ISE 2009

Over the last four years, the show’s popularity has continued to grow – making 2009 its biggest year yet. Despite snowy weather shutting airports across Europe, a record 24,912 attendees and 564 exhibitors showed up to inspect the latest in professional AV and electronic systems integration.

Snow wasn’t a problem for Alcons Audio. Based just down the road in Zwaag, the audio manufacturer were on hand to discuss their CR1 3-way ultra-compact AV / Digital Cinema sound system and the LR7 micro pro-ribbon line-array.

Alcons MD, Tom Back was very impressed with the turnout. “We participated at ISE three years ago and the attendance and importance of the show has grown significantly, also for us as sound system manufacturer,” he said. “The response from our visitors was very positive, although most of them mentioned that they would like to see a more ‘focused’ show lay-out, with a concentrated pro-audio section, making their visit more efficient. Other than that, great show, good meets and leads.”

Layout was indeed a common criticism – at no other tradeshow is it possible to wander from hall 3 to hall 1 and straight into hall 5 without noticing you’d changed halls at all.

Still, sometimes it’s only when you’re completely lost that you stumble across those interesting new technologies you weren’t even looking for. As was the case with Paradigm Audio Visual’s presentation of the GestureTek video gesture control technology. In particular, the Paradigm Trojan 110 HD, linked to GestureTek’s camera-based Screen Xtreme - an immersive, interactive digital signage solution. GestureTek Multi-Touch Table – upgraded by Paradigm to HD 1080p – drew a lot of attention.
As you would expect, video output, be it on the big-screen or through regular plasma display, took up a major chunk of the floorspace. but there were also a surprising number of audio manufacturers and their local distributors offering a wide selection of clever speaker solutions.
As well as representation by Iemke Roos Audio (also distributors for Nexo, Camco, Sabine, Genelec), DAS Audio had its own stand showing the Arco, Artec, Variant, DR and Ceiling series, as well as CSA and Ambient amplifiers. The main attraction, however was the new Avant series which promises high-tech features, impressive power and simple use.

Stylish curves were to be found on the Ecler stand in the shapely shape of the AMBIT - a series of discreet, weatherproof architectural cabinets (available in three versions with 3.5”, 6.5” and 8” woofers, as well as a sub-bass reinforcement). Also on display were the Versio series of speaker which were jointly designed by Italian design firm Giugiaro – better known for their work with Ferrari.

Talk on the Lab.gruppen stand was of the LM 26 Loudspeaker Management processor, a stand-alone digital loudspeaker processor based on the highly acclaimed Lake Processing technology. The first product introduced under the newly acquired Lake brand, this new unit will extend and solidify the company’s commitment to the technology, which has been incorporated in Lab.gruppen’s PLM™ Series of Powered Loudspeaker Management™ systems since 2007. Also getting a first outting was the C884 – their latest installation amplifier.

Neat audio kit was to be found on the Digigram stand in the form of their Professional IP Audio Endpoints. When distributing digital audio over a shared IP network, PYKO-in and PYKO-out offer professional solutions for a large scope of professional audio applications. Together with Digigram Audio Manager software, PYKO IP-based network audio terminals enable the creation of fully managed audio distribution solutions.

Tau Audio Solutions, distributors of professional audio equipment, used the show to announce a distribution agreement with German loudspeaker manufacturer TW Audio, whose products include the M Series of full-range, multipurpose loudspeakers and the B15 and B30 subwoofers.

D&M Installation (DMi) announced the signing of an agreement between D&M Europe B.V. and Control4®, the leader in affordable, IP-based home control and entertainment systems. The agreement provides D&M with access to Control4’s digital home automation technology to produce a range of Escient home control products.

Kling & Freitag were showing off the SONA 5 – a 5” / 1” speaker system, first introduced at the Prolight + Sound 2008 and now available for purchase. The SONA 5 is a very compact passive speaker with a neutral and true-to-detail playback quality. An integrated swivel arm with ball joint enables a very flexible alignment of the speaker. The modern enclosure design blends into the sophisticated design surrounding it.

Elsewhere, proving that anything goes at ISE, Master Audio launched their SM-12D8 Stage Monitor featuring: optimized reflex tuning for improved low frequency response; a high frequency horn made by composite materials to avoid seamless resonances and distortion; and customized driver made by 18-Sound for smooth and clean high-frequency.

ISE will be back at the RAI on 2-4 February next year.