UK - The lease on Central London's legendary Hippodrome - made famous in the 1980's by Peter Stringfellow - has been extended by 12 months to new incumbents, following the departure of previous operators, Luminar Leisure, last September. As a result, a consortium headed by Chinawhite director, Jeremy Hartley and Leicester Square Association chairman, Steve Bowen, have taken on the lease, and earmarked a £750,000 development budget, with a large percentage going on lighting.
A contract worth £150,000 has been awarded to Ian Kirby's Coemar UK for the supply of a large consignment of Coemar moving head dancefloor and mid-air beam effects plus Hungaroflash strobes, James Thomas Engineering LED battens and ShowCAD computer control.
Replacing the majestic satellites - the mainstay of the club's dynamic lightshows through the '80s - the fixtures have been purchased and installed by Paul Craig's Brighton-based Showtec and leased on a 12-month basis to the operators. The lighting will complement a versatile entertainment programme, including trapeze and aerial artists, operating within a burlesque interior created by Argent Design, and intended to return the venue to its water circus origins of 1900.
Designed in conjunction with Hippodrome technical consultant, Derek Chalmers, the new lighting effects will be used predominantly to highlight the new VIP Room (formerly the Star Bar) and the Mezzanine Area. The fixtures include 13 Coemar iSpot 575s, six iWash 575s, eight iSpot 150s and two NAT 2500MM heads - with more to follow. LED has also supplied 10 Hungaroflash 5k
Russia - The cinema market in Russia is enjoying a sustained boom, with large, luxurious cinemas equipped with state-of-the-art equipment springing up in all the major cities. The latest example is the Cinema Park in Moscow, which opened on 15 February. The multiplex cinema in the heart of the Russian capital boasts nine cinemas of different sizes, covering all needs from a relatively small atelier cinema showing art house movies and foreign language films to a huge screening auditorium designed for the premieres of major releases.
After conducting numerous comparisons, interviews with prospective suppliers and exhaustive tests, the management of the Cinema Park awarded the much-coveted commission to supply the sound systems for the complex to EVI Audio's Russian partners, Ruton S. It was a decision based on two main considerations, say the company. Firstly, Ruton S, which is managed by Gregory Ronin, is undoubtedly a major player in the Russian cinema sound scene, with a host of major successes in recent years: the 'Pobeda', 'Kirgizya', 'Pervomaysky' and 'Formula Kino' - all high-profile installations - were handled without exception by Ruton S. Secondly, the Electro-Voice products have an excellent reputation throughout Russia. As Ronin explains: "Electro-Voice is the clear number one in this segment of the market, and the Cinema Park commission is only further proof of its dominance."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
USA - Color Kinetics Incorporated (CKI) has announced that it has been issued two new US patents. U.S. patent number 6,720,745 is a utility patent covering a 'Data Delivery Track'. The patent relates to an LED lighting system where the lighting control signals are communicated through a light track. This facilitates designs and installations that call for intelligent LED illumination in a traditional track lighting scheme. The data used to control the LED-based lights on the track may be communicated through the track itself.
US patent number 6,717,376 is a utility patent covering 'Automotive Information Systems' that, in part, relates to colour-controllable automotive lighting systems. This includes the application of LEDs in colour and dimmer-controlled systems used to customize the look and feel of a vehicle, as well as feedback-controlled lighting systems that tailor the lighting conditions based on information from sensors.
(Lee Baldock)
Portugal - Cast Software recently announced that, for the first time, the forthcoming Rock in Rio festival - one of the world's major rock festivals - will be pre-programmed using the company's software, WYSIWYG Perform. This year the organizers expect over 500,000 people to attend the festival, taking place in Lisbon, Portugal from 28-30 May and from 4-6 June. Bright Preproductions in Germany has been hired to provide the WYSIWYG services for this occasion.
Bright is a member of the WYSIWYG Certified Service Providers program and they will supply services and WYSIWYG Perform Systems to do the on-site pre-programming for the show. Totalling more than 4,000 channels, they will offer a full simulation of the automated rig for the Palco Mundo which consists of approx 100 moving lights hung on nine moving trusses, giving the LDs of the headlining acts the ability to perfectly pre-cue their show during daytime or night time hours, allowing them a creative and time freedom that they are normally unable to achieve.
Lighting designer Peter Gasper and lighting director Danny Nolan said that they wanted to have a WYSIWYG pre-programming suite onsite, in order to give the LDs the possibility to get the maximum out of the rig.
(Lee Baldock)
USA - Mike Wood Consulting LLC has announces the launch of a web-based database containing full versions of patents relating to entertainment lighting. Although patents are public documents which can be obtained from the various Patent Offices around the world, it takes time and resources to locate the ones you want. This new, freely accessible database makes it easy to get hold of important or interesting lighting industry patents and will help keep you up to date with new patents as they issue.
The system is fully searchable and currently contains nearly 400 US patents including both utility and design patents: applications and European patents will follow. Complete copies of all patents in the database are available for immediate download as PDF documents.
To access the database visit the web address below and follow the 'Industry Patents' link.The database is for general information only and is not intended to offer comprehensive or sufficient information to enable a full legal analysis of a patent or potential infringement. If you have a question about a specific factual situation, you should contact an attorney directly.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Robe UK has supplied eight Robe ColorSpot and four ColorWash 250 moving lights for an upgrade to the house installation in the main auditorium at the renowned Scala, Kings Cross - London's alternative venue for live music clubs, film and food. The lights were specified by the popular venue's technical manager, Christian Smith, and supplied via Bristol-based Utopium Lighting in a deal co-ordinated by Robe UK's Stuart Fenwick.
A recent increase in the Scala's live music schedule made the upgrade necessary, to keep pace with the need to supply a versatile and effective house rig for the vast array of artists appearing. Smith approached Utopium's Angus Chinn to discus the best options, and after comparing several brands, Robe fixtures won the day in terms of features and cost-effectiveness.
Smith, an LD and programmer in his own right, had also used the Robes before on other projects, including programming the rigs at the McKenzie Group's Glasgow and Liverpool Academy venues, and at Cox's Yard club in Stratford-on Avon. This hands-on knowledge of their capabilities and reliability further cemented his decision to buy Robe.
"The new lights have made a massive difference to the shows we can create, and the facilities we can offer to visiting LDs," says Smith. They are also a vital ingredient to the regular club nights, with promoters no longer having to bring in additional effects as the Robes can be used for branding as well as building an exciting atmosphere. The Robes and the existing generic lights are all run off an Avolites Azure console.
(Lee
Germany - Lumileds Lighting has announced the formation of the Luxeon Lighting Network, a certification, training and technical support programme designed to assist lighting specifiers to bring the benefits of solid-state lighting to their clients. The programme will give specifiers access to a pool of lighting manufacturers and other suppliers with proven expertise in engineering and fabricating LED-based luminaires.
The benefit to designers, architects and other specifiers who work with certified network members is the assurance that they will receive luminaires capable of delivering the desired lighting effects as well as reliable long-term performance. The benefit to luminaire manufacturers and related solution providers is the ability to guarantee performance to specifiers and end users through a clearly defined set of design and development requirements, making it possible to take full advantage of an LED lighting market which is expected to generate more than $5 billion in worldwide revenues by 2007.
Keith Scott, market development manager with Lumileds Lighting: "Our Luxeon Lighting Network bridges that gap by establishing a group of certified luminaire manufacturers that specifiers can call to produce predictably performing LED lighting solutions tailored to client needs."
Encompassing two certification categories reflecting the needs of different segments of the lighting community, which are; Certified Luxeon Luminaire Manufacturer - a programme for manufacturers administered by Lumileds certifying that members are qualified to design, devel
UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians' annual showcase - the ABTT Theatre Show, to be staged in London's Royal Horticultural Halls on 16 -17 June this year, is set to be bigger than ever, say the organizers. By encouraging new exhibitors from areas such as PA/VA, video and building services, alongside those from the more familiar lighting, rigging and audio sectors, the show has broadened its appeal and is already 95% sold out. Among the exhibitors will be VLPS Lighting Services, showing the new Virtuoso EX1 Media Server which brings a whole new dynamic to digital lighting by using a moving perspective camera and four-point lighting in a virtual 3D environment.
ETC will exhibit a selection of its lighting, control and dimming product such as The Source Four Revolution, which has already won the Best Debuting Product/Promising Prototype Award at LDI 2003. Also on show will be ETC's new CEM+ (Control Electronics Module and the new RRFU (Radio Remote Focus Unit).
Fourth Phase London will be on hand to answer any technical queries ranging from how to project an image onto a building to the supply of an entire lighting rig. Avolites is showing two new products - eDMX and the ART2000S (stand alone) dimmer module - plus its range of ART2000i installation dimmers and lighting control consoles. James Thomas Engineering will highlight the new weatherized architectural versions of its innovative Pixel LED range. The full Pixel entertainment industry range will also be on show, plus JTE's PixelDrive control software.
Rigging companies present at this year's s
Finland - Allen & Heath's DSP system and accompanying PL range of remote controllers have been installed in a new operation facility of the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) in Helsinki, Finland. The audio equipment will improve VHF radio communications, which are crucial to the rescue operations taking place at the stormy Gulf of Finland.
EP-Engineering Ltd Mediasolution managed the installation, equipping the operation centre with innovative and advanced multimedia and communication technology, making the centre the largest and most modern facility of its kind in Scandinavia.
Operations of the network of rescue units are determined by the crucial information received from different VHF radio channels. The MRSC needed a solution that would effectively aid access to the VHF radio channels. The challenge was to set up five operators at individual console locations, and enable them to choose from 11 radio channels. Consequently, each console would require remote control devices, 16 outputs and two - four speakers configured L/C/R or L/R.
Allen & Heath's Finnish distributor, EM Nordic Finland Oy / XL Audio, supplied two iDR-8 digital mixing processors and eight PL-6 remote control fader panels, complimented with five Rane MA3 amplifiers. The PL fader panels are installed at the operator desks; while the iDR-8 processors and MA3 amplifiers are stored in a separate room, feeding line level signal from the iDR outputs into the amplifiers and then delivered into ceiling mounted Panphonics flat surface transducers at each operator console.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
USA - At this year's NAB show, Mackie unveils its latest digital recording console based on the versatile dXb platform launched at the AES show last October. The new dXb.400, which joins the dXb.200 - introduced at the NAMM show last January - is designed with professional recording and post-production applications in mind.
Ken Berger, vice-president of marketing and product development at Loud Technologies Inc said: "The significant excitement generated by the dXb concept at the AES show last October revealed a universal acceptance for the platform. Because the dXb platform is so versatile, we've been able to introduce two distinct models for two individual markets, in a very short period of time."
Both dXb.200 and dXb.400 share the same basic architecture including the unique dual touch-screen interface, 96kHz operation (optional to 192kHz), on-board automation and DSP, twenty-five 100mm Penny+Giles optical faders, fully configurable I/O card cage and a FireWire I/O card option for streaming to/from desktop or laptop computers. Both models are also compatible with select VST plug-ins and both integrate Mackie Control Universal functionality for controlling Pro Tools, Logic and other audio software applications.
The dXb.200 features a 72 x 72 channel I/O matrix at 96kHz (or a 36 x 36 matrix at 192kHz) with 64 channels of full dynamics (compressor/limiter and gate/expander) and EQ (four band parametric) processing.
The dXb.400 features a 96 x 96 channel I/O matrix at 96kHz (or a 48 x 48 channel matrix at 192kHz) with an additional eight channels of
Spain - Blitz Communications, one of the UK's leading providers of audio-visual equipment and services, has supplied sound and video facilities for the pan-European launch of General Motors' new Opel Astra and Tigra cars in Spain.
Blitz worked with Pci:Live, a live brand communications agency, to supply equipment used throughout the launch event, which was held over three weeks in two venues on Spain's southern coast. The unveiling of the new models took place at the Circuito de Jerez (host to this year's Spanish Grand Prix) and the farewell gala dinner at an indoor bullring in Torrestrella. The event was attended by over 8,000 dealers with their partners, as well as Fleet guests.
Frank Kucharski, project leader at Pci:Live commented: "We have managed similar launches for a variety of clients but this was one of the most ambitious and challenging. We needed the equipment to be both reliable and effective and knew that Blitz would provide us with the perfect mix. They were able to think proactively through the difficult issues presented by the occasion, providing solutions that allowed us to deliver a successful launch for General Motors and its delegates."
Blitz supplied the AV equipment for the trackside workshops at the Circuito de Jerez, including radio mics and hard disc audio playback. Enabling all the delegates to listen to translations throughout the three weeks of shows, Blitz supplied infrared headsets with VT soundtracks in 17 different languages.
Blitz also provided a video replay and infrared commentary system for a custom-designed mob
UK - May 26 2004 sees the launch of the Musicians Channel (M-Channel), the first digital television channel dedicated to encouraging, inspiring and educating all people with an interest in musical activity. The launch is seen by many key figures within the music industry as a new dawn in creating opportunities and the teaching of music. It will be broadcast on the Sky platform, free to air, and plans to make itself available to as many digital homes across Europe as possible. And, the channel's owners believe, there is a huge market for a service of this type, citing research by the National Campaign for the Arts, which reveals that 53% of UK adults (23 million) take part in arts or crafts activity, and as many people play a musical instrument as play football.
The main aim of the channel is to promote participation in music through access and education - and to equip its potentially huge audience with the necessary skills to realize their creative potential, whatever their musical ability. The first phase of programme content will feature tuition and advice on guitar, bass, vocals, drums and percussion, keyboards and harmonica. Filming for these is nearly complete at M-Channel's Maidstone Studios in Kent, where it has its own studios and offices. The programmes will feature a range of top class musicians, along with many well-known artists, eager to 'give something back' to the audience that helped them to where they are today. To complement these programmes hundreds of 'Tips and Tricks' snippets will also feature to provide the viewer a wider understanding of bec
USA - Three new documents have been posted on the ESTA (Entertainment Services and Technology Association) website for public review. Two of them are draft American National Standards, while one is an informational handbook, designed to help camera crane operators use cranes safely. Comments are requested by the dates indicated below.
Camera Crane Operator's Handbook: Public comment is invited on a proposal to publish a Camera Crane Operator's Handbook. Camera cranes are simple devices, but improper use of them can result in injury or death. The handbook is intended to offer nonbrand-specific advice on how to use a camera crane safely. The public review of the Camera Crane Operator's Handbook is scheduled to run until 17:00 Eastern Time on 8 June. The complete public review packet, including the draft handbook, is available on the ESTA website at www.esta.org/tsp/CC_Handbook_inst.htm.
BSR E1.23 Draft Fog Standard: BSR E1.23, Entertainment Technology - Design and Execution of Theatrical Fog Effects, is available for public review. The purpose of the document is to offer atmospheric effects creators and operators guidance in the planning and execution of theatrical fog effects so that the health and comfort of workers and spectators shall not be compromised by excessive exposure to chemicals or by the obscuration of hazards or safe paths of egress. In addition, the draft standard is intended to help avoid nuisance triggering of fire detection systems, while preserving adequ
Australia - Sydney Olympic Park, the home of the 2000 Olympics, recently saw the first outing for the new Midas Verona mixing console in Australia. The event was a concert entitled Would you like Music with That and featured artists such as Eon Groove Orchestra, Swing City and OzOpera.
The console was a Verona 560 fitted with 48 mono inputs and eight multi function inputs (can be either stereo or mono). Sydney-based rental company Coda Audio, already well known for its considerable inventory of Midas mixing consoles, and thus an obvious choice to take the Verona out for its first spin down under, supplied the production for the event. Coda proprietor Michael Wilkie was impressed with the size and feature set and surprised by the extensive EQ on the input channels. The console performed faultlessly on the gig and delivered the classic 'Midas Sound' that engineers have come to expect from Midas consoles.
Meanwhile, while Coda Audio was able to lay claim to Australia's first gig with a Verona, Sydney production company Action Sound is now the proud owner of the very first Verona to be sold in Australia. Complementing an existing inventory of Midas Venice consoles, Action Sound has just taken delivery of a Verona 400 featuring 32 mono inputs and eight multi-function inputs (either stereo or mono), supplied complete with the distinctive purple Midas roadcase.
The console made its debut three days after delivery in March when it performed FoH duties for English folk legends Ralph McTell and Steeleye Span. The concert was held in one of Sydney's most picturesqu
The Netherlands - De Tiliander is a new multi cultural building in the Dutch city Oisterwijk. It houses a theatre, a school of music, the Grand Café and a library. Sound Projects dealer Van De Klundert recently installed a compact Sound Projects 10 (SP-10) line array set-up in the theatre (450 seats).
The main system consisted of five SP-10 line-array systems per side. To provide the first four rows with sound, two compact X-act full-range systems are positioned as front-fills. To augment the sub-lows, three self-powered SP-15s were also flown with the line array. Three Sound Projects SP2600 amplifiers power the array, while a dbx 480 DriveRack does all necessary processing.
Van de Klundert sound designer Dennis van der Vleuten commented: "Our choice for a Sound Projects line-array was obvious. The Sound Projects Wave-shape-transformer promises a real HF line source, necessary for efficient and good additive acoustic coupling. Additionally the waveguide, integrated in the Wave-shape-transformer, delivers an optimal constant directivity of 90° in the high region. After a few tests we found that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The SP-10 system produces more power and sound quality than any comparable system in the same price-range. Each SP-10 housing consists of four five-inch side-firing LF drivers, two MF drivers and one HF driver. The sound quality is superior!"
Not only did Van de Klundert install the sound system in the main theatre, the company also provided the lobby/lounge and the Grand Café with a Sound Projects system. In the lob
USA/Europe - Digigram, one of the market leading developers of PC sound cards for high end pro audio applications, announces the arrival of a new industry standard by taking its PCX range of sound cards to the next level. The new cards will be previewed this spring at NAB 2004 and AES Europe.
The HR (High Resolution) series of PCX sound cards is designed for the most demanding applications in broadcast such as production, on-air, continuous playback, and logging. Featuring state of the art sound quality with 24-bit/192 kHz converters, more advanced functions, more processing power, and greater flexibility for custom developments, the new generation will be the Number one choice for pro audio manufacturers and independent software vendors. The design of the new generation addresses current and future market needs as expressed by Digigram's 100+ OEM development partners.
Philippe Delacroix, Digigram managing director, commented: "Since the launch of the PCX range in 1989, our sound cards have been instrumental in the digitalization of broadcast audio and have become the de facto industry standard. The HR Series is a major step forward for the PCX range and the industry, and will certainly set new benchmarks. We are confident that our development partners will find creative ways to enhance their existing applications and to open new markets thanks to this new generation of products."
The PCX882HR and PCX881HR multi-channel sound cards are the first to benefit from the characteristics of the HR series, which also include hardware sample rate conver
UK - Summit Steel has designed, co-ordinated and installed a versatile rigging scheme for Cliff Richard's current month-long run at the Royal Albert Hall. In addition to the usual production rigging requirements for a large V-Dosc PA and four lighting trusses, this also allows for the straightforward staging of a variety of other shows during the 'dark' slots in Cliff's standard two days on and one off schedule.
The diverse selection of 'other' shows include a tribute to Ronnie Lane, an Islamic Relief event and shows for Classic FM and 19 Management as well as a gala dinner. The Cliff Richard run continues Summit MD Jon Bray's long standing association with the artist, and his production team, which stretches back over 20 years to 1982, and includes the galvanising Cliff 40th Anniversary Tour, staged in-the-round at the same venue in 1998.
This year sees him renew his acquaintance again with other long-term Cliff personnel, including production manager Roger Searle and FOH sound engineer Mike 'Bunny' Warren.
Jon Bray's team at Summit worked closely for two months in advance with the RAH's show management team, in particular Mark Newell, to ensure that the logistics stacked up, and that the finer details were all ironed out well in advance.
Many of the additional shows are also utilizing Cliff's PA and lighting - as it's already installed in the venue - while others have decided to bring in their own productions from scratch. Whatever options they chose, it was vital that the rigging be versatile and adaptable for all possibilities. Bray collaborated with Clif
UK - Hire and production company Villa Audio has recently been putting KV2 speakers though its paces, which included a very special party. Villa Audio's Gareth Jones takes up the story, "Having known Andy Austin-Brown for some years, I was very happy to be introduced to the KV2 range. I knew that this new product range would be no pup and fortunately the system lived up to all my expectations".
To begin with they ran the system up in a warehouse as Gareth explains "Running up loudspeaker systems in a warehouse is never an ideal environment, hard walls and floors, let alone the unexpected items that are shaken out of the roof! Without a doubt, this was by far the most convincing warehouse experience I have had. Seamless, clear and extremely punchy."
Once he was convinced of what the KV2 system was capable of, his next task was to convince the engineers, "Talking established engineers into using product they haven't heard before, let alone never having heard of the manufacturer is something of a trial."The systems first outing was to a private event, with Lionel Richie as the headline supported by Lovetrain a tight, dynamic and funky four piece. The set up they used was, two ES1.8 18" subs, one ES2.5 two x 15" mid bass, and one ES1.0 high pack per side, powered by two Epac2500 units. The system EQ was Klark Teknik DN360 / DN410. However, this was fairly academic, as they were completely switched out. The system did not need it. Tristan Mallet mixing front of house on a Midas H2000 was grinning from ear to ear. Not only was th
UK - Birmingham based Presentation Service Providers (PSP) is continuing with its extensive investment programme in new equipment with the recent acquisition of Analogue Way's new OCTO-FX Switcher and a new range of projectors, the PLC XU55 and PLC XT16.
The OCTO-FX Switcher will enable seamless switching between computer, video playback and camera. The PLC XT16 projector is suitable for roadshows and meetings and the PLC XU55 is a wireless ultra portable projector ideal for medium sized meetings and seminars.
In addition to the recent investment in new equipment PSP has also announced the continuation of its expansion programme with the opening of a London base. PSP's decision to open in London is a reflection of the company's increasing client portfolio based in the Capital and its commitment to develop into one of the country's leading technical services providers.
Commenting on the recent investment and expansion PSP's co-founder and director Ian Wilcox said: "PSP is continuing to grow and our client base is becoming increasingly national hence our move in to London. In addition we are committed to increasing our stock of equipment to provide cost effective and relevant technical solutions to our clients."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
Ireland - L-Acoustics recently announced that CAVS (Corporate Audio Visual Services) based in Harcourt Lane, Dublin, has become the first L-Acoustics V-Dosc Network Partner for The Republic of Ireland. CAVS initial hire stock purchase includes 24 V-Dosc and 16 SB218 subs all powered by L-Acoustics' LA amplifiers. The Turnkey system will now line up alongside the company's existing dV-Dosc, Arcs, MTD, and XT systems.
Fran Quigley, MD of CAVS commented: "I see the V-Dosc purchase as significant because it allows CAVS to offer the same high level of audio quality and service associated with the V-Dosc network to our existing Irish customer base, plus allows touring acts, promoters (Irish and international), large one off events, and international touring rental companies the use of this prestigious brand in this territory or abroad. Furthermore, I also see this investment as a part of our continuing expansion into other more specialized markets - in this case the concert sound market - where line arrays are the norm now rather than the exception, and where L-Acoustics V-Dosc is King."
The System will debut on 1 May, when a concert called The Day of Welcomes will be held in Dublin and Belfast to celebrate European Enlargement. This Event will be broadcast live across the EU on this date.
Paul Nicholson L-Acoustics UK sales manager adds: "We are truly delighted to welcome CAVS to the V-Dosc Network group of companies. This is an important and logical step for L-Acoustics in the Republic of Ireland as CAVS has fully embraced the philosophy and t
USA - Ziggy Marley and Spearhead have just completed a co-headlining US tour. California-based Rat Sound supplied the concert sound system, including a pair of InnovaSON digital consoles which enabled the live sound production company to meet the weight restrictions of the truck and the space limitations at some of the smaller venues.
Crew chief and monitor technician Chris 'Grandpa' Rymarz, is something of an InnovaSON veteran, having recently completed a year-long world tour with Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals and a pair of InnovaSON Grand Live digital live sound consoles. For the Ziggy Marley/Spearhead tour, Rymarz brought along a Grand Live at front-of-house and an Sy40 for monitors.
Ziggy Marley, son of the legendary reggae star Bob Marley, was promoting his first solo album, 'Dragonfly' - a recording made with a seven-piece backing band instead of the Melody Makers, the band that features several of his siblings. The InnovaSON consoles ensured rapid changeovers between Marley and the other bands on the tour, which also included Michael Franti and Spearhead. "I've used the InnovaSON before and I can't say enough about the automation and how I have the ability to be able to use this console on multiple 40-plus-input bands," says Rymarz. "The changeover is just so simple and painless and has now been made instantaneous!" Rymarz also handled monitors for Spearhead.
The comprehensive on-board processing available as standard on InnovaSON consoles translates into a major saving in tour production equipment: "All we bring now, in
USA - Capitalizing on the growing demand for IGBT dimming and the tremendous success of recently introduced products, Dallas-based Entertainment Technology (a division of the Genlyte Thomas Group LLC, owner of Vari-Lite) is aggressively expanding its distribution chain and reports that it is currently in the process of completing distribution networks in Asia, Europe and Latin America. At the same time, the company has also expanded its presence in Canada, appointing a dedicated regional sales manager for that area.
"We are taking advantage of the tremendous advantages silent dimming offers our customers, and are introducing IGBT technology into new areas," said Bob Schacherl, Entertainment Technology's vice-president of sales. "Other manufacturers are only now beginning to realize the advantages of silent dimming and are struggling to enter the market. Entertainment Technology is far and away the leader in the field. We're 12 years ahead of the rest of the industry."
Schacherl and regional sales manager Jim Crooks have met with dealers throughout Europe. Regional sales manager Jaime Friedstadt has begun the same process in Latin America, as has J.R. Chai in Asia. John Bilyk has recently been appointed Entertainment Technology regional sales manager for Canada. Bilyk, Chai and Friedstadt will also retain their roles as regional sales managers for Vari-Lite in each of their respective territories. By taking advantage of resources and relationships shared with sister-company Vari-Lite, Entertainment Technology believes it will be able to quickl
UK - Projected Image Digital, specialist supplier of digital media server hardware, video and lighting control solutions and digital content for the entertainment industry, was established to develop and bring new products to the market that highlight the increasing convergence between lighting and video mediums.
At the Production Show 04, PID will launch PixelMAD, a revolutionary matrix control system that loads digital images and plays them back as Quicktime movies via DMX-controlled lighting fixtures. PID is the worldwide distributor of this new product, which was first used on Radiohead's 2003 Hail To The Thief world tour 2003, to generate dynamic and organic lighting effects across a wall of James Thomas Pixelline fixtures - saving hours of laborious programming.
PixelMAD utilizes software that runs on a Macintosh in a very similar way to the Catalyst digital media server from High End Systems - also distributed by Projected Image Digital. Screen pixels are converted to DMX values and sent to DMX controlled LED or conventional lighting fixtures, using the Artnet Ethernet DMX protocol. PixelMAD will be available in a number of different configurations, from a 2-universe version to a 40-universe version - to suit shows of all budgets.
The full range of D-TEK industries' new D-Series products will also be on show, including the D-Switch, D-Switch Pro, D-Mix and D-Mix Pro - all of which have been developed to give lighting designers and directors the ability to control the video elements of a show. PID will also demonstrate the High End's Catalyst digit
UK - When the acclaimed lighting designer Willie Williams was asked to contribute to a major new series of exhibitions to celebrate 150 years of Christian charity BibleLands' ministry in the Middle East, he turned to Fourth Phase London to supply the lighting rig.
Featuring contemporary interpretations on the theme Presence - Images of Christ for the Third Millennium, events are taking place in six cathedrals throughout Britain, with Williams' piece, Vigil, on display at Canterbury over the Easter period.
At Canterbury the exhibition featured two contrasting pieces of art. Antony Gormley's sculpture Rise, rests in the Trinity Chapel in the place where Thomas Becket's bones lay in a shrine until it was destroyed during the Reformation, while Williams' newly commissioned light installation went on display from dusk on Palm Sunday, 4 April 2004.
Using a selection of equipment from Fourth Phase, including 96 ETC Source Four 10º and 8 HID 10º, Williams' design saw the Bell Harry Tower, nave, altar and central crossing flooding with purple light in the week running up to Easter, transforming into rays of gold at a moving midnight mass ceremony on Easter Sunday.
Curator of Presence, Meryl Doney, explained: "Looking for an artist who would be able to create something very dramatic at Canterbury, I immediately turned to Willie Williams. His brief was to interpret the meaning of 'Presence' and to incorporate that meaning with Easter week. Using inspiration from the Easter Eve service where fire is brought into the darkened church to signify that Christ is risen