 bits) signals at resolutions up to 1920x1200 and 1080p, plus transmission of embedded lossless audio, over a single Cat.6 cable.

The system is comprised of the 1T-CT-631 Transmitter and the 1T-CT-632 Receiver plus Power Adaptor. Both units achieve signal distribution distances of up to 38 metres (125 feet) for 1080p signals, 50 metres (165 feet) for 720p/1080i signals, and 60 metres (195 feet) for 480p signals when used with a high quality Cat.6 cable infrastructure. The units feature the unique TV One-task locking power connectors to enhance overall system mechanical security.

If additional installation flexibility is required then the 1T-CT-637 HDMI to 8-Output Cat.6 Transmitter is now available to send HDMI or DVI-D signals to remote display devices, using single Cat.6 cables. It is compatible with the 1T-CT-632 Receiver along with the 1T-CT-633 Repeater for extended run distances.

Audiolab Delivers New CD Players with Advanced Digital Connectivity

Audiolab has announced the launch of two CD players, the 8200CD and 8200CDQ. The new players are the first products to emerge from Audiolab;s latest generation of audio components, the 8200 Series, sporting clean-sheet circuit design and supplying a unique array of facilities and connectivity options, including high-definition USB ports.

The 8200CD includes the following highlights: Exceptional connectivity, including a USB port and XLR outputs; USB port can be used to enhance the quality of digital audio playback from a PC, Mac etc.; any PC/Mac media player (iTunes etc.) can be controlled via the Audiolab's remote handset; USB port also allows the player to be upgraded via firmware updates in the future; four selectable digital filters enable the user to tailor the sound to his/her own taste; ultra-high-quality 32-bit DAC from ESS Technology; proprietary, discrete master clock ensures ultra-low jitter; balanced, discrete, Class A output stages maximise sound quality.

The 8200CDQ sports the same specifications as the 8200CD with the addition of a complete digital/analogue preamplifier, all in an identically sized chassis.

While most CD players are designed purely for CD playback, the 8200CD and 8200CDQ have been created with flexibility firmly in mind. Their architecture is perhaps best described as a ?DAC + CD?, rather than as a CD player in the traditional sense. The DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) is the cornerstone of their design, which is why Audiolab has chosen the Sabre 32-bit audio DAC from ESS Technology to carry out D-to-A conversion.

This DAC solution is rarely used in CD players because it is much more expensive than other audio DACs, and players that incorporate it usually cost many thousands of pounds. However, Audiolab believes that this is the best sounding DAC currently available, so rather than reverting to the cheaper modules found in most CD players, the ESS Sabre is embedded at the heart of the 8200CD and 8200CDQ.

The provision of digital inputs - optical, coaxial and USB - means the 8200CD and 8200CDQ can be used to deliver top-quality sound from all kinds of digital sources, including audio files from computers and other media devices. Thus, all music benefits from the superb sound quality produced by the players? DAC and discrete Class A output stages.

While most USB connections only support data up to 16-bit/48kHz, the 8200CD and 8200CDQ accept data right up to 24-bit/96kHz via USB, with bit depth and sampling frequency shown in real time on the player's LCD display. In addition, the USB link is asynchronous - this means data is regulated by the master clock in the player, rather than by the computer at the source, thus helping to minimise jitter (digital distortion).

The user can control the media player on his/her PC or Mac via the Audiolab remote, with the control signal transferred back to the computer via the USB port. This facility is ?driverless? (in other words, it is built into the operating system) and is compatible with all media players - Apple iTunes, Windows Media Player etc. Both the 8200CD and 8200CDQ incorporate a clock-locked CD transport, delivering excellent CD sound quality.

All digital music, whether from CD or an external source, benefits from four selectable filter settings: Slow Roll-Off (delivers a smoother style of sound); Fast Roll-Off (delivers a crisper style of sound); Optimal Spectrum (delivers a flat response and optimal lab measurements); Optimal Transient (enhances transient response, thus promoting sonic pace and flow).

Users may switch between these settings via the remote, thus tailoring the sound according to taste. In blind listening trials conducted during development, the Optimal Transient setting proved most popular, closely followed by Optimal Spectrum. Users may decide to stick to their favourite filter setting or, if they wish, switch between the various settings to suit different music and recording styles. New filter upgrades will be made available for users to download and install via USB in the future.

The 8200CD and 8200CDQ enjoy extremely low levels of jitter thanks to the DAC?s unique coupling with Audiolab?s proprietary, discrete master clock, to the benefit of all forms of digital audio. Once converted to analogue, music signals are passed through a balanced, discrete, Class A FET output stage and on to the user?s amplifier via either single-ended RCA or fully balanced XLR outputs. Four-layer PCB (Printed Circuit Board) construction and 34 regulated power supplies help to maintain optimal signal quality throughout.

In addition to the above, the 8200CDQ adds full preamp functionality whilst maintaining the same chassis size as the 8200CD. The existing digital inputs are joined by three line-level analogue inputs, providing source selection and volume control in the analogue domain. The preamplifier section is fully balanced and

all analogue input signals are converted to balanced form, helping to reduce distortion and noise. Class A gain structures are present throughout, and users may choose between preamplification in the analogue or digital domain in respect of the digital inputs. In addition, the 8200CDQ adds a direct-coupled, discrete, Class A headphone amplifier, accessible via a socket on the front panel.

John Westlake leads the design team responsible for developing the 8200CD and 8200CDQ. John's technical skills have delivered award-winning digital audio products spanning the last two decades and a variety of companies have benefitted from his expertise, from Cambridge Audio and Pink Triangle to Logitech and Bose. His research is also utilised by a number of market leading electronic component manufacturers, including Zetex Semiconductors and Wolfson Microelectronics.

John is convinced that the 8200CD and 8200CDQ are the finest CD players he has ever designed and Peter Comeau, director of acoustic design for IAG (Audiolab?s parent company), agrees. "After many years of seeking a CD player that can bring me the level of musical emotion inspired by great performances on vinyl, I feel I've finally discovered, in the Audiolab 8200CD, a player that can do full justice to the music I have in my CD collection," says Peter. "At last I can forget the source and just listen to the music."

The Audiolab 8200CD is available from late August, with the 8200CDQ arriving in September. Both models are solidly built with all-aluminium casework and are available in a choice of silver (natural aluminium) or classic Audiolab black.

The 8200CD and 8200CDQ are the first of a new generation of Audiolab products. A range of amplifiers is set to follow, forming the backbone of the all-new Audiolab 8200 Series.

Stage Technologies Split Pulley Reels in Another Award

At the recent ABTT Theatre Show awards, the newest innovation from the Stage Technologies mechanical design team took the prize for 'Best Engineering Product 2010'. The split pulley is a simple mechanism that makes performer flying, specifically at an angle out over the audience, easier and neater than ever before.

Steel wire rope is fed into the pulley as normal, but the secret is in the carefully-engineered pulley sheave. The sheave is spilt in two and an electrical signal causes the two halves to move apart on demand, enabling the rope to drop through.

Ted Moore, director of rental services at Stage Technologies, summarises the benefits of the new mechanism using Mary Poppins as an example. "For a flight out over the auditorium you need to rig two winches. In the original production of Mary Poppins, when Mary flew out over the audience in the finale, the second rope was static and taped to the side of the proscenium with a bit of gaffa tape. Before the flying took place, a stagehand had to clip the rope to Mary as part of the action, which broke the flow of the scene and required a bigger suspension of disbelief (excuse the pun!) from the audience. In the recent production of the show in Finland, we used the split pulley to enable pre-rigging and better rope management, so that the performer's harness is already attached to both ropes when she walks on stage, with no slack rope showing at any point."

It's an inconspicuous modification but it reaps big rewards - the performer isn't worried about lines and rigging, the storytelling isn't held back or interrupted and it makes the lives of rigging teams much easier.

Design and manufacture of the pulley took place at the company's London workshop and the rigging system was also tested here before shipping out to Finland.

www.stagetech.com

Intelix Introduces Compact USB over Twisted Pair Solution

Intelix, the US manufacturer of audio/video equipment and software, recently announced the release of the AVO-USB extender kit, a professional-grade solution for extending USB 1.1 and 2.0 signals over structured pair cabling, such as Cat 5 or Cat 6.

"We are extremely excited to introduce the AVO-USB extender set," states Cameron Smith, Intelix sales and marketing manager. "Intelix has a long history providing USB extension solutions; however, the AVO-USB is the first product which combines an extremely compact form-factor with professional-grade performance. Most solutions trade size for quality the smaller you get the worse the signal this isn't the case with Intelix technology."

Prior to the AVO-USB, remote USB devices such as cameras, printers, scanners, keyboards, and mice were limited to only 16 feet via direct USB cables or required expensive secondary network equipment. Using the AVO-USB, remote devices may be connected up to 330 feet via inexpensive Cat 5 cabling at standard speed USB (1.5 Mbps) and up to 100 feet at full speed USB (12 Mbps).

The AVO-USB includes one transmitter for the client device and one receiver for the host device. Five volt power is supplied via the USB connection and no secondary power supply is required.

To use, simply connect the AVO-USB host balun to your source device, connect standard unshielded twisted pair cabling, and connect the AVO-USB client balun to the destination device.

TV One Adds New EDID Solution to Ease Installation Issues

The TV One-task product line expands by offering an EDID/CEC Selector. The new 1T-EDID-11 Selector allows for easy set up of the EDID and CEC parameters between a source and display monitor. Instead of waiting for the source and display to synchronize, this HDMI switcher saves time by using preset EDID and CEC settings to speed up the process. It's also easy to change your settings should that become necessary due to the selection of a different source or destination device or because you have purchased new equipment.

SD and HD video, RGB video and embedded audio parameters can all be selected via the front panel and system operation is displayed on an LED array. The product also features the unique TV One-task locking power connectors to enhance overall system mechanical security.

The advanced features include compliance with HDMI v1.3 and DVI 1.0 standards, serial data rates of up to 2.25Gbps, selectable DTV Resolutions of 720p, 1080i/p and selectable PC resolutions of XGA, SXGA, UXGA.

Rugged High-voltage LED Driver Family Wins UL Safety Approval

Sunpower's Power LED PLEC-120SxxxDT driver family has been approved to the UL 8750 safety standard. This international standard underwrites the family's LED lighting role, as it is specifically written for solid state lighting in a wide range of applications, many in demanding environments. The units have a -35°C to +65°C operating temperature range with no output derating.

The PLEC-120SxxxDT family comprises a set of 120 W constant current drivers with output current ratings from 350 to 4900 mA and corresponding output voltages from 343 to 24 V; a range that caters for all LED array configurations, whether predominantly parallel, predominantly serial or hybrid. All of the family's drivers are dimmable through a 1 - 10 VDC input with a linear control function. All units operate from a 90 - 305 Vac range and are suitable for US and world-wide industrial installations, including those using 277 Vac.

The PLEC-120SxxxDT products are highly reliable as well as safe in rugged environments. Built into a compact aluminium case, they have IP67 water and dust ingress protection as well as protection from lightning strikes. Electrical protection is also assured, with the units featuring over voltage, over temperature and short circuit protection. For extra safety, over voltage protection uses latching; this means the mains must be cycled to reset the driver after an over voltage event. The cool running, fan-less units offer an ultra- high efficiency of up to 91%, which is further enhanced by active power factor correction achieving a 0.99 typical power factor.

The UL 8750 approval completes the PLEC-120SxxxDT family's international safety and EMC certification, which also includes CAN/CSA-C22.2 Canadian safety standards, EN 61347 European safety standards, and EN 61000, 55015 and 61547 EMC standards. Applications include moving signs, backlighting, LED-based decorative lighting, LED-based architectural lighting, LED stage and theatre lighting, and LED electronic displays.

Australian Monitor Cafe Series Now Available

The Australian Monitor Cafe Series speaker system is a compact and visually stunning series of wall mount speakers and powered sub woofer that delivers extremely high quality sound from a small yet powerful speaker system.

Now available from Polar Audio, the Cafe Series subwoofer and satellite speaker package is ideal for café's, restaurants, boardrooms, bars, retail stores or any installation that demands full range, high quality audio reproduction. The Cafe Series is now available in black or white at an outstanding price point. The system comprises the Cafe 20 speakers and Cafe 80P powered subwoofer and is available as individual components or as a complete package.

The Cafe 20 is an extremely compact, yet high quality extruded aluminium 2-way speaker. Available in black or white and supplied in pairs with brackets included, the Cafe 20 is a great sounding and great looking compact speaker featuring a 3" woofer and a ½" tweeter. Rated conservatively at 20Watts, it can be powered via a conventional amplifier or from the matching Cafe 80P subwoofer. The Cafe 20's are supplied with a multi angle ball joint style bracket.

The Cafe 80P subwoofer is the perfect partner for the Cafe 20 speakers. Featuring dual 6.5" drivers, it is both compact and punchy. The Cafe 80P includes five amplifiers - an 80Watt D Class power amplifier plus four x 20Watt amplifiers for up to four Cafe 20's. With the addition of the Cafe WMVC, a wall mount volume control which allows for remote wall mounted master volume, treble and bass control The Cafe 80P can act as your complete system controller, the WWVC is mounted on a wall plate with connection via CAT5 cable.

Also available in both black and white the Cafe 80P features RCA in, Stereo XLR in/thru and stereo/mono switching (for satellites).

While the system is available as components, Polar Audio are also offering the system as a package. The package includes 1 x Cafe 80P, 4 x Cafe 20, 4 x 12 metre speaker leads and a Cafe WMVC wall plate controller in the one handy system. The package is available in both black and white.

Osram's OLED Panel is Product of the Year

The ultra-flat Orbeos OLED panel won the Electron d'Or Award for product of the year in the Opto/Display category. The jury of renowned industry and research experts selected Osram's light, energy-efficient Orbeos surface-emitting diode froma total of seven products.

ElectroniqueS is France's leading professional journal for the electronics industry and has already awarded the Electron d'Or prize 13 times. "We're delighted to receive the Electron d'Or award for Orbeos. It's a tribute to our go-to-market project team and our sales department in France, who have ensured, with great passion and commitment, that we can sell a market-ready OLED product today," says Karsten Heuser, director of the OLED lighting technology division at OSRAM.

By awarding the Orbeos OLED panel, the jury chose a completely new type of light source, which enables a glare-free, soft light with superior energy efficiency at the same time. The Orbeos is only 2.1mm thick and weighs 24g. Unlike conventional LEDs, OLEDs are not point light sources but surfaceemitting diodes, which allow for unconventional luminaire designs. The OLED's warm white light is similar to that of an incandescent bulb but requires only half the energy and lasts five times as long.

OSRAM presented the first transparent OLEDs at the leading international Light + Building show in 2010. They open up a whole number of innovative application options, such as windows that light at night. In future, OLEDs will make virtually any object and surface a light source.

In picture: the ultra-flat Orbeos OLED panel wins the Electron d'Or Award of French trade journal ElectroniqueS for product of the year in the Opto/Display category.

New High-End Projectors from Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Electric will launch two new projectors in Europe this August. The XD8100U (XGA) and widescreen WD8200U (WXGA) dual-lamp projectors are the company's latest high-end installation offerings, featuring a completely new design and state-of-the-art performance in large venue applications such as auditoria or in high-ambient light environments.

Delivering 7000 Lumens and 6500 Lumens respectively, the XD8100U and WD8200U perform superbly in large meeting rooms or conference venues. Both the XD8100U and WD8200U feature a unique, patented image processing algorithm that analyses the input signal and extrapolates high-definition data missing from the original image in real time.

The result is startlingly clear, bright, pin-sharp images with every detail faithfully reproduced. Mitsubishi's Natural Colour Matrix (NCM) allows intermediate colours - yellow, cyan and magenta - to be controlled independently of red, green and blue, allowing accurate and vivid colour reproduction across the spectrum. XD8100U and WD8200U also feature built-in edge blending technology and advanced colour-matching to ensure flawless multi-projector performance. XD8100U offers a Picture-In-Picture facility, while the WD8200U allows a split screen showing two different inputs for maximum versatility.

Durability is a key feature of installation projectors, and the XD8100U/WD8200U has been cleverly designed to ensure a long working life and low cost of ownership. Mitsubishi's heat-pipe cooling system keeps the lamp housing cool without the need for a power supply, enabling cost reductions and a compact design. As well being highly reliable, other benefits include exceptionally quiet operation - less than 28dBA - and significant energy savings. The projector consumes less than 0.3W in standby mode, helping to reduce energy usage.

A dual-lamp system ensures reliable, continuous operation, with an expected lamp life of up to 4000 hours. As well as changing automatically in the event of a failure, lamps can be cycled periodically to improve lamp life still further. An automatic self-cleaning air filter, which uses technology borrowed from Mitsubishi's air-conditioning division, keeps the projector running efficiently and free from dust.

Along with its modern design that blends perfectly with its surroundings, the XD8100U / WD8200U is packed with features that make it a practical as well as elegant choice for presentation rooms or other corporate environments. Projectors are equipped with a RJ-45 LAN terminal for remote operation, and are fully compatible with Crestron® RoomViewTM/e-ControlTM, AMX Device Discovery and PJLinkTM remote management suites. The wireless remote control can address up to 63 individual projectors in a multi-projector installation and operate at a range of up to 30m. Wired remote control is possible up to 100m.

With a range of available lenses and a custom colour wheel option, the XD8100U/WD8200U is a truly versatile, high-end installation projector perfectly adapted to high-usage, demanding environments. Both projectors will be available for shipping in August, and a 1920 x 1200 WUXGA version - the UD8400U - will be available in Autumn 2010.

Panasonic Set to Launch New High-Powered Projector Range

Panasonic AV Systems Europe (AVSE) has announced that it will introduce three new models to market as part of the launch of a new projector range for a wide range of rental, fixed installation and public display venues including live events, auditoriums, staging, digital signage sectors. The DZ110X series models will deliver up to 10,600 lumens of brightness and will replace the current models in this category, becoming the World's most compact and lightweight 3-chip Digital Light Processing (DLP) projectors. The projectors will be available in Europe from August 2010 to meet growing industry requirements for image quality, increased portability and brightness in a broader range of settings and applications.

The DZ110X range (pictured) has been designed to deliver a high performance to cost ratio, offering low total cost of ownership despite a full set of advanced features. Each of the projectors in the range offers a lamp life of 4,000 hours (eco mode) 3,000 hours (normal mode) and come with 10,000 hours of free filter maintenance. Weighing just 24 KG and with dimensions of 530 x 200 x 548.5mm, the projectors are also the lightest and most flexible 10,000 lumen 3-chip DLP projectors ever made.

Christian Sokcevic, GM sales and marketing for Panasonic Projectors said: "The enhancements that we have made to in this category of projectors mean that many of the traditional constraints associated with the use of DLP equipment have been removed. The improvements in weight and size mean that DLP technology can now be used in many more settings than before, opening up the use of these projectors more widely to the rental, fixed installation and public display sectors where we expect new customer momentum to follow."

The compact format of the projectors helps to make DLP technology more accessible for users while increasing the relevance of DLP-level performance as a rental proposition. In this way the projectors will open up new applications and uses, enabling the rental and signage markets to cater to a wider range of end-user requirements.

As well as the benefits offered by the reduced physical footprint of the projectors, an array of advanced features offered by the range include Auto Cleaning, on-board HD-SDI, Lumen organiser for multi-shots, Geometric Adjustment and Waveform monitor (only for WUXGA model ). Capable of monitoring input signal level, the projectors will also ensure use of the full dynamic range and make visual adjustments to optimise image quality accordingly.

The new PT-DZ110X (WUXGA 1920 X 1200 resolution, 10,600 lumen of brightness, 10,000:1 contrast ratio), PT-DS100X (SXGA+ 1400 X 1050 resolution, 10,600 lumen of brightness, 10,000:1 contrast ratio) and the PT-DW100X ( WXGA 1366 X 768 resolution 9,600 lumen of brightness, 10,000:1 contrast ratio) models will be available from approved resellers in August.

Osram High Pressure Discharge Lamps Premiered at World Expo

The new HTI 1500W/60/P50 Lok-it! system high-pressure discharge lamp for entertainment lighting has celebrated its premiere at the opening event and in other applications all over the Expo site. Osram has shone its efficient light technology on more than 40 buildings as the official lighting provider at Expo 2010.

Compared with the previous version, the HTI 1500W is now even more robustly designed. With the aid of a new burner and higher temperature resistance the lamp produces constant light throughout its entire operating life.

The new HTI 1500W lamp is suitable for use in effects lighting or in "moving heads". These flexible multifunctional headlamps for theatre or events technology enable light to be pointed in virtually any direction. eXtreme-Seal technology (XS technology) also improves thermal capacity, so cooling can be reduced and the corresponding luminaires run quieter. Luminaires with Lok-it! lamps can therefore be deployed even more flexibly. Plus, the new metal halide lamps have a colour temperature of 6,000K, a very high colour rendering index of >90 and luminous flux of 135,000lm.

Replace lamps in no time at all

Fitting Lok-it! lamps is especially safe with its bayonet system of lamp base and socket. You can replace lamps using just one hand. Simply insert, twist and the lamp is precisely in place and fitted. Thanks to a mechanical locking device, the socket cannot be twisted too tight. For stage lighting this means new lamps can be easily fitted into the spotlights even under difficult conditions, for example at great heights.

Lok-it! lamps are available with either the compact PGJX28 or the larger PGJX50 base.

In picture: the new HTI 1500W/60/P50 Lok-it! system high-pressure discharge lamp for entertainment lighting now has an even more robust design. With the aid of a new burner and higher temperature resistance the lamp is capable of producing constant light throughout its entire operating life.

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