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Worldwide - One of the more established scams in this industry is back doing the rounds again, demonstrating just how lucrative this particular con-trick must be. Persistence obviously pays.

If you exhibit at any of the key shows in the industry, you'll certainly be targeted: the pitch comes via an A4 form inviting you to update an online listing run by a European publisher. Because the listing is overtly linked to a particular trade show, you could be forgiven for thinking that the website in question is somehow endorsed by the organizer, when in fact it is nothing of the sort.

What it is, is a lesson in how to take advantage of people who are just too busy to check the small print. Through the two-minute act of updating and returning the form, which appears to suggest the serv

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UK - Since becoming a certified Yamaha Digital Dealer earlier this year, A.C. Lighting's Audio division has sold through its entire stock allocation of DM1000 digital production consoles for the fourth consecutive month.

The supply of these consoles to companies operating in the live PA, recording studio and front-of-house audio environments reflects the multi-purpose nature of DM1000, with A.C. reporting customers ranging from the West Yorkshire Playhouse to production companies behind several leading popular music acts. Sharing all the major features of the award-winning DM2000 console, the DM1000 also offers 96kHz audio, surround monitoring, studio manager and DAW control.

Commenting on the company's sales success with the DM1000, A.C.'s Audio sales manager, Peter Butler, attributes this to matching the customer's needs with the most suitable product and offering a total

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Italy - A new roof has been built to host the 2004 MTV Awards, right in front of the Coliseum in Rome. The construction is manufactured by Prolyte, for Ital Stage, via Decima, Prolyte's distributor in Italy.

This latest system, developed in close cooperation between Prolyte and Ital Stage, is based on the standard B100RV truss and the new series of towers, the C52T. As the stage is based on standard elements, it is not only a very economic system, but is also easy to build, say Prolyte, with the whole construction designed and developed within two weeks.

The roof is constructed from five arches made of B100RV truss. A hinge in the bottom connectors and a pen-fork connection with a spreader plate in the top connections, gives the complete span the arch needed. Two steel wires per span absorb the arch thrust. The arches are connected to a standard sleeve block for the B100RV t

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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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USA - Kansas City's historic Argosy Casino has recently undergone a complete renovation and is now in a new home. Sound-wise the casino has integrated a brand new way of processing, routing and controlling audio within this far more complex and demanding sound environment than the original facility. TSI Inc, the St. Charles, Missouri-based AV systems integrator that coordinated installation of the casino's AV system, made SymNet - the modular audio mixing, routing and processing system from Symetrix Audio - the hub of the casino's sophisticated audio system.

"As we began designing the system in July 2003, we realized we were going to need something with more control and flexibility, to do things with the audio system, than the old casino facility provided," says Mark Schultz, the TSI design specialist who helped coordinate the Argosy project. "With SymNet, we hav

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UK - Edwin Shirley Staging, the international staging and structure specialist, has unveiled the first ever European Wine Tower. ESS acted as design co-ordinator and main contractor working closely with its client, Radisson SAS, to deliver this centrepiece Wine Tower for a new flagship hotel at Stansted Airport.

The structural challenge of the project was to deliver a tower capable of supporting the 6.5 tonnes of glass, four thousand bottles of wine and four flying performers known as 'wine angels'. Adding to the already stunning complexity of the project the air-handling system had to deliver chilled and warm air to individual wine cases throughout the tower, maintaining ambient working temperatures for the Wine Angels and ensuring that there is no condensation on the glass.

To make this complicated system work, every element of the tower had to be perfect with the largest

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USA - US-based design firm Environmental Acoustics Inc (EAI) and Performance Audio Video Lighting & Stage Systems Inc (PAVL) have chosen Digigram's EtherSound audio bridges as the cornerstone of the audio distribution system in the new Student Life Center at the Lancaster Christian School, Lancaster, PA, USA. The signal routing flexibility of EtherSound networks and the low cost of standard Ethernet components like switches and Cat 5 cables were key for EAI and PAVL to design a highly flexible audio control system, which allows for operator control at four different locations and meets the budget requirements of this privately funded institution. EtherSound networks distribute up to 64 channels of 24-bit digital audio at 48kHz, plus control information, over a single Ethernet cable - with only 125 microseconds latency.

The challenges of implementing sophisticated technologies i

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USA / The Netherlands - At the forthcoming Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) conference (26-28 January, Amsterdam) Clarity Visual Systems (stand 3110) will demonstrate its newest digital displays, first seen at the InfoComm 2005 show in Atlanta. The displays represent compelling alternatives to conventional display products, including CRTs and plasma-based models, say the company.

Among the products Clarity is featuring, Bengal is a 154.9cm ultra-thin rear-projection DLP display only 16cm deep, based on a technology collaboration announced with InFocus Corp. earlier this year. Other new products include Margay, a zero-mullion, widescreen 127cm ultra-thin rear-projection DLP display designed for multi-display signage and video applications; and Bay Cat - a high-resolution 116.8cm direct view LCD screen.

Clarity says it views Europe as a significant growth market, particularly

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Denmark - Mach has launched a new range of medium-throw speakers for the installation market. The CM Series is a line of dedicated compact top boxes specifically developed to produce high SPL and controlled dispersion. Mach say it is suited to venues requiring audio clarity and high power performance such as clubs, bars, cafés, lounges, restaurants, churches, hotels, fitness studios, conference rooms and shopping malls. The CM Series can be used in combination with a subwoofer or as a delay speaker.

The CM 9, 12, 15 and 18 all feature a rotatable horn for optimum dispersion and can be easily switched from passive to active mode through a multi-pin connector. The range was co-designed by contractors for contractors, say Mach, with ease of installation in mind and as such features an innovative mounting system, which along with the rotatable horn, allows for total flexibility wh

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UK - DT Productions has signed a licence with MCPS (the Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society) which will allow DT/Soundnet to incorporate copyright music into its programmes for jukeboxes and background music services for European distribution. The licence enables DT Productions to take advantage of one tariff for all types of music based on a percentage of revenue. Previously, it was necessary to work with different rates depending on whether the music was for jukebox, background, DVD or video use.

MCPS developed the new-style licence - which has been specifically designed to take into account a range of usages - within 10 months of an initial approach from DT. "I am now licensed to copy tracks to my UK hard drive and to make physical copies for distribution throughout the EU, confident that publishers, songwriters and composers are getting paid," said Simon Davis,

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UK - CIE-Audio, premier UK architectural audio supplier, has announced the launch of the B-52 loudspeaker range into the UK market. Seeing its official UK launch at November's 'Music Live' Show at the NEC, the US professional speaker range features more than 80 innovative, high end solutions for permanent installation, live performance, sound reinforcement and mobile DJ applications, say CIE.

CIE-Audio has been appointed as exclusive representatives for B-52 in the UK; the brand joins CIE's already extensive portfolio of key represented brands including Inter-M, Switchcraft, Armstrong i-ceilings, Chaiyo, Euromet and Amina. "We're extremely pleased with our latest appointment," says Chris Edwards, CIE-Group's marketing manager. "Over the past two years our involvement in the pro audio and AV markets has increased significantly and has become key to the continued g

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USA - At the 20th Annual Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards, held on 30 October in San Francisco, Sennheiser and Neumann were honoured for their outstanding technical achievement. Neumann received an award in the category Microphone Technology / Studio for its TLM 127, while Sennheiser was awarded in the category Wireless Technology for evolution wireless G2.

Winners for Creative Achievement included, inter alia, the sound teams behind The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and Radiohead's Hail to the Thief. In addition to 23 awards for Technical and Creative achievement, the awards ceremony witnessed the induction into the TEC Awards Hall of Fame of legendary filmmaker George Lucas and venerated producer/engineer Elliott Scheiner. In a surprise appearance, Janet Jackson presented the Les Paul Award to platinum producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

T

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UK - Revisiting and refining technology first introduced in the RD3D, the world's first autostereo 3D notebook, the LL-151-3D is the first standalone display from Sharp to incorporate 3D LCD technology. The LL-151-3D is a stylish screen with clean lines, a narrow frame and adjustable height - and it delivers 3D images that are crisp, clear and projected through a parallax barrier straight to the naked eye, say Sharp.

The LL-151-3D can switch easily between 2D and 3D display mode for applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and e-mail. In 3D mode its 15" XGA (1024x768) LCD display allows a viewing clarity in which bright, clear pictures can be seen in fine detail. 370-nit brightness and 500:1 contrast ratio offer exceptional performance, say the manufacturer.

Sharp sees the LL-151-3D finding applications within the fields of drug discovery, medical imaging, mapp

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UK - Xtreme Audio Visual has installed a complete audio visual package at Sky Nightclub for client Ware Leisure, including a new sound system from KV2 Audio. The main club is split into two rooms, Daylight, the main dance area and the Sunset VIP Lounge. Daylight presented an acoustical challenge to Xtreme having multiple levels of vaulted ceilings along with raised floor levels. To overcome these problems, Xtreme opted to use the KV2 ES Active driven system consisting of four ES1.0, two ES2.5, 2 x ES1.8 and two ES1.5, powered by four EPAK 2500s, using an Audia Solo for the processing and routing.

The system was designed in conjunction with KV2's Andy Austin Brown. Due to the layout of the venue, and the wide variety of events planned for the system, the design was far from straightforward, but Austin Brown's knowledge of the KV2 products enabled an audio solution for all the pro

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Turkey - Biamp Systems reports that AVS in Istanbul, Turkey, has installed a pair of multiple-zone AudiaFLEX systems in the city's newest Volkswagen office and showroom. "To be chosen by AVS for such a prestigious installation as the executive office headquarters and showroom in Istanbul is truly a validation of the versatility and cost effectiveness of AudiaFLEX," said Romano Cunsolo, East European sales manger for Biamp. "It proves that Audia solves the dilemma of offering easy-to-use technology that is still powerful and flexible."

As one of the world's most highly recognized brands, Volkswagen insisted the Dogus Groupe, which manages dealers and service in Istanbul, have its headquarters showcase the newest cars in a state-of-the-art showroom featuring the most advanced technology. This technology was to extend to the executive offices in their main buil

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UK - Essential Lighting supplied Martin MAC 2000 Washes and 7kW Ireos Pro Space Cannons to produce the large scale lighting effects taking place along the South Bank, the epicentre of the 2004 Poppy Appeal event. This included turning three bridges - Waterloo, Westminster and Hungerford - red, and supplying searchlights for both banks of the Thames between Waterloo and Westminster Bridges.

The lighting scheme was designed by Rick Hussey, who works regularly with Essential on all types of projects. It was co-ordinated for Essential by Martin Lubach and site managed by Barry Tofield. Overall production manager was Roger Oakley working for event producers The Bank. Oakley dealt with 16 regulatory bodies including MI5 and MI6 to get the necessary clearance to stage the event!

A total of 28 MAC 2000 washes were used to light the three bridges, complete with assorted lenses to optim

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UK - David Hamilton-Smith, owner of Soho audio post-production facility, China Blue has been elected by the APRS Board to succeed Focusrite's Phil Dudderidge as the new chairman of the Association of Professional Recording Services.

Hamilton Smith has a broad experience of the recording industry both in music recording and audio post-production. His career started at Olympic Studios in Barnes under the stewardship of Keith Grant where he was involved in recording every conceivable kind of music. A five-year spell as a freelance engineer/producer preceded joining Complete Video as head of sound where he stayed for 12 years, becoming a director, before leaving to open his own facility, China Blue, which has recently launched a new 5.1 Surround Room.

In a statement to mark his election DHS said: "I am genuinely touched and honoured to have been invited to be the new chairman

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Croatia - When the Lisinski Hall - a multi-function venue in the Croatian capital of Zagreb - was refitted recently, great importance was attached to the quality of the sound reinforcement and communications equipment. To achieve the highest possible degree of compatibility (and therefore system security), the managers of the complex, which boasts two stages and seating for up to 2,300 spectators, opted to combine stage manager and public address systems from EVI Audio. In addition to their technical capabilities, ease-of-use and sound quality, the ability of these systems to function flawlessly in tandem was a key factor in this decision, say the company.

The outlay in terms of equipment was considerable: the two systems had to cover all areas (and the entire staff) of the complex. For the 2,000-seater theatre alone this meant the two stage manager's desks (stage right and sta

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UK - Famed Italian hoteliers, the Baglioni Group has created an exclusive London location as its UK flagship. Harman Pro UK and authorised installer The Sound Division Group collaborated to design and specify the premier sound system at the recently launched luxury 5-Star Baglioni Hotel in Kensington. The hotel's Brunello club and bar area, used for private parties and functions and as a members club, is a chic new evening haunt.

Following recommendations from high profile clients at top West End nightspots, Islington-based Sound Division specified Harman Pro products to Baglioni. Sound Division is a strong advocate of the JBL brand, says MD David Graham: "Primarily because of the breadth and flexibility of their range, and its uniform quality and power." Turning to JBL's Control Contractor series to handle Brunello's requirements for background music, DJ evenings and

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USA - The long-awaited new home of Jazz at Lincoln Center was unveiled last month as part of a three-week grand opening celebration, televised live on PBS and broadcast throughout North America - via a Mackie Digital 8 Bus desk. The $128 million Frederick P. Rose Hall, a 100,000sq.ft building occupying two floors of the new Time-Warner building in New York's Columbus Circle, is the first performance and education facility designed specifically for jazz, and features three acoustically designed live venues.

The opening ceremonies featured three simultaneous programs in its three spaces. The flagship Frederick P. Rose Hall hosted performances by the JALC Orchestra, featuring artistic director Wynton Marsalis directing a tribute to Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Performances by Arturo O'Farrill and special guests inaugurated the elegant Allen Room, which features Greek amphitheat

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USA - Just a few weeks before R.E.M was to head out on its current world tour, lighting designer Susanne Sasic had already determined the lighting package she would use for the show. Then she received a phone call from George Masek inviting her to a Vari-Lite open house and product demo in New York - and after seeing the Vari*Lite Series 3000 luminaires, Sasic made a last-minute change to the automated lighting plot, swapping out some of the fixtures she had already spec'd with VL3000 Wash units.

"I went over to the open house and was very impressed," Sasic explained. "The beam spread on the VL3000 fixtures is amazing. We swapped them out for some of the other lights I had spec'd on the rig, and I'm very glad we did."

Making the change was not an issue since Bandit Lites, the lighting equipment provider for the tour, had recently added a number of the Ser

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UK - The theatre show Umoja was the inspiration of Todd Twala and Thembi Nyandeni, who created the show as an expression of their South African heritage.

All performers are selected from the Umoja School of Performing Arts in South Africa, which gives free scholarships to underprivileged children as a means to enter the entertainment industry.

'Umoja' translates as "the spirit of togetherness" and there was an abundance of positive energy in this vibrant showcase of South African music and dancing. A narrator punctuates a two-hour journey that takes the audience through a history of African music, from early tribal drummers, through the development the distinctive South African sounds. "Our music helped to keep us human," the narrator tells the audience, "for in Africa, rhythm is life itself."

Umoja first opened at London's Shaftesbury Theatre in Nove

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