UK - The new 'Lightweight' project from Impossible Arts is a portable, four-metre diameter translucent sphere which achieves 360-degree imaging from four internally-mounted projectors. The imagery is mesh-warped to counter the distortion caused by the curved surface and graded masks allow the separate images to merge and create a single moving image that seamlessly fills the globe.

It can handle a range of content including video effects, short films, 'streamers' (sets of images which dance and spin around the entire surface), giant satellite images of the earth, 'lumi' (music, sound and simple light effects operating in harmony) and even live Twitter steams.

The extraordinary visual impact of Lightweight required an audio system capable of delivering the same quality but which could be deployed unobtrusively. Pro Audio Systems supplied a Meyer Sound setup comprising six MM4-X

USA - The OCA Alliance has announced the completion of the OCA 1.0 specification, marking a significant milestone in its drive to create a standardised control and monitoring architecture for professional AV networks.

Open Control Architecture (OCA) defines a flexible and robust system control and monitoring standard that covers the entire range of professional media networking applications, from the smallest to the largest.

On 4 May, 2012, the OCA 1.0 specification was released to OCA Alliance Observer Members for comment. The OCA 1.0 specification will be presented to a public standards development organization for rendering into an open public standard.

OCA is not a media transport technology, and does not replace evolving media transport standards such as IEEE AVB. Instead, it is intended to complement such standards by providing a reliable and rich system control enviro

USA - Trusst, a manufacturer specializing in efficient and economical trussing and related components, launched its first line at InfoComm 2012. Part of Chauvet & Sons, Inc., which includes the Chauvet DJ, Chauvet Professional and Iluminarc brands, Trusst develops aluminium truss systems "built with care for exhibitions, entertainment, production and retail applications".

The first line of Trusst is 12" (290mm) square truss that utilizes a conical connector system, that easily mates with other major brands of truss of the same size and connector style. Trusst offers modular components that combine to create nearly limitless configurations and increase design flexibility.

Built for convenience and ease of use, Trusst is available in six different lengths and seven types of corners. For added stability, base plates are available in four sizes while easy-to-install

USA - Tannoy revealed at InfoComm its new VSX Series line of subwoofer devices. Developed to augment the recently launched VX Series and VXP Series line of full-range sound reinforcement loudspeakers, the new VSX Series initially comprises of five passive enclosures, with powered versions promised to follow later in the year.

Developed from the ground up, VSX Series is precision engineered to deliver high impact, low and ultra-low frequency reinforcement in a compact format. Powerful and versatile performers in either installed sound or portable/live PA applications, VSX Series is suitable for providing high definition, extended low-end response for Tannoy's wide range of installation loudspeaker systems, says the company.

The new range comprises of five passive models - three of which are band-pass configuration: VSX 8.2BP, VSX 10BP and VSX 12.2BP and two direct-radiating dev

UK - Duo-Split RDM is a new 2-input, 8-output DMX and RDM Splitter from Artistic Licence Engineering. Housed in a 19" 1U rack enclosure, Duo-Split distributes DMX and RDM using the same market-leading DMX Splitter technology employed across Artistic Licence's full Splitter Range.

Duo-Split not only has two separate inputs, but each input can be independently switched to a 'fixer' mode to remove RDM traffic being sent to the outputs by removing non zero start code packets. In

Each of Duo-Split RDM's eight buffered outputs can be individually selected to either of its two independent isolated inputs. Each input in turn can be individually set to 'splitter' or 'fixer' mode to give the user maximum flexibility.

This flexibility makes it very useful for rental companies whose projects and requirements can vary considerably.

Duo-Split offers a choice of 1 or 2 universes and

USA - At InfoComm 2012 d&b audiotechnik displayed new products from its Black range, new additions to the E-Series and the first showing in the US of its V-Series line array, launched at Frankfurt's Prolight+Sound in March. The company's demo lounge, meanwhile, was crammed daily by people wanting to learn more about the pragmatic values of the White range. Developed for the installation market, all loudspeakers from the White range address the physical, acoustical, and electrical considerations of installation in a clean unobtrusive industrial design, the company says.

The highlight of the show for many was the US launch of the all new V-Series from the d&b Black range of products. This mid-sized line array system comprises the three-way passive V8 or V12 loudspeakers having 80 and 120ยบ horizontal dispersion respectively. These loudspeakers are supported by the dedicated V-SUB

UK/USA - Introduced at the beginning of this year, Shure ULX-D Digital Wireless provides a 24-bit/48kHz digital audio quality and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256) meeting the needs of demanding installed applications. Now Shure has expanded its ULX-D offering with the introduction of the new Dual and Quad Receivers.

The ULXD4D (Dual) and ULXD4Q (Quad) come with an extensive set of additional features including High Density Mode, Bodypack Frequency Diversity and DANTE digital audio networking.

Specifically designed for high channel count applications requiring a working range up to 30m, the High Density Mode allows operating up to 560 channels in 72MHz, respectively 63 channels in an 8MHz TV channel. High Density mode optimizes the system's output power and digital RF filtering to reduce its spectral footprint from 350kHz to 125kHz, with no loss of sound quality. This let

UK - Following the transfer of the show to The Old Truman Brewery, Julian Chiverton, sales director of Doughty Engineering, said, "We enjoyed the busiest ABTT we've ever had. Our guys were talking to visitors most of the time, and I'm really pleased with the way the show went."

Of particular interest was Doughty's new Follow Spot Mount, specifically designed to enable a follow spot to be firmly positioned on a rail and give an exceptionally smooth movement. With rotation of a full 360 degrees, the Follow Spot Mount, which has a low friction plate to ensure an easy, smooth movement, complements Doughty's existing Follow Spot stands, stand tops and spigot. Like all Doughty branded products, it is engineered in the company's own factory in Ringwood, Hampshire.

Also on show at ABTT was Doughty's Studio Rail walk along track kits, a neat and inexpensive solution for schoo

UK - Following the successful launch of the PLCyc1 LED and the LED Studio Panel at Frankfurt Pro-Light and Sound earlier this year, the team at Philips Selecon headed to London's ABTT Show with the latest addition to the range - the prototype LED Fresnel.

A timely debut - the ABTT Show followed closely behind the Theatres Trust Conference on Delivering Sustainable Theatres. Graham Eales, general manager for Philips Selecon discusses, "The prototype LED Fresnel is built around the same engine as the popular Selecon PLCyc1 , PL1 and PL3 LED luminaires. Not only does it look and behave like a conventional Fresnel but it also focuses in the same way as any other traditional Fresnel - ie by moving the light source in relation to the lens. The fixture has been specifically designed with small to mid scale theatrical applications in mind so it is neat, easy to rig and easy to focu

China - Aluminium trussing, staging and roof systems manufacturer Milos enjoyed a very busy 2012 PALM Expo exhibition in Beijing, which was held at the New China International Exhibition Centre in May.

As an international company with bases in both Europe and Asia, the exhibition was seen as a key event and opportunity for Milos to expand its business in the region's constantly growing entertainment technology sector - for which PALM Expo is China's largest and most established trade show.

MIlos was represented by Marek Zubor - technical supervisor and Stephen Huang MD of Milos Guangzhou Co. Ltd. and Michal Zykan with Vladimir Hasman from Milos Czech Republic.

A range of innovative products were highlighted, including the Milos M222, M290, M290E and M390 products from the small to medium trussing range and from the larger truss ranges, the M400, M520 and M950.

All products

UK - MT Pro Ltd launched their new LED based wash system at the ABTT show to great response, says ythe company.

The system is based on the successful MTC- BATTEN2 and uses 18x8W quadcolour LEDs combined with a specially coated barn door reflector to give an even wash of light up to 5m plus. It is designed for lighting cycloramas and large flats, making it suitable for use in theatres and corporate presentations.

The CycWash system has already been specified for installations by some of the leading installation and consultancy companies, having seen it in operation at the show.

(Jim Evans)

UK Acoustic Technology Group reports increasing demand for its LS1000 sound system. Launched three months ago it has won contracts at the following venues: Riverside, Selby; Diamond, Sutton In Ashfield; Fontana's, NYC; River Rooms, Stourbridge; David Lile Rentals, NYC; West Coast Bar, Margate; Spirit of 66, Verviers.

The LS1000LA features low colouration, neutral reproduction, high definition and impact from a box just 800x360x600mm in size.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Line 6 has announced the availability of StageSource L3m. StageSource loudspeaker systems are built on a powerful new technology platform that enables a single enclosure to provide best-of-class performance in multiple live sound functions, says the company.

A compact, full-range three-way speaker system, the StageSource L3m tri-amped design delivers 1,400 watts of balanced, clean and articulate audio through dual 10-inch woofers and a horn-loaded, one-inch exit compression driver that combine to deliver a powerful 132 dB maximum SPL. A precision-engineered 100x50-degree constant-directivity waveguide delivers consistent coverage throughout its entire frequency range and optimal dispersion throughout the audience area, wide enough for solo use yet controlled enough for arrayed pairs. The narrow vertical pattern ensures minimal energy is reflected off the ceilings and floor

UK - Sony has announced the launch of its newest wireless microphone series, the new 2.4GHz DWZ. This, the company says, "combines ease of use, superb RF transmission reliability and high sound quality into four affordable and highly flexible packages".

The new 2.4GHz DWZ series includes combinations of hand-held mics, bodypack transmitters and rack-mount or compact size receivers, with various components for use by musicians, or in classroom, corporate, house of-worship or government applications, the company says.

The DWZ Series includes: DWZ-B30GB Digital Wireless Package-Guitar kit, DWZ-B70HL Digital Wireless Package-Headset and Lavalier kit, DWZ-M50 Digital Wireless Package-Vocal Set and DWZ-M70 Digital Wireless Package-Vocal/Speech kit.

"The DWZ series builds on Sony's extensive wireless expertise to deliver the most flexibility and the highest levels of

UK - Robe's eagerly awaited, super fast Robin 100 LEDBeam is the ultimate effects lighting tool and a valuable addition to the range - small, bright and super-light at just 4 Kgs, says the company.

Robe waited for the right LED lightsources to come on-stream before developing the LEDBeam 100, as the new Robe standard is to use only RGBW technology in the current LED range of products.

With the arrival of the newest multichips on the market, Robe forged ahead with the product development and finished this small, compact fixture which has extremely fast pan / tilt movement.

The LEDs are controllable in three zones - top half, bottom half, and middle - for producing 'eye-candy effects', zone strobing, colour chasing, etc.

It has a tight beam angle of 7° - making it excellent for high-impact concentrated, collimated effects, the company adds.

Simplified control via pre-p

USA - Martin Professional will show a new breed of moving head and much more will be on stand 103 at PLASA Focus Nashville.

Martin invites lighting professionals to get an up close look at the new MAC Viper Profile along with a host of other innovative products like a new AirFX version in the MAC III family, an all-new VC series of creative LED video solutions, the award-winning MAC Aura and popular MAC 101 moving heads, a new portable lighting controller in the M-Series, and a new compact hazer in Martin's Jem family.

Following an overwhelmingly positive response from both lighting designers and rental companies, leading to the biggest pre-sale success ever in Martin's history, MAC Viper Profile is now shipping.

The MAC III AirFX is a highly versatile beam, effects and wash luminaire in one and is the latest high-performance 1500-watt moving head in Martin's popular MAC III

Germany - Fohhn Audio has announced the release of its new PT-6 compact, high-performance loudspeaker system with integrated line array technology. The loudspeaker, previewed at this year's Frankfurt Prolight + Sound, has been specially developed to offer both powerful coverage and easy set-up. Designed for stand-mounted, stacked or flown applications, the PT-6 essentially combines three of Fohhn's widely used PT-8 line array modules in a single compact unit weighing just 39kg.

Sporting a twin coaxial speaker construction, the PT-6 contains 6 x 6.5" long excursion neodymium and 3 x 1.4" compression drivers with a specially developed HF phase EQ. The loudspeaker's compression drivers and the HF phase EQ/Waveguide have been tailored to optimize the system's vertical beam characteristics.

A vertical dispersion angle of 30 degrees gives excellent results even in venues w

USA - A spectacular visual display guaranteed heavy traffic at dnp denmark's InfoComm booth. Backed up by further exposure of their Supernova Infinity and Supernova One displays on the Digital Projection booth, the Danish company left Las Vegas confident of securing orders and cementing new partnerships.

According to dnp global sales manager, Soeren Kraemmergaard, the upgraded Supernova Flex Classic, Supernova Core II and new Supernova STS, Short Throw screen had been particularly well received.

"With an attendance of 34,000, traffic overall at the show was up 4% up on last year - but more importantly, it felt like the leads we picked up this year were more qualified than previously," he said.

While reps reported a high degree of interest from the local market, dnp also received Asian and European visitors, and many new companies expressed interest in becoming dnp

Spain - D.A.S. Audio has introduced a white paint finish for a variety of their most popular products. The white colour option will facilitate the integration of the D.A.S. systems in the décor of permanent installations such as houses of worship, auditoriums and multipurpose venues.

The new paint finish will be available as a 'special order' item on the company's popular Aero 8A powered line array system, its companion sub, the LX-212A, as well as the D.A.S. LX-215A powered double 15-inch subwoofer system and it different versions. Also to be available in white will be the Convert 12A constant curvature array as well as its companion subwoofer, the Convert 18A.

(Jim Evans)

Denmark - Following "an overwhelmingly positive response" from both lighting designers and rental companies leading to the biggest pre-sale success ever in Martin's history, the MAC Viper is now on its way to rental houses around the world.

Martin CEO Christian Engsted comments, "We are ecstatic about the unprecedented feedback we have received on the Viper Profile. Never before in our history have we had such a success even before we started shipping. It is a testament to the success of our strategy to stay at the forefront of the industry. When we knew that this would be our last development of a new family of discharge-based moving heads, we decided to make it the best the industry has ever seen.

"This product seriously eclipses products above its class and redefines the standards for moving heads. It contains all of our accumulated knowledge over 25 yea

UK - Avolites and Avolites Media report a busy ABTT show. On show were the Sapphire Touch and Titan Software - Version 6 along with the Ai AiS-T Media Server and MSC-1 control surface.

Selvin Cooper, part of the technical support team for Avolites Media, demonstrated the new MSC-1 control. "The new console offers visual designers an instinctive live show control system that delivers seamless integration of all visual content including video, lighting and projection from a single console," Cooper states. "The console connects directly to the Ai Media server for super fast access to the Salvation node based configuration engine via a touch screen laptop. MSC-1 provides instant access to effects, layers and clips and offers ten assignable faders that can be mapped to any server function. The console is generously furnished with a number of direct access buttons for l

Denmark - After Martin Professional's successful launch of the M2GO and M2PC lighting controllers at the Prolight and Sound exhibition, the first production models are now ready for shipment.

Having set Martin records for the largest number of pre-sale orders for a lighting controller, the M2GO has already proved a game changer by setting new standards for compact lighting control, says the company.

The M2GO and M2PC are small yet highly capable lighting consoles in Martin's popular and easy-to-use M-Series and are suitable control solutions for smaller shows and venues of all types. The M2GO is equipped with a fast, dual-core processor with no external computer required while the M2PC is the complementary control surface for Martin's PC-based M-PC controller software.

(Jim Evans)

USA - At PLASA Focus Nashville on 11-12 July d&b audiotechnik will gfeature the teenyweeny E4and E5 loudspeakers in booth 109, located at the heart of the action. Able to reach 115dB SPL and 117dB SPL respectively and tailor made for delay, infill and surround sound, these powerful two-way passive loudspeakers pack a massive punch from inside a tiny, unobtrusive frame.

Right alongside, and complementing its little cousin, will be the larger and weightier multifunctional T10 cabinet from the T-Series. Comfortable in either line array or point source configuration and with the capability of transforming into a stand-alone full range cabinet through a simple 90° horn rotation, this loudspeaker is a force to be reckoned with in any live environment.

Want to see more? Want to hear more? Then take a stroll along to room 1 at 11am on Thursday 12 July to watch and listen to Christ

Asia - Green Hippo's Technical sales manager for Asia, Justin Fitzpatrick, has been busy travelling from tradeshow to tradeshow. He has visited four shows in as many weeks and supporting the company's local distributors, managed to further increase Hippotizer's profile in the region:

He explains, "Green Hippo continues to go from strength to strength in Asia helped by a strong presence at the all trade shows in the region recently. I would like to thank all the visitors at the shows for dropping by and visiting Green Hippo at our distributor's stands and making all these tradeshows such a tremendous success. The future in Asia is looking very exciting."

It all started at the end of May with the 21st Palme Beijing Expo held at the new China International Exhibition Centre (CIEC). Green Hippo exhibited at the stand of their Chinese distributor KUPO, with Fitzpatrick on

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