In early September we went to Olympia London to browse the PLASA Show, the UK’s leading event for live entertainment technology. It was a great opportunity to meet suppliers and customers, see new products that are coming onto the market and also watch existing products in action. We had a great time and there were so many interesting and fun moments, but we’ve boiled it down to our top 5 moments from PLASA 2024.
5. BeamZ RB90 Deco Retro Stage Blinder - 3x 30W RGB+A
We spoke with Mike from Tronios who told us about the BeamZ RB90 Deco Retro Stage Blinder, a fantastically powerful and diverse light.
The BeamZ RB90 Deco Retro Stage Blinder is a brilliant piece of deco lighting designed to bring a vintage vibe to any event or performance space. With its 3x 30W RGBA LED bulbs, this retro stage blinder creates a warm and colourful glow, perfect for adding a touch of classic style to modern lighting setups.
They are easily linkable with a supplied coupling set, allowing you to build up a panel of lights. There are three 30W LED blinders in the middle of the light, with each blinder capable of being controlled separately. There is also a backlighter effect with 72 RGBA SMD LEDs located around the perimeter of its highly reflective aluminium inner housing.
Whether you’re setting the scene for a live music gig, theatre production, or any kind of party, this blinder’s vibrant hues and retro design will give your stage that extra touch of flair, capturing the feel of vintage theatre lighting while using modern LED technology for efficiency and versatility.
Available in two different models – 3-pin and 5-pin DMX – the RB90 Deco Blinder fits perfectly into any lighting rig, whether it’s a simple setup or a more complex professional system. With DMX compatibility, you have full control over the light's effects, letting you create dynamic colour changes and patterns that match the energy of your performance or event. The RGBA colour mixing means you’re not just limited to warm amber tones – you can splash your stage with a full spectrum of shades, adding to the creative possibilities for stage designers and DJs alike.
This retro stage blinder is not just about the looks; it’s built for practical use, with a robust casing to ensure it stands up to the demands of regular use. If you’re looking to add that special something to your stage design, the BeamZ RB90 Vintage Blinder is a top choice. It combines the charm of old-school stage lighting with all the benefits of modern LED technology, making it an exciting and versatile addition to any lighting setup.
4. The Nereid Range of Waterproof Moving Heads
Outdoor moving heads are rare to come by, and affordable ones are even rarer. So when we saw the new Nereid range of waterproof moving heads from BeamZ we were really excited and had to find out more.
Making a moving head waterproof is tricky; the nature of a moving head, with joints and unrestricted movement can make creating a product that is sealed off against the elements incredibly tricky, but BeamZ have excelled in this area with the Nereid range of moving heads.
Showcasing the Nereid500, Mike from Tronios said it is their biggest moving head so far with a 500W LED inside. It is IP65 rated and has CMY, as well as a 2-to-50 degree beam angle, rotating gobo, colour wheel and prisms. It is an incredibly powerful all-rounder and we were impressed by how bright it was projecting on the ceiling of the venue, which was many hundreds of metres high and in daylight.
Also on the stand was the Nereid740 and the Nereid760 which are smaller waterproof moving heads, but they’re perfect for outdoor events and festivals. Likewise, the smaller Nereid120 brings IP65-rated moving headlighting to a whole variety of uses, from venues to mobile DJs.
The key benefit of these moving heads is that due to their IP-rating, they can be used outside, which opens up a whole new world of uses. For a venue that, for example, hosts weddings, it’s a great idea to have lighting that can be used inside and outside. For other outdoor events, a weatherproof moving head gives peace of mind as well as fantastic lighting, which is something any organiser is looking for!
3. BeamZ’s Light Show
There aren’t many things that can stop us in our tracks when it comes to lighting products, but the light show by BeamZ was something else.
It was fantastic to see a light show created by professionals using all of the features of the lights to their full potential, showcasing all of their capabilities.
The BeamZ light show included the following lights:
- 12x BeamZ Pro IGNITE400 Professional Moving Head Light - 400W 3-in-1
- 6x BeamZ Pro IGNITE300LED Moving Head Light BSW
- 8x BeamZ IGNITE740 LED Wash Moving Head
- 12x BeamZ Pro MHL1940 LED Moving Head Wash Light with Motorized Zoom
- 14x BeamZ Pro NEREID120 Outdoor Moving Head Beam Light
- 6x 2x BeamZ Pro NEREID120 Outdoor Moving Head Beam Light & Flight Case
- 4x BeamZ NUKE2 Motorized LED Strobe & Beam Waterproof Wash Light
- 20x BeamZ Pro NEUTRON-DOT Linkable Hybrid LED Light - 60W
- 25x BeamZ RB90 Deco Retro Stage Blinder with 5-Pin DMX
- 24x BeamZ LCB300 LED Light Bar with 36x 3W RGBW LEDs
There were two light shows set to music, and they really used the opportunity to show off the lights, it was fantastic. See below a video of the show, filmed in Frankfurt but identical to the one we saw.
2. BeamZ Phoenix 3000 Laser
On display was a brand new range, the BeamZ Phoenix line of lasers. People want good quality lasers for an affordable price, and BeamZ have created it.
Whilst chatting on the stand, we particularly looked at the feature of the Phoenix 3000 Analogue Laser System is quite an impressive piece of kit, designed for those seeking serious visual impact in lighting displays. From a technical standpoint, it's equipped with a high-power 3W RGB full-colour laser that utilises analogue modulation. This modulation allows for more precise control over the colour mixing, which essentially means the system can achieve a broader spectrum of colours than standard digital systems. With a high-speed optical scanner system operating at 25kpps (kilo points per second) at 8°, it delivers smooth, fluid patterns and beam shapes that can maintain their clarity and precision even across wider projection fields. This makes it suitable not only for nightclubs and concerts but also for any event demanding a high level of visual flair.
The Phoenix 3000 stands out for its range of features that enhance user control and customisation. It includes ILDA (International Laser Display Association) connectivity, providing compatibility with various laser software systems for advanced control and programming. Additionally, its inclusion of DMX512 support allows it to be easily integrated into existing lighting setups, offering both auto and sound-activated modes for reactive light shows that sync with music or pre-programmed patterns. The laser system boasts a total of 32 pre-set patterns, which range from dynamic geometric shapes to complex animations, so users have plenty of creative options straight out of the box. The cooling system also merits mention, with built-in cooling fans ensuring that the laser maintains optimal performance without overheating during extended use.
The build quality and practical design of the Phoenix 3000 also play a significant role in its overall appeal. Constructed to withstand the demands of touring and live events, its durable housing makes it well-suited for both permanent installations and mobile setups. Moreover, the inclusion of key safety features, such as a remote control interlock and emergency stop, ensures that operators can manage the device responsibly. The device operates within Class 4 laser safety guidelines, so users should be aware of the precautions necessary when handling high-powered laser systems. With its robust features and technical prowess, the Phoenix 3000 is clearly engineered for professionals seeking a powerful and flexible laser system that can elevate any visual production.
1. Seeing Customers In Person
Yes, it sounds cheesy, but for us the highlight of visiting the PLASA 2024 show was the fact that we got to see suppliers and customers in person and have a chat. These events are always a great way to network and have a chat, and it’s these interactions that are valuable. They help us to decide on the products we need to list on ElectroMarket, understand the needs of our customers and to get a feel for any new directions in which the industry is shifting.
Want to find out more about our trip to PLASA 2024? Take a look at our videos from this event!
