France - Opera de Lille one of France’s most prestigious performing arts venues is currently undergoing a complete refurbishment. Stage Technologies have recently been contracted to work on the project by French engineers Tambe Sarl who are responsible for equipping the venue with both mechanical and automation control systems.
Having built a reputation for designing technically advanced automation solutions for venues from the Gothenburg Stadsteater to the Lyric Opera in Chicago Stage Technologies are delighted to have the opportunity to provide automation for Lille. The supply includes the control of an impressive 66 winches (50 variable speed and 16 fixed). Stage Technologies integrated drive technology, MaxisID is at the heart of Lille’s control system and will be controlled by Nomad and Solo consoles. Modular in design this system will allow the Opera House to easily incorporate extra motorised axes as and when required.
(Lee Baldock)
Russia - The year 2003 heralds the 300th anniversary of the city of St. Petersburg in Russia, and the historic Mariinsky Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, home of the world-famous Kirov Opera and Ballet, is celebrating with the installation of new Selecon Pacific zoomspot ballet booms!
The promise of performances by such prestigious ballet companies as the Royal Ballet, London; the New York City Ballet and the Hamburg Ballet as part of the festivities, provided the push that Vladimir Lukasevich, the Mariinsky's renowned resident lighting designer had been looking for. With support from his colleagues from the visiting ballet companies the funding to replace the old, ill-equipped ballet booms was granted. As with most venues the ability to multi-task is vital and as the booms would have to be multi-purpose - Opera as well as the Ballet - and the Pacific zoomspots fit the bill in all respects.
So, why choose the Pacific' Lukasevich explains: ""We chose the Pacific because of the compact size of the 1kW luminaire and the fact that the light output is better and more effective then some 1.2kW units. Another key factor was that these lights operate at 220 volts which is what we have in Russia. Some other lamps run on US voltage of 120 volts which complicates the issue. With our big stage, we need at least 1kW lamps. In addition the Pacific's excellent heat management system means that lamps and gels last longer."
A long time enthusiast of the Pacific range, Lukasevich specified them for the Mariinsky Academic Opera and Ballet House shortly after thei
USA - Barco is pleased to announce that its SLM R8 projector was awarded this year’s Best New Video Projection Award at the Rental & Staging Systems Awards held at InfoComm yesterday. The annual Rental & Staging Systems Awards, which recognize excellence in the design and production of new products as well as the AV production for staged events, were held at InfoComm in Orlando on Wednesday. The awards for best new products in the rental and staging market, in which Barco’s SLM R8 won Best New Video Projection Product, were determined by a special Rental & Staging Systems Magazine readers’ poll.
Barco’s SLM R8 projector, which forms part of Barco’s SLM projection range, is equipped with a 3-chip DLP sub-system, features SXGA resolution Digital Micro Mirror Devices and a state-of-the-art optical system, and provides a compact, multi-purpose solution for any event. With its 8000 ANSI Lumen light output, the SLM is ideally suited for both mid-range applications as well as the demanding environments of rental & staging events.
Chris Colpaert, Barco Events R&D Project Manager, who accepted the award on behalf of Barco at yesterday’s Awards Luncheon, stated: "The SLM R8 has proved an enormously popular product ever since its launch in February 2002. Its reputation as a reliable, flexible projector that delivers all the functions and options needed of a projector for the rental & staging market have seen us take a steady flow of orders over the past year."
Barco’s SLM Performer range, which includes the R6, G8, R8, G
Lebanon - MC2 Audio's official supplier for the territories of Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, Triangle Sound & Image, has recently installed the sound system for the newly opened Moorea Beach Resort. This beachfront resort opened last Saturday and more than two thousand guests partyed all day long around the circular swimming pool with its in-pool bar.
A tented bar is equipped with MC2 T2000 amplifiers driving Renkus-Heinz Qube 15 speakers and double 18" subwoofer enclosures. The system runs daily for about 12 hours, increasing to 16 hours at the weekend. Zahid Elian of Triangle Sound & Image says: 'The resort attracts a young crowd creating an even more enjoyable mood than St. Tropez, Mykonos or Ibiza' and Elian also reports that local critics described what they heard as "the best outdoor sound ever heard."
(Lee Baldock)
UK - West London Electric of Acton, London - one of the UK’s oldest commercial audio distribution companies - recently launched itself onto the internet with a full-blown, multi-discount website. The site allows existing and new customers alike to search the company’s virtual warehouse for any one of thousands of products from manufacturers including TOA, Denon, Shure, DNH, Australian Monitor, AKG and Audio-Technica, to name but a few. Each product entry is supported by a full description, making this site a source for knowledge as well as competitive pricing.
What’s more, users can produce their own quotation on the site - complete with sales literature if required - which they can choose to convert to an order at a later date. Marc Ryan, managing director of WLE and descendent of founder Charles Ryan (once known as the 'Gramophone King of Acton'), remarked: "Our family has been supplying audio equipment of one kind or another from this location in Acton High Street, London, since 1909. It’s been my privilege to ensure that the business is properly prepared for another century in this fast and ever changing industry by bringing all our product lines together on the internet."
West London Electric’s demanding technical brief was converted into reality by industry marketing company Kisska Design. "It’s been hard work ensuring that WLE’s business practice converts seamlessly to the web but we believe we’ve successfully addressed their needs," said Kisska’s Keith Dale. Prospective customers, c
USA / Hong Kong - Color Kinetics Inc has been awarded a patent in Hong Kong, covering its Chromacore technology. The patent will further strengthen Color Kinetics' position as the premier provider of intelligent LED illumination systems in Asia.
Chromacore is a breakthrough technology that applies microprocessor-controlled LEDs to generate millions of colors and dynamic lighting effects without the constraints and complexities of traditional light sources. The technology was awarded a U.S. patent in January 2000, a European patent in 2002, and is now covered by Patent #HK1025416 in Hong Kong - the first of many patents expected to issue in the company's name in Asia.
Color Kinetics' Chromacore-powered systems are widely used throughout Asia today, including high-profile installations such as the Shanghai Westin Hotel, Cathay Financial Dome in Taipei, high-end fashion retailer HaaT in Tokyo, La Cittadella in Kawasaki, and the Takarazuka University of Art and Design in Osaka, Japan - designed by internationally famed artist James Turrell. This momentum is fueled in part by Color Kinetics' industry-leading technology and expertise, strong regional partners, and integrated systems approach to intelligent solid-state illumination.
"This patent reflects Color Kinetics' commitment to advancing our technology leadership overseas and meeting global demand for intelligent solid-state lighting systems," said George Mueller, Chairman and CEO of Color Kinetics. "We're thrilled for this first of many expected patents to come in Asia."
Color Kinetics' in
USA - Mackie Designs Inc has announced the release of UAD-1 version 3.1 software, and the availability of a new powered plug-in, Cambridge EQ. Version 3.1 enables multi-card support on the Macintosh platform as well as compatibility for the Cambridge EQ on both Mac and Windows-based systems. Cambridge is a new a five-band, fully parametric EQ featuring high and low cuts with a wide variety of filter types and curves.
Version 3.1 software is a free download for registered UAD-1 owners available via the Universal Audio website at: www.uaudio.com/PPI/home.html or the Mackie website at: www.mackie.com/record/uad1/index.html. Cambridge EQ is available for sale online at www.mackie.com.
New features include compatibility with the new Cambridge EQ plug-in; multicard support for Macintosh computers - allowing Macintosh users to add up to four UAD-1 cards in a single computer for added power and plug-in functionality; 1176 SE plug-in - a brand new compressor that uses a newly developed algorithm for blending the hallmark sonic charisma of the 1176 hardware whilst requiring a much lower DSP load than the true component-modelled 1176LN plug-in; LA2A and Direct X both optimized - Reduced DSP usage, which can lead to higher sampling rates, allows more plug-ins to run at one time.
(Lee Baldock)
Germany - Equipment rental company Ultraschall, based in Kassel, near Hanover, has become the first in Germany to invest in a new Nexo GEO T tangent array system, with Camco amplification. Ultraschall has taken delivery of 24 GEO T4805 cabinets and 8 CD18 sub-bass units, and has expanded its inventory of Nexo NX241 controllers and Camco Vortex 6 digital amplifiers. A long-time Nexo user, the company was the first in Germany to buy an Alpha system, and last year led the way with a GEO S system.
"Our experience with the GEO S system has been incredibly positive, we have had so many jobs because of this system," says Jesko Purmann of Ultraschall. "GEO T is a system for big applications. Essentially, it uses the same technology, scaled up, so we were confident that we would once again get great results. We've always had such good experiences with NEXO."
(Lee Baldock)
UK - The Sound-Effects-Library.com has created a new on-line sound design service which provides high quality sound solutions for the design community. Available for the first time via the Internet, it offers designers from all industry sectors such as games, exhibitions, conference, events and website creation a way to give their clients a competitive edge, by adding individually tailored soundscapes.
The Sound-Effects-Library.com has provided an on-line resource of sound effects, music samples and music tracks since 1999, where sounds can be uniquely searched, auditioned and downloaded within a few minutes. It now houses over 200,000 sound files on-line and a back catalogue of over four million sounds spanning decades of motion picture history. Demand from organizations such as Electronic Arts and the Millennium Dome, events companies and museums have fuelled the collaboration of the Sound-Effects-Library with its parent company The Tape Gallery, to create this new on-line sound design service.
Simply send a brief to the e-mail address below, and the Tape Gallery team of award-winning sound designers will create an audio concept for the scenario. Clients will then be asked to approve a quote which will include the cost of the individual sounds and an hourly rate of around of £150.00 for mixing and sound design. Clients are kept abreast through all stages of the production process by lower quality MP3 audition files, and once the final mix has been agreed, a high quality broadcast file or CD master is produced.
Lloyd Billing, managing director of the Tape Gal
Czech Republic - Harry von den Stemmen has been appointed international sales manager for leading European moving light manufacturer Robe Show Lighting s.r.o. The appointment follows the launch of Robe as an independent brand, and its impressive international growth over the last 12 months. "It’s great to have Harry onboard," says Josef Valchár", co-owner and managing director of Robe Show Lighting. "His appointment will ensure we maintain the highest levels of proactivity and detail in dealing with our international customers."
Von Den Stemmen’s impressive CV includes 20 years’ commercial experience in the pro lighting industry. He’s been involved in theatre, entertainment and architectural sectors - from cruise ships to large building projects. He joins Robe from Martin Professional, where he was business development and architectural projects manager. Prior to this, he’s been managing director of High End Systems GmbH and sales director for Strand Lighting GmbH. He speaks German, English and French, and will globetrot for Robe, making regular visits to their Roznov HQ in the Czech Republic.
With his intimate knowledge of sales networks, Von Den Stemmen will help build Robe dealerships in developing markets as well as integrating large distributorships to Robe’s current portfolio. Von Den Stemmen comments: "Having been working internationally in this industry for over 20 years, I know the value of a good partnership between manufacturer and distributor. Robe’s lean management strategy and
UK - Star Hire (Event Services) Ltd provided the stages and ancillary site structures recently as rock music returned to Donington Park for the new Download festival. As the name suggests, Download also introduced a new concept to festivals, as fans who bought tickets could download free tracks from the festival’s website. 54 acts appeared on the main two stages over the two days, which ranged from new act Evanescence, to the more established ‘Manson’, to Iron Maiden and a surprise performance by Metallica on the second ‘Scuzz’ stage.
The main Radio 1 / Kerrang stage was Star Hire’s Vertech 20m festival stage, which created a suitably ‘larger than life canvas’ for the show. In addition to the performance area, the stage housed the PA monitor system in the wings and gave the production team room at the rear to prepare equipment to ensure the 12-band schedule was kept on time. The lighting rig, supplied by Neg Earth, was suspended under the 11m high stage roof.
The main stage incorporated PA towers that flanked the performance area and housed the main PA, supplied by SSE Hire. Outside the PA were the integral screen supports, which housed Screenco’s LED screens, giving a total stage width of 45.6m. The new position of the stage this year meant that the Star Hire crew had to install a 15m long, 5m wide, roll on/off access ramp traversing the steep embankment to a loading dock for the constant stream of production vehicles throughout the weekend.
The main stage FOH controls were housed in Star Hire’s Clea
UK - One of the UK’s most established PA hire companies, Canegreen, has unveiled a new corporate identity across the group of companies as it reached the age of 21 this May. Canegreen Limited has built an international reputation supplying pa systems for festivals, tours and one off concerts. Co-founders Peter Edmonds and Yan Stile have co-ordinated new logo’s and websites with a common theme to all of the Canegreen family companies.
Yan said: "Canegreen’s ethos is all about offering clients innovative and fresh solutions regarding sound systems, our new logo’s and websites reflect our contemporary approach." In addition to new logo’s, Canegreen Commercial Limited is the new name adopted by the sister company, which serves the corporate events industry (replacing the name Canegreen Commercial Presentations Limited). Director Andrew Frengley, managing director of the division said: "The shorter name was chosen to focus attention on our core strength, delivering professional sound services, while aligning the visual branding across the sibling companies and reinforcing the depth of expertise the group possesses."
The new logos have been adapted so the clearly identifiable group branding extends to audio-visual installation company Green-I, as well as theatre sound design company Richard Brooker Sound Design. Stile commented: "At 21 the company has a lot of experience, but is very fresh in its daily approach to life. Nothing stands still in the World and Canegreen is no exception as we keep up with new technolog
Australia - The first orders for the new Minim lighting control desk from Australian lighting equipment manufacturer, LSC Lighting Systems, will leave the factory in June. The Minim has been specifically designed to compliment the maXim range, filling a void for the entry level user both in features and price. Attractively styled and utilising the familiar programming and playback system popular on all LSC desks, the Minim delivers a very easy to use platform with quick access buttons to all major functions - no menu driven systems.
Based on a typical theatrical style layout with 2 presets of 12 faders that can be used in a manual control level or a memory recall mode, the Minim comes into its own by switching the lower bank of preset faders between 'wide' preset - a further extension of the first 12 faders to a total of 24; and 'Playback' masters. The Playback masters can concurrently playback up to 12 recorded scenes or chases, enabling the creation of some wonderful effects. Three pages of 12 Playbacks allows a maximum number of 36 memories to be stored with each memory able to be individually previewed and edited.
The Minim is self-contained with a voltage selectable internal power supply. No need for external plug-in power packs! An ideal desk for schools, places of worship, small rental companies, in fact, anywhere fast easy to program lighting shows are required.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Top American band Wheatus have completed a low-key tour of the UK, playing smaller club and university venues to try out material from their forthcoming album. The London-based front-of-house engineer and programmer Geoff Kakoschke had to deal with some challenging acoustic environments, but none more so than the venue in Hull, in the north of England.
"The PA was just awful," recounts Kakoschke. "It was ancient - I've never seen any of the components before. It looked as though it had been built in someone's garage about 30 years ago! There was a 16-channel console that was so old that there were no markings left on it." Kakoschke called to Soundcraft for help, and a new MH3 console was despatched to Hull. "It was an absolute life-saver, it actually enabled me to get a decent sound out of that dreadful PA system, and it's confirmed me as a Soundcraft fan. For the last show of our tour, Adlib Audio provided a PA which included a Series 4 and that was also brilliant, I loved it."
Small enough to carry, a Soundcraft 12-channel E Series desk made the whole tour with the band, providing a solution to the problem of lack of channels on the small in-house consoles and limited space at the mix position. "The E Series was mainly used for the support band, but for Wheatus it was incredibly helpful to be able to sub-mix the key channels and my Logic Audio set-up from 11 into 2."
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - In response to popular demand, PCM is re-launching its Leatherman Wave Supertool promotion - with a free rigger’s accessory Leatherman given away with every order of eight Lodestar hoists!
The Supertool is a multi-purpose accessory, similar to the famous Swiss Army Knife, offering a variety of appendages including screwdrivers, knives, pliers and a sharp saw. It also has everything you might need to disassemble and fix a Lodestar motor - all apart from a corkscrew -not necessary because it was designed in an era when ‘real’ roadies would not have been caught dead drinking wine!
"Hopefully, recipients of the PCM Leatherman will never have to use it in such extreme or dramatic circumstances as Aron Ralston, who amputated his own arm with a similar tool after becoming trapped under a boulder during a hike in the Canyonlands national park in Utah," comments PCM’s John Jones. "However, it’s worth knowing that other than an ideal rigging and on-the-road accoutrement, Leatherman is also handy for dealing with everyday situations like changing a flat-tyre or repairing a blown fuse!"
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Wharfedale loudspeakers took pride of place when the latest - and largest - Academy of Sound opened its doors to the public in Leeds last month. The 8,000sq.ft single-floor operation has allowed the company to set up several dedicated zoned areas, including a PA Theatre, according to sales and development manager, Jon Gold, who oversees all ten Academy stores (plus the direct sales operation). The company closed its smaller Leeds branch in favour of the large retail center, in order to provide a full service in a vibrant environment, and move way from the "trend towards box shifting."
The PA is fully-rigged, allowing customers to test, among other brands, a range of high-specification Wharfedale enclosures - reflecting the strong relationship the company enjoys with the Academy of Sound. Systems include the EVP-S range (EVP-S15SB, EVP-S15 and EVP-S12), as well as the powered EVP-P version (EVP-15PSB sub, 12" and 15" full range and 12" and 15" monitors). In addition to the PA Theatre, the Academy of Sound houses a large, dedicated Fender area, called ‘Fender @’, and also a Roland World.
"Leeds represents a major investment for the company and illustrates best what the ‘Academy of Sound’ brand is all about," commented Jon Gold. "We have taken the company into the 21st century and this will become the template and benchmark for future Academy of Sound operations." Managed by Jon Green, the new showroom is located at 85 Roseville Road, Leeds, LS8 5DT.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Liverpool-based Adlib Audio has supplied and installed a complete sound, lighting rigging and grid system at Parklands City Learning Centre in Speke, Merseyside. City Learning Centres are a government funded initiative set up in run down, deprived inner city areas, to provide learning opportunities for young people using new technologies. The Centres are specifically designed to offer facilities not available in conventional school environments. "The main focus is to lift achievement rates by exposing young people to new technology and ideas based on using it," explains Denise Barrett-Baxendale, director of Parklands.
A performance space was planned for Parklands from the outset, but it wasn’t until Barrett-Baxendale actually accepted her post that serious thought was given to the development of the technical infrastructure. Adlib’s Andy Dockerty specified the technical set up, which includes flexible staging and a full complement of movable drapes, in addition to the lighting and sound rigs. Adlib imported its rock ‘n’ roll touring attitude into the installation, starting with the Litec QD40 trussing grid design, which is suspended from the roof with six half-tonne Lodestar motors, purchased from fellow Merseyside-based rigging and lifting specialists, PCM.
The whole system is highly flexible, and can be flown in to the floor for easy rigging and de-rigging of the lighting and sound gear - an unusual set-up for an educational establishment. Stagebox and multicore positions can be moved anywhere in the room tidily and quickl
UK - The Soundcraft Group has appointed Alex McDonald as its new quality manager. He brings with him the necessary pedigree, having previously worked as worldwide operations quality manager at Pace Micro Technology, where he served for more than 13 years. Prior to joining Pace, Alex held a similar position at Systime Computers, and also spent time with British Olivetti. His primary aim at Soundcraft will be to obtain ISO 9001:2000 certification, which he sees as essential to advance the company’s quality culture even further.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK / Canada - Release 5 of WYSIWYG lighting-design software is now available. This latest release features a large number of new library items, including 676 truss pieces, 182 conventional fixtures, accessories, 58 moving lights and 91 gobos.
Cast Software’s library-development team has been so busy that they already have a Library Update available for Release 5, including everything they finished since the final CD image was created. Release 5 also contains many useful new features, as well as a set of brand-new ‘Quick Start Tutorials.’ These multimedia tutorials will be helpful to users who are just getting started with WYSIWYG, as well as intermediate users who just want to refresh their skills.
In further WYG news, Cast Software and ETC hosted their first WYSIWYG ‘webinar’ on 23 April to help introduce schools and universities to WYSIWYG Learn. The webinar was a great success with attendees logging on from across the world. Additionally, Dany Tancou has joined the Cast Software team as program coordinator. He is a graduate of Ryerson University in Toronto and has experience in various CAD packages, as well as event production. Dany is now responsible for the AWT, CSP, and RWD programs, as well as the Beta test team.
The download of WYSIWYG Release 5 is available at the first web address shown below, whilst the WYSIWYG Release 5 CD is available by logging on to the second.
(Ruth Rossington)
USA - Digigram, an innovator in digital audio network solutions, announced at the recent InfoComm exhibition a new licensing policy for its patent-pending EtherSound technology. The new licence makes it easier and more cost effective for pro audio manufacturers to integrate EtherSound technology in their products.
"We want to provide the licensees with more flexibility in implementing EtherSound," said Digigram managing director Philippe Delacroix. "Pro audio manufacturers can now optimize the dimensions and the components for their own specific needs. And at the same time, they have the possibility to integrate a proven design that has been extensively tested by Digigram, thus reducing their own design and testing costs."
Under the new licensing formula, access is given to reference design and manufacturing files for direct integration of EtherSound technology in the manufacturers’ products. Royalty rates for licensees will decrease based on the number of products sold, resulting in lower per unit rates for multi-channel devices.
(Ruth Rossington)
USA - Cerwin-Vega and KRK have added Gustavo Afont to its team as international sales manager. Combining his experience as an international marketing manager with Sony Broadcast and international sales manager with Alesis, Afont brings over a decade of international sales experience to Cerwin-Vega and KRK.
"Gustavo's years of experience in MI International sales makes him a valuable addition to our team," said Cerwin-Vega/KRK president Dave Rice. "He will be an integral part of our International presence."
Based in Simi Valley, California, Cerwin-Vega Inc has been a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of loudspeakers for the home, mobile and professional audio markets since 1954. Also based in Simi Valley, KRK Systems is known for its design and manufacture of high-quality studio monitors.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - White Light customers can now contact White Light by text from their mobile phones. Customers can use the new text number - 07739 819111 - and any messages sent to that number get forwarded to the relevant part of the White Light Group by e-mail.
To ensure that messages are routed to the right place, messages should start with a department or company name. Currently contactable by text message are hire, sales, MLC (for The Moving Light Company), Service (for The Service Company), CH (for Colourhouse), Early (for White Light staff working outside White Light's normal opening hours) and admin. A message that simply says 'Help Me' will receive a reply listing the textable departments.
Anyone wanting to use the Text Service should first register with White Light so that the source of incoming messages can be identified. To register, text the word 'Register' followed by your first and last name to 07739 819111. "We've been experimenting with the Text Service for a while, as another way to make it easier for people to get in touch with us," comments White Light's Bryan Raven. "It is already proving popular, particularly with those working on fit-ups in London late at night who know that if they text requests for additional equipment to us, we will often be able to get the equipment on to our first West End delivery runs and so, in many cases, have it with them by 9am."
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Scene Change is offering true integration of visuals and music with the Hippotizer, which they say is the "ultimate club, bar and concert video-jockey hardware." The Hippotizer is a musical instrument for video, giving real-time control of video and video effects. As a digital media server for the live entertainment industry, the Hippotizer is pre-loaded with digital content. It offers on-the-fly playback of either pre-loaded content and effects, or specially created content which is loaded easily into the unit.
The Hippotizer can be played live, replay a preset sequence of effects, or, when given a sound source, left to create effects based on those selected. It is available in two versions: the Hippotizer Lite includes The Hippotizer Media Server, a 3U rack-mount unit with remote keypad allowing direct and immediate access to content. Hippotizer Pro builds on the features of Hippotizer Lite, but adds a touch-sensitive user interface and selection palate that allows clips and effects to be previewed before selection. Both come pre-loaded with a stack of material - 120 scenes divided into 12 shows - and additional material in AVI and JPEG format can be loaded into the unit from a CD-ROM. Self-created material or content purchased from Scene Change’s extensive libraries can be used. Hippotizer can feed any standard video device - projector or screen - via its composite, S-Video and VGA outputs.
"We’ve been looking for a powerful, versatile media playback system for some time," says Nigel Sadler of Scene Change. "The Hippot
Held at the Los Angeles convention center, the Electronic Entertainment Expo, more commonly known as E3, is the computer and console gaming industry's most important annual gathering - and the 100ft x 350ft (30.5m x 106.7) Microsoft Xbox and PC Games booth at the 2003 show was also the site for a cutting edge temporary installation of a networked lighting control system.
The 100ft x 350ft (30.5m x 106.7) Microsoft Xbox and PC Games booth was designed and managed by The Production Network of Seattle (TPN). TPN's Alex Berry designed the lighting for the enormous booth with Gary Radakovich leading a team of programmers. Jason Richardson, Jon Smith (who were also the assistant lighting designers) and Leif Dixon completed the programming team with Jennifer Womack acting as master electrician.
The rig of 50 VL5s, 40 VL1000TS, 20 VL1000AS, 50 MAC 250+, 60 MAC 600NTs, 50 MAC 2000 profiles, 20 MAC 2000 Performance, 19 MAC 2000 washes and 24 Color Blasts was controlled by two MA Lighting grandMA consoles, outputting a total of 16 universes of DMX and all provided by Christie Lites Seattle. DMX was output from four Artistic License Ether-Lynx DMX Nodes, which were located on a catwalk next to the dimmer rack, high above the booth. This meant that a single Cat 5 Ethernet cable ran from each console to the catwalk for all DMX data and console communication. In addition to the two main consoles, an additional two grandMA consoles were also on-site and connected into the same network. This allowed for up to four people to be programming at the same time, in a multi-user environment, s