ETC/High End Systems latest announcement about the Hog 4-18 brings some significant changes to the flagship console and the future of the desk.  While not a terribly long press release, it still manages to pack a fair bit of new changes for the console.  Such as the inclusion of Capture previz software, larger touchscreens, eight 5-pin XLR outputs, an increase to 12 universes of output for Hog 4 PC and of course, Hog 3.11 OS software.  Seems meager, but these slight changes means that High End Systems is listening and making the changes to help bring the hog back to its glory days. Remember, how do you eat an elephant, one bit at a time.

More from the Press Release:

High End Systems is pleased to announce the release of their new flagship console Hog 4-18, along with new OS v3.11 software. Additionally, the company has entered a new partnership with Capture visualization software.

The Hog 4-18 console upgrades the popular Hog 4 with 18.5” touch screens, and an updated industrial design with aluminum encoder knobs and integrated accessory mounts. Outputting 8,192 channels (expandable with DP8K processors), Hog 4-18 has eight XLR-5 DMX outputs, sACN and Art-Net, MIDI and dual etherCON connections for HogNet and FixtureNet. The desk features five high-resolution parameter encoders, built-in tri-axis backlit trackball and 10 master playbacks with motorized faders and master control keys. Up to three external display port monitors or touchscreen monitors can be used.

Hog 3.11 OS includes several significant updates, with support for the Hog 4-18 console hardware, an increase to 12 universes of output for Hog 4 PC, additional Plot icons and improved indication of current cue in cue list window. Other small enhancements include changing the “Fixture Schedule” button to “Add Fixtures” to simplify patching, sorting manufacturers “User” and “Generic” to the top of the list in Fixture Scheduler to reduce scrolling, CITP support for Hippotizer Layer v4.4 and various bug fixes.

Finally, High End Systems is changing the Hog family’s included visualizer to a Capture lighting design software license at the solo, duet or quartet level, depending on the Hog console purchased. These are standard Capture licenses that can be upgraded to higher levels in the standard way.

Senior Product Manager Sarah Clausen commented, “We are happy to see Hog 4-18 consoles already on their way to customers, and hope the v3.11 software release, including an upgrade for all Hog 4 PC users to 12 universes of standalone output potential, pleases all Hog users.”

For more information on High End Systems, visit www.highend.com.