Christie Digital Launches the Ultimate LCD Projector for Stagers Christie announced the new LX1000, what the company says is the ultimate 3LCD projector for staging. At 10,000 ANSI lumens, the dual-lamp LX-1000 includes 10-bit image processing that delivers natural color-tone reproduction, good picture stability, and flawless video playback. The inorganic LCD panels also result in less color degradation over time than conventional LCDs and are designed for maximum longevity. In addition to delivering true 10,000 ANSI lumens, the LX1000 produces deep, rich blacks without compromising brightness through its inorganic 3LCD technology. It works with any video format, including SDTV and HDTV and any computer input, allowing the highest level of detail possible for large-venue projection. In a unique step, recognizing that cost of ownership is a significant consideration for many in the 10,000 lumen market – especially in rental and staging – Christie designed the LX1000 for maximum cost efficiency and low cost of ownership. In addition to the longevity of its inorganic 3LCD panels, the projector includes a 10,000-hour auto-filter system and has a lamp life of up to 3,000 hours; with an optional input card, it can easily network with an existing projector inventory. The LX-1000 was introduced at the ISE Show in Amsterdam this week, but you can read all about it at: http://www.christiedigital.com This really does sound like a great projector, and I can think of lots of applications for it. I especially like that attention is being paid to overall cost of operation. But one note: In an arena where our applications are as diverse as our companies and clients are, I personally refuse to concede that there’s an “Ultimate” anything. <grin>
–JRR Back to Top InFocus Enables “Plug and Play” for Macs – Allows for Macs to Produce Monitor-Walls with Their Built-in Video Card! In an effort to support the growing demand for Mac applications in projection, InFocus Corporation, last week announced the availability of the InFocus DisplayLink support for Mac, a display driver that allows Intel-based Apple computers to transmit audio and video content over a standard USB connection for instant set-up with DisplayLink enabled InFocus projectors.By using the DisplayLink feature, presenters using Macs can enjoy “plug and project” convenience by simply connecting a standard USB 2.0 cable to the projector. The InFocus DisplayLink Mac driver is immediately detected by the computer and will configure with the DisplayLink enabled InFocus projector settings within seconds — resulting in zero set up time and instant screen switching so users can start using the projector instantly. Users will appreciate DisplayLink’s multi-display capability, which makes it possible to project up to four projectors simultaneously from just one computer. Who cares? Well, this feature allows users to create “video walls,” and presentations of multiple content sources during live meetings (from the built-in video card of a MAC), in addition to making it an interesting solution for a monitor-wall on-the-fly. To read more about InFocus’ DisplayLink compatibility, to go: http://www.infocus.com/ms/displaylink/index.html YES! Great concept, and nice to see real attention being paid to those of us who “Think Different.” However, a caution: as someone who does a lot of multi-display work with Macs, don’t think of four displays as being MacBook territory. But the new 8-core machines just scream for this, with enough graphics RAM. I’m really looking forward to checking this out.
–JRR Back to Top Extron Adds HD-SDI to New Version of MGP 464 At ISE in Amsterdam last week, Extron announced a new version of the MGP 464: the MGP 464 HD-SDI. As the newest model within Extron's family of Four Window Multi-Graphics processors, the MGP 464 HD-SDI offers two HD-SDI inputs and two DVI inputs, along with analog RGBHV input capability. The availability of HD-SDI inputs allows for easy integration of professional HD video equipment, visualization processors, and medical imaging devices equipped with HD-SDI high definition digital video outputs. The MGP 464 is for use in command and control, network operations centers, videoconferencing, medical facilities, courtrooms, boardrooms, and other sophisticated A/V environments where critical, high quality multi-window displays are required.With the addition of the new HD-SDI model, the MGP 464 is now available in three versions: the MGP 464 base model with four RGBHV inputs, the MGP 464 DI which adds four DVI inputs, and the MGP 464 HD-SDI with two DVI and two HD-SDI inputs. All versions of the MGP 464 feature high-resolution analog RGBHV inputs as well as 15 virtual inputs for standard definition video sources. All three models accept up to 19 input sources and feature a true 19×4 input matrix switcher that allows any source to be displayed in any or all four windows, which are combined onto a single output. Simultaneous analog and DVI outputs are provided for RGB up to 1600×1200 or HDTV 1080p/60. To read all about the MGP with HD-SDI, go to: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=mgp464 Nice. I’ve worked with the MGP-464, and I like it a lot. The addition of HD-SDI in a product in its class allows us to round out distribution and switching systems for a number of HD purposes.
–JRR Back to Top Shure Debuts Four New Mics Shure Incorporated last week debuted three new products – the PG27USB and PG42USB Side-Address Condenser Microphones and the X2U XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter. In addition, Shure introduced XLR models of the new microphones, the PG27 and PG42.The PG27USB and PG42USB microphones connect professional-caliber Shure microphones to any USB computer port with what they say is “plug and play” performance. The cardioid condenser microphones feature built-in headphone monitoring with zero latency and monitor mix control, enabling users to instantly hear what they’re recording through headphones and make adjustments on-the-go, which makes them excellent tools for multi-track recording. The PG27 and PG42 (without the USB on the end) are the XLR counterparts to the USB models. The key difference between the PG27, PG27USB, PG42, and PG42USB microphones is that the PG27 and PG27USB feature a flat, neutral frequency response and the PG42 and PG42USB were specifically engineered to reproduce the subtle nuances of lead vocals. The large diaphragm allows for higher sensitivity to clearly reproduce refined performances. All four models will be available this month and you can see complete specifications at: http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Products/WiredMicrophones/index.htm You know, when I first read this, I wondered about the use of USB-input mics in staging operations — then I thought about conference and breakout recording. These could be interesting.
–JRR Back to Top AmpliVox Introduces All-Digital Portable Audio System Aimed squarely at Staging, the new SW915 Digital Audio Travel Partner is what AmpliVox says is the first system of its kind to deliver 250 Watts to audiences up to 10,000, covering rooms as big as 30,000 sq. ft. in such a small lightweight package.Standard equipment includes a UHF 8-channel diversity internal wireless receiver (with choice of handheld, headset, collar or lapel mic and transmitter,) a CD/RW/MP3 disc player with pitch control plus SD card slot and USB input. Additional features like ducking (automatic reduction of music when the microphone is in use) and a remote control make the unit easy to use. The Digital Audio Travel Partner runs on either AC or battery power with up to 10 hours of runtime from two user-replaceable 12-volt rechargeable batteries. The self-contained system is portable and durable, with retractable handle and large wheels for easy travel and maneuverability. To read more about it, go to: http://www.ampli.com/sw915.htm Personally, I think the phrase should be “aimed at the rental industry” rather than the staging industry here, but self-contained small PA like this certainly holds a place in our industry.
–JRR Back to Top MultiDyne Ships Battery-Powered Fiber System for HD Designed for Staging Apps LiGHTBoX LB-1150 is a battery powered, bi–directional field fiber transport for HD, Video, Audio, Ethernet & Data. The MultiDyne designed the LiGHTBoX so that it’s ruggedized for field and harsh environment applications. Typical applications are ENG, sports, military, out-door live events and any field application where battery powered equipment is required. The LiGHTBox can be linked via tactical fiber cable to the DVM–2500, HD–1500, HD–3000 and HEMC–4000. The LiGHTBoX is fully customizable offering virtually any signal compilation.To check out the specs, go to http://www.multidyne.com/productdetail.cfm?ProductID=228 Wow, this does look useful, especially configured for both audio and video sources up through HD-SDI.
–JRR Back to Top QSC Announces ILA v2 System QSC has introduced its new ILA (Installation Line Array) v2 System. Representing the second generation design of the lightweight, compact line array, ILA v2 comes to Stagers as a turnkey package including dedicated full-range and subwoofer loudspeaker components, processing, amplification, and suspension accessories. Designed for live events, ballrooms, convention centers, or any other venue seeking premium sound. Although not totally portable, it’s a major step-up from most “portable” systems and is pre-packaged with a complete audio sound system.In addition, the design of the ILA v2 subwoofers is such that they may be suspended at the top of an array using QSC’s standard FP2082-i array frame. When trim height is limited, the subs may be suspended behind the array using an available extension bar (model EB2082-i). As an aid to determining the array position and box-to-box splay angles in any ILA v2 system, EASE Focus software can be downloaded free from QSC’s website at http://www.qscaudio.com Just two questions: 1. I thought ILA already stood for Image Light Amplifier? Anyone old enough to remember Hughes? JVC? 2. If we’re marketing to stagers, why call it “Installation”? Seriously, the specs and size look good though.
–JRR Back to Top Hitachi Releases A New 16:10 Staging Projector Hitachi has introduced two projectors aimed at large-venue applications in the form of the CP-WX11000 and CP-SX12000 3LCD projectors. The CP-WX11000 offers WXGA resolution, a 16:10 aspect ratio, a brightness specification of 6,500 ANSI lumens and a 2500:1 contrast ratio a- there are five optional lenses that fit the WX11000.In addition, the CP-WX11000 features a hybrid filter, making maintenance and cleaning much less frequent. Moreover, the CP-WX11000's dust-resistant cooling system results in the filter running for what Hitachi claims is 10,000 hours without maintenance. To learn more about the new CP-WX11000, go to: http://www.hitachi-homeelectronics.us/digitalmedia/lcd_projectors/guide/lineup/details/cp-wx11000.html Once again, nice to see the manufacturers focusing on things like cost of operation as well as our traditional lumen game.
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