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| High End Systems | |
|---|---|
| Name | High End Systems |
| Type | Private |
| Industry | Entertainment lighting |
| Founded | 1980s |
| Founder | Larry Schoentrup |
| Headquarters | Austin, Texas |
| Key people | Tim Brooks, John Huntington |
| Products | Moving lights, lighting consoles, media servers |
| Parent | Ayrton? |
High End Systems is an American company specializing in professional stage lighting and visual systems for live events, touring productions, television studios, and themed entertainment. Founded in the 1980s, the firm developed pioneering moving head luminaires, digital lighting controllers, and integrated media servers that influenced lighting design across rock tours, theater, and broadcast. Its products and collaborations have intersected with major performers, production companies, venue operators, and technology manufacturers worldwide.
High End Systems traces its origins to the early 1980s era of concert touring and nightclub production when entrepreneurs and technicians sought automated lighting solutions for acts such as U2, Madonna (entertainer), Prince (musician), Bruce Springsteen, and The Rolling Stones. The company grew alongside manufacturers like ETC (company), Martin Professional, Vari-Lite, Robe (company), and brands such as Clay Paky and Philips Lighting (now Signify (company)), contributing to the rise of computerized lighting control exemplified by consoles used on tours by Pink Floyd and theatres such as Sydney Opera House. High End Systems’ trajectory intersected with industry events like the Prolight + Sound fairs, trade shows including NAMM Show and LDI (Live Design International), and collaborations with rental houses such as PRG (Production Resource Group) and Tait (company).
Founders and engineers from studios and firms involved in the development had backgrounds connected to companies like Graham Engineering, Avolites, and academic programs at institutions such as University of Texas at Austin, reflecting Austin’s growing technology cluster alongside companies like Dell Technologies, Whole Foods Market, and cultural venues like Austin City Limits. Over time High End Systems navigated ownership changes and strategic partnerships, interacting with corporate entities such as Harman International Industries, Renkus-Heinz, and private equity groups in the live events sector.
The company is known for moving head fixtures, video integration hardware, and lighting control consoles competing with products from GrandMA (MA Lighting), MA Lighting, ETC Eos, and Avolites Titan. Their product lines have incorporated technologies from suppliers like Osram, Philips (company), Texas Instruments (for DLP chips), and digital signal providers such as Analog Devices and Texas Instruments Incorporated. Media servers and pixel-mapping solutions have placed them alongside firms like Disguise (formerly d3 Technologies), Green Hippo, Barco, and Hippotizer.
Key innovations included automated pan-and-tilt mechanisms similar to developments at Robe Lighting and optical systems referencing work by HMI (Hydrargyrum medium-arc iodide) lamp manufacturers. Control protocols supported standards like DMX512, Art-Net, and sACN (streaming ACN), aligning with control ecosystems used by venues such as Madison Square Garden, Wembley Stadium, and broadcasters including BBC and NBCUniversal. Integration with stage automation systems paralleled technologies from Stage Technologies (manufacturer), Molinari (company)? and theatrical integrators who have served productions at Broadway houses including The Gershwin Theatre.
Products have been deployed on international concert tours for artists such as Coldplay, Beyoncé, Radiohead, Metallica, and Kiss (band), in television productions like Saturday Night Live, award shows including the Grammy Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards, and in themed installations at attractions like Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and cruise lines operated by Carnival Corporation & plc. Corporate events for clients such as Apple Inc., Microsoft, Google, and Amazon (company) have used their lighting for product launches and keynote addresses. Markets include rental and production companies like Tait, PRG, Stageco, and touring production firms affiliated with promoters such as Live Nation and AEG Presents.
Their systems also addressed fixed-install markets in theaters managed by organizations like Nederlander Organization, performing arts centers such as Lincoln Center, and houses of worship and broadcast facilities including studios operated by Fox Broadcasting Company and CBS. Global distribution channels involved dealers and integrators in regions served by companies such as Stage Sound and Lighting (Australia), TMB (UK), and major rental firms in Europe and Asia.
Over its history the company’s ownership and corporate structure evolved through private ownership, acquisitions, and partnerships with larger conglomerates in the professional audio-visual sector. Comparable industry consolidations involved transactions like Shure Incorporated acquisitions, mergers in the theatrical tech market such as Barco’s deals, and equity investments tracked in trade outlets like Billboard and Variety (magazine). Corporate governance practices reflected engagement with standards organizations including PLASA and interoperability initiatives with bodies like USITT and the AES (Audio Engineering Society).
Leadership teams drew executives from firms such as Harman International, ETC, and Martin Professional, and collaborated with venture partners and suppliers across supply chains operating in regions including Greater China, Taiwan, Germany, and Israel where optical and electronics specialists maintain operations for companies like Osram Opto Semiconductors and Luminus Devices.
High profile collaborations connected the company with production designers and creative directors such as Jeff Koons (for art installations), lighting designers like Patrick Woodroffe, Rick Fisher, Adam Bassett, Marc Brickman, and theatrical designers who have worked on productions staged at venues including Royal Albert Hall and Madison Square Garden. Touring collaborations included technical packages for companies like C3 Presents and production services by Solotech and PRG on stadium tours for U2 and The Rolling Stones.
Broadcast projects involved partnerships with television networks such as BBC Television, NBC, and event producers for ceremonies like the Academy Awards and Super Bowl halftime shows produced by firms like SMG (company) and creative agencies such as Waddell & Associates?.
The company’s products and designers have been recognized in trade awards and industry lists including accolades from LDI (Live Design International) Innovations, PLASA Awards, Parnelli Awards, and mentions in publications like Lighting&Sound America, Live Design and Projection, Lights & Staging News (PLSN). Engineers and designers affiliated with High End Systems have won individual honors such as Tony Awards (technical categories), and their equipment has been specified in award-winning productions at events including the Grammy Awards and Tony Awards ceremonies.
Category:Entertainment technology companies