ETC Releases New Beta Software – PixelToy

ETC Recently announced the release of some new software that one of their awesome developers came up with for their internal “Innovation Quest” called pixelToy.  The software  creates dynamic pixel mapped content in real time. Basically, pixel mapping without stock content.  The goal was to create an intuitive, touch-screen-friendly interface.  The entire application has no text and everything is drag-n-drop.  It outputs both video (for projectors) and streaming ACN.  All of the effects are rendered in OpenGL and gives everything an organic feel.  The best part is that all of the effects are plugins loaded when the application starts.  Included is documentation and many samples of code for anyone to write their own plugins.

pixelToy is only available on the PC… for the moment. The software is free and is BETA.  ETC is looking for users to try it out and report back what they think.  You can learn more and download pixelToy from ETC’s wikipages.

ArKaos Introduces A30 Media Server

ArKaos announced their latest hardware product, the A30 Media Server. The case has been designed to allow a very efficient air flow. Several fans, protected by a dust filter, are located at the front of the case and can be easily serviced without opening the rest of the case. This is done through a special door that gives access to both the fans and the filter without exposing any cables or electrical connections. This is very handy when working on long tours.

The custom-made case provides a very convenient display on the front which allows the server to be used without the need to connect to an external display. The front cover also provides a large LED strip that gives feedback on the state of operation of the server.

Neutrik connectors are used exclusively on the back of the case to provide sturdy connections. Similarly for the audio, the server provides balanced audio on XLR connectors for both input and output.

It is pre-configured to work directly with all market-leading DMX lighting desks. Everything has been designed so you just have to plug and play. The ArKaos A30 offers playback of nine simultaneous HD layers or six Full HD layers on up to 6 outputs.

Learn more about the new A30 Media Server by visiting ArKaos website at www.arkaos.net.

Martin Professional Releases Maxedia 4.40 Software

The latest software release for Martin’s user-friendly Maxedia™ media server brings the Maxedia feature set to a higher level. Aligning simplicity of use with complexity of execution, Maxedia 4.40 shows how the most powerful media server on the market can also be a user-friendly one.

Highlights of Maxedia version 4.40 include:

Cuelist:  Similar to lighting consoles, Maxedia now features a cuelist for automation. From simple drag and drop of cues through an intuitive user interface, cuelists are quickly built and ready to play back. Cuelists can be triggered manually, automatically using Wait and Follow time, or even using external timecode. This makes Maxedia the perfect media server for permanent installations as well as large events.

Timecode:  Complementary to the new cuelist is new timecode input. MIDI and SMPTE timecode can be used to synchronize one or multiple Maxedia systems together. Not only will Cuelist cues be triggered at the right time by following external timecode but the actual video content of cues will also follow timecode. This means that video playback is exactly where it is supposed to be when the user jumps forward or backward in the timecode.

Up to 8 HD inputs:  The Maxedia engine now supports up to 8 HD SDI inputs simultaneously. Using the newly added MCC capture card, latency is kept as low as 2 frames per second, turning Maxedia into a super powerful video switcher. In addition to the high speed capture, the video input can make use of frameblending for smooth 50/60 HZ conversion, a unique feature of Maxedia. A choice of Dual HD-SDI and Dual DVI MCC capture cards is available from Martin Professional.

New Output remapper:   When using several video walls and creative LED video curtains there comes a time when breaking, scaling, rotating and repositioning the engine output into sections is necessary. This task is easier than ever with the new Video Output Remapper. A portion or the entire video content can be sliced and diced anywhere on the actual video output.

More 3D warping and Keystoning possibilities:  Keystoning, edge-blending and 3D warping are now available on both engines, which makes each server really act like two servers. 3D warping in combination with keystoning and edge-blending can be done over six video projectors using a single Maxedia Broadcast and up to three projectors on a Maxedia PRO and Compact. Large scale projections onto buildings have never been easier or more cost effective!

A bundle of new creative effects: A dozen new, high-quality effects and plugins have been added to Maxedia 4.40. All the new effects allow for more control and better tools for the ultimate creative mind. Included is Framing borders, Chainer, Color Motion, Sepia, Advanced Chromakey and more.

For more information and to download the new Maxedia 4.40 software, visit www.martin.com.

United Visual Artists D3

Visual media has become more and more a standard over the past few years. As more and more shows and installs are asking for media, companies are now providing more ways to serve it. One of the coolest systems I saw at #LDI2010 was the d3 by United Visual Artists. It’s been around for a little while but is only now making a [huge] splash here in the states by being debuted on the U2 360 Tour. You see that giant bird nest thingy over the stage? Thats being driven by  d3.

At first glance d3 is a bit intimidating- timeline based editing, built in real time visualizer and the capability to drive an entire visual rig including lighting. It can play media at a full 1080p resolution and spit it back out to one of four DVI outputs at a max resolution fo 1920×1200. It’ll play most of the current video formats, so no need to worry about re-rendering content. Send it live feeds on 2 HD SDI or 4 SD SDI inputs.

Being visual, you of course want to see what you’re creating in real time and the built in visualizer doesn’t lack in that department. It can import complex 3D objects, simulate camera movements, and even let you build complete pixel maps. Future updates will allow for full projection masking and spherical mapping.

Control is very well thought out as well. You can run right from the d3, have multiple devices setup in a master / slave system to Art-Net, MIDI, and MIDI timecode.

UVA really want’s you to use d3. So much so that (until further notice) when you buy a new system they will train you for free.

I want one.

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The Video Equipment Rental Booth at LDI 2010

Some of the most amazing booths at LDI 2010 were the simplest ones.  Case in point, the Video Equipment Rental or VER Booth.  They didn’t have a big fancy booth with moving lights dancing all around the booth or lasers running across the entire show floor.  They had a modest 20×20 booth with dancing circles of video display.

No one was on the edge of their booth asking you to stop in and take a look.  Everyone that walked past their booth instinctively stopped and marveled at the circles dancing and running loops of right in front of us.  Take a look and see for yourself.

PRG Shows off Their Moves With the Commander

I am a lighting geek/nerd by nature, but love all technical aspects of our business.  Watching a moving light spin and whorl is one thing, but to see the truss it is attached to along with video walls move in harmony, now that is amazing stuff! I will not pretend to know the motion control side of the business, but after seeing what PRG has come up with, I defiantly want to learn.

PRG showed off their Commander motion control console off the show floor and in their meeting room at LDI.  I was floored when I saw two video screens moving across their stage in perfect unison. All the while, the video on the screens was standing still as if being projected onto the screens.  The power of genius minds is astounding!

Take a closer look at the PRG Commander, control is power!

ArKaos Announces MediaMaster 2.2 with Sexy New Curves

MediaMaster 2.2 now comes with new curved screen technology, it has never been so easy to project video on non-planar surfaces. This new functionality is available as a free upgrade to all user of MediaMaster Pro 2.

MediaMaster is a software solution for professional control of real-time video and effects that has been specifically developed for desk operators and lighting designers.

MediaMaster Pro will turn any powerful computer into a full fledged professional media server capable of running live or programmed HD video shows in sync with music and light.

More than simply supporting curved screen functionality, the new geometry correction also allows you to correct a single projector mounted in those difficult places where standard keystone correction is not effective. It will also harmonise the output from several projectors which cannot be installed at the same distance or angle to a curved screen.

The geometry correction operates by transforming the output visuals of MediaMaster and so works on top of both MediaMaster Simple and Fixture mode. A test pattern is available to help precisely align the real-time video content over non-planar or curved screens. Edge blending can be edited globally, or individually for either side of each projector.

MediaMaster retains all it’s simplicity and user-friendliness, so the operator continues to work in the same way as before. The geometry correction module only acts on the played visuals and is activated with a simple setting in the application preference window. The output resolution is limited only by the video card used and is compatible with, for example, the Radeon™ HD 5870 that offers 6 outputs.

The geometric correction itself is very flexible in relation to the number of control points that can be used and the type of correction required: linear, curved or nurb. The displacement can be coarsely moved with the mouse and finely adjusted, pixel by pixel, with the arrow keys of the keyboard.

MediaMaster 2.2 also offers several other improvements, such as better support for multiple monitors. While still running effortlessly on Windows XP and Mac OS X, MediaMaster 2.2 now makes it possible to work with multiple monitors on operating systems that do not support spanning, such as Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

Several new effects have been added including Old Movie, Iris and Geometric Cylindrical Distortion. Other minor enhancements have been made and are documented in the change logs available in the release notes.

One final piece of good news: all the new, sleek, super-functionality of MediaMaster 2.2 is available at a fraction of the cost of other media servers, making ArKaos MediaMaster the most affordable media server software on the market.

Learn more about the latest version of ArKaos by visiting their website at www.arkaos.net.

‘Nook’s Ultimate Punt Pages’ DVD is Ready to Rock Your World & #LDI2010 Show Price

The Academy of Production Technology announces the release and special LDI trade show pricing of “Nook’s Ultimate Punt Pages,” a new training DVD designed to instruct lighting programmers how to run a show “on the fly.”

The DVD is available for sale Oct. 22-24 at booth #1828 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Those who ordered the DVD during its pre-release promotion may pick up their copies at the booth by showing their printed web order. DVDs may also be purchased via the website www.ultimatepuntpages.com Special pricing ends at the conclusion of LDI.

In the one-hour DVD tutorial, industry lighting designer/programmer Richard “Nook” Schoenfeld guides viewers through his step-by-step process of a universal punting method. As a design specialist in festivals and festival-type tours, Schoenfeld says, “Punting as opposed to programming the entire show ahead of time has not only become an art form, but the shows usually look much better.”

The universal art of punting involves setting up one page of the console with as many programming elements as possible before the show. This allows the designer to then choose focus positions or movement cues, color schemes, gobo patterns and intensity levels through a variety of faders and push buttons on the fly, Schoenfeld explains.

The special LDI 2010 pricing on the DVD is available on the website at www.ultimatepuntpages.com.

For more information on other Academy of Production Technology training tools, visit www.APTxl.com.

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.

ETC Has HUGE News For PLASA 2010

PLASA attendees will be the first to see the latest in Source Four® technology. The hugely popular family of luminaires is welcoming a new, long-awaited member – the Source Four HID Zoom eX – ETC’s 15° to 30° zoom optics in an IP65-rated enclosure for outdoor use. Solid, user-friendly industrial design coupled with the 12,000-hour high-efficiency 150W HID source make the Zoom eX ideal for exterior lighting where shutter cuts or pattern projection are required.

The PLASA-Award-winning Selador® LED line-up will also be on display at the ETC stand, including the new Fire™ and Ice™ and the Vivid™-R. Fire and Ice offer bold color palettes that meet or exceed the saturation of gelled light. The Vivid-R produces 50% more light than the previous Vivid — while consuming 10% less power. Selador fixtures are all energy-saving powerhouses with a light and color quality that other LED fixtures cannot duplicate.

Also at PLASA, ETC will show Eos®, Congo® and SmartFade&erg; control desk models, with impressive software updates. Eos V1.95 software includes the new Virtual Media Server for Eos and Ion — a tool for easy programming of LED arrays or arrays of fixtures to create large-scale graphic images or effects. Congo V6.1 provides an improved color engine –the Color Picker known from Eos — as well as enhanced support for calibrated fixture templates.

An exciting update for the super-compact SmartFade lighting-control desks proves that smaller, budget-conscious venues can access sophisticated control: With V3.0, SmartFade ML will now be able to utilize the full feature set of LED fixtures with up to seven color parameters.

New V1.2 software for ETC’s Unison Paradigm building-control systems includes ETC Color Picker functionality and improved timed-event editing tools. Paradigm systems bring sophisticated and green-minded technologies to theater-house and foyer lighting control, as well as to rehearsal spaces, offices, and even the external lighting of facilities. Paradigm activates sophisticated house-light looks at the touch of a button, running moving lights and LED effects as well as conventionals.

ETC’s PLASA stand, #1-G39, is located by the bar and business lounge in the center of Hall 1.

TMB Becomes Exclusive UK Distributor for Coolux

TMB is pleased to announce the signing of an exclusive UK Distribution agreement with coolux GmbH.  Under the agreement, TMB will offer technical support, training, sales and service for coolux’s award-winning Pandoras Box media and show control systems in the UK market.

Pandoras Box systems are world-class creative tools favoured by videographers, architects, programmers, and scenic and lighting designers around the globe, allowing them to create the most complex of designs with ease.

Capable of playing back multiple layers of video in all common file formats up to 4k, these networkable systems can achieve seamless, blended projections as well as synchronous multi-screen displays—contiguous or not!  As a real-time 3D compositor, Pandoras Box integrates with audio, moving scenery, lighting, and other show elements for spot-on synchronisation of a total sensory experience.

Professionals appreciate Pandoras Box’s many features and attributes including:  Powerful multi-layer control and ability to work with video formats of all kinds; timeline-based Media Manager featuring media editing and playback control in real time; custom graphical interfaces; full dome projection; Media Net platform; support for all major control protocols; and much more.  In addition to full-featured servers, TMB will also be offering innovative Pandoras Box Playback Systems and coolux’s extensive library of seamless, looping content.

Signing of the TMB distribution agreement coincides with coolux’s release of Pandoras Box Software Version 4.6, with new features such as 3D server preview; dual HD-SDI / DVI inputs; curve and clip editor; and support for additional protocols such as MA-Net, CITP, and MSC.

Also, designers and programmers can now benefit from comprehensive training at TMB coolux college™, a two-day workshop providing hands-on, focused instruction on Pandoras Box hardware and software.  This course presents general concepts for creating dazzling multi-media designs with Media Manager, Media Player, Widget Designer, and much more!  Several upcoming sessions will be announced, or check www.tmbtraining.com for schedules.

For more information about coolux, go to www.tmb.com/products/coolux.  Learn more about TMB coolux college at www.tmbtraining.com/cooluxcollege.  Discover more innovative and exciting TMB products at www.tmb.com.

Midiator Preparing to Release Vision Pro at PLASA 2010

Midiator announces that it will release the Vision Pro during the upcoming PLASA show in London. The Vision Pro is the second product to be released by this company.

The Netherlands-based company was founded two years ago and develops and manufactures advanced control solutions for the entertainment industry. These products integrate with show devices and have various industry standard protocols implemented which are packed in user-friendly contemporary interfaces.

The Vision Pro is entirely developed and produced by Midiator. The console’s main functionality is to control all the visual aspects of a show in a ‘live’ environment. It acts as a central command station for various industry standard devices like media-servers, video-scalers, light-desks and other equipment. The list of supported devices consists of well-know brands like GreenHippo, Barco, Grass Valley, TV-One, Kiss-Box, Flying Pig and MA-Lighting. Other big brands will be added soon.

On the back of the console are 8 midi and 3 high-speed Gbit network ports available through which the various devices can be controlled with their own proprietary protocol. The front of the console consists of a grid of buttons and 8 motorized faders, combined with a 15” touchscreen displaying the intuitive user interface, all set in a rugged casing engineered to be durable and up to industry standards.
The Vision Pro can be used in various (semi-) live situations where the visual show consists of a mix of video and light equipment. Typical examples are corporate events, festivals, church productions, tv productions and other live-events.

During the PLASA Show the Vision Pro will be showcased in various set-ups to show the different features included in the software. PLASA visitors will have the opportunity to get a hands-on experience of the console and talk to the Midiator staff at their stand (1-H41). At the previous edition of the PLASA Show the ‘Vision’, the predecessor of the Vision Pro, won the PLASA Award for Innovation.

For more information on the Vision Pro from Midiator, visit their web site at www.midiator.eu.