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11 September 2024

UK - Former One Direction star Niall Horan’s The Show: Live on Tour wrapped up its European leg in front of a capacity crowd at The O2 last week.

On the road since February, the Irish singer/songwriter’s third outing as a solo artist is to a music hall design, made arena size by 11 separate screens, 150sq.m of Universal Pixels’ LED, fed by four 35k projectors.

With Universal Pixels (UP) having run tests on a custom Austrian drape to determine its real-world brightness ahead of rehearsals late last year, the theatre curtain at The O2 is splashed with projected cinematic slogans and graphics, Welcome To The Show, Starring Niall Horan. And when it lifts to reveal Horan and a six-piece band playing Nice to Meet Ya, the thrill, the whoops and the songs sung back by fans carry right through the set.

Univers

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11 September 2024

USA - The SC4 Fine Arts Theatre at St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron, Michigan, faced an urgent need for a lighting upgrade due to an outdated system that had been in use for decades. Japheth Boivin, director of integration at Mercury Sound & Lighting, an AV solutions company that had previously installed a video streaming system and digital signage for the theatre, spearheaded the lighting design for the renovation and chose Elation KL and Fuze series luminaires.

“The main impetus for the project was that the previous system was failing on all fronts due to its age and obsolescence,” commented Boivin, who says that the previous mix of conventional PARs and ellipsoidals dated anywhere from the ‘60s to the ‘90s. “They wanted a technology upgrade to something more reliable, more capable, and more versatile.” 

The 300-sea

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11 September 2024

UK - 30 years after Oasis' debut album Definitely Maybe first made waves, Liam Gallagher set out to recreate that magic for a new generation.

To meet the challenge, Skan PA Hire, a Clair Global company, was tasked with crafting a professional sound system capable of unleashing the raw energy and nuances of Gallagher's performances.

"We needed a system with serious muscle, but also finesse," explains Sam Parker, front of house engineer for the tour. "L-Acoustics was the obvious choice to meet those demands."

Rising to the challenge, systems engineer Mark Pantlin designed a comprehensive concert touring system centred around renowned K Series line array speakers from L-Acoustics.

The setup features main hangs of 16 K1 over four K2 per side, complemented by side-hangs of 10 K1 over six K2 per side. Low-end reinforcement is deliv

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11 September 2024

Portugal – Alfalite has announced a major installation at Nestlé Portugal, which has installed an art LED screen from the brand at its Lisbon headquarters. This project marks a milestone in the integration of technology into the corporate spaces of the multinational.

In the Multipurpose Room of Nestlé's offices, a total of 72 Alfalite UHD FinePix AlfaCOB 1.8 panels have been installed, forming an impressive 7.20 x 2m screen. This advanced LED solution offers advanced image quality, providing sharp and precise visualisation, suitable for presentations as well as the projection of informational content during corporate events. The screen integrates seamlessly into the modern design of the facilities, adding significant value to Nestlé’s work environment.

The project was made possible through collaboration with GTC – Sistemas Digitais de Video,

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11 September 2024

Spain - 50 minutes of total immersion – that is the aim of Lumina Catedral de Toledo. Since December 2023, visitors have been able to experience the multimedia production in the Gothic cathedral of Toledo in the centre of Spain. The main components are large-scale project mapping, precise surround sound, and a lighting design that makes the architecture of the cathedral appear even more impressive.

As the technical service provider, Meraki Cultura Audiovisual SL relied on a combination of LD Systems Curv 500 array systems for the sound and Cameo lights from the Zenit, Opus, and Evos series for the lighting of the temporary installation.

“Lumina Catedral de Toledo is a globally unique multimedia and cultural experience,” explains project director Alfonso López Rivera, managing director of Meraki Cultura Audiovisual SL. “The

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11 September 2024

Europe - Sixty82 has announced the launch of the latest in its TPM Series of super-strong box truss, the TPM39 Series.

Sharing all the benefits and features of the TPM29 Series, the new TPM39 is up to 25% stronger – yet fully compatible and interchangeable with – M39 box truss, with all the reliability and versatility the industry expects from Sixty82 products.

The TPM Series is known for its universal features of increased strength, stability and support, giving it the ability to withstand more load without deforming. Designed and manufactured in Holland, the extrusion process ensures a precise and uniform shape that is 100% square with a perfect fit which, combined with stronger alloy truss spigots, are key factors in improved strength and endurance. The extruded end frame also makes the TPM Series bounce- and smash-proof.

Sixty82 has i

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11 September 2024

France - Brompton Technology has announced the appointment of Laurent Theurin as technical sales manager for France. Theurin brings over two decades of experience in the audiovisual industry, with more than 10 years specialising in image processing.

Starting his career in the late 90s, Theurin held various positions, ranging from technical support to software workflow creation and UX design, as well as project management and customer training. His past experience includes working with prestigious companies such as INSEAD, UTRAM, and Barco.

“Image quality, reliability, and innovation are what I love about my job,” says Theurin. “For these reasons, I’m thrilled to join the motivated and professional team at Brompton Technology. I know their LED processors reach all my expectations, and I’m proud to present and support their products for profe

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11 September 2024

Europe - The HOF team has welcomed a new colleague to its sales team and has gained another experienced industry expert in Milan Ostendorf.

Ostendorf is a trained event technician and has 10 years of experience in the industry. He has worked both in technical sales and as a project manager. Ostendorf will be working as a technical sales representative in the back office with immediate effect.

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10 September 2024

UK - Martin Audio and Solotech UK (formerly as Capital Sound) have been permanent incumbents at BST Hyde Park since AEG Presents took over the Hyde Park lease in 2013, and Martin Audio PAs feature site wide.

But this year, Solotech were represented by a different system engineer in Rayne Ramsden. And while he was working to the same offsite sound level thresholds (75dBA) as set out by acoustic consultants Vanguardia, he was nevertheless able to squeeze out a couple of extra dB at FOH, giving them a potential of 101dB(A) without breaching offsite limits.

“Rather than simply cut and paste from last year, I suggested tilting the delay PAs a degree or two to gain a bit more coverage and an extra 1-2dB out in the field –knowing I could use the Hard Avoid [feature in the control software] to shave it off if necessary. Those extra degrees on the top ang

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10 September 2024

Germany - The Hamburg Congress Centre (CCH), one of Europe's most historic convention facilities, has completed a five-year renovation that marries the latest technology with sustainability. Central to this transformation is the installation of the L Series line source array from L-Acoustics.

Built in 1973 and protected as a historic landmark, the CCH has long been a cornerstone of the European convention scene. The recent renovation, led by consultants Graner + Partner, aimed to modernise the facility while preserving its rich heritage. "It makes a huge difference to be able to deliver the very highest quality to our clients – from the architecture to the audio," says Dominik Schenke of Graner + Partner. "The L-Acoustics L Series breathes new life into the building and opens up endless possibilities for its future."

The installation of the L-Acous

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10 September 2024

Sweden - Hov1 (pronounced Hovet) is a Swedish hip hop group formed in 2015 with 26 top ten hits in the Swedish Singles Chart, 12 of which reached the top spot. The band is currently undertaking a tour of Sweden visiting the major cities of Gothenburg, Malmo and Stockholm. 

French-born but Sweden-based lighting designer, Jonathan Rikner, of NCOAB Productions chose Ayrton Rivale Profiles – the first ultra-equipped luminaire in Ayrton’s Ultimate Series – as a major part of his lighting rig, all of which was supplied by CT Sweden.

Rikner described the size of the venues for this tour and how he uses the Rivale Profiles in his design: “The venues throughout the tour were full with an average capacity of 9,500 people, and we looked forward to the highlight show in Stockholm on 31 August which played to 18,000 people.

“With throw distance

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10 September 2024

UK - Kiss Me, Kate has made a much-anticipated return to the London stage at the Barbican Theatre. Starring Adrian Dunbar and Broadway legend Stephanie J Block, the show tells the story of two fraught ex-lovers who may or may not still have feelings for each other and who are forced to work together on a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew.

Directed by Tony Award-winning Bartlett Sher, this latest revival features a lighting design by the multi-award-winning Don Holder, who approached White Light (WL), a d&b solutions company, to supply his lighting rig.

Having originally been performed on Broadway back in 1948, Kiss Me, Kate first appeared in the West End in 1951 and has subsequently been revived countless times over the years. One of the most recent revivals was the Drama Desk Award-winning 2019 Broadway reviva

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10 September 2024

UAE - Creative Technology Middle East (CTME) is based in the UAE, KSA, and Qatar, and delivers technical design, planning and production for some of the most ambitious and dynamic live events and system integration projects in the region.

Creative Technology has been steadily investing in new Robe moving light fixtures over the last three years, including the recent purchases of 24 x Fortes, 80 x LEDBeam 350s and four RoboSpot BaseStations with Motion Cameras.

The latest purchases have happened since CTME’s head of lighting, Sam Connolly, started with CT three years ago, and were driven by him coupled with the company’s previous experience with Robe moving lights, including BMFLs.

However, the time had arrived to update these with newer technologies. Before joining the team at CTME, Connolly enjoyed 10 years working in the region on inter

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10 September 2024

Sweden - Broadcast Service Provider NEP Sweden unveiled three Remote Operation Centres (ROCs) in 2023. For the audio workflow, DirectOut is the main supplier of audio systems. The strategic decision to integrate DirectOut’s hardware and software solutions, including an extensive deployment of Prodigy.MP and Prodigy.MC units, have enabled NEP Sweden to significantly enhance its production infrastructure while minimising reliance on traditional audio hardware. These new ROCs expand NEP Sweden’s production capabilities and address the logistical challenges posed by the country’s vast geography.

The centres are equipped to handle a wide range of production formats, from HD to UHD/HDR. Central to this operation is the SMPTE 2110 standard, which facilitates dynamic, format-specific scaling and ensures seamless interconnectivity with other NEP facilities worl

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10 September 2024

UK - Event production company NL Productions has been awarded the contract opportunity to deliver Dundee’s Christmas Village for the next three years. This development promises to bring festive magic to the heart of the city, “offering a vibrant celebration that will engage the local community and attract visitors from far and wide”.

The contract will run for further years until Christmas 2026. Earlier this year Dundee City Council announced they were looking to partner with a professional event management company to run the festive attraction in December.

The Christmas Village will be designed to appeal to all ages, offering something for everyone. The centrepiece is a 10m x 20m real ice rink where visitors can glide into the festive season. The Christmas Market will showcase local traders and caterers, offering unique gifts and seasonal treat

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10 September 2024

UK - All the stars aligned for RCF UK at this year’s PLASA Show in London, resulting in what head of the UK operation, Dean Davoile, described as “our best PLASA showing ever”.

As one of only two companies to occupy a dedicated sound demo room, RCF was able to drive traffic upstairs from their ground floor booth – and this was certainly a winning formula. “Whether it was a stroke of absolute genius or pure luck, everything just worked, and often visitors were struggling to get into the demo room,” he said.

Once inside, they were able to sample RCF’s new NXL14-A with SUB15-AX 15in bass reflex cab and NX 932-A active full range speaker and SUB18-AX (portable 18in) combinations, and also specifically the new TT+ Audio GTX10, paired for the first time with the new GTS 19G (1 x 19in) ground-stackable subwoofer.

Demonstrations took pl

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10 September 2024

UK - Fourier Audio is thrilled to announce that it has been honoured with the prestigious 2024 PLASA Award for Innovation for its transform.engine. Launched earlier this year, the transform.engine has made a significant impact in the industry, propelling Fourier Audio to the forefront of innovation.

The 2024 PLASA Innovation Awards saw a record-breaking 44 products vying for recognition, with only eight being selected by the esteemed panel of judges. The judges commended the Fourier Audio transform.engine for being “an elegant solution for the integration of studio technologies in live events with reliability and functionality at its core.”

During the recent three-day PLASA Show London, the winners were revealed, and Fourier Audio’s co-founders, Pete Bridgman, Henry Harrod, and Gareth Owen, proudly accepted the award on behalf of the company. S

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10 September 2024

UK - Australian manufacturer LSC Control Systems enjoyed a successful PLASA Show in London this year. The company showed its renowned solutions alongside its UK distributor, A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET), and also on the stand of its new owner (and headline PLASA Show sponsor) Robe lighting s.r.o.

“PLASA this year was a really positive experience,” said LSC’s founder and managing director, Gary Pritchard. “Being in two such high-profile locations allowed us to get the full benefit of the show’s top-quality visitor base. The level of interest in our products, and the awareness of their advantages, was very satisfying.”

As a leading specialist in data distribution, power and lighting control, LSC’s increasingly popular solutions offer advanced protections and monitoring capabilities, giving the benefits of safety, reliability an

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10 September 2024

Europe - Follow-Me has announced the appointment of Thijs Bruins as global sales manager. Bruins will oversee the Follow-Me global sales network, aligning existing partners, expanding the network to improve customer experience and providing a strong base for the company’s future growth.

“We are really happy Thijs is joining Follow-Me,” Marc van der Wel, managing director says. “He brings lots of technical and commercial knowledge, industry experience and enthusiasm to our growing company.”

Bruins has a wealth of technical expertise. Starting out at a young age as a lighting technician and continuing to juggle this freelance work and training, his early experience underpins his deep understanding of the live events, theatrical and AV industries.

After years of freelancing, Bruins moved on to the role of manager of special projects at

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10 September 2024

Dynamic Pricing - The UK competition regulator has launched an investigation into the sale of Oasis tickets, including the use of "dynamic pricing". The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating whether ticket-selling platform Ticketmaster breached consumer protection law. Dynamic pricing meant that, on Ticketmaster, where tickets to the reunion tour were originally sold, prices rose in line with demand.

The investigation will examine whether: Ticketmaster engaged in unfair commercial practices; buyers were given clear information to explain that the tickets could be subject to price rises; people were put under pressure to buy tickets within a short period of time. The CMA's probe follows widespread criticism of dynamic pricing over the past week from Oasis fans.

Many said they ended up paying significantly more than they expected for