High End Systems Introduces DL.3, Road Hog Wings

	The DL.3

High End Systems Inc. introduces DL.3, the newest addition to its line of digital lighting products, as well as new wings for its Wholehog control systems.

The DL.3 digital automated lighting fixture, featuring an integrated media server, has a number of new features.

DL.3 is equipped with a 6,500 lumen three-chip LCD projector, making it the highest output for a three-chip digital light, the company says. A high 2000:1 contrast ratio results in a dark "video black." New lens options allow for longer throw projection applications. Also new is an SDI input/output for professional AV applications.

A new projection feature includes a DMX-controlled vertical lens shift function. This allows the user to set the lens shift function by DMX cue and reduce the amount of keystone correction required to produce a normalized image.

Says HES chief technology officer Richard Belliveau, "The DL.3, with its array of robust new features, provides the programmer/user with a powerful visual graphics tool that can meet the expectations of today's audiences that are being constantly barraged with 3-D and virtual reality entertainment choices."

Also new in DL.3 is a large surface-area HEPA filter, used to protect the projection optics from theatrical haze and debris. This results in an extremely low cooling noise.

DL.3 also enhances existing software features, such as the patent-pending Collage Generator, which enables multiple DL.3 units to create seamless vertical, horizontal, or central panoramic media projections controlled from a lighting console. Using multiple digital lighting fixtures allows the user to increase effective screen luminance. Collage Generator supports any configuration up to 8 x 8 arrays (64-unit edge blending).

Expanded stock libraries are offered in high-resolution still images and video footage. All royalty-free, the subject matter includes a range from animals and plants in natural landscapes, abstract designs to general scenic backgrounds with more than 1,400 lighting-optimized files. Visual artists from around the world have provided this content, including Rodd McLaughlin and Patrick Dierson of Idyll hands Imagery, photographer David Alley, and Charles Terrell and Polly Parsons of Daddy Van Productions. Other libraries are offered from V Squared Labs (video loops), JTM Photography (hi-res nature images), WetDigital (high-res underwater footage), and Virtual-Life-Media (high-res abstract hyper footage). The integrated media server also supports the importing of the user's custom content including 3-D objects, media files, and still images.

DL.3's integrated camera system is constructed of Super HAD CCD sensor technology with an infrared illuminator. It provides live video input and output from the fixture location.

DL.3 is designed for easy maintenance. Tool-less lamp replacement allows the user to easily remove and replace the lamp module via a rear bezel without special tools.

DL.3 hangs like a standard moving light fixture or may stand upright on a stable surface. The fixture alone weighs 140lbs, or 260lbs. packed in its road case (which comes standard with purchase).

Says HES executive VP sales & marketing Bill Morris, "DL.3 offers so many creative and labor-saving options, it's a natural choice for a variety of markets -- corporate, concert touring, nightclubs, houses of worship --where flexibility needs are endless but time and budget are not. High End Systems not only started the digital revolution, we also offer the widest digital lighting product mix of any manufacturer, priced and scaled for any budget and technology requirement."

The company has also released the new Road Hog Programming and Playback Wings for Wholehog control systems, including the Wholehog 3, Road Hog Full Boar, Hog iPC, and Hog 3PC.

The wings include a programming or playback surface, 12" color touch screen, blue LED marker lights, and a DMX output expansion slot. The wings can be expanded to output four universes of DMX when used with a PC-based Wholehog product.

"The power an operator will gain by combining several wings with a Road Hog Full Boar console provides customers with a stylish and commanding presence at front of house," says Belliveau. "We designed the wings to be elegant and powerful while also increasing the playback and programming abilities of the consoles."

In related news, HES announces that, beginning immediately, all new network-capable consoles will now include a trial edition of ESP Vision and VectorWorks Spotlight + RenderWorks. This visualizer and CAD software combination allows customers to pre-visualize lighting designs prior to connecting their console to a full system.

"ESP Vision is proud of its long-standing relationship with High End Systems," says Alan Jesse, director of support for ESP Vision. "The combination of Vision, VectorWorks, and HES console connectivity provides the seamless integration necessary to draft and program a show with any HES networked console."