While it may look cool, how does it function?  Since it was just released and demo models are in limited at the moment, I can’t say. From what I have read and heard, it is a pretty powerful boxed based on Dataton’s media server software, WATCHOUT. Here is a some more info from Dataton.

Dataton Launches New Media Server: WATCHPAX is a post from: iSquint.net

Then I looked at their twitter stats, how in the hell did they get 5,000+ followers like BackStageJobs?!?  And over 16,000 tweets! Time to visit OffStageJobs.com.

“WTF”

Now this has gone a bit TO far, they even copied the site design! Then there was a message from the webmaster. “Hey, I know Patrick! He runs BackStageJobs.com” Long story short, I was ready to get really pissed that someone stole a great idea from a long standing site for our industry.  Not just stole, but copied. CLEARLY, I over reacted after reading Patrick’s note. The opening sentence says it all.

Relax, It’s just a name change.

I guess that is what happens when you are out of touch for a bit of time. Here is a bit more about the name change from BackStageJobs.com OffStageJobs.com.

We haven’t been bought, we’re not shutting down. Everything remains the same, except for the name, which means you will need to update your bookmarks to OffStageJobs.com.

Why? Well, the folks at Backstage.com and I got to talking. A visitor confused about which site they are really dealing with is an unhappy visitor. Neither the folks at Backstage.com nor I want visitors to be confused when finding our sites, especially when we offer some similar services. So, after some very friendly and positive conversations, we’ve decided this name change should help everyone.

We now become OffStageJobs.com. Backstage.com takes legal title to the name “BackstageJobs.com.” Just the name, not the service. There will be a period of transition to allow everyone time to update their links and bookmarks, but there will be no interruption in our service.

You can read more about the name change here. Everything remains the same, you just have to update your bookmarks with the new URL and you are all set.

BackStageJobs.com is Now OffStageJobs.com…? is a post from: iSquint.net

EuroVision Song Contest happens about this time every single year since 1956. Every year, I see the Press Releases and photos and I am BLOWN AWAY. We typically don’t cover productions on iSquint, but something like this… We just have to! Info and photos are still rolling in from this past weekends production/performance. We’ll start off from Tait.

Working closely with Technical Director Ola Melzig, as well as Production Designers Frida Arvidsson and Viktor Brattstrom, TAIT’s European division supplied elements for the iconic Eurovision Song Contest. The design concept was to bring the audience and artists physically closer together and bring an intimate live experience to the next level. A three dimensional environment was created on stage, with impressive depth and multiple layers creating interesting landscapes for the live audience and televised broadcast.

TAIT provided a 450 square metre rolling main stage, including a downstage apron, pantograph stairway and four flaggapault lifts for dynamic performer stage entrance and exit. A catwalk leading to a B-stage was also provided, integrated into the B-stage was a triple scissor lift that could move up to 6 meters above the arena floor.

A range of scenic elements were incorporated into the design, including an upstage ground supported projection wall, with two flown centre sections. Two 14 metre tall scenic arches were fabricated using a steel framework and support ballasts that was then clad with a scenic stress skin panel comprised of fibreglass, polystyrene and brushed aluminium panelling. The arches were integrated with lighting elements and positioned to frame each side of the stage. To complete the design, a 45 metre wide ground-supported scenic landscape projection wall sits behind the arches. The rear projection wall was installed utilising a ground support structure created with rental truss. At its centre, an 18 metre wide portion of the wall was rigged with variable speed chain motors which allowed the designers to open and close the wall, creating alternate lighting and projection effects.

Sixty two kinetic sculptures were also hung from variable speed ‘Micro Winches’ throughout the Malmo Arena. 48 of the octahedron shaped units were suspended over the audience, with the remaining 14 units hung over the mainstage. Each unit is controlled by 5 channel wireless DMX; 3 channels for the RGB LED inside the fixtures, and 2 channels for their speed and position. All of the units were controlled by the lighting operator via an Art-Net patch to TAIT/FTSI’s award winning Navigator control system. By making each unit individually controllable with regard to colour, speed, and position, we provided one cohesive large sculpture that is constantly changing, which allows the designers to create an endless variation of looks.

TAIT designed, prototyped, manufactured and installed the 62 variable speed ‘Micro Winches’ in seven weeks. Designed as a dual line winch that uses an electromechanical lifting line with a low voltage line running through its core, it allows power and data to be integrated into the lifting lines, resolving cable management issues. The ‘Micro Winches’ have a safe working load of 13kg, and are capable of 18 metres of travel, with a maximum speed of 0.9 metres per second. The winches weigh 23 kg and have a detachable top mounting plate, in order that they can be configured to hang from any type of truss, or be installed to custom profiles or permanent building structures.

A 36 metre long flying bridge was also created for performer entrance over the audience to the B stage. The bridge consists of 22 variable chain motors (provided by others) and has integrated scenic fascia/handrail as well as integrated lighting positions. The immense 9980kg bridge begins at the second tier at the front of house stage left position and spans over the audience four metres above the ground, allowing 25 people to cross at a time. The B-Stage Triple Scissor lift raises up to meet the bridge and performers access the catwalk that is connected to the mainstage via a removable set of scenic stairs.

If this years production is like years past, there is a TON more production and equipment to talk about. Stay tuned, we’ll be updating this post as information from EuroVision 2013 comes in.

EuroVision 2013 – DEAR GOD!!1 is a post from: iSquint.net

You heard that Christie Lites just invested in 200 Martin M2GO consoles right?  That was after they purchased 50 MA Lighting’s onPC Command Wings. 50 wasn’t enough, they have committed to purchasing an ADDITIONAL 200 MA onPC Command Wings for the rental inventory across all their locations.

Why the huge investment in Martin and MA Lighting? Christie Lites feels that providing two manufacturers consoles allows them Christie Lites the ability to provide support from their offices with knowledgeable staff right under their roof.  This of course doesn’t mean that they won’t provide their customers other manufacturers consoles. Though Christie Lites many not be able to offer the level of technical support like they can with the Martin and MA Lighting.

Christie Lites Adds EVEN MORE MA onPC Command Wings is a post from: iSquint.net

Get ready New York, 4Wall NY is holding their annual Vendor Showcase in two weeks on Thursday, May 30th.  I have been to the past couple, here and here.  I LOVE these types of events.  Local, small and personal.  4Wall does it right with BBQ! Here are the details.

WHEN: Thursday, May 30th from 3pm – 7pm

WHERE: 4Wall NY, 2 Empire Blvd., Moonachie, NJ 07074

WHY: Ummmm, Food, great people and TOYS

WHO: Anyone in the entertainment lighting Industry

Who is going to be there you ask? AC Lighting, ACT Lighting, Altman, ARRI, Chauvet, City Theatrical, Clay Paky, Coemar, Color Kinetics, Elation, ETC, GLP, Leprecon, LEX, MA Lighting, Martin Pro, Morpheus Lighting, Mountain Productions, Robert Juliat, Rosco, Strand Lighting, Sylvania, TMB, Tomcat, Vari*Lite.

In addition, 4Wall’s UsedLighting.com division will present an on-site used equipment sale with a number of show specials on popular items.

The showcase is free to the public and all are invited to attend.  BBQ and refreshments will be served throughout the event.  To RSVP visit the official event page on Facebook here.

4Wall New York Throws Annual Vendor Showcase May 30th… BE THERE is a post from: iSquint.net

If you are looking to rent a Martin M2GO lighting console and wonder where you could get one. Your first call should probably be Christie Lites. The Canadian company just invested in 200 of these bad boys for their rental stock. This is ON TOP of there 50 MA Lighting grandMA onPC Wings they just bought a couple months ago. Someone is preparing for something here… Does Christie Lites know something we don’t? Here is more from the Press Release:

In order to meet market demand for Martin Professional’s M2GO lighting controller, Christie Lites has purchased no less than 200 of the compact consoles for its rental inventory.

“We were looking for the best console for everyday rental and found that the M2GO made the most sense,” says Christie Lites CEO Huntly Christie. “It was the only console in its category to offer powerful onboard processing with a small footprint.”

The M2GO is equipped with a fast, dual-core processor with no external computer required. Having set Martin records earlier in the year for the largest number of pre-sale orders for a lighting controller, it continues to establish itself as the lighting control choice for rental houses.

Want to get one of these little guys in your hands? Call any of the 12 Christie Lites offices or reach them online at www.christielites.com.

Need a Martin M2GO? Call Christie Lites, They have 200! is a post from: iSquint.net

That’s right, we have a winner for the 2013 Student Lighting Design Competition! It took a bit longer then normal for the judges to hand down a ruling. Why, the entries were just that awesome this year. You guys made it extra difficult to choose just one winner for the 2013 SLDC. While we would love to give anyone a grand prize, we cannot.  It just doesn’t work like that.

Our 2013 Student Lighting Design Competition Winner is…

Alan Hanson from Universality of Cincinnati with his design of Chess.

From all of the judges and sponsors of the 2013 SLDC, we congratulate you on winning and putting together a wonderful design. You can check out more of Alan’s design of Chess on his website, www.alanmhanson.com.

Thank you again to all that entered! Stay tuned for more SLDC action.

SLDC2013: WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER!!! is a post from: iSquint.net

If this years CUE will be anything like years past, you’ll get some great on hands experience and maybe get a sneak peak at some upcoming new products from ETC.

Here is more about CUE from ETC:

If you’re looking to enhance your work, network with lighting and rigging enthusiasts from around the world, and learn more about ETC’s award-winning products, then CUE is for you. CUE 2013 will feature hands-on trainings, classes on a variety of topics, tours of ETC’s legendary factory, a fun welcome reception, a picnic with live music performed by ETC employees, and keynote addresses by ETC CEO Fred Foster and Tony® Award-winning lighting designer Don Holder, whose Broadway credits include South Pacific, The Lion King, Movin’ Out, La Cage aux Folles and A Streetcar Named Desire. At CUE, you’ll also have ample time to share your ideas and experiences with other CUE attendees and the team who develops and produces the ETC products you use every day.

CUE 2013 will be held July 22-25^th at Madison’s picturesque Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. To get more information and to register for the event, visit www.etcconnect.com/CUE. CUE 2013 promises a lot of excitement, but space is limited, so reserve your spot now.

ETC Opens Up Registration for CUE 2013 is a post from: iSquint.net

The Christie D4K2560 and Christie D4K3560 projectors are the first of Christie’s new TruLife™  Electronics platform that offers customers superior image and video quality for the most comfortable and realistic viewing experience. Additionally, the units come equipped with 3G SDI, Display Port, and DVI/Dual Link DVI inputs, so Christie customers can update their existing sites for future projects without the constraints of SDVI inputs.

The Christie D4K2560 and Christie D4K3560 have a three-year parts and labor warranty and ship in June 2013. Pricing has not been announced yet.  To learn more about the new 4k projectors, visit Christie’s website at www.christiedigital.com.

Christie Shows Off 4k, 3-Chip DLP Projector Running at 60 Hz is a post from: iSquint.net

The 2.0 version of Vectorworks Nomad lets users view, share, measure and annotate files. Enhancements include new redline drawing shapes, a sheet layer sidebar palette, angle and path measurement modes, improved download and upload performance and improved annotation text objects. The app is now available for both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

“The updates and enhancements in Nomad 2.0 were based on feedback we received from customers,” said Dr. Biplab Sarkar, chief technology officer of Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc. “The ability to view, measure and annotate files in an offline mode provides even greater freedom, as users can make design decisions in the field without a network connection. And now, even more designers can take advantage of our mobile app, as it supports Google’s Android platform.”

Vectorworks Cloud Services is available to members of the Vectorworks Service Select subscription program. To learn more, please visit www.vectorworks.net/cloudservices.

Vectorworks Launches New Mobile App – Nomad is a post from: iSquint.net