ORLANDO — ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.) announced its entry into a new product market: rigging, with a new line of motorized hoists and hoist-control systems for theatrical and architectural use. The product line is called ETC Rigging. The first products in the line, introduced at LDI, include fixed-speed ETC Prodigy hoist systems and ETC QuickTouch controls. ETC has also launched a Web site dedicated to information about the rigging products at www.etcrigging.com.
“We have developed this new range of rigging systems with the same spirit of pioneering technological innovation that brought the industry our Source Four spotlights,” said Fred Foster, ETC CEO. “Our ETC Rigging systems literally and figuratively raise the bar — engineered to set new standards for safety and smart design, while being affordable.”
The decision to move into rigging was based upon “significant opportunities for improvement,” said Bill Gallinghouse, ETC vice president of business development. The ETC products, he noted, include features such as slack-line detection, status feedback, load cells, and absolute position encoders, as standard — not options.
“We have rethought the fundamentals so that more kinds of venues have access to cutting-edge automated rigging,” said Gallinghouse. “The range of applications for this first series of ETC Rigging will go from grade schools to high schools, colleges and universities, to houses of worship, community theaters and TV.”
ETC Rigging cited a smaller powerhead, a new cable management system and compression tube backbone as technological advances with its products. Other selling points include the ability of Prodigy hoists to retract into 30 inches of plenum space, fitting into low-ceilinged venues while preserving sightlines and aesthetics.
ETC also cited instances where its products could expand the market, and not just compete for existing market share. Venues whose architecture could not support other hoist systems, for example, can now access motorized rigging, because ETC compression-tube technology imposes no additional lateral-load stress on buildings. And new buildings with limited budgets might choose affordable ETC Rigging instead of having to specify catwalks or other structures to gain access to their truss and stage equipment.
The move into rigging also gives ETC an opportunity to build on its lighting control technology with controls for hoist automation. The ETC QuickTouch series was designed to be powerful and scalable, yet easy to operate.
“ETC is partnering with the most experienced and qualified rigging installers and supporting them with our unmatched project management, customer and technical service, and manufacturing to provide complete, safe and economical rigging solutions,” Gallinghouse added. The company has already taken orders for ETC Rigging Systems and plans to begin shipping the products in January.
For more information, please visit www.etcrigging.com.
