High End Systems Releases Wholehog Software v3.2.0

All you Hog fans, get your download on and prepare your jump drives for some software goodness.  High End Systems, a Barco Company, has just released the latest version of the Wholehog software, version 3.2.0.  Here is more from High End Systems:

High End Systems, a Barco company, is pleased to announce the release of version 3.2.0 software for the Wholehog operating system.  This software provides many enhancements and improvements to the popular platform, which includes the Wholehog 3, Road Hog Full Boar, Road Hog and Hog iPC consoles as well as Hog 3PC software.

The eagerly awaited v3.2.0 software’s main highlights include Network Tracking and Failover, Color Coding, Keystroke Macros and more. The new features – requested by programmers – have passed extensive industry testing for stability and reliability.

“We are pleased to release v3.2.0 with a multitude of new features,” stated Robbie Bruce, High End Systems Director of Software Development.  “This version not only adds features, but also strengthens our core system and allows us to develop at a faster pace.  We included many under-the-hood enhancements that will aid in future software development.”

Additional features included in v3.2.0 include USB saving for Wholehog 3 consoles, selective show merging, fixture schedule search, direct value entries and improved GUI throughout.  With such a large number of enhancements, High End Systems again called on their loyal beta testers to ensure the software met the needs of the customers.

“Version 3.2.0 represents another huge leap forward in the software’s lifecycle. There is almost too much to digest here all at once. I’m sure many users will share my appreciation for many of the enhancements,” said Ross Williams, renowned UK lighting programmer and designer.  Williams has been an active beta tester through many versions of Wholehog software.

Version 3.2.0 also marks the first software version that is no longer compatible with the discontinued DP2000.  Users are advised to take advantage of a trade in offer towards the purchase of a DP8000, which is available through July 31, 2011.

Version 3.2.0 software, release notes, and an updated manual are now available free of charge at www.flyingpig.com.

Barco/High End Readying to Release Wholehog V3.2.0

Hog users rejoice.  Barco/High End Systems is on the verge of releasing their latest version of the Wholehog 3 operating system.  Here is a blurb from the website:

Software version 3.2.0 for Wholehog products is on the verge of being released. Professionals in our Wholehog Beta-Testing Program are all abuzz about the new features and enhancements, whose main highlights include Network Tracking and Failover, Color Coding, Keystroke Macros and more. The new features – requested by programmers – have passed industry testing for stability and reliability.

The v3.2.0 software benefits those using our current product line of Wholehog 3, Road Hog, Road Hog Full Boar and Hog 3PC systems, as well as the discontinued Hog iPC.

Features and enhancements in version 3.2.0 include:

• Network Tracking and Failover
• Color Coding
• Keystroke Macros
• USB Saving for Wholehog 3 console
• Improved GUI Throughout
• Selective Show Merging
• Fixture Schedule Search
• Direct Value Entry on Encoder Toolbar

Version 3.2.0 is right around the corner.  Make sure to get instant gratification by signing up for release notification from Barco/High End by getting on the mailing list. Learn more about the up coming release by visiting their website at www.highend.com.

Barco Releases Digital Cinema Projector Designed For Post-Production

Barco has announced the commercial release of its DP2K-P, a digital cinema projector specifically designed for the needs of the post-production community. Featuring a greatly expanded color gamut, superior contrast, exceptional brightness uniformity and specialized post-production software, the DP2K-P effortlessly meets the stern performance demands of post-production houses as well as the review room requirements outlined in the DCI specification.

Barco’s new DP2K-P projector elaborates on the proven platform of its successful DP2K B-series, from which it adopts highly-praised benefits such as optimum light efficiency, lowest cost of ownership, and user-friendly operation. The DP2K-P integrates Texas Instruments’ 1.2” DLP Cinema® chip – a forward-looking choice for 4K compatibility. To prevent dust from intruding in the chip, the projector has been fitted with a patented, hermetically sealed enclosure, which guarantees undiminished brightness and contrast levels over the years and allows for the use of reusable air filters.

Barco’s new post-production projector comes with a special version of the company’s Communicator software package, enabling users to meticulously create and customize their 2D and 3D look-up tables. Thanks to this increased control over the color space, post-production professionals will experience an unprecedented level of accuracy.

Barco Offers Upgrade Kit for Lamp-Lit Walls to LED Technology

Barco offers an all-in-one technology refresh program to upgrade its lamp-based video walls to its latest series of LED-lit rear-projection video walls, enabling customers to maximize their initial investment in Barco control room visualization technology for critical 24/7 applications. Barco’s video wall upgrade kit enables customers to bring their existing Barco display models up to the latest high-quality standards. By converting existing video walls from a lamp-driven to an LED-powered engine, owners of Barco’s video walls can build on previous investments and achieve enhanced image quality, improved reliability and lower total cost of ownership with minimal effort.

The introduction of the upgrade kits follows the launch of Barco’s new family of LED-lit rear-projection video walls in 2010. Thanks to a liquid cooling system, these new video walls offer up to 80,000 hours of LED lifetime and a brightness level that is 20% higher than any competing system. The new video walls are also equipped with Barco’s proprietary Sense6, a unique auto-calibration technology that ensures brightness and color stability over time and across the entire display, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.

Barco now has a technology refresh program for three generations of video walls (OV-D2, D1 and p-Si), ensuring customers that an investment in Barco technology will last them many years. Barco’s advanced LED technology is available for display cubes with a 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratio and screen sizes up to 80 inch. The DLP-based LED-lit projection systems offer an ergonomically excellent viewing experience, featuring the richest, saturated colors, ranging from XGA (1024×768) to full HD (1920×1080) resolution. Designed for an entirely maintenance-free operation over several years, without any need for consumables, the new video walls are the most efficient and reliable LED video walls for 24/7 applications today.

Sunday YouTube Videos

LEDs can be so much fun. ESPECIALLY when used as eye candy! One perfect example of an LED fixture that excelles at eye candy is the Barco/ High End ShowPix fixture.  On top of eye candy, the ShowPix is able to produce some pretty amazing colors in an even field.  Take a look at the demo reels from High End Systems on the ShowPix to see what it can do.  Then, if you have enough of them lined up, why not play a little pac-man?

Barco Announces OVL Series of LED Walls, Brighter & More Efficient

Barco is proud to announce a new line of LED-lit, DLP-based video walls with an improved LED engine. The new OVL range reaches a brightness level that is 20% higher than any competing system, without shortening the projection system’s lifetime. This makes it the most efficient LED video wall available today. The OVL video wall range is offered in 4:3 ratio, with screen sizes up to 80 inch.
Just like Barco’s 16:9 LED video walls, the new OVL series has an advanced heat management system based on liquid cooling technology, which brings the LED temperature down to the optimal level. This results in a significantly longer lifetime of the projection system, amounting to 80,000 hours of continuous operation in eco-mode – or a 35% improvement over competing video walls.

Thanks to liquid cooling, it is possible to boost the OVL’s brightness level up to 20% without shortening the system’s lifetime. This effectively makes the OVL the brightest LED-lit video wall on the market. Conversely, it is possible to prolong the system’s lifetime by lowering the brightness level. This way, Barco proves that liquid cooling is very effective in counteracting LED aging effects.

OVL video walls can save up to 30% power compared to other LED-based systems. Barco achieves this by basing the OVL’s color and brightness adjustment on smart power management, not on optical dimming.

Check out more about the OVL Series of LED walls on Barco’s website, www.barbco.com.

Richard Belliveau Tears into the XT-1 at LDI 2010

Check it out, The master mind behind Barco/High Ends Systems, Mr. Richard Belliveau was front and center at the Barco/High End booth at LDI tearing a Intellaspot XT-1 fixture apart! I really have to hand it to Mr. Belliveua and Barco/High End on this.  Not only is the fixture super easy to take apart and service, but the developer and genius behind the mover was right there giving them demo him self!

Thanks Mr. Belliveua!

Barco Unveils DLP Cinema Enhanced 4K Projector

The introduction of the new Barco DP4K-32B doesn’t come as a surprise. Last month, Barco already held a live demonstration of a pre-launch version of its new DLP Cinema® Enhanced 4K projector during a visit to the company by Cinemark. This week, the official unveiling took place at a special red carpet event with live 4K screenings at Cinemark’s Festival Bay Theatre in Orlando.

Based on the 1.38” DLP Cinema® Enhanced 4K chip from Texas Instruments, Barco’s new DP4K-32B guarantees razor-sharp movie images combined with DLP Cinema®’s proven, consistent color uniformity, rich contrast and Academy Award-winning vibrant, accurate colors. In addition, the ultra-high resolution projector benefits from a first-rate optical design and superior lamp efficiency, which results in a record light output and an unmatched visual 3D experience. Finally, the new DP4K-32B also features a unique, patented cooling system, creating the coolest 4K engine in the world. This ensures unrivaled reliability and a significantly increased lifetime compared to competing products.

The top-of-the-line DP4K-32B shares the same modular platform as its DP2K sister models. Thanks to this true modular design with its easy serviceability, customers can significantly raise their uptime, while minimizing their spare parts stock and keeping their service engineers’ learning curves short. To further reduce cost of ownership, the Barco projectors feature a lamp operating cost that is up to 30% lower than our competitors, while still leading the way on light output.

Shipments of the new Barco DP4K projectors are expected to begin in early 2011, as production will ramp up in line with the availability of 4K DMD chips from Texas Instruments.

Learn more about the Barco DP 4K-32B by visiting barco’s website at www.barco.com.

Barco Starts Shipping New intellaspot XT-1 Moving Light

Not to long ago, Barco/High End Systems announced their latest moving light, the intellaspot XT-1.  Good news, Barco/High End Systems has just begun shipping the fixture to customers.  Here’s more info from Barco’s updated press release:

Digital and automated lighting pioneer Barco/High End Systems announced today that it is now shipping the intellaspot XT-1, an innovative, full-featured hard-edged moving yoke light offering a new benchmark in a price/performance ratio.  The intellaspot XT-1 features remarkable innovations in optics, lamp configuration, high lumen output, energy efficiency, zoom range and more for a highly economical price.

The intellaspot XT-1 features a powerful optical system, producing an extreme 20,000 lumens output from the 850w HID lamp, while also providing clear projections with a large zoom range of 11°- 55°.  It features a fast mechanical iris, variable soft edge, and electronic strobing, in addition to smooth CMY color mixing and variable CTO.  A fixed color wheel allows instant color choices via easily exchangeable dichroic filters.  Two rotating Lithopattern® wheels, each with seven patterns plus open, provide a large number of output patterns and images.  The output can be further enhanced with a rotating prism and an animation wheel.

Built on an entirely new platform, the intellaspot XT-1 is an exceptionally energy-efficient fixture that conforms to modern “greening” principles.  A battery-controlled full color LCD menu system enables fixture addressing without having to power up the unit.  Low ambient noise, Remote Device Management (RDM), Art-Net, and wireless DMX capabilities make the intellaspot XT-1 the professional choice for a wide variety of applications.

Check out more details about the intellaspot XT-1 by visiting Barco/High End Systems website, www.barco.com.

Barco Introduces RLM-W8 Projector – Enter to Win One!

Barco just announced two things at the same time.  First, they are introducing the RLM-W8 projector. The projector brings the saturated colors of three-chip DLP projection to events and fixed installations, at the price of single-chip DLP technology.

With an enhanced contrast, quick and creative stacking options as well as built-in warping capabilities for curved surfaces, Barco’s RLM-W8 is a versatile choice for mid- to large-sized venues. In addition, it features blending technology to create seamless composite images across a canvas of any size. The RLM-W8 continues the RLM line’s tradition of silence as well as low energy consumption.

Second and most important thing… Barco is running a contest to win one! The RLM-W8 boasts the quality of three-chip DLP technology, native WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution and a bright 8,000 lumens light output. With native warping and edge blending capabilities, the RLM-W8 is a versatile companion for any event. What’s more – you can win one. Simply try to answer two questions. The contest runs until 1 October, and they will announce the winner on 4 October.

What are you waiting for!?! GO ENTER NOW

Friday Flickr Lighting Porn: Main Light

This weeks randomly selected Friday Flickr Lighting Porn Photo comes from Main Light in Wilmington, Delaware.  The photo was taken during their recent Barco/High End Open House showcasing the High End Intellaspot XT-1 and the Barco DML-1200 along with some other High End Systems lighting fixtures.  You really have to love aerials, I could stare at them all day!

Check out Main Lights Flickr Set.  They have plenty more photos from their High End Open House earlier this month.  Thanks Main Light for adding the photos to the pool!

Want to see your photos added to the iSquint Friday Flickr Lighting Porn Pool? Every Friday, I randomly select a photo from the Flickr Pool and feature it here on iSquint.  Add your photos to the Friday Flickr Lighting Porn Pool as often as you like, the more the merrier! Thanks everyone for adding your great lighting design photos to the pool, keep it up!

Barco Enhances DML-1200 with Axon Media Server

Digital and automated lighting pioneer Barco announced today the release of a fully optimized digital lighting package that harnesses the high brightness and DLP®-quality video capabilities of the DML-1200 digital light and combines it with Axon Media Server. This improved solution offers tour companies, corporate events managers and fixed installations, such as houses of worship, expanded opportunities for creating dynamic, multi-faceted shows in a variety of rental and fixed applications.

The DML-1200 w/Axon advances the product line’s core capabilities by virtue of its Version 2.0 software, offering up to nine media layers, keystone and digital shutter features, enhanced Collage Generator™ and curved surface support, unlimited effects, and over 1,200 pieces of royalty-free stock content. When combined with the DML-1200’s fast 4:1 zoom, warping and edge blending for external inputs with virtually no frame delay, and light mode with CMY color mixing abilities, the DML-1200 w/Axon provides users with a full complement of unique features.

To learn more about the newly enhanced DML-1200, head over to Barco’s website, www.barco.com.