UK - As part of an ongoing drive to improve the services offered to its customers, the FX Group has restructured its technical department, with several key promotions from within the company. The reorganization is also in response to the departure in early September of technical director Frank Oglethorpe, who has relocated to the US.
Adam Pope, who has worked in a technical capacity for FX for almost six years, has been promoted to technical manager. Pope previously worked as an audio engineer in Prague, prior to that spending six years in Soundcraft's R&D department. He will be responsible for the day to day running of the technical and check-in department, liaising with suppliers' and clients' own technical staff and working with clients on special projects which involve FX in both an advisory and rentals role. Pope will also continue to offer technical support on equipment, supporting and running FX's Pyramix systems, actively running its location recording services and handling some repair work.
Graeme Rogerson, previously a freelancer at FX's repairs and service arm Cimple Solutions, has been recruited to assist Pope, primarily taking responsibility for the maintenance of FX's own equipment. "Graeme will be a great asset to FX, and by taking on the task of maintaining our equipment, will allow me more time to concentrate on maintaining the high level of service that Frank previously offered," says Pope.
There has also been a restructuring of FX's Pro Tools department, with Nick Burkingyoung promoted to manager. "The Pro Tools department is a
Germany - CT Germany is offering customized masks for the established Versa Lightguide LED modules (the name under which the company markets its Versa Tile systems from Element Labs). The new masks offer endless variations on the Versa Lightguide theme. The company is offering the new customized modules for rental and fixed installation projects worldwide. The modules are available in 50cm x 50cm and 100cm x 100cm panels, and can be delivered with any mask requested. (Lee Baldock)
UK - Two Avolites Diamond 4's and a Pearl 2004 were used by lighting company Siyan for the high profile Oxfam Make Trade Fair charity show at Hammersmith Apollo last week.
Topping the bill was REM, other highlights of an animated line up included hottest-guitar-band-of-the-moment Razorlight, The Thrills, Jamelia, Minnie Driver and her band, comedian Ricky Gervais and a special guest appearance by Coldplay's Chris Martin, who played two songs with REM.
The general lighting design was created by Bryan Leitch and based on a festival set up. It was programmed by Nick Whitehouse using one of the Diamond 4s, and a second Diamond 4 was made available offline at FOH for visiting LDs to pre-programme their show using Avolites' Visualiser (supplied as standard with every D4).
With only a short amount of time available for any pre-programming on the day, the second console was an invaluable aid to Matt Dowden (Razorlight), Geoff Hall (The Thirlls) and Baz Halpin (looking after REM for Susanne Sasic). This working practise has been used very successfully by Siyan when the company previously used Diamond 4's on the Radio One Stages, both Reading and Leeds V festivals.
The Diamond 4 controlled 12 SGM Giotto 400s, 20 MAC 600s, 16 Source Four profiles, 8 SGM Palco LED fixtures, assorted PARs and 12 Robe Show Lighting XT250 washes. The latter were used on the floor each side of stage at the sides to full the gaps, and give the cameras some form to look 'into' as the whole show was recorded for DVD by Done & Dusted. The Pearl 2004 was used to run the audience lighting.<
UK - Salisbury-based Stagecraft has been awarded UK Independent Dealer of the Year 2004 award by specialist lighting manufacturer Zero 88. Presented to Stagecraft at PLASA 2004 last week, the award recognizes the company's expertise and knowledge of the Zero 88 product range. Stagecraft's sales and project manager, Martin Palmer, was presented with the award.
Graham Eales of Zero 88 commented: "Stagecraft has surpassed its previous efforts on behalf of Zero 88. It has grown its sales of our products by over 100% in 2003/2004. We believe this growth has come as a result of Stagecraft's focus on us as its sol supplier of lighting control products, a good stocking policy, excellent PR and staff trained in our products."
Stagecraft was one of the first companies to install new Zero 88 touch screens in a £100,000 lighting refurbishment for Salisbury nightclub, The Chapel, and also a new Illusion 500 desk at the new Theatre Royal in Portsmouth.
(Lee Baldock)
Finland - FogScreen Inc has been chosen as a winner of the IST prize, which is awarded to European innovations with most business potential and technical excellence, among other things. The European IST Prize is organized by the European Council of Applied Sciences, Technologies and Engineering, with the sponsorship and support of the Information Society Technologies Programme of the European Commission.
FogScreen has been asked to participate in the IST event (held in The Hague from 15-17 November), where three IST Grand Prize Winners will be selected from among the IST Prize Winners. "We have taken part in three competitions: InnoSuomi, VentureCup, Laval Virtual Awards and IST Prize, and we have every time been chosen either as a winner or a finalist. That implies the ingenuity of our invention. Perhaps the biggest outcome of this prize may be increased possibility for funding from the Information Society Technologies Programme in the future. We have not applied for that funding yet," comments Mika Herpiö, CEO for FogScreen.
FogScreen is a patented, walk-through projection screen. With an interactivity add-on, it can be used for writing and drawing in the air.
(Lee Baldock)
UK/Greece - Creative Technology was contracted by Sportsmark, the American event management and marketing agency, to provide a full technical staging service, including lighting, audio, video projection and indoor Barco iLite 8 LED display, during the Olympic Games in Athens.
Nick Whitehead and Rob Merilees managed the project, with lighting design by Nick Whitehead. Six venues were used as hospitality suites for Sportsmark's clients, including Visa, Xerox and Bank of America for the duration of the Games, with additional special events.
The lighting design incorporated effects from CT's LED lighting inventory, including its latest acquisition - the Colorblaze 48 LED batten from Color Kinetics - and the Colorblast 12 fixture, which is extremely useful in view of its low power consumption and heat output.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
Australia - When rock star Jimmy Barnes took to the stage at Star City Showroom recently, the impact of his performance was significantly enhanced by the country's most advanced lighting design, a suite of some 24 show lights from Clay Paky's range. The Clay Paky product was recently installed by Total Concept Projects, the exclusive distributor of Clay Paky product in Australia. Star City's general entertainment services manager Bicci Henderson comments: "The impact of the new lighting on the Jimmy Barnes show was fantastic, with very startling colour saturation and vibrancy. It is Australia's most stunning show lighting system."
Commenting on the lighting set-up, he says: "The lighting set-up was so good that the Barnes' producers just walked in and did the show without having to move a thing. It was great!" Henderson continues: "The Clay Paky lighting is very impressive and has come a long way in performance terms from what we have seen from this company before. It's more user-friendly, durable and flexible, and can be used for anything from a rock concert to musical or theatre performances." Star City will be using the lighting for such exciting acts as the TCB band (original Elvis Presley Band), Björn Again and 'Shoosh', the Glynn Nichols stage production from Melbourne.
Project director from Total Concept Projects, Daniel Butler comments: "We installed some 24 lights in key positions around the theatre along with a high-tech control console. This has the advantage of allowing the technical people at Star City to both m
UK / Sweden - Lightfactor Sales has announced a UK distribution deal with Wireless Solutions from Sweden, who's wireless DMX system - W-DMX - won a PLASA Award for Innovation at the Show in London last week. Wireless Solutions' Niclas Arvidsson was looking for a well-known and respected sales company to distribute his product: "We want to work with the best - Lightfactor has a great reputation and is very well connected," he comments. The two companies have actually already been acquainted with one another for some time: like Lightfactor, Wireless Solutions is also a distributor for SGM moving lights.
Lightfactor's Peter Coles comments: "W-DMX fits perfectly into our product portfolio. It was the right product at the right time and the fact that it won the PLASA Award is extremely well-timed and a further boost."
W-DMX - described as "taking wireless data to new levels" by the PLASA awards judges - has been developed by a team of leading GSM engineers from a GSM telephone manufacturer, who are now working for Wireless Solutions. Advantages of wireless data transmission include the robustness of the system, the ability to string multiple units together on the same bandwidth, and reduced interference.
The W-DMX unit features an algorithm that scans a frequency for potential interference. If detected, the device is automatically instructed to avoid it. For security, a PIN code can be entered into the W-DMX transmitter and sent to the receiver/s, which won't work if the PIN is not included in the data string - exactly the same princ
UK/Italy - Compulite, along with its UK distributor Stagetec Distribution, had the most successful PLASA show ever with the stand packed with visitors from the beginning until half an hour after the show finished. The new Dlite range of consoles was previewed at the show to unanimous acclaim. Vector Green was launched at the show and proved so popular that orders for six systems were taken on the stand.
For the first time user, the Dlite incorporates a two preset manual control section with preset masters and manual fade times, for the more experienced user there are 20 manual playbacks and for those that like to run things theatre style there is even a split crossfade playback with GO button. This combined with advanced features such as a built in LCD touch screen, effects generator and libraries ensures the Dlite has something for everyone.
Compulite are well known for producing compact and portable consoles, the laptop style SparkTOP being its best selling console ever. Vector Green takes this to a new level offering virtually all the features of the larger consoles in a compact package complete with carry case. The first Vector Green system in the UK was ordered on the first day of the show by Fentura Productions, already owners of a Vector Blue console.
Tim Matthews from Fentura Productions commented: 'The release of the latest Vector software incorporates a number of new features specifically requested by us, including attachments of images and videos to cues that can be outputted to an LCD projector and the LED matrix software. The Vector user interface
UK - Projected Image Digital announced a raft of new products and developments at the PLASA Show, beginning with a Beta version of the MYRAD package which provides a reduced feature set version of the RADlite image server plus a hardware DMX interface - at a much reduced price compared to the original, full featured version. The new software will run on a standard PC, although for optimum performance a dual processor machine is recommended.
Two prominent products in the visual stakes on the stand were the VersaTILE LED modules, for which PID is Element Labs' preferred UK partner, and the large screen D-TFT40W LCD display from D-TEK Industries. Projected Image Digital also showed its Beacon, EpOk and Amorphous royalty-free digital content libraries.
Highlighting the company's growth in the audio/video convergence market, the new D-Mix Series, according to PID, "breaks new ground in the convergence of lighting and video...the D-Mix offers the ultimate in video mixing and matrixing from a lighting console." The D-Mix Series offers the choice of single or quadruple outputs, both versions providing an internal 2-channel video mixer for smooth crossfades between either two video inputs or the internal black signal.
PID's Rob Fowler told LSI Online: "A lot of people out there are very keen to use all these new, converging technologies but are quite nervous about where and how to start because of the perceived complexity of so much of it. There's a certain reassurance in coming to a company run by experienced lighting people who understand how these n
UK - Initiated by James Thomas Engineering and hosted by BBC Training at Wood Norton, near Evesham, Worcestershire, the LED Workshop event aims to give LDs, set designers - and anyone else involved in lighting - an opportunity to learn more about LED lighting; the equipment, the uses and control.
Taking place on 30 September, the start time will be 1pm for lunch, followed by a workshop-style conference in which Andy Sugars from PixelRange will explain the development of the LED and the current state of play, followed by a discussion of future development. There will be a chance to investigate the colourimetry of LEDs as a light source for flesh tones: Philips, Thompson, Ikegami and Sony cameras will be available to use.
Pixeldrive software will be on hand for attendees to play with, and they will also be given the chance to compare LED sources side by side with conventional tungsten. Also being shown will be control of LED fixtures, both direct and via the PixelDrive software, from the Compulite Vector control system. Contact Iain Davidson at the address below to book places at the Workshop.
(Lee Baldock)
USA - Production Resource Group (PRG) served as the primary supplier of lighting, staging, and scenery for the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City. PRG supplied over 1,000 lighting fixtures for the event, including 235 moving lights. The lighting package included some of the company's most popular fixtures, including VL3000 spot units, VL2000 spot units, VL2000 wash units, MAC 2000 wash units, and MAC 2000 Profiles.
As a result of PRG's recent merger with VLPS Lighting Services, Bill Klages, the event's lighting designer, was able to obtain all of the lights needed for the event from PRG. Staging and scenic elements provided by PRG included: The main stage and stairs used during the first three days of the event. This stage included a motorized slip stage and hydraulic lift for raising and lowering speaker platforms. Both the slip stage and lift were controlled by Stage Command, PRG's patented scenic automation system.
An entertainment lift that raised and lowered the variety of artists performing during the event, from rock groups to a 50-person Gospel choir. This was 30ft in diameter, had a low height of 3ft 6" and a maximum height of 15ft, and could lift a maximum of 15,000lbs at a rate of 30ft per minute. All of the lift's movements were controlled by Stage Command.
Automation of the LED walls included in the set, each of which weighed over 1,000 pounds and was hung from a traveller track built and motorized by PRG. Using Stage Command, PRG was able to make these walls 'travel' and 'fly' across the set at rates up to three feet per sec
USA - Doug Fleenor Design has announced a line-up of new products will be shown at the forthcoming ETS-LDI exhibition in Las Vegas (20-22 October).
The DMX to iPlayer 2 interface allows DMX512 control of the iPlayer2 and Light System Engine controllers from Color Kinetics Inc. The interface uses DMX512 data to set controller parameters via the controller's RS-232 input. The interface uses three (or optionally five) consecutive DMX512 channels to select trigger mode, show number, and intensity. Shows may also be triggered manually using the interface's three-digit thumb wheel switch.
The Remote Addressing Device (RAD) is used to set the DMX address of compatible products. Designed to draft version 2.0 of the RDM specification, RAD will be upgraded to comply with the released standard at no charge.
The CK300 power supply is intended to power Color Kinetics' LED fixtures in portable applications. The supply has six 4-pin XLR outputs to power up to six Color Kinetics Color Blast 12 (or equivalent) fixtures. Also on show, the DMX96OC is designed to drive solenoids and relays for fountains or special effects, and is ideal for many other on/off loads. The product decodes 96 consecutive DMX512 channels to drive open-collector NPN outputs. Each of the outputs is capable of sinking up to 100mA (or more based on duty cycle). The DMX512 input is optically isolated from the outputs and is protected against miswiring up to 120 volts. Also new, the High Density Distribution Block for Color Kinetics fixtures simplifies large installations of 24 Volt LED fixtures. The Block
UK - The star of TMB's PLASA Show was the ColourPix Pro-V4 fixtures - the latest addition to TMB's ColourPix Video Fixture system. The hexagonal 4" RGB LED fixtures mechanically interlock together to form arrays of any imaginable shape (or groups of shapes) - rows, rectangles or random honeycomb designs. V-LED video graphics software is used to patch and matrix the fixtures within the array. The system functions as a low resolution video display, accepting video input of any kind via the V-LED controller. Up to 4,000 fixtures can be run from one controller and numerous controllers can be connected for almost infinite system size. Control wiring is a simple daisy chain, using standard 5-pin cables. There is no addressing necessary; the units patch themselves via the signal from the V-LED controller.
Features include control any number of fixtures, in any shape, from any video input; up to 4,000 fixtures on one channel; IP rated for indoor or outdoor installations; no external PSUs, boxes or adapters required; programming time cut by 90% in video mode.
The units will run from any video source, including media servers for special effects, and the integral auto-switching PSU operates from 90V to 250V. The company says the design is intended to add new texture and creativity to special effects by combining colour-changing luminaires with video - aimed at providing spectacular effects for all venues from small clubs to stadia and all types of permanent installation.
(Mike Lethby)
UK - Element Labs launched the latest generation of its multiple award-winning LED based products at PLASA - VersaTILE and VersaTUBE. VersaTILE, the innovative edge-lit translucent panel, now has factory-set colour calibration as part of the product's upgrade to a fourth generation. Designed to overcome the variability in LED colour, a technique, often used in the manufacture of high-end LED video screens, analyses the colour profile of each individual LED and calibrates each pixel to ensure a uniform colour output across the entire device. This close control over colour accuracy also allows faithful reproduction of more difficult colours such as grey, brown, fleshtones and pure white.
VersaTUBE, the colour-changing light tube, has also been enhanced with improved colour rendition and other features. Among this year's most prominent dates for the product have been the German production of Saturday Night Fever and the launch by Apple Computer of the iPod Mini MP3 player.
(Mike Lethby)
UK - The latest extension to Bulgin's Buccaneer range of waterproof Ethernet connectors is an 'overmoulded' version of the pre-wired patchcords. Bulgin's Ethernet Buccaneer provides environmental sealing to IP68. Combining industry standard RJ45 connectors with the proven Buccaneer characteristics, this connector system provides a secure, reliable and practical solution to harsh industrial environments.
The body of the new 'overmoulded' patchcords is moulded directly over the pre-wired connector onto the cable. This type of construction can offer distinct advantages; the body forms a seal around the cable so no separate cable gland is needed, the cable is secured so no retaining cage is required and, as the termination is sealed, the connector is completely tamper proof.
A Polyurethane (PUR) cable jacket has been chosen for the cable. This presents very good mechanical properties, has good chemical and water resistance with low smoke, low halogen flame retardant construction, making it particularly suitable for internal industrial environments. The body material is UL94V-0 rated. These patchcords are available in single and double ended versions. The PX0836 has a sealed RJ45 plug to bare ends, the PX0837 has a sealed RJ45 plug to shielded RJ45 plug and the PX0838 a sealed RJ45 plug to sealed RJ45 plug. Each patchcord is available in 2, 3 or 5m as standard lengths with other lengths available on request. Shielded RJ45 plugs are used throughout, which, combined with the S-FTP cable construction and shielded panel mount couplers, provide a system performance to Cat5
UK - Debuting at the PLASA 2004 show was Flying Pig Systems' Hog 3 PC, which offers the convenience, flexibility and power of the Wholehog 3 operating system on a personal computer. The system of software and hardware components combines to produce any system that an end user needs, from cost-free Hog 3 PC software for viewing and editing Wholehog 3 shows through to a fully-fledged 4,096-channel console, depending on the number of USB DMX widgets. The company has also announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with ESP Vision Inc to provide Wholehog 3 lighting console users direct connectivity with ESP Vision software.
Firstly the product - Hog 3 PC offers popular features including the effects engine, a new remote focus device, which provides the freedom to operate all console functions from any location without the burden of cables. Hog 3 PC controls automated and conventional light fixtures, and hardware is backwards compatible with the discontinued Wholehog 2 software. It runs on a laptop or desktop computer or can be rack-mounted, making it ideal control for automated playback in retail and architectural applications.
Brad Schiller, HES director of software development, says: "The introduction of Hog 3 PC software greatly expands the capabilities of the Wholehog 3 operating system. Following a similar implementation as Hog 2 PC, the new software provides off-line editing functionality for the Wholehog 3 console as well as the new Hog iPC. Additionally, the Hog 3 PC software is able to network wired or wireless with other Wholehog 3 cons
UK - ETC showed its newly-acquired IES iSine dimming brand at PLASA: iSine, a groundbreaking core dimming engine, developed by Dutch dimming innovator IES, is believed to be the world's most advanced, proven sine wave technology, according to ETC. Brought under the ETC banner in June of 2004, IES now has the backing of ETC's global research, marketing and service resources.
ETC's passionate investment is an indication of the importance of the technology and is providing huge momentum to the acceptance of sine wave across the entertainment lighting market. ETC Chief Executive Officer Fred Foster said: "IES was the pioneer behind sine wave dimming technology in Europe. At the same ETC has been developing sine wave products in the US. With the acquisition of IES, we've had the unprecedented opportunity to unite the best people and ideas in the field and create sine wave solutions for the worldwide lighting market."
IES iSine dimming technology is not only silent but provides an alternative 'green' solution by virtually eliminating harmonic distortion and minimising reactive power, plus benefiting from lower volt drop. Other benefits reported by users include energy savings and reduction in electricity costs, improved lamp-life for savings on maintenance and, thanks to that reduced volt drop, less heat dissipation. iSine also saves on infrastructure costs through the downsizing of cables, switchgear and transformers. Additionally, iSine dimming has proved tolerant of the poorest mains supply conditions and is easily able to accommodate generator supplies
USA - Industry veteran Craig Burross has returned to lighting manufacturer High End Systems Inc as the new sales m,anager for north-eastern US. Burross previously worked as HES sales manager for various US regions from 1991-1999. He most recently came from Vari-Lite, where he was the north-east/mid-atlantic regional sales manager. Burross says: "I'm obviously overjoyed to be back with the High End Systems family! The ever increasing use of the Digital Lighting platform weighed heavily in my decision to leave Vari-Lite and return to High End Systems, the industry leader with this particular technology. I'm grateful to once again have the opportunity to advance the understanding and use of High End's inventions, and be a part of this cutting-edge organization."
HES chairman and founder Lowell Fowler says: "Most of the industry knows Craig and the recently-returned Sean Hoey from their previous stints at High End. We're happy to see them bring some of that good old mojo back."
(Lee Baldock)
UK - At the PLASA Show (12-15 September), Strand introduced its new OneLight Par and OneLight Fresnel - both of which are 575W MSR daylight luminaires featuring an integrated fan free electronic ballast and ignitor, making them ideal for quick set-up applications. The units are powerful and lightweight, say Strand, and maintenance is also quick and easy. The OneLight Par and Fresnel join the company's 150W and 250W CDM fresnels, which also have integrated ballasts. All of these products are ideal for a wide range of film, television and special event lighting, say the company.
Strand also displayed its new 2.8.5 console software for the 300 and 500 series control desks, boasting a number of enhancements. Key new features include extended luminaire attributes to support Catalyst luminaires, a new TrackBack command and a host of other new features. New software for Strand's wireless PDA-based remotes also offers further new features.
Also new, the Accent DMX control stations, aimed at use in theatres and a wide range of architectural applications, and designed for use with all Strand digital dimmers. Each station can support up to 48 dimmers with 2, 4 or 8 presets. Stations can be linked together and form systems with up to 8 stations in 8 rooms.
Finally, debuting at PLASA is the latest dimming product from Strand Lighting - the SLD Sinewave silent dimmer module. The 13A module features a fully symmetrical, Sinewave output with less than 1% harmonic distortion, say Strand. It may be installed in any SLD series dimmer rack and features full status reporting and
UK - Chauvet's new Legend 250 Zoom is a sophisticated, 16-channel moving light that effectively projects patterns, logos, glass gobo images, morphing gobos and even soft light. Multiple gobos, colors, prism and effects can be layered. Features include: linear motorized zoom (15° to 22°), variable iris, variable strobe, motorized focus, mechanical dimming, 8-bit or 6-bit resolution, automatic pan and tilt correction, independent frost, micro-stepping motors, coated optics, two colour wheels, one effect wheel and two gobo wheels.
Movement range is 540° of pan by 280° of tilt. Optical encoders at the base of the head automatically correct the fixture's position as necessary. Each colour wheels features five colours plus white. The effect wheel has two colours, two CT filters, two glass effects, a UV filter and one open position. One gobo wheel features nine interchangeable gobos. The second gobo wheel features seven interchangeable, fully rotating and indexing gobos plus open. All wheels can be superimposed.
On-board programming eliminates the need for a console in certain applications such as simple trade show lighting or merchandising and display. Nine steps can be saved in one program. Lenses have an anti-reflective coating, which improves image quality and minimizes leaks. A new and specialized glass reflector for the lamp harnesses the focal point, which results in an extremely high light output. The 3,000-hour MSD250W lamp can be turned on and off remotely from a console.
An internal thermal sensor automatically adjusts the fan speed based on interna
USA - Super Vision International Inc has appointed Mike Bauer as vice-president of sales and marketing. Bauer has previously served as vice-president of sales for Lighting Corporation of America and vice-president of sales for Cooper Lighting, a billion dollar division of Cooper Industries. Over his six years at Cooper Lighting, Bauer also served as the director of marketing and product development for Lumark, McGraw-Edison and Cooper Utility Lighting, and regional sales manager for the Southeast US. He began his career with General Electric and served as national sales manager for GE Lighting Systems Canada, after extensive roles in production planning, logistics, marketing and product development.
"Mike brings over 16 years of lighting and eight years of senior executive and consulting experience with three of the largest lighting companies in the world, with emphasis in sales, marketing, product development, acquisitions and business development," said Brett Kingstone, President/CEO of Super Vision. "He also has strong relationships with key principles and top management throughout the lighting industry. But just as important as his experience and relationships, is the energy level and excitement that inspires people and moves an organization forward. We are very excited to have Mike Bauer on our team."
(Lee Baldock)
UK - At the PLASA Show, Pulsar's ChromaRange has been expanded to include a total of 17 MR16-sized LED fittings to provide a high level of design flexibility. Up to 60 MR16 ChromaRange units can be driven from a single ChromaZone. The new ChromaMR16 Heart further increases the flexibility of the ChromaRange, as it allows for the use of MR16-type low-cost standard fixtures. This new ChromaMR16 Heart features 18 high-power LEDs and is supplied with 3m of lightweight ChromaFlex cable.
17 different enclosures available to provide an unbelievable level of design flexibility. Up to five MR16 Hearts can be used on each output of the ChromaZone, allowing the use of up to 60 units from a single ChromaZone! An optional five-way splitter available, as is an an optional pin mounting kit available for enclosures that use the GU5.3 pins to support the MR16 module.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - PLASA 2004 opened its doors on Sunday 12th September to enthusiastic crowds, with a full show, hundreds of exciting products and a real buzz across the show floor. Both visitors and exhibitors are commenting that the excitement is back and the industry future looks bright.
The Product Excellence Awards at the PLASA show have been a popular feature of the event for many years, highlighting the significance of the show as a focus for new developments for the industry. To reinforce this role, the awards have undergone an important change for 2004 with the focus being much more on genuine innovation and have been relaunched as the PLASA Awards for Innovation. The previous assessment criteria, which segmented the nominations into sectors, has been removed so that products were not judged within category lines, but on the grounds of their innovation alone. The judges looked for products which advanced the industry, demonstrated a new style of thinking, represented a key step forward in safety terms or improved technical practices.
Despite this tighter judging criteria 66 products were entered, raising over £10,000 for charity and bringing the total amount of monies donated to good causes over the past 7 years to £55,000.
At a champagne reception at PLASA's Central Bar on Monday 13th September the winners were applauded by the industry and presented with their award by PLASA Chairman Diane Grant.
The eight Awards for Innovation were awarded to: