INNOVATION GALLERY

Ask AId3n is an AI-powered assistant integrated into Disguise’s Designer Pro software. The latest update now enables production teams to sequence repetitive or complex tasks by sending prompts via a chat-based interface which the tool then executes, reducing hours of work in a single click.

The tool is an industry-first when it comes to combining real-time natural language support, executable code generation, and seamless integration within a timeline-based creative environment. Ask AId3n streamlines the programming of concerts, theatre shows, corporate events, virtual productions, and more – saving valuable time and leaving teams with more space for creativity. 

Judges comments: 

The judges found that the ease of creation of reusable workflow tools using natural language-like prompts demonstrates how emerging technology can streamline repetitive programming tasks, saving hours of haemorrhoidal gloom. 

www.disguise.one  

With its ultra-compact form factor, powerful performance, and on-board DSP and AES67 networking, the lipstick-sized Nota 142 PoE/PoE+ amplifier redefines simplicity, flexibility and ease of use when it comes to audio power amplification.

Measuring around 115mm at its longest point, Nota is designed to integrate effortlessly into existing AV systems while offering the flexibility to easily expand them as they grow.

By delivering its 140W of power via a single Ethernet connection, Nota streamlines installation, reduces costs and minimises wiring complexity, delivering a significant breakthrough for audio professionals working in environments where space is at a premium. 

Judges comments:  

The Swiss Army Knife of small amplifiers! With USB or PoE power, AES67 or USB audio input and significant power out for a device the size of a Mars Bar. The judges were impressed with the versatility of this unit which comes in at a very competitive price point.  

www.powersoft.com

Part of Doughty Engineering’s new All Weather Clamp range, proudly manufactured in the UK with 316 stainless steel and AW6082 T6 grade parts, making it ideal for use at outdoor events.

Available powder-coated black and manufactured using high-tensile extruded aluminium, it is designed to fit 38mm to 51mm diameter tubes. The clamp has a WLL of 50kg and is 25mm wide.

Supplied with M10 A4 stainless steel grade fixings it is ideal for hanging moving heads on truss as it will not damage the cords.

This is the latest evolution to Doughty Engineering’s clamp range, responding to ever-changing industry needs. 

Judges comments: 

A few simple changes to an existing product has led to a significant improvement to an established industry workhorse that the judges didn’t initially think needed improving! So much so, they found it worthy of an award.  

www.doughty-engineering.co.uk 

HYDRA-STORM is a compact, modular rain system engineered to solve a currently unresolved issue for live performance – the ability to accurately control rain effects at an accessible price.

Designed to overcome the technical and logistical challenges of traditional water effects, it delivers fully adjustable, DMX-controlled rainfall in a lightweight, plug-and-play format.

For theatre, concerts, or themed environments, HYDRA-STORM brings reliable, real-time adjustable rain to the stage: safely, simply, and at a price point not previously possible. 

Judges comments: 

A new approach to curated rain! It’s a product that makes you smile. 

The judges felt that this well-engineered technology allows for cost-effective ownership of rain effects for shows. 

www.luminous-showtech.com 

Setting it apart, T3 Profile™ includes the patented, hyper-innovative ProFrost™ progressive frost system to smoothly soften, melt and dissolve projections to any level desired. Operable at any zoom setting, it diffuses from 0° - 15°, covering the faintest softening to complete beam dispersion evenly across the field, giving designers hitherto unimaginable levels of subtlety and control.

T3 Profile™, designed for long-throw applications, delivers unparalleled output, light quality, colour control, and the revolutionary progressive frost design. With a full feature set, compulsory for a myriad of theatrical control requirements, T3 generates over 31,250 lumens from its 1400W MSL™ (Multi-Spectral-Light) LED engine.  

Judges comments: 

This is a frost that will find a warm reception with many lighting designers! The judges were impressed with the continuously variable, even diffusion of this frost across the beam even with the edges of gobos and shutters introduced.  

www.robeuk.com

The VLHive 151 Digital FX is a true evolution in entertainment lighting, a next-generation luminaire with advanced digital animation effects never before possible with an entertainment lighting fixture.

The VLHive includes a digital light engine, with 45,000 lumens of output and pixel-level control. Thanks to user-loadable effects and familiar DMX control, the luminaire fosters better collaboration between lighting, video, and creative teams while remaining, at its heart, a light fixture.

Built with Vari-Lite’s commitment to longevity and featuring the widest range of design possibilities of any fixture on the market, it promises to provide fresh design looks for years to come. 

Judges comments: 

The judges found that Vari-Lite has revisited its VL0 roots by demonstrating disruptive technology in this new product. The use of the digital light engine and minimal moving parts could foretell a significant shift in automated lighting technology.  

www.vari-lite.com  

The d&b CCL System (Compact Cardioid Line Array) offers broadband directivity control with low-frequency cardioid behaviour in a passive design, enabling single-channel amplifier operation – an industry first in the compact line array category.

CCL features a revised implementation of a patented d&b design to bring the industry-acclaimed d&b cardioid directivity and electroacoustic performance, formerly only available in d&b SL-Series models, to smaller, closer audience areas, more installation applications, and a wider range of customer and event types. 

Judges comments: 

The cardioid pattern behaviour in a compact, lightweight cabinet with increased efficiency in amp channel counts was found by the judges to be quite novel and worthy of commendation. 

www.dbaudio.com 

Hive’s Beeblade Nexus is the world’s smallest and most powerful decentralised media server.

Built for live and immersive AV, it delivers native 8K60 playback, HDMI Genlock (via Beesync) and IP protocol support (SMPTE 2110, NDI) in a palm-sized unit.

It fits directly into SDM-compatible displays or Hive’s modular enclosures, replacing bulky racks, complex cabling and external sync gear. Nexus radically simplifies video delivery – enabling faster installs, reduced freight and dramatically lower emissions.

Already deployed in global tours, exhibitions and residencies, it empowers creative teams to do more with less – unlocking performance, portability and sustainability in one. 

www.hive.run 

Stand C22