Face it, ETC has a strong hold on the Theatre market.  Hell, it’s in their name.  With the launch of the Gio @5 and the latest version of the Eos family software, ETC is looking to expand into other areas of the entertainment industry. At LDI2016, ETC not only introduced a new logo, but also a preview of their latest lighting control console, the Gio @5.

I have to hand it to ETC and their naming of the new Gio @5.  At first, I didn’t get it. The @5 name derives from a common command in the Eos software where @5 gives you 50%. Funny. At just over 15″ wide, the Gio @5 can fit into some tight spaces at FOH.  The software gives you 2,048 “outputs” or parameters with 4 5-pin DMX connections on the backside.  The console can be expanded up to 32,768 “outputs” or a total of 64 universes with networking and nodes.

To learn more about the ETC Gio @5, visit www.etcconnect.com.

More from the Press Release:

Middleton, WI – The Eos family of consoles just got bigger – by going smaller. After a successful preview at LDI, ETC has officially launched the Gio @5™ console, which brings the acclaimed, professional-grade control of the Eos Ti® and Gio® consoles within reach of users with tighter spaces – and tighter budgets.

“With the Gio @5, we’ve given you a little bit of everything,” says product manager Anne Valentino. This portable console packs all the control necessities into its narrow, 25.5-inch (641 mm) footprint, making external monitors and accessories optional. The desk includes an articulating, 17-inch, multi-touch LCD display, four encoders with haptic feedback, five definable and page-able motorized faders, a master fader pair and a retractable tray with backlit alpha-numeric keyboard.

The Gio @5 derives its name from the Eos command that sets a level at fifty percent, but don’t be fooled by its compact size; the desk offers a full programming experience. The console is the perfect step up for Ion® users who want expanded hands-on access to playbacks, award-winning color control, touchscreen Magic Sheets and more. The programming surface matches the full, backlit keyboard layout of its larger sister desks, providing an easy transition for experienced Eos users looking to scale down for touring and smaller productions or venues. The Gio @5 is also a perfect educational desk; skills learned on the console will transfer to the highest end of the programming job market.

The board has everything a programmer needs to rock small, live gigs – right out of the road case. The short-throw motorized faders are designed for efficient busking, but if more hands-on control is needed, the console can serve as a base for a customized, expanded work surface of plug-and-play Motorized Fader Wings, external touchscreen monitors and other accessories. The upcoming v2.5 software – which will release in time to ship with the console – builds on the playbacks and effects work of the v2.4 release, with even more tools suited to busking. Wherever you are, the Gio @5 console has what you need to do the job.

PS: Does this mean that all of ETC’s products with the old logo can now be considered vintage and worth more money?