Obsidian Control Systems Ingrates Capture into ONYX Console Line

PreViz has become a much-needed standard in our industry.  With the sheer size and complexity of lighting rigs and the tight time lines to load in and do a show, PreViz gives designers and programmers much needed time to big the show to life.  Obsidian Control Systems and Capture have form a partnership to make ONYX programmers lives simpler but including a Capture license in EVERY ONYX console. 

Read More from the Press Release from Obsidian and Capture

Obsidian Control Systems and Capture Visualization are excited to announce a new global partnership agreement to include a Capture license with every ONYX console, allowing all NX console owners immediate access to the popular and powerful lighting design and visualization software.

Every NX2 and NX4 lighting console will include a download of the latest version of Capture after a simple online registration. Users will receive an unrestricted standard license of a Capture Edition depending on console type. All licenses are eligible for upgrades through Capture or any of its authorized resellers.      

Obsidian Control Systems and Capture Visualization will be enhancing connectivity between ONYX and Capture over time for a seamless workflow and true plug-and-play experience, including synchronized patching and real-time autofocus.

“Capture has been a great partner for Elation over the years and we look forward to strengthening this even further as we evolve the ONYX platform,” says Obsidian Control Systems product manager Matthias Hinrichs. “Visualization is an important part of the console programming workflow and we are happy to partner with this leading visualizer. The Capture team is great to work with and is fully dedicated to the visualization needs of the market. We know our users will benefit from the increased cooperation between our companies.”

“The team at Obsidian Control Systems and the ONYX platform come with years of expertise in advanced lighting control so the decision to bundle a standard Capture license with every console feels rewarding,” adds Capture sales director Vangelis Manolis. “It must also be rewarding for ONYX users since on top of visualization they will be able to work with design, reports, paperwork and presentation features, amongst others. Elation has been a successful Capture reseller for years, and therefore we trust that the partnership with Obsidian Control Systems will also succeed in adding value when Capture and ONYX are used together by our mutual end users.”

Obsidian Control Systems’ ONYX platform was launched in 2018 and has recently begun shipping the powerful and compact NX2 console to its customers. At NAMM 2019, it introduced the next generation NX4 with enhanced playback options and motorized faders, a first in its class.

Capture 2018 is a comprehensive real-time lighting and video visualization software with world-class library support and rapidly growing user base.

For more information about ONYX and Capture visit www.obsidiancontrol.com and www.capture.se

Elation Professional Launches the SNIPER, a Multi-Effect and Laser Simulator

Over the weekend, Elation attended the PRO Show @ BPM in Birmingham England to introduce their latest product to the world.  Those attending witnessed Director of Sales, Eric Loader introducing the Sniper, a multi-effect and laser simulator.  The rest of us, we had to wait the weekend out for the big announcement to make it over the pond. Was this a ploy to get us to attend the PRO Show to see it live and in person… it kinda worked!

Here are more details about Elation Professionals latest product, the SNIPER!

The Sniper is a revolutionary hybrid beam, scanner and laser simulator in one. Emitting a powerful, precise and ultra-narrow 3° beam, a high-speed X/Y scan and Z rotation mirror system allows the Sniper to spread laser-like effects including liquid sky, laser wave, and laser cone effects, all moving at speeds never seen before. What’s more, Sniper allows these effects to be projected and “scanned” into the crowd and without the hassle of laser regulations!

“The Sniper is unlike anything that’s out there today and we’re excited to see the different ways lighting designers will incorporate it into their designs,” states Elation Professional Sales Director Eric Loader. “This is not a one-trick pony or a simple ‘upgrade’ – it does so much more – giving LD’s a host of new and varied effect possibilities from a single luminaire. It’s available now and we’re able to offer it at a price point that is certain to have mass appeal.”

The Sniper is the perfect new high-energy effect light for clubs and other nighttime venues and can liven up any stage for tours and special events. In fact, the Sniper has already had its first televised event and touring debut having been used on Big Knockout Boxing at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas in August on DirecTV, and is currently on rock band A Day to Remember’s US tour. It’s also specified to be in the rig when One Republic kicks off their European tour in October.

Built around recent advancements in lamp, electronics, optics and motor technology, the Sniper is powered by the new 132W Philips™ MSD Platinum lamp (6,000 hour lifetime rating), delivering an intensity of 45,010 lux @ 16.4’ (5m). Designers have 14 dichroic colors and 17 static gobos (including beam reduction gobos) at their disposal to create a variety of dynamic effects which can be delivered at lightning speed thanks to the ultra-fast mirror system. The high-precision beam and effects can be multiplied via a 3-facet rotating prism and further manipulated using a variable speed shutter, mechanical dimmer and strobe. The Sniper provides all that power and effect while consuming a maximum of only 205W.

The Sniper is naturally DMX controllable offering 14, 16 and 18 channel DMX modes (18 channel is 16 bit) and includes multiple built-in pattern macros via DMX that make programming even quicker and easier. A 4-button touch control panel and LCD display provide for easy hands-on addressing with easy-to-read fixture menus and messages. Ruggedly built and compact at 14.2″ x 12.0″ x 11.6″ (361mm x 305mm x 295mm) and weighing 21 lbs (9.5 kg), the Sniper will fit comfortably in any rig or installation.

Professional grade Neutrik 5-pin DMX in/out and Powercon in/out connections are included and multiple units can easily be linked together for customizable setups. An auto-sensing power supply covers worldwide voltages and frequencies allowing the fixture to operate anywhere in the world.

Looking to get more details, photos or videos of the Sniper in action?  You have to be patient, Elation will provide them soon enough on their website, www.elationlighting.com.

UPDATE

Elation Releases Upgraded Platinum Spot 5R Moving Head

Elation has introduced the Platinum Spot 5R Pro, an upgraded version of its Platinum Spot 5R DMX moving head, which was introduced to the entertainment lighting industry last year with its ability to produce 575-watt-like brightness from an ultra-compact unit that’s half the size and weight of a typical 575-watt fixture, uses half as much energy and offers a much longer 2,000-hour lamp life.

Like the original, the new Platinum Spot 5R Pro delivers these same capabilities thanks to its Philips MSD Platinum 5R Lamp Technology, an innovation that allows the creation of fixtures that are brighter and more powerful with superior light quality, yet are also faster, smaller, lighter weight, draw less energy and have longer-lasting lamps. But as its name suggests, the Platinum Spot 5R Pro also goes a step beyond to offer an expanded array of professional features and effects, making it the ultimate moving head spot for theaters, stage shows, concerts, productions, churches, nightclubs and other entertainment venues.

Among the new features on the Platinum Spot 5R Pro are a 16-bit CMY color-mixing system, which allows users to concoct a dazzling palette of custom colors, and a Variable Zoom (4 to 1) with 11° to 42° beam angle.  Additionally, the “Pro” model is equipped with a built-in EWDMX Wireless DMX Receiver, capable of receiving DMX signals wirelessly from up to 3,000’ away that are sent via an Elation EWDMXT wireless DMX transmitter (sold separately).

n addition to its CMY color mixing system, Zoom and Wireless DMX receiver, the Platinum Spot 5R Pro is packed with all the great design tools and features found on the original, such as 8 vibrant dichroic colors, 22 gobos (8 rotating/indexing, 14 static), and a 3-facet rotating prism.  The Platinum Spot 5R Pro also has a Variable Frost Filter, which allows it to function as a hybrid spot/wash fixture; the frost diffuses its hard-edge spot beam into a wash-like effect, giving the unit even greater versatility.  Other features include a Motorized Iris, Motorized Focus, Variable Speed Shutter/Strobe and 0-100% Mechanical Dimmer.  In addition to its Wireless DMX receiver, the Platinum Spot 5R Pro includes 3-pin and 5-pin DMX connections.

Capable of operating in three different DMX channel modes, the standard being 23 channels, the Platinum Spot 5R Pro has a 540° (630° optional) pan and 265° tilt.  Another advantage of its innovative design is that it can move faster than traditional moving heads on pan and tilt, as well as on color/gobo changes.

At 16’ distance, the Platinum Spot 5R Pro has an output of 6,350 LUX/ 590 foot-candles.  Yet the energy-efficient unit consumes only 305 watts of electricity at maximum use.  Much smaller than a conventional 575-moving head fixture, the Platinum Spot 5R Pro measures 14.6’L x 14.5”W x 18.4”H/ 371 x 368 x 467mm, and weighs 42 lbs./ 19 kg.  cETLus certification is currently pending and expected to be issued in March 2011.

The retail price of the Upgraded Elation Platinum Spot 5R is $4,199.95.  Learn more about the fixture at Elation’s website, www.elationlighting.com.

Elation Announes Antari F-3 Fazer, A Fogger & Road Case in One

Conjuring up a thin layer of fog effects at concerts, shows and touring productions has never been easier, now that Elation Professional has introduced the Antari F-3 Fazer.  The ultimate road warrior, this new DMX-compatible 800W water-based dry fog machine comes integrated in its own rugged steel flight case, which keeps it securely protected from shock, nicks, dents and other damage during travel.  The F-3 Fazer’s innovative case design also makes it easily stackable, so it can be packed up and transported with no fuss and hassle – and ready to roll anytime the show goes on the road.

But the F-3 is more than just a tough traveler – its advanced technology, performance and reliability truly set it apart as the “next phase” in fazers.  Featuring Antari’s state-of-the-art pump system, it operates with super efficiency to produce a fine, dry fog with minimal fluid consumption. For example, just one liter of fog liquid will provide five hours of continuous fogging, so each bottle of fluid lasts longer and less time is spent re-filling the machine.

The fog produced by the F-3 is superior in quality, too. A fine and extremely dry fog, it won’t cloud up a room or theater with heavy smoke, and it leaves no residue on floors, walls and other surfaces, making it a great choice for any performance or venue.  No liquid or residual build-up is left in the machine’s heater either, resulting in less maintenance and a longer life.  Extremely silent in its operation, the F-3 is also great for film and video production.

Built-in DMX functionality is another feature offered by the F-3, giving users pinpoint control over their fog effects.  The machine can also be operated via external controls from a convenient LCD screen, which provides Timer Mode and Volume Mode options.

Powered by an 800-watt heater, the F-3 Fazer has a 2.7 liter tank and an output of 3,000 cubic feet per minute.  Its initial warm-up time is only 90 seconds, so it’s ready to start fogging almost as soon as you turn it on.  The F-3 Fazer uses FLG-4 water-based heavy fog fluid.

The unit’s travel-friendly case measures 21.25”L x 19.75”W x 9.25”H/ 540 x 500 x 235 mm, and weighs 45 lbs./ 20.5 kg. The MSRP of the Antari F-3 Fazer is $1,999.95. Learn more about the Antari F-3 Fazer by visiting Elation’s website at www.elationlighting.com.

Elation Releases TVL2000 White LED Mixing Fixture

Back at LDI, I got a sneak peak at Elation’s newest LED product for the TV and Film market, the TVL2000.  Don’t let the name frighten you, TVL2000 sounds like some killer robot from the Simpsons or Futurama, but no, it’s not, it’s just LED!

Elation designed the TVL2000 to be the “ultimate LED broadcast light,” the fixture is equipped with 450 cool white and 450 warm white LEDs that can be combined to adjust color temperature from 3200°K to 6500°K.  The unit provides a 30° beam angle standard and produces up to 98 foot candles @ a 10’ throw.

Using either onboard controls or a standard DMX-512 controller, operators can blend the LEDs to create any shade of white, from cool natural daylight to soft warm tungsten – or anything in between.  The versatile TVL2000 makes it possible to instantly customize studio lighting to complement any skin tone or production environment with a soft, even white output.  The panel also features full 0-100% dimming capabilities, so users can fade in and out and control the intensity of the light.  A 4-way barn door system around the LED source allows light to be directed precisely to the desired area of illumination, and a magnetic gel/filter holder allows users to add frost or diffusion easily.

The TVL2000 features a dual yoke design, ideal for mounting on a stand, hanging in the lighting grid or floor positioning.  It has built in power supply from 100-240v with IEC power in/out link capability. Each unit draws just 76 watts of power at full.  The unit is also CE and cETLus approval pending. It measures 14.6” x 13” x 4.3”/ 371 x 328 x 110mm, and weighs 13.7 lbs./ 6.2 kgs.

Elation Announces LED Display Bar Fixture

Ever wish you could carry around your own illumination source to provide light wherever it’s needed?  Now you can shine instant bright white light on displays, exhibits, work areas, studio shoots — anything, anywhere, anytime — with the new LED Display Bar from Elation Professional.

A lightweight portable unit, the LED Display Bar consists of a bright rectangular white LED source with variable color temperature that comes with an attached removable wall or table-type clamp mounting system.  This versatile mounting system allows the bar to be positioned on a wall to spotlight a display, or on a desk to provide work light — or the system can be easily removed altogether and replaced with a standard clamp for hanging the unit overhead on truss.  The articulating head, along with the 4-way barn door system around the LED source, allows you to precisely direct the light to the desired area of illumination.  With such versatility, the LED Display Bar’s applications are virtually limitless – from trade shows, exhibits, museums and retail displays, to offices, runways, DJ booths, TV production fill light, and more.

Wherever it’s used, the LED Display Bar will provide brilliant, energy-efficient lighting in just the right shade of warm or cool white. Featuring variable color temperature from 2800-6500K, its rectangular lamp source contains 78 x 0.1-watt warm white LEDs and 78 x 0.1-watt cool white LEDs, allowing users to “dial up” the perfect white for the application.

Extremely portable, the entire unit – lamp and clamp system – weighs a total of just 2 lbs./0.9 kg.  It measures a trim 24.9” x 6.3” x 2.5”/631.7 x 161 x 63.2 mm. for easy packing and transport.

The LED Display Bar also provides users with all the benefits that come from a low-maintenance, energy-efficient LED lamp source.  Its long-lasting LEDs rarely need replacing, eliminating the hassle of burnt-out bulbs.   It draws only 12 watts of electricity, resulting in much lower energy bills than would be expected with traditional lighting sources.

The MSRP of the LED Display Bar is $199.95. Learn more about the Elation LED Display Bar by visiting their website at www.elationlighting.com.

New Antari IP-1500 Fogger Works Indoor & Outdoor

No one can predict the weather, but now anyone can guarantee there’ll be plenty of fog outside, thanks to the new Antari IP-1500 indoor/outdoor fog machine. The latest innovation from Antari, a leader in fog technology, the new machine, which features a 1,500 watt heater, can deliver a massive 20,000 cubic feet per minute of fog.

Advanced design features in the Antari IP-1500 have earned it an IP-65 rating, making it safe and effective to use outdoors.  When used outdoors, even during rain storms, the machine detects ambient temperatures and adjusts its operating parameters accordingly so it runs with maximum efficiency.  Whether it’s used indoors or out, the IP-1500 is the greenest choice in foggers, consuming 13% less electricity than typical fog machines in its size class. The IP-1500 also has a very efficient onboard heat conservation system.

Adding to the IP-1500’s versatility are its DMX and wireless control capabilities, which are standard with the unit.  The IP-1500 also features volume mode and timer mode control. Other features include an extremely precise temperature control system, and a liquid detection system that alerts users when fog output or liquid supply is running low.

The rugged, but compact, IP-1500 weighs 13.5 kg, and consumers a litter of liquid every 5.8 minutes when running at full capacity. When the machine is first activated, its average heat-up time is 6 minutes.  Like all Antari products, the IP-1500 is distributed exclusively in the United States by Elation Professional.

Learn more about the Antari IP-1500 Fogger by visiting Elation Professionals website at www.elationlighting.com.

Elation Announces MIDIcon PLayback Control Surface

Do you like the design features of computer-based lighting software, but want a more “hands-on” feel when controlling your show?  Elation Professional has the perfect solution.  The company has unveiled MIDIcon, a MIDI-based playback controller that attaches to your computer via USB and works with Elation’s lighting software packages such as CompuShow and Emulation to give you easy command of your light show.

Featuring large user-friendly buttons, faders and data wheels, MIDIcon has the look and feel of a conventional light board.  Each time you manipulate one of its controls, it sends signals to your software via standard MIDI messages, allowing you to trigger scenes and play back shows directly from its console-style panel, without requiring the use of a computer mouse.

To make things even easier, Elation has built templates for Midicon right into the CompuShow and Emulation software programs. This means there’s no need for the user to configure MIDIcon.  Functions are already pre-assigned to the various buttons and controls, so you can start using MIDIcon right out of the box!  If you have a different brand of lighting software, not to worry – as long as it’s MIDI-compatible, you can configure it to work with MIDIcon.  What’s more, Elation is continuing to work with leading software manufacturers and will be developing MIDIcon templates for additional popular lighting programs in the future.

Compatible with both PC and Mac systems, MIDIcon uses Windows and Apple USB class drivers, so there’s no need to install a driver on the host computer.  When you power it on for the first time, your computer will automatically assign the MIDI driver that is part of your operating system.

The MIDIcon unit features a Playback section with 8 – 100mm faders and 3 spring-loaded buttons above each fader. There is a page select giving you multiple pages of playbacks depending on the software you are using. There are also 3 encoder wheels that can be used for data entry or direct control of lighting parameters, a bank of 32 buttons for instant effects or scene calling,  12 touch pads for injecting “bumps” or momentary effects such as strobes and a grand master fader and blackout button.

The MSRP of the MIDIcon Playback Controller is $699.95. For more information, visit Elation Professional website at www.elationlighting.com.

Elation Announces New RGBAW LED Fixtures, Design Brick 70 & ELAR 180

Elation Professional shows no sign of letting up in producing and manufacturing affordable LED lights! Elation just announced the release of two new LED fixtures that use not just RGB, but RGBAW, Amber and White.  Here is more from the official press release.

The Design Brick 70 comes loaded with 70 x 3-Watt LEDs (14 each red, green, blue, amber and white), blasting a powerhouse total output of 210 watts –astounding brilliance for a stage/wall color wash bar that measures just 24” long! The ELAR 180 RGBAW features 60 x 3-Watt LEDs (12 each red, green, blue, amber and white), which, along with its IP67 rating, make this hardy par the ultimate color-mixing machine for outdoor and architectural use, as well as for stage shows.

With both of these RGBAW fixtures, the addition of white and amber LEDs to the standard RGB trio enhances color mixing and broadens the palette of hues that can be created. The Design Brick 70 and ELAR 180 RGBAW can blend virtually any color imaginable with individual saturation and brightness, including true pastels and very warm yellows and oranges. By mixing varying amounts of amber and white, designers can even produce a whole gradient of warm whites, allowing them to concoct just the right shade of white needed to light up a wall, stage or even a video set. The Design Brick 70 and ELAR 180 RGBAW’s camera-ready flicker-free operation makes both fixtures ideal for illuminating TV and video production, too.

Design Brick 70 – This compact, lightweight RGBAW LED brick fixture takes professional stage, floor, uplight and wall washing to new heights with amazing 210-watt brightness and unlimited color mixing possibilities. The unit’s 70 LEDs are grouped in 7 cells of 10 LEDs each (2 LEDs of each color per cell). The fixture’s Single Cell Control feature allows users to control each of the 7 cells independently from the others, for optimal creativity in designing colors, programs and effects. To meet different design needs, the Design Brick 70 offers 4 DMX control modes: HSIC, RGBWA, Pixel and Individual. The unit also includes built-in macro programs and effects, 0-100% dimming and an electronic strobe effect. It features a 25° beam angle, with optional 15° and 40° lens kits available (sold separately).

Designed for convenience, the Design Brick 70 includes a bright digital LCD menu display that makes it easy for users to scroll through its settings, as well as a versatile integrated bracket that can be used either as a floor stand or mounting yoke. The fixture also comes with a built in 100-240V AC built-in power supply, and 3 or 5-pin DMX in/out, as well as power IEC link in/out up to 4 units in a row. Easy to transport and install anywhere, the Design Brick 70 measures 24”L x 9.45”W x 17” high/ 610 x 240 x 440 mm, and weighs just 17.6 lbs./ 8 kgs.

The MSRP of the Design Brick 70 is $2,199.95. To learn more about this fixture, visit Elation’s web site at www.elationlighting.com.

ELAR 180 RGBAW – This rugged, lightweight par can is ideal for use anywhere color (any color or white!) is needed, indoors or out. Its IP67 rating attests to its ability to withstand even the most violent weather conditions, making it perfect for landscape lighting and other outdoor architectural applications. The ELAR 180 RGBAW is also a great indoor or outdoor stage light, with its ability to create infinite colors and its cool-running LEDs, which keep performers more comfortable than conventional theatrical par cans. The unit also comes in a version with just warm white LEDs – ELAR 180 WW – featuring output comparable to a 1,000-Watt halogen par can.

DMX controllable, the ELAR 180 RGBAW features built-in macros, a color strobe effect, 0-100% electronic dimming and a 9° beam angle. It includes a built-in power supply 90-240v and can be power inked in/out up to 4 units in a row. It can be operated in 4 DMX modes — 5, 6, 8 or 10 channels – as well as in Standalone Mode with Master-Slave linkability. It measures 8.9”L x 10.5”W x 9.1”H/226 x 267 x 232mm and weighs 16.5 lbs./ 7.5 kgs.

The MSRP of the ELAR 180 RGBAW is $1,999.95. To learn more about the ELAR 180 RGBAW, visit Elation’s web site at www.elationlighting.com.

Despite their extreme brightness, both the Design Brick 70 and ELAR 180 RGBAW are very energy-efficient, thanks to the low power draw of their LEDs. Both fixtures’ LED lamps are rated at 100,000 hours, so they are low on maintenance requirements as well.