Robe used the buzz and hustle of the 2024 PLASA London expo to launch four new important and super-cool products – the iFORTE Fresnel, the PAINTE Fresnel, the SVOPATT, and the SVB1.
The new ‘Robe Live’ expo production performance extravaganza premiered on stand A70 – “The Fifth Dimension”, featuring three live performers, LOTS of tech, and heaps of imagination – guaranteed to be another blockbusting crowd magnet on the show floor! A few surprises were promised in this show, and there were even rumors of one of Robe’s most popular ever products being present!
Robe’s other businesses – architectural and LED lighting manufacturer Anolis, networking and control specialist Artistic Licence, legendary UK-based console manufacturer Avolites, and Australian-based power distribution gurus LSC – were all located on adjacent stands.
This illustrated the natural synergy and interconnection between all these leading brands which were integral to Robe’s future plans and visions.
The Fifth Dimension
The dramatic new live show featured a diversity of Robe fixtures like iBOLT, iFORTE LTX, T32 Slim, Footsie1 and Footsie2 Slim, iSpiiderX, TetraX, Tetra2, the ever-popular LEDBeam 350, the RoboSpot remote follow spot system, and the workhorse iT12 range of luminaires.
This was a great forum to showcase the products in a setting for which they had been developed, and the lively timecoded show with real performers was specially designed by Robe’s in-house creative team and tailored to the booth space. Apart from drawing crowds to the stand to catch the action, it also gave a snapshot of what the fixtures were capable of. The show played 5 times a day at 90-minute intervals, so the stand was buzzing with serious excitement on stand A70!
PLASA Awards
Three amazing Robe products were nominated for the 2024 PLASA Awards for Innovation – the iBOLT and both the newly launched PATTS – the SVB1 and SVOPATT.
Robe presented all its brands at the show – Anolis, Artistic Licence, Avolites, and LSC – illustrating the great synergy and dynamics existing between all these entities.
Launched products
iFORTE Fresnel
The most powerful Fresnel Wash of Robe’s iSeries, the IP65-rated iFORTE® Fresnel delivered a fabulous soft beam with advanced beam control, designed for the harshest weathers!. The iFORTE® Fresnel combined immense power with great subtlety and was ideal for any outdoor show environment.
It was available with a choice of two patented data-capturing IP65-rated TRANSFERABLE ENGINES offering all the advantages of quick and cost-effective replacement, and the ability to keep up with the constant LED development elongating the longevity and ROI.
The iSE-TE™ 1000W White XP (Xtra Performance) 6.700 K, 40.500 lumen (Integrating sphere) with CRI70 was for maximum output requirements, while the iSE-TE™ 1000W White HCF (High Colour Fidelity) 6.000 K, 27.540 lumen (Integrating sphere) offered a CRI of 96 for exceptional colour rendition.
The patented F2L™ two-element smooth outer surface lens maintained a traditional Fresnel-style beam, the curved finish reducing the accumulation of outdoor detritus, while the unique parCoat™ hydrophobic, oleophobic-resistant coating facilitated easy cleaning without damage.
A motorised 10:1 zoom optical system, with a 6° to 61° zoom range, provided all the wash flexibility needed for multiple applications. The iFORTE® Fresnel featured a CMY colour mixing system. Two colour wheels and a variable CTO of 3.000 – 6.700 K offered all the tools needed to achieve everything from dense saturates to refined pastels.
ChromaTint™ patented green content control software allowed fast adjustment, ideal for broadcast users. In a departure from other Robe fresnels, the patented PLANO4™ framing shutter module had four individual blades in separate planes with module rotation of +/- 60° to maximise beam control!
This and many, many more features plus the all-weather reliability made it a fantastic addition to the iFORTE family of fixtures.
PAINTE Fresnel
The compact yet potent PAINTE was a massive success for Robe proving that small was definitely beautiful!. The PAINTE® Fresnel delivered a quiet, quality wash solution for short to medium-throw applications in theatrical, television, installation, live, or corporate settings.
The PAINTE® Fresnel colour palettes were properly boundless using the advanced CMY colour mixing system, a wheel with nine dichroic colours, variable CTO, and Robe’s ChromaTint™ patented plus / minus green.
These luminaires were designed for noise-sensitive environments with multiple fan controls and a choice of a TE™ 310W HP (High Performance) White LED engine for maximised output or TE™ 310W HCF (High Colour Fidelity) engine for optimal colour rendition with an inherent CRI of 96.
Robe’s game-changing TRANSFERABLE ENGINE technology brought interchangeable task-specific solutions, enabling maintenance of light quality and consistency across rental inventories.
With all the softness of a classic Fresnel beam, the motorised 8.3:1 ratio zoom had a range of 6°- 50° from the 150mm Fresnel lens, making it a perfect compact wash luminaire.
There were impressive levels of beam control including medium and light frosts; RotaScrim™ graduated filter with position control, +/- 180° rotation and edge colour correction; the rapid 4Door™ internal barndoor system for accurate individual leaf control and +/- 90° module rotation for maximum flexibility.
The PAINTE® Fresnel was packed with Robe innovation including Cpulse™ flicker-free management for HD and UHD cameras; L3™ Low Light Linearity dimming software for smooth imperceptible fades to black; AirLOC™ (Less Optical Cleaning) technology that kept the optics pristine for far longer and EMS™ Electronic Motion Stabiliser technology for enhanced fixture stability.
SVOPATT
Iconic Czech scenographer Josef Svoboda invented the original famous eponymous multi-beamed lighting fixture that inspired Robe to honour his legacy to the lighting world … with the SVOPATT™. As with all Robe products, it was proudly made in the Czech Republic.
SVOPATT™ transformed that unique original design into a cool contemporary housing with nine individual modules each containing 7 x 40W RGBW multichips and the centre pixel also containing a 200W white LED strobe – seriously bright, worthy of its lineage and
ready to make an impact with the SVOPATT™ both as a scenic element and a source of captivating effects.
An RLCT™ lens coating helped maintain high performance and protected against scratches and scuffs whilst preventing particle adhesion, ensuring optics stayed cleaner for longer.
Multiple modes and protocols included ArtNet and sACN for easy pixel mapping; there was a choice of RGB or CMY colour mixing modes; a variable CCT range; an onboard DataSwatch™ colour library with 66 preset colours, and tungsten lamp emulation.
On top of that, the SVOPATT™ had a comprehensive colour control set.
Each individual module contained a noise-dampened motorized zoom, and the 3.8° - 50° zoom range enabled the creation of tight beams or wide washes from each individual module.
Cpulse™ software eliminated on-screen flicker and the +/- green content control made it great for studio environments and broadcast scenarios.
SVB1
The eye-catching SVB1™ was a multifunctional effect, beam, and wash luminaire, a versatile, compact powerhouse in the new Robe SVOPATT™ family!. It delivered high output and extreme speed with continuous pan and tilt rotation for spectacular results!
With seven individual 40W RGBW LED cells plus a central pixel with both RGBW and a powerful 200W white strobe LED module, the SVB1™ offered full pixel mapping for anything from mind-blowing to beautifully ephemeral looks and effects.
An RLCT™ lens coating protected against scratches and prevented particle adhesion, ensuring optics stayed cleaner for far longer. The motorized zoom range offered precise 3.8° beams, up to expansive 50° washes, and the rapid speed and wide coverage were further enhanced by 360° continuous pan and rotation. It was a dynamic choice for all sorts of lighting projects.
Colour mixing modes could be RGB or CMY, there was a variable CCT range and an onboard DataSwatch™ colour library with 66 preset colours, plus tungsten lamp emulation, and full colour control. As with the SVOPATT, Cpulse™ software offered flicker-free operation and +/- green content control, so this luminaire was ideal for studio environments.
Many modes and protocols included ArtNet, while sACN ensured straightforward mapping and network communication was streamlined with REAP™ (Robe Ethernet Access Portal). An Epass™ Ethernet pass-through switch maintained connectivity even when the fixture was powered off.
Other new ROBE products ¡
iBOLTTM
The iBOLTTM was a unique, innovative, hugely bright fixture that was the first real replacement for conventional 7K xenon searchlights on the market. With the same feature set as Robe’s groundbreaking and universally popular MegaPointe®, the iBOLT could be a beam, spot, wash, and effects luminaire for stage and outdoor use. It had a beautiful – 300mm – large front lens and was described as “a MegaPointe on super-steroids!”
The LSW-5™ white laser phosphor light source produced massively potent beams of light for optimum performance and reach, which were combined with the latest Searchlight and Skyflower technology plus extremely low power consumption, weight, and compact size in this incredible fixture.
The iBOLT’s 300mm front lens had precision optics for creating high-definition beams which were adjustable via a 0.4° - 8.5° zoom. SpektraBeam™ was a paradigm-shifting patented effects engine for producing transformative lighting experiences and a CMY + Colour wheel with DataSwatch™ library unlocked a vast, near unlimited array of colours.
The complete iBOLT effects package included gobo wheels, patented MLP™ stackable multi-level prisms, and continuous PAN rotation.
ScanGuard™ was a patent-pending continuous safety monitoring feature with auto-cut to prevent direct source viewing, and to deal with the most challenging exterior environmental conditions, the fixture benefited from Robe’s patented POLAR+™, EMS™ and RAINS™ IP protection technologies.
iFORTE® LTX WB
This was the brightest fixture on the market and an ultimate long throw LED wash beam for all environments, developed for stadium shows, concerts, and all events and spectaculars where serious intensity was needed over massive distances.
Powered by Robe’s internally designed, developed, patented, and manufactured iSE-TE™ 1000W XP (Xtra Performance) IP65-rated White LED TRANSFERABLE ENGINE, it produced an incredible, industry-leading 355,000 Lux at 5 meters!
Innovative optics attained absolute WashBeam functionality, and the FORTE® LTX WB could operate in various ways. Standard Optical Mode permitted the widest 3.5° - 52° coverage. Using the iris, the beam could be narrowed for 2°-52° coverage.
XR7™ eXtreme Reach Follow Spot technology was new and highly innovative technology delivering stadium level performance with an ultra-tight 0.7 – 2° beam for crisp, incisive beams without any intensity loss due to an engaged iris over long distances.
Robe’s powerful data-capturing TRANSFERABLE ENGINE technology offered all the advantages of field exchange, cost-effective replacement, plus the ability to keep up with LED development to ensure an exceptionally long fixture life. With typical lumen maintenance of L70\B50 50,000 hours, the 4-year 20,000-hour warranty gave peace of mind, whatever the weather.
The iFORTE® LTX WB created an imposing visual statement with its beautiful solid beam and 245mm front lens.
The luminaire featured CamFit™ which was pre-wired and pre-balanced for the addition of a dedicated IP65-rated RoboSpot™ camera if required.
iFORTE® LTX FS
This was the ultimate long throw, high output, all-environment LED WashBeam with an integral camera for use with the RoboSpot™ system, a luminaire capable of true, stadium-level reach!
The fixture redefined the boundaries of output, optical excellence, and performance while retaining the subtleties and nuances of theatrical precision. The iSERIES IP65-rated Robe iFORTE® LTX FS was a truly next-generation WashBeam luminaire with an integral camera for live concert touring, indoors or out!
The iFORTE® LTX FS had a full HD digital camera mounted on the head, with parCoat™ lens protection to ensure a clear picture even in inclement weather. The IP65-rated camera featured 32 x optical and 32 x digital zoom and was suitable for low light levels down to 0.05 lux.
Powered by Robe’s latest, most powerful iSE-TE™ 1,000W XP (Xtra Performance) IP65-rated White LED TRANSFERABLE ENGINE, it produced an incredible, industry-leading 355,000 lux at 5 meters.
T32 CycTM Slim
Cyc lighting had long been an art in its own right, and this was a low profile, interconnectable, asymmetrical cyclorama fixture for covering any stage or large surface area.
T32 CycTM Slim featured Opti-6™ - 6:1 height-to-distance ratio asymmetrical optical system, which produced a flat uniform field coverage even when in close proximity to the cyclorama...
There was a DataSwatch™ onboard colour library that provided rapid access pre-programmed colour selection, with tungsten emulation for seamless integration with traditional existing lighting rigs.
The colours were perfectly rendered, with ratings of CR:96 and TLCI:97, and RGB or CMY colour mixing, with individual emitter control for advanced users offering faster programming.
The fixtures were exceptionally quiet, making them great for drama theatres or orchestral venues with L3™ 18-bit dimming for beautifully refined fine-tuned fades to black. There was Cpulse™ for camera environments and AirLOC™ for reduced residue deposits and less cleaning!
Footsie1TM and Footsie2TM Slim
Two new variants of Robe’s next-generation low-profile footlights reduced the footprint even more with a single cable tray. This IP65-rated LED footlight system could be used anywhere – in theatres, on concert stages, and along catwalks and set pieces of all types.
The fixtures were available with Warm White (CRI 90+), Tuneable White, or RGBW light sources, and were quick and simple to connect via 60 cm and 120 cm lengths plus a selection of available corner angles.
An Innovative SPREAD™ system helped remove side glare into the audience, and the self-contained single storage tray could conceal any loose power, audio, or data cables, removing this frequent trip hazard!
BluMark™ safety offered subtle low-level blue LED indication of the stage edges without affecting any of the lighting states, and the PIP™ – Performer Indication Point – separately controlled RGB LEDs at 10 cm spacings could provide artists with digital marks for critical moments on the show.
PLUS
The IP65-rated iSpiiderX® had an advanced protective minimalistic design with an extremely low weight of 19kg and was an impressive 13,100-lumen RGBW LED WashBeam luminaire. Dynamic visual effects could be achieved utilizing its individual pixel mapping capabilities, and the popular inbuilt “Flower effect” was handy for creating surprise additional effects, together with a variable zoom of 4° to 50°.
TetraX™ was developed from the highly successful Tetra1™, adding dynamic pan movement with extremely high-speed continuous rotation, dramatically increasing the sweeping effect possibilities of the fixture. It generated an ultra-tight 4° beam from each of the 9 evenly spaced pixels which combined to produce a bright, defined “sheet” of light.
iTetra2™ was a fully IP rated version of Robe’s popular Tetra2 LED batten product which was great for all environments from the blistering heat to the freezing cold, another example of robust Robe engineering at work.
LEDBeam 350™ had been a massively successful product for Robe and was omnipresent worldwide in multiple markets and sectors. It delivered more punch and presence to create even more fast sweeping beams and gorgeous washes. It had a spectacular 3.8° to 60° zoom range, and Robe’s innovative lens coating technology kept it clearer and scratch-free. CPulse™ was Robe’s cool PWM control system for removing any on-screen camera flicker.
Robe’s iT12 series started with the iT12Profile™, an all-environments IP65-protected profile ideal for theatres, television, and concerts, indoors or out, featuring Robe’s outstanding self-managing, low-maintenance ingress protection technology. It had the renowned multi-spectral colour finesse of the T-series, utilizing an iSE-MSL-TE™ 500W LED IP65-rated LED Engine generating over 13,600 lumens (integrating sphere).
Full network capabilities were now available for Robe’s popular RoboSpot™ remote follow spotting system which could now be seamlessly integrated with IP networks via RDMNet implementation in Robe products, taking remote device management to the next level. This advanced protocol standardized the behavior and configuration over flat or routed network structures.
Avolites
Leading UK-based console manufacturer Avolites – stand C28 – planned the UK debut of its incredible Diamond 7 (D7) control console, the newest addition to Avo’s legendary Diamond series. Two variants – the D7-330 and D7-215 – offered the ultimate performance and travel console options. They could be packed in a standard Peli Air case and checked in as hold luggage to fly anywhere.
Other hardware on the stand included the flagship Diamond 9 lighting console, with both D9-330 and D9-215 variants, together with the T3 and T3-W – Avo’s smallest footprint professional lighting control product – for times and places when portability, compactness, and performance were essential.
Avo’s classic consoles – the Tiger Touch II and Quartz – were there, and the Q-series media server range was represented by the Q3, demonstrating Avo’s Synergy feature set (which united lighting and video to offer creative programmers a streamlined workflow for all visual elements on their stage).
The main Avolites software platforms Titan, Ai, and the newest media software platform Prism, designed for LDs, powered all the hardware products, supported by networking devices Titan Net Switch (TNS) and Titan Net Processor (TNP).
Anolis
Robe’s architectural and LED lighting brand showcased its new Agame colour changing ‘window reveal’ light together with a selection of fixtures from the Ambiane, Eminere, and Calumma families.
The latest additions to these ranges included the Calumma Urban with its street light optic, the Ambiane SP16 Wall Mount, and the Eminere MC Remote.
The S and M sized Calumma Urban was available with customizable chip choices, and it had forward and side asymmetric optic variants for pole and wall mounting. The Ambiane SP16 Wall Mount added another fixing method to the range, so Anolis now offered wall, recessed, adjustable, surface, and pendant mounting options for fixtures in the Ambiane family.
The Eminere Remote MC was the latest addition to the Eminere range, bringing all the multichip advantages to the Remote versions of this highly successful range.
Artistic Licence
The Artistic Licence was on hand to meet friends and colleagues new and old to discuss ‘all things lighting control’.
A wide range of innovative and flexible load controllers was displayed including mains and low voltage dimming for LED fixtures, DALI control, and switched loads. Artistic Licence highlighted its ‘Extreme’ range of DMX protected products in addition to offering visitors a sneak peek of new introductions for 2025.
‘Control Without Compromise’ seminars were delivered daily in the Robe Theatre space by Artistic Licence product application specialist, Tim Smith.
The seminar focused on full venue lighting control, in particular auditorium lighting and how consultants, specifiers, and designers could meet the needs of day-to-day users of the space as well as production crews. Importantly it focused on how to address some of the most encountered system design issues.
LSC
The newest member of the Robe family of businesses – LSC Control Systems from Australia – showed its complete PD product range alongside Robe - increasingly popular solutions with advanced protections and monitoring capabilities. Visitors could share in the benefits of safety, reliability, and peace of mind when working in venues and on productions and projects worldwide.
The UNITY range of power distribution and dimming systems was central to LSC’s stand appealing to consultants and specifiers, plus LSC’s latest product additions – the GEN-X and the APS-X, which brought Ethernet functionality to the inputs of the GEN-VI and APS systems respectively.
LSC’s new NEXEN range of Ethernet/DMX converters was there, plus the latest major software update to the Mantra lite control platform. Mantra V4 saw the addition of colour mixing options for 7+ colour LED systems and full support for multi-intensity fixtures and much more.
