Board Upgrade Part 2

[Stoldal]

The admin at the school i am helping at does Not want to get a ION, but they are going to get a different board then the innovator 600. They still want to go with a levitron board, I don't know why tho. The board they are thinking of getting is the 8700 Series. I am hoping for the 8700 GX.

Has any one used this board?

any comments about this board?

Thanks!!

MAtt S

[gafftaper]

That makes no sense... is it because they have to stay with Leviton to avoid bid change order markups? Do they understand they are getting a second class brand of console?

[Stoldal]

I do not know, i just send a email asking them about it. From the specs on the web site is look like it is going to be a better board then the innovator.

[TimMiller]

Talk to them about students learning an industry standard console, even if its just an express. Leviton definately isnt anywhere in the professional relm. And I have had to explain to schools even though they have leviton dimmers they do not need leviton consoles, same with schools that have strand dimmers do not need strand consoles. I'd tell the admin, its the same as the school teaching their students how to use windows 3.1 rather than something newer.

[Stoldal]

How different are the prices for the 8700 Series GX from NSI, and ETC ION?

I still have not found out why they are staying with NSI, but i think now that are more open to changing to board. I think it may have some thing to do with the theatre being delayed by 2 months, just a thought.

[meatpopsicle]

While I can't speak specifically to price point I do want to chime in here that the choice of an industry standard board, be it an Express of some flavor or the ION, cannot be understated. Buying a Levitton board will be huge disservice to those that will learn in this enviroment. There really is no comparison in my eyes. One (the ETC) will provide a skill set that will be with them for years; the other will be a set that they will likely have to forget when the get to professional equipment. Not to mention the service support that ETC will provide as opposed to Levitton.

Lord save me from those administrative types pinching pennies and reading sales literature as gospel.

[Footer]

Originally Posted by meatpopsicle

While I can't speak specifically to price point I do want to chime in here that the choice of an industry standard board, be it an Express of some flavor or the ION, cannot be understated. Buying a Levitton board will be huge disservice to those that will learn in this enviroment. There really is no comparison in my eyes. One (the ETC) will provide a skill set that will be with them for years; the other will be a set that they will likely have to forget when the get to professional equipment. Not to mention the service support that ETC will provide as opposed to Levitton.
Lord save me from those administrative types pinching pennies and reading sales literature as gospel.

Strand Palletes as well, ETC is not the only one out there. Or you could always go the hog PC route.

[Stoldal]

Originally Posted by Footer4321

Strand Palletes as well, ETC is not the only one out there. Or you could always go the hog PC route.

That is very true. Strand is my native language, strand is what i first learned

[DarSax]

Strand wouldn't at all be a bad option, it's still fairly common, and who knows about the ION / Pallette wars. It's a very legitimate option, especially if you're a Strand man. (Though some users here might disagree).

I wouldn't say a hog PC route necessarily, though I actually don't know of very many (at least nearly) professional grade PC options for specfically theater boards. Which isn't that surprising, because you usually want the hardware especially for theater stuff.

[Stoldal]

the admins are asking for a rough price of what the 8700 series costs, the ION, and a strand Palette. Any help, plz, and thank you