Pharos - Leaderboard - May 2024

Video and AV

Details
The Netherlands - Successful singer-songwriter duo Nick & Simon (Nick Schilder & Simon Keizer) played six sold-out nights at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena, the culmination of their Nu of Ooit (Now or Someday) tour which also was the last time they will appear in this format, as after 17 years of performing together, both artists now intend to pursue solo careers.
Lighting was designed by Martijn Steman of Triple Showtechniek working closely with artistic / show director Ad de Haan from Live Legends with the help of approximately 220 x Robe moving lights on the live show rig, plus another 60 x Robe Spiiders appearing as virtual light sources within the digital scenery that defined the stage design and show aesthetic.
Jim de Brouwer from Live Legends created the set design in conjunction with Sander van der Ham of Bluepaper and creative Desiree van Giezen, wh

Details
UK - LeedsBID, a not-for-profit, non-political organisation, works to improve Leeds city centre for all. The organisation invests in projects, plans and activities to create a positive and dynamic profile for the city, aiming to attract talent, investment and visitors.
As part of its work to make the city more welcoming, the organisation deploys a small fleet of electric vehicles for street cleaning, event installation and delivery. Always seeking to maximise the impact of its work, the LeedsBID team wanted to equip a vehicle with two battery-powered screens to deliver essential daily information as well as advertising city events and activities. The idea for the Welcome to Leeds digital media vehicle was born, prompting LeedsBID to consult with Chris Beardwell, video and lighting sales at audio-visual specialists, Pro Audio Systems (PAS) of Bradford, over a way forward.

Details
Namibia - One of the largest banking groups in Namibia recently opened a new branch in Maerua Mall. This banking institution designed its latest branch with the digital age in mind and rolled out the upgraded format to two further branches at Rehoboth and Windhoek Lifestyle Centre. The integration of all three sites was led by Stage Audio Works (SAW) Namibia, in close cooperation with the client and suppliers.
The brief for the latest branch at Maerua Mall, and the rollout of upgrades to further branches, called for the installation of multiple digital screens, intended for the purpose of displaying information and showcasing branded content. SAW Namibia specified and installed a full Samsung visual system in each of the branches.
“The client was clear that the content on the digital screens needed to be managed remotely through a centralised system,” recalls Joppi

Details
Taiwan - Harvatek, a Taiwanese supplier of LEDs, has partnered with an experienced local equipment distributor to establish a joint subsidiary called Cyans Visual Creative Co. On 7 July, the company officially opened the doors to its virtual production studio.
Built inside the Formosa Television station (FTV) in the Linkou district, a hub for film and television productions in New Taipei City, the Cyans LED virtual studio is the country's first virtual production (VP) facility located within a broadcasting station. The studio boasts the highest specifications, adhering to the Netflix Partner Centre standard, and features LED processing provided by Brompton Technology.
Offering a plethora of virtual production and real-time integration services, the Cyans LED virtual studio caters to a wide range of commercial events, including press conferences, product launches, onlin

Details
Australia - Training organisation TAFE has launched a new campus in the Gold Coast city of Robina, offering learners AV-rich facilities and projections driven by a tvONE CORIOmaster mini video processor.
Integrator Videopro was approached to specify a sustainable, smart and ‘progressive’ audio and video package. Their team had successfully used the CORIOmaster mini on previous projects where multiple projectors and screens required specific image formats and edge blending, and knew it would be a fitting solution at the Robina campus.
At the heart of the projections inside the new building, the team has installed a CORIOmaster mini chassis with five slots, fitted out with a CORIOmaster HDMI 4K-2 input module three HDCP Compliant, 2-Port output module HDBaseT with scaling modules. All the tvONE kit was sourced from tvONE Australia partner, Corsair Solutions.

Details
USA - June is Pride Month, a month honouring the 1969 Stonewall riots, but also a time to celebrate members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride Month brings parades, festivals, and more events. “We love seeing how designers put on productions to honour the month and community,” says software designer Vectorworks. One such creation is from Ami Hanna, a production designer, technical director, and LSO for Luma Box Designs.
A stage designer for the Salt Lake City Pride event each year, Ami Hanna cites the community and her own sexuality as reasons why the event means so much to her.
Hanna took over the Stageline production for Salt Lake City Pride in 2015. She inherited the job from a colleague, Nick ‘Murph’ Murphy, who went on to start Murphy's Production Services.
Murph supplied Hanna with a detailed draft of the event’s Stageline 250 - a drawing he did in

Details
USA - The recently-opened Bankroll is a new take on a Philadelphia sports bar. This 13,000sq.ft and 350+ seat restaurant and entertainment-viewing social experience is an impressive addition to Center City’s nightlife. CEO, Padma Rao states: “I think are going to change the game on how people come together to experience sports and live events with our range of access levels and experiences.
“We’re encouraging guests to look up at the same big screen together, celebrate big wins and monumental moments with the table next to you, and ask for advice on the under from a real person that’s sitting across the bar. We’re bringing people back together with technology rather than keeping them apart.”
Electrosonic led the audio/video system installation, outfitting this elevated sports bar with an installed 1 Sound audio system and 1,200sq.ft LED screens. Bankroll

Details
USA - Tempest’s new Oasis projector enclosures recently debuted in an inspiring outdoor projection mapping experience at the National WWII Museum in the heat and high humidity of New Orleans.
Expressions of America is an immersive night-time sound and light experience, transporting audiences to the 1940s through projection, special effects, songs and words of the everyday people serving the US during World War 2. Solomon Group carried out the install, which included a total of eight Panasonic projectors protected by Tempest Oasis enclosures. Medici Media (formerly known as Mousetrappe) were responsible for concept design and production.
“The Museum constantly upgrades its campus to appeal to a new generation of learners and keep the story alive through new and inventive ways,” says Barry Mendelson, audio/visual programmer, Solomon Group. “We were tasked

Details
UK - HIVE has announced the launch of the BeeBlade, a new product offering that aims to ‘redefine the way media players are used across various applications’.
“I’m very excited about our new BeeBox and BeeBlade products, featuring our game-changing BeeSync technology. Developed in partnership with Intel, this cutting-edge technology enables seamless frame-perfect synchronisation across devices without the need for separate reference sync cabling and expensive HDSDI hardware,” says Trey Harrison, co-founder at HIVE. “The BeeBlade sits inside a projector or display and requires only an Ethernet connection. The simplicity this brings to synchronised blended multi-projector installations will set a new standard in our industry!”
BeeBlade has the ability to be deployed in three different formats. First, it can be inserted directly into SDM-compatible projecto

Details
South Africa - Andrea ‘Dray’ Fowler has joined DWR Distribution’s sales team in Johannesburg.
For the past nine years, Dray has worked for a company that specialises in signage lighting while her career has seen her operate in business finance, office automation and sales.
“I knew about DWR Distribution from my husband Clint who also works in the live events industry, and from our friend Kyle Robson who works at DWR,” said Dray. “It always sounded like a vibey organisation where I've heard they work hard, play hard and fight hard. To me it seemed like a company where if I looked after them, they would look after me.”
“It’s wonderful to be able to expand the sales team and we are already impressed with Dray’s energy and the way she so easily fits into the team, almost as if she has always been part of it,” said Robert Izzett, sales director

Details
UK - VDC Trading has announced that it has promoted three employees to head up a new technical team, officially formalising its technical consultation service offering to customers.
The new department is spearheaded by Jim Bulbeck, technical support manager, and David Barnard, customer services manager, both supported by technical assistant Dan Tompkins.
Via an ‘added-value consultative sales approach’, VDC customers have always had access to experienced advisors helping them overcome any technical issues. The new team just makes it easier for them to have a dedicated and named point person to deal with their enquiries, says the company.
Niall Holden, founder and CEO of VDC Trading comments: “We’ve always had a technical support department but this year as we lurch back into ‘normal’ busy times we have seen a huge increase in technical enquiries so

Details
UK - AUX Import has announced its expansion into video solutions with its appointment as the exclusive distributor of Ecler Video in the UK.
"This is a significant milestone in the growth and development of AUX Import as we expand our range of products and services to meet our customers' needs," said Mike Newman, sales director at AUX Import. "With Ecler Video on board, we will be able to offer a complete and comprehensive AV solution that further strengthens AUX Import's position as a leading supplier of Pro AV solutions in the UK."
Ecler Video's product range includes video distribution over IP, wireless conferencing switchers and other advanced video solutions that will meet the requirements of clients in various sectors, including corporate, hospitality, education, and retail.
"We are thrilled to have AUX Import on board as our exclusive video solutions dis

Details
UK - The triumphs of Wrexham Town FC and the kudos of Hollywood glamour bestowed upon them by owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are well known. That Kings of Leon should bring some added grandeur to the end of the season celebrations with two nights playing to sell-out crowds of 20k+ was however, a case of opportunism.
“In terms of a stadium that’s never hosted a big rock show before, it was comfortable,” said production manager, Bill Leabody. “Going forward, staging shows there in the future will not be impossible, but a lot more difficult than what we experienced.
“We were lucky, the main stand had been demolished at the end of season to make way for a new bigger one. What we got was a large open area to build an outdoor stage. The local authority worked really hard and are to be congratulated. That, and the huge efforts of SJM (Promoters) to get the

Details
UK - Last week saw has seen the long-awaited re-opening of the National Portrait Gallery following the most extensive redevelopment in the building’s history, which began in March 2020. The redevelopment project, named ‘Inspiring People’, was designed to break down barriers and make the attraction as welcoming as possible to all visitors. HRH The Princess of Wales, Patron of the National Portrait Gallery, reopened the Gallery on Tuesday 20 June.
As projection partner to the National Portrait Gallery, Epson’s EB-PU2120W - the world’s smallest and lightest 20,000-lumen projector - is being used to help reinvigorate the visitor experience. Meanwhile, AV consultants Sysco Productions has worked together with Epson and the National Portrait Gallery as a key collaborator during the design of the spaces to help maximise the experience through audio visual technology.

Details
Liechtenstein - The Neutrik Group has introduced a range of products, from its Contrik brand of portable power distribution systems, especially designed for deployment in harsh all-weather application environments.
The range of Xtreme Outdoor (XO) / Active designated products includes Power Container, Power Rack and Power Turtle systems. Designed and precision manufactured, using high quality electrical and electronic components, in the EU, they are intended for mobile entertainment production applications, including video walls, stage lighting and audio installations.
The XO designation denotes the extensive environmental protection features, additional to Contrik’s usual certification standards, guaranteeing high levels of mechanical (IK) and environmental (IP) protection. These include enhanced protective housings and self-closing caps. Protection up to the IP65

Details
UK - Known for its media control solutions, HIVE is a leading name in the media server market. The company has announced the relaunch of its brand with a new look, a new website and the appointment of several new staff members. The relaunch comes at a significant time, as HIVE moves into a new 3500sq.ft office space in Horsham, West Sussex, and expands its sales channels internationally.
Over the past few years, HIVE has established itself as a provider of video playback solutions, with a reputation built upon collaborations with industry players such as Panasonic on projects such as Frameless London and the National Museum of Qatar.
"The re-brand reflects the new energies coming into HIVE, and our disruptive nature will become clear as we launch our most exciting product yet, which will be coming in the upcoming weeks," states Mark Calvert, co-founder at HIVE. “We

Details
Spain - Entertainment production company Cabal Esports has acquired 126 Alfalite Modularpix Pro VP XR 1.9 LED panels with ORIM technology to broadcast virtual production content in the different gaming events in which this Spanish company provides services.
Cabal Esports offers television broadcasting services, live events, gaming and eSports. It is a pioneering production company in esports competitions and streaming entertainment with extensive experience in audiovisual production for digital and terrestrial platforms, in addition to developing esports products and managing competitions for publishers and other industry players.
Recently, Cabal Esports signed a strategic alliance with Atresmedia to jointly create CTK, an international organiser of tournaments and gaming experiences.
Cabal Esports has installed the Alfalite LEDWall in its new studio in Alcobenda

Details
UK - London’s Gotham City-inspired Park Row ‘theatrical restaurant’ has been installed with visual infrastructure by creative projection specialist Motion Mapping, to enable the venue to host immersive events.
At the heart of the setup is a Green Hippo Hippotizer Mayon+ MK2 media server, which is driving image and video content, including for a DC Universe game launch which saw a 280-degree projection of pre-programmed custom graphics onto four surfaces that enveloped the space, using seven Optoma ZH406ST projectors.
Motion Mapping was tasked with specifying a permanent projection and video manipulation solution for the venue, and designing a touch screen GUI interface that would allow simple operation of the content via the Hippotizer Mayon+ MK2 - Green Hippo’s two HDMI output Hippotizer system designed for smaller live events and installations.
“At o

Details
South Korea - The National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) is a government-operated organisation in South Korea that aims to promote and develop the country's IT industry. Recently, the organisation collaborated with South Korean XR, virtual production consulting and environment construction specialist, Ark Ventures, to create an innovative LED stage using technology, including ROE Visual panels powered by Brompton 4K Tessera SX40 LED processors.
NIPA collaborates with partners worldwide to create business opportunities and conducts research. This informs IT policy decisions and focuses on cultivating a skilled workforce and fostering international exchange to advance South Korean IT companies.
According to David Oh, general manager at Ark Ventures, the new LED stage has equipped NIPA to facilitate more innovative content development in the local market. “We wer

Details
USA - Harman Professional Solutions was recently awarded the Joint Interoperability Testing Command (JITC) certification and listing on the Department of Defence Information Network (DoDIN) Approved Products List (APL) for 66 AMX products. The certified products include 4K60 DGX Modular Switching Systems, 4K60 DVX All-In-One Presentation Switchers, control processors, touch panels, keypads, and I/O extenders.
JITC certification is a requirement for technology solutions used in US Government facilities. This certification ensures that products meet strict security standards and can seamlessly integrate with other systems used by the US Department of Defence. The certification process includes a thorough evaluation of a product's security features, performance, and interoperability.
“Exceeding the security requirements of our most critical government, military, and cor

Details
UK - Creative Technology UK supported the technical delivery of National Geographic Explorers Festival in London, a flagship event that takes place all over the globe, with previous locations including Mexico, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Washington, D.C.
National Geographic’s long-time partner e2k Events x Entertainment have a long-standing global relationship with Creative Technology and the UK team were very happy to support by providing video solutions to the event this time around.
2023 brought the festival to the Royal Institution of Great Britain, in London, attracting both leading and upcoming explorers ‘back to base camp’ for an experience of knowledge sharing and ‘science telling’.
The historic operating theatre style of the venue allowed for a unique viewing platform for all the attendees, creating an intimate and immersive space that brought th

Details
Namibia - RFS Fund Administrators (RFS), recently upgraded its Windhoek headquarters with the expansion of its boardroom. The doubling in size of the space called for a new audio-visual and voice conferencing system. Stage Audio Works (SAW) Namibia was contacted by RFS directly to assist with the installation of the new boardroom.
“The client knew exactly what they wanted and gave a clear and precise brief of their expectations,” explains Emcé Smit, technical manager at SAW Namibia. “They had enlarged the existing boardroom to double its size and required an upgraded system to handle conference calls and meetings in the new space.”
Measuring 84sq.m and containing 20 seats, through close collaboration with RFS accounting manager Nicolo Benade and associate director support services manager, Louis Theron, SAW Namibia specified a dual-screen room VC solution wit

Details
USA - Developer and manufacturer of video processors, signal distribution technology and media servers tvONE has augmented its sales team with the appointment of Vince Schuster as vice president of sales, Americas, and Kristen O'Hara as inside sales manager. The company has also fortified its support team by welcoming two new technical support associates, including Eric Sievers.
Vince Schuster brings more than 20 years of executive-level experience in audio-visual, information technology, digital signage, and display technologies. His career has taken him to roles including CEO and president of Salitek, a specialised manufacturer and distributor of video wall display solutions, plus key positions at Philips Professional Display Solutions and Panasonic Systems.
“We’re thrilled that Vince has joined the tvONE family,” says Andy Fliss, president, tvONE. “His profe

Details
USA - Inglewood California’s 70,000-capacity SoFi Stadium hosted the 39th annual WrestleMania with a blockbuster two-night event enveloped in LED screens and scenic video technology driven by an army of Green Hippo’s Hippotizer Boreal+ media servers.
More than 161,000 fans witnessed WrestleMania over two sold out evenings, energised by high octane video content created by the WWE Media Graphics Department. The visuals were displayed on multiple entranceway LED screens, custom Ring Post, Ring Skirt, and LED Barricade. All these screens were supplied by ScreenWorks, a division of NEP. Upstaging provided Saber LED batons - a double row LED effects product that borders truss and scenic elements. In addition, the SoFi Stadium In-house Infinity Screen and five levels of ribbon boards were also controlled by the Hippotizer Media Servers.
The massive amount of content mean
  1. 4Wall Europe bolsters Elation inventory
  2. Ricoh Latin America and Kramer forge alliance
  3. disguise Cloud Platform adds Mapping Matter
  4. InfoComm 2023: Brompton turns on TrueLight
  5. Europalco creates ‘box outside the box’
  6. Epsom racecourse upgrades with Q-SYS
Page 14 of 314
GLP - MPU - May-June 2024
Robe - Large MPU

Latest Issue. . .