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Germany - Few TV series in recent years have got people so worked up - and entire nations so riveted - as Big Brother, which first aired on the Dutch channel Veronica, and few series have enjoyed quite the same success internationally, as home-grown versions of the show have sprouted in countries all over the world. The harbinger of the current 'reality TV' boom, Big Brother made the likes of Zlatko and Jürgen into national celebrities in Germany - only to see them plunge back into obscurity within a few months. The same phenomenons, and the same phenomenal ratings, have been seen all over Europe and even in America. Love it or loathe it, you have to admit that on a technical level, the production is first rate.

With multiple camera units positioned all round the se

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UK - To mark the launch of Love Actually on DVD and video, Universal Pictures is the first to showcase the latest Elumin8 technology in its bus T-Side campaign across the capital. The result is a 1.8m illuminated red heart on each of 20 bus sides in London, that pulses as the bus travels across town.

In a campaign put together by MediaCom Outdoor and Impact, Viacom Outdoor's special projects team, the Love Actually buses form part of a wider campaign to promote the release of the hit movie. EMG, senior planner Ben Gordon and MediaCom Outdoor's Matt Styant, devised this highly innovative campaign to maximize high street presence for the client. The pulsating heart technology is made possible by a small electrical current through the drop stem of the T-Side.

The campaign, which was planned by Outdoor MediaCom and bought by Posterscope's innovation department, Hyper

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UK - Designed to withstand everything that life on the road can dish-out, Proel's new Diehard range of leads and audio connectors offers just about every possible permutation of instrument, recording and PA lead. Backed by a lifetime warranty, the Diehard range includes instrument and microphone cables, optical cables, MIDI cables, speaker cables, optical cables and PA looms. Massively strong, fitted with genuine Neutrik connectors, the range is complemented by a huge choice audio adapters and connectors. Despite the build quality, Diehard leads are very competitively priced.

Also available from Proel is the New monitor range from Alto, the company's PAM series of live sound monitors. It comprises the PAM5 passive live monitor and PAM5A active live monitor, there is also a 170.7/100V version, the PAM5T.

Equipped with twin five-inch extended range speakers, the passive PAM5 wi

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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/Romania/Germany - As a result of increased business in mainland Europe, together with steady growth in its custom design and build operation in the UK, LiteStructures has announced the formation of a joint venture manufacturing operation in Romania, LiteStructures RO. Based in Slatina, 200km west of Bucharest, LiteStructures RO will manufacture a range of standard aluminium products, principally for sale in Germany and Central Europe, including two of its brand leading truss products, AstraLite and LitePro.

Adrian Brooks, managing director of LiteStructures in the UK and chairman of LiteStructures RO, said: "We have a highly skilled workforce in Wakefield and the factory has benefited from significant investment over the past two years. Manufacturing standard products in Romania means that the UK operation will be able to concentrate on higher margin, specialist construc

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USA - Even the best live sound engineers can use a little help every now and then. Mark Ballard, a UK-based independent front-of-house engineer and system technician, reports that he never leaves home without Metric Halo's SpectraFoo sound analysis, metering, and control software. "It just works on everything and anything," says Ballard. "I take it on every show."

Ballard has been using SpectraFoo's SpectraGraph, SpectraGram, and the Transfer Function applications for nearly five years, during which time he has seen live sound technology advance to such an extent that Metric Halo's analysis software has become indispensable when fine-tuning a system. At a recent corporate show, he reports: "I took about three or four frequencies out, just minute slivers. I gained 6 or 8dB of headroom compared to doing it with a graphic equalizer just from being that accu

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USA/Europe - Avesco recently announced some important changes in the Group's management structure, which will take effect immediately. The Group's audio-visual services businesses are to be split into two geographic regions, Europe and North America. David Nicholson, Avesco's chief executive will head Europe and Graham Andrews, currently CEO of the CT Division, will head North America.

Andrews has been appointed as CEO of all the Group's operations. North America represents an enormous market for Avesco's services and he will concentrate his efforts on exploiting the many opportunities in that market. To service the operation, he and his family will be moving to Los Angeles.

In Europe, all audio visual and broadcast services businesses will report to Nicholson, including Creative Technology in London and CT Germany. In addition, there are two significant changes in the London

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UK - Drapes and rigging specialists Blackout announces the launch of a new website. Designed by London based Orangutan Design, the visually engaging virtual environment is a comprehensive overview of the company's range of products and services, complete with user-friendly navigation system.

Homepage links provide detailed information on Blackout's exhibitions and corporate events services, themed environment creation, parties and permanent Installations. Each section is energized with a mix of HTML text, high-res photos and subtle use of Flash animation giving online visitors a first-hand impression of Blackout's extensive creative and practical capabilities for all types of events.

The Products section provides details of Blackout's vast range of drapes, materials, rigging and effects, together with a wealth of information including charts showing colour, types and sizes of

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Korea - The Seoul Arts Center in Korea is hosting the shortest run of Mamma Mia! yet to be staged, with the 2,800 seat Opera Theater breaking another record as the largest venue for an international production of the show. Mamma Mia's three-month run concludes in April, after an investment of some US$6.7 million by the joint production team of ACOM International, Seensee Musical Company, Seoul Arts Center and MBC TV. This is the 11th international production of Mamma Mia! and the largest musical to date in Korea.

The sound system had to be extended considerably to cater for the Opera Theater's large auditorium, which comprises three balconies. With a 105-input Cadac J-Type Live Production Console at the core, the standard Mamma Mia! FOH system included additional L-Acoustics V-DOSC and SB218 sub arrays and is engineered by Ki-young Kim of Korea Seoul

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France - Digigram, a world leader in innovative digital audio network solutions, is to launch at NSCA the miXart 8 ES multi-channel sound card as the newest product to join its growing EtherSound technology line for easy and cost-effective real-time audio distribution over standard Ethernet.

Featuring 8/8 EtherSound I/Os and 8/8 analog I/Os, including four microphone preamps with phantom power, it is targeted at public address systems and logging applications, where it provides a unique link between audio data bases and real-time audio networks. Audio files may be played directly from a hard disk to the network, while simultaneously live sources may be archived to a computer-based logging system. Analog and network inputs may be mixed on the card and routed to analog or network outputs. The core of the system, the miXart 8, supports simultaneous recording and playback as well as

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USA - Mackie recently announced an agreement with Lake Technology Limited, designers of the Lake Contour Digital Loudspeaker processor, in which Lake will develop EQ and loudspeaker plug-ins for the new Mackie TT24 Digital Live Console.

The new Mackie LP48 expansion card brings a number of enhancements to the already powerful TT24 in three possible configurations. First, the card can be configured in Lake Loudspeaker Processor mode as a 4-input by 8-output loudspeaker processor to provide eight channels of balanced analogue output with line drive capability. Second, it can provide the user with up to 12 channels of Lake-designed insert EQ processing including the true response Lake Ideal Graphic EQ and Lake Mesa EQ with asymmetrical filters. Finally, users can configure the card with six channels of insertable EQ processing and a 2-input by 4-output Lake Loudspeaker Processor.

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USA - Visual Terrain recently completed the lighting design for Space: A Journey To Our Future, a traveling exhibit created by Clear Channel Exhibitions. Space opened at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Washington 22 November 2003.and continues until 9 May 2004. Considering the unique requirements of a traveling exhibition, designers Lisa Passamonte Green and Matt Levesque developed a lighting system to blend the creative desires with the practicalities of the project's lifespan. "Our goal was to create a design that enhanced the special features of each environment by integrating much of the lighting within the scenic elements," Passamonte explains. Using a combination of architectural and theatrical fixtures, Visual Terrain created the coolness of space with the warm magic of discovery.

"We were fortunate to work with such a creative and expe

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UK - Xtreme Audio Visual has revitalized the dance floor of one of Southend-on-Sea's leading nightclubs with a new ElectroVoice Rx system. According to Zinc's manager: "Even normal people have noticed the difference!" by which we assume he means his customers . . .

Zinc, where the top club nights such as Hed Kandi, Funk-U, CocoCuba and Rewind attract a capacity 400-plus crowd, has three bars, a semi-outside terrace overlooking the seafront and a chill-out area. Essex-based club installation specialist Xtreme AV were asked to design and install a new system on long lease, having successfully provided the venue with rental systems in the past. A new EV Rx system was delivered; six Rx 212/75 high-output full-range cabinets, stacked three each side of the DJ booth, with four RX 218S subwoofers. Two Rx 115/75s provide infill where necessary.

ElectroVoice Precision Series

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USA - EAW, a Loud Technologies Inc brand, recently announced a new series of arrayable loudspeakers incorporating a revolutionary coaxial MF/HF driver design to provide the most consistent coverage, over the widest possible frequency range. The new EAW AX series new coaxial MF/HF driver combines an 8" cone and a 1.4" exit compression driver. Both share a neodymium magnet while a sealed aluminum chassis acts as the heat sink for the entire assembly.

To achieve consistent coverage over the widest possible frequency range, the MF/HF driver assembly is coupled to a single horn, which occupies almost the entire front of the AX Series' enclosure. The EAW engineering team then incorporated their new Concentric Summation Array (CSA) technology, an advanced design based on their patented Radial Phase Plug, to solve the complex acoustic problems that generally prevent the coupli

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USA - Nashville Star premiered its second season earlier this month on USA Network, and VLPS Lighting Services once again provided a full lighting package to the successful country music's talent search series. Aired live over nine weeks at the famed BellSouth Acuff Theater, contestants are judged by a panel of industry professionals and the television viewing audience. A group of 20 semi-finalists, chosen from a nationwide audition, began an elimination competition two weeks ago to win a recording contract with Sony Music Nashville.

Veteran lighting designer Bob Peterson is working closely with his team, Ken Hudson and Dave Butzler, to paint on set designer Bruce Rogers' lighting-friendly "canvas". "The goal is to create a lighting environment that helps establish each contestant's clear and distinct persona," said Peterson. "Throughout the rehe

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UK - ElectroVoice's elegant boutique loudspeakers, the EVID range, continue to make inroads to some of the trendiest bars and restaurants in the UK. Installation company Xtreme Audio Visual has recently provided a number of EVID 6.2s, the largest model in the range, for the bar area of Smollensky's restaurant in Canary Wharf.

Duncan Baines of Xtreme AV acknowledges that the ergonomics of the EVID units are an important selling point. "Visually, this is a very good-looking cabinet, and its design fits in really well with the décor in a smart interior like Smollensky's."

EVID 6.2s offer high performance as well as aesthetic appeal. Smollensky's commissioned the new EV installation because the bar area has replaced its background music with a DJ. For similar reasons, Xtreme AV has installed EVIDs at the Hub Bar in Colchester. "The bar only opened about a year ago,

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UK - The popular Soundcraft LX7 console has received an upgrade to the LX7ii - both in terms of audio specification and cosmetics. The stylish new desk gets its looks from Soundcraft's MH3 and MH4 touring sound consoles, and includes a new frame, module ID graphics and end-cheeks.

Electronically, the LX7ii gains a new Soundcraft mic-preamp and EQ section, both designed by Soundcraft founder and electronics wizard Graham Blyth. Designated the GB30 Series, the new designs coincide with Soundcraft's 30 year anniversary and the new 4-band EQ with swept mid sections is based on the acclaimed EQ in the new MH3 and MH4 touring consoles. "The new GB30 mic pre on the LX7ii brings together some of the quality and precision of the mic pre's we use on our biggest touring desk, whilst retaining the cost-sensitivity demanded at this point in the market," says Blyth. "We're cons

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UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians annual showcase - ABTT, which runs for two days (16-17 June), this year promises to be the biggest ABTT show ever, according to the organizers. The event is 85% sold, with only 20 stands still available across The Lindley Hall and its new area - The Assembly Halls.

ABTT is the only dedicated forum in the UK for companies to showcase products and services aimed at professionals in theatre and auditoria. Boasting a broad cross-section of companies servicing this expanding market, over 16 audio companies are exhibiting from around Europe. New to the show are Alcons Audio from the Netherlands and Ben Ri from Spain.

With the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) coming into force later this year, many audio companies are taking a lead on this front, including installer Orbital and manufacturer Sennheiser, showcasing its Wideband SI

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USA / Germany - Audio-Technica has announced the latest addition to its expanding line of lavalier microphones: the AT898 Subminiature Cardioid Condenser Microphone. Intended for high-quality, low-profile operation, the AT898 provides maximum intelligibility and clean, accurate reproduction for applications including lectures, stage and television presentation, and houses of worship, say A-T. The AT898 is a mere 5mm in diameter, operates on battery or phantom power and includes a complete accessory kit.

The subminiature cardioid element is enclosed in a rugged, low-profile housing with internal construction designed to minimize noise from handling, clothing, and wind. The microphone plugs into the included power module, which features battery/phantom power operation, switchable low-frequency roll-off switch, and an integral XLR3M connector supplying a low-impedance balanced outp

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UK - Set Lighting & Sound recently supplied the lighting equipment (automated and generic) for the popular Asian TV program Malai Presents, a long-running BBC series that showcases cutting-edge British Asian arts, culture and comedy. Lighting designer David Bushell and lighting programmer/operator David Bishop worked with a rig of Martin Professional's MAC 500s, MAC 250s, MAC 600s and MAC 300s, along with Pulsar ChromaBanks, all controlled via a Martin Maxxyz lighting desk.

Lighting programmer/operator Bishop, who has a wide range of experience on a number of industry lighting consoles, found the Maxxyz an effective lighting board for the show. He commented: "This is my first experience using the Maxxyz in what I would call a normal television environment. Although I had used the console for a small part of a smaller show previously, this was the first opportunity to put th

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UK - Atomic Kitten's recent tour - which kicked off at the Plymouth Pavilions on 18 February and closed at the Ice Arena in Hull on 11 March - was suitably geared to ensuring a memorable performance, with much of the glitz and glamour added with a selection of staging from LiteStructures. Working for Productions North, LiteStructures has provided a range of rental and custom-manufactured products including industry standard LiteDeck staging plus bespoke staircases and ramps.

Steve Levitt, director at Productions North explained: "We approached the team at LiteStructures with some sketches, which were a combination of our ideas and those of the girls in the band, and they quickly turned the drawings into CAD designs. We wanted this stage to look very feminine and glamorous and as such LiteStructures manufactured two staircases, one a centre staircase and the other positioned

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UK - Wolfson Microelectronics has been named as the New Company of the Year at the recent annual PricewaterhouseCoopers, PLC Awards in London. The award - sponsored by Arbuthnot Securities Ltd - is given to a "future company of the year, but one that has too short a track record to be considered for that award" according to the organizers. The winner had to have gone public in 2003, yet had already "demonstrated that it possesses both growth and management qualities" and had "in effect served notice to the investing community that there is a formidable growth public company in the making."

"Whilst there was a limited number of new issues in 2003, the voting panel were delighted to see an extremely high quality technology focused business as the ultimate winner of this important award," commented Nigel Hopes, PricewaterhouseCoopers partner

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