Fred Foster and the History of ETC Consoles at USITT

The history lessons just don’t stop when you are on a roll!  During USITT in Kansas City, Fred Foster, CEO of Electronic Theatre Controls happen to be wondering around the 50 years of Lighting Display by the USITT Lighting Commission.  Mr. Foster was kind enough to take some time out and walk us through a little bit of ETC’s console history.

These are the times that I really love what I am doing here.  How often do you get a chance to hear about how something was developed or the history of a company directly from the source?  Rather then hogging this memory to myself, I cranked out the Flip and got him on camera to share with you. I have to do it… Thank you again to the USITT Lighting Commission. A most EXCELLENT job!

UPDATE:

Thanks everyone for letting me know about the video not playing.  I just fixed it so enjoy Mr. Foster’s history lesson!

Anne Valentino & Console History at USITT 2010

Yesterday I post the first of a copy of history lessons from USITT starting with Gordan Pearlman talking about the Kliegl Performer.  Anne Valentino, an industry legend and console goddess was kind enough to walk me through some of her history with almost all of the console on display at the USITT 50 years of Lighting Display. On top of talking about Anne’s part in developing the consoles, she gives us a rare look into some of the stories behind the consoles.  Come on, who doesn’t like a little load in nightmare stories?

Thanks again to the USITT Lighting Commission for this wonderful display. You did a great job! I can’t wait to see all of the missing consoles and fixtures that were not there this year.

iSquint Podcast: Episode 7 – Finding Your Next Lighting Desk

It is that time of year, the trade show season is about to begin.  Visitors from around the country and around the world visit trade shows to see some of the latest products and services available to our beloved industry. One of the most talked about and sometimes confusing product to compare is lighting control and consoles.

So in episode 7, I sat down with Rob Halliday and we talk about lighting control and consoles.  Rob Halliday writes reviews about lighting consoles in both Lighting & Sound International and Lighting & Sound America.  Rob is a freelance lighting designer and programmer based in England and is known to show up state side now and then.

Our goal of this conversation was to get you to think about what you are specifically looking for out of your next lighting console or, if you really even need a new console!

Rob and I talked at length about different types, function and abilities of lighting desk to help you understand some of the choices you have out there. While we did mention a couple of brands and specific consoles in the podcast, we are not endorsing or recommending those desk.  We used them as examples to help illustrate our points as the desk are well known throughout the industry.

If you have additional questions or comments, Rob and I will be happy to help.  You can reach either of us through the Contact Us page here on iSquint.net.

Did you know: You can subscribe to the iSquint Podcast through iTunes for free?

[podcast]http://isquint.net/wp-content/uploads/podcast/iSquint.net_Podcast-Episode_7.mp3[/podcast]

ETC Releases Eos/Ion Software Verison 1.7

We just heard through the grape vine that ETC’s Eos/Ion/Element software version 1.7 is out and ready for download from ETC’s web site. The new version is for the Eos, Ion and element consoles, remote processor units and remote video units.

Also released was the 1.7 version of the offline editor for Eos and Ion as well as the offline editor for the Element.  So all you folks that bought your iPhone iRFR app early on not have a chance to actually use it!

Here are some of the new features of Eos/Ion software version 1.7

• Dimmer feedback from Sensor®+ 3.0 systems equipped with Advanced Features modules
• RDM configuration and monitoring
• Multiple external USB connections for fader wings
• Display of frame tables by Frame number
• External trackball support for mouse operations and pan/tilt controls
• 400+ new fixture libraries
• File Manager in the shell
• Support for the iRFR application (Radio Focus Remote for iPhone® and iPod® Touch)
• Lamp controls are added to the fixture editor

Download the new console software for Eos, Ion and the Element from ETC’s web site, www.etcconnect.com.

Webinar: Choosing Consoles and Moving Lights: The Latest Trends in the Marketplace

We received a message from Kevin Loretto of Creative Stage Lighting about their latest webinar coming up on May 28th, Choosing Consoles and Moving Lights: the Latest Trends in the Marketplace.  The webinar will be moderated by Kevin Loretto and Michael Nevitt, both with Creative Stage Lighting.

Topics Include:

• What does your production require?
• Planning for future growth
• Networking your venue or production
• Green or not green? (LEDs vs. Conventional lighting)

Be sure to sign up for the webinar hosted through GoToMeeting.com.  It takes place on May 28, 2009 from 3:30pm – 4:30pm EST.

About the Presenter:

Michael Nevitt is a veteran of the lighting industry and serves as Product Manager at Creative Stage Lighting.

Nevitt’s design and automated lighting programming experience includes work he’s done for feature films such as The Grinch, Batman & Robin, The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, and Miss Congeniality. In addition, he has worked on top sporting events like the Salt Lake Olympics, Super Bowl Half-time show and the Ryder Cup Opening Ceremonies.

Nevitt also brings Product Management experience from Martin where he worked on the development of Martin’s Maxxyz Console and Maxedia Media Server.

Update: More Info on the ETC Element Console

We just learned more information about the ETC Element Lighting Console.  Sounds like ETC will be accepting orders of the new console through their dealership network beginning May 4.  While they begin to take orders, actual consoles will not begin to ship until late summer.  We have also learned the new pricing range of the four version of the console.

• Element 40, 250 Channels – $5,500
• Element 40, 500 Channels – $6,000
• Element 60, 250 Channels – $7,000
• Element 60, 500 Channels – $7,500

To learn more about the Element Console, visit ETC’s mini website at www.etcconnect.com/element.  To order you Element now, visit the dealer section of their website to local the closes one to you.