Barco/High End Systems Showpix

Showpix features an 18-inch diameter head with a circular array of 127 3-watt LEDs with an output of 24,000 RGB lumens. These pixels project not just washes of color, but also display images and other effects that transform the fixture head into a display device.

Showpix is equipped with a PixelArt collection of up to 255 custom created media files and images designed specifically for the product. Users can upload their own files and images through the new HES Echo application, a software program offering content visualization, management and upload capabilities as well as RDM management features. Conversion of many file formats automatically optimizes or “supercharges” the images and maps the files to the 127 LED pixels of Showpix, the company says. The user can see this mapping displayed on their computer prior to uploading to the Showpix.

Showpix is controlled using a standard DMX lighting console. Many of its features allow for “user creativity, ” including color mixing, rotation, scale, wipes, dissolves, transitions between layers, strobing and dimming. In addition, content can be mapped across several Showpix fixtures to allow for full stage imagery using a software process called Pixellage.* Another new feature, DMX Scratch, allows a user to synchronize the frames of a media file to music during a show in real time. A user-selectable pixel mapping protocol also allows the user to have individual control of each of the 127 LEDs for some creative programming effects.

Because there are no lamps to replace, this also means there are no associated labor costs involved, the company states, adding that. there are also lower maintenance costs because of the fixture’s limited moving parts. This supposedly reduces the total cost of ownership as compared to traditional light fixtures.

*Pixellage feature coming soon

For full product specs, head to this page.