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Review: The TRX Series, from City Theatrical and Philips Color Kinetics

Not long ago, Philips Color Kinetics introduced the next generation of Color Blast’s: The TRX Series. Adding 2 new colors to the standard regimen of Red, Green, and Blue, these new Color Blasts called for a more intelligent power supply.  Providing this new backbone is City Theatrical and the new PDS-750 TRX Power and Data Supply.  Not one to rest on their laurels, City Theatrical raised the bar with this reinvention of their industry standard PDS. Lets start at the beginning:

The PDS 750 TRX is housed in a very sturdy, 3U rack mount or pipe mount housing.  The front panel has the factory label; a stylish, red air flow grill; and the back-lit LED display and 5 button control interface. On the top of the fixture is a welcome cheat sheet that covers basic setup in all modes.  The back panel contains the PowerCon power input and fuse, the 5-Pin DMX In and Out, a USB connection for software updates, a 2-port EtherCon switch, the 12 4-Pin Fixture outputs, and the SHoW DMX wireless antenna.  There is also a small hole in the metal casing, presumably for a safety cable if you are pipe mounting the PDS.

Control of PDS-750 TRX is available via wired DMX, wireless SHoW DMX, Ethernet (ArtNet, sACN, or Ki-Net) or using one of the on-board programs or static colors.  Setup is quick and simple. Plug in your power cord and hook up your fixtures and then using either the on-board setup wizard or the advanced setup menus you can select your method of control. The PDS-750 TRX will run any combination of 2, 3 or 5 color CK fixtures. Using the on-board fixture patch you can actively adapt the fixture’s address’s so that there are no wasted DMX channels as in the past. A nice part about the setup wizard is that it will also identify the types of fixtures connected and ask you what control profile you want to use.

DMX control of the PDS-750 TRX is as simple as connecting a control source to the 5-pin input on the unit.  In basic 8-bit mode, the fixtures operate on one channel per color, up to the full 5 colors available in the Color Blast TRX’s.  Using my test console (an Elation SDC-6), the Color Blast dimmed smoothly and with a very even curve.

SHoW DMX control allows the PDS to operate wirelessly on any one of 16 different channels (or universes).  Using the same test console connected to a standard SHoW DMX indoor transmitter, I had full control of the fixture with zero lag time despite four WiFi networks and Bluetooth scanners also running in the same environment. A feature of note when running SHoW DMX is that the DMX connector on the back of the PDS will output whatever universe the PDS is receiving.  This allows you to control the rest of your DMX devices without investing in more receivers. It’s a very nice hat-tip from the folks at CTI.

Ethernet control of the PDS was a bit more challenging, but only due to the steps needed to enter the IP address information.  You can control the PDS over ArtNet, sACN (think ETCNet 3), or Ki-Net (Color Kinetics Architectural).  Having the extra Ethernet port is an excellent add-on that makes daisy chaining multiple PDS units a snap.

Not having a sACN source, I setup and configured the PDS for ArtNet control on a static IP address.  I then logged into the WiFi network with my iPad and using Alcorn McBride’s LightingPad was able to control the PDS perfectly.  There was no lag time and the dimming curves were as smooth as ever.  CTI also gives Ethernet control the same hat-tip as SHoW DMX by outputting the same control universe to the DMX port on back.

Not to be outdone, Philips Color Kinetics has taken the next generation Color Blast TRX to the next level. Featuring not just RGB color mixing, CK added Amber and White to the mix.  For theatre and Broadway applications, the soft tones that can now be mixed are a most welcome addition.  The Color Blast TRX also features a first-ever 4-character LED display and touch sensitive buttons for at-fixture controls.  As introduced with the TR, the TRX features both clear and frosted lenses that can be swapped out.  The rubber surround is gone and in its place is a CTI accessory holder.

Operation of the on-board control is simple and elegant.  Press the two outermost buttons at the same time and the controls unlock for about 60 seconds.  You can set the DMX address, fixture profile, set static colors, chases, and run a test mode to name a few functions.  The control buttons use the same type of touch sensor glass that many smart phones use.  You don’t actually press them, you just tap them.  One would imagine this will significantly increase fixture reliability as adding physical contactors adds a mechanical failure point.

Overall the color mix and output of the new Color Blast TRX is excellent.  However, don’t get rid of your iW Blasts just yet.  The amber and white are excellent additions that allow the TRX to mix some amazing new colors.  However, the white and amber only output is just not quite bright enough to be effective on its own.  Overall though, Philips Color Kinetics has added an excellent new addition to the Color Blast legacy.  Combined with City Theatrical’s new PDS-750 TRX, the bar has been set for ease of use and functionality.

The new TRX technology is available now for purchase and rental from most of your top lighting dealers in the US. To round out the family, CTI also introduced the new PDS-350 TRX (6-channel vs. 12-channel).  For more information please visit either City Theatrical or Color Kinetic’s websites.

New iOS App: QuickConfig by Philips Color Kinetics

If your installation has a running KiNET, Philips Color Kinetics just made your life a whole lot better.  Introducing QuickConfig for iOS.  Available for free from the Apple iTunes Store, QuickConfig is a utility that turns your iDevice into a remote programming station for all connected power supplies.  Just add a wifi access point (configured to the network, of course) to your KiNET and the app should automatically populate all available power supplies or network devices.

Using their intuitive menu structure, you can see each power supply, attached devices, and their status.  You can assign DMX addresses, update device ip addresses, change universes, and even test channels.

Thank you Philips Color Kinetics for an excellent addition to the iOS tool bag.  Download your copy today.

City Theatrical Launches PDS-375 TRX Power Supply for CK Fixtures

The imaginative minds of City Theatrical are at it again.  The crew from New York have done it again, they have taken something well proven and used in the industry and made it even better.

City Theatrical has just launched a new power and data supply unit for Philips Color Kinetics LED fixtures, the PDS-375 TRX.  The PDS-375 TRX is the little brother to City Theatricals most recent addition to the line, the PDS-750 TRX.

Here is more from City Theatrical:

The unit can be controlled with all popular Ethernet protocols including Streaming ACN, Art-Net, or KI-Net, as well as wired and wireless DMX512, and is fully RDM enabled. Every unit includes a built-in SHoW DMX ® receiver.

The PDS-375 TRX provides full control capability for the new Philips Color Kinetics five color RGBAW ColorBlast 12 TRX, as well as 16-bit and 8-bit ColorBlast 12 TRs, iW Blast 12s, conventional 8-bit ColorBlast 12s, ColorBlast 6s, ColorSplash 2s, and other CKDMX fixtures. Each of the six outputs can be individually configured for the quantity of DMX slots required and the starting DMX address.

Other features include a built-in three port managed switch to provide an Ethernet pass-thru to down stream devices, and a built-In Ethernet node gateway which when using one of the Ethernet control protocols allows the assignment of any of the six outputs (or the DMX output) to one of two virtual DMX512 universes.

The PDS-375 TRX can also reconfigure Philps Color Kinetics LED fixtures remotely via RDM control of Zapi features. To learn more about the brand new PDS-375 TRX power/data supply, visit City Theatrical’s website at www.citytheatrical.com and click on What’s New on the top left.

City Theatrical Announces PDS-750 TRX Power/Date Supply for CK LED Fixtures


City Theatrical is up to it again, making all kinds of crazy awesome wireless products. The latest one is the PDS-750 TRX Power/Data Supply for Color Kinetics LED fixtures.  Not only does the PDS-750 offer Streaming ACN, Art-Net and KI Net protocols, but also wireless DMX via their popular SHoW DMX.  To make the PDS even more functional, City Theatrical has included fully RDM reatures to the box.

The PDS-750 TRX provides full control capability for the new Philips Color Kinetics ColorBlast 12 TRX, as well as 16 bit and 8 bit ColorBlast 12 TRs, iW Blast 12s, and conventional 8 bit ColorBlast 12s, ColorBlast 6s, ColorSplash 2s, and other CKDMX fixtures, and it can control any mix of these fixtures without wasted DMX Slots.

The PDS-750 TRX units come with a rugged NEMA 1 steel and aluminum enclosure. It’s rack-mount ears can double as pipe mount hangers.

It features multiple data I/O ports, including E1.11/1.20 (DMX/RDM) via XLR 5P, E1.31/1.33 (Streaming ACN) via etherCON, Art-Net via etherCON and wireless SHoW DMX standard on each unit. It also features an Ethernet pass-thru—E1.31/1.33 gateway via XLR 5P when E1.11/1.20 not in use, Art-Net gateway via XLR 5P when E1.11/1.20 not in use.

For more information on the PDS-750 TRX, head over to www.citytheatrical.com or www.colorkinetics.com.

Philips Color Kinetics ColorBlast TRX

Do you like the Color Kinetics ColorBlast?  Who doesn’t?  It’s small, portable, powerful and does uplighting beautifully. The ColorBlast just got better.  Color Kinetics introduced it’s latest version of the ColorBlast, the ColorBlast TRX.

The ColorBlast TRX adds two more colors to the fixture making it an RGBAW LED wash fixture. In addition to the Amber and White LEDs on the fixture, Color Kinetics added on board DMX addressing! No more addressing at the power supply, it on the fixture, YEA!

The on-board touch-sensitive menus offer direct access to all on-board functions. Fixture self-test visually confirms proper fixture operation, while diagnostics display information such as serial number, operating temperature, and input voltage.

The ColorBlast TRX has a lumen output of 1577 with a 10 degree beam angle compared to the ColorBlast TR at only 960 in a 10 degree.  Don’t expect the ColorBlast TRX to die out any sooner, the LEDs are rated up to 80,000 hours and still just draw 50 watts of power. With all of these awesome numbers, you would expect that the fixture would be larger then the original ColorBlast… wrong, the TRX is just slightly bigger by half and inch on each plane!

The ColorBlast TRX still requires a Color Kinetics Power Supply to operate the fixture. And just like the original ColorBlast, all sorts of accessories are available such as barndoors, tops hats and louvers.

To learn more about the ColorBlast TRX, head over to Color Kinetics website at www.colorkinetics.com.

iPhone App: Color Kinetics LSM Remote

I am a little late to the table with this one.  Back in April, Philips Color Kinetics released a new iPhone app into the iTunes store, the LSM Remote.  The LSM Remote App is used to control Philips Color Kinetics Light System Engine on your iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad.

Simply add a wifi access point to the network on which Light System Engine is installed, and LSM Remote can control all of your shows remotely. For each zone programmed on the LSE you can select which show to play, adjust its brightness, or turn off its lights. Additionally, you can specify a show transition type and time.

This has a WIDE range of uses.  Practical for live performances?  Maybe not, but the architectural possibilities are endless.  Learn more about the LSM Remote from Philips Color Kinetics website, www.colorkinetics.com. You can download the LSM Remote for FREE from the iTunes App Store.  But in order for it to work correctly, you need some more pieces to the puzzle.

Philips/Color Kinetics Announces some New LED Fixtures at LDI

color_reach_tr_powercoreThis year at LDI, Philips/Color Kinetics released quite a few new LED fixtures. The fixture pictured to the right is the ColorReach TR Powercore. Color Kinetics designed the fixture for the rigors of the rental and entertainment markets with high performance LEDs to create a powerful floodlight.

ColorReach TR Powercore offers over 5,000 lumens of output, light projection of over 500 feet, and the ability to natively generate millions of colors and dynamic effects without the need for maintenance-intensive colored gels, filters, or mechanical scrollers. New royal blue LEDs are standard with ColorReach TR Powercore to offer deeper, more saturated color projection in theatrical and touring projects.

The ColorReach TR Powercore offers a range of entertainment- and stage-specific features, including a lightweight yoke for mounting to pipes, trusses, and stands, and an optional accessory holder for freestanding installations. Available spread lenses, barndoors, top hats, egg crate louvers, and other accessories slide into the accessory holder for easy swapping. Optional 16-bit control provides ultra-smooth dimming. The six-channel fixture is also available with custom LED configurations in any combination of blue, royal blue, green, amber, red, and white LEDs in eight color temperatures.

For more information on Philips/Color Kinetics New ColorReach TR Powercore LED fixture, visit their website at www.colorkinetics.com.

Rumor Mill: New Color Kinetics Fixture

ColorBlaze_MED.jpgThere have been some rumors flying around that Philips Color Kinetics is going to be releasing a new LED fixture in the next couple of months. While there is not much more information then that, we here at iSquint are interested to see what one of the leading producer’s of LED’s will launch next.

Could this be the long awaited 5w LED’s?

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