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14 January 2025

Europe - DPA Microphones has acquired the majority share of Vienna-based Austrian Audio. Founded in 2017 by former AKG Vienna employees, Austrian Audio builds on that heritage to deliver audio products that are renowned for engineering excellence.

Leveraging over 350 years of combined engineering experience, the mission of the Austrian Audio team is to “Make Passion Heard”. This is accomplished by developing and producing innovative microphones, headphones and audio tools while maintaining a strong connection to the brand’s deep acoustical heritage.

Austrian Audio caught the attention of DPA Microphones with its fast-growing brand, highly skilled team of dedicated engineers and product portfolio that complements DPA’s offerings perfectly. DPA is a leading manufacturer within several miniature microphone categories while Austrian Audio has a s

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14 January 2025

Czech Republic - Robe Lighting enjoyed its best ever year in 2024 and is expecting 2025 to be a continuation of that busy and successful trajectory.

Robe starts the new year with an expanded factory premises, ramped up production capacity and a strong and innovative product portfolio – proudly made in Europe – looking ahead to a year filled with positive energy and great results.

The factory in Valašské Meziříčí has nearly doubled in physical size to 130,000sq.m through the latest phase of its development, one of several elements helping Robe to boost production there at its HQ and also at its Karvina plant. The total output has increased by 100% since 2019.

The most recently launched products include the laser-sourced iBolt – the first genuine replacement for retro 7K+ searchlights – the much-anticipated LEDPointe, the all-new

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14 January 2025

UK - Inspired by the hit movie The Greatest Showman, Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular is an immersive production that opened its doors last October at the Empress Museum in Earls Court, London. Visitors are invited to explore a vibrant backstage world for an interactive pre-show experience before entering the 700-seat Big Top for a spectacular show where circus blends seamlessly with musical theatre.

Woodroffe Bassett Design (WBD) was tasked with the lighting design for the new production. It partnered with White Light (WL), a d&b solutions company, to provide the lighting equipment.

Come Alive! offers an immersive pre-show experience that gives visitors a peek behind the scenes of the Big Top, featuring secret performances and intriguing characters, all while enjoying delicious food and drinks. The m

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14 January 2025

UK - A new production of The Devil Wears Prada has hit the runway at the Dominion Theatre in London’s West End, fresh from its out-of-town previews at Plymouth Theatre Royal, with an original score and a dozen new songs by Elton John, lyrics by Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick, and direction by three-time Tony Award winner, Jerry Mitchell.

The show’s lighting was supplied by PRG, a company with a long pedigree and strong tradition for supporting West End theatre, from its origins on Broadway to its current dedicated ambassadors, Jon Cadbury and Peter Marshall, who have been active in supporting West End and fringe theatres for many years.

PRG executive chairman, chief creative officer and founder, Jere Harris, worked hard to secure PRG as the lighting supplier for Bruno Poet’s sleek and elegant lighting design, simultaneously choosing

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14 January 2025

Portugal - The GQ Night of the Year party held in Lisbon dazzled attendees with an immersive audiovisual experience, using Christie projectors and displays, executed by ADLC Audiovisuais.

The annual GQ Night of the Year celebration brings together personalities from fashion, entertainment, and culture.

The Palacete, a 19th-century wing of the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel, known for its elegant architecture, provided the backdrop for the occasion.

ADLC Audiovisuais, GQ Portugal’s and Vogue Portugal’s trusted AV partner for several years, managed the technical production of the event, ensuring that the evening’s visual storytelling matched the elegance and vibrancy of the occasion. ADLC worked closely with LightHouse Publishing, the advertising agency that created and managed the content.

Two Christie M 4K25 RG

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14 January 2025

Thailand - Universo Ferrari, an immersive exhibition showcasing the world of Ferrari cars, took place in Bangkok late last year. The event, which took place at UOB Live, Emsphere, showcased more than 20 models and offered Ferrari enthusiasts in Thailand an up-close and personal experience of limited editions, legendary classics, and the very latest F80, the most powerful road car to emerge from the Ferrari factory.

The exhibition was divided into a number of zones which featured different elements of the Ferrari story. It was important that the event audio matched the visual presentation, and Coda Audio was the preferred choice.

Audio rental and installation specialist, and Coda’s distributor in Thailand, Modern Solutions Plus, worked to support its client Perfect Duck, who had the agreement of Ferrari HQ to switch from its original rider choice of

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14 January 2025

Europe - IBC has announced that the call for Technical Papers is now open for the IBC2025 Conference.

The Technical Papers Programme offers an opportunity for forward-thinking technologists and companies to unveil their ideas and research to media industry leaders hungry for new technology concepts, their possible uses and practical applications.

The programme welcomes entries from all sectors across the media, entertainment and technology industry. Entries can come from every discipline, whether the entrant is a professional or a professor, a member of an R&D team, working alone or with a global brand – from across any part of the broadcast, communications, electronic media and entertainment fields.

Dr Paul Entwistle, chair of IBC's Technical Papers Committee, said: “Unsurprisingly, AI was our most popular Technical Papers session at

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14 January 2025

Europe - d&b audiotechnik has announced the launch of the CCL System (Compact Cardioid Line Array), the first product in the new CL Series. This system provides broadband directivity control with low-frequency cardioid behaviour in a passive design, enabling single-channel amplifier operation – an industry first in the compact line array category, the company says.

The CCL features a revised implementation of a patented d&b design to bring the acclaimed cardioid directivity and electroacoustic performance, formerly only available in d&b SL Series models, to smaller, closer audience areas, more installation applications, and a broader range of customers.

At the heart of the system are two 7" front-firing drivers, two 5" side and rear drivers and two 1.75" high-frequency transducers of a completely new design. This approach combines super

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14 January 2025

Spain - Cadac Consoles is celebrating its return to UK manufacturing with the unveiling of the first UK sample CM-J50 consoles and CM-SR stage racks off the production line at ISE 2025. Two UK-built CM-J50s will be running live on the stand debuting the latest V2.0 CM-J software and a number of significant hardware improvements inherent in the UK production version of the desk.

James Godbehear, director of marketing and business operations, says: “ISE 2025 marks the first showcase of UK-built CM-J50 consoles, together with a full range of CM system components also manufactured in the UK. The new ‘designed and manufactured in the UK’ consoles also introduce a number of hardware improvements that we are sure will be widely welcomed by prospective customers, and further enhance the specification of this uniquely high-performing mixing console.”

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14 January 2025

Spain - On stand 7A300 at ISE 2025, Optimal Audio’s new Talk 8, eight-zone paging system, spearheads the expansion of the brand’s ecosystem. Alongside Talk 8, visitors to the stand can get hands-on with the new ZonePad 8 dedicated venue control solution as well the powerful new Sub 18.

Talk 8 adds reliable and precise paging to the Optimal Audio ecosystem. Offering the flexibility demanded from an efficient and high-quality commercial sound system, Talk 8 provides clarity for spoken messages and more.

The paging system features 4GB of memory and the stored content can be assigned to any of the six instant message playback buttons. Alternatively, it can be scheduled via Optimal Audio’s WebApp for automatic playback as part of a time-of-day routine. There’s an optional pre-announcement chime and, as part of its simple-to-use interface, Talk 8 f

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14 January 2025

UK - PLASA has announced changes to its Executive Board and Membership Governing Body (MGB). After seven years of dedicated service as chair, Adam Blaxill of Stage Electrics steps down to join the association’s Executive Board as a non-executive director, replacing fellow former chair, Ed Pagett.

Having previously served as PLASA’s treasurer, Matt Lloyd of 3LR Lighting Ltd now becomes chair, with Koy Neminathan of Elation Professional B.V stepping into the role of treasurer, having previously been PLASA’s manufacturer representative. Adlib’s Andy Dockerty continues in his role as vice-chair. Joining the MGB, Mark Cooper of SES Entertainment Services Limited has been appointed as PLASA’s new manufacturer representative, while Chris West of West Training Services Ltd has been elected as the educational and training representative.

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14 January 2025

City of Culture - Thousands of people braved sub-zero temperatures to watch an open-air spectacle starring magician Steven Frayne, formerly known as Dynamo, a 10-year-old rapper and a dozen aerial dancers to launch Bradford's year as UK City of Culture. Frayne told the audience he started his career performing street magic in City Park, where the opening ceremony was held, and that his home city was "going to make its mark on the world" in 2025.

Organisers said about 10,000 people turned out to watch the show, which took place in temperatures of -3C (26.6F). Bradford is the fourth UK City of Culture, a title that is awarded every four years. The scheme is designed to boost the chosen city's visitor numbers, economies and reputations, and Bradford's year has received £15m government funding.

Oh yes it is! - Robin Hood has be

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13 January 2025

UK - The Association of Motion Picture Sound (AMPS) has revealed the nominees for the 2025 Excellence in Sound for a Feature Film. They are: A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, The Substance and Wicked.

The award recognises outstanding contributions from sound professionals who bring cinematic stories to life through the power of sound, and honours key roles including production sound mixer, supervising dialogue/ADR editor, supervising sound editor or sound designer, and re-recording mixer. Production sound mixers can nominate a key 1st assistant sound for exceptional contributions, ensuring all critical team members are acknowledged.

Now in its 12th year, the AMPS awards honour the creativity and dedication of professionals across five categories: feature films, TV dramas, factual films

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13 January 2025

USA - In keeping with its mission to foster ‘innovative creativity’ within the live event industry, the Conference Live at Lititz selects one young designer to light the main stage at its popular event every year. In 2024, that honour belonged to Tegan Rehbein. Working with a rig supplied by the 4Wall Entertainment team led by project manager Zack Spadaccia, she provided proof that The Conference made a good choice.

Anchoring Rehbein's rig were 246 Chauvet Professional fixtures. She drew on their performance features and bright output to paint the stage in an array of vivid colours, while filling the venue with dramatic aerial patterns and audience lighting.

Key to helping her create her engaging show were 48 Color Strike M motorised strobe-washes in full pixel mode. "Very early on in the design process I knew from the event organisers t

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13 January 2025

India - The sacred city of Deoghar, also known as Baidyanath Dham, stands as a pivotal religious destination in India, revered for its association with Lord Shiva. Nestled in the state of Jharkhand, this pilgrimage site is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, making it a magnet for devotees from across the country.

The Shrawan Mela, an annual month-long fair held during July and August, brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to this holy city, culminating in a vibrant amalgamation of faith, culture, and celebration. This year, the festivities took on a spectacular new dimension.

Headway Kreations was tasked with conceptualising, designing, and commissioning a series of visual experiences across multiple sites in and around Deoghar.

Yogesh Choudhary, founder-director of Headway Kreations, comments: “We have been part of this industry for 17

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13 January 2025

USA - Elation has announced that Peter E. Schmitt Co (PES), an independent rep firm in the entertainment technology industry, has been named the new representative of Elation products in the Northeastern USA, including the New York City area and New England. The partnership includes the Obsidian Control Systems and Magmatic atmospheric effects lines.

Located in northern New Jersey just west of New York City, PES delivers lighting solutions to a wide array of clients. Operational since 1926, and now in its fourth generation of ownership, PES is not only well-established but also one of the most respected in the Northeast, known for its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The company has served as a representative for the Elation brands since 1 December 2024.

To support the new partnership, PES has announced the hiring of James Suit as

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13 January 2025

Spain - Absen will unveil its latest innovations at ISE 2025 on Booth 3N400. The company will be showcasing a diverse range of display solutions, from digital art installations to versatile conference room solutions, creative retail displays, robust control room solutions, and dynamic DOOH applications.

Absen will be showcasing a digital art installation featuring the work of a renowned artist. “This installation will leverage the company’s state-of-the-art LED display technology to bring art to life in a truly immersive way,” the company says.

For the modern workplace, Absen, in collaboration with Yealink and Crestron, will introduce its 136'' all-in-one X Series 4K display as a comprehensive solution for modern workplaces. This display is designed to seamlessly integrate with Crestron's control system, offering both Yealink's Room-Based Meeti

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10 January 2025

USA - Organisers of the 2025 NAMM Show, scheduled to take place 21-25 January in Anaheim, are monitoring the wildfires in and around nearby Los Angeles. As of today, 10 January, the show will go on.

“We are closely monitoring the wildfires in Los Angeles and their devastating impact on local communities,” says NAMM president and CEO John Mlynczak. “During the past few days, our efforts have been focused on reaching out to our members and partners located in the metropolitan Los Angeles area to confirm their safety. Our thoughts are with them at this time.

“Anaheim is located 60 miles southeast of the wildfires and is currently unaffected.  We are actively working with our partners in Anaheim and the local authorities to ensure we have accurate, up-to-date information. Both Los Angeles International (LAX) and Orange County (John Wayne) airpor

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10 January 2025

Spain - Production Futures has announced that its team will be present at this year’s ISE in Barcelona, where it will take over the Live Events Stage on Friday 7 February for a focus on inspiration, networking, training, and career growth in live event technology and broadcast.

The organisation exists to create opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and develop careers in production across every area of the live event, music, touring, theatre, TV, broadcast and film industries, and this will be its first venture outside the UK.

Part of ISE’s Fast Forward Friday initiative, the takeover is targeted towards production newcomers in the first five years of their careers, and aims to promote a day of learning that will help develop the skills and confidence to meet career challenges head-on.

Mike Blackman, managing di

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10 January 2025

USA - Located in the heart of Central Florida, Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) offers a supportive environment designed to help students succeed. As the fastest-growing college in Florida, serving 8,600 students annually and a 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio, LSSC is experiencing growing pains in its classrooms and campus facilities. The college recently upgraded the audio system in its multipurpose gymnasium by deploying amplifiers from LEA Professional.

The Everett A. Kelly Convocation Center is home to LSSC’s National Junior College Athletic Association volleyball programme. With seating for up to 1,100 spectators, the convocation centre also hosts local high school basketball games and tournaments. Outside of athletics, the facility can be transformed to hold events such as award ceremonies, banquets, and special events.

A key event each semeste