News

Enttec’s Datagate Mk2 leads a team of Enttec products to control the LED lighting on the geodesic roof of AAMI Park.

Sitting close to the MCG, Rod Laver Arena and Olympic Park, AAMI Park is the latest addition to Melbourne's elite sport and entertainment precinct. A stunning LED light show illuminates the roof every night from dusk with colours and patterns specially designed for the stadium by renowned multimedia artists Alexander Knox and Bruce Ramus, creating a visual landmark to match the Victorian Arts Centre spire. The 1544 colour-changing and weatherproof LED fittings act like a low resolution video screen and are controlled by video content that was especially commissioned by the artists. The installation uses 20 x RDS8 RDM/DMX Splitters, an E-Streamer, and 4 x Datagate Mk2s for RDM management and monitoring, and DMX over Ethernet decoding for the LED fixtures.

Enttec’s Datagate Mk2 is a powerful and flexible DMX-over-Ethernet device with optional RDM management capability.

Building on the success of the original Datagate, the Datagate Mk2 includes many new features whilst boosting data capacity and the number of protocols supported. Previous features, such as DMX splitting, merging and Art-Net conversion, are retained.

The new Datagate Mk2 comes as a base model which allows you to convert up to 8 Universes of Art-Net data (or one of the other supported protocols) into optically-isolated outputs of standard DMX.

It also includes the ability to store a simple preset, use it as a DMX splitter, or ‘shift’ DMX channels (DMX offset).

From there, you simply order any of the other features your project may require. Available options include:

One of the major changes is that all configuration is now done via an in-built webpage. Profiles are built using an incredibly simple drag-and-drop style interface, making it quicker and easier to set up your own custom configurations.

The Datagate Mk2 is already in use in "real world" applications. The first installation was 4 x Datagate Mk2’s, along with 20 x RDS8 RDM/DMX Splitters and an E-Streamer, at Melbourne’s AAMI Park stadium, by Lightmoves. The Datagate Mk2 was used for RDM management and monitoring, as well as DMX over Ethernet decoding for 1300 Space Cannon LED fixtures. Click here to see them in action, and read more about this project in Issue 13 of AV Magazine.

Enttec’s D-Split, a low-cost, portable 4-way DMX Splitter, is now available in an all 5-pin version.

The D-Split is a fully isolated DMX Splitter originally built to complement the popular DMXIS software and hardware package.

Using the same neat aluminium/perspex construction as the DMXIS interface, the D-Split fits in the palm of your hand, and was originally released with 2 x 5-pin and 2 x 3-pin XLR outputs.

Due to high demand from lighting professionals, Enttec have now released a new version of the D-Split with all connectors (1 x input and 4 x output) being 5-pin XLR connectors – at the same low price as the original version.

The D-Split is made in Australia and is covered by a full 12-month warranty. Full details are available here.

Australian lighting control manufacturer Enttec has won the prestigious "Rock Our World" award for the DMXIS lighting control package, presented at ESTA's annual dinner at the LDI trade show in Orlando, USA.

The Rock Our World awards are designed to recognise ground breaking achievement in new products as well as product applications and projects. Enttec are the first Australian company to win the award.

DMXIS, designed in collaboration with db Audioware, is a lighting control package designed to make DMX control simple & intuitive for musicians, artists and performers.

Consisting of a hardware USB interface and a software application that runs on PC or MAC, DMXIS is the first lighting control package to run directly from audio sequencing programs, such as Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase etc by acting as an Audio Unit/VST plug-in. It can also be controlled via MIDI, or even footswitch, making it a simple, flexible and powerful control option for LED pars and wash units, scanners, dimmers or any other DMX enabled fixture.

Nicolas Moreau, Managing Director of Enttec, says "We are immensely proud and honoured to be recognised in this way. DMXIS is a new way of looking at lighting control for us, and one we believe enables a whole new market sector to become involved in lighting control from a familiar interface." He explains "We thought most existing lighting control products were written for lighting specialists, whereas DMXIS has been designed from the ground up with new users in mind; those who may be more familiar with audio products than lighting consoles".

Enttec were one of five winners from a field of 30 nominations this year. Other winners included PRG for their Bad Boy fixture, Martin Professional, Element Labs and ETC. DMXIS is shipping now.

Information, including video tutorials and free demo download, is available here.

For the last few years, SBS' Rockwiz has held its place as Australia's premier music trivia game show, and is on a steady incline. The very popular show screens on SBS on Saturday nights, filmed at the legendary Gershwin Room in St Kilda's iconic Esplanade Hotel (the Espy).

One of the most popular features of the show is the Rockwiz orkestra, headed by Oz Rock Icon James Black. James has had an enviable career by anybody's standards; being a founding member of Mondo Rock and Ganggajang, and playing live and recording with some of Australian music's biggest names including Russell Morris, Men at Work, The Black Sorrows and Deborah Conway – to name but a few. James’ role on Rockwiz is as Musical Director, band leader and Music Producer, all roles he is more than qualified to fulfil.

While watching Rockwiz one night, Kristian Gardiner of Balanced Technology noticed that James was using a very old Littlite Gooseneck lamp on his keyboard, in order to read his music and notes. Kristian contacted James and made him aware of the new LED Littlite, which is far more appropriate for James’ purposes. A quick site demo was arranged and it didn’t take James long to be convinced - he upgraded straight away.

"Dugald McAndrew, our famous Rockwiz roadie and one of the best stage guys in the business, has a bag full of various Littlites that he keeps handy for all his various show setups. I couldn’t see my charts on stage one night, so he grabbed one out and I’ve been using one ever since."

But the upgrade to the LED version has certainly had its benefits. "I can now more easily adjust it at any time during the show because it is cool – the LEDs give off no heat. I am also doing a stage show at the moment and the red light capability is ideal for that low light environment." Another benefit is the long life of the LED element, making blown lamps, lost hoods and O-rings a thing of the past.

See James Black and the LED Littlite in action on Rockwiz every Saturday night on SBS at 9:20pm EST (check local guides) or on their upcoming national tour - www.sbs.com.au/rockwiz/about/the/tour

Further information on the Littlite LED range is available here.

Enttec's RDM tools and firmware were critical to the ability of suppliers and contractors to meet the specifications, budget and timeframe for this unusual project in Adelaide.

i-Pix’s BB4 LED wash fixture won a prestigious Award for Technical Innovation at the 2008 SIEL Exhibition in Paris. The show is France’s leading international expo for the professional lighting, sound and video industry.
The BB4 was entered into the ‘Stage & Studio’ category by i-Pix French distributor, Paris-based JC Lampes.

The Awards were judged by a panel of 12 industry experts, including Julien Pavillard, artistic director for Lyon’s famous festival of Light. They closely examined each nominated product, before conferring and making their final decisions.

The BB4 was selected as the winner for it’s intensity, colour mixing capabilities and its homogenised lightsource – all three qualities greatly impressed the judges and make it an ideal fixture for both stage and studio applications of all types.

The homogenisation means that the LED point sources are not visible, and the unit offers a completely smooth, super high quality, flat field of light similar to a tungsten source.

The BB4’s mounting brackets also offer a variety of rigging options, and of course there are also the usual benefits of LED in general, like low power consumption and maintenance.

As soon as the Awards were announced at the show, visitor levels to the JC Lampes stand increased dramatically as people flocked to see the product reports Sylvain Chabot.

He further comments, “It was a very big honour to win this Award, and we think the BB4 and i-Pix products in general have a great future. i-Pix are one of the few manufacturers out there who are really driving LED technology forward, thinking of new ideas constantly and intelligently about how designers and specifiers will use their products, and the features and functionality they will need. It really is a product that people need to see first hand and in action to appreciate the quality and brightness …. And we anticipate lots of interest”.

Enttec & Balanced Technology want you to have some new toys this Christmas without breaking the bank, so we’ve put together a Christmas Special for the month of December only – An ODE (Open DMX Ethernet) DMX-over-Ethernet node for only $300 inc GST.

The Enttec ODE is a plug-n-play Art-Net node that can be used anywhere Art-Net is available – PC-based lighting consoles, media servers, lighting desks – as either an input or output.

Straight out of the box, the ODE is set to output the first Universe of Art-Net, but changing it from an input to an output, or setting it to use a different Universe, could not be simpler.

Using Node Management Utility (free configuration software available from our website) you simply plug your PC or MAC into the same network as your ODE’s and hit "discover" – no messing around with IP addresses etc – and NMU lists all available nodes. Select the unit you wish to configure and a window opens showing all options in a simple and intuitive format. Choices include naming the device, assigning Art-Net Universes, changing from Output to Input, changing IP addresses, even switching from Art-Net to ESP protocols.

Special runs from December 1st until we close for Christmas on December 23rd and applies to the ODE Standard only.

Faced with the challenge of distributing DMX signals across 70 towers surrounding Randwick racecourse, Chameleon turned to Enttec’s ODE with great results.

World Youth Day, held recently in Sydney, is the largest youth event in the world, and with 110,000 international pilgrims from over 170 nations, the largest event ever hosted in Australia. The Final Mass celebrated by the Pope, and overnight vigil leading up to it, were held at Randwick Racecourse, requiring a massive amount of site lighting, supplied by Chameleon Touring Systems.

The site is enormous, capable of holding up to 400,000 people, so the challenge of providing enough light to keep everyone safe during the overnight vigil was a big one, to say the least. Organisers turned to Chameleon Touring Systems to meet the challenge of lighting up all the World Youth Day sites.

One of the big challenges was always going to be the distances involved. With hundreds of par cans, Light Balloons and intelligent fixtures deployed around the site on 70 scaff towers, the data distribution required some planning. World Youth Day were installing a fibre-optic network around the site with HP managed switches for the production departments to utilise. Chameleon decided the best course of action was to distribute Art-Net from their Wholehog II console in the Venue Control Room to the various locations around the site. All they needed was a cost-effective, simple yet reliable, DMX over Ethernet converter to allow this to happen.

Josh Moffat, Chameleon’s Site Lighting Account Manager, remembered seeing the Enttec ODE (Open DMX Ethernet), a single-universe DMX over Ethernet node, during the Entech tradeshow earlier in the year, and realised this would be perfect device for this application.

The ODE is supported by Enttec’s Node Management Utility (NMU) – a free software package that bypasses IP settings and allows remote configuration of DMX over Ethernet nodes from a central location. This allowed him to assign each node to an Art-Net universe, and change it later if need be, from the control position, rather than having to wander out to each tower to check dip-switches if there were any problems.

The low cost of the ODE (around $350 inc GST) also made it attractive for such a large project, as previously DMX over Ethernet nodes have been well over the $700 mark, making it unaffordable for use on such a scale.

Chameleon got final sign off on their design and proposal with only two weeks until the load in was due to begin, and ordered 90 of the ODE’s to be delivered within 10 days. Enttec were ready and delivered the full amount with a day or two to spare, allowing Chameleon to test the units prior to deploying them in the field.

“We had a minor issue during the initial testing, but Enttec’s support was great and we got them up and running in no time” says Josh. “The NMU application made configuring the ODEs straightforward and easy, and given the size of the network we were putting together, that was really important. In the end, the gig went well and we were really happy with how it all came together”.

After two years in development, Enttec are proud to announce the long awaited Program Wing for LightFactory is now shipping.

The Enttec Program Wing is a purpose-built work surface for the LightFactory lighting control system. Featuring three encoder wheels and 62 dedicated keys for quick access to common functions, the Program Wing is designed for fast, intuitive and effective moving light programming.

Like the existing Enttec Playback and Shortcut Wings, the Program Wing is Ethernet-based and supports the free NMU program for simple configuration, making it quick and easy to set-up any number of wings in any combination or layout desired.

With the Wings series now complete, LightFactory is fast being recognised as a serious alternative to better known lighting control consoles on the market, with an equally serious price advantage. Capable of controlling up to 32,768 DMX Channels with ease, and featuring inbuilt LED matrix control and media playback, LightFactory is powerful enough for the most complex shows while still being simple and intuitive to operate.

i-Pix have created a brand new fixture - the BB 7 - a seven cell high powered homogenized 10 degree RGB lightsource which is being utilized by Radiohead's lighting & visuals designer Andi Watson for the band's world tour which kicked off in the US at the start of May.

Forty-eight of the BB7s are in various positions around the rig, including 25 in five custom 5-way frames produced by Specialz .

Watson, is also using 48 of i-Pix new production model BB4s on his front truss. This is a four cell high power homogenized 20 degree RGB lightsource.

Additionally, there's 14 i-Pix Satellites with holographic film mounted on the floor in and around the backline to light the band at close quarters.

This project started when i-Pix' Chris Ewington visited the US last October to see a new prototype narrow optic. He then showed Watson the BB 4 which was already in production in January this year, along with a test rig of the embryonic idea he had for the BB7 - without optics.

Once the new optic became available, Ewington sourced the first 12 and again met Watson in March, along with Radiohead production manager Richard Young and lighting crew chief Andy Beller, and showed the first prototype BB 7 with the new narrow optic.

Watson liked it and thought the fixture was exactly what he wanted, after which i-Pix priced up the project for Richard Young, and from this came an order to produce 206 fixtures (enough for 2 rigs) from scratch in just over 5 weeks!

The i-Pix team, having just undergone the 'birthing process' with the BB4, were well geared up for this challenge, and confident of delivery.

Ewington comments, "From our experience, most shows spend months in discussion and a maximum of 6 weeks in prep, so this timescale did not come as a surprise". He added "Our first fixture, the Satellite was developed under similar circumstances to coincide with Radiohead's last tour".

The BB4 uses i-Pix new custom LEDs produced by Lamina, and the evolution of the BB series produced the building blocks - both electronic and mechanical – that could be applied to the new BB7 using the narrow optic.

They completed the production task with 4 days to spare, down to an exceptionally good team, some serious planning and pushing their subcontractors to the limits!

The design period was condensed from six months to 4 days, the components were produced in two weeks and the units built over two weeks. "It was not a case of penalties for late delivery" elucidated Ewington, "We just had to do it".

"Andi put his trust in us before when he integrated PixelLines into his groundbreaking show for Radiohead back in 2003. He relied on us again in 2005 and in 2008 he really upped the anti!

"We all appreciated Andi taking a massive leap of faith in having the courage to dispense completely with conventional lighting in his show. Not having a single discharge or incandescent lamp in the design, sets a new benchmark at least a couple of years from what we had anticipated".

Watson's unique energy saving unique design uses the three i-Pix fixtures plus other LED products, all of which work seamlessly together to produce a stunning, headline-grabbing design.

"I always enjoy working with Andi" says Ewington. His professionalism, attention to detail and progressive approach to pushing the industry forward never ceases to impress. I often design fixtures with Andi in mind and consider him and his team as exceptional and very important to our industry".

The i-Pix BB 4 is a four cell high power homogenized 20 degree RGB source, using a custom Lamina light engine produced exclusively for i-Pix by Lamina Ceramics in New York. It consumes 120 watts at 240 volts, on full power.

The BB 7 is a seven cell high power homogenized 10 degree RGB source, using the same Lamina custom light engine. This fixture consumes 210 watts at 240 volts.

Both fixtures feature 16 bit resolution for finer control of colour choice, which is in the billions!

Enttec’s latest release, the Open DMX Ethernet (ODE), brings DMX over Ethernet into reach of any budget for the very first time.

Enttec's experience with DMX over Ethernet products, such as the DMXEthergate and Datagate, and the enormous success of their DMX/USB interfaces, has led to the development of the Open DMX Ethernet - a simple, low-cost DMX over Ethernet node.

The ODE is a truly plug'n'play Art-Net node. There are no dipswitches, thumb wheels or other fiddly settings to worry about. By default, it is set to output the first DMX Universe via Art-Net (Sub-net 0, Universe 0), making it easily compatible with a wide range of PC-based Lighting Controllers and Ethernet-enabled Lighting Consoles straight out of the box.

To access the full range of features, the ODE supports Enttec's free NMU (Node Management Utility) software, which allows the user to configure the ODE to output other Art-Net universes; to act as an input - making your DMX console an Art-Net controller; or to work on ESP protocol instead of Art-Net (ESP is Enttec's proprietary DMX over Ethernet protocol, used in products such as LightFactory).

Where more than a single DMX Universe is required, you can simply connect as many ODE's as are required to any standard Ethernet switch/hub. NMU allows you to plug your computer into the hub and 'discover' all connected ODE's, so there's no need to figure out IP addresses. NMU also supports Enttec's Datagate and Playback Wing, allowing you to configure your whole system from the one location.

Like Enttec's other DMX over Ethernet devices, the ODE allows you to use standard, off-the-shelf Wireless Access Points to create wireless DMX links at incredibly low cost by comparison to dedicated wireless DMX systems. The use of third party Wireless Access Points (by manufacturers such as D-Link, NetGear etc) also ensures spare or replacement points are available almost anywhere, seven days a week, from major retailers.

The Standard ODE uses a 9V plug pack power supply, and has two DMX connectors, allowing it to act as either an input or an output, depending upon your application, without the need for XLR gender changers. A Power-Over-Ethernet version of the ODE is also available for use with powered Ethernet systems.

The ODE will begin shipping in Australia shortly. Nicolas Moreau from Enttec will be on the Balanced Technology stand at Entech 2008 (Stand D31) demonstrating the ODE, as well as Enttec's recently released RDS range of RDM-enabled DMX splitters.

For over thirty years Littlite has been the task light of choice in the Entertainment industry. You’ve probably got a Littlite for your console, your lecturn, or even a Raklite in your equipment racks.

Now, with the release of the new Stowlite from Littlite, you can take Littlite's renowned durability and reliability to your car.

Designed as a handy, stowable task light, the Stowlite can be plugged into any automotive-style 12-volt power point when the normal interior lighting is too distracting. Plus, it's small enough to be easily tucked away in map pockets, stowage bins and glove compartments when not in use.

Stowlite by Littlite: Portable, reliable, durable, stowable and surprisingly affordable. Good things do come in small packages!

Stowlites will be on display alongside the rest of the Littlite range on the Balanced Technology stand (D31) at Entech 2008.

Balanced Technology are very proud to announce we have been appointed the exclusive Australian distributor for i-Pix Digital Lighting, an emerging LED fixture manufacturer based in the UK.

i-Pix describe themselves as "a forward thinking solid state lighting manufacturer, with a design emphasis on good quality, durable products, delivered simply". Their focus is on building high quality, high output LED fixtures that are designed to withstand the rigours of the road, while reducing overall power consumption.

Although i-Pix itself is a relatively young company, the brains behind i-Pix have enormous experience and a proven track record, with head of R&D, Chris Ewington, being responsible for setting up and developing the 'Pixel' LED brand.

Combining this knowledge with requests from customers to deliver a high power RGB LED fixture, i-Pix developed the Satellite - a 42-watt RGB wash fixture featuring ultra smooth dimmer response, super fast strobe, easy-to-read LCD user interface and simple addressing and set-up.

The Satellite offers onboard user-defined memories, which can be combined to create a chase in stand-alone mode, or a choice of 3, 5 or 6-channel control in DMX mode. With a 6-degree beam angle, the Satellite is perfect for truss toning, but add one of the included beam shaping accessories, and suddenly you have a true wash unit with up to a 60 x 10 degree beam angle, making the Satellite a truly versatile and hireable LED fixture.

Since their launch in middle of last year, the Satellites have been enormously successful, with the first batch going straight on the road with Radiohead, and others being featured on tours by Arcade Fire, Lily Allen and the recent Dame Edna TV show.

In Australia, the entire first shipment of 96 Satellites went straight to Melbourne-based production company, Resolution X. Tim Hall, Managing Director of Resolution X, says he rarely sees the Satellites as they are constantly out working.

"We sent the whole lot into Channel Nine to backlight the set of The Singing Bee and they were an immediate hit" says Tim. "They liked them so much they used them on the AFL Grand Final Footy Show and kept a dozen or so for the new series of Who Wants to be a Millionaire – meaning I'll probably need to grab some more soon!" Rohan Thornton, head of the Lighting Department at Channel Nine Melbourne, described the Sattelites as "sensational little fixtures" whose compact size and punchy output made them stand out from the crowd.

Demonstration units of the Satellite are currently available. Please contact us to arrange a viewing.
Further information on the i-Pix range is available here.

Balanced Technology are proud to announce we are now the exclusive distributor of Holdon Instant Eyelets for the Entertainment industry in Australia.

Following on from the good work of Jands in helping to establish Holdons as an essential item in any tech's tool box, Balanced Technology now have stocks of the popular Holdon Midi Clip (pictured) in Black, White & Blue, as well as the Holdon Mini in both Black and White.

Holdons are a fantastically strong and versatile product used to hang banners; stretch cycs or blacks; replace torn or broken eyelets in curtains; rig tarps or shade cloth outdoors; or anywhere else you need an eyelet.

Their unique, patented wedge-lock design means you simply slip the Holdon over your fabric and tie it off – the harder you pull, the harder it grips! No tools are required to fit a Holdon and they can be reused over and over again.

The Holdon Midi is made from glass re-enforced nylon, making it lightweight and remarkably strong. In fact, its been rated to hold up to 100kgs. They are also UV protected, meaning they can be used indoors or outdoors with confidence.

There haven't been too many buildings in Melbourne's history that can rival the sheer feat of engineering that is The Eureka Tower. Opened on October 11 2006, the 297.3m high tower boasts an impressive list of records including being the largest residential tower in the world and having the fastest lifts in the Southern Hemisphere.

Another impressive record that the Eureka Tower can lay claim to is that its level 88 Skydeck is the highest public vantage point (285m) in the Southern Hemisphere. While the Skydeck boasts an unrivalled view of Melbourne and beyond, it is a unique small glass box that is catching most visitors' attention.

Known as 'The Edge', this attraction is a completely glass filled box that can extend 3m out from the building suspended almost 285m in the air. But The Edge is more than just a fancy vantage point of Melbourne; it is a total experience. As patrons enter the Edge, the door shuts behind them leaving them ‘trapped' inside an opaque glassed box. After a few moments, the cube begins to move outwards via a disturbingly old-sounding motor. Then, the terrifying sound of glass cracking and smashing surrounds you and the opaque glass turns clear; revealing an 88 floor drop with only clear glass between you and a 285m plummet to your death.

Bryce Grunden of Sound Environments was invited to the initial development meeting. The concept for The Edge came from the owners of Eureka Tower themselves who had a very clear idea of what they wanted, but were unsure how to interface the sound with the visuals. Having used it on a previous installation, Bryce suggested an Enttec Playback Mk2 unit from Balanced Technology.

"We needed a unit that could accept RS232 control and could talk to the dimmers. The playback unit seemed the ideal choice." With the installation now up and running, Bryce couldn't be happier with the end result. "It turned out exactly as I wanted it to."

Enttec have further cemented their reputation as leaders in the development of RDM (Remote Device Management) tools with the release of their new RDS range of RDM/DMX Splitters.

The range consists of the RDS4 - a 1-in, 4-out standalone/truss mount splitter, and the RDS8 – a 1 in, 8-out rackmount splitter. Both splitters are fully compatible with standard DMX equipment, as well as offering support for RDM enabled consoles and fixtures, and have isolation up to 1500 Volts between inputs and outputs.

RDM allows bidirectional communication between compatible consoles and devices such as moving lights and LED fixtures. Standard DMX splitters will not allow RDM equipment to function correctly, as they do not allow messages to be passed back from fixtures to console.

The RDS Splitters pass all RDM information back and forth between the console and fixtures, allowing RDM features such as remote addressing, reporting of lamp hours etc to be used while still offering the benefits of full isolation between outputs.

The RDS range also includes some handy features that will make integrating new RDM equipment into your existing stock much smoother and simpler. Some older DMX equipment does not respond well to RDM messages, causing flickering and other unwanted issues. The RDS offers an RDM Filter option to remove all RDM packets, allowing older DMX equipment to be connected on the same network without these unwanted effects. A Bypass option is also available, bypassing all processing, allowing the RDS to operate as a simple DMX splitter.

The RDS range is the latest addition to Enttec's RDM tools, alongside the RDM USB Pro and the Enttec RDM Software Suite.

Enttec's Playback Wing can now output Art-Net, making it a highly versatile control surface for any media server and PC-based console that accepts Art-Net control.

The latest firmware update (V1.1) allows the user to assign each of the 10 faders and 40 keys to a single channel, a submaster, an executor, video layer or any other function supported by your control system. Each of the keys can act as a flash button or be set to toggle if required.

The Page control function allows access to up to 500 slots of an Art-Net universe, making it a truly flexible control surface for any Art-Net enabled product, such as Nodes, Media Servers (Arkaos, Hippotizer etc) or even PC based lighting consoles (Grand MA PC etc).

The configuration of the Wing is done through Enttec's NMU (Node Management Utility) software package, which uses a simple graphic interface, making it intuitive and straightforward to set-up. NMU is available for both Windows and Mac OSX and is free to download here. Firmware update for the Playback Wing can be downloaded from here.

Enttec’s DMXStreamer and DMXPlayback Mk2 have just gotten even easier to use with the release of a fully supported USB to RS232 converter and revised and expanded User Manuals.

Enttec's DMXPlayback Mk2 and DMXStreamer recording/playback devices rely on RS232 communication with your PC for various functions, however few computers are now being produced with RS232 ports available, so Enttec now offer a factory-backed USB to RS232 converter solution.

While there are many USB to RS232 converters available these days, not all of them will work reliably with all equipment. Enttec have tested numerous adaptors, and found a converter that works consistently and reliably.

These high-quality adaptors are adept at switching communications speed when required, making them stable and dependable for use with the Enttec DMXPlayback and DMXStreamer, and are fully backed by Enttec's technical support.

Enttec have also begun a project to revise and expand the User Manuals for their products, starting with the DMXPlayBack and DMXStreamer. Both User Manuals now include detailed instructions on using both the boxes and their related software packages, as well as basic troubleshooting guides, complete with screenshots and photographs. The revised manuals are available to download now from the Balanced Technology website.

Walking With Dinosaurs - Photo Serge Thomann

When the Walking With Dinosaurs technical team needed a user-friendly, portable lighting control solution, LightFactory provided the answer.

Walking With Dinosaurs is a massive arena spectacular, based on the hugely successful BBC series of the same name. Featuring fifteen life-size animatronic dinosaurs and an enormous moving light show, control was always going to be important, and potentially problematic.

"We needed to control some smoke machines and small lights mounted on remote vehicles," Technical Director Malcolm White explains, "but we didn't want to go down the path of wireless DMX, as its usually based on 2.4Ghz spectrum technology – the same spectrum the dinosaurs are running on, which was already getting crowded".

It was decided that the vehicle drivers would also control the effects and lights mounted on each vehicle independently. "The drivers are all experienced theatre mechanists, so they knew what was required, but as they aren't necessarily lighting operators, we needed something easy to use" says Malcolm.

Ken Roach suggested using LightFactory on a laptop computer, and after downloading the demo version, quickly realised it would be the perfect solution. Three systems were required - one for each of the vehicles - with a minimum of DMX channels on each, so three LightFactory Starter Kit Pro Editions were purchased, each including a 36-channel license for LightFactory and an Enttec DMX USB Pro Interface. Malcolm is delighted with the results. "It's a very impressive product," Malcolm states, "robust and simple to operate – just what we needed!"

Walking With Dinosaurs – the Live Experience has just finished its Australian tour.
Photo: Serge Thomann
LightFactory is available from Balanced Technology dealers in major cities throughout Australia.

Long-time users of Littlite Lampsets will be delighted with the introduction of a new 2.1mm connector, allowing a seamless join with typical Australian plug-pack power supplies.

Previously L-Series Littlites have been supplied with a US-style spade connector, which had to be removed and replaced to attach an Australian plug pack. With the new 2.1mm connector, off-the-shelf plug packs can now be used without modification to power the Lampsets, providing a true plug'n'play solution for task lighting applications.

The new connector is just one of a series of recent changes to the Littlite range. The ever-popular Weighted Base accessory, used to allow L-Series lampsets to be used as a portable desk light, has been redesigned, and is now called an RWB (Round Weighted Base, unsurprisingly!).

To ensure the LED Lampsets fit snugly in the new RWB's, the on/off/red-only rocker switch on L-Series LED units has been replaced with a rotary switch.

Another recent change is the introduction of a brand-new rack-mounting accessory, the RAKIT. The RAKIT fits to any L-Series lampset, allowing it to fit to a standard rack-strip, without taking up any rack space. It can also be use to mount an L-Series Littlite to just about any surface!

And last, but not least, is the Littlite Tote Bag, a handy tough carry bag for your Littlites, to keep them safe on the road.

More Littlite information is available from the Littlite pages. Littlites are available from dealers in most major cities in Australia. Contact us to locate your nearest dealer on 1300 305 832.

Enttec's range of DMX USB devices have proven to be enormously popular with users and manufacturers alike, with systems such as LightFactory, Arkaos and ChamSys supporting the DMX USB Pro. Now there's a new addition to the family – the RDM USB Pro.

The logical successor to the DMX USB Pro Interface, the RDM USB Pro is designed to operate with Enttec's full range of RDM software, as well as anywhere a normal DMX USB Pro would work. It will also communicate with any fixtures or equipment that complies with the final approved version of the ESTA RDM standard.

RDM is the new protocol that allows communication between your lights and your console over the existing DMX cabling infrastructure. For example, an RDM-enabled moving light could send information regarding the lamp hours or operating temperature back to the controller, or have its address set remotely by an RDM-enabled lighting console.

Enttec's range of RDM software includes the RDM Controller, the RDM Responder and an RDM ‘Sniffer'; an application that enables viewing and monitoring of all RDM information on an RDM DMX network. All of these applications are free to download, but require an RDM USB Pro to operate.

Enttec's RDM USB Pro is shipping now, available from Balanced Technology dealers in most major cities in Australia. For further information on the interface and software visit our RDM USB Pro page.

Royal Domain becomes Aerial Landmark

Located on St Kilda Road in Melbourne and with stunning panoramic views of some of the City's most iconic landmarks, The Royal Domain Tower is one of the more luxurious residential establishments to hit Melbourne for some time.

The building's location allows it to be a prominent feature among Melbourne's busy skyline; but not content with this, property developers Far East Consortium decided that they wanted to create their very own aerial landmark. They turned to experienced image projection specialist Simon Maidment of West Space and visual artist Alexander Knox of Knox Nominees, to design an artistic feature that would allow the tower to be visible from all parts of the city – and beyond.

Once it was decided upon to create a colour-changing wash for the top of the building, Simon and Alexander went about creating CAD drawings and computer renderings to get the project under way. They then took these renderings to Lightmoves to discuss whether technology was a true reflection of reality.

After perusing the computer renderings for the project and discovering potential difficulties in lighting the surface - particularly with the luminaires specified - the Lightmoves team decided upon a site demonstration. Initial reservations proved to be correct, with the polished surface requiring a much stronger luminaire than first thought. A simple site demonstration of the Studio Due City Colour 300's was enough to convince the client that they were the best option. Some technical issues also arose with the limited working space atop the tower and major limitations on where luminaires could be positioned. Custom base plates were created and bolted to the catwalk to allow the luminaires to be positioned in their appropriate locations.

Onsite electricians Craig Smith Electrical installed the 20 Studio Due City Colour 300's that Lightmoves supplied, each with dual Phillips CDM-SA/T 150W discharge lamps, that created the desired colour-change effect. The colour-changing sequences where stored and controlled by an Enttec DMX Streamer. The time clock in the Streamer is programmed to allow the sequences to come on at dusk each night, running right through until very early morning.

The lighting states on the tower were programmed remotely, using Enttec's Ethergate In – Ethergate Out Wireless DMX technology and Enttec LightFactory software, which allowed Simon to program the sequences from up to 500m away. Obviously a major advantage for a project of this magnitude, this not only allowed for the most appropriate viewpoint for programming, but saved Simon a lot of time and energy that normally would have been spent going up and down the elevator to check the progress. The LightFactory software offered Simon an inexpensive, easy-to-use PC-based application that integrated seamlessly with Ethergate In – Ethergate Out.

Visible from up to 25km away, this stunning project has proven to be a great success, giving Royal Domain Tower its own colourful & unique place in Melbourne's skyline.

FREE LightFactory Remote Software Now Available to Registered Users!
LightFactory Lighting Control Software is now even better value for money with the release of the new LightFactory Remote Software, which is FREE for registered LightFactory users.

The LightFactory Remote Software (LF Remote) is a separate application designed for use on Windows Mobile and Smartphone devices, allowing for simple, hand-held control of many features in LightFactory. If your device is equipped with wireless access then you have immediate access to your control system from anywhere within your venue.

Using the same simple command line interface as LightFactory itself, users can set channel levels, turn fixtures on or off, change gobos, colours and positions, execute cues, set fade times, access cue lists and macros or even record cues – all from the palm of your hand.

LF Remote is compatible with the recently released LightFactory V1.2, which includes many new features, such as expanding the maximum channel count to over 32,000 channels, and increasing the number of available fixtures to 10,000, making it perfect for use on LED arrays.

LightFactory September Special - Pro Starter Kit for $300 inc GST!
The footy finals are over for this year, so the offer has now expired

It's September, which means Spring is in the air and footy finals are upon us. To help celebrate, Balanced Technology are offering a 'September Special' - the LightFactory Starter Kit Pro Edition for only $300 inc GST!

LightFactory is the immensely popular Lighting Control Software package from Enttec that is making waves everywhere. Its ease of use and powerful effects engines and matrixing facilities are making it the control software package of choice for lighting professionals throughout Australia and the world. In fact, PLSN magazine said it was "almost too clear and simple" with a "mind-boggling number of possible macros, task schedulers, effect and show runners".

With Version 1.2 recently released, LightFactory will now control up to 64 Universes, or over 32,000 channels of DMX, and can handle up to 10,000 fixtures, making LightFactory one of the most powerful PC-based control systems available. The software allows you to work your way, whether its triggering submasters manually, or running time-based events, or integrating the show with audio files through Winamp tiggers. There's even free wireless rigger's remote software available for use on Windows Mobile or SmartPhone devices!

The LightFactory Starter Kit Pro Edition is designed as an introduction to LightFactory for professional use. Whether it's to try it for yourself or to control a small installation or show, the kit includes everything needed to turn your computer into a lighting control system. It includes a 36 DMX-Channel License of LightFactory, which can be expanded at any time up to a maximum of 32,768 channels. Also included is Enttec's DMX USB Pro Interface, which features full isolation up to 1500V, protecting your computer from power surges, and an onboard microprocessor ensuring the DMX rate always remains constant. Of course, the Starter Kit also includes the other accessories required to get you up and running - a USB A-B cable, a 5-pin to 3-pin adaptor, an installation CD and a quick start manual - so you'll be operational in next to no time.

Balanced Technology and Enttec are proud to announce the first LightFactory Training Seminar to be held at Lightmoves in Melbourne on Thursday July 27th.

Featuring Martin Searancke, the author of the LightFactory Lighting Control software package, the seminar is designed to take participants through the operation of the LightFactory control system from basic functionality right through to effects engines and video/matrix effects.

Two sessions will be held, with both sessions including a demonstration and a 'hands-on' practical component, as well as question & answer time to ensure everyone's queries are addressed.

The Afternoon session starts at 1:30pm, while the Evening session is at 5:30pm.
Both sessions run for approximately two hours, and are FREE to attend.
The Seminar is being held on Thursday July 27th, 2006
at Lightmoves Pty Ltd, 138-146 Browns Road, Noble Park.

Numbers are strictly limited, so please download a registration form and fax back to Balanced Technology on (08) 8270 6921 or email to info@balancedtech.com.au to reserve your place ASAP.

Please email info@balancedtech.com.au to register your interest for these or future Melbourne training sessions, should you not be able to attend on July 27th.

Pixi-Flex consists of individual pixels moulded onto a cable. Each pixel is individually controlled and can display over 16 million colours. Three standard versions are available: 16 pixels with a nominal pitch of 250mm, 16 pixels with a 500mm pitch and 32 pixels with a 125mm pitch. Special variants of these can be manufacturer for custom projects.

The product can be surface mounted using the integral 3mm thread, or simply push fit into a suitable hole in the set, wall or fabric. Pixi-Flex is perfect for creating pixilated walls of light, similar to video walls. The big difference is that Pixi-Flex can flow around contours and make three-dimensional shapes.

Pixi-Flex uses a new "point-source" RGB LED that creates both an exceptionally bright white light output and, with their consistent colour mixing ability, provides an enhanced colour palette with a superior range of pastel colours and tints.

Artistic Licence has developed an innovative technique that ensures excellent pixel to pixel colour and intensity matching and avoids the gradual loss of intensity with distance seen in some products on the market.

In combination with the Colour-Tramp control system, Pixi-Flex spearheads the convergence of lighting and video. Live video can be rendered in real time to the Pixi-Flex and combined with dynamic lighting effects. Pixi-Flex can also be used to create your own star cloth.

Pixi-Flex is terminated with two waterproof miniature connectors. The entire assembly is weatherproof to IP65 allowing both internal and external installation.

A total of 160 pixels can be controlled by the associated Pixi-Power SB12 power controller. This product is controlled by DMX512 and RDM (Remote Device Management) and has numerous personalities including internal programmes.

Balanced Technology Distributes Artistic Licence, Launches New Products at Entech 2006

Balanced Technology is introducing a raft of new products at Entech 2006, including launching the Artistic Licence range, so pack your lunch and take a trek to the back of Hall 6 (Stand L49) to see all the latest innovations in the world of DMX testing, playback and control.

Balanced Technology is enormously proud to announce our appointment as the Australian Distributor for the Artistic Licence range from the UK. Artistic Licence, originators of the widely-used Art-Net protocol, are recognised leaders in DMX and Ethernet processing equipment, producing everything from handheld DMX testers such as the Micro-Scope 3a, to a hand-held RDM programmer/tester called Jump Start, to a DMX-to-DALI interface for controlling Fluorescent light fittings, the Rail DALI, and all stops in between. Swing by our outpost at the end of the world for a rundown on the range.

Melbourne-based Lighting Control specialists Enttec are launching some fantastic new products, including the long-awaited LightFactory Wings to suit the LightFactory control system. The PlayBack Wing and Shortcut Wing will be on display, along with the new E-Streamer, a multi-universe DMX Show recorder capable of playing back multiple shows simultaneously via Ethernet.

Also making its Entech debut is US-based Baxter Controls' Pocket Console DMX, a hand-held 512 channel lighting console with 8 faders and flash buttons, and the Rackmount Pocket Console DMX, a 19" rackmount version of the Pocket Console suitable for Stage Manager's consoles and fixed installations.

Brown's Precision Welding will be demonstrating their new Mac Adaptor plates, designed for mounting Martin's Mac range of moving head fixtures on a vertical section of industry-standard 300mm Tri Truss.

Other products on show include Littlite's new & improved LED range of flexible gooseneck lamps; Goddard Design's Lil'DMXter range of DMX testers; Bulls-eye Followspot Sights; and Holdon Midi Clips.

Melbourne is the home to a world-first roadway feature: a 300 metre interactive matrix of colour changing LEDs on the new Craigieburn Bypass road, supplied by veteran lighting projects company, Lightmoves Pty Ltd. Part of the overall architectural and artistic design of the new roadway, the LED matrix is incorporated into an acoustic barrier wall of screen-printed acrylic panels.

Lightmoves successfully tendered for this unique project, designing a system that would deliver a matrix display of colour-changing LED fittings that could be individually controlled and regulated by transducers in the road.

Installed by contractors Alstom Australia, the LED wall is one of the most ambitious feature lighting installations ever undertaken in Australia. "The magnitude of this project was illustrated by the number of electrical connections," explains Lightmoves Project manager Joe Casamento, "with nearly a thousand luminaires to be terminated".

The specification called for a weather proof luminaire that housed red, green and blue LEDs and a control system that allowed individual control of every LED. The control system had to treat the wall as a low resolution video screen that allowed artists to use the wall as a blank canvas. Programming of sequences needed to include the ability to import images in the form of bitmap and video files. Transducers in the road were placed to monitor traffic levels and trigger the display of various lighting sequences.

Lightmoves collaborated closely with Brisbane-based supplier Digilin, to develop a suitable LED fitting. The finished product is an IP66 rated, stainless steel RGB LED fitting with a UV-stabilised lens. The light source is a series of RGB (red/green/blue) surface-mounted LEDs that are designed to be directly driven from an 'off-the-shelf' Dynalite LED controller.

Being no stranger to large lighting control projects, and with nearly 3000 channels of lighting control to contend with, Lightmoves used Dynalite's 48-way constant current LED controllers as the basis of its control solution, using DMX512 as the control protocol.

Artistic Licence's Colour Tramp software was chosen to provide the overall control of the LED Wall. Its ability to control large numbers of LED fittings and easily import bitmaps and videos simplified an otherwise complex programming process. Joe Casamento explains "Colour Tramp was a great tool for us. It enabled us to quickly program the wall by importing the artist's completed bitmaps. And the ability to have a full on-screen representation of the wall meant that a lot of the programming could be done off-site".

Colour Tramp uses the ArtNet DMX-over-Ethernet protocol as output for its multiple streams of DMX data. Datagate, a product recently developed in Melbourne by Enttec, was selected to translate the ArtNet data into standard DMX. The first Datagate off the production line was given a baptism of fire on this project, having to process seven streams of DMX information - a task it handled with ease. Housed in a 1RU rack-mount enclosure, the Datagate has, amongst its wide variety of DMX and Ethernet translation capabilities, the ability to convert ArtNet into eight streams (4096 channels) of DMX.

Finally, an AMX Netlinx NI-3000 was used to process information from the traffic counter system. Three induction loops in the road sense traffic flow across three lanes of traffic and pass this information via a traffic counter controller to the Netlinx using switch closures. The Netlinx then triggers Colour Tramp via its RS232 input, selecting certain predetermined sequences depending on the volume of traffic.

It is not easy to imagine a large video screen adorning a freeway wall. The result, however, is a very striking and successful demonstration of clever art and design using state-of-the-art lighting technology.

Equipment List:
1 x Enttec Datagate DME 8-way Ethernet to DMX Interface
935 x LMCB40 Stainless Steel Outdoor RBG LED
63 x Dynalite DLEDC48 Constant Current DMX LED Controller
1 x AMX Netlinx NI-3000 Integrator
1 x Artistic Licence Colour Tramp 4096 Software

Brown's Precision Welding introduces a long overdue innovation – a plate to suit 300mm Tri Truss and Martin's enormously popular Mac range of moving lights.

Designed to quickly and easily attach Mac moving head fixtures to the end of vertical sections of 300mm Tri Truss, Brown's Mac Adaptor Plates are a quick and easy solution suitable for use in corporate and entertainment settings alike.

Made from steel and powder coated black, the plates are sturdy and hard-wearing, and attach directly to the omega clamps used by the Macs. High tensile bolt sets are used to attach the plates through the existing holes in the Tri Truss, providing the safest rigging option and ensuring your lights are well balanced and stable.

The plates are designed to be as low profile and unobtrusive as possible, almost disappearing into the truss when attached, providing the neatest and safest choice for mounting Macs to vertical truss.

One of Melbourne's most prestigious entertainment and accommodation venues, the Grand Hyatt, has recently undergone six months of extensive renovations to the Banquet Floor, including the new Savoy Ballroom, the Mayfair Ballroom and the pre-function area.

Lightmoves' Technical Director, Andrew Sherar, met with Lighting Designer Mike Huggins and the Hyatt and found not only did they require control of standard light sources, they also needed to control colour changing LEDs and DMX-controlled moving lights, all via local control for Banqueting staff and the in-house AV company.

Knowing the requirements, Lightmoves proposed a system that allows complex control but can also be utilised for simple meetings and functions without the need for an AV Technician. The overall system included 240 channels of Dynalite Dual Port dimming, controlling incandescent and fluorescent lighting, various LED controllers, 14 LCD touch screens, push button panels, 12 Enttec DMX Streamers and a DMX patch bay.

In the pre-function area, Lightmoves used a PC-based controller to program a variety of colour-changing sequences for a series of LED feature walls. These were recorded into Enttec DMXStreamer Show Recorders and are simply triggered via Dynalite touchscreens.

The Ballroom was designed with movable walls, to enable the space to be divided into many different room configurations. Each of the 13 rooms contains a customised LCD Touchscreen to provide local lighting and audio control functions. The system also allows for control of lighting for the entire ballroom from any LCD panel in any room.

Each separate area in the ballroom is controlled by its own set of Dual Port dimmers. This means that in addition to the Dynalite control panels they can also accept the DMX signal from any industry standard lighting desk. Plugging a desk into the system will render the lighting panels and LCD touch screens temporarily inoperable, making the system respond solely to the lighting desk.

LED illuminated glass panels in Grand Hyatt ballroom foyer

Almost all of the rooms have moving lights in the ceiling. These fittings can be controlled either from a lighting console operated by a member of the in-house A/V supply company, or through the LCD Touchscreens operated by A/V or Banquet Staff. The Touchscreens are used to store and trigger shows on the Enttec DMXStreamers via RS-232 commands, creating a simple and intuitive interface.

As there are separate DMXStreamers and Touchscreen interfaces in each room area, control has been set up to follow the joining of areas. When a member of the banquet staff opens a removable wall and joins the two rooms together, all the systems are joined, including intelligent lights.

Despite the complex control required by the variety of possible room configurations, the house lighting system is simple and straightforward for all banquet staff to operate. Advanced functions are password-protected to limit access to management staff and/or the in-house A/V contractor. The use of the latest technology allows this unique ballroom to transform its interior easily and without the need for skilled technical staff.
You can read a more detailed account of this project on the Lightmoves web site

Find out more about DMXStreamer.

Users of Enttec’s LightFactory Lighting Control Software will be happy to hear that a new effects engine specifically for use with LED arrays has been included in the latest update – AT NO EXTRA COST!

The new LED Matrix effect allows users to integrate pictures or video files and output them to an LED matrix quickly and easily. Simply define the size of your array, select any background image, path and size you wish your matrix to display, and off you go.

By changing the size of the red box, which represents your matrix, you can display as little or as much of the original image as you wish – you could even play a video clip!

You can also download the demo version of LightFactory. Current users of LightFactory can upgrade to the latest version, including the new LED matrix effect, from the same webpage. LightFactory Starter Kits are available now from $249.00 inc GST.

When Joseph Mercurio, Lighting Co-ordinator at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, went looking for a cost-effective and professional PC lighting control package, Enttec provided the solution.

WAAPA are one of the leading performing arts teaching facilities in the country, and are always looking to keep up with changes in technology within the arts. With this in mind, Joseph thought the time was right to find a PC based lighting control system that was professional enough for use on serious theatrical productions, whist being economical enough for students to purchase their own systems, should they wish to.
Joseph's investigations led him to Enttec's LightFactory Lighting Control Software. LightFactory is a fully featured, professional lighting control software package that has the ability to operate both conventional and moving lights with no compromises. With inbuilt fixture libraries and effects engines, as well as a traditional "theatrical-style" command line interface, LightFactory provides the flexibility required for the huge variety of productions WAAPA's students encounter.
The ability to download a full demo version for free allows students to familiarise themselves with the software on their own computers, rather than having to crowd around a single machine or traditional console to learn how it operates. The low entry cost is also a huge advantage, with 36 Channel Starter Kits available from $249.00 including hardware and GST, making it possible for young lighting designers to own their own operating system.
Once Joseph had tried the demo software for himself, he realised the combination of features and price made it perfect for WAAPA, and ordered a 1024 channel (2 DMX Universe) license. Always thinking ahead, he chose an Enttec Datagate 8-way DMX/Ethernet node to handle the Ethernet output from LightFactory, giving WAAPA the ability to expand their 2-Universe license at any time, effectively "future proofing" their investment.

As well as being a DMX/Ethernet node, the Datagate is also a DMX splitter and DMX merge unit, which Joseph says "has allowed WAAPA lighting students a perfect tool for investigating DMX data distribution systems and an affordable wireless DMX entry point. The opportunity to run wirelessly from the laptop to a wireless router into the Datagate and then control a mix of conventional and moving lights is a fantastic teaching tool".
Joseph couldn't be happier with the results. "It is excellent. The support given to WAAPA from both Balanced Technology and Enttec is a credit to their long term vision for the entertainment industry and education" states Joseph. "WAAPA gratefully acknowledges and appreciates the support from these companies in assisting our goal to provide the most technologically advanced theatre lighting training course in Australia".
Find out more about LightFactory.
Find out more about DataGate.

Following the success of Enttec’s LightFactory Starter Kit, the pack that turns your PC into a 36-channel Lighting Control System, comes the LightFactory Starter Kit Pro Edition.

The new Pro Edition contains the same basic elements as the original Starter Kit – a 36 DMX channel license of LightFactory, a DMX-USB interface, USB A-B cable, 5-pin to 3-pin XLR adaptor, Installation CD & Quick Start Manual – but this edition contains the DMX USB Pro, Enttec's new professional-standard DMX interface.
The Open DMX USB interface, which was included in the original Starter Kit, is a great entry-level interface, suitable for many applications, however when it comes to professional shows, where your client expects the very best, a truly professional product is required.
That's where the DMX USB Pro comes into its own. With an onboard micro-processor ensuring DMX is always generated at a constant rate, and full 1500V Opto-isolation, the Pro interface is ideal for shows and installations with moving lights, LED's, dimmers, smoke machines, strobes – any DMX controlled device!
The Starter Kit Pro Edition includes a 36 DMX-channel license of LightFactory, which is a nice start, but you'll be pleased to know you can purchase upgrades to expand your control system to a full 512ch DMX universe, or beyond. With a current limit of 10,000 DMX channels, LightFactory will cope with even the most demanding shows.
Find out more about LightFactory.
Find out more about the DMX/USB Pro interface

Tell Your Lights Where to Go with Vocus – the Vocal Focus tool from Enttec!

Vocus is an outstanding new Windows-based application that literally lets you tell your lights what you want them to do, by allowing vocal commands to control your DMX lighting system.

Vocus was developed to make the process of focusing lights quicker and simpler. Rather than hauling your console down to the stage and climbing up and down ladders to change levels, or having someone else man the console, you simply plug any standard microphone into your computer, (wireless mics are ideal), and use standard voice commands to control DMX levels. Vocus converts your voice into DMX signals, and outputs them to your dimmers or moving lights through a USB or Ethernet interface.

Compatible equipment includes Enttec's Open DMX USB Interface and DMXEthergate, and Art-Net enabled interfaces. Vocus can even provide limited control of LightFactory – Enttec's Lighting Control Software package.

Vocus uses voice recognition software that is trained by you in your own voice, so it always understands you. Controlled by logical, standard commands, such as "Channel 7 at full" and "Channel 4 thru 46 fade to 50", Vocus is very easy to operate. You can control up to 512 channels, making it ideal for theatres, churches, schools, pub gigs – just about anywhere you have a DMX control system and a computer!

36 Channels of Lighting Control for under $250 – New LightFactory Starter Pack

Enttec’s new LightFactory Starter Pack includes everything you need to turn your computer into a 36 channel lighting control system – just add lights!

LightFactory is a fully functional lighting desk on your PC, suitable for controlling conventional and moving fixtures alike.

The new Starter Pack contains a 36 channel version of LightFactory, including all the features that have made LightFactory so successful, such as moving light libraries, effects engines, midi/timecode triggering and audio input. The only difference is the output is limited to 36 channels of DMX. Upgrades can be purchased at any stage to expand the output to up to 10 complete DMX universes.

The Starter Pack includes an installation CD and registration code for your 36 channel licence, an Enttec Open DMX/USB Widget, USB A-B cable, 5-pin to 3-pin XLR adaptor and Quick Start manual – all for $249.00 inc GST.

Enttec’s new DMXPlayBack Mk2 makes the popular Australian-made DMX Player even better value for money.

The DMXPlayBack was the first device launched by Enttec way back in 1998. The original DMXPlayBack has been enormously successful, however at the ripe old age of seven, Enttec felt it was time to give it a facelift.

The result is the new DMXPlayBack Mk2, with all the functions people have come to rely on, and some great new functions as well, such as heaps of extra memory, at no extra cost!

The DMXPlayBack Mk2 can store up to 12 complete light shows, each of which can consist of up to 500 static scenes. Scenes can be stored as a ‘snapshot’ of the DMX input, or can be built using the dedicated free software package ‘ShowEditor 2’. Once your scenes have been stored, shows are put together using ShowEditor, and uploaded to the DMXPlayBack Mk2.

You can choose to run a single show on power-up of the unit, or you can trigger individual shows via RS232. For manual control, simply add the DMXPlayBack Remote, which allows single-button access to all twelve shows. It can even be triggered using a TV remote!

The new LCD display on the DMXPlayBack Mk2 tells you which show is currently running, what scene it us up to, and how many times the show is set to run.
You can download Show Editor Mk2 for FREE today.
Full DMXPlayBack Mk2 details

Enttec leads the way to Crown!

Melbourne’s Crown Casino has quickly become one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, thanks largely to the enormous animated signs that border the building.

Crown Sign Recently Crown realised they needed to update the control system for one of the main signs near the Whiteman Street carpark. Previously, testing and maintaining the sign, made up of hundreds of low voltage lamps, was expensive and time consuming.

Crown's in-house technical staff needed to be able to access a test sequence to quickly and easily determine which lamps needed replacing, and then return to the sequence that runs the sign day in and day out. The new control system would have to fit into the existing switchboard enclosure, built into the casino wall

Joe Casamento from Lightmoves was brought in to advise Crown on the most cost-effective and reliable solution, and to ensure the changeover went as smoothly as possible. Joe has plenty of experience with the Enttec range of products, and immediately recognised that the DMXStreamer coupled with a PlayBack Remote would be the perfect solution.

The DMXStreamer is a DMX show recorder than can record up to 26 separate shows. This allowed Crown to program the standard sequence and a variety of test sequences via any DMX console the in-house technicians felt comfortable with. The shows were then stored in the DMXStreamer, which is programmed via it's inbuilt scheduler to start and finish automatically every day.

When the test sequences are required, Crown's maintenance staff simply open the enclosure and press a button on the PlayBack Remote, which retrieves the appropriate show via RS232 from the Streamer, and immediately switches the output to the pre-programmed test state. Once maintenance is finished, they simply hit button number 1 on the PlayBack Remote to return to the usual sequence.

Lightmoves built a custom waterproof enclosure for the DMXStreamer and the PlayBack Remote, bringing all connections to the outside. This ensured the onsite contractors would be able to install the new control system within minutes. Crown were so happy with the results they have recently ordered an identical system to control a similar sign on the other side of the building.
Full DMXStreamer details

DMXStreamer in its weatherproofed enclosure

Brown's Release Adjustable Projector Suspension Brackets

Recognising a need within the ever-growing AV industry for flexible hanging methods for video projectors, Brown's have developed an innovative range of brackets to suit popular models of video projectors.

Designed to be hung from industry standard lighting truss, these heavy duty brackets are built from steel and TIG welded for strength. Each model features adjustable pan and tilt with sturdy lock-off mechanisms, ensuring your projector will stay where you point it the first time.

The brackets are built with the same care and attention to detail that has made Brown's range of aluminium trusses so popular.

Currently Brown's have models to suit the Sony PX-35, PX-40, FX-51, Panasonic 7400e, 7500e and 7600e projectors, with more to follow soon. If you don't see your model here, call us to discuss how we can help you.

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Last updated: Thursday 3 February, 2011