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USA - The US Patent Office has awarded Meyer Sound its 17th US patent, this time for the rigging system used on the M3D line array and M3D-Sub directional subwoofer. The patent recognizes the rigging system's innovations including the CamLink system, which allows splay angles to be changed more easily than in other rigging systems, say Meyer.

The system features a rigid design, which offers numerous advantages - no pullback cable, often required by other systems, is necessary. Without pullback cables, cabinet angle adjustments can be accomplished without having to release the array, while the rotating cam at the rear of the frame means that only the front of the cabinet need be adjusted to change the splay angle; no parts need to be exchanged. Rigid mounting also enables arrays to

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UK - Avolites has launched its D4 Desktop system, a fully functional Virtual Diamond 4 Console. D4 Desktop consists of several components running Avolites D4 software - the OS for Avo's top of the range, Diamond 4 Elite & Diamond 4 Vision consoles.

The flexible "D4 Desktop" offers several advantages as a reasonably priced backup for a full console. It provides a fully featured playback system for situations when a full console is not required and it is also ideal for offline programming, editing or adaptation of shows. The system can be composed from individual hardware components, to match the customer's exact requirements.

Avolites sales director Steve Warren commented: "Our virtual D4 Console, the D4 Desktop has been designed to address two clear needs - the first being a fully functional and stand alone back-up system for large Diamond 4 shows and also for s

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Belgium - Le Maitre reports that its new world patented Stadium Hazer was well received at the recent ACF show in Brussels, where it was shown by Dirk de Graeve from the newly-formed Dees of Brussels.

The ACF show is held every second year on the site of the old Worlds Fair and is dominated by the Atomium - a huge, vaulted and well-lit space. After only a few minutes' operation, the Stadium Hazer was able to give the struggling show lighting maximum exposure, much to the delight of the exhibitors. Le Maitre's Rick Wilson explains: "The results were truly spectacular - we created a fine haze without the 'foggy' effect that one would associate with smoke machines."

Le Maitre also reports that several hire companies have ordered the Stadium Hazer, together with the new Dry Icer Pro, which when coupled with the Speedfogger Pro, was able to carpet the area in white clouds

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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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UK - Entertainment lighting supplier White Light is providing technical training for current and future theatre technicians through its Training Initiative training and education scheme. As part of this commitment White Light, in conjunction with Strand Lighting, has recently donated a Strand 550 lighting console to the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

"We have worked with the Bristol Old Vic School on a number of projects, and have been continually impressed by the standard of their students and the quality of their work," commented Jason Larcombe, White Light's training coordinator. "When we were approached by Paul Towson, the School's Lighting Tutor, regarding potential sponsorship of a lighting console, we were more than happy to help."

To help the Theatre School, White Light teamed up with console manufacturer Strand Lighting supplying what is arguably

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The Netherlands - Mission Pro has appointed of Electric Sound B.V. as their professional distributor for The Netherlands. Based in Almere, Electric Sound is an established leader in the pro audio market in Holland, distributing many eminent brands including Beyerdynamic, Dynacord, König & Meyer, Rane, Alesis, Galaxy Audio, Pro Co, BTK and ML Audio.

John Haug, pro audio manager for Electric Sound commented: "We are very pleased with this appointment which complements our established brands well. The superb ability of the Mission products to provide high intelligibility and even coverage within either good or difficult acoustic environments means we are able to provide better solutions for our customers. Aesthetically the product will also meet the approval of the most demanding architects and venues."

Mission Pro's director of sales and marketing, Steve Jordan adds:

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USA - Rap artist Jay-Z's performance at Madison Square Gardens on 25 November marked the end of the rapper's victory lap promoting his final full-length solo album, The Black Album. With more number one hits to his name than any other US rap artist, it was natural that Jay-Z wanted this show, at one of the world's most famous arenas, to offer something visually spectacular, which is why lighting designer Gary Westcott decided to use the G-LEC LED Curtain.

Two separate G-LEC Curtains were used, up and downstage of the band. Each Curtain consisted of 3 x 8 frames mounted together and flown in and out. The show used a combination of the G-LEC Curtain and projection screens, the latter positioned above the stage and lit up with faces of deceased rap artists Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G.

Facilitated by Fourth Phase, London (G-LEC's exclusive representative in the UK), the two G

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Thailand - Thailand's leading jazz guitarist, Prode Tanapat, has recently chosen Audient to help bring his live music to audiences across the world. His self-titled album, which was released this month on the Warner Music (Thailand) label, includes two live tracks, 'Daddy's Tune' and 'Back Home', both of which were recorded and mixed using Audient consoles; namely the Audient ASP8024 and live mixing console, Aztec.

"We chose Aztec for the live recording because it always maintains the integrity of the signal path during production, the preamps are very clean and access to the record outputs via D-Sub is very convenient," explains Jack Pattanatabut, owner of rental company Jack Sound. He continues: "We mixed the two live tracks in the studio on the Audient ASP8024 so that Aztec's audio quality was not compromised. The mix on the ASP8024 was quick and easy and the i

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Australia - PLASA Media has recently received a warning that an unofficial directory falsely purporting to represent exhibitors is being circulated to potential exhibitors at this year's Entech show in Australia. Juliusmedia Pty Ltd, the official publisher and organizer for the show, say that those taking part in the event should be aware that they may receive a listing form from a firm called Data Verlag AG (Austria) with 'Entech Australia', and their own exhibitor name prominently displayed upon it. The form proposes to continue a supposedly free listing in a directory which has no official connection with Entech. Buried in the fine print is the promise to invoice the company signing the form the amount of US$981. The advice to all Entech exhibitors is to discard any such offer, and to contact Juliesmedia Ltd through the website address below, should they receive any similar pro

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Belgium / USA - Belgium-based Barco recently announced the acquisition of Folsom Research Inc, based in Sacramento, California. Folsom, which employs 75 associates, is a profitable company with product lines covering solutions for image processing, image communication and image functionality and interactivity. In these dedicated markets Folsom has a 30% share in the USA and 17% worldwide. As Barco has only had 4% market share in these segments until now, it is clear that this acquisition means a fast leap forward for Barco in providing total solutions beyond displays-only functionalities.

By far the largest part of Folsom's sales are realized in the Events (Rental and Staging) market, which makes it an ideal match for Barco, as today Barco already dominates two segments of this market with its LED displays and its large venue projectors. The acquisition of Folsom offers Barco t

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Germany - Jean-Michael Benseler has taken over the coordination of Electro-Voice's microphone marketing in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Benseler, is well-known and respected within the industry, having enjoyed success on the road with Electro-Voice in the mid-seventies. After many years gathering experience in leading positions with a number of well-known audio firms, Benseler returned to EVI Audio two years ago.

(Lee Baldock)

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USA - Chauvet has launched a new gobo effect unit, the DJ Squeeze. The four-channel DMX-512 fixture comes with 14 gobos plus open: four glass, eight monochromatic, one bi-colour and one quad-coloured. The unit allows patterns to seemingly inflate and deflate, bringing movement to dancefloor effects. Other effects include strobing, rotation, gobo bounce and blackout. Image sharpness is adjusted with manual focus control. Built-in stand alone programs are beat-activated and the fixture is programmable via any universal DMX controller. DJ Squeeze is cooled by an internal fan and automatically enters stand-alone mode when the DMX signal is lost. Other features include micro-stepping motors for smoother movements, a thermal switch and a 250W lamp (ELC3 24V), Switchable between 110V or 230V.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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USA - Loud Technologies Inc has appointed Audio Geer as its sales representative in Southern California and Southern Nevada. Founded in 1994, Audio Geer is headquartered in Los Angeles with regional offices in San Diego and Las Vegas. "Audio Geer will represent our entire portfolio of brands including Mackie, Tapco, EAW and the new EAW Commercial line," says Larry Bennett, sales manager, national accounts for Loud Technologies. "They've got a strong reputation for developing innovative customer and dealer training programs and we're confident that they have the expertise to ensure ongoing growth, and superior service throughout the region."

Alan Geer, president of Audio Geer, commented: "Loud Technologies has an exceptionally strong portfolio of brands as well as one of the most innovative product development teams in professional audio. We are very exci

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Germany - Chainmaster, manufacturer of high-quality chain hoists and chain hoist controllers, is helping to maintain the balance of power between West and East. The Eilenburg-based company recently delivered eight BGV-C1 computer-controlled chain hoists in the 500kg weight class to its North American distributor, Show Distribution of Canada, that were destined for the Pentagon Museum. The requirement was for a chain hoist system that conformed to the high safety standards of the museum. The system was installed by one of Show Distribution's regional partners.

Only a few weeks earlier, the Kremlin in Moscow took delivery of 35 chain hoists from Chainmaster, also in the 500kg weight division and conforming to the same BGV-C1 standard. The hoists were equipped with electronic position encoders and the Chainmaster control system, consisted of a network of three slave and two master

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UK - A giant portrait LED screen supplied by CT Screenco enabled audiences on Eddie Izzard's Sexie tour to see a macro image of the performer as a giant stage backdrop. CT Screenco have worked with Izzard on a couple of one-off performances, including the comedy event We Know Where You Live - Live, which Eddie conceived and directed for Amnesty International.

The huge portrait screen proved so successful that the Amnesty live show producer and Eddie's tour manager and promoter, Mick Perrin, wanted to repeat the concept on the artist's Sexie world tour - and CT Screenco was tasked with creating a touring version of the one-off display that had been seen at Wembley.

This time, the 25mm LED display was designed to be scalable from 72sq.m down to 42sq.m at the smallest venues, and form the centrepiece of a five-screen display. The large portrait display was fl

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Denmark - The Entertainment Sales Division at Martin Professional's Danish headquarters has appointed four experienced and highly qualified Martin personnel to the company's International Entertainment Sales team. All four bring with them years of company experience.

Kasper Gissel joins the Division as business development manager. As former head of corporate finance, Gissel has a strong insight into the global rental market. In addition to strengthening the company's global rental position, Gissel will continue to be involved in sales, pricing and credit policy.

Karsten Petersen has been appointed leisure segment manager. Petersen is a former CFO of Martin US, current project manager for Martin's newly-opened China factory, and manager of the company's cruise line activities, and brings a mix of financial and sales skills to the Entertainment Sales team.

Claus Jensen has be

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Spain / UK - Spanish pro audio manufacturer AD Systems has appointed Sabre as its sole distributor in the UK and Eire for its complete range of audio products. AD Systems has 25 years' experience in the pro audio market, manufacturing loudspeakers, power amplifiers and sound processors.

Pictured is the AD Systems NEOcraft touring system, which achieves a very low weight for a touring cabinet, at just 30kg for the C30 mid/high unit and 34kg for the Neocraft B30 bass cabinet.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - By now most PLASA members will be aware of the imminent introduction of the Working at Heights Regulations (WAHR), currently in what is expected to be the final consultation draft. The Regulations are set to become law in July this year, and any activity in which an injury could occur as the result of a fall from any height, will need to comply with this new set of Regulations.

PLASA has arranged a one-day seminar to examine the new legislation in detail and discuss the compliance issues that may cause the Industry concern in the future. PLASA intends to collate any views and comments from the seminar and respond on behalf of the PLASA membership to Government.

The seminar will be held at the NEC in Birmingham on the 10 of February 2004 starting at 10am. Ron Bonner, PLASA's technical standards manager, will present the Regulations in their entirety and invite discussion,

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UK - Canegreen provided the PA system for The Tweenies Live!, entertaining families across the UK. The BBC's popular children's characters performed 27 shows at four arenas, Braehead Ice Arena, Glasgow, Birmingham's NIA, Sheffield Arena and Wembley Arena, with several shows at each venue through December and January.

The PA for the theatrical and musical spectacular was a complex affair and although this was the third year Canegreen have supplied the system, team leader and front-of-house engineer Mike Downs was kept on his toes at all times. The Tweenies Live! production manager, Nigel Mousley explained: "These are big venues to fill with sound without it being too loud for the children. Mike [Downs] in very conscientious to ensure all of our audience get a good sound, wherever their seat. The Tweenies characters have high-pitched voices that go from monologues to them all

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UK - TMB has announced the addition of Rob "Lucky" Ludlow to the UK sales department. Although young in years and energy, Rob is a veteran of the industry. Originally from South Africa, Ludlow moved to London, where he worked for ETC Europe and then for White Light. From this background as both a TMB vendor and customer, say TMB, Ludlow developed a platonic relationship with Paul Hartley and many other TMB folks. Not put off by hard work and recognizing the inevitable, Lucky decided to take the TMB challenge.

'Lucky' is well liked in the entertainment lighting industry and, in addition to sales, TMB will utilize his talents to research and help develop new and innovative products. Even his nickname has TMB origins: "Anyone who confuses a pack of Lucky Strikes with a pack of something else and has the honesty to talk about it," says TMB European general manage

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USA - Sennheiser Electronic Corporation and TL Audio have mutually agreed to terminate their distribution agreement effective 1 January 2004. While the well-respected British manufacturer of tube-based signal processing and mixing equipment enjoys high brand recognition overseas, Sennheiser and TL Audio executives mutually concluded that the task of implementing a full-scale marketing program in the US at this time would require a more robust level of sales and distribution support than had been anticipated. Therefore, the two companies have agreed to part ways.

This decision will enable TL Audio to pursue a distribution partner more in line with their aggressive sales goals while allowing Sennheiser to focus on other ongoing initiatives. The decision was based solely on marketing and distribution issues and was not related in any way to the company's products, cultures or perso

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UK - On 12 December 2003, during ETC's festive bash at the Crypt of St Martin's-in-the-Fields, London, LD Mark Johnathan presented Richard Pilbrow with a Fellowship of the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) - an organization of which he was a founding member. Pilbrow has long been a guru of theatre lighting and is respected throughout the industry for his achievements as a lighting designer, author and theatre consultant.

His first book, Stage Lighting Design, can be found in many a theatre school library and has been as a bible to countless aspiring lighting designers and theatre technicians working today. Pilbrow revolutionized stage lighting in Britain and created Theatre Projects - the first independent lighting design consultancy in the UK - which, of course, has continued to grow and is still going strong today as Theatre Projects Consultants.

(Sarah Rush

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