AC Lighting Inc has announced a complete redesign and restructuring of its website and web policy. By taking the site under their own direct and local control, the website will become more responsive and able to more easily reflect changes in products and services. "By analyzing exactly what our customers wanted the website to achieve, we have radically changed how information is accessed on line with regards to the products that we handle," said Bob Gordon, president and CEO of AC Lighting Inc. Goprdon continued: "People want potentially three things from our website: they want information on a product that we sell, information about us, or they want to quickly and easily download something. Click on a manufacturer’s logo on our home page and you find information on everything that manufacturer sells as well as being able to access manuals, prices, and software about the product you are currently looking at. Anywhere in the site you can with one click find out who to talk to, where we are and how to contact us as well as being able to view everything that is available for download. If you know exactly what you are looking for, whether it be a piece of software, a manual or a spec sheet just click on the quick download button and everything is there in front of you."

This is the first phase in a four-phase plan of improvements to the company’s web presence. WhiteHorse Enterprises, an internet/intranet development company based in Malibu, designed the site under the direction of AC’s Mike Falconer, who commented: "The whole site h

Screenco has met a production requirement from leading communications agency, Skybridge, for a large, bright mobile screen, to service a series of Channel 4 parties around the UK to celebrate their association with test cricket. Called C4 Summer Tour, the curtain raiser to the England v Australia series took place on July 6 with a beach party in Brighton featuring Fatboy Slim and Groove Armada, and project-managed by Skybridge technical director Lee Eld. In Brighton, the Fatboy Slim set was filmed for a Channel 4 special, transmitted the following week. Screenco provided a trailer-mounted 40sq.m Jumbotron JTS35 CRT daylight video display - the largest of their mobile systems. Lee Eld explained that this year’s tour was the result of a similar series of successful events they carried out for Channel 4 last year. "Working with artistic director and producer, Alex Poots, we have come up with the infrastructure and staging. There are two V-dosc PA towers and a little 8m x 4m stage for the DJ - but the whole event is really based around the big screen."

Production for each event builds up on the day before the five-day tests, which start on a Thursday. The programming incorporates a free-to-air screening of the cricket during the hours of play on each day, followed by a dance party on the Friday evening and a Film 4 film show on the Saturday. The Jumbotron takes VT feeds from live camera relay, satellite transmission of the cricket action and Beta playback of the films and the graphics.Commented Lee Eld: "I have a strong relationship with Screenco; they ar

The 26th Sound Broadcasting Equipment Show (SBES) will take place at the NEC in Birmingham from 14-15 November 2001. The way that audio systems within broadcast environments has changed can be described as nothing less than radical: audio networking is the key to how radio stations and studios will see their future and the expansion of products in this sector is likely to witness rapid growth. Companies such as IBM/Jutel, Klotz Digital, and The Oxford Sound Company have been pivotal in the implementation of substantial installations for the BBC and GWR during the course of 2001. "We can set up a studio without having to be concerned about exactly what it is going to do," commented Tim Donaldson, GWR's Technical Director. GWR have recently completed a move to a new studio that is fully networked using Klotz Digital equipment and dining out on the fact that "this is the largest radio only facility that has been built since BH," (BBC Broadcasting House) his commitment to radio reflects the optimism within the radio broadcast industry.

IBM/Jutel have also chosen SBES to show their network solutions. IBM being no stranger to computer networks, their partnership with Jutel of Finland providing the audio expertise has been rewarded by a substantial contract being awarded by the BBC for the English Regions project totalling 26 local radio stations. The Oxford Sound Company is midway through the installation project for these and a resolute Andrew Riley commented: "This is the way that broadcasting can be made to be efficient, reliable and really taking ad

Nu-Light Systems of Warrington have been awarded with the Warrington & Cheshire Research and Innovation Award for their work on the newly-released laser animator system and its potential markets in signage and the Airoamer, for improving environments. They then went on to receive the overall Award for Warrington & Cheshire Business of the Year 2001. Debbie Clayton, managing director, comments: "We were delighted to receive the Awards, due to the calibre of businesses we were up against, from telecommunications companies to national retail outlets. It is important to us as a team for our work to be recognised outside of the industry. It has further confirmed we are moving in the right direction."

Mike Wake, technical director, added: "Receiving the first Award surpassed our expectations, but Business of the Year is amazing, a real team morale booster. It’s the first time in 13 years I have ever known Debbie speechless!"

Logic System Pro Audio has announced recent sales of its loudspeaker systems to PA rental companies. London-based Gighire has added eight Logic System units to its existing monitor system. Gighire’s Jon Pickett looked at many options before deciding on the CM20 15" plus 2" co-axial cabinet. Pickett, who joins a rapidly-increasing list of CM20 users, said: "When we weighed up all the options, the CM20 had the performance, was the right size, could be run off our existing control equipment and was also competitively priced. Coupled with our own experiences of Logic System’s excellent build quality and reliability, it was a fairly easy decision to make."

Meanwhile, PA company Acousys Sound Systems of Wokingham has just added another Logic System CS1296 system to its ever-increasing array of hire stock. The system has been purchased in order to fulfil a heavy summer workload which will include the ‘One World’ stage at the famous WOMAD festival in August. Kevin Drain of Acousys Sound commented: "Ever since we invested in the first batch of the three-box, bi-amp touring system late last year, we knew that it was only a matter of time before we added some more. Sonically the system is excellent, whilst the fact that it is incredibly practical and manageable is equally important to a company such as ours." The system went straight out to the Reading University Summer Ball to cover the Dance Arena where artists included Phats & Small, Transglobal Underground and Romina Johnson.

A joint project involving manufacturers Allen& Heath and Audace has provided a UK conference and exhibition venue with a unique paging system.

Bryan Waters, MD and founder of Audace, explained that the HIC system required a larger number of output zones than A&H’s DR128 digital matrix could provide. "The first challenge was the need for a system of 16 zones. We wanted to provide the Centre with a single control system that would work with two of the Allen & Heath units." Waters, who professes a keen enthusiasm for the Cornish pro audio manufacturer’s products, set up Audace specifically to provide one-off solutions and off-the-shelf support products for the blossoming digital market. "When the DR128 was launched, there was nothing like it on the market for anything like the price - and there still isn’t," he enthused. "However, the software supplied with the DR128 is for set-up, rather than an operational programme. Our solution, which is part hardware, part custom software, allows non-technical operators (in this case the HIC’s team of receptionists) to control paging levels and zoning from a simple control panel, while technical staff have full access to the two DR128s for the Centre’s computer network."

The central paging panel, which was commissioned for this project, offers users a pre-selection of multiple paging zones, which combines with a push-to-talk microphone to provide access to the Centre’s nine halls, the foyer, backstage and technical areas. Output level to each of these may be set within

Arbiter and JBL recently took residence at the Hammersmith Apollo, to host the first UK demo of the Vertec Line Array system. The day was designed to give clients an opportunity to view the product up close and allow them some hands-on time with the system.

One of the issues JBL was most keen to emphasize was that of weight, or rather lack of it, for each Vertec VT4889 enclosure weighs only 69kg, including rigging hardware. Each enclosure includes two lightweight 15" low frequency loudspeakers, four powerful 2250H 8" midrange frequency loudspeakers, coupled to RBIs (Radiation Boundary Integrators), and three compact 2435 high frequency drivers fitted to WaveFormers.

The system is already establishing a strong following, both in the US and Europe, where some of the key touring supply companies have systems out with a number of headlining bands.

The historic Manchester-based BBC Philharmonic Orchestra has taken delivery of a Sony DMX-R1000 digital console, supplied by Total Audio Solutions. The orchestra will use the consoles to record its acclaimed performances at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, as well as for BBC Radio 3 recordings in their Studio Seven Concert Hall. The console will also accompany the orchestra on the regular overseas concert tours and international broadcasts that it undertakes.

Virtually all recitals are recorded to digital stereo and BBC recording and mixing engineer (programme manager) Stephen Rinker was instrumental in deciding to opt for the DMX-R1000. "We carefully evaluated the criteria by which we should select our replacement console," he explains. "This encompassed a move to digital, and it’s fair to say that the DMX-R1000 was the only digital desk that fully matched our specification. It represented very good value for money, as well as having impressive audio and a rugged build quality."

PLASA has worked in co-operation with some of London’s leading entertainment venues to offer an exclusive insight into the workings of some of the city’s most famous venues; this exclusive backstage tour immediately follows the close of the PLASA Show in London this September. Theatrical London delegates will visit the world-renowned Royal Albert Hall for a night at the Proms; the Apollo Victoria Theatre to see the upgraded Starlight Express; Tussaud’s Group Studios for an exclusive technical tour, and the Donmar Warehouse for a ‘Divas at the Donmar’ performance. To top it off, you can step back in time at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre . . .

Wednesday 12th September: The experience begins with A night at The Proms, The Royal Albert Hall, featuring Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring. Pre-show drinks will be served in the foyer. Performance starts at 7.30pm.

Thursday 13th September: This busy day starts with a coach-ride from Earls Court to The Royal Albert Hall for a guided technical tour of this famous venue, before moving on to the Apollo Victoria Theatre for a guided backstage tour of the recently-upgraded Starlight Express. Following lunch, travel by coach to the Tussauds Group Studios for an exclusive to PLASA tour of the facilities behind the Group’s famous visitor attractions, before visiting Madame Tussaud’s in Baker Street, with an option to go on to the London Planetarium. After a short break, delegates meet up at the Donmar Warehouse, with a tour and performance of Divas at The Donmar featuring Sian Philips. Drinks wil

The Swiss city of Berne is having the lighting system in its municipal theatre modernized by the Transtechnik Group at a cost of around 425,000 Euros. Due to be completed at the end of this month, the project will bring state-of-the-art lighting technology to this famous theatre. The new system includes two lighting control consoles - a Focus NT and a Prisma NT - each of which is fitted with a moving light controller and connected to the digital auxiliary console via a Transtechnik DMX-Gate protocol converter. The converter converts the DMX signals from the lighting consoles to the Profibus signals for the auxiliary console (and vice versa) to allow the devices to exchange data. The Profibus standard requires only a thin, two-wire cable for transmitting control signals, which means that there is no need for thick bundles of cables to the auxiliary console. Profibus also permits bi-directional communication: for example, a command to switch the foyer lighting is issued in one direction, and a confirmation that the command has been successfully carried out is sent to the auxiliary console in the opposite direction. If the confirmation is not received, the operator can take corrective action immediately. Transtechnik is also providing seven FDX2000 dimmer cabinets and nine HPZ211 convection-cooled Niethammer followspots, mounted on motorized yokes (from Lichttechnik) including colour changers and automatic iris drive.

As part of the modernization, the theatre will also have a remote control facility for the lighting functions and a control position in the auditorium, allowin

The US-based Entertainment Services & Technology Association (ESTA) has announced that BSR E1.8, Entertainment Technology - Loudspeaker Enclosures Intended for Overhead Suspension - Classification, Manufacture and Structural Testing, is now available for public review, and will be until 25 September 2001. Loudspeakers suspended overhead should not pull apart and rain debris on people below, and this draft document is an attempt to offer guidance to a manufacturer to make sure such a mishap does not happen. The document describes the structural requirements for loudspeaker enclosures intended for overhead suspension, which include enclosure construction, component part security, enclosure suspension hardware, manufacturing control systems, structural testing, and product representation. The standard is intended to enhance the safety of speaker rigging at popular music concerts and other performances.

Further details are available from the Technical Standards Program section of ESTA’s website.

Show Presentation Services (SPS), the leading equipment rental and staging specialist, has announced that it increased its turnover from £8m to £13m over 2000, and achieved a 58% increase in pre-tax profits for the same period, as a direct result of its integrated event services strategy. The results reinforce SPS’s position as a leading independent AV rental and staging business. High business growth rates were achieved by the scenic construction and lighting rental departments in particular, of 241% and 148% respectively. SPS’s investment in a Barco D-Lite7 Modular LED screen was validated by the turnover generated with the successful launch of its LED rental business. A part-year contribution from the Earls Court and Olympia AV contract that commenced its five-year term also boosted SPS’s increase.

"This year has seen more challenging business conditions," acknowledges Robin Coles, managing director of SPS. "The first half of 2001 has been flatter than we anticipated but the launch of our new Event IT division in February, is adding positively to our already comprehensive service offering. We are seeking booking levels increase for the second half of the year, and an impending strategic acquisition will consolidate our position as the leading independent AV rental and staging business in the UK."

Trantec’s award-winning S5000 radio mic system was used by Sprout, the event-production division of Marcom Presentations at Disneyland Paris recently to assist the communications of 200 delegates at a major conference. Marcom’s Jason Adams revealed that a selection of lapel and handheld mics were used over the course of the week-long event for new employees. Adams confirmed that the inventory included 10 channels of S5000: "We favour the Trantec system because it offers great reception and it’s easy to set up and use."

The Community AirForce system made an impact on its UK debut when it supported two back-to-back shows by Status Quo in the Channel Islands recently. The kit was supplied from the rental stock of Lancashire-based HSL, who have enjoyed a long relationship with the promoter, Paul Couser, from Onstage Events. The two venues were the 2000-capacity Beau Sejour Centre in St. Peter Port, Guernsey, and the 2,500-capacity Fort Regent in St. Helier.

HSL produced a special ‘mini-rig’ for sound engineer Andy Taylor, providing two AF3 short-throw and four AF10 bass per side (configured as two rows of three enclosures). This was underpinned by eight VLF218s. HSL production manager, Will Soden, said: "We are still assessing the system. However, this configuration proved more than adequate to provide full coverage at the levels required." AirForce was run completely flat, using only the system processor settings, to the satisfaction of Quo’s front-of-house engineer.

Couser commented: "I was very impressed with the Community system - particularly in Jersey where we were able to fly it - and will be using it again with the SAS All Star Band, which includes Midge Ure, Leo Sayer, Fish and Chris Thompson."

Stagetec (UK) Ltd has recently won three major contracts covering a diverse selection of production industry areas. In the theatre market, the company is supplying and installing a complete new sound system at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford. The theatre 3D-modelled the auditorium to ensure optimum coverage and intelligibility, and were demonstrated several systems. They chose a Nexo system, supplied by Stagetec, consisting of eight PS15 mid/high speakers, four LS1200 sub-bass cabinets, plus three PS8 speakers for delays, all driven from Crown Macro-Tech amplifiers. The whole system is controlled via a Crown USM810 digital processor and three Sabine Graphi-Q digital programmable graphic EQs - the idea being to offer a quick, easy and very flexible system catering for the wide range of productions. Stagetec also supplied a Soundcraft K2 mixer, a range of outboard equipment and a Sennheiser Infra-Red assisted hearing system. The project is due to complete by the end of August.

Stagetec continue to flourish in the television market. The latest contract won was for the supply and install a complete new DMX and data distribution system for the BBC’s TC3 studio at Television Centre in West London. The core of the system includes Compulite demultiplexers and multiplexers, IES splitters and an LSC Softlink DMX patching unit. A total of 60 new DMX output boxes will be supplied and installed around the studio, plus DMX patch panels in the control room, studio grid and dimmer room.

Education is always a major market for Stagetec, and the company has just been awarded the con

Los Angeles-based DJ equipment supplier American DJ recently completed a major expansion at its newly-acquired distribution centre in Miami, Florida. Encompassing nearly 20,000sq.ft of warehouse space, the enlarged Florida facility will now service all ADJ dealers located east of the Mississippi, as well as the company's growing customer base in Central and South America.

Establishing a base in Miami will allow American DJ to provide Eastern dealers with faster turnaround on orders, while keeping shipping costs down, explained ADJ general manager Scott Davies. "Our company's success has been built on providing dealers with unsurpassed service and the most affordable prices on lighting and audio gear, and we want to be able to continue to deliver these things, even as our business grows," Davies commented.

Among the improvements made at the Florida facility was the installation of a state-of-the-art computer system, which can receive and process orders much faster. Additionally, four indoor shipping docks were added to the building, and a larger warehouse section was created by reallocating office areas and other under-utilized space. This greater storage capacity was needed to accommodate American DJ's growing product line. Started as a DJ lighting supplier in the mid-1980s, the company today has expanded to three divisions: American DJ (disc jockey and club special effects and intelligent lighting); American Audio (professional mixers, CD players, turntables and other audio products); and Elation Professional (premium stage, theatrical and architectural lig

The UK’s first ever grouping of crowd management companies, the UK Crowd Management Association (UKCMA), has marked its first four months with the announcement of official recognition from two major bodies. The UKCMA was launched in March at the International Live Music Conference in London. Its principle aims are to raise standards within the entertainment event industry and promote awareness of crowd safety issues among legislative bodies in the UK, as well as to foster co-ordination of training and operational standards. The UKCMA, representing the major players in crowd management, aims to achieve this through a continuing educational and networking programme and open forums, targeting all decision makers involved within the crowd management sphere. In the short space of four months, the association has gained recognition from such organisations as the British Standards Institute (BSi) and the Security Industry Training Organisation (SITO), and established links with two other like-minded European organisations.

Almost exactly 12 months since the tragedy at Denmark’s Roskilde Festival, the need for recognised industry standards and a common approach to training is one that can no longer be ignored. The UKCMA aims to set the wheels in motion to raise awareness of the importance of recognised training and operational standards, and in doing so, to help prevent such occurences happening again. "Co-ordinating training standards and a pan-industry approach is now more important than ever," said UKCMA Chairman, Mark Grant. "That is our primary aim

Golden Princess, the newest member of the P&O Cruises fleet, left Southampton on May 16th to spend th summer cruising the Mediterranean, before heading off to the Caribbean for the winter. The ship features three separate show lounges, each of which incorporates Blackout Triple E engineering and equipment. Because traditional fittings are often unsuitable, contractor HMS Italia enlisted Blackout Triple E to develop systems for the particular environment of the cruise ship, including its Austrian curtain mechanisms and Unirail and Unitrack systems for installation in the principal and cabaret theatres. Though the tracks are mainly for curtains, the Vista Lounge uses Chaintrack to carry two 300kg rotating scenic panels, and the main lounge features Unibeam tracks to carry lighting ladders on each side of the stage. Blackout Triple E also provided the control for the safety curtain in the main lounge, which featured an additional control position on the ship’s bridge. Chris Bowen of HMS commented: "We often use Blackout Triple E products and we are already working together on another two ships for P&O Princess Cruises. Golden Princess will join a fleet that currently numbers nine ships, and the additional two vessels are due for delivery in January 2002 and Spring 2004."