The Smart Color line of color changers has been introduced by Apollo Design Technologies, Inc. An operational feature of the single channel Smart Color is its continuous, bi-directional scroll mode that does not require a lighting console. To save user time, Apollo ships Smart Color scrollers with a pre-installed mounting plate and gel shield, and pre-loads the gel strip. For more information, visit www.internetapollo.com.

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High End Systems DL1 fixtures now feature an optional Sony camera accessory that forms the basis of its patented Digital Eye technology. The DL1 digital lighting fixture is a bridge between video and automated lighting, functioning like a moving light while also allowing digital media images to be projected almost anywhere in a three dimensional space. The Digital Eye adds further enhancements including the ability to see in dark environments using infrared technology. High End is offering upgrade kits for existing DL1 users, or the Digital Eye can be ordered as an option for new purchases.

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In a move which reflects its increasing North American sales, A.C. Lighting (Canada) Ltd has changed its name to A.C. Lighting Inc. John Evans, Vice President of Sales, said “We decided to change the name to reflect the increasing share of our business conducted in the United States, driven in part by our appointment as the exclusive North American distributor of the Jands range of professional lighting equipment.” The company operates from a 19,000 square foot headquarters in Toronto, with distribution facilities in Buffalo, New York.

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While Princess Cruises was busy accepting delivery of three new ships in three months, Stage Technologies was busy supplying stage automation systems, rigging, and stage systems. For the Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess, built in Japan, Stage Technologies was awarded the contract for complete rigging and stage systems, including everything for electrical and mechanical installation. A fire on the ship’s hull that was to be the Diamond Princess destroyed the theatre, and all equipment that had been installed had to be replaced. For the Caribbean Princess, built in Italy, Stage Technologies was a key supplier of stage automation. With the delivery of the third Princess vessel, Stage Technologies has now supplied automation systems for 18 cruise ships. The company recently achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification.

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Stage Research, creators of the widely used sound playback software program SFX, has merged with Canadian-based Crescit Software. Said Stage Research President Carlton Guc, “We saw a very promising opportunity with Crescit. Their programs are robust and very powerful, and complement the suite of products we already offer.” Crescit Software is the developer of Light Shop, SoftPlot, and SoftPlot 3D which are being redeveloped and will be re-released by Stage Research.

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Tara Denis of Harpo Studios was the winner of the Columbus McKinnon Lodestar chain hoist which was given as a prize to one lucky visitor to TOMCAT’s new theloadstarstore.com site. Ms. Denis is lighting director for The Oprah Winfrey Show, and has worked at Harpo Studios for 11 years. She said the timing could not be better because the hoist will come in handy for a new set being built for the show. TOMCAT has also announced that Tony Dickson has joined its United Kingdom operation as Sales Manager.

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The familiar blue exterior lighting of the Staples Center in Los Angles, California, has been enhanced with four, four-headed Strong SkyTracker searchlights. “Leading up to Staples Center’s fifth year anniversary, we were looking to upgrade our existing lighting package to enhance our already signature position in the downtown Los Angeles skyline,” said Lee Zeidman, senior vice president, operations, of the Staples Center. The 16 white moving beams can now be seen from all over downtown Los Angeles whenever night events are taking place.

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