Lightning History: Difference between revisions

From WLPS Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Created page with "1963: Century Lighting sold to Progress Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia (parent company of Singer sewing machines)/Lighting Corporation of America (LCA) 1964: Ariel Davis Manufacturing Company purchased by Electro Controls 1966: Lighting Corporation of America (LCA) merges with Walter Kidde & Company 1967, Micro-Set by Electro Controls, developed by Jack Halvorsen (first installation in Banff, Alberta) 1967: The Rank Organisation buys Strand Electric Holdings 1968,...")
 
 
(12 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
1963: Century Lighting sold to Progress Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia (parent company of Singer sewing machines)/Lighting Corporation of America (LCA)
== 1933 ==
1964: Ariel Davis Manufacturing Company purchased by Electro Controls
'''Coemar Lighting Srl''' was founded as a developer, manufacturer, and seller of lighting products and industry innovation for entertainment, architectural, and commercial applications.
1966: Lighting Corporation of America (LCA) merges with Walter Kidde & Company
 
1967, Micro-Set by Electro Controls, developed by Jack Halvorsen (first installation in Banff, Alberta)
== 1963 ==
1967: The Rank Organisation buys Strand Electric Holdings
'''Century Lighting''' sold to '''Progress Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia''' (parent company of '''Singer''' sewing machines)/'''Lighting Corporation of America''' (LCA)
1968, Century Memo-Q by George Van Buren
 
1968, (UK) Thorn Q-File (sold by Kliegl Bros. in the US beginning 1970)
== 1964 ==
1969: Rank buys LCA and forms Century Strand, "A company within the Rank Organisation"
'''Ariel Davis Manufacturing Compan'''y purchased by '''Electro Controls'''
1969, Electro Controls Micro-Set MkII
 
1971, Van Buren Industries Sweet 16, First board to use solid state memory
== 1966 ==
1971, Van Buren Industries System 128, Larger version of Sweet 16 as chips got bigger
'''Lighting Corporation of America''' (LCA) merges with '''Walter Kidde & Company'''
1972, Electro Controls Micro-Set MkIV
 
1973, (UK) Thorn Q-Level (sold by Kliegl Bros. in the US)
== 1967 ==
1973, (UK) Rank-Strand MMS
Micro-Set by '''Electro Controls''', developed by Jack Halvorsen (first installation in Banff, Alberta)
1974, Van Buren Industries Compuset 2000, developed by David Cunningham
 
1974, Skirpan AutoCue (used a "light pen" for setting levels)
The '''Rank Organisation''' buys '''Strand Electric Holdings'''
1974: Altman introduces the axial 360Q ERS
 
1974: Century-Strand name changed to Strand-Century
== 1968 ==
1975, Electro Controls Micro-Set 96
'''Century''' Memo-Q by George Van Buren
1975, Electronics Diversified LS-8, developed by Gordon Pearlman and used on the Broadway production of A Chorus Line.
 
1976, (UK) Rank-Strand Lightboard
(UK) '''Thorn''' Q-File (sold by '''Kliegl Bros'''. in the US beginning 1970)
1976, Datacue manufactured by Marketronics - Sold to Teatronics in 1979
 
1977, Strand-Century Multi-Q
== 1969 ==
1977, Strand-Century Micro-Q (first microprocessor console?)
'''Rank''' buys '''LCA''' and forms '''Century Strand''', "A company within the Rank Organisation"
1978, Berkey-Colortran ChannelTrack (built by ETC and based on its MegaCue)
 
1978, Electro Controls Plexus 1000
'''Electro Controls''' Micro-Set MkII
1978, Kliegl Performance, developed by Steve Carlson and Gordon Pearlman
 
1979, Strand-Century Light Palette, developed by David Cunningham
== 1971 ==
1979, Strand-Century miniPalette
'''Van Buren Industries''' Sweet 16, First board to use solid state memory
1979, Berkey-Colortran ColorTrack (a monochrome monitor with gels taped to portions of the screen, thus the first "color" monitor)
 
1979, Kliegl Performer (I)
'''Van Buren Industries''' System 128, Larger version of Sweet 16 as chips got bigger
1980, (UK) Strand Galaxy
 
1980, ETC ELC (Entertainment Lighting Console), proprietary product developed for use at Disney's EPCOT
== 1972 ==
1981, Kliegl Command Performance
'''Electro Controls''' Micro-Set MkIV
1981, Strand-Century Mantrix with Memory
 
1982, MicroStar (on Apple IIe; a PC-version came later, called ProStar, then TechStar, all made by WestStar)
== 1973 ==
1982, ETC Concept (96) 125
(UK) '''Thorn''' Q-Level (sold by Kliegl Bros. in the US)
1982, Kliegl Performer II
 
1983, Kliegl Performer III (the II indicated analog output, while the III used K96 protocol)
(UK) '''Rank-Strand''' MMS
1983, Kliegl Entertainer
 
1983, ETC Idea (wood sides)
== 1974 ==
1983, Electro Controls Celebrity
Van '''Buren Industries''' Compuset 2000, developed by David Cunningham
1984, Berkey-Colortran DimensionFive
 
1984, Electro Controls Premiere (only console ever with a "heads-up" display)
'''Skirpan''' AutoCue (used a "light pen" for setting levels)
1985: LEE Electric of the UK buys Colortran to form LEE Colortran
 
1985, Strand-Century Light Palette Two
'''Altman''' introduces the axial 360Q ERS
1985, Strand-Century Mini Light Palette
 
1985, ETC Vision
'''Century-Strand''' name changed to '''Strand-Century'''
1985, GAM Access.pdf (reportedly cost $140 to build, retailed for ~$1799)
 
1985, Colortran Prestige 1000, 2000, 3000
== 1975 ==
1985, Vari*Lite Artisan
'''Electro Controls''' Micro-Set 96
1985, Strand-Century LightBoard M
 
1986: Strand-Century buys Electro Controls, keeps selling EC products for a few more years
'''Electronics Diversified''' LS-8, developed by Gordon Pearlman and used on the Broadway production of A Chorus Line.
1986: USITT publishes the DMX512-1986 and AMX192-1986 standards.
 
1987, ETC Expression (I)
'''SGM Technology for Lighting''' was founded in 1975 in Italy, by Gabriele Giorgi and Maurizio Guidi — the company name a truncation of ‘Societa Gabriele Maurizio’. In the early days they were known for producing a diverse catalogue of products for the emerging disco industry — ranging from illuminated dancefloor modules, ‘bubblesmoke’ machines and controllers — from their base in Pesaro.
1987, Kliegl Performer IV
 
1987, GAM AccessPro
== 1976 ==
1987, Strand-Century Light Palette 3
(UK) '''Rank-Strand''' Lightboard
1988, LEE Colortran Scenemaster 60
 
1988, LMI Designer
Datacue manufactured by '''Marketronics''' - Sold to '''Teatronics''' in 1979
1989: Strand-Century drops Century name, becomes Strand Lighting
 
1989, (AUS) LSC Precept 12 Precept 12
== 1977 ==
1989, Strand Light Palette 90 (over 700 are sold, more than all other LightPalettes combined)
'''Strand-Century''' Multi-Q
1989, GAM Panache (a re-branded Performer IV)
 
1989, Strand Impact (another re-branded Performer IV)
'''Strand-Century''' Micro-Q (first microprocessor console?)
1989, Martin 2032 Controller
 
1990: ETC buys dimmer manufacturer LMI (Lighting Methods, Inc.)
== 1978 ==
1990, ETC MicroVision
'''Berkey-Colortran''' ChannelTrack (built by '''ETC''' and based on its MegaCue)
1990, ETC MicroVisionFX
 
1991: Kliegl Bros. ceases operations
'''Electro Controls''' Plexus 1000
1991, LSD (Light & Sound Design) Icon Console
 
1992, Flying Pig Systems Whole Hog (I)
'''Kliegl''' Performance, developed by Steve Carlson and Gordon Pearlman
1992, Compulite Animator
 
1992, ETC Obsession
== 1979 ==
1992, Strand Impact II (a repackaged version)
'''Strand-Century''' Light Palette, developed by David Cunningham
1992, Strand Mantrix MX
 
1992: ETC introduces the Source Four ERS, Sensor dimmer
'''Strand-Century''' miniPalette
1992, EDI EnAct
 
1993, LEE Colortran Gold Medallion
'''Berkey-Colortran''' ColorTrack (a monochrome monitor with gels taped to portions of the screen, thus the first "color" monitor)
1993, LEE Colortran Encore
 
1993, Strand GSX
'''Kliegl''' Performer (I)
1993, ETC Expression2X
 
1994, Horizon Controls (software to allow any Win3.1 computer to control lighting)
== 1980 ==
1994, Strand 430 and 520
(UK) '''Strand''' Galaxy
1994, FPS Wholehog II
 
1994, High End Systems Status Cue
'''ETC''' ELC (Entertainment Lighting Console), proprietary product developed for use at Disney's EPCOT
1994, Martin 3032 Contrroller
 
1995, Strand LBX
== 1981 ==
1995, Strand 530
'''Kliegl''' Command Performance
1995, ETC Express
 
1995: ETC introduces the Source Four PAR EA
'''Strand-Century''' Mantrix with Memory
1996: NSI buys the assets of Colortran, forming NSI/Colortran
 
1996, Strand 550i
== 1982 ==
1997, ETC ObsessionII
'''Studio Due''' was founded.
1998, ETC Expression3
 
1998, Rosco/ET Eclipse (dedicated control surface for Horizon Controls)
MicroStar (on Apple IIe; a PC-version came later, called ProStar, then TechStar, all made by WestStar)
1998, Martin LightJockey
 
1998, Vari*Lite Virtuoso
'''ETC''' Concept (96) 125
1999: Leviton buys NSI/Colortran
 
1999, Strand 300
'''Kliegl''' Performer II
1999: HES buys FPS
 
1999: ETC introduces the Source Four PARNel
== 1983 ==
2000, MA Lighting grandMA
'''Kliegl''' Performer III (the II indicated analog output, while the III used K96 protocol)
2000, Vari*Lite Virtuoso DX
 
2001, HES HogIII
'''Kliegl''' Entertainer
2002, ETC Emphasis, (an add-on to extend the feature set of the Express/Expression line)
 
2002, Martin Maxxyz
'''ETC''' Idea (wood sides)
2003, ET/Horizon Marquee
 
2003: ETC buys AVAB TranstechnikNone of the previous are still in production.
'''Electro Control'''s Celebrity
2004, Jands Vista
 
2004: PRG (Production Resource Group) merges with/purchases VLPS (Vari*Lite Production Services)
== 1984 ==
2005, ETC/AVAB Congo
'''Berkey-Colortran''' DimensionFive
2005, HES Hog iPC
 
2006: Genlyte buys Strand, Vari*lite, ET
'''Electro Controls''' Premiere (only console ever with a "heads-up" display)
2006, Strand Light Palette Classic/Live/VL; Basic/Classic/Preset/Sub Palette (ALL using HorizonOS on Strand hardware)
 
2006, ETC Congo jr
== 1985 ==
2006, ETC Eos
'''LEE Electric''' of the UK buys '''Colortran''' to form '''LEE Colortran'''
2007, ETC Ion
 
2007, HES Road Hog, Road Hog Full Boar
'''Strand-Century''' Light Palette Two
2008, Strand Palette VL
 
2008: Philips buys Genlyte
'''Strand-Century''' Mini Light Palette
2008: HES discontinues Hog iPC (a dual-boot II/3 console), and ceases support of Hog2 software.
 
2008: Jands ends production of Hog 500 and Hog 1000, which also used Hog2 software.
'''ETC''' Vision
2008: ETC discontinues Emphasis, Expression, Express, (reportedly the most popular console line ever, with 19,000 units sold; 14,000 of which were Expresses).
 
2008, MA Lighting grandMA2 series
'''GAM''' Access.pdf (reportedly cost $140 to build, retailed for ~$1799)
2008, PRG V676, the successor to the Vari*Lite Virtuoso DX2
 
2008, Strand Palette II (family)
'''Colortran''' Prestige 1000, 2000, 3000
2008: Barco buys HES
 
2008, Martin Maxxyz Compact
'''Vari*Lite''' Artisan
2009, ETC Element 40, 60
 
2009, Zero88 ORB
'''Strand-Centur'''y LightBoard M
2009, Martin MaxModules
 
2010, Martin M1
== 1986 ==
2010: Philips/ET Marquee discontinued
'''Strand-Century''' buys Electro Controls, keeps selling EC products for a few more years
2010: Barco/HES ceases repair support for Wholehog II consoles
 
2010, PRG V476, a smaller version of the V676
'''USITT''' publishes the '''DMX512-1986''' and '''AMX192-1986''' standards.
2011: Cooper Controls closes Hillsboro, OR facility of Electronics Diversified (EDI)
 
2011, ETC Congo Kid
== 1987 ==
2011, ETC GIO
'''ETC''' Expression (I)
2011: Acuity Brands acquires Horizon Controls, Pathway Connectivity
 
2012, Jands Vista L5
'''Kliegl''' Performer IV
2012, MA Lighting MA onPC command wing and Martin M2PC. Both systems require a user-supplied personal computer.
 
2012, Martin M2GO
'''GAM''' AccessPro
2012, Pathway Connectivity Cognito
 
2012: Lighting & Electronics, Inc. (L&E), in business since 1960, announces plans to cease operations. Some product lines sold to Apollo Design. Discussion thread.
'''Strand-Century''' Light Palette 3
2012, Barco/High End Systems Hog4, Full Boar4, Road Hog4, Nano Hog4
 
2012, PRG V276 On Mac, a playback/programming wing for use with a user-supplied Apple Mac computer.
== 1988 ==
2013, Martin M6.
'''LEE Colortran''' Scenemaster 60
2013, ETC Eos Ti (Titanium), replaces original Eos.
 
2013: Wybron announces closure. Reborn under new ownership as Gel Services, Inc. Discussion thread.
'''LMI''' Designer
2013, Jands Stage CL
 
2013, ETC Cobalt
'''Lightwave Research''' Company based in Austin, Texas, USA. Founded in 1988.
2014, ETC Nomad software
 
2014, Strand Lighting NEO
== 1989 ==
2014: Osram buys Clay Paky
'''Strand-Century''' drops Century name, becomes '''Strand Lighting'''
2014, ETC Nomad Puck
 
2015, MA Lighting dot2
(AUS) '''LSC''' Precept 12 Precept 12
2015, Pathway Connectivity, Cognito2
 
2015, ChamSys MagicQ MQ80 Compact Console
'''Strand''' Light Palette 90 (over 700 are sold, more than all other LightPalettes combined)
2015: Syncrolite of Dallas TX buys assets of Strong Lighting, including Super Trouper™
 
2016: Osram acquires ADB with intent to merge it with previously owned subsidiary Clay Paky.
'''GAM''' Panache (a re-branded Performer IV)
2020: An arson factory fire in December 2020 (plus COVID) forces the discontinuation of a number of Apollo products, including ApolloGel, Right Arm, Apollo Color Scrollers, DMX cable, Crushed Dichroics, gel frames, and donuts.
 
2022: Strand Lighting LLC files for bankruptcy link.
'''Strand''' Impact (another re-branded Performer IV)
2022, ETC releases EOS APEX console line.
 
2023: Robe Acquires Avolites link.
'''Martin''' 2032 Controller
 
== 1990 ==
'''ETC''' buys dimmer manufacturer '''LMI''' (Lighting Methods, Inc.)
 
'''ETC''' MicroVision
 
'''ETC''' MicroVisionFX
 
== 1991 ==
'''Kliegl''' Bros. ceases operations
 
'''LSD''' (Light & Sound Design) Icon Console
 
== 1992 ==
'''Flying Pig Systems''' Whole Hog (I)
 
'''Compulite''' Animator
 
'''ETC''' Obsession
 
'''Strand''' Impact II (a repackaged version)
 
'''Strand''' Mantrix MX
 
'''ETC''' introduces the Source Four ERS, Sensor dimmer
 
'''EDI''' EnAct
 
'''StudioDue''' Founded in 1982 with branches in Italy and Great Britain
 
== 1993 ==
'''Studio Due''' launches Stratos moving luminaire.
 
'''LEE Colortran''' Gold Medallion
 
'''LEE Colortran''' Encore
 
'''Strand''' GSX
 
'''ETC''' Expression2X
 
== 1994 ==
Horizon Controls (software to allow any Win3.1 computer to control lighting)
 
'''Strand''' 430 and 520
 
'''Flying Pig Systems''' Wholehog II
 
'''High End Systems''' Status Cue
 
'''Martin''' 3032 Contrroller
 
== 1995 ==
'''Strand''' LBX
 
'''Strand''' 530
 
'''ETC''' Express
 
'''ETC''' introduces the Source Four PAR EA
 
== 1996 ==
'''NSI''' buys the assets of '''Colortran''', forming '''NSI/Colortran'''
 
'''Strand''' 550i
 
== 1997 ==
'''ETC''' ObsessionII
 
== 1998 ==
The first CityColor 1800W is presented at the SIB in Rimini by '''Studio Due'''.
 
'''ETC''' Expression3
 
'''Rosco/ET''' Eclipse (dedicated control surface for Horizon Controls)
 
'''Martin''' LightJockey
 
'''Vari*Lite''' Virtuoso
 
== 1999 ==
'''Leviton''' buys '''NSI/Colortran'''
 
'''Strand''' 300
 
'''High End Systems''' buys '''Flying Pig Systems'''
 
'''ETC''' introduces the Source Four PARNel
 
== 2000 ==
'''MA Lighting''' grandMA
 
'''Vari*Lite''' Virtuoso DX
 
== 2001 ==
'''High End Systems''' Hog III
 
== 2002 ==
'''ETC''' Emphasis, (an add-on to extend the feature set of the Express/Expression line)
 
'''Martin''' Maxxyz
 
== 2003 ==
'''ET/Horizon''' Marquee
 
'''ETC''' buys '''AVAB Transtechnik''' None of the previous are still in production.
 
== 2004 ==
'''Jands''' Vista
 
'''PRG''' (Production Resource Group) merges with/purchases '''VLPS''' (Vari*Lite Production Services)
 
== 2005 ==
'''ETC/AVAB''' Congo
 
'''High End Systems''' Hog iPC
 
== 2006 ==
'''Genlyte''' buys '''Strand''', '''Vari*lite''', '''ET'''
 
'''Strand''' Light Palette Classic/Live/VL; Basic/Classic/Preset/Sub Palette (ALL using HorizonOS on Strand hardware)
 
'''ETC''' Congo jr
 
'''ETC''' Eos
 
== 2007 ==
'''ETC''' Ion
 
'''High End Systems''' Road Hog, Road Hog Full Boar
 
== 2008 ==
'''Strand''' Palette VL
 
'''Philips''' buys '''Genlyte'''
 
'''High End Systems''' discontinues Hog iPC (a dual-boot II/3 console), and ceases support of Hog2 software.
 
'''Jands''' ends production of Hog 500 and Hog 1000, which also used Hog2 software.
 
'''ETC''' discontinues Emphasis, Expression, Express, (reportedly the most popular console line ever, with 19,000 units sold; 14,000 of which were Expresses).
 
'''MA Lighting''' grandMA2 series
 
'''PRG''' V676, the successor to the Vari*Lite Virtuoso DX2
 
'''Strand''' Palette II (family)
 
'''Barco''' buys '''High End Systems'''
 
'''Martin''' Maxxyz Compact
 
== 2009 ==
'''ETC''' Element 40, 60
 
'''Zero88''' ORB
 
'''Martin''' MaxModules
 
In April 2009 '''SGM''' ownership was passed by president Gabriele Giorgi and his daughter Alessandra to long-standing Italian pro audio company, '''RCF Group'''.
 
== 2010 ==
Peter Johansen was brought in to '''SGM''' to head up R&D in late 2010 — marking his return to the industry following a ten-year absence, after earlier setting up '''Martin Professional''' which he subsequently floated on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange.
 
'''Martin''' M1
 
'''Philips/ET''' Marquee discontinued
 
'''Barco/HES''' ceases repair support for Wholehog II consoles
 
'''PRG''' V476, a smaller version of the V676
 
== 2011 ==
'''Cooper Controls''' closes Hillsboro, OR facility of Electronics Diversified (EDI)
 
'''ETC''' Congo Kid
 
'''ETC''' GIO
 
'''Acuity Brands''' acquires '''Horizon Controls''', '''Pathway Connectivity'''
 
== 2012 ==
'''Jands''' Vista L5
 
'''MA Lighting''' MA onPC command wing and Martin M2PC. Both systems require a user-supplied personal computer.
 
'''Martin''' M2GO
 
'''Pathway Connectivity''' Cognito
 
'''Lighting & Electronics, Inc'''. (L&E), in business since 1960, announces plans to cease operations. Some product lines sold to '''Apollo Design'''. Discussion thread.
 
'''Barco/High End Systems''' Hog4, Full Boar4, Road Hog4, Nano Hog4
 
'''PRG''' V276 On Mac, a playback/programming wing for use with a user-supplied Apple Mac computer.
 
== 2013 ==
'''Martin''' M6.
 
'''ETC''' Eos Ti (Titanium), replaces original Eos.
 
'''Wybron''' announces closure. Reborn under new ownership as '''Gel Services''', Inc. Discussion thread.
 
'''Jands''' Stage CL
 
'''ETC''' Cobalt
 
== 2014 ==
'''ETC''' Nomad software
 
'''Strand''' Lighting NEO
 
'''Osram''' buys '''Clay Paky'''
 
'''ETC''' Nomad Puck
 
== 2015 ==
'''MA Lighting''' dot2
 
'''Pathway Connectivit'''y, Cognito2
 
'''ChamSys''' MagicQ MQ80 Compact Console
 
'''Syncrolite''' of Dallas TX buys assets of '''Strong Lighting''', including Super Trouper™
 
== 2016 ==
'''Osram''' acquires '''ADB''' with intent to merge it with previously owned subsidiary '''Clay Paky'''.
 
== 2017 ==
'''ETC''' acquires '''High End Systems'''
 
== 2019 ==
In October 2019, Peter Johansen stepped down from his role as '''SGM''' Light's CEO.
 
== 2020 ==
An arson factory fire in December 2020 (plus COVID) forces the discontinuation of a number of '''Apollo''' products, including ApolloGel, Right Arm, Apollo Color Scrollers, DMX cable, Crushed Dichroics, gel frames, and donuts.
 
== 2022 ==
'''Strand Lighting LLC''' files for bankruptcy link.
 
'''ETC''' releases EOS APEX console line.
 
== 2023 ==
'''Robe''' Acquires '''Avolites''' link.

Latest revision as of 14:00, 24 August 2023

1933

Coemar Lighting Srl was founded as a developer, manufacturer, and seller of lighting products and industry innovation for entertainment, architectural, and commercial applications.

1963

Century Lighting sold to Progress Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia (parent company of Singer sewing machines)/Lighting Corporation of America (LCA)

1964

Ariel Davis Manufacturing Company purchased by Electro Controls

1966

Lighting Corporation of America (LCA) merges with Walter Kidde & Company

1967

Micro-Set by Electro Controls, developed by Jack Halvorsen (first installation in Banff, Alberta)

The Rank Organisation buys Strand Electric Holdings

1968

Century Memo-Q by George Van Buren

(UK) Thorn Q-File (sold by Kliegl Bros. in the US beginning 1970)

1969

Rank buys LCA and forms Century Strand, "A company within the Rank Organisation"

Electro Controls Micro-Set MkII

1971

Van Buren Industries Sweet 16, First board to use solid state memory

Van Buren Industries System 128, Larger version of Sweet 16 as chips got bigger

1972

Electro Controls Micro-Set MkIV

1973

(UK) Thorn Q-Level (sold by Kliegl Bros. in the US)

(UK) Rank-Strand MMS

1974

Van Buren Industries Compuset 2000, developed by David Cunningham

Skirpan AutoCue (used a "light pen" for setting levels)

Altman introduces the axial 360Q ERS

Century-Strand name changed to Strand-Century

1975

Electro Controls Micro-Set 96

Electronics Diversified LS-8, developed by Gordon Pearlman and used on the Broadway production of A Chorus Line.

SGM Technology for Lighting was founded in 1975 in Italy, by Gabriele Giorgi and Maurizio Guidi — the company name a truncation of ‘Societa Gabriele Maurizio’. In the early days they were known for producing a diverse catalogue of products for the emerging disco industry — ranging from illuminated dancefloor modules, ‘bubblesmoke’ machines and controllers — from their base in Pesaro.

1976

(UK) Rank-Strand Lightboard

Datacue manufactured by Marketronics - Sold to Teatronics in 1979

1977

Strand-Century Multi-Q

Strand-Century Micro-Q (first microprocessor console?)

1978

Berkey-Colortran ChannelTrack (built by ETC and based on its MegaCue)

Electro Controls Plexus 1000

Kliegl Performance, developed by Steve Carlson and Gordon Pearlman

1979

Strand-Century Light Palette, developed by David Cunningham

Strand-Century miniPalette

Berkey-Colortran ColorTrack (a monochrome monitor with gels taped to portions of the screen, thus the first "color" monitor)

Kliegl Performer (I)

1980

(UK) Strand Galaxy

ETC ELC (Entertainment Lighting Console), proprietary product developed for use at Disney's EPCOT

1981

Kliegl Command Performance

Strand-Century Mantrix with Memory

1982

Studio Due was founded.

MicroStar (on Apple IIe; a PC-version came later, called ProStar, then TechStar, all made by WestStar)

ETC Concept (96) 125

Kliegl Performer II

1983

Kliegl Performer III (the II indicated analog output, while the III used K96 protocol)

Kliegl Entertainer

ETC Idea (wood sides)

Electro Controls Celebrity

1984

Berkey-Colortran DimensionFive

Electro Controls Premiere (only console ever with a "heads-up" display)

1985

LEE Electric of the UK buys Colortran to form LEE Colortran

Strand-Century Light Palette Two

Strand-Century Mini Light Palette

ETC Vision

GAM Access.pdf (reportedly cost $140 to build, retailed for ~$1799)

Colortran Prestige 1000, 2000, 3000

Vari*Lite Artisan

Strand-Century LightBoard M

1986

Strand-Century buys Electro Controls, keeps selling EC products for a few more years

USITT publishes the DMX512-1986 and AMX192-1986 standards.

1987

ETC Expression (I)

Kliegl Performer IV

GAM AccessPro

Strand-Century Light Palette 3

1988

LEE Colortran Scenemaster 60

LMI Designer

Lightwave Research Company based in Austin, Texas, USA. Founded in 1988.

1989

Strand-Century drops Century name, becomes Strand Lighting

(AUS) LSC Precept 12 Precept 12

Strand Light Palette 90 (over 700 are sold, more than all other LightPalettes combined)

GAM Panache (a re-branded Performer IV)

Strand Impact (another re-branded Performer IV)

Martin 2032 Controller

1990

ETC buys dimmer manufacturer LMI (Lighting Methods, Inc.)

ETC MicroVision

ETC MicroVisionFX

1991

Kliegl Bros. ceases operations

LSD (Light & Sound Design) Icon Console

1992

Flying Pig Systems Whole Hog (I)

Compulite Animator

ETC Obsession

Strand Impact II (a repackaged version)

Strand Mantrix MX

ETC introduces the Source Four ERS, Sensor dimmer

EDI EnAct

StudioDue Founded in 1982 with branches in Italy and Great Britain

1993

Studio Due launches Stratos moving luminaire.

LEE Colortran Gold Medallion

LEE Colortran Encore

Strand GSX

ETC Expression2X

1994

Horizon Controls (software to allow any Win3.1 computer to control lighting)

Strand 430 and 520

Flying Pig Systems Wholehog II

High End Systems Status Cue

Martin 3032 Contrroller

1995

Strand LBX

Strand 530

ETC Express

ETC introduces the Source Four PAR EA

1996

NSI buys the assets of Colortran, forming NSI/Colortran

Strand 550i

1997

ETC ObsessionII

1998

The first CityColor 1800W is presented at the SIB in Rimini by Studio Due.

ETC Expression3

Rosco/ET Eclipse (dedicated control surface for Horizon Controls)

Martin LightJockey

Vari*Lite Virtuoso

1999

Leviton buys NSI/Colortran

Strand 300

High End Systems buys Flying Pig Systems

ETC introduces the Source Four PARNel

2000

MA Lighting grandMA

Vari*Lite Virtuoso DX

2001

High End Systems Hog III

2002

ETC Emphasis, (an add-on to extend the feature set of the Express/Expression line)

Martin Maxxyz

2003

ET/Horizon Marquee

ETC buys AVAB Transtechnik None of the previous are still in production.

2004

Jands Vista

PRG (Production Resource Group) merges with/purchases VLPS (Vari*Lite Production Services)

2005

ETC/AVAB Congo

High End Systems Hog iPC

2006

Genlyte buys Strand, Vari*lite, ET

Strand Light Palette Classic/Live/VL; Basic/Classic/Preset/Sub Palette (ALL using HorizonOS on Strand hardware)

ETC Congo jr

ETC Eos

2007

ETC Ion

High End Systems Road Hog, Road Hog Full Boar

2008

Strand Palette VL

Philips buys Genlyte

High End Systems discontinues Hog iPC (a dual-boot II/3 console), and ceases support of Hog2 software.

Jands ends production of Hog 500 and Hog 1000, which also used Hog2 software.

ETC discontinues Emphasis, Expression, Express, (reportedly the most popular console line ever, with 19,000 units sold; 14,000 of which were Expresses).

MA Lighting grandMA2 series

PRG V676, the successor to the Vari*Lite Virtuoso DX2

Strand Palette II (family)

Barco buys High End Systems

Martin Maxxyz Compact

2009

ETC Element 40, 60

Zero88 ORB

Martin MaxModules

In April 2009 SGM ownership was passed by president Gabriele Giorgi and his daughter Alessandra to long-standing Italian pro audio company, RCF Group.

2010

Peter Johansen was brought in to SGM to head up R&D in late 2010 — marking his return to the industry following a ten-year absence, after earlier setting up Martin Professional which he subsequently floated on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange.

Martin M1

Philips/ET Marquee discontinued

Barco/HES ceases repair support for Wholehog II consoles

PRG V476, a smaller version of the V676

2011

Cooper Controls closes Hillsboro, OR facility of Electronics Diversified (EDI)

ETC Congo Kid

ETC GIO

Acuity Brands acquires Horizon Controls, Pathway Connectivity

2012

Jands Vista L5

MA Lighting MA onPC command wing and Martin M2PC. Both systems require a user-supplied personal computer.

Martin M2GO

Pathway Connectivity Cognito

Lighting & Electronics, Inc. (L&E), in business since 1960, announces plans to cease operations. Some product lines sold to Apollo Design. Discussion thread.

Barco/High End Systems Hog4, Full Boar4, Road Hog4, Nano Hog4

PRG V276 On Mac, a playback/programming wing for use with a user-supplied Apple Mac computer.

2013

Martin M6.

ETC Eos Ti (Titanium), replaces original Eos.

Wybron announces closure. Reborn under new ownership as Gel Services, Inc. Discussion thread.

Jands Stage CL

ETC Cobalt

2014

ETC Nomad software

Strand Lighting NEO

Osram buys Clay Paky

ETC Nomad Puck

2015

MA Lighting dot2

Pathway Connectivity, Cognito2

ChamSys MagicQ MQ80 Compact Console

Syncrolite of Dallas TX buys assets of Strong Lighting, including Super Trouper™

2016

Osram acquires ADB with intent to merge it with previously owned subsidiary Clay Paky.

2017

ETC acquires High End Systems

2019

In October 2019, Peter Johansen stepped down from his role as SGM Light's CEO.

2020

An arson factory fire in December 2020 (plus COVID) forces the discontinuation of a number of Apollo products, including ApolloGel, Right Arm, Apollo Color Scrollers, DMX cable, Crushed Dichroics, gel frames, and donuts.

2022

Strand Lighting LLC files for bankruptcy link.

ETC releases EOS APEX console line.

2023

Robe Acquires Avolites link.

Retrieved from "https://wodielite.com/wiki/index.php?title=Lightning_History&oldid=4931"