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USA - At the 2020 Parnelli Awards, Bandit Lites founder Michael T. Strickland was presented with the Visionary Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work in the entertainment lighting business. The awards ceremony was held during the NAMM Show at the Anaheim Hilton’s Pacific Ballroom on 17 January.
In a touching tribute to Strickland’s lifetime achievements in founding and growing Bandit Lites, clients and friends Alice Cooper and Shinedown offered video tributes. Later, Shinedown lead vocalist, Brent Smith, stepped on stage to present the award to him, extoling the virtues of Michael as a person above all else. Smith then stated there was one more person who wanted to say a few words.
Singer-songwriter Garth Brooks then shared how he came to be a part of the

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Europe - Antonio Parise has joined the Prolights team as international area manager. Parise (pictured, centre) brings 20 years of international experience in the professional lighting industry and will play a strategic role in developing business and representing the brand internationally in several countries.
Paolo Albani, Prolights’ international sales manager, says: “Adding Antonio to our team will be an added value to strengthen our international presence. I had already had the pleasure to work with him, and I have high confidence this will be a successful move for both his career and our company goals”.
Fabio Sorabella, managing director for Prolights comments: “Antonio’s professionalism and work culture had immediately a good match with the values and vision of the Company; during his career he has always demonstrated a genuine attitude to customer serv

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Europe - Litec’s Litecad truss configuration software now supports French and German languages.
The software is now available in four languages – English, French, German and Italian.
Litecad is a design programme for technicians who need to quickly and easily put together structures with Litec products and present them to their clients or product managers.
The software instantly creates a list of all materials used in a structure, including component data, such as weights and volumes. It also allows for the uploading of DXF files, such as theatre drawings and technical layouts. No CAD skills are required to use the tool, which is designed to be very user-friendly.
(Jim Evans)
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Indochine X PixMob Fan Immersion

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's - 40 thousand LED pixels on a ceiling!!! Indochine's whirlwind tour transports fans to another level of the live experience - immersing them from floor to ceiling with PixMob's X4 wristbands, and an LED ceiling made entirely of its NOVA Minis! With the vision of Indochine's creative team, PixMob used its LED fan-technology to turn attendees and venues into an ocean of effects, and a starry sky of LED magic. Très très cool!

Read more about the Indochine tour in the latest issue of LSi

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The Netherlands - LED display manufacturer Absen, will return to the RAI in Amsterdam next month to present its range of MiniLED products for the fixed installation and rental markets and to introduce new and enhanced products.
Absen will occupy 324sq.m of floor space in Hall 12, representing the company’s largest ever presence at the show.
Absen’s MiniLED are ultra-fine pixel pitch LED panels, incorporating 4-in-1 pixel configuration (IMD) and common cathode technology. Demand for Absen MiniLED products has been very high since the launch of the CR series in 2018, and intensified significantly with last year’s launch of the Aries (AX) series, the market-leading sub-2mm MiniLED rental display, designed to meet the rigorous demands of the rental staging market.
Absen MiniLED now comes as standard in four core product lines: the Aries (AX), Acclaim (A27 Pro)

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UK - ChamSys has introduced the first release of its MagicQ Stable software.
Available on the ChamSys website, MagicQ Stable v1.8.5.2 can be downloaded at no cost to all MagicQ consoles and PC platforms. In addition to being capable of importing GDTF files directly, the new software embraces a wide range of performance features that have been universally well-received when tested in beta versions.
Among these features is an Undo function that allows actions by the programmer and the console to be undone and redone. For easy reference, an Undo History is also available. Another notable programming function is FX Tracking Out, which allows programmers using Cue Stack Tracking to track out individual FX with different fade times.
Together, the new features provide programmers with more powerful and flexible tools to use

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USA - Audio, video, lighting, staging and broadcast company Panavid Inc. has recently invested in Brompton Technology Tessera SX40 LED processors and XD Data Distribution Units to work in conjunction with its new 1.5mm ROE Visual Sapphire LED display.
Located in New Jersey, New York City, and Dallas, Panavid has more than 40 years of experience of providing first class integration and production services to both domestic and international clients. The company has recognised the ever-increasing demand for increased pixel density and higher resolution in LED screens for live events and art installations, as well as an increasing level of interactivity. It is the first production house in the world to invest in the latest, ultra-fine, ROE Sapphire, along with two Brompton Tessera SX40s and four Tessera XD Units.
“Our mission is to provide our clients with the most qual

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USA - Two Elation Professional luminaires were recognised by the industry with product awards this month.
The Artiste Monet LED profile fixture won an Indispensable Technology (IT) Award. The accolade was bestowed at the recent Parnelli Awards, which took place on 17 January at the Anaheim Hilton Pacific Ballroom.
Days earlier, the company’s Fuze Profile was chosen by ProSoundWeb readers to be a top lighting product in the entertainment technology industry, winning a 2020 Readers’ Choice Award (RCA).
The IT Awards recognise products that have advanced the state of the art in entertainment technology and are voted on by subscribers to PLSN and Front of House magazines. The recognition for the Artiste Monet, which also won a PLASA Award for Innovation in 2019, was the eighth industry gong bestowed to fixtures from Elation’s Artiste series.

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Qatar -UK lighting specialists Ventola Projects has completed a high-profile project in the Middle East at the Sheikh Abdullah Palace in Doha.
Business in the region has been booming for Mick Ventola and his team since they supplied and installed lighting to the Royal Palace of Sheikh Al Thani back in 2016.
Secured via Ventola’s Egyptian distributor, this latest project brief was to provide an all-in-one lighting effect within the palace’s leisure facility, using white lighting, UV and colour change to create the right mood and atmosphere.
Mick and his team chose to use the VAvR Lighting System, along with LED48RG-UV-W fixtures and CS16 LED spotlights - a combination which provided the right effect to complement the luxurious surroundings, whilst adding a touch of fun and excitement.
The entire installation was completed in 10 days. Efficiency was key

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USA - Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (OCBF) was founded in 1976 by renowned pastor and author Dr. Tony Evans. Since those early days, the upward trajectory of the church in Dallas has blossomed it into a mission-driven mega-church with nearly 10,000 congregants.
The venue seats around 3,280 people, shaped in a semi-circle, with large balconies and unobstructed sight lines. But as time passes, so too does the efficiency of audio components while the need for increased acoustical quality grows. The bottom line: the old equipment was outdated and no longer up to par. Along with upgrades to its lighting and video systems, installed by master AVL integration firm Clair Solutions, the church determined its best path forward to meet current and future needs was to install a new sound reinforcement system.
“The existing system was installed in 1995, and many of its parts were fa

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USA - Struck by the TurboRay’s face and features in the promotional industry media, production/lighting director Keith Smith called High End Systems’ Terry Heisler for a demo. “I had to have some,” explains Smith.
The McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts has been entertaining and educating residents and students in Palm Desert since 1988. The staff thrives on providing state-of-the-art equipment for the seasons’ programs and for technical training.
Smith purchased eight of the special effect LED units through 4Wall Entertainment in Las Vegas, and immediately debuted them to dazzle their December gala fundraiser.
“I kept wishing I had more as the show was going on,” Smith notes. “I placed them downstage on the apron edge and used them for their effects and as eye candy.”
TurboRay was designed not only for wash and aerial effects, but to

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Sweden - The life of the late Swedish DJ, songwriter and producer Tim Bergling (better known as Avicii) was honoured recently with a tribute concert in Stockholm. Nearly 60,000 fans turned up at the Friends Arena to pay their respects - an all-time Stockholm record for a single show.
The show was the result of a request by Tim’s family following his passing. He wanted a celebration of the artist’s music presented as the fulfilment of an idea Tim had to have his music performed by a live band and orchestra.
Among the all-star line up of guest artists who also paid their own tributes were Aloe Blacc, David Guetta, Kygo, Nicky Romero, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Adam Lambert, Rita Ora - plus long-time Avicii collaborators Carl Falk, and Vargas & Lagola.
From a technical perspective, the production values were befitting of the occasion and the main show wa

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Family Tradition - Emily Eavis has been named a Godlike Genius by the NME, in recognition of her "outstanding contribution" to the Glastonbury festival. She will receive the title at next month's NME Awards, 24 years after her father Michael won the same prize. "I remember being at the NME Awards when I was 16 and being so proud to see my dad named Godlike Genius," said Eavis in a statement. "It's a huge honour to be given the same award all these years later."
The award comes as Glastonbury gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary this summer. Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift have already been named as headliners, while Diana Ross will play the Sunday afternoon legend slot, but the rest of the line-up is still under wraps.
Foundation Grants - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation has awarded 16 grants totalling more than £225,000 to organisations includin

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The Netherlands - Canon Europe will be showcasing a new dimension of its business to visitors at ISE 2020 next month.
Visitors to the stand will have the chance to see its advanced imaging ecosystem, including Canon’s incredible HDR, 4K and 8K projection capabilities and unrivalled line-up of input to output solutions, including world-class cameras and lenses. Canon’s network cameras, comprehensive analytics software, and a robotic arm - provided by Denso - will be on stand demonstrating how visual analytics technology can support automation of various cumbersome tasks.
Matthew Koshy, European product marketing specialist, Canon Europe, comments: “We’re building on the success of ISE 2019 by expanding our input to output showcase, which highlights the importance of having an integrated line-up to deliver unbeatable resolution. Our range of high-brightness and

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UK - The Warehouse in Leeds will bring back live music to the fore later this month, building on a legacy that includes performances by U2, Oasis, The Stone Roses and Soft Cell.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, The Warehouse has had a quarter of a million pound investment into the production infrastructure and now boasts three rooms with a capacity of 600 for live music and 1100 for DJ-led events.
Curated by TEG | MJR, the live music 2020 programme will showcase a mix of touring artists and local musicians on a regular basis, with the first events kicking off later this month.
The Warehouse relaunch weekend will kick off with a live performance from singer-songwriter Badly Drawn Boy on 23 January, followed by two sold out performances from Terrorvision on 7-8 February.
TEG | MJR has added a new L-Acoustics sound system which brings the live and club exp

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Austria - Back in 2016, Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) with its chief sound engineer Athanasios Rovakis, started investigating the possibility of moving the venue’s audio and video distribution to fibre. At first, the opera house modernised its audio system, purchasing a network fibre solution based around Optocore X6R-FX analogue devices and M8 MADI switch to bring together additional signal sources from distant places in the house, and to share signals for broadcasting.
Looking to expand their communications outreach, by the following year they were considering further options provided by Optocore’s partner company BroaMan. This resulted in them purchasing a point-to-point set of Mux22 multi-signal transmission devices, with the new FrameSync8 board. Offering a superior upgrade to traditional frame sync technologies it allowed sync distribution together with e

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UK - When Peter Daffarn, MD of Photon Beard was contracted to design, supply and install some studios at YouTube London, he brought Doughty Engineering on board to provide a range of kit.
“Dave Errock of Wave Science Technology first got in touch with Photon Beard - initially just for some consultancy and to prepare the tender documents,” explains Daffarn. “However, it wasn’t long before we were asked to manage the entire fit-out. For a company like YouTube, we needed a solution that not only performed well, but looked great too. And that’s why Doughty were my first port of call.”
YouTube wanted a functional yet aesthetically pleasing suspension system so Doughty supplied a range of curtain tracks, hoists and grids - some off-the-shelf and others made especially for the project. “Working with Dan and his team we came up with a solution that YouTube loved.

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Czech Republic - Transmission is Europe's most spectacular trance music festival, with a legion of loyal fans who return year on year. As usual, the 2019 event was enhanced by haze from MDG generators, which showcased the spectacular lighting and laser shows that accompanied the artists.
Transmission is held annually in Prague at the O2 Arena and attracts thousands of fans from over 70 countries. The line-up for Transmission 2019 included trance legends such as Blastoyz, Cosmic Gate, Darren Porter, Ferry Corsten presents System F, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Key4050, MaRLo and Thomas Coastline.
The acts are knitted together by Transmission’s unique, themed storylines that take the visitor on a journey throughout the night, with each artist introduced by their own bespoke ‘show movie’ and visuals, all of which are accompanied by spectacular lighting, laser and special eff

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Russia - Astera’s wireless LED Titan Tubes helped the action come alive in Moscow for performances of The Worker and Kolkhoz Woman, a comic opera by Pavel Kaplevich, staged at the Zaryadye Concert Hall.
The opera is dedicated to the history of one Russia’s most famous monuments, The Worker and Kolkhoz Woman, a 24.5m-high sculpture by Vera Mukhina, renowned globally as an example of socialist realism and art deco. Two figures - male and female - are leaning forward holding a hammer and sickle above their heads. The work was designed for the Soviet Pavilion at the 1937 World’s Fair in Paris and was subsequently moved to Moscow. It is instantly recognisable as a powerful Soviet-era symbol.
Last year marked the 130th anniversary of Vera Mukhina’s birthday and the 80th anniversary of the monument’s ‘home’ at the Exhibition of Achievements of the

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USA - Anyone enjoying Maroon 5’s New Year’s Eve special shows at Mandalay Bay Arena in Las Vegas would have witnessed the elegant geometric lines of Brian Jenkins’ production and lighting design, for which he utilised over 200 Robe moving lights.
The band have frequently played this December slot at the venue in recent years, and the objective for 2019 was to present a new and fresh visuality for the occasion, different from any of their touring shows. This year the New Year shows were ahead of an upcoming album release and 2020 world tour.
Jenkins had wanted to “go geometric” as a design concept for some time, and this presented him with the perfect opportunity, together with the relative luxury of two days for the get-in and set up.
Knowing the band’s video content also helped fuel Brian’s thought process. The upstage LED screen was a triangle 50

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South Africa - Fogtech, a Johannesburg-based rental and technical supply company, has purchased 140 Absen PL3.9 Lite LED panels from DWR Distribution.
Established in 2007, Fogtech initially specialised in Fogscreens alone. By 2010, the company expanded to include AV and video to their service offering and, soon after, started to deliver turnkey technical solutions for events, including lighting, audio and AV. The company has a reputation for being a friendly yet professional team, who deliver well-maintained gear to events and for cross rental purposes.
A practical and hands-on owner, Garth O’Kelly of Fogtech, comments: “LED is an amazing product and has revolutionised our industry, but it can be finicky. We looked at different brands and felt that Absen had refined their product to accommodate our working style. One of the biggest decision-makers was the after-sa

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South Africa - Nexo has provided P12s, LS18s and a NXAMP4X4 MK2 sound system to the South African Roadies Association (SARA). The gear will be used to bolster the technical production skills training of South African youth.
“The sound system equipment received will greatly enhance SARA’s training programmes and equipment; sustain training, skills development and SARA’s on-the-Job training programme in the event, technical and production skills sector for years to come, and also have an indelible impact on the lives, careers ambitions and dreams of young South Africans,” explains SARA’s president Freddie Nyathela. “SARA extends its profound appreciation and gratitude for the support and vision of Nexo.”
(Jim Evans)
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