Lightfactor Sales has chosen the PLASA show to launch several new and innovative products and services. This year Xilver, the Dutch architectural lighting manufacturer, joins Lightfactor’s list of major brands, which also includes Apogee Sound, High End, LDR, LightProcessor, Par-Safe, Morpheus and SGM.
The Xilver Droplet LED moving light is an entirely new concept of an automated luminaire using the latest high power LED technology, is housed in the most expediant design yet seen in entertainment, display and architectural lighting. This curvy, compact luminaire provides full control of beam position, effects and colour selection. The high brightness diode light source offers the ability to create fluent and lightning-fast colour changes.
A new division at Lightfactor - the Cut Colour Company - opened in August and is officially launched at PLASA 2002. The Cut Colour Company is a new one-stop colour-call shop. Colour control media is available from stock in both roll and sheet formats from leading manufacturers including Lee Filters and Rosco and can be cut to size or scroll as required. Lightfactor’s experienced staff ensure a fast, reliable service for the supply of all leading brands of filter in all formats. Gobos, gobo holders, PVC and Gaffer tapes and other essential consumables are also stocked.
LightProcessor will launch the first models in a new range of Dimension Series dimmers. This range is specifically designed to offer a combination of features and performance not normally available at this price level. The D610 six-chann
The American National Standards Institute is now offering electronic copies of ESTA's ANSI-approved standards and other technical publications for sale on-line. Ordering electronic copies on-line gives members of the entertainment industry almost instantaneous delivery of needed documents.
To order ESTA's standards and other technical documents from ANSI, simply go to the website shown below and then click on the pull-down menu under the instructions ‘Please select a standards category below.’ Select ‘ESTA: Entertainment Services and Technology Association’ from the list of standards developers, and then hit the ‘Go’ button. That will present a page listing all ESTA's publications available through ANSI, including ESTA's free publications.
Paper copies of ESTA's documents are available from ESTA Publications Orders, offered by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology in the United States, or from PLASA in the UK. To order from PLASA, visit the website at www.plasa.org/books. Type ‘ESTA’ into the dialog box under ‘Search Catalogue,’ and all the ESTA publications will be listed. Alternatively, orders can be made by fax on +44 (0)1323 646905, or by ringing Sheila Bartholomew on +44 (0)1323 418400.
(Ruth Rossington)
Ryger, the well-known UK manufacturer of lighting controllers and effects, has relocated to Wales. Under new management and with radical restructuring, Ryger Ltd will continue to manufacture its comprehensive range of lighting controllers for the small club and mobile DJ market, as well as expanding into the live music control market. "Our Footlight 4 lighting controller for bands has been a great success," said Karen Phillips, marketing director. "We’ve recently made it stronger to endure the most testing of applications and plan to extend the range further in the near future."
The new improved Footlight will be on display at PLASA 2002 along with the rest of the Ryger range. Also showing at PLASA will be the newest version of the Ryger Showlite system, a fully interactive comprehensive lighting control system run from a PC or laptop. Ryger also maintains its commitment to continue manufacturing in the UK. "Ryger is a great example of that rare animal, a truly British manufacturer!" said Phil Smith, managing director. "Our controllers and lights are UK designed and built from concept stage to finished product and to maintain the quality of our products we will keep it that way."
(Ruth Rossington)
Japan recently became the site of the first official Wholehog III training seminars organized for customers, when two 2-day sessions were held from 6-9 August at Ushio U-Tech's Koiwa Studio in Tokyo. Sales and R&D professionals in attendance were mostly from Ushio U-Tech, C&C Electronics Co and Theatre Engineering Co Ltd - although one production person came a long way from the National Theatre School of Canada.
High End Systems' Brad Schiller instructed the classes, which were translated simultaneously into Japanese by Hitoshi Nakamura, chief of the international sales division of Ushio U-Tech. Of particular interest were the ‘guts’ of the console. As the attendees would need to know how to both service and program the Wholehog III, they were satisfied upon opening the unit to see how easily interchangeable parts would be.
The first formal classes for Wholehog III in the US kick off in October at the LDI 2002 trade show in Las Vegas, led by High End Systems’ Vickie Claiborne. As these particular seminars are related to LDI, those interested need to visit www.ldishow.com to register.
(Lee Baldock)
Martin Professional is showing a number of new products at PLASA this year: the MAC 2000 Wash is a powerful new 1200W MAC Fresnel fixture, with a number of notable features including extremely high light output from an HMI 1200W source, full CMY colour mixing and variable CTC filters, multiple front lens options for various beam spreads, a fully motorized zoom system and more. For increased flexibility, an optional motorized barn door module allows you to cut the beam wherever desired.
Next up, the MAC 2000 Performance is a powerful 1200W profile framing spot and animation projector, featuring a 4-blade framing system for precise stage lighting and gobo animation wheel for extraordinary theatrical effects. The gobo animation system has been further enhanced with a set of six new animation wheel designs giving lighting designers an unparalleled range of artistic effects with which to enhance their shows.
The Maxxyz is Martin Professional’s new professional lighting console and the most advanced stage lighting console on the market today thanks to a string of highly original features and intuitive characteristics such as customizable LCD buttons for tailored programming, a built-in 3D Visualizer with real-time Preview mode, full multimedia capability, and much more.
Ego 1 and Ego 2 are the first in a new series of highly individual 250W DJ effect lights featuring new flower and gobo patterns and high quality projection optics. The MX-10 scanner is the latest in Martin's popular MX series, combining a quality achromatic lens system, a 250W lamp source, high velocit
Clay Paky, the Italian manufacturer of intelligent lighting products, has relocated to brand new premises near Bergamo, with effect from 26 August. The company’s new contact details are as follows: Clay Paky S.p.A., via Pastrengo 3/B, 24068 Seriate (Bergamo). While the telephone and e-mail contacts remain unchanged, the company does have a new fax number - to fax Clay Paky you must now use +39 035 301876. More details of the company’s new facility will follow shortly.
(Lee Baldock)
Interactive lighting specialist Optimusic is launching the new OptiBeam the OB2 at PLASA 2002. This latest interactive light unit boasts a very high light output and comes with focus function. Furthermore, due to changes in design and increased demand, Optimusic has announced that the price of the the OB2 is priced some 30% less than the OB1! Also on show is the latest version of the company’s OM-CS Control System - now 20% lower in price. The Optimusic stand will feature new and exciting applications for the innovative interactive lighting system - visitors can see the latest beam games such as BeamBowling and BeamFootball, the latest BeamDJ setting and more.
Optimusic can be found on stand J22.
Gary Fails, City Theatrical’s founder and President, has earned his Masters of Business Administration degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business in New York City, and was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma honour society for academic excellence. Fails took a leave of absence from Columbia in 1971 and went out on the road with touring shows for 10 years, then continued working on Broadway before founding City Theatrical in 1986. "For the last 30 years, I said I would go back and finish school; this is the completion of a lifetime goal. I look forward to using my MBA skills to grow and improve City Theatrical and to make it a larger and more vital part of our industry."
(Lee Baldock)
Currently enjoying a resurgence of popularity, summer music festivals are alive and well in both Europe and North America. Six days of sunshine and a great atmosphere in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries is just the ‘cure’ for those summertime blues. On 25 July, British rock legends The Cure played before a vast audience at Switzerland’s largest open-air festival, the Paléo Festival Nyon. Gaining in popularity, the Paléo Festival is attracting some of the biggest names in music.
Lighting rental company Cameleon supplied a full Martin rig consisting of eight MAC 2000 Performances, 16 MAC 2000s, 14 MAC 600s and 18 RoboColor Pro 400s for the performance with a lighting and stage design completed by company Sérafin Lampion. As one of the headlining acts, The Cure’s performance on The Grande Scene was a much-anticipated event with a large part of the huge 100,000+ festival crowd in attendance.
Celebrating its 27th year, the Paléo Festival is a unique blend of fair and concert that has become a must stop on the European summer music calendar. The six-day festival saw a number of top regional as well as international acts including James Brown, Indochine, Supertramp, The Pet Shop Boys and many others.
(Lee Baldock)
When Urbis opened to the public on 27 June it was set to become not only one of the most innovative visitor attractions in Manchester, but also an impressive facility for corporate functions. Urbis has been marketed as a 'new kind of museum' and the philosophy behind the city's newest addition is to challenge visitors to 'see their world differently'. Using cutting-edge technology, coupled to hands-on interactive sections, audio-visual displays and moving video footage, Urbis tells the 'people's story' of cities from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles - the histories and experiences of the individuals who have shaped the urban spaces in which the majority of the world's population now lives.
Urbis has its roots firmly planted in urban soil in every way, from the Latin origins of the word urbis, meaning 'of the city' to its location in Cathedral Gardens, a new green space in Manchester's Millennium Quarter. Designed by Ian Simpson Architects, Urbis cost £30m to construct and is visually striking from whichever way it is approached. Clad entirely in glass, the walls of the soaring 35 metre landmark reflect the everyday life of the surrounding city. With four spacious floors of permanent themed exhibitions, the facility also boasts a restaurant and a bar that offer breathtaking views.
The lighting design for Urbis was a result of a collaboration between three associate designers at Maurice Brill Lighting Design: Mark Ridler, Rob Honeywill and Kevin Theobald, who also co-ordinated the project. The complexity of Urbis' attractions presented the designers with a need for a dimming and
Following official introductions in Rimini and Frankfurt earlier in the year, production of Studio Due's top of the range spotlight - ‘XS’ - has entered full scale production, in both the XS600EZ version (with HMI 575 lamp) and the XS700 version (with HTI700 lamp).
The fully-featured units include numerous combinations of metal gobos, standard and grey scale dichroics, glass, and the innovative use of artistic glass. The XS also includes five different wheels of colours and prisms, providing a wide range of possibilities for lighting designers. At the centre of this equipment is the very efficient optical system which consists of a lens system, condenser and dichroic mirror reflector. Combined with zoom and focus capability, these produce an intense and uniform light beam. Two cooling fans are internally mounted to reduce running noise and are computer-controlled to adjust the airflow based on the power of the lamp and the surrounding air temperature. The XS is also equipped with a 128x64 pixel LCD display panel. With only four buttons, this panel gives access to real-time adjustment of most control functions.
(Lee Baldock)
Jem smoke is adding to its extensive line of fog and haze machines with the launch of three Magnum series machines, the Magnum 550, Magnum 950 and Magnum Hazer Pro, at the PLASA Show. Magnum is a complete range of high quality, high value fog and haze effects generators for today's DJ and late night venue operator. The Magnum range offers users the latest in safe and high quality fog generation at affordable prices.
The Magnum 550 provides the DJ with a light-enhancing atmosphere. Housing a 600W ECO-Mass Vaporizing System for economical and even distribution of haze, a fast heat-up time and extended operation make the Magnum 550 the clear leader in its class. Supplied with remote control and fitted with the same high quality overheat protection as models from our professional range, the 550 will give many years of maintenance-free operation. The Magnum 550 should be used with either Jem’s Pro-Smoke Super (ZR Mix) or Economy DJ Mix fluids.
The Magnum 950, the big brother to the Magnum 550, houses a more powerful 1500W system and is aimed at DJs needing high fog output levels and reliability. The Magnum 950 is supplied with remote control and 2.5 litre fluid container.
This high precision DMX haze generator, the first in a new range of Jem hazers, uses state-of-the-art digital technology and a high velocity centrifugal blower. Together with the latest in innovative ECO-Mass vaporizing system design and V.G.A (variable geometry airflow), it is capable of producing very small, highly refractive airborne particles to deliver the perfect optically translucent canvas
PLASA 2002 will be the showcase for four new products from Australian lighting control equipment designer and manufacturer, LSC Lighting Systems. Taking centre stage will be the maXim range of lighting control consoles with the recently-released PaTPad moving lighting module - see PLASA Awards Nominations for more information..
In conjunction with the release of the PaTPad option will be the addition to the maXim range of the maXim-MP console. Sporting 48 faders each with Flash button and status LED; 24 Playback masters with nine pages of memory; 216 memories for scenes, chases and stacks; fully proportional softpatch out to 512 DMX channels; SVGA output port and 3.5" disk drive unit as standard; electronic labelling of memories; two sound to light triggers; universal power supply with ‘brown-out’ protection; and the PaTPad moving light module; make this console one of the most approachable, compact, full featured moving light console available on the market.
The e1220 dimmer is a result from the professional touring industry requests for a high performance 12 channel x 20 Amp dimmer, designed for the rigours of touring. Each dimmer channel has a selection of six different fade curves, load Neon and 1P+N MCBs. Designed around LSC’s unique cooling system, the e1220 is a 100% duty rated, fan-cooled dimmer, that can be used as a stand-alone unit or incorporated into LSC's TDS Touring Dimming System.
Martin Professional’s highly advanced professional lighting console, Maxxyz, is set to hit the market in a matter of weeks, and the company is laying the groundwork by training and certifying Maxxyz instructors worldwide. As part of a comprehensive introduction strategy for what is the most advanced stage lighting console on the market, Martin began conducting dedicated Maxxyz training classes at its Danish headquarters for instructors. The first round of participants completed a two-day certificated training programme at Martin’s headquarters in Aarhus, Denmark in early August.
Martin’s international education manager, Gerald Heise, led the classes aimed at educating Martin’s Preferred Partners throughout the globe. He commented: "With Maxxyz, Martin has made a significant move into the controller business for concert touring, theatre and television. The Maxxyz is set to demonstrate its awesome capabilities and prove its reliability. This counts for our staff as well. A positive integration into the market requires dedicated product and market knowledge on behalf of sales and after-sales personnel. We’re taking care of this by asking them to join an in-depth product and market training in which personnel in every market complete a Maxxyz Instructor certification. Their task will then be to convey their knowledge to their local market. In a separate training we are educating Maxxyz Operators with a focus on artistic skills. They will be employed as support personnel on larger events or productions."
A new group of instructors will
After long discussions between Dave Hickford of Laser Innovations Rob Fisher and Paul Tibbert of Audiolight, Laser Innovations has appointed the company as UK distributor for its laser display products. Audiolight will be able to supply, install and setup Laser Innovations Cyclone series and the more professional multicolour systems, along with its existing sound and light products. Hickford told PLASA Media: "Having concentrated on the export markets over the past 12 years, it is now time to focus on the UK market."
Laser Innovations will be supporting Audiolight at the PLASA Show this year, where new products will be shown including the Cyclone DMX Laser projection system and the SA series of laser controllers. To be launched at PLASA 2002, the Genesis DPSS high-power 40W Yag, which runs off a 13 amp supply, and requires no external water supply.
Laser Innovation can be found on stand A20.
The Flying Pig Systems MiniWings for the Wholehog III console and Wholehog II PC are due to be shown at PLASA and will ship soon after, the company has announced. Two versions of the wings will be available - Programming and Playback. Each features the same high quality controls as found on the Wholehog III console, and with an anodised blue aluminium finish, the wings are not only stylish, but also rugged and reliable.
The units draw power directly from the USB port on a console or laptop, and so can be used anywhere, even if there isn't a power socket nearby. Alternatively, connecting the units to the included power supply adds support for an external Wholehog III desklight and two external USB devices, thanks to a built-in USB hub. This allows the connection of devices such as keyboards, mice and DMX Widgets to laptops or PCs with a limited number of USB ports, without having to resort to an external hub.
The Playback Wing features 10 masters, with faders and flash buttons to provide full control of attached cuelists. This is complemented by the programming wing's four encoders, trackball and buttons, allowing fast and concise programming of shows. The trackball can be used either in 'cursor' mode to move the pointer around, or in 'pan & tilt' mode for convenient positioning of mirrors and moving heads.
Support for using the MiniWings with Wholehog II PC will be released at PLASA, with support for the Wholehog III Console following soon after. If you can't wait though, some screenshots of the next version of Wholehog II PC are available at
With the successful release of the Wholehog III console, Tom Thorne is leaving High End Systems/Flying Pig Systems to pursue other challenges and opportunities. He leaves behind a staff of committed and knowledgeable employees to continue with the FPS legacy.
Thorne was one of the original founders of Flying Pig Systems in 1991, who launched the Wholehog I in a tiny space on the top floor of a warehouse in London. The Wholehog won its share of awards over the years for its first version and the its advancement, the Wholehog II. And now the next generation of lighting control systems has been released with Wholehog III, which just began shipping this summer. Flying Pig Systems still occupies the top attic in that same building, but has now expanded to all three floors to house FPS and High End Systems offices. Since its partnership with HES in 1998, Flying Pig Systems has become one of the largest console development teams in the lighting industry.
John Wiseman, VP of worldwide sales for High End Systems, told us: "Tom Thorne leaves an unprecedented legacy in the entertainment and fixture control world. Beginning with the co-founding of Flying Pig Systems and introduction to the world of the Wholehog 1 to the Wholehog II console - which is the standard in the industry and still growing into new markets - and onto the latest brilliance of the ground-breaking development and introduction of the Wholehog III networking console and system, his contribution will be felt for many years to come. We all wish him the greatest success as he goes on to the next adventure. You
E:Cue have announced the release of a new PC based lighting control software. Debuting at PLASA 2002, the system comprises free software which is capable of up to 4096 DMX channel operation. In an effort to bridge the gap between PC-only control and the flexibility and 'feel' of a traditional lighting desk, the manufacturers have a plug-in controller which allows programming via faders and encoder wheels, with the processing carried out in the PC. The software is comprehensive with the functionality of high-end desks easily accessible, such as LTP/HTP assignment, fade times and timecode/MIDI interaction, as well as having a number of sub-masters and extensive cue lists.
There are several plug-in hardware units available. The Nano, being the smallest, is about the size of a cigarette box and plugs into the USB port, giving the user up to 256 channels of control and once unplugged from the PC the device can act as a 32 channel stand-alone replay unit. The Twilight is the next unit up, with 512 channels, and so with eight twilight units and a USB hub up to 4096 channels can be controlled by one e:cue PC. The programming interface, or fader unit, comprises 13 faders, 73 keys and five encoders allowing fast programming by traditional means, and being around the same size as a laptop allows a complete lighting control system to be carried around in a bag.
The largest in the range is the Media Engine, which is a fully programmable DMX show control device. Integration with MP3 audio and other external playback devices such as hard disc recorders, DVDs etc, allows incredible f
The PAI Group has announced that it has acquired the rights and assets of Lighting Technology Projects (LTP). The new company will trade as before, under the name of LTP, and will be headed up by Terry Reeves, who managed the company prior to the appointment of the administrators PriceWaterhouseCoopers in early July this year.
The acquisition is a logical step for the PAI Group, which specializes in the creative design, supply, and installation of bespoke audio-video, lighting and sound for the leisure, retail, education, heritage, and sports industries, and consists of PA Installations (PAI), VS Installations (VSI) and PA Technologies (PAT). LTP is a respected name within the industry and its markets will complement those of the PAI Group, allowing it to continue to broaden its interests and market penetration whilst providing continuity of service to LTP’s existing customers. LTP will operate as an autonomous business unit within the Group and will trade from independent facilities, located to serve predominantly the Midlands and Southern regions.
Paul Adams, Group chairman, told us: "The addition of LTP to the Group creates exciting opportunities across all companies. We will now represent sectors which for us have previously not been high profile - including architectural, heritage and theatre. Watch this space."
(Ruth Rossington)
Dave Bryant lighting designer and director of Spirit Design Ltd has designed a spectacular illuminated night-time walk for Lightquest Southwest on Saturday 24th August 2002 in aid of local charities and organizations, and supporting North Devon Hospice. Lightquest is a 4.5 mile illuminated walk following a trail of 10,000 lights, five huge illuminated figures built with fire and light on surrounding hills. The largest of these hill figures, The Angel of the South' combines over 700 flaming torches with state-of-the-art lighting technology, including control from the new Avolites Diamond 4 lighting desk, and will be the most elaborate illuminated hill figure created to date. Combined with an accompanying soundscape, this promises to be one of the highlights along the route.
For further information, visit the Lightquest website at the address below:
(Lee Baldock)
Having been appointed as one of a number of UK Derksen dealers in November last year, DHA Lighting is delighted to have now become its exclusive UK distributor, stocking an extensive range of the German company’s interior and exterior lanterns. Louise Tester, sales manager for the UK and the Derksen contact at DHA, said: "This is an exciting development for DHA - the stock of Derksen lanterns will complement our own range of image projectors and gobos whilst opening new possibilities in architectural lighting, corporate events and retail."
In addition to a full range of Derksen interior and exterior lanterns, DHA will also stock GoboTop, the smallest low voltage gobo projector currently on the market. A minute piece of equipment, GoboTop turns commercial low voltage multi-mirror lanterns into projectors and can be used in conjunction with both glass and metal gobos. By using GoboTop, logos, brand names and messages can be projected up to 1m and, by fitting a diverting mirror, the angle of projection can be altered.
Diane Grant, joint managing director of DHA, said: "Alongside DHA’s Gecko and Chameleon, Derksen’s projection systems, which are both bright and highly reliable, complete our architectural range and reflect DHA’s reputation for quality and expertise."
(Lee Baldock)
Sunday 8 September - 7.30pm till late . . .
This year the PLASA Show is celebrating its 25th year, and it’s something we’d like to share with as many exhibitors and visitors as possible. So, we’re hosting a PLASA Party on the evening of Sunday 8th September at 'The Bridge' (underneath London Bridge) - one of London’s newest venues, to which everyone is welcome. The all-inclusive tickets are just £50.00 (plus VAT) and include a champagne reception, buffet supper and all you can drink. Not to mention the chance to dance until late.
For further information call Mikaela Fenton-Jones on +44 (0)207 370 8207.
The American National Standards Institute approved E1.16 as an American National Standard on 8 August 2002. The new standard, ANSI E1.16-2002, Entertainment Technology - Configuration Standard for Metal-Halide Ballast Power Cables, is available as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file at the ESTA website (address below).
ANSI E1.16 may be an inexpensive standard, but it's designed to eliminate expensive accidents. Manufacturers of ballasts for HMI-type lamps rated 6kW and above often use a common circular, three-pin connector for connecting the detachable power cable to the ballast. Most manufacturers use one particular pin of the three for the protective grounding connection, but until the publication of ANSI E1.16, there was no standard specifying which pin. Without such a standard, a manufacturer could easily decide to use a different pin for ground and the usual grounding pin for an ungrounded power conductor. This has happened, with the result that using one manufacturer's ballast with another's power cord led to an electrically hot ballast chassis. The use of a standard grounding connector assignment across the industry will help prevent this from happening.
(Ruth Rossington)
The much-anticipated new Bond film, the 20th film in the series, is currently in production at Pinewood, near London. Die Another Day, produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and directed by Lee Tamahori, will see Pierce Brosnan return in his fourth outing as James Bond, and will be released in the UK on November 22nd 2002.
As usual, the film set is closely guarded and few details of the plot or its characters are available, but significant quantities of custom and pre-made Van Damme VGA cable have been ordered by Chris McBride, the film's computer and video supervisor. "We're using Van Damme cabling both for on-screen and off-screen applications," explains Chris. "Our department provides all the on-set video and computer requirements, working with the shooting crew. And we also supervise the on-screen screens, those seen in the film."
As in many, if not all, Bond movies, the British Secret Service and the villains ranged against it work in high-tech environments. "Van Damme cable has been used for all the computers and videowalls in these control centres, including a 30ft wide LED videowall used outdoors. It's a completely reliable, high-quality cable choice for us, which also proves cost-effective."
(Lee Baldock)