I saw these at LDI (and I apparently did not win one via the card drawing that was held, sigh), and there is a press release pimping the new v3.0 software, and the fact that they’re shipping.  The DMX Processor 8000 is the new big bad wolf of DMX processing.  Get an expander, and you can do up to 16 universes.

From the product page:

The DMX Processor 8000 adds extraordinary DMX processing capabilities to the Wholehog line.  With no compromise to Flying Pig Systems’ exacting standards, its longevity, quality and innovation are assured to set new standards.

The Wholehog DMX processor 8000 provides the output power for Wholehog systems. The Wholehog Operating System doesn’t limit you to a fixed number of DMX channels - just add as many DMX processor 8000s as needed (along with an Ethernet switch) to supply the specified number of DMX universes for the production or installation.

With an unprecedented amount of computing power, the DMX Processor 8000 manages 16 DMX universes with ease while expanding the power and reliability of the Wholehog control system as a whole. By providing both standard XLR and Art-Net output at a steady rate, the possibilities for lighting design are truly endless with the DMX Processor 8000.

Features

• Eight 5-pin XLR DMX 512 outputs
• Expandable to 16 via USB Expander or Widgets
• Sixteen universes of DMX via Art-Net output
• Powerful distributed processing of cross-fades and effects
• Local interface with LCD screen and buttons for configuration and testing
• DMX status and test facilities
• All functions are configurable remotely
• Firmware remotely upgradeable over network

Specifications

• 2.0 GHz Intel Dual Core processor with 1 GByte RAM and 1 GByte Flash
• Gigabit ethernet
• Dual Ether-Con connectors (Hog-Net and Art-Net)
• White LED backlit graphic LCD for graphical user interface
• Comprehensive LED status feedback
• Connectors: 8 5-pin XLR, 1 EtherCon for Hog-Net, 1 EtherCon for Art-Net, 2 USB-A
• Auto-ranging mains input (90-250V AC)
• Locking IEC connector
• Precision machined Aluminium panel with wear-resistant anoprinted legends
• 1U 19″ rack unit, 11″ deep
• Kensington Security Slot

Compatible with Wholehog 3, Road Hog Full Boar, Hog iPC, Hog 3PC

Who’s buying me one?  Santa, can I append my list?!

From the press release:

Barco, a global leader in Video Lighting Solutions, announces the release of a new High End Systems automated luminaire.

The new version of SHOWGUN, the SHOWGUN 2.5 automated luminaire, begins shipping today. SHOWGUN 2.5 offers 30 percent more photonic output than its predecessor via a new 2500-watt Philips MSR lamp source producing 130,000 lumens of light. High End Systems co-developed the lamp with Philips.

The SHOWGUN 2.5 automated luminaire is a hybrid spot/wash beam combination which provides entertainment lighting design possibilities in three dimensions: first, in the air with hard or soft-edge beams; second, with images projected on the stage surface; and third, at the SHOWGUN fixture itself by using an innovative LED Tracking System. SHOWGUN 2.5 produces a true focused hard-edge (for projecting LithoPattern images) or brilliant soft-edge, without the need for two fixture types.

The LED Tracking System encircles the lens, allowing the user to either match the color of the main output beam or to project a complementary color. The LED tracking system alone provides 5000 lumens of output.

SHOWGUN is being specified on a number of televised awards shows, game shows, sports events and concert stages around the world. SHOWGUN 2.5 was recently unveiled in a sneak preview to the professional lighting industry at the LDI 2008 show in Las Vegas.

Media contact:
Debi Moen, marketing communications specialist
Media & Entertainment Division, Barco Inc.
+1.512.836.2242 x 1204

Okay.  If I wanted to make my blog look like a cheap R-rated piece of crap, I would be saying HOLY SH%&, SONOFAB&%$, MOTHERF%$#*&^%^$%, and few other choice phrases about what I just read and saw.  Amazing.  I am so freaking thrilled right now, becauseI have always wanted the kind of lumen magic that a Catalyst provides when hooked into something like a Christie X-10, but then throw it on a yoke.

This is what I read.  It’s the product page on the Barco DML-1200.  It’s a 12,000 lumen digital light.  You have to see the specs:

The DML-1200 is the first moving digital luminaire which can truly be used as both a super bright, moving light source and a high quality video projector.

In light mode, the DML-1200 produces a perfectly circular light beam with a light output equivalent to that of a 1200W hard edged moving light – 12.000 field lumens and the brightest digital light on the market today.

In video mode, the DML-1200 features a fully sealed DLP engine which delivers full color DLP quality video with SXGA+ (1400 x 1050 pixel) resolution. With a light output of 10,000 center lumens, the DML-1200 is the brightest digital light on the market today.

An internal optical dimming mechanism ensures smooth, accurate intensity control from 0 to 100% ensuring that that your fade to black is a true black, not video black (grey).

Being digital, lighting designers are no longer limited to static, pre-selected patterns and colors. Any image, static or animated can be created and projected. All images are generated by the onboard media player, controlled by DMX512 or artnet protocol, from the lighting console.

With its brightness, unlimited image selection and the ability to seamlessly switch between video projection and light mode, cue by cue, the DML-1200 provides designers pure creativity at their fingertips delivering a truly unique show for every event, client and purpose.

The DL2, awesome.  It’s 6500 lumens.  The DL1?  I’ve used it a bunch, not a lot, but it’s 5500 lumens.  We’re talking twice a DL1.  It makes me wonder how all of the concert goer experiences I had in the early part of the 21st century would have been with 10,000 lumens of video.  Wow.

That’s pretty awesome, Barco.  So now my imaginary dream rig has some of these and some Bad Boys.

Go check out some video on this monster.

Remember when the Utah Jazz added all of that automation to their lighting and audio system for their games? It looks like the Sacremento Kings stole the idea…  It has been added to “boost the theatrical value” of the home games for the fans.

From the article:

The system, Germann said, “features two types of lighting instruments — one that can project full motion and real-time video on any surface (such as the court), and one designed specifically to cut through ambient and bright light, so fans can still see moving light even when the lights are up.”

My guess is DL2’s or DL3’s, maybe DML-1200’s, and some kind of hard edged yoke - like one of the new Clay Paky heads.  I could be wrong about the moving heads, but I bet I’m pretty close on the projector heads…

Behold - a new line in the Show_____ series of High End fixtures - the ShowBeam 2.5 automated wash luminaire.  It’s got the LEDs around the lens.  it’s got the 2500W medium source rare-earth arc lamp (that’s MSR to the non-dorks), beam fx, and just general badassery.

Check out the demo video here.