Alcorn McBride Announces V16 Pro Show Controller Alcorn McBride has introduced the V16 Pro, a frame-accurate show controller for both serial and network devices. It has 16 serial ports, 16 serial inputs, 16 outputs, a MIDI port, and a dual Ethernet interface. It can be monitored and programmed from anywhere in the world. The V16 Pro is an upgrade to the existing V16+ controller. Updates include: - A large front panel knob that allows easy selection of IP address, time code operation and monitoring functions (all settings can be password protected)
- A larger display providing 8 lines by 42 characters reveals more at-a-glance information
- Compact Flash storage of show control scripts
- Dual Ethernet ports, allowing connection to both local and remote equipment
- Software-configurable serial ports allowing either RS-232 or RS-422/485 communication
- Linear time code in and out, supporting all standard rates of SMPTE and EBU
- Composite and black burst video sync at PAL or NTSC rates
- A real time clock that accurately keeps track of date and time of day even when power is off; for increased accuracy, the time may be synchronized to an Internet time server via NTP
- Enhanced scripting functions, more sophisticated protocol functions, built-in Ethernet protocols, and new variable types for customizing show scripts
For more information, go to http://www.alcorn.com/ I’ve always liked these kinds of controllers for regularly staged shows with lots of complex cues — although they’re a bit intensive on programming and connections to use for one-offs. Alcorn McBride has given a lot of great gear to the staging industry — their DVM is legendary for its reliability.
–JRR Back to Top Crown Audio Introduces New Value Line Portable PA System In a move that makes quality high power amplifiers affordable to a broad new market, Crown Audio introduced the newly extended XLS Series amplifiers, which significantly elevate the performance threshold of affordable portable PA amplifiers. The new XLS Series is ideal for musicians, DJs, rental companies and corporate and hotel AV departments. The XLS Series, Crown’s workhorse amplifier line, has now been extended with the addition of the new XLS 5000 ($1,399 US street price). Delivering 1,800 watts per channel in 4-ohm stereo mode, and 5,000 watts in 4-ohm bridge-mono mode, the XLS 5000 packs more than twice the punch of the next highest-powered model in the range, the XLS 802. Housed in a rugged, 3U, all-steel chassis, the XLS 5000 is equipped with an efficient forced-air fan to prevent excessive thermal buildup. The front panel has dual precision-detented rotary level controls, a power switch with accompanying LED, and six additional LEDs indicating signal, clip, and fault for each channel. Rear panel connections include two electronically balanced XLR inputs as well as touch-proof binding post and Speakon outputs. For more information and to see details of the new amps, go to http://www.crownaudio.com/gen_htm/press/pr189.htm I’ve worked with Crown amps for years, and with the XLS line quite a bit. I’m a fan, and I’ll look forward to taking a look at these new models.
–JRR Back to Top Extron Premieres New RGB to HDMI Scaler Extron Electronics introduced the RGB-HDMI 300, a high-performance RGB to HDMI scaler that converts incoming analog component video and RGBHV signals to HDMI. It accepts HDTV and high-resolution computer-video up to 1920×1200, and offers multiple, selectable HDMI output rates up to 1920×1200, including HDTV 1080p/60. The RGB-HDMI 300 is housed in a compact, low profile enclosure for placement behind flat-panel displays, and offers several features for streamlining integration and enhancing system operation. It is ideal for applications where newer displays, equipped only with HDMI inputs, are to be used with sources that output analog component video or RGB computer video. In addition to high performance scaling, the RGB-HDMI 300 includes several integrator-friendly features for expediting set-up and system operation. An on-screen display provides information pertaining to the incoming signal and adjustment of picture settings, including positioning, size, zoom, brightness, contrast, and detail. Internal test patterns are available for calibration and setup. Several memory presets are available to store and recall configuration settings using the front panel or through the RS-232 serial port. With Auto Input Memory, the RGB-HDMI 300 automatically stores image settings for each new incoming signal. When the signal is recognized again from a newly connected source, image settings are automatically restored. Auto-Image, a feature common to many Extron scalers and signal processors, allows for quick and easy set-up of incoming analog component video or RGB signals. For more information, go to: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=rgbhdmi300 Nice to see our choices in HDMI transcoding expanding. Getting signals in and out of HDMI has been an issue for the rental industry at times, especially in systems involving multiple flat panels, and it’s good to see the manufacturers building some solutions — especially manufacturers like Extron who are well aware of the needs of the rental industry.
–JRR Back to Top Zinman Company Releases iPhone Application for Lighting and Staging Professionals The Zinman Company has released PocketLD, a new database and calculation tool for theatrical and lighting professionals. You enter throw distance, then select a manufacturer, fixture, and lamp to calculate the beam or field diameter and foot-candles or lux. It costs $9.99 and is available on the iTunes store. The Zinman Company also previously released the applications Gel Calc!, which calculates the number of gel sheets and best cutting direction to yield the most frames per sheet for cost-efficiency, and iSwitch DMX, a simple utility for DMX lighting devices. For more information on any of these applications, please go to: http://www.lightingiphoneapps.com/ Cool!!! As I (and many others) have moved from Palm to iPhone, I’ve felt the loss of some of my favorite pocket apps for AV. Nice to see some of them (or new ones) coming to the iPhone.
–JRR Back to Top HME Announces New Wireless Speaker Station HME has announced the new WS200 Wireless Speaker Station, which they say is the only wireless speaker station designed for two-way intercom communication. The WS200 does not have to be wired to a master station, which conveniently eliminates the need to run cables. The WS200 features at built-in speaker, built-in microphone, visual and audible call signaling, and a headset jack for added versatility. Intended for use with a DX200 or DX100, the WS200 takes the place of a beltpac or an all-in-one wireless headset communicator. It operates on six 1.5V AA batteries, 12-14 VDC, or 100-240 VAC. A selectable intercom or isolated channel option, side-tone and mic gain headset adjustments, and external 8-ohm speaker connector round out the features. For more information, go to http://www.hme.com/news/WS200_Press_Release.pdf I’ve felt the need for one of these a couple of times recently — especially working in theaters with projection booths distant from the head end. When I’m in a booth, I hate having to wear a headset — so one of these in probably in my future.
–JRR Back to Top |