UK - PRG Europe provided extensive lighting facilities for this year's Henley Festival, which takes place on the banks of the River Thames immediately following the famed Regatta. "It's been described as a cross between Glyndebourne and Glastonbury," said festival director Stewart Collins. "And each year the site looks better and better, because of the way it is lit after dark by PRG. This year, it looked fantastic. Dusk was at 10.15pm, at which point the entire site was illuminated - as opposed to floodlit - using cutting edge lighting to stunning effect."
PRG Europe has been working with the festival for the past five years, says project manager Peter Marshall, lighting the whole site, providing all the crew and organising the lighting for the main performance venues. The site lighting was designed and theatrically lit by lighting designer Theo Cox to create different moods and themes throughout each evening. The programme features a range of performances, from classical through to dance to rock and roll, comedy and jazz.
"I created a constantly evolving environment," said Cox, "based on gentle rotation of spirals rolling between ambers and pinks. An occasional rip down the site - in, say, a hard white and blue flicker - would wake people up a bit and keep the interest level up. I like to make a feature of trees - hanging mirror balls in them is always a winner - but this year a cluster of 12 Chromaspheres inspired most interest and comment. Site lighting was a compromise between functional and aesthetic. Using rakes of moving
UK - Jem's industry standard AF-1 has served the entertainment industry well as a multi-purpose fan for years, serving in clubs, studios and theatres, and on countless tours and events. A more powerful version of the AF-1 Fan, the AF-2, has now hit the market. Employed in a variety of ways - projecting smoke over long distances, converting smoke to haze, producing wind effects, or keeping equipment like amp and dimmer racks cool, or performers themselves - the AF-2 is all about moving air, namely awesome output and power! In fact, it is nearly three times as powerful as the AF-1.
Besides increased power and airflow, the overall design has been enhanced to become even more state of the art. Like its predecessor, the AF-2 features DMX as standard (both 3- and 5-pin) and can also be remote controlled with features such as auto timer, speed/output control and 8x mode, which expands the time capability of the standard timer settings by multiples of eight.The AF-2 can be easily truss mounted (the flying bracket is compatible with the Omega clamp system known from Martin fixtures) or floor positioned. For easy floor positioning an accessory 'touring frame' is the ideal option. The frame not only acts as extra protection, but also makes it easier to carry and move the fan around.
Useful in a variety of environments such as stage applications, theatres and theme parks, the AF-2 can be used alone or as part of a complete fog system by linking with other Jem machines for simultaneous operation between fan and smoke, and is an ideal way to convert a fogger into a hazer, say
Germany - MA Lighting has released a new software version 5.60 for grandMA multimedia consoles and it is available now for free download from MA's website. At the same time, the company is offering another useful tool - grandMA video, a fully network integrated (MA-Net) and software based media server.
Many new and innovative features have been added to the new software, version 5.60. In conjunction with additional tools such as grandMA 3D, grandMA onPC and grandMA remote, the grandMA console becomes a much more powerful multimedia control tool that meets the sophisticated requirements of today, says MA.
The new grandMA video software can be controlled with advanced features including browsing, previewing bitmaps of video footage and pictures as well as arranging the content of the media server directly on the console via MA-Net. The 'Channel Value' organization within the 'Fixture Editor' has been redesigned and will support channel values with 16-bit resolution for every single fixture.
The installation dimming system, dimMA, can be remotely configured from the lighting console via network. This includes the monitoring of dimmer feedback as well as error messages.
(Jim Evans)
Australia - Australian manufacturer LSC Lighting has secured prime position at this year's PLASA show - right behind the popular Innovation Gallery at the front of the hall. Despite numerous attempts to gain information on LSC's new product releases at PLASA this year, a company spokesperson has repeatedly stone-walled by just offering the company's stand number - H11. What can be so secretive not to reveal any details prior to the show? LSC is in its 15th year as an exhibitor at PLASA, so why not just blurt out what's coming? Everyone else does . . .
LSC will unveil the big secret at the PLASA Show - on stand H11.
USA - New Jersey based Circuit Lighting Inc has been busy supplying Robe moving lights to a series of high profile televised sporting events including a recent Showtime Boxing HBO pay-per-view broadcast from Washington DC.
Lighting was designed by Gatto & Associates and the show utilised 18 Robe ColorWash 1200E ATs (with electronic ballast), four Robe ColorSpot 1200E ATs and 180 Source Four Pars to outline the ring - all controlled with an Avolites Pearl 2004.
This follows the announcement of Circuit's newly acquired dealership with Robe Show Lighting, which sees this rental company now exclusively carrying the full range of Robe automated fixtures. Circuit Lighting has now completed the first phase of its inventory overhaul and has replaced all existing automated fixtures in the rental and production department with Robe ColorSpot and ColorWash 1200 ATs and E ATs, and Robe ColorSpot and ColorWash 575 ATs and E ATs.
Other recent Circuit/Robe events have included the JUMP Broadway Finale (LD Mirash Lekaj) and an event for the Cultural Association of Bengal (Lloyd Reynolds/Luciano Savedra), both in New York. Circuit president Richard E. Tilley believes that Robe products "represent the future of entertainment lighting. That's why I've made a definite commitment to replace our existing automated inventory with Robe".
(Jim Evans)
UK - Lighting designer Jonathan 'Speedy' Cole of Speedy Productions recently purchased a Compulite Vector Blue console with iControl wireless remote, initially for use on the Gilev Show Band UK Tour. Gilev was established in 1995 and is now a vibrant 16-piece band with more than ten years of successful performing experience behind them. The band caters extensively to a variety of high profile audiences on both the private and corporate circuit.
Speedy comments: "The current Gilev tour utilises 48 Pulsar Chroma panels, 24 Vari*Lite VL6c, 12 Vari*Lite VL5, 12 SGM Palco, 12 Par 64 and 60 Egg Strobes, all of which have to be programmed on the day at each venue over a very short get-in period. I needed a console that could be programmed extremely quickly and be able to deal with 'on the fly' changes during the show, as well as being able to handle a range of different fixtures (often different at each venue) including overlaying images and video on to the LED banks."
He continues: "Using the Vector offline editor I can pre-program most of the show at home on a PC (or on the tour bus!) without the hassle of 'getting the desk out', saving valuable time on site, as soon as we get to the venue, we are 'ready to party'. We are making great use of the Vector's LED matrix software, using the built in touch screen to very quickly create letters and names on the LED wall."
(Jim Evans)
USA - Color Kinetics Inc has announced that the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts has granted all of its motions for summary judgment against Super Vision International Inc with respect to the validity and infringement of Color Kinetics' patents and inequitable conduct.
By granting summary judgment for Color Kinetics, the Court determined that there was no genuine dispute of material fact and that Color Kinetics was entitled to judgment as a matter of law against Super Vision on Super Vision's claims of invalidity of Color Kinetics' patents, and that the patents are infringed by Super Vision. The Court also found that Color Kinetics was not guilty of inequitable conduct regarding its actions with the US Patent and Trademark Office, as alleged by Super Vision. As such, no trial will be held on these issues.
"This major win vindicates Color Kinetics' intellectual property rights and reaffirms the validity of our patents, which protect important innovations spanning eight years of research and development in intelligent solid-state lighting," said Bill Sims, President and CEO, Color Kinetics. "This resolution sends a strong message that we can and will successfully defend our intellectual property against others who attempt to exploit our investments in innovation. We look forward to our continued progress in developing the fundamental technologies that will drive worldwide use of intelligent solid-state lighting."
The issue of damages is subject to a trial at a later date. There is no further scheduling update with respect to
UK - Pearce Hire provided the lighting and power for five open-air forest sites this summer, for concerts by Ian Brown, The Beautiful South, Madness, Daniel Bedingfield and Jools Holland. The Forestry Commission organised Forest Tour has been growing in popularity over the last four years while still maintaining its relaxed atmosphere. Pearce Hire provided the site power and lighting for High Lodge, Thetford Forest, Bedgebury Pinetum, Westonbirt Arboretum, Delamere Forest and Dalby Forest in the North Yorkshire Moors.
Each concert has a specially installed temporary infrastructure among the trees in the forest, and attracts crowds from 3,000 to 5,000 people. Pearce ran the stage power from a pair of synchronised 200kVA generators. Power distribution was installed to the dressing rooms, bar areas, catering and at Westonbirt, hospitality area.
The stage lighting was supplied by Pearce Hire, in accordance with each of the acts' own lighting designers. The lighting rig at each venue included a selection of Martin Mac 550s and Mac 600s, Source Four Profiles, Par 64 6-lamp bars, Par 64 ACL Bars and various specials.
Pearce Hire's John Huson comments: "At Dalby forest the Beautiful South wanted to do a film shoot to produce a DVD of the gig to go on sale around Christmas. This meant that for this one show, we brought in a multitude of additional equipment to increase the dramatic effect on stage. The band's stage set involved white backdrops and white risers on stage so they designed a film-friendly lighting rig which made the most of the set, with among o
Taiwan - Vari-Lite has appointed Total Solution Marketing to operate its Regional Service Centre in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. With the creation of the new Centre, Vari-Lite says it will be able to provide prompt, convenient and qualified service to all end-users in the rapidly developing Southeast Asian market.
"The Regional Service Centre will act as an extended arm of the Vari-Lite factory after fulfilling all the rigourous paperwork and technical training requirements as required to become an authorised Vari-Lite Service Centre," said Julie Smith, Vari-Lite support services director. "This will serve our customers better by minimising equipment downtime, increasing product life span via timely qualified maintenance, and reducing customers repair expenses through logistical savings. It will also serve to facilitate future training and knowledge transfer to all end-users."
"We are honoured that Vari-Lite has recognised the continuing efforts we have put in place to achieve our joint initiatives towards improving customer satisfaction," said Glenn Wong, executive director of Total Solution Marketing. "With the Regional Service Centre in place, we have taken a huge step forward in our ultimate objective to becoming a total solution for all our customers' product requirements."
Bob Schacherl, Vari-Lite VP of worldwide sales, added, "We have established similar set-ups in China and Japan, and by further expanding this initiative, we are showing our long-term commitment towards our increasing number of customers
UK - Telectra's new ice*lighting Super Batten made its TV debut on ITV's cd:uk, this Sunday. The dispersed video array took centre stage supporting The Bravery, Lee Ryan, Jo O'Meara, Simon Webbe and Rihanna.
Recommended to use ice*lighting Super Battens by Richard Martin Lighting, LD Nigel Catmur created a blend of video effects across the Super Batten Array, together with conventional LED lighting effects to provide a stunning display never previously available without the use of a media server. The wide display angle (140°+) allowed lighting effects to be picked up by TV cameras from shallow angles and the LED diffusion system powered by Bead*light Technologies abolished pixelization and significantly reduced the flare normally associated with LED "look-at" light, say the company.
The ice*lighting Super Batten recently won the ABTT lighting product of the year and makes its first PLASA Show appearance on 11-14 September 2005, Earls Court, London.
(Lee Baldock)
USA - Coldplay's video Speed of Sound is up for four of MTV's Video Music Awards this year, including Video of the Year, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Special Effects - for which production designer Michael Keeling of Project X is honoured. In an unprecedented application, nearly the entire video shoot was done with LED lights from a total of 700 Versa TUBEs, which Keeling commissioned from Element Labs.
The production team, including director Mark Romanek, producer Arif McGarry, and production companies Anonymous Content and A52, filmed the band on a massive sound stage in front of a half crescent back wall composed of 640 Versa TUBEs placed on approximately 6" centres. Since the TUBEs were used without diffusion sleeves and the surrounding structure is quite minimal, the lights appear to be suspended in midair.
"I'm very flattered with the fact that we're nominated for something that we all worked so hard on," Keeling says. "Products using this new technology are what allow us to be creative and I'm looking forward to the next products that Element Labs will come up with. Here is new technology at its finest - nobody can match it."
The 2005 MTV Video Music Awards will be presented on August 28 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. "I'm definitely going to go to the show," Keeling says. "If we're honoured as the recipient of the award, then I'm going to be overwhelmed. It's a very exciting experience to be recognized for something that we do out of passion."
(Lee Baldock)
USA - For the sold-out Diverse City Worldwide Tour - featuring the multi-award winning combination of Audio Adrenaline and tobyMac - lighting designers Jeff Lava and Matt Waldner had to develop a unified lighting design that would be effective for both performances. Utilizing a complete lighting package from Bandit Lites, the two worked together to bring this inspirational tour to life.
"Matt and I had to put our heads together and come up with a design that would work for the both of us," said Audio Adrenaline LD Jeff Lava. "We had to pack everything in one truck, so we were very limited, but the fun part of it is we had to think outside the box."
"It was a challenging project," stated tobyMac's LD Matt Waldner. "We needed to have a lighting rig that could fit into small venues and not look small in bigger venues. We ended up with five revisions of the design before we found one that could fulfill both of our needs and budgets."The Vari*Lite portion of the complete lighting package, supplied by Bandit Lites, for the Diverse City Worldwide Tour, consisted of 10 - VL2500 spot luminaires.
"Working with Jeff Lava and Matt Waldner was a great pleasure," said Bandit Lites' vice-president Richard Willis. "We had never worked with Matt before, and in my experience working with Jeff, he always pushes the envelope on design with his ability to constantly think outside the box. He is a specialist at making a few select lights look huge. His talent lies in unusual light placement, odd angles, and the surprise 'wow' fa
USA - High End Systems' DL1 digital lights and Catalyst media servers are adding a 'live' dimension to LeAnn Rimes' US summer/fall tour. LD Steve Fallon has designed a flexible theatrical show to fit all sizes of venues, using 4 DL1s with the Digital Eye camera technology, two Catalyst media servers and a moving light package, controlled by the Wholehog 2 console. Lighting contractor is Premier Global Productions of Nashville.
"The design is based on versatility and change on the fly," says Fallon. "We were trying to achieve a design and system that would work in multiple venues, from fairs to arenas to casinos to corporate shows. Having a multi-media show gives me the versatility - it's large enough and yet compact enough."
"DL1s with the Digital Eye gives us the ability to use live camera shots. Chas Herington [of Zenith Lighting], from whom we sub-rented the DL1s, bought the D-Mix pro system which has Hog software personality; it allows us to live-switch cameras via the Wholehog 2."
Fallon uses the DL1s with the Digital Eye cameras in various ways throughout the show. "We take the DL1s and point them into the audience and replay the audience on projectors so they are responding to themselves. We also use content from Catalyst and, for example, put into it a live image of a guitar during the guitar or keyboard solos, so it allows us to incorporate a live shot."They also videotape fans prior to the show. "We videotape them, take footage, import it into Catalyst and play that on the walk-in, so they're another part o
UK - Hawthorn are holding the next in their series of 'Hawthorn @ Home' events on Friday 2 September 2005.
Generic Lighting gives attendees the opportunity to find out more, discuss with product representatives and have a hands on comparison of lantern ranges from Selecon, ETC, Strand and others, plus an opportunity to visit the warehouse and offices and meet the team. There will be special lantern offers exclusively available on the day.
Their next event on October 7th 2005 entitled Flash, Bang and Feedbackwill feature a demonstration of Pyrotechnics by Le Maitre and Radio Mics by Sennheiser, Sony and Trantec.
(Jim Evans)
USA - PRG has announced the debut of the PRG Series 400 Power and Signal Distribution System. The patent-pending PRG Series 400 system integrates power and data into one trunk cable providing flexibility, safety and efficiency that reduce both setup time and labour costs, according to PRG.
The Series 400 system combines power, DMX and Ethernet data through a single custom-designed trunk cable. The data system includes Ethernet switches with the ability to route any DMX universe to any DMX output connector in the system, along with complete electrical isolation. As a result, lighting systems can better accommodate the growing need for data and use less cable and technicians can re-route signals from the user menus without making physical changes to the system.
"The Series 400 opens a new world for both designers and technicians," notes Jere Harris, chairman and CEO of PRG. "It is an example of PRG's commitment to innovation and to developing new products and services that add demonstrable value for our customers."
The PRG Series 400 is modular and flexible and consists of a rolling rack unit that accepts 120V or 208V 12-channel breaker modules, 120V or 208V breakout boxes, and custom-designed trunk cables available in 25', 50' and 100' lengths. One rolling rack supports up to 72 fixtures and is available in three different power service models for use in the U.S./Canada, Japan and Europe.
"Increased safety was one of the primary motivations for creating the PRG Series 400 system," explains James Bornhorst, engineering manager for
UK - Main Light Industries is offering High End Systems' Catalyst software for use with its SoftLED drapery. This combination provides many visual options for use on the theatrical stage, concert tour, corporate or trade show, say the company.
Says Main Light's Aidas Gimbutas: "We're basically using the Catalyst Xpress as the media server for our Soft LED drapery as a standard solution. We package Catalyst Xpress with the new Apple Mac-Minis and install them into our video processor racks or our independent Main-Light server systems. Of course, we provide Catalyst Pro, for more demanding applications," he adds, "What we have is a loyal dedication between Main Light and High End and we are willing to do our best to strengthen the use of the Catalyst brand."
Catalyst Xpress is billed as the budget-oriented solution for those who want to combine the effects of lighting with digital media. It offers most of the features of Catalyst Pro software, but with one output rather than two.
Main Light's SoftLED curtain was one of Entertainment Design magazine's 2005 Staging & Projection Products of the Year, while High End Systems' Catalyst software has been honoured with several industry awards over the years. Catalyst and the SoftLED curtain have been used on many concert tours including Kylie Minogue and Garbage.
High End Systems can be found at the PLASA Show on stand F69.
(Jim Evans)
UK - XL Video exhibits at PLASA for the first time this year, aiming to introduce the company to the business and live event communications sector of the AV industry, and demonstrate the potential for crossover of equipment from concert touring - the market with which XL is most commonly associated.
XL Video is the UK and Europe's largest and busiest touring video rental company, supplying expert technicians and equipment to rock 'n' roll, concert touring and festival productions. XL Video works across all sectors of the business, leisure and entertainment industry as well as the above, including special events, theatre productions, public arts projects, product launches, corporate presentations and parties. With operations in England, Belgium, Germany, plus the East and West coasts of America, XL Video is an international group, investing in the best practitioners in the business and the most advanced digital technology available.
XL is using PLASA to showcase a selection of key products - including the latest exotic LED screen technology from Barco and Lighthouse Technologies, and Soft-LED drapery from Mainlight Industries. It will also offer an insight into the vast scope of XL's creative and technical expertise across the full spectrum of video visuals. XL says it will illustrate how video equipment and techniques from the world of rock 'n' roll and concert touring will cross over into theatre, conferences and other live events.
Highlighted Products include the new Lighthouse R16i/o (indoor/outdoor) screen - a 16mm pixel pitch LED screen, ideal for high qua
UK - The Le Mark Group will be showing the US-manufactured SetWear range of A&E work clothing. Billy Davila from SetWear Inc in California will be on the Le Mark stand at the Show, ready to offer advice on the right Setwear item to make your working life safer and more comfortable, say Le Mark.
Michael Erpenbeck from Light Equip Köln, Germany will also join Le Mark, for all SetWear Distribution enquiries from main land Europe and Scandinavia.
This SetWear product range offers accessories for many areas of the entertainment industry, say Le Mark - riggers, electricians, fly men, stage technicians, gaffers, cameraman, makeup artists and pyrotechnicians will all find something to make their job easier. A daily prize draw will also be held on the stand, so remember to leave your business card.
Le Mark - and SetWear - can be found on stand F12.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - PLASA 2005 sees VisualDMX controlling 4,000 channels via the unique Matrix Mania! element of the software package. Visitors to PLASA are invited to see the use of matrix patterns, scrolling text and animated GIF graphics, demonstrated live on the new Lighttech floor panels from TDE.
VisualDMX is available for personal demonstrations throughout the show, offering an insight into the fast, live and programmed control of lighting, including the new Conventional and Intelligent sequence editors. For those with a sense of fun, the company is offering the opportunity to explore the full strengths of the VisualDMX software editing their own animations in Matrix Mania.
VisualDMX can be found on the stand of Lightstorm Trading, B39.
(Lee Baldock)
The Netherlands - Lumileds Lighting has announced an agreement for Royal Philips Electronics to purchase Agilent Technologies' interests in the company. The acquisition is structured to allow Lumileds to continue operating as an independent business group, within the Philips Lighting organization, supporting its customers as it has since the company's inception. Customers will continue to work directly with Lumileds and its authorized distributors including Future Electronics for all their product needs. Lumileds manufacturing operations in San Jose and Penang, business offices, sales, marketing, engineering and R&D organizations remain in place and continue to serve the needs of customers around the world.
"Throw away last week's charts that show expectations for LED performance," said Mike Holt, CEO of Lumileds. "Increased access to and closer working relationships with the world class materials, semi-conductor and lighting technology organizations in Philips will allow us to advance the performance of LEDs and our Luxeon products in ways not imagined just a month ago."
"Lumileds success and value is a direct result of our passion and commitment to our technology leadership, products and customers. The freedom Agilent and Philips have given us to do what we do best as a solid-state technology company will continue even though the makeup of our board will change," said Holt. "The entire process will be transparent to our customers and they will remain unaffected as the company moves forward."
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Bandit Lites is supplying UK techno punk band The Prodigy with lighting production for their current summer run of festivals and shows, in the build-up to the launch of their new album. Under the working title of 'Always Outnumbered Never Outgunned', the album is the first studio work by The Prodigy since 1997's seminal 'Fat of The Land'.
Lighting designer Ian 'Mac' MacEwan has worked with The Prodigy for nine years, "Nine LOUD years," as he puts it. This year, Bandit Lites was chosen as lighting supplier for the first time - a move which Mac says has been excellent in terms of "getting the service and attention we need". It also reacquaints Mac with Lester Cobrin, as this is the first time the pair has worked together since Cobrin joined the Bandit UK team in 2004 as business development manager.
Cobrin comments: "I've been working with Mac on various tours for about six years now, but The Prodigy is an account that I desperately wanted to maintain. Mac is a master of his craft and constantly ups the ante with his striking designs."
Lighting-wise, "it's a constant evolution," says Mac. The rig they're using this summer is basically their festival floor rig with additional overhead elements as suited to the show or event. At Brixton Academy and other similar-sized theatre shows, Mac adds two chevron shaped trusses, the rear one of which is raked and moves. The rig relies heavily on Martin automated lights including MAC 2K Profiles and 2K Washes, plus the ubiquitous Atomic strobes with scrollers.
The three backdrops
Argentina - MA Lighting has appointed Daniel F Ridano as technical manager to respond to the technical needs of customers in Latin and South America. His responsibilities include answering all technical questions about the grandMA range and other sophisticated solutions from MA Lighting. In addition, Daniel will support customers regarding up coming projects. Furthermore, he'll be organizing special workshops for grandMA consoles, grandMA video, MA digital dimmers and other MA lighting products.
As a specialist with a Bachelor's degree in digital electronics, Daniel F Ridano has a broad technical knowledge and more than 12 years of practical experience in the lighting business. Being one of Latin America's first-call grandMA operators, he worked for musical productions such as Peter Pan and Aladdin as well as being in demand as a moving light technician for international productions such as Walt Disney's The Beauty and the Beast. Ridano, calling on his vast professional experience, has already provided practical technical workshops for experienced lighting operators.
Ridano is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
(Lee Baldock)
USA - The Light CoPilot III is a new analogue chase control system from Elation Control Systems. A complete package for controlling multiple sound-active effects, it features Elation's popular 16-channel Light CoPilot II analogue chase controller, plus two 4-channel LC-4SP power packs and two 25-foot connector cables.
With two power packs included in the system - as opposed to one 8-channel pack - the Light CoPilot III gives DJs and clubs more options for configuring their lights. For example, they can string four fixtures in two different areas of a club, rather than having to rig all their lights on one truss or T-bar. Plus, users will have fewer messy extension cords and wires to hassle with.
"The Light CoPilot III's extra power pack really expands what you can do with your light show," said John Lopez, national sales manager for Elation Control Systems. "It gives you an easy way to position your lights in two different zones. This lets you cover a bigger area of the club or dance floor, chase from different angles, and create a more exciting visual presentation."
The controller that comes with the system, the Light CoPilot II, is designed for commanding lights in multiple zones. Its 16 channels are divided into four 4-channel zones on the control panel (the system can actually be expanded to as many as four LS-4SP power packs). Each zone can be set separately in one of three operating modes - sound-active, standard, or timed chase (fast chase to 10 minute intervals) - to create varying patterns in different sections of the club. Users al
Australia - The new Craigieburn Bypass now provides a freeway link between the Melbourne Metropolitan Ring Road and the Hume Freeway in Australia's second city. Amongst the unique features of this road-building project is the world's first traffic controlled lighting effect, conceived by landscape architects Taylor Cullity Lethlan and engineers Webb Australia in conjunction with local artist Robert Owen. The system was then designed and installed by Lightmoves Pty Ltd.
A 300m matrix of colour changing LEDs, forming part of an acoustic barrier to reduce road noise, was installed parallel to the road. The design brief required the lighting effects to be controlled and regulated by transducers in the road. Lightmoves turned to Artistic Licence to provide the necessary control software via Colour-Tramp.
Colour-Tramp is best known for its ability to control colour changing arrays with ease. Perhaps less well know is the sophisticated system that allows almost any lighting effect to be controlled by external events such as MIDI or RS232 triggers. Lightmoves combined Colour-Tramp with the AMX NI-3000 product. The NI-3000 provided the interface to the traffic counter system and provided RS232 triggers to Colour-Tramp. The final effect creates and controls colour sequences depending upon the volume of traffic.
Joe Casamento of Lightmoves says: "Colour-Tramp was a great tool for us. It easily enabled us to program the wall by importing the artist's computer bitmaps. Colour-Tramp's ability to have a full on-screen representation of the wall meant that a lot of progra