Following a look at what the audio companies attending Prolight + Sound are doing part one and part two, we conclude our show previews with a roundup of the other products being launched.
Analog Way will showcase the Perspective Layers feature on its Ascender 48 seamless switcher. Available as an option for all Ascender 48 units, Perspective Layers allow animation of live layers with a virtual viewing perspective in real time with X, Y, Z axis rotation control. In Perspective mode, the Ascender 48 can display three Perspective Layers per output plus a native background.
Creation and management of the Perspective Layers can be managed directly from the Ascender 48’s Web RCS interface.
Also on show will be the Pulse²-3G mixer native matrix switcher. Based on the Midra platform, Pulse² offers diverse connectivity through eight seamless inputs and 14 source plugs, including Universal Analog, DVI-D, HDMI and 3G-SDI. It can seamlessly switch between any of the 14 input plugs without fade through black or loss of sync.
Crestron will be showing many of its recent developments at Prolight + Sound. Using the Pyng home automation app, once the initial set-up is complete, anyone can easily modify settings or create new scenes. Homeowners can make changes to scenes and settings themselves with the confidence that their integrator can restore to an automatic cloud backup if they wish to undo any adjustments.
Also on display will be the new DigitalMedia presentation systems. Configurable from the optional pre-loaded TSW-750 touchscreen, or from an iPad or computer, these integrate the control system, multimedia matrix switcher, mic mixer, audio DSP, amplifier and DigitalMedia distribution centre all into a single 3-space rack mount package.
Also on the stand will be the world’s first 4K/60Hz scaler, the 4K DigitalMedia Receiver & Room Controller, which can convert any resolution and frame rate to any other, up to 4096 x 2160 at 60Hz.
Visitors can also see the Wall Plate 4K DigitalMedia Transmitter and Wall Plate 4K DigitalMedia Receiver, both powered over DM, needing only a single cable.
Among Crestron’s DIN rail solutions on show will be the DIN-AP2, a 2-Series control processor designed for small to medium-sized lighting and automation applications. This works seamlessly with Crestron’s entire line of lighting dimmers and shade controls, keypads and touchpanels, thermostats, wireless gateways, and expansion modules.
The Crestron RL group collaboration solution features a Crestron UC Codec for Microsoft Lync, HD camera, microphone, 65in touch display(s), a hi-res 10in tabletop touchscreen and more. Crestron RL connects over the corporate LAN; no system design or programming is needed.
Finally, Crestron will be showing its range of speakers, including the Aspire, Essence and Saros models, for homes, boardrooms, classrooms or corporate spaces.
d3 Technologies is to unveil the first Video Format Conversion (VFC) quad DVI output card for its flagship d3 4x4pro media server. The card enables users to drive up to 16 DVI outputs (1080p, 60Hz) from a single 4x4pro system. This allows large multi-projector shows to be delivered with fewer machines and no downstream splitter devices. This drastically reduces cost, rack space, set-up time and complexity, without adding any signal latency. Users can also swap to DisplayPort 1.2 to drive up to four 4K outputs per server.
The manufacturer claims that no other media server on the market offers the ability to transition gracefully from HD to 4K as 4K becomes more established.
The 4x4pro is claimed to set a new standard for power, flexibility and convenience; it is targeted at massive multi-projection shows, TV programming, broadcast operations and high-end fixed installations. It can play up to eight layers of 4K video, 32 layers of HD video (DVX/HAP codecs at 30fps) and up to eight layers of uncompressed HD video (Animation codec at 30fps), all with content up to 16K pixels across.
Two 10Gb/s Ethernet ports allow huge quantities of content to be transferred in minutes.
Green Hippo will be showcasing its latest media server technology innovations on the B&K Braun stand. A Hippotizer Taiga will be driving the entire stand, while smaller products will be used for private demos. The stand will also feature Boreal, which is controlling video playback in the theatre on board the recently launched Britannia, the largest cruise ship designed for the British holiday market.
Technical director Sean Westgate will repeat his well-received ISE 2015 talk on ‘4K+ in the real world’. This addresses the difficulties that are present for end users who wish to step into the 4K+ world, from the lack of available 4K content, to the difficulties in getting video players and processors that are capable of handling 4K.
J&C Joel, a leading manufacturer of flame retardant fabrics and flooring for the entertainment and event industries, will also be celebrating its rich textile heritage at Frankfurt. The British company has achieved global reach through an international network of offices and has been providing bespoke theatre curtains, drapes, canvasses, backdrops and stage engineering services for stage shows, events and exhibitions for more than 35 years.
Harman’s Martin Professional will showing “a busload” of new lighting products such as the Martin M-Touch controller and VDO Fenix creative lighting solutions, alongside established fixtures including the MAC Quantum Profile. Several new additions to the RUSH line of club-related products will be announced, as will the winner of Martin’s annual Young Lighting Designer contest.
Robe will be showcasing 10 new products including the BMFL Blade, from Robe’s new signature Bright Multi-Functional Luminaire (BMFL) range.
The latest additions to the DL range include the DL7S Profile, DL4X Spot, DL4S Profile and the DL4F Wash; there are two new versions of Robe’s ParFect LED PAR fixture, a new LED batten fixture, the CycBar 15 as well as a brand new LED moving light spot fixture – VIVA and the Strobe for the LED strobe market.
Avolites is launching the live control-focused ‘Arena’ console aimed at festivals, theatres and anywhere that a larger control surface is required.
It combines the interface of the Tiger Touch II with 30 additional Playback faders and expanded live control features. Alongside the main display, a second touchscreen provides an additional workspace window, also labelling the adjacent macro buttons and rotary pots. A new optical output means the Arena is equipped for fibre connections over long distances, from front of house to the stage.
Offering Multi User compatibility, the Arena can be used as master, back-up or extra programming surface, cutting your programming time by allowing multiple Titan programmers to work simultaneously, before the main console takes charge.
Arena is capable of processing 16 DMX universes, with eight physical DMX outputs, and this can be further expanded with Titan Net Processors for up to 64 universes.
