Denmark - Martin Professional has appointed Henrik Sørensen as managing director of Martin Security Smoke, a fully-owned subsidiary of the company that produces and distributes computer-controlled equipment for smoke protection.
Currently managing director of Martin Manufacturing (UK) PLC, located in Louth, in the UK, Henrik will be returning to his native Denmark, but will retain overall responsibility for the manufacturing facility. He will also continue to oversee Jem Smoke Machines’ R&D activities, as well as Jem’s product management.
The change means that Martin Manufacturing will now be positioned under the Martin Security Smoke umbrella, yet will continue to supply smoke machines to the entertainment market through Martin Professional.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Reflex Systems Ltd, specialists in the design, installation and maintenance of audio, CCTV video and access control solutions to the Hotel and Leisure industries, is celebrating its 15th anniversary. The company works with a growing number of UK and European customers, many of which are leading blue chip organizations, providing security and site management solutions.
Reflex is experienced across the whole leisure sector, and is responsible for meeting the requirements of a diverse range of clients. Its customers include Luminar, THI Leisure, Boots WellBeing, Ramada Jarvis, Thistle, Queens Moat Houses, Handpicked Hotels, World of Golf, Butlins, and countless other brands from the smallest independents to the largest players. Reflex's installations are located in many of the country's leading bars, restaurants, nightclubs, hotels, sports and leisure facilities, and the company has pioneered the introduction of new technologies into the sector in the UK, to the extent that some clients are now demanding Reflex's solutions into their European facilities.
John Pye, Group managing director for Reflex, told us: "Reflex solves problems for its customers and uses technology as a tool within that process. We have established comprehensive coverage of the UK, have a fantastic management team and workforce, and have created a stable infrastructure from which to grow further into both the UK and Europe."
With an eye on customers’ ever-changing needs, the company launched a new division a year ago, specifically to maintain and service Reflex and non-Ref
USA - Lighting designers seeking the full range of beam spreads for their Source Four PARs will appreciate the latest addition to the ETC lens line-up: the new Extra-Wide Flood Lens. With this latest addition, the PAR range is now complete and offers VNSP (Very Narrow Spot); NSP (Narrow Spot); MFL (Medium Flood) and WFL (Wide Flood) - all of which are standard on the Source Four Par - and now, of course, the XWFL (Extra-Wide Flood).
The Extra-Wide Flood Lens acts as a wash or fill light with a soft edge, while still maintaining an intense centre beam. The lens provides a circular beamspread up to 60 degrees, and is ideal when illuminating an area or surface from a restricted, short-throw distance. For theatrical use, the Extra-Wide Flood Lens allows the PAR to be used as a fill light or set mount to illuminate low-ceilinged areas from tight hanging positions, or as a wash light in small performance spaces. TV/video shoots, meanwhile, will use the Extra-Wide Flood Lens for set washes, where soft-edged coverage is sought for backgrounds.
All of ETC's Source Four PAR versions - EA, MCM, HID and the new MultiPAR batten - can take the new Extra-Wide Flood Lens, which is in stock and shipping now. It also comes with a convenient set of four sizing clips for easy fitting to the PAR (the diameter of the lens is slightly smaller than that of a standard Source Four PAR lens).
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Hayden Laboratories Ltd - exclusive UK distributor for Denon pro audio products - has announced the launch of the Denon DN-C635 CD player.
The machine is a user-researched update to the industry standard DN-C630 CD player, offering numerous enhanced features. It is suitable for multi-purpose applications, particularly in the broadcast (major broadcasters continue to commit to using Denon playback equipment), theatre, AV install, live sound, museum, attractions and exhibitions sectors, and also for DJs and recording studio.
Key features of the new system are CD/CDR/CDR-W; MP3 playback, CD text support, RS232/422 serial port, 25-pin GPI parallel port and ‘auto power up’ in Play Repeat modes. This latter feature will be invaluable for museums & attractions shows, exhibition stands and transmitter sites. The DNC-635 is also a great installation device, due to its flexible RS232 serial control facility, making it compatible with Creston, AMX and CUE show controllers on training room, lecture room, boardroom and theatre installs.
Other important features include MP3 playback with folder search, instant start/cue to music/autocue, finish modes including Stop/Next/Re-cue, XLR outputs, Spdif Digital out, 1 or All track repeat, +/- 12% playback speed control, Sleep mode (which lengthens the DNC-635’s laser life), 10 seconds of shock proof memory, continuous and single play mode, Program play (which includes up to 99 tracks) and Fader Start.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Flying Pig Systems and Cast Software have announced a new link-up that will provide WYSIWYG visualization with the Wholehog III control system.
The collaboration means that every Wholehog III console will come bundled with WYSIWYG Perform - Console Edition. This new version of WYSIWYG connects to the Hog III via Ethernet, and provides 512 channels of visualization and advanced features, such as AutoFocus and patch transfer. It will also be possible to view blind programming or preview upcoming cues in the WYSIWYG visualizer, while maintaining normal output onstage.
Designed to work with the Wholehog III, WYSIWYG Perform - Console Edition is a feature-rich version of the well-known visualization tool, which includes CAD, data management and rendering facilities. Where additional visualization channels are required, the supplied dongle can be easily and quickly upgraded to another level of WYSIWYG Perform. This new package is currently still under development, but is currently being previewed at the Pro Light and Sound trade show in Frankfurt, Germany. All existing owners of Wholehog III consoles will receive their free copy of WYSIWYG Perform - Console Edition as soon as it is released.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Now in its 26th year, the PLASA Show, which draws to Earls Court in September, thousands of UK and international visitors interested in lighting and sound from entertainment and installation industries, promises to be brighter, fresher and more creative than ever before.
The look and atmosphere of the show is being revitalised for 2003: a project manager has been appointed to implement the feature areas which include a central networking area, situated in the hub of the show. Other highlights include Architectural Audio & Visual - a new show sector which recognizes the growth of architectural lighting, contract audio and vision industry into this market. Products, case studies, new ideas and creative design solutions will all be showcased, aiming to inspire both architects, specifiers, installers and end users.
The New Technology Gallery, situated at the front of the hall for the first time, presents and demonstrates new products and innovative applications. It is the showcase for the PLASA Awards for Product Excellence, sponsored by Lighting&Sound International. DJ Sunday is the dynamic chill-out zone where on Sunday 7 September the scratchers and bedroom wannabees compete to launch their DJ careers at the recognized DJ Competition sponsored by Gemini. Throughout the day there are demos and discussions sponsored by iDJ Magazine to hone the hottest mixers and groovers.
PLASA is also emphasizing the importance of training development via the PLASA Professional Development Programme (PPDP), and many of the seminars and masterclasses at PLASA 2003 are d
UK - Six months ago Northern Ireland-based installation company Light and Sound FX (LSFX) was commissioned to carry out a complete technical makeover of Lush nightclub in Portrush. The brief was simple: to design and install a new state-of-the-art sound system.
Darren Gardener of LSFX explains: "When we met with Col Hamilton, the resident DJ at Lush, he was adamant that the sound had to be on a par, if not better, than the big UK mainland and US clubs." To achieve this, Gardener looked at all the main audio players, in the end recommending an EAW Avalon system. The Avalon system is one of the most specified club systems in America, so Col Hamilton contacted an American DJ friend to ask if Lush should invest in an Avalon system. The answer came back loud and clear that it was the ‘system of choice’ for serious clubs stateside and that Lush was making the right decision.
With the go-ahead in place, Darren Gardener enlisted the help of EAW in the UK and worked with them on the specification of the new sound system. Over a period of two months, and several CAD drawings later, Gardener and his team had a final proposal ready for Lush. The biggest challenge was the positioning of the speakers in such a large venue. The team opted to strategically place a single DC1 in each corner of the main room, four DC1 super tweeter arrays above the dance floor, two DCS2 subs and two AS690s as side fill and a massive wall of 12 DCS2 subs (configured as two stacks of six) either side of the DJ box. A further two were located in the central area of the club. Th
UK - The eighth annual CEDIA UK Expo will be held in Brighton between 24 and 26 June, 2003. According to the organizers, it will feature a wealth of new exhibitors from the security and lighting industries, as well as established leaders in the residential entertainment systems and home automation markets, and will occupy 25% more floor space than last year’s show.
The seminar programme is expanding as well, and includes the introduction of CEDIA certification examinations for technicians and designers, developed by the UK Education Committee from a structure successfully employed in the US. Manufacturer training will also be integrated with the seminars to ensure that theory and practice are perfectly complemented. Extra curricular activities include the Chairman’s reception for invited guests on the night of 24 June and the Expo party the following evening.
The smooth running of the largest CEDIA UK Expo to date will be improved by the introduction of extensive on-line registration in March 2003 and the services of the official Brighton and Hove Accommodation Bureau, which can be contacted by calling +44 (0)1273 292626.
(Ruth Rossington)
Denmark - Mach Speaker Systems is restructuring for growth under a new management team and renewed focus on the club and installation audio markets. As part of the restructuring, Mach Speaker Systems will become a separate division within Martin Professional with all activities, including R&D and sales management, to be united at the Mach manufacturing facility in Frederikshavn, Denmark. The change will take effect as of April 1st.
Søren Kjær has been named managing director of Mach Speaker Systems and Anders Kryger as sales director. Søren moves to Mach from a position as managing director of Martin Security Smoke (his position has been filled by Henrik Sørensen - more on that tomorrow), a producer and distributor of computer-controlled equipment for smoke protection and fully owned subsidiary of Martin Professional. Anders moves to Mach from a position as Martin’s Export Manager - Entertainment.
As a consequence of the restructuring, Mach business development manager Hans Madsen has left the company and Mach product manager Heine Olsen has transferred to Martin’s architectural division to support and promote the ViroSound line of audio and light-reflecting products.
(Ruth Rossington)
USA - The Scorpions & Whitesnake 2003 tour is using High End Systems products to add punch and reliability to its rig. Lighting director Charlie ‘Cosmo’ Wilson specified 12 High End Systems Studio Color 575 automated wash luminaires and two Studio Beams for the tour, supplied by contractor LSD/Fourth Phase of Los Angeles.
Now on his seventh tour with the Scorpions and his first with Whitesnake, Wilson was easily able to design a truss to accommodate both artists while giving each a distinctive look at the same time. The bulk of the rig was outfitted with PARs and LSD’s own brand of lighting and console. The tour kicked off on 29 January and continues in North America until 22 March. Following that, Wilson takes off with Whitesnake on their UK/Europe tour, which runs from mid May to early June again with High End Systems fixtures in the rig.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Ron Knell, most recently a senior account manager in the export sales department at AC Lighting, has been appointed Rosco’s sales manager for the UK & Eire. In this role he will be responsible for developing new business, whilst serving the needs of the already established dealer network and managing all sales effort within these regions.
Knell is a well-known figure in the industry with established contacts and knowledge of both the UK and export markets. Having previously worked for Rosco dealers, most notably Lighting Technology (a Rosco dealer of nearly 25 years), he has both a technical understanding of the product and a working knowledge of the level of support it requires. In appointing Ron, Kees Frijters, Rosco’s vice-president for European Operations told us: "Ron, with his previous industry experience, contacts and knowledge, will be a great asset to the Rosco team."
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Flintshire-based Apple Sound has recently supplied Rolls-Royce’s manufacturing plant with a sophisticated TTS 30 TourGuide system from beyerdynamic. Situated in the heart of the English countryside in West Sussex, the facility is based within the historic Goodwood Estate and within easy reach of the circuit that Rolls-Royce now use as a test track.
The original design concept for the facility - which needed to reflect the quality of the Rolls-Royce marque, but also welcome those expected to visit the site - was implemented by architects Nicholas Grimshaw and partners - creators of the acclaimed Eden Project in Cornwall. Apple Sound has considerable experience of TourGuide systems, having been involved in both their sales and hire for over 10 years. Working closely with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Annett Asztalos, Apple TourGuide product manager, John Scott, helped specify the details of the system.
As an extremely effective wireless communications system, the TTS 30 is designed for guided tour presentations around the facility. Delegates on the tour can listen clearly to the commentary at a distance, as well as in louder areas where it would otherwise be impossible to continue a commentary. In line with current building regulations, it was essential for the system to cater for the needs of the hard of hearing. To achieve this, Apple specified its own induction loop system which connects directly into the receiver, enabling those with hearing impediments to receive the commentary without any extraneous interference.
The system installed in Sussex is simpl
Italy / UK - Proel International has launched a brand new website, packed with useful information for both end-users and retailers. Featured on the site are all Proel International’s products, from recent introductions such as the Alto signal processing and amplification range, through J&D guitars and basses, to well established brands like Proel itself (with its huge choice of sound and lighting products), FBT PA equipment, Qube PA, B&C loudspeakers, Tamburo drums, Discotech lighting, and the entire JTS range of high quality microphones and headphones.
The site includes links for every product in the fast-growing Proel catalogue (including the company’s gigantic selection of leads and accessories) as well as a database listing key dealers in the UK, so that customers can easily find the Proel stockist closest to them. Retailers can use the site to contact their Proel sales representative and there are full news, feedback and technical help facilities. Also listed are exhibitions and events which the company will be attending this year.
(Ruth Rossington)
USA - Sennheiser USA has announced the creation of a new communications division, Sennheiser Communications, dedicated to telecommunication headset technology solutions. Sennheiser Communications will make its international debut at the 2003 CeBIT Information and Communications Technology (ICT) conference and exhibition in Hanover, Germany.
The new division represents a joint business venture between German company Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG and Danacom A/S, a division of Danish company William Demant Holding A/S, Copenhagen, a leading supplier of audiology products. The William Demant Holding Group will transfer its current headset business to the joint venture, and Sennheiser will complement this with its newly established telecom business unit and global distribution network.
The newly established joint venture, Sennheiser Communications A/S, will be based in Copenhagen, Denmark, and will combine the core competencies of William Demant and Sennheiser to provide leading-edge acoustic and electronic headset products. Sennheiser Communications' broad range of brand new telecommunications headset products, along with matching communication interfaces, will be sold in the expanding global market for use in callcentres, small offices, home workplaces and PC-based applications.
In the US, SEC has acquired the assets of Danacom and has hired two of their leading regional sales people to head up the SEC-based sales team. "This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg," noted Karl Winkler, director of marketing communications for SEC. "We exp
UK - Stagetec Distribution started the year in style with a surge in Compulite Spark lighting console sales - orders were received for three SparkTOP systems from Richard Martin Lighting (RML) plus a Spark 4D/LX system for Alton Towers in the first month of the year.
RML specializes in the television lighting, and is already the largest Compulite rental house in the UK, with 19 systems in stock. However an increase in its workload necessitated the additional systems. Current RML TV shows with Compulite in control include Blue Peter, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Crimewatch, Midweek Lottery, Shooting Stars and the Saturday Show.
One of the latest productions for which RML has supplied a Spark console is ‘Smart’ for CBBC. The show demonstrates different techniques for drawing, painting and creating. Lighting designer Dave Davey had the challenge of designing a flexible, but economic lighting rig. As such, he went for one stocked with Clay Paky Stage Zoom 1200s for projection onto the set and floor, Martin Mac 500s for colourful beam work and Pulsar ChromaPanels built into the set, all controlled from the Spark console.
Alton Towers already owns a Compulite Micron 4D console, and they’ve now decided to standardize on all the equipment that they use. The Micron has now been operating for a year in an extremely harsh environment - a big top tent, that resembles a fridge in winter and a sauna in summer, and is also very damp at certain seasons. There’s also a high proportion of mains power spikes in the park due to the electric motors on the rides
UK - Autograph Sales has taken on distribution for Fischer Amps, the first time the brand has been represented in the UK.
The German-manufactured product range encompasses Accu Chargers, 19-inch rack-mounted battery chargers for use with 9V cells, AA cells or a combination of both; plug-in chargers, a low-cost alternative to the rack-mounted versions; hard-wired in-ear monitor belt packs and the Butt Kicker, a low frequency audio driver for shaking drummer thrones, stage platforms and dancefloors.
"The Fischer Amps range is deserving of good UK sales representation and support," says Autograph Sales director Graham Paddon. "The range sits perfectly with the theatre and PA products we represent, and we feel it is a valuable addition to our catalogue of distributed products. With the 9V cell, the manufacturer has achieved 50% greater capacity than most others on the market, thus making it far more suitable for radio mic use."
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Since the successful launch of Chroma-Q colour changers in March 1996, the brand has diversified to incorporate Gobo Rotators, providing the lighting professional with a more comprehensive range of professional lantern accessories.
The new range consists of the Chroma-Q Junior, Chroma-Q Twin, and Chroma-Q Twin DMX. The Junior, specifically designed to fit the ETC Source Four Junior lantern, holds ‘M-size’ gobos, features basic manual speed adjustment, and is supplied complete with a small stand-alone power supply. The Twin and a Twin DMX models meanwhile, have been developed for ETC Source Four, Altman Shakespeare, Strand SL and Selecon Pacific fixtures, and house B-size gobos. Both the models share the same high quality drive system, resulting in near-silent operation, and long-term reliability.
The most innovative developments can be found with the Chroma-Q Twin rotator, as it not only offers remote control of both speed and direction, but also a unique effects mode. This offers stand-alone operation of pre-programmed rotational effects, which include ‘pendulum’, ‘shimmer’, and ‘exhibition’ modes - ideal for a diverse range of display applications.
The Twin DMX model is compatible with Chroma-Q power supplies, with all features controlled via DMX. Every model in the range feature a bi-directional variable speed control, ranging from 0.5-20rpm, and accommodate both metal and glass gobos up to 2mm in thickness.
(Ruth Rossington)
USA - City Theatrical, the New York-based manufacturer of entertainment lighting accessories has acquired the New York firm of Matsuda-Dunn Design - an engineering and design firm specializing in products and projects related to the entertainment lighting industry. Its operation will be integrated into City Theatrical’s production facilities in the Bronx, and the entire organization will be known as City Theatrical.
CTI’s President Gary Fails told us: "This acquisition strengthens City Theatrical’s engineering and product development base, and gives us an experienced custom projects group. While we have always done a great deal of custom metalwork and manufacturing, we now can offer our dealer network a much higher level of support on their systems and installations work, including electrical and mechanical engineering and software development. We hope to work even more closely with our dealers and support them in more ways than ever."
MDD principal Larry Dunn added: "I’ve known and worked with City Theatrical for many years while I was with Production Arts, and then the Fourth Phase Systems Group and more recently as the founder of Matsuda-Dunn Design, and have always admired City’s quest for innovative product development. This move gives us the ability to create a wide range of useful catalogue products, while participating in really interesting custom projects with our dealers. I think we have the ability to participate in some of the most interesting new products and projects in the industry."
(Ruth Rossi
UK - Working together, sound design and installation specialists CP Sound and professional audio distributors Arbiter Pro Audio have brokered a finance deal to enable the Shoosh Bar in Thames Ditton, Surrey, to benefit from some of the best sound, lighting and AV equipment.
Shoosh is a stylish independently-owned, new-build bar/restaurant concept, and the finance deal enabled the design, specification and installation of an impressive technical infrastructure at the venue. Cutting a deal became necessary as cash was tight after the funding of interior building works, designed by Steve Howie of Howie Design. New ventures are traditionally the most challenging when it comes to raising additional finance. However, CP Sound’s Colin Pattenden undertook to help Shoosh owner Terry Ramsay raise the necessary, so he didn’t have to compromise on his sound and lighting installation.
Colin approached three different finance companies with the proposal. Via a special deal negotiated between Arbiter and Admiral Leasing, Arbiter came back with the best and most flexible deal. "Arbiter’s offer was the most appropriate by far," confirms Colin. "Apart from that, all the paperwork and administration was quick to organize and easy to put into action." Arbiter is now offering this facility to end users and venues.
For the audio elements of the install itself, Pattenden divided the venue into four main zones, all with varying volume requirements. One side of the venue is dedicated to a restaurant, calling for reasonably restrained sound. The ot
UK - The British Board of Film Classification - located in the British Film Industry’s Soho heartland - is the industry body charged with ensuring fair and effective regulation of the film industry. The Board has to classify every film and video that goes on sale. Thus its 45-seat Preview Theatre, which is also available commercially, undergoes a high degree of usage.
Cinema installation specialists Sound Associates have a relationship with the Board extending back to 1986, and have periodically updated the replay systems as new sound platforms have been established. When they were recently called in to fit an AMX remote touch-screen system, they took the opportunity to recommend that the Board simultaneously upgrade its loudspeaker system. "While their screen frame was coming out it seemed to make a lot of sense," said Sound Associates’ Graham Lodge. "They needed higher quality and the ability to deal with modern digital soundtracks."
He recommended that they replace their old system (which dates back to 1986) with three of Martin Audio’s Screen 2 enclosures, driven passively. "We have used Martin Audio cinema systems many times in the past, and the new Stage speakers are positioned left, centre and right behind the perforated cinema screen."
Simple to install, and with a shallow profile minimizing space requirements, the Screen 2 is an ideal choice for preview theatres, offering 90° x 90° dispersion and a sensitivity of 98dB.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Neutrik UK Ltd has added several new connectors to its ever-growing range of products that provide solutions to today’s interconnect and interfacing problems.
The company has launched a bespoke range of adaptors and DI boxes. These are manufactured to the usual exacting Neutrik standard, utilizing only genuine Neutrik components, and incorporate Speakon phase inverters, Speakons to XLRs, Impedance balancing adaptors (DI boxes), Phono to XLR and BNC to Phono.
The new range of RCA/Phono plugs, with black, chromium shell and coloured (black, red, yellow or white) coding rings, feature Neutrik’s chuck principle cable retention and gold plated contacts. They come complete with two sizes of cable entry/protection springs for cables 3-5mm and 5.1-6.1mm, and are colour-coded for video application.
Also new is a range of phono sockets, in recessed ‘D’ housings, which are available in black chromium or nickel-plate finishes. Gold-plated RCA/phono contacts, with black, red, yellow or white isolation washers/colour coding systems are available.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Rare Basics, suppliers of visual display solutions, are preparing to launch an innovative new colour-changing product on one of their two stands at International Display Week. The new illuminated mini-panel has been designed to display a variety of products from accessories to homeware, whilst at the same time visually enhancing retail and other environments.
The colour-changing mini panel uses an LED light source and is easy to adjust to different settings. Measuring 300mm square and 44mm deep, they have been produced with bevelled edges so that they can be linked to make larger units or bracketed to form shelves.
International Display Week 2003 takes place between 5-7 March at Islington’s Business Design Centre in London.
(Ruth Rossington)
USA - Lighting design consortium Lightswitch has announced that Greg Cunningham and Brad Malkus, based respectively in Los Angeles and Orlando, have been named Associate Partners in the organization. Both are long-term members of the Lightswitch team, and the move recognizes their individual contributions to the success of the company.
The move is just one in a series of developments for Lightswitch, which specializes in lighting and projection design for the corporate, exhibition, theatre, music, live entertainment, special events and architectural sectors. It recently opened an office in New York, giving it firm anchors in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Orlando from which it can more effectively serve its global client base.
(Ruth Rossington)
USA - Celebrating 11 years of in-depth industry training courses, another successful Hoist and Rigging Workshop was recently hosted by Tomcat USA in Midland, Texas. Expert instructors were joined by over 71 industry professional participants from over 15 states, including Hawaii.
Instructor Don Dimitroff, from Columbus McKinnon, as well as Tomcat’s own Dave Beard, worked participants through the Lodestar electric chain hoist. Rocky Paulson of Stage Rigging and Morgan Neff of Mine Safety Appliances stressed safety in rigging techniques and fall protection equipment while Keith Bohn, Tomcat design manager, wrapped up with truss theory and design.
Participants were not only treated to four days of power-packed informative classes, but also four nights of local entertainment, the traditional factory night at Tomcat USA with extensive tours, demonstrations, a graduation ceremony, and of course Tomcat swag. Recognized worldwide as one of the most comprehensive training courses of its kind, the Tomcat Hoist and Rigging Workshop is an ideal learning opportunity for those new to the entertainment industry, as well as veterans of the business.
(Ruth Rossington)