It is an understatement to say entertainment technicians want to know all about the latest and greatest gear and technology, and Live Design is once again proud to announce the choices for the 2008 Products of the Year. The following represent the best of the best, as chosen by multiple independent panels of judges in each category, including professional working designers and programmers. Full product descriptions will appear in the May issue of Live Design and an awards ceremony will take place at this year’s Broadway Master Classes.

LIGHTING PRODUCTS OF THE YEAR

Luminaire:
Elation Impression
 
Wireless Networking:
City Theatrical SHoW DMX™

Control:
Pharos Controls LPC X

Control Distribution:
MA Lighting 2Port Node

PROJECTION PRODUCTS OF THE YEAR

Show Production Suite:
UnitedVisualArtists d3

LED Module/Screen:
Barco MiTrix
 
Control Distribution:
Control Freak Encore DMX

Console:
ChamSys MagicQ

SOUND PRODUCTS OF THE YEAR

Education:
Bob McCarthy’s Sound Systems: Design & Optimization

Distribution:
Media Numerics RockNet 300

Software (tie):
Figure 53 QLab

Software (tie):
Stage Research SFX6
 
Console:
Yamaha DSP5D