CHAUVET DMX D-Fi 2.0: Go wireless

The CHAUVET DMX D-Fi 2.0 upgrades the wireless DMX technology that has been in use for just over a year. By utilizing two DMX D-Fi units, programmers can eliminate long cable runs over distances as far as 120 meters.Version 2.0 of the D-Fi features more assignable frequencies, allowing users to run up to 6 separate universes inside one venue, and allowing for additional options when experiencing difficulties in transmission due to signal interference. Multiple units can also be assigned to a single frequency in order to split a signal or cross a vast expanse that would otherwise require long cable runs.

The D-Fi features LED indicators for operating mode (transmitter or receiver), frequency, and DMX signal transmission, key-hole slots for discrete wall mounting, and frequency indicator lights.

 

X-Laser: Do It With The Lights On

X-Laser USA announced their new “X-Laser: Do It With The Lights On” video contest. They want to show X-Laser products being used at real events in real venues by really excited X-Laser users. So we have created a new video contest with a HUGE prize.

Send X-Laser USA your event videos of your X-Laser Next Generation Aerial Laser Display System to enter the contest and be eligible for the biggest prize we have ever (or probably will ever) offer. What’s the prize? Glad you asked!

X-Laser has custom built an over-clocked version of their X250G Dual Blaze laser system with TWO 100mW green lasers. That over 200mW of blazing aerial laser power and it will be given to one lucky X-Laser user just for showing us how they use their X-Laser. This wicked over-clocked X250G would normally sell for over $2,000.00 but it can be yours for FREE just for entering the contest. Second and third place prizes will be awarded with second place recieving a new X225G Dual Flare and third place receiving a $100.00 rebate on a new X-Laser system.

How To Enter:

Send X-Laser a video or videos burned onto a DVD or CDR (if you have the space) showing you using your X-Laser systems at a party or special event. Entries will be judged on the following criteria: creativity, party atmosphere, user testimonials, incorporation of X-Laser products in your lighting rig, video quality, and diversity of laser effects. Each user may submit up to a maximum of five videos.

Mail your completed entry to PO BOX 353 Laurel, MD 20725 by December 31st 2008. Videos must be no less than 30 seconds in length (longer is preferred). You do not have to make a new purchase to enter this contest, but you do need to be using X-Laser products as part of your lighting rig. See the X-Laser website, http://www.x-laser.com/videocontest.fwx, for complete details, rules, and restrictions. Winners will be announced by February 15th, 2009 via the X-Laser website.

Elation Unveils Event Panel System

Now you can take your LED colors with you. …anywhere you go, whether you’re stepping outdoors, riding in a vehicle or flying into outer space.  Elation Professional’s amazing new Event Panel System is a revolutionary RGB LED color changing panel that comes with its own battery pack, so it can “power on” wherever you take it, even in places where there’s no electricity available

Equipped with 288 high-output 10mm LEDs (48 red, 120 green, 120 blue), the Event Panel System is ideal for adding brilliant colors to special events and banquets, as well as tricky indoor spaces where electrical outlets are scarce, such as hallways, entry ways and moving scenery.  The unique long-life battery-powered panel also provides an easy way to light up trade show exhibits, runways and retail displays, since you don’t have to worry about connecting to a power source for at least 10 hours of full-power continuous use.  Rental companies, too, will benefit from the Event Panel System, since they’ll be able to offer their customers a totally portable, easy-setup RGB color fixture for applications where it previously would have been difficult – or impractical –to use one.

Not only is the Event Panel System a perfect fit for hard-to-light spaces, it’s also got an array of features that will fit a variety of needs.  It includes 14 built-in programs, a variable strobe effect (1-18 flashes per second) 0-100% dimming, and seamless RGB variable fade rate color mixing.  Featuring flicker-free operation, it’s also ideal for illuminating video and film production sets.

The panel can be controlled remotely from up to 30’ away, using Elation’s ELAR WR Wireless Infrared Controller, which comes included with the Event Panel System.  The ELAR WR Remote gives operators control over the built-in programs, strobing, blackout and RGB mixing, and the IR receiver on the panel itself can be placed by the user into the proper position manually.

As another option, the Event Panel System can be operated with a standard DMX-512 controller, giving users flexibility to create their own programs and conjure up an infinite palette of colors.  The panel can be operated in 2, 3, 4, 7, 14 or 26 DMX channel modes to meet varying user needs. The versatile panel can also be run as a stand-alone unit without a controller in four different modes: Auto Run, which automatically chases through the 14 built-in programs; Programs Mode, which lets you select a program and adjust its different features such as speed and fade time; Sound Active Mode, which chases through the built-in programs to the beat of the music; and Master-Slave, which allows multiple units to be linked and synched together via built-in XLR connectors.

Featuring a 40° beam angle, the Event Panel System has an impressive output distance of 65-85 feet (20-25 meters).  The compact color panel sits on top of a base, which holds its rechargeable battery, and attaches easily via two quarter turn locks. A12V power supply to recharge the battery is included with the system. 

In addition to operating via battery power, the Event Panel System can be connected to an electrical source with an AC cable from 100-240v and can be used independently without the base.  Featuring the energy efficiency of LED lighting, it draws only 36 watts of power.  Another advantage of its LED lamps is their long life – rated at 100,000 hours.

For a fixture with its features and brightness, the Event Panel System is remarkably compact and lightweight, making it easy to use on the go.  The color panel itself weighs only 7.7 lbs and measures 16.7″ L x 10.3″ W x 3.2″ H.  The battery pack base weighs 19.5 lbs. and measures 11.7″ L x 11.6″ W x 4.6″ H.

“The Event Panel System makes RGB LED lighting totally portable,” said Eric Loader, director of sales for Elation Professional. “This battery-powered, go-anywhere system will make it possible to have ultra-bright color mix effects in a whole range of new applications where electricity isn’t readily available.”

Rated at IP20, the Event Panel System is not intended for permanent outdoor installation, extended outdoor use, or operation in rain or inclement weather.

The MSRP of the Event Panel System, including the Panel, Battery Base, and ELAR WR Wireless Infrared Remote Controller, is $1,099.95.

LEDs in Heads! American DJ Adds LED Moving Heads to Accu Series

LOS ANGELES - The LED revolution has come to American DJ’s Accu Series! Two exciting new LED-powered moving heads have been added to this popular, top-of-the-line series of professional club effects: the Accu Spot 250 Hybrid and the Accu LED MH.

True to its name, the Accu Spot 250 Hybrid is based on ADJ’s top-selling Accu Spot 250 DMX moving head, combining the popular fixture’s conventional 250W discharge lamp with 9 1-watt LEDs (3 red, 3 green, 3 blue) - for a totally unique, must-be-seen-to-be-believed fusion effect! The Accu LED MH is an all-new unit that marries ADJ’s advanced high-quality stepper-motor moving-yoke technology with the brightness, sharpness and operational advantages of LEDs, along with other innovative new features like an editing program that allows you to edit and save scenes in the unit’s memory from its control panel.

“American DJ is incorporating LED technology into our Accu Series in innovative ways to bring customers some truly groundbreaking effects,” said Scott Davies, General Manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. “We have added LED lamps to the Accu Spot 250, to create our first hybrid discharge/LED moving head, thereby bringing the ‘best of both worlds’ to our customers.

“With the Accu LED MH,” added Davies, “we have developed an LED moving head that rivals conventional 250W discharge moving head fixtures in output and performance, but draws much less power, has a 100,000-hour lamp life - and offers some extra user bonuses like a built-in editing feature. We are truly thrilled to add these two new LED fixtures to our very popular and successful Accu Series.”

Here’s a closer look at the new Accu Series moving head LED effects:

Accu Spot 250 Hybrid - The original Accu Spot 250 has been one of the mainstays of the Accu Series - and now it’s more exceptional than ever, thanks to the fusion of 9 1-watt LEDs with its 250W discharge lamp. Imagine the Accu Spot 250’s colorful rotating gobos encircled by sharp moving red, green and blue LED beams - for two eye-popping effects in one! Users have 0-100% dimming control over both the discharge lamp and LEDs.

Equipped with 12 DMX channels, the Accu Spot 250 Hybrid features independent gobo and color wheels, with a total of 7 replaceable rotating gobos plus spot (2 dichroic glass gobos) and 9 colors plus white. A Gobo Shake effect, Rainbow Color Scroll effect, Pulse effect and Color Strobing provide plenty of tools for visual excitement. In addition to being operated with a DMX controller, the Accu Spot 250 Hybrid can be run in Sound Active mode to built-in programs for both its discharge and LED lamps. Other features on the Accu Spot 250 Hybrid include: RDMX Remote DMX Addressing, Auto X-Y Repositioning; 360° pan/ 265° tilt; and a 4-button menu system for easy navigation. It has a beam angle of 15°, with optional 18° beam angle available (sold separately).

The Accu Spot 250 Hybrid measures 13.5″L x 14″W x 19.5″H and weighs 39 lbs. The MSRP of the Accu Spot 250 Hybrid is $1,399.95.

Accu LED MH - The 9-DMX channel Accu LED MH is a high-powered moving head with 69 sharp red, green and blue LED beams that produce an output similar to a 250W halogen lamp, at just a fraction of the power consumption — only 30W! Other advantages of its LED technology include an extremely long lamp life rated at 100,000 hours, along with cool operation that helps keep the temperature comfortable and eliminates duty cycles. The Accu LED MH can be turned on at the beginning of the evening and still be lighting the dance floor at last call!

The Accu LED MH includes Pulse and Strobe effects, as well as built-in LED programs for use in Sound Active Mode. One convenient new feature is an editing program that allows you to write lighting scenes directly into the fixture’s built-in memory using the control panel or an external DMX controller. You can easily edit individual scenes from the control board, too, and save them in the unit’s memory.

Other features of the Accu LED MH include: Auto X-Y Repositioning; 360° pan/ 265° tilt; 4-button menu system for easy navigation, and 27.5° beam angle.

The Accu LED MH measures 17″L x 23″W x 19.5″H and weighs 22 lbs. The MSRP of the Accu LED MH is $999.95.

LED It Sparkle: American DJ’s New Sparkle LED

There’s great news for everyone who loved the original Sparkle effect from American DJ. The company has transformed this classic DJ favorite, a multi-beam all-white moonflower, into a high-tech LED fixture. The new and improved Sparkle LED 3W is powered by one super bright 3-watt LED, giving it more “sparkle” than ever before!

Featuring high output and new lens technology, the Sparkle LED 3W creates multiple white moonflower beams that are razor-sharp when projected onto walls and dance floors. Its wide beam spread covers a large area, so users get plenty of effect for their money. Like its popular predecessor, the Sparkle LED 3W can be operated in 2 different modes — continuous rotation and static — which are controllable via an easy-access effects switch. Whether spinning or stationary, the resulting clusters of glittering white beams have a classy look that’s great for weddings and other DJ gigs that call for a familiar, timeless and all-around pleasant effect.

“The time-tested Sparkle effect has always enjoyed a big following among DJs and clubs,” said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. “With the introduction of our new upgraded LED version, we expect to generate a lot of excitement in the marketplace. End-users will love how the Sparkle LED 3W brings a classic working DJ’s lighting effect into the high-tech world of LEDs — at an incredibly affordable price!”

For an MSRP of under $120, DJs not only get a Sparkle on steroids, they’ll also enjoy the many energy-saving and operational benefits of LED technology. The Sparkle LED 3W shines with the same intense brightness as a 250-watt traditional halogen lamp, yet it draws only 10 watts. Such a low power-consumption means that DJs will be able to connect more units together on a single power circuit at the gig — and clubs will save on their energy bills. And since LEDs generate no heat, the Sparkle LED 3W can run cool all night without any need for duty cycles. Its long-life LED lamp is good for about 100,000 hours of moonflower power, so you’ll probably never need to purchase or install a replacement.

Along with its LED makeover, the Sparkle LED 3W has been given an all-new futuristic-looking case design, so it looks as high-tech on the outside as it performs.  It comes with a sturdy hanging bracket for easy and secure mounting.  The unit measures 7.5” x 6” x 5.25” (191 x 150 x 132mm) and weighs only 5 lbs. (2 kgs). The MSRP of the Sparkle LED 3W is $119.95.

CHAUVET élan wins 2008 Club World Award for Best Effect

The CHAUVET élan received the Club World Award for Best Effect at a ceremony held at Set nightclub in Miami, Florida March 26th, 2008. Each March the Club World awards honor the clubbing world’s best from the previous year. Editorial staffers of Club World magazine select nominees from an online submission pool and a panel of industry experts votes for the winners.”This means a lot to our entire team at CHAUVET, not only in terms of recognizing the performance and value present in the élan, but also validating the innovative design of the unit,” said Product Manager Barry Abrams who, along with National Sales Manager Bob Laino, accepted the award at the ceremony.
 
With 224 LEDs (in red, green, and blue) working together to produce a beam angle of over 70 degrees, the élan creates rotating and crisscrossing beams that produce mid-air beam effects and wall projections. The fixture can be controlled through sound-activation, dipswitches located on the rear of the unit, or through 4-channels of DMX.
 
Two other CHAUVET LED fixtures, the COLORado 3 washlight and the MiN Spot were also nominated for an award this year in the respective categories of Best Lighting Product and Best LED Product. 
 
“The lighting community is transitioning to solid-state lighting products, and we at CHAUVET are proud to offer products like the élan,” said CEO Albert Chauvet, adding that the company’s LED products, “serve as examples of where the technology is at now, and as catalysts for future development.”

Martin: Magnum 850 Completes Line of Foggers

Martin’s Magnum line of fog effects is now complete with the introduction of the mid-range Magnum 850.

This replacement for Martin’s popular Magnum 800 fogger, upgraded with new electronics and a new design to match the rest of the Magnum family, is Martin’s latest fog solution for small clubs, mobile DJs, bars, bands or any venue where a mid-air projection canopy or atmosphere enhancing effect is needed.

The compact Magnum 850 uses a 750 W heat exchanger together with a high quality piston pump to effortlessly punch out a full 200 m3/min of dense fog. Built rugged yet lightweight and conveniently portable, the Magnum 850 offers substantial cost and maintenance benefits over a long operational life.

The Magnum 850 heats up fast and is continuously operational for a trouble free ‘set it and forget it’ effect with a variety of fluid options available for different applications. The delivery of a continuous and even level of fog and the incorporation of soft-start electronics means that the Magnum 850 operates at a very low noise level. Together with the same machine-saving overheat protection as Martin’s larger machines, the economically-priced Magnum 850 will provide years of maintenance-free operation. Supplied with a hand-held remote control, an optional timer remote is also available.

“This new series of Magnum fog machines has been created with the ambition to capture new technology and solid performance in a new design,” states Martin Smoke Division Product Manager Ulrich Borup Hansen. “To get to this innovative and groundbreaking design we thought outside the black conventional fog machine box. It was important for us to create a fog machine that clearly stands out both design and performance-wise. Furthermore, the extraordinary breadth of the product line allows our customers to choose the exact model to fit their specific need. From the smallest Magnum 650 to the big DMX-controlled Magnum 1800, the Magnums are the natural choice before moving on to our Jem product line.”

Get Out of My Dreams, Get (MiN)to My Rig

It was with tongue firmly planted in cheek that I wrote that title, but there is nothing to joke about with the new MiN LED series from Chauvet Lighting, introduced late last year. They mean serious business, even with their miniature size. I had heard that the MiN series was getting rave reviews as extremely solid lights, but I had to see for myself, firsthand. After using them I found that, in fact, the Billy Ocean hit and the new Chauvet series have a few things in common-they both are fun, bright, and colorful!Performance
On my recent jaunt with the fixtures, they performed remarkably. Not only were they powerful enough for a school dance mounted on a truss system, they were also eloquent enough for a formal corporate event when configured in a speaker-top arrangement.

With the MiN lights, Chauvet is offering two distinct compact versions of LED yoke-style heads. For the gobo driven crowd, the MiNSpot offers 9 different gobo designs plus open. As of this writing, as far as I’m aware, this is the first LED spot to feature gobos. The MinWash offers a superbly bright palette for LED color mixing-perfect for accent lighting in a tight space, such as for corner-washing.

Also, the MiN series features great controllability. With DMX capabilities including optional 5 channel or 13 channel modes, both the MinSpot and MinWash are very flexible fixtures. Adding to the arsenal for both lamps is strobe mode, which makes one light seem like three. For the not-so-DMX inclined, an optional “easy controller” is available, along with built-in automatic standalone mode, which is accessible via LED control panels located on the base of the fixture.

Pint-Size
In this age when smaller is considered better for everything, not just DJ gear, the MiN lights are pushing the diminutive envelope. Both fixtures measure 6.8 inches in length/width and stand at an equally impressive 9.8 inches. With added weight specs of a feather-light 8.3 lbs, quality compact LED fixtures are in reach without even breaking a sweat. For even the most formal events, the MiN series fixtures will blend into their surroundings, giving you much needed workspace and less clutter. At my corporate event for an engineering firm, the clients, who know a good design when they see one, were blown away by the compact configuration and light weight of the pieces.

Ease of Use
Not only was the reaction of my engineering clients surprising, equally nice was my setup with each MiN light. The hanging bracket easily attaches to the base of the fixtures and makes for an easy time raising and hanging. One thing I have noticed, though, is that there seem to be only a few good places to carry the lights, which is bound to happen with the compact dimensions involved.

The LED control interface on the base of the lamp was easy to use and straightforward, including slow and fast pans and options for making your beams stationary.

Road Test
When the package arrived at HQ, I was able to take the fixtures on the road right away, with the shipping box weighing less than 20 lbs. and not taking up much space. At the events both MiNs functioned as my primary effects with great results. The kids loved them, the adults loved them, and the big kid in me wasn’t bored with them due to their diverse number of built-in chase and effects patterns.

The Final Verdict
Chauvet has really put out a great product with the MiNs. They’re LED, lightweight, easy to transport and strong enough to survive my road test in freezing Iowa winter conditions. Along with that, when it comes to show time they perform remarkably with rich bright colors and outstanding functions. This series should be high on every mobile entertainer’s list when it comes to building an LED-based setup. www.chauvetlighting.com

American DJ Revo LED Announced

American DJ’s revolutionary Revo Scan LED and Revo Roll LED scanners have been such a smash hit with DJs and clubs, the company has gone ahead and packaged multiple Revo fixtures into a complete LED light show system with its own controller. The new Revo LED SYS incorporates 2 Revo Scan LEDs, 2 Revo Roll LEDs and an easy-to-use UC3 controller - all at an amazingly affordable MSRP of $1,359.95.

What’s more, this “complete LED show-in-a-box” is extremely lightweight and easy to set-up. At a mere 30 lbs. for the entire 4-unit system, you don’t have to be a brawny jock to carry it around to gigs. Even the most petite female DJs and young teens will be able to pack up the Revo LED SYS and take it on the road with ease.

“The Revo LED SYS is a tremendous value for DJs who want to make the move to a complete LED light show, and it’s also a very lightweight, easy-to-use setup,” said Scott Davies, General Manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. “The combination of 2 Revo Scan LED fixtures and 2 Revo Roll LED fixtures with the UC3 controller provides a turnkey LED light show package that is extremely mobile and affordable. Everything you need is packaged into one complete system that travels very light.”

With their advanced LED technology, the Revo scanners produce moonflower effects unlike any others available today. The Revo Scan LED features a flat-mirrored scanner, while the Revo Roll LED has a barrel mirror that produces more roundish or tunnel-shaped beams. Both effects have a bright output equivalent to a 250W halogen light, based on side-by-side comparison, while drawing only 12W of power.

The Revo Scan LED and Revo Roll LED each combine a total of 52 LEDs: 16 red, 12 green, 12 blue, 12 white. American DJ’s innovative use of white LEDs gives the beams a stunning rainbow-like appearance with incredibly rich and bright colors. These highly successful scanners also feature the extra excitement of X-Y mirror movement, so their beams can sweep across an entire room or dance floor rather than being limited to certain designated areas of a venue -providing extremely wide area coverage.

The UC3 controller can be used to select patterns and chases on the Revo scanners. Because LED lamps can be turned off and on individually, the scanners’ built-in programs are capable of creating a variety of breathtaking chases and patterns - much more exciting visual effects than can be produced by traditional halogen moonflowers. Blackout and strobing are also controllable from the UC3.

The Revo Scan LED and Revo Roll LED outshine halogen moonflowers by a long shot. The effects look awesome with or without fog, so the system is great for weddings and other events where the use of fog machines is discouraged. An advanced new lens technology enhances the LEDs’ visual intensity, sharpening the beams.

The versatile Revo Scan LED and Revo Roll LED can be operated in 4 modes: DMX (to control mirror movement, patterns/chases and strobing), Sound Active (to built-in programs), Master-Slave (linkable via XLR connections) or with the UC3 controller (via 1/4″ input).

The system’s LED technology provides benefits that go beyond visual excitement. With a long LED lamp life rated at 100,000 hours, DJs and clubs can say goodbye to the expense and hassle of bulb replacement. Additionally, thanks to LEDs’ low power draw, users will save energy costs and will be able to hook up more units on a single circuit. Also, because LED lamps don’t give off as much heat as halogen, they keep a cooler temperature on the dance floor and can run all night without duty cycles.

“Mobile DJs won’t ever have to wait for the Revo fixtures to cool down,” Davies noted. “So they can pack up the entire Revo LED SYS right away at the end of the gig.”

Both the Revo Scan LED and Revo Roll LED feature a manual focusing lens and a 21° beam angle, and come with a hanging bracket. Each unit measures 17″ x 6″ x 6″ and weighs 7 lbs. The complete Revo LED SYS (with UC3 controller) weighs only 30 lbs., making it ideal for DJs on the go.

American DJ Modernizes The Mirror Ball

The mirrorball is a classic club effect from the ’70s that refuses to fade away - and now it’s brighter than ever! American DJ has put a 21st-century spin on this perennially popular disco light with its new Starball/Sunray LED Series. The Starball/Sunray LEDs are rotating spherical effects that shoot beams around a room like mirrorballs, but they’re powered by cutting-edge LEDs instead of traditional halogen lamps.

There are 4 models in the new Starball/Sunray LED Series:
Starball LED, produces all-white beams
Sunray LED, produces multi-color beams
Starball LED DMX, DMX-compatible with all-white beams
Sunray LED DMX, DMX-compatible with multi-color beams

Great for use as centerpieces, all of the Starball/Sunray LEDs throw out 34 crisp, bright beams, which slowly rotate around the walls, ceilings and floors, giving wide coverage to a room or dance area. The Starball LED and Starball LED DMX produce brilliant white beams, while the Sunray LED and Sunray LED DMX feature beams in 5 eye-popping colors: green, purple, blue, yellow and orange.

All of the unit’s beams radiate from one powerful 3-watt LED light source. Juiced up by this brawny LED lamp, the beam are so ultra-bright, clear and sharp that they don’t require the use of fog.

“The Starball/Sunray LEDs are like a mirrorball pumped up on steroids,” said Scott Davies, General Manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. “Being powered by LEDs, their beams have such a high output and crispness that you don’t need fog to have them pop out at you. This makes them ideal centerpieces for weddings and other functions where you wouldn’t want a smoky room.”

Clubs and DJs will also appreciate the many other benefits that LED technology brings, such as low heat production. This keeps things cooler on the dance floor, and also lets you run the Starball/Sunray LEDs all night long without duty cycles, for a high-energy light show that never quits. Plus, when it’s time for mobile entertainers to pack up, there’s no waiting period for the units to cool down.

Another advantage is the long life of the units’ LEDs, which are rated at 50,000 hours. This virtually eliminates the hassle and expense of lamp replacement. What’s more, since LEDs consume much less electricity than halogen lamps of equivalent output, users can hook up more units on a single circuit and also save big on energy costs. The Starball LED and Sunray LED draw only 17W of power apiece, while the Starball LED DMX and Sunray LED DMX consume a stingy 10W each.

Extremely simple to use, the Starball/Sunray LEDs can be run as standalone effects right out of the box - just plug them in and watch them to rotate. They can also be operated with American DJ’s optional UC3 universal controller (sold separately).

The two DMX-compatible versions (Starball LED DMX and Sunray LED DMX) can also be operated with a standard DMX-512 controller. Each is equipped with 2 DMX channels, one for controlling strobing and dimming, and the other for controlling rotation speed and direction. Additionally, the Starball LED DMX and Sunray LED DMX can be run in sound-active mode with 8 built-in programs.

Super-compact and lightweight, the Starball/Sunray LEDs are ideal for mobile applications. Each effect weighs just 4 lbs. and measures 8.25″L x 8.25″W x 7″H.

The MSRP of the Starball LED is $139.95. The MSRP of the Starball LED DMX is $209.95. The MSRP of the Sunray LED is $139.95. The MSRP of the Sunray LED DMX is $209.95.

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