German Light Products JDC2 IP, What You Need To Know

GLP JDC2 IP

German Light Products has unveiled the JDC2 IP, a new and improved version of their widely used JDC1. The JDC1 is the go-to workhorse strobe and wash hybrid fixture across concerts and live events across the globe.

The JDC2 IP, a long-awaited revamp, includes a bigger and brighter face, sophisticated integrated graphics & effects, and an IP-65 rating.

Overview: A Bigger, Brighter, & Familiar Face

The JDC2 IP retains the beloved features of its predecessor but with some fresh revamps. The LEDs inside the iconic strobe have been upgraded, and the surrounding plates are bigger and brighter. The JDC2 IP is, obviously, IP65-rated and durable. It weighs 51 lbs, so it's heavy - but it will still technically attach to a Claypaky Panify. 🤣

What is most impressive about this new drop is under the hood. A revamped firmware features a library of over 100 digital animations (called DigiFX) you can manipulate and modify, the ability to capture and display up to 4 NDI streams, an internal color effects engine, and advanced networking capabilities highlight the new muscle the JDC2 IP has to flex. But that's just the beginning- here is everything we know so far about the GLP JDC2 IP. 

GLP JDC2 IP LED Specs

The JDC2 IP clocks in at around 25% brighter than the JDC1. This increased brightness is powered by brighter strobe LEDs and larger faceplates. Over 1,700 pixels combine for the most sophisticated strobe/wash on the market and the ability to program down to the pixel (literally). 

• LED Strobe Tube: The central strobe tube, a defining feature of the JDCx series, is prominently featured in the new JDC2 IP. This updated version of the strobe tube is equipped with 84 high-powered, 10W cold-white LEDs, enhancing its brightness and impact.
  

• RGB LED Plates: Larger plates on either side of the strobe tube create a dominant display surface or a bold source of wash light. A staggering 1,728x RGB LEDs are included for a full array of colors on the face of the GLP JDC2 IP. These pixels are treated with black masking, ensuring a dark front appearance and eliminating reflection from other light sources. 

GLP DigiFX: Designing with Digital Gobos

I know you're probably thinking - how would I ever have the time to program that many pixels to their full extent? And you're right - dialing in those perfect pixel effects is incredibly time-consuming (and requires many, many parameters). For this reason, German Light Products has essentially loaded each fixture with its own graphics engine, loaded with a library of over 100 different clips ready to recall, just like any gobo. You can also adapt and manipulate these clips by adjusting their size, speed, position, orientation, and more. 

German Light Products is calling this DigiFX - and it fits. These "effects" are essentially digital gobos with manipulable elements. It's pretty sick these are ready to use without any extra gear, software or licenses. If you're like us, the next question that pops into your head is, "Can we load custom content via USB?" And for that, GLP already has a solution. 

NDI Video Input: Revolutionary Integration

Streamlining Video with NDI and sACN/Art-Net Compatibility

The JDC2 IP can capture up to 4 NDI streams. NDI (Network Device Interface) is a technology that lets you send and receive video signals over a network signal. You can send live video signals to the JDC2s and turn them on via DMX. Also, both NDI and sACN/Art-Net will be available for casting over the same cable, utilizing two separate IP addresses on the fixture for really slick integration. This efficient integration gives you a really dynamic creative tool without the headache of additional network infrastructure. 

This is huge! Does the client want their logo on the face of the JDC2s? Boom, job done. Does the DJ want an array of JDC2s with their visuals mapped across them? Boom, job done. Need to play a 10-second countdown on your fixtures? Boom, job done!

DMX Control Modes: Advanced and User-Friendly

The GLP JDC2 IP offers versatility with its 6 different control modes. Lower modes will provide more straightforward configurations and allow LDs to get progressively more advanced as their data infrastructures allow. We got a peak at mode 5, which is a 127-channel mode and represents the most extensive control option using only DMX. More advanced modes will span across multiple universes and require networking connectivity. The fixture's most advanced profile is still being developed, so we don't have an exact footprint yet. However, we know it will enable individual control of over 1,700 RGB pixels, so you can get to math-ing. 

GLP JDC2 Power Consumption

The GLP JDC2 IP has a power consumption of 1500 watts, requiring a dedicated 120v circuit for each unit. Although the fixture features a power-thru connector, it's rated for only 1 amp, limiting its use for daisy-chaining. In scenarios where 208v power is used, and you want to connect two units on the same circuit, a twofer cable is necessary instead of the power-thru option for effective power distribution.

Price: Investment for Quality

The GLP JDC2 IP is priced at $9199, a reflection of its advanced technology and strong performance features. This price point is also indicative of the fixture's expected longevity, similar to its predecessor, the JDC1, which continues to be a relevant and effective choice. The ongoing use and reliability of the JDC1 lend credence to the JDC2 IP as a sound investment for long-term use.

Final Thoughts: GLP JDC2 IP

While it shares a similar exterior with the JDC1, the GLP JDC2 IP's internal technology has been substantially upgraded. It features a brighter, more versatile IP-65 design and innovative elements like DigiFX and NDI video integration. These advancements and user-friendly controls position the JDC2 IP as a powerful tool in modern production.