UK - AV rental specialist Blitz created a week-long son et lumière event in the atmospheric setting of Oxford's Oriel College. The show, entitled '1326 And All That', was a specially commissioned narrative of the college's history and featured a dramatic 100ft by 50ft projection onto the façade of Oriel's Front Quadrangle, combined with theatrical lighting effects, narrative voiceover and a cast of characters from the college's past.
Blitz project managed all technical aspects of the 45-minute show, using E//T//C UK to create scroll artwork with historical material from the college's archives. Projection onto the towers, turrets and arched windows of the 360-year old buildings was via two 6k PIGI projectors, each fitted with double rotating scrollers. To achieve the correct projection angle the projectors had to be manoeuvred into a room at the top of a narrow stone spiral staircase, with just 5mm of clearance in places. The image designer for the PIGI show was E//T//C's Ross Ashton with Karen Monid programming the projectors.
Peter Edwards carried out the lighting design for Blitz, creating a range of dramatic backdrops, including back lighting the college chapel's spectacular stained glass windows. A number of rooms in the quadrangle were also selectively lit to bring to life key moments in the narrative. Blitz partnered with Hawthorn Theatrical to provide lighting equipment, including four MAC 500s, four MAC 600s, 12 Studio Due City Colors and 40 ETC Source Four Zooms, driven by an Avolites Sapphire desk and Art 2000 dimmers.
The sound design for the even
UK - High production values topped the agenda at Liverpool's 'City of Light 2003' son et lumière spectacular, organized by Liverpool City Council's Special Events Team, and staged in the middle of the lake in Sefton Park, at the heart of the City. The event, project managed by Kirstie Blakeman, production managed by Nick Handford and designed by Lee Forde, consisted of three 25-minute shows per night, enjoyed - free - by over 15,000 people.
At the technical and creative core of City of Light 2003 - an accessible, historical take on Liverpool to celebrate it winning the European Capital of Culture bid for 2008 - was a fabulous 40m wide by 20m high water screen which formed the projection surface for the show, featuring video, laser projections and lighting effects.
A three tiered production platform, designed by site manager Stu Stalker, was built on the concrete foundations of the lake's old boat house to house all the technical infrastructure. The audience viewed the show from the natural slope across the other side of the lake. Two 5W green DPSS lasers were supplied by I-vision, who've worked with LCC for many years. A highly effective collection of graphics was specially created for the show, programmed by I-vision's Gerry Stevens working closely with Forde. The lasers were operated for the event by Chris Webber using a Pangolin system.
Lighting was supplied by Reflex, a design and rental company from Hoylake on the Wirral. Working to Forde's brief, the Reflex team was led by Ben Harding and Ian Tomlinson. Eight Clay Paky Golden Scan HPEs were rigged on th
UK - ACCO UK Ltd has announced the formation of a new European Multi Media Group, as part of its ACCO Brands portfolio, aimed at providing the company with a major presence in the growing digital AV presentation technology sector. ACCO's entry into the market comes with the launch of the exclusive NOBO brand of digital projectors, based on Texas Instruments market leading DLP technology.
Ashley Murdoch, who recently joined the company from Sony Europe, is general manager of the Multi Media Group: "The NOBO brand is already a market leader in overhead projection and we are launching portable projector technology in line with the move towards digital devices across all of our core markets. We have developed a range of machines and a business model that specifically address the requirements of business, presentation and education users, in terms of performance, portability, reliability and service."
The initial three NOBO models are portable, lightweight, compact designs, offering high performance specifications at prices competitive with professional projectors based on older LCD technology. The highly lightweight, compact design is matched with high luminosity and contrast ratio, low operating noise, high reliability, long operating life and virtual plug and play operation, say the company.
(Lee Baldock)
Japan - Solid State Logic's new C200 digital production console continues to gain popularity in Japan by attracting sales from some of the country's top broadcast and post- production facilities. The most recent C200 installation took place in August at the Imagica Akasaka Video Centre in Tokyo. A 32-channel console offering 64 processing channels at 48kHz was installed in a new studio dedicated to TV magazine and documentary programmes and HD projects.
Imagica is the largest post-production company in Asia, with five facilities in Tokyo and a facility in Osaka. The company is known worldwide for pre- and post-production work on both film and television projects and also owns two satellite broadcasting channels. Alongside its facilities work, Imagica develops specialist equipment and computer graphics software for the film and video industries. Imagica already has an established relationship with SSL and has a range of SSL consoles, including an SL 4000G Series, an Avant Plus and an MT Plus. This latest installation brings the total number of SSL desks installed by the company to 22.
Since it launched the console at AES Europe earlier this year, SSL has sold C200 digital production consoles to a number of facilities on both sides of the Pacific. These include Nippon TV (Office Terra) in Japan, Western Carolina University in the US and Underdog Entertainment and Bicoastal Music, also in the US.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Following our earlier news pieces on a planned move for the Avesco Group, the company has confirmed that it is relocating its Creative Technology, MCL London and Screenco businesses, together with the Avesco plc head office, to a new building in the London Gatwick area, with effect from 6 October.
The new 54,000sq.ft base will accommodate all the company's workforce and provide high-bay warehouse and two-storey office facilities. Explaining the rationale behind the move, David Nicholson, chief executive of Avesco plc, commented: "Since we merged the sales, project management and operations teams of CT, MCL London and Screenco, we have been looking for one building so that the businesses could be fully integrated. This building is larger than we require immediately but provides for future growth as market conditions start to improve."
Avesco's new address is Unit E2, Sussex Manor Business Park, Gatwick Road, Crawley, RH10 9NH. Tel: +44 (0)1293 582000. Fax: +44 (0)1293 582010.
(Ruth Rossington)
USA - Alan Caskey, formerly of Fakespace Systems Inc, has joined SEOS on a consultancy basis to concentrate on North American visualization sales opportunities and to contribute to the overall market strategy of the company.
Caskey brings with him 22 years experience at senior executive and sales level within the electronics, manufacturing, system integration and service industries. Beginning his career at Christie Digital Systems, he progressed to vice-president, managing the sales force and distribution channels, whilst fostering relationships with customers and resellers. Most recently, as vice-president of sales and marketing at Fakespace Systems, Caskey developed a sales force alongside long-range strategies to streamline the sales and marketing processes. His appointment follows the announcement last week that SEOS has recruited Martin Howe as vice- president of visualization.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - XL Video supplied full live video production for the 'Fame City' Woolworth's Kids First Ball, staged in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in London's Park Lane. Presented by Ruby Wax, the event featured live performances by Gareth Gates and Girls Aloud. XL was working for Productionism, headed by Attila Keskin, who created a Fame City TV environment as part of the themeing.
Equipment supplied included four NEC XT5000 projectors, beaming onto two 16ft x 9ft screens either side of the stage. Integrated into the set (designed by Attila Keskin) were 12 portrait orientation 50" plasma screens. The live four-camera system - including Super Giant Jimmy Jib - was directed by Chris Keating and recorded both TX and ISO.
Pre-recorded playback footage was stored on three Doremi hard drives, and a computer generated voting and bidding system was also integrated into the event, for keypad competitions and an auction. The 12 plasmas were individually fed from 12 Blade MPEG players, matrix switched and automated via a Dataton control system. A further six plasma screens were flown from trussing in the pre-show reception and after-show party room. Keating was joined by engineer John Steel, projectionist John Edwards, plasmas and utility technician Carl Martin, MPEG programmer Quintin Willison, and camera jib operator Gary Tepper. Other cameras were operated by Saria Ofogba, Darren Montague, and Mark Davies. The software generation was handled by 'video scientist' Richard Turner, and the event was project managed for XL Video by Malcolm Mellows.
(Lee Baldock)
Belgium - Several major new products have been introduced by Belgium's display system specialist Barco at a special meeting for industry press in Frankfurt, Germany. First off is the ILite 3, Barco's top of the line, ultra high-resolution indoor LED display product with 3mm resolution, offering the ultimate impact for applications that deserve a touch of glamour. Aimed at applications including high-profile events such as international exhibitions to key corporate or retail locations such as flagship stores or corporate headquarters, the ILite 3 combines a slim, elegant design with the highest standard of LED picture quality.
The ILite 3 LED module has been specifically designed to offer unrivalled colour uniformity, enhanced colour depth and the highest image quality available in LED display technology today, say Barco. With its high brightness and resolution, the ILite 3 is ideal for use in high ambient light environments with very short viewing distances.
Other advantages include its lightweight design and minimal external cabling, making it ideal for use at high-profile locations and events where aesthetic integration and low profile are of key importance. A small module, measuring less than 26cm in width and 20cm in height, the ILite 3 also saves on space by eliminating the need for installation - or rental frames, as the modules can be locked together directly both vertically and horizontally. This also adds to the module's reduced size and offers increased flexibility in shape and size.
Also new from Barco is XLM H25 projector. With a light
UK - Lighting and AV and installation company Metropolis AV & FX is the first UK specifier and installer of the new wireless sound systems from Cardio Theatre. The first EU-approved systems have been supplied to several venues, including LA Fitness venues in Leeds, Tunbridge Wells and Purley. The Meadowside Leisure Centre in Whitley - a high profile independent facility - has also benefited from the new wireless system.
The advantages of wireless cardio vascular sound equipment are numerous. Practical considerations such as trailing wires and messy cables are eliminated, and the clarity and quality of the audio is greatly enhanced. Added to which, the systems are highly reliable and low maintenance - all key considerations for an operator.
The wireless system is also easy to install. Metropolis's sales & marketing manager Neil Solanki explains that clients wanting to upgrade their existing gym entertainment system can now do so without having the mess, disruption and expense of pulling up floors and running cables for re-wiring.
The system is user-friendly and easy to operate. Individuals plug their own earphones into the Cardio Theatre wireless xTV receiver on the specific piece of machinery they're using, and tune into a variety of music/listening channels. They can adjust the sound to their own requirements using the six buttons on the box. The size of the systems is between 35 and 41 stations.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - After three years and £540m, Birmingham's new Bullring retail development has opened. Boasting 150 shops - principally department stores and high street names, plus smaller specialist boutiques and restaurants, the development adds weight to Birmingham's claim that it is fast becoming Europe's new shopping capital. At the centre of the development is the new Selfridges store, designed by architects Future Systems, who reportedly based their designs on a chainmail dress by Paco Rabanne. The curvy new store is covered with over 15,000 spun aluminium discs. With each interior level designed by individual interior designers, the store is as striking inside as it is from the exterior.
Following on from the success of The Gate in Newcastle (see L&SI June 2003), the same creative team came together to deliver the high-tech elements: Immedia Systems looked after the installation and system management, with The Foundation Design as content partner, Point of Purchase TV responsible for content management and Kudos Digital Group handling the remote management and scheduling software.
Immedia, the AV arm of Northern Light, designed, supplied and installed the advanced presentation and integrated control systems for the Bullring with The Foundation Design creating the on-screen visual identity. At the heart of the system is a 28-screen network, which went live on the centre's opening day and was seen by over 1.5m visitors in the first week alone. The network uses 61" plasma screens placed in strategic high traffic areas on different levels and at exits throughout t
UK - SEOS has appointed Martin Howe to the position of vice-president of visualization, with effect from 22 September 2003. Based at SEOS' headquarters in Burgess Hill, UK, Howe will be leading a strategic review of the visualization business, working closely with the existing team to further develop SEOS' presence in the leisure and entertainment markets.
Howe has over 22 years of extensive experience in the system integration business for visualization and display systems. His career started with Electrosonic in project management and system design working on large, multi-disciplined projects around the world. After a period working as service manager and then engineering manager, Martin moved into a sales management role, primarily focusing on business development and large complex systems sales.
A move to Barco saw him leading business development activities in a range of markets from simulation and visualization through to control rooms and display solutions for military vehicles. Howe has also worked extensively throughout Europe and North America managing project sales and implementation of multi-location projects.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Mean Fiddler's Carling Weekend double header over August Bank Holiday proved to be a huge success. Operating simultaneously at the traditional Reading site and Bramham Park in Wetherby, there were plenty of stages for the production crews to equip with technical services.
CT Screenco was in action on both main stages - which saw Metallica, Linkin Park, Blur and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club headline. This was supported by the Radio One Stage, Carling Stage, Smirnoff Experience Dance Arena, Concrete Jungle Stage and Comedy Stage. At both venues the company provided 30sq.m screens, stage left and right, with front-of-house delayed LED screens for the audience behind the mix position. This took the form of an 18sq.m Lighthouse LVP1650 (16mm) LED display at Reading, and Screenco 25mm screen at Leeds. While CT Screenco took a broadcast feed at the Reading Festival they provided a three-camera (Sony D-30) PPU in Leeds.
But the real production highlight was the 5 x 5 Lighthouse LVP1650 LED display which the company provided for production company, KLP, for use in the internationally-renowned Smirnoff Dance Experience Arenas. Now in its fourth year on the festival circuit, the Smirnoff extravaganza has quickly gained a reputation for state-of-the-art production - including live vision mixing. It was the first year that Smirnoff had broken from a conventional projection/screen solution - and despite the fact that the arenas were not light-proofed, the Lighthouse high-brightness screen formed a riveting backdrop for acts such as Death in Vegas, Lamb, Audio Bullies, Rich
UK - Large screen entertainment and media specialist Blink TV has taken its winning formula to the 42-date American Idol 2003 tour. This follows on from Blink's work on the UK Pop Idol tour, the first American Idol tour in 2002 and this year's German version, 'Superstar'. Blink was again working for 19 Management, creators of the 'Idol' concept, and was the only UK contractor involved in the first American Idol tour to also work on the second.
Blink Production managed the tour's live video, with hardware and a six-person crew supplied via LA-based XL Video Inc, in conjunction with their European sister companies XL Video UK and XL Belgium. The American Idol video package consisted of two side screens, a centre stage screen - framed by the set into an elliptical shape, projectors, three cameras and a digital PPU. The live video director was Kate Ferris, and the theme mirrored the look of the Fox TV series.
In addition to the hardware, Blink TV's production department, led by Marcus Viner, produced a diverse selection of video content material for all nine artists on the tour. The production brief had originally been to make all the bumpers and 'kiss-offs' that open and close each act, but this was then extended to include playback inserts for all artists - a massive production job in its own right.
Highlight of the show was 2003 American Idol winner Ruben Studdard. The tour followed he successful variety show format of other Idol live shows, and kicked off in St Paul, Minneapolis in the new Xcel Energy Centre arena. It then went on to play venues averaging 12 -
UK - CT Screenco folded back time and helped bring a 'Fly To The Past' revival to real life when they supplied a 60sq.m (12 x 5) LED display for the weekend event at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. Blenheim, the home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, provided a perfect setting for the event. Produced by Harvey Goldsmith CBE and co-produced by Francis Rockliff, 'Fly To The Past' celebrated 100 years of music and flight, and concentrated on a 1940s revivalist theme.
The show included a three-hour air display, featuring The Red Arrows, with Lancaster, Spitfire, Swordfish, Harrier, Mustang and Falcon aircraft, while the music included Sir George Martin and The RAF Central Band and The Glenn Miller Orchestra (as well as local Fairport Convention man Ric Sanders and his Group). The revival show even offered a trip to New York for the best-dressed 1940s couple.
With Steve Allen production managing, the choreographed show featured a combination of live camera feeds and library images, relayed to the giant 25mm screen mounted on an ELP (Elstree Light & Power) goalpost structure supplied by Robbie Wilson. Recorded material was played back on BetacamSP devices. Although the attendance was less than had been hoped for, the authenticity of the occasion and picturesque backdrop made the event one of the highlights of the summer.
Commenting on CT Screenco's technological input, production manager Steve Allen said: "We have a long-standing relationship with the company and know we can depend on them to deliver a first class service - no m
UK - For the first time this year, the PLASA Show installed a central feature as part of its stand plan, in the form of a large circular bar, above which was a high-resolution LED information screen, supplied by CT Screenco. The display specialist was able to field its latest, state-of-the-art Lighthouse LVP-1650 high brightness LED screen, displayed in a 5x5 format and offering clear visibility to all the visitors.
Reinforced by 13 plasma screens in various sizes, positioned around the entrance to the Hall, Lighthouse's LVP-1650 is a 16mm pixel pitch screen that fills the gap in the marketplace where a true outdoor screen in required, coupled with a high resolution image, at a cost-effective price. It produces 5000 nits of brightness and its high definition gives TV-quality images from a distance of 16m.
(Lee Baldock)
Portugal - When it comes to coverage of top quality sporting events in Portugal, the profile of SportTV looms large. In the last few years, the Lisbon-based cable channel has established itself as a specialist provider of atmosphere-charged coverage of sporting events from all over the world. Recently, with the help of Telex's partner in Portugal, Pantalha, SportTV has embarked on an ambitious program of investment including the acquisition of powerful and sophisticated new broadcasting tools from Telex. The system comprises an Adam CS (32 inputs), a BTR800 UHF wireless intercom system, two RTS ISDN 2002 units, eleven KP12 keypanels five KP32 keypanels.
J. Bonifacio Ribeiro, Pantalha's managing director, commented: "SportTV considered the investment very carefully and tested all the competing products on the market thoroughly before coming down heavily in favour of Telex. In view of the first class features of the Telex system, its reliability and ease-of-use as well as the customer-oriented service that comes with all Telex products, SportTV were utterly convinced that Telex was the best choice."
One of the top production firms in Portugal, Sonotech, has also just opted for state-of-the-art broadcasting equipment from Telex. In Spring this year, the Lisbon-based media specialists acquired an Adam CS matrix (64 x 64).
(Lee Baldock)
UK - XL Video's Malcolm Mellows rose to the occasion when asked to supply a crew comprising the best looking and most stylish engineers, cameramen and technicians for live video production at the 2003 Men of The Year Awards for GQ Magazine. "Of course, I was absolutely spoilt for choice," he says, adding that XL's currently manic schedules did actually slightly narrow availability and, therefore, his choice of sexy specimens from the pool of regulars.
The event, sponsored by Giorgio Armani, was held in the Floral Hall at London's Royal Opera House. It was presented by Johnny Vaughan and attended by a host of celebrities and stars and accompanied by copious oozings of glamour and glitter befitting the occasion. XL Video was working for Dick Straker of Mesmer Productions, who co-ordinated the video production for event producers Time-Based Events Ltd, led by Richard Dodgson.
Equipment supplied included a three-camera system with multiple playback from four Doremi hard drive machines, full PPU, ISO and TX recordings onto digital SX machines and various plasma screens. Two screens flanking the main stage were fed live IMAG images and pre-recorded footage via two pairs of doubled NEC T500 projectors. Images were also fed up to the overflow room on the balcony and viewed on a selection of smaller plasma screens. Upstairs in the entrance and bar area, XL supplied a PowerPoint presentation of the table plan, projected onto two 8ft x 6ft screens, so it could always be kept right up to date with any last minute changes.
Live footage of the event was edited over
Glynn Somers has joined the Heritage sales team of Black Box AV, taking responsibility for promoting the company's innovative audio-visual solutions to museums and attractions north ofBirmingham, up to the Scottish Borders. Jonathan Knight, Black Box MD, said: "Glynn's appointment strengthens our commitment to the Heritage sector. When we added Heritage to an already strong presence in high street retail three years ago, we set ourselves a target to become a leading supplier in the sector and have achieved that. As a result we have a strong and prestigious client list. We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and Glynn's appointment was necessary to maintain that high level of service and achieve further growth'.
Glynn joins Simon Markey and Annetta Park who already service the South of England, Scotland,Ireland and Wales.
(Lee Baldock)
>Of principal interest on the Audace stand was the latest software for the SuperHub AV controller. A popular device for installers, the new software enables IR control interface and is an easy upgrade for existing installs. The new Ani-Touch, a touch screen controller for SuperHub, has some of the functions of SuperHub integrated within it and can thus be used stand-alone to control a simple system.
>The PIGI S700 (4kW) HMI projector was launched by E//T//C Audiovisuel, the well-known large format image projection and multi-channel video projection specialist. The S700 is part of the new generation of PIGI projectors and is a compact unit equipped with internal dimmer, dichroic colour mixing and correction filters. The company's project portfolio is impressive: recent work includes this year's Cannes Film Festival, and the very dramatic illumination of Buckingham Palace during the Queen's Golden Jubilee weekend last year which must have been seen worldwide. Managing director John Ross Ashton, enjoying a busy PLASA Show, said the PIGI slide projectors are starting to be used in theatrical applications and can currently be seen on Anything Goes in the West End.
>Formed in December 2002, Projected Image Digital, sister-company to Projected Image, was showing a selection of the Digital Media Servers it distributes, including IRAD's RADlite and High End System's Catalyst V3 software, which was outputting digital content from the growing Projected Image Digital Content Library.
>Award for Design Excellence
>High End Systems Inc
>Catalyst DL1
The Catalyst DL1 is a digital video engine which bridges the worlds of automated lighting and video projection. It is the second generation offering in the Catalyst family of High End products. Whilst the original Catalyst combined a media server and moving mirror light with an off-the-shelf video projector, the Catalyst DL1 significantly enhances the technology by housing a digital engine in a ruggedized package that has the look and feel of a moving light and the versatility of a moving projector. Users are able to take images from DVDs, videos and other types of media and display them onto a stage, wall, prop, screen or a set - with complete control over image size and shape. The DL1 also provides the ability to project Digital Aerials and provide uniform colour and beam intensity. Unlike conventional moving lights, where the beam field has peaks and valleys, digital lighting creates a flat, even field with a high contrast ratio.
To help bridge the video and traditional lighting worlds, Catalyst DL1 incorporates the communications standards of both: VGA, RGBHV and S Video inputs for incorporating film or graphics content, and DMX programming, allowing the DL1 to be remotely pointed or focused from any DMX-based control unit.
>Award for Technical Innovation
>Korg (UK)
>Kaoss Entrancer
The Kaoss Entrancer is a completely new type of VJ gear that "visualizes sound," letting people control images and sound in real-time simply by fingertip control of a touch pad, producing
>In the market since 1982, Bryant Broadcast was a new exhibitor at PLASA this year, bringing a range of power distribution units, audio/video patch fields, flexible multi-pair audio snake cables, microphone and stage boxes and cable drums to the show. New products included a number of cost-effective 'hybrid' audio/video cables for digital projector systems in boardroom and education applications. Bryant's Bob Hart told L&SI that the company's power units and drums went down a bundle, adding: "If the number of catalogues and CD-ROMs we got through is anything to go by, then visitors were previously lacking in equipment suppliers like Bryant for the nuts and bolts of technical installs!"
>Looking intimidatingly like a piece of naval hardware, the massive Hardware Xenon 7000W xenon followspot/image scanner was launched at PLASA. As a followspot it features a shutter, iris and six-colour boomerang, while the image scanner features two rotating gobo wheels and seven-position colour wheel. A stroboscopic shutter and removable servo-controlled mirror complete the spec, with all features DMX compatible.
The company also launched a weatherproof stainless steel enclosure for its 7000W OLS large format projectors. Featuring dust-filtering ventilation, it also provides some measure of security against theft. Riding above the stand was the spherical Projection Balloon: these are available up to 5m in diameter and projection is from a 4000W OLS unit, which can hold up to 100 images.