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02 May 2025

UK - Solstice AV has announced a new strategic UK partnership with i3Connect, specialist in large-format touch displays and interactive technologies for collaboration and education.

With Solstice AV now handling local distribution, resellers across the UK will benefit from faster delivery times, enhanced availability and a more efficient ordering process.

Born from the merger of i3-Technologies and CTouch, i3Connect combines the latest technology with a strong commitment to sustainable innovation. From classrooms to boardrooms, i3Connect offers solutions designed to shape the future of learning and collaboration, with a portfolio that includes touchscreens, interactive boards, wireless presenting and more.

“We’re excited to join forces with Solstice AV,” said Kurtis Oliver, country sales manager UK at i3Connect. “This partnership is a

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02 May 2025

World - Toto and their engineers are well established in the music industry. When a colleague suggested to Ken Freeman, Toto’s front-of-house engineer, that he should swap to DiGiCo, he agreed and the switch became permanent.

Starting with an SD 10, then the Quantum 338, he recently upgraded to a Quantum 852 for the 2024 Dogz of Oz tour and has never looked back. Steve Kallos, at the monitor position, could not have imagined swapping from his SD10, but when his trusted console was not available, the Quantum 338 was “thrust upon” him – and he is very glad it was.

“With my previous console,” Freeman recalls, “I always had to run a Waves server for EQ and compression, but when I switched to DiGiCo, I found it was such an open, beautiful sounding desk, I was able to lose the server. I use MainStage as my host software with Universa

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02 May 2025

Malta - Café Del Mar Malta, one of the island’s best-known beach clubs, has upgraded its sound system with a state-of-the-art Funktion-One installation, supplied and supported by trusted audio partner Futuretech. The new setup features Funktion-One’s latest technological developments, bringing an enhanced level of audio performance to the venue’s world-famous sunset sessions and high-profile events.

The 4,000-capacity open air venue, which looks out over the Mediterranean, required a sound system that would deliver dynamic and engaging audio on the dancefloor without disturbing its neighbours. Futuretech designed a custom installation comprising an Evolution X and F121 main system with PSM318 DJ monitors, plus Compact Range systems in the VIP area and surrounding zones.

“It’s all about giving our customers the best experience while keeping

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02 May 2025

UK - Full Production, a leading UK entertainment technology solutions provider, has committed to the Q-SYS platform to future-proof its audio-visual systems design and enhance integration speed, operational reliability, and control flexibility.

First adopted by Full Production for the new Treetop Golf visitor attraction in Bristol, this new system architecture represents a significant investment in R&D. This, Treetop’s sixth site, and the third built by Full Production, sets a new benchmark for installation quality and reliability.

At the Bristol site, Q-SYS seamlessly integrates with lighting controllers from Visual Productions and spatial audio elements within QLab to create an immersive environment. Players’ movements activate sensors, triggering actions in sound, light, video, and atmosphere.

Developed by US-based pro audio manufa

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02 May 2025

USA - The highly anticipated Grand Opening Celebration of the National Medal of Honor Museum took place on 22 March, with a nighttime spectacular that showcased Elation lighting with the company’s new ultra-long-throw Proteus Atlas beam FX fixture taking centre stage. Located in the heart of Arlington, Texas, and the newest national museum in the United States, the National Medal of Honor Museum honours US Armed Forces personnel who took extraordinary action in the service of others.

Designed by renowned Rafael Viñoly Architects, the museum is a tribute to over 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients and the millions of Americans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The opening night celebration was a grand affair, with dignitaries, donors, and Medal of Honor recipients in attendance, along with local citizens of Arlington.

The nigh

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02 May 2025

UK - ChamSys’ strong commitment to support – as evidenced by its long history of providing standard-setting educational and support programmes – will come shining through at the company’s PLASA Leeds stands (N-A28 and N-B23, shared with Chauvet Professional) at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, 13-14 May. 

In addition to showcasing products such as its flagship MagicQ MQ500M+ Stadium Console and the new MagicQ Compact Wing, making its first UK public showing, ChamSys will be hosting a full schedule of educational events, including presentations by celebrated LDs Ed Warren and David Howard, as well as interactive demonstrations.

In his session, the multi-award-winning Warren will be demonstrating how he uses MagicQ for live and pre-programmed shows in a seamless fashion every time. During his interactive Q&A session he will walk visitors thro

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02 May 2025

USA - Shure has announced its new IntelliMix Room Kits are Certified for Microsoft Teams and now shipping in Americas (excluding Brazil). Availability in other regions is expected to commence in the coming months.

The systems are designed for effortless deployment in small, medium, and large collaboration spaces, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility within Teams environments.

“Our initial test meetings were a great success. The Shure MXA902 Ceiling Array Microphone and Loudspeaker delivered outstanding sound quality, and the audio processing was exceptional, significantly enhancing our AI-driven meeting experiences,” said Jim Prothe, director of marketing at Magenium, a Microsoft solutions partner. “We appreciated the clean setup and ease of configuration. The larger touch controller prevented any accidental taps of Teams buttons. It

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02 May 2025

USA - 1 Sound has launched the SUB210, a powerful single-channel subwoofer that is only 12” wide.

The SUB210 subwoofer features two opposing-facing 10” woofers. It is designed for positioning parallel or perpendicular to walls, or even for low-profile 12”-tall deployment. This subwoofer has a sonic advantage in its coupling with a wall, floor, or ceiling. This 1200W subwoofer provides deep bass response down to 35Hz and can develop up to 128 dB SPL.

This bass enclosure has eight M10 rigging points for hanging, to allow further deployment flexibility, with two recessed handles at the bottom. It is also designed to accept a recessed Pole Cup for mounting satellite speakers using 1 Sound’s Active Speaker Tubes or an industry standard M20 screw-in pole.

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01 May 2025

UK - Solid State Logic has announced the appointment of 22live as its distributor for SSL Live products in the United Kingdom. The company will provide local reach including sales and technical support on behalf of SSL across the UK, as well as supporting its customers in the music, education, and performance venue markets. The appointment covers the entire SSL Live product line including consoles, interfaces, software solutions and more.

Sam Bath, sales and distribution manager for the SSL Live portfolio, commented on the new appointment: “I am excited that we are partnering with 22live, as they carry a strong reputation and presence in the UK live sector. This relationship will help us extend and expand the full range of services we can offer customers for our SSL Live product line, including sales, rentals, support, and training." 

22live has a

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01 May 2025

Canada - Riedel Communications has announced that Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena has implemented Riedel MediorNet decentralised routing as part of the venue’s reimagination, with the help of system integrator Matrix Video Communications Corp (MVCC).

MediorNet provides much-needed flexibility and reduces set-up time when production teams switch from hockey mode to basketball mode in the arena, or one of hundreds of other events throughout the year. Similarly, the arena’s new Riedel intercom ecosystem, consisting of a Riedel Artist intercom system, Riedel Bolero Wireless Beltpacks, and Riedel SmartPanels, greatly simplifies communications.

Scotiabank Arena was built for NHL and NBA games, but it also hosts an average of 100 concerts and hundreds of other events annually. Regarded as one of the top arenas in North America, the venue is similar to a br

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01 May 2025

Japan - World Expo 2025 opened in Osaka on 13 April, returning to the Japanese city that hosted its first World Expo some 55 years ago.

Covering a 960-acre site on the Yumeshima (Dream Island), more than 160 countries are showcasing their cultures, crafts, technologies and visions of the future in a series of exhibits that includes the extraordinary France Pavilion, designed and operated by official French exhibition organisers Cofrex. Located at the entrance to the Expo, the visually striking venue is expected to welcome more than 20,000 visitors each day over the coming six months.

“If there were just one feeling associated with the French mindset, it would be love,” believes French president Emmanuel Macron.

“The way we chose to embody the theme of love is through pulsations, guided by music and a steady heartbeat in a journey throug

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01 May 2025

USA - Friendship Village retirement facility in Kalamazoo, MI, recently commissioned a complete overhaul of the audio-visual infrastructure at its Kiva Auditorium.

Set on a 72-acre campus, the Auditorium is used for events, meetings, and community activities and is now also perfect to host smaller shows and concerts.

Design consultant Tim Heneveld (from HAV Design) specified Martin Audio’s O-Line micro-array solution for the sound reinforcement, installed by system integrators, Division 16 Technologies. The design company had been selected by the Friendship Village team after intensive research into which AV design company could best meet their requirements. 

Heneveld noted that the old sound system had been prone to feedback, and thus the new system would need to demonstrate extremely high intelligibility/clarity, with the sound delivered

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01 May 2025

USA - Brigham Young University-Idaho has invested in 14 Ayrton Cobra2 fixtures for its Rexburg campus.

Cobra2 is a phosphor laser source luminaire with an extreme range of focus and excellent colour reproduction. Its IP65 rating makes it a suitable choice for outdoor conditions.

Patrick Laing, lighting designer with BYU-Idaho’s AV and Broadcast Productions, says the university already had Ayrton Khamsin, Ghibli, Argo 6 FX and Zonda 3 FX fixtures and was looking for an IP-rated beam to cover more outdoor student events. 

The brightness of Cobra’s laser source easily cuts through other lighting, and its gobos and prisms, infinite pan and tilt, and saturated colours will offer Laing new creative options for a range of student activities. The fixtures have already been used in BYU-Idaho’s Hart Auditorium for a concert by a YouTube sensatio

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01 May 2025

USA - Bandit Lites has announced the addition of the ACME Tornado to its line-up of concert touring inventory.

“The ACME Tornado seamlessly integrates multiple visual effects into a single, versatile fixture, empowering designers to explore and realise their most ambitious creative visions,” said Bandit Lites VP of business and innovation, Jake Tickle.

“The fixture’s colour mixing, sharp gobos, and versatile zoom range provide the tools needed to craft immersive, stand-out looks. By adding the ACME Tornado to our rental fleet, Bandit is reaffirming our commitment to offering designers the latest, most dependable technology to bring their visions to life on the road.”

The Tornado will initially be featured on Trevor Drawdy’s lighting design for country superstar Hardy’s upcoming tour, as well as Mike St-Jean’s lighting design f

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01 May 2025

UK - British loudspeaker manufacturer, EM Acoustics, is set to return to the Royal Armouries in Leeds this May for the 2025 edition of PLASA Focus Leeds, reaffirming its commitment to the professional audio community in the UK. This year's appearance comes on the heels of an exceptional 12 months for the company, marked by a series of landmark installations and the launch of several key products.

At PLASA Focus Leeds, the EM Acoustics management team will engage with both long-standing partners and new visitors. Attendees can expect an introduction to the company’s extensive product portfolio, with special emphasis on its latest innovations. The show provides a valuable opportunity for the team to demonstrate the brand’s engineering excellence and deepen connections within the industry.

A key highlight at this year’s exhibition will be the newl

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01 May 2025

Europe - At Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt, Obsidian Control Systems previewed the NXW – a sleek, portable, and fully featured PC control wing designed to bring professional-grade power to any Onyx setup.

Through its USB-C connection, the NXW provides a responsive, professional hardware surface to operate Onyx on any PC system without compromises. Designed for freelancers, touring professionals, and fixed installs alike, the NXW delivers everything lighting operators love in a compact, road-ready form. From RGB-backlit motorized playback faders to RGB-backlit keycaps and customizable multi-function buttons, every detail is crafted to boost speed, precision, and creativity.

“The NXW might be small in size, but it’s packed with features our users have been asking for,” says Koy Neminathan, business development director at Obsidian. “Whether yo

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01 May 2025

USA - Professional Wireless Systems (PWS) is expanding its New York-based team with the appointment of Josh Lampf as B2B and business development lead, and Chris Budin as operations coordinator. 

In his role Lampf will represent PWS at trade shows, networking events and industry gatherings, making key connections. He will also collaborate with engineers to leverage cutting-edge technology and help PWS build strong client relationships, delivering solutions that enhance overall customer satisfaction.

Budin will manage business logistics to ensure the company continues to run smoothly, overseeing various tasks such as monitoring projects and ensuring deadlines are met while working closely with employees and management. His new role will rely heavily on his production and project management skills.

“We are excited to welcome Josh and Chris t

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01 May 2025

USA - Atlona has promoted Paul Krizan to product line manager effective immediately. Reporting to Atlona executive director Jamey Swigert, Krizan will drive the innovation cycle for Atlona, leading the product management and hardware engineering teams as they bring the next generation of Altona’s AV products to life. He will also maintain and evolve the existing portfolio of Atlona collaboration, connectivity and control products worldwide.

Krizan joined Atlona as product manager, networked AV in 2020, where he was responsible for managing the complete product lifecycle for the company’s AV over IP solutions. His achievements include the development and launch of OmniStream 2.0, a free firmware upgrade that added 4K/60 4:4:4 video support, improved bitrate efficiency, integrated multiview processing and near-zero latency to existing OmniStream hardware.<

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30 April 2025

UK - The Profile Awards for Theatre and Television are once again to be held at the Alexandra Palace Theatre on the last day of the ABTT Show, which this year is Thursday 5 June.

Organised by Durham and Jennie Marenghi in association with the ABTT, the ALPD and the STLD, Ayrton returns as the event’s headline sponsor. Lucky winners are set to take home Patt 23M fixtures on stands, a miniature LED version of the Rank Strand Pattern 23 profile fixture with an engraved base.

The Theatre category of The Profile Awards is currently being judged by eight of the UK’s leading theatre, dance and opera critics, chaired by Variety’s David Benedict, and were not open to nominations.

The TV category is judged by a panel chaired by STLD honorary secretary Stuart Gain and comprising theatre LD Peter Small, TV LD Martin Kempton, and TV directo

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30 April 2025

UK - Production Futures, the organisation founded to create opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and develop real careers in every sector of the production industries, has announced its Industry Partners Pledge with the aim of ensuring that every business in the entertainment production industry can offer training, a placement, or an apprenticeship by 2030.

The initiative seeks to build a more accessible and inclusive industry by nurturing the next generation of talent and promoting a diverse workforce.

The Industry Partners Pledge was announced at Production Futures’ On Tour show at the AO Arena in Manchester, which proved to be the organisation’s busiest ever event with more than 2,000 people in attendance.

To further support its aim of increasing knowledge and accessibility in the sector, t