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USA - Martin Professional has announced that Brian Friborg is to take on the role of president of Martin Professional Inc. Friborg, a Dane with a wealth of industry experience, has been with Martin for six years as managing director of Martin Professional Scandinavia A/S. More recently he has also held the interim position of managing director for Martin Professional Italy S.p.a.

Friborg will work closely with Martin US vice-president of sales and marketing Eric Loader in establishing and overseeing execution of the strategic plan for Martin US, as well as promoting key business relationships. He looks forward to meeting Martin's US partners and customers at the upcoming LDI trade show in Orlando.

Martin's statement says: "Troels Volver has decided to seek new challenges ou

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USA - Working with Upstaging Inc, Tomcat built 25 custom light frames to hold a variety of instruments, including projection that had to be precisely located, for Sir Paul McCartney's current US tour. A large projection wall is created using five independently flown modules with custom light frames to create a wall measuring over 60ft wide by 25ft deep.

Many custom hardware components were also fabricated for rigging equipment on this tour, some of which were constructed from one of Tomcat's specialised extrusions. Tomcat's design department worked closely with Upstaging to design and engineer the light frames for this custom application.

In addition, other custom brackets were fabricated to attach two sections of Tomcat's Swing Wing truss, to create moving lighting modules. "The McCartney tour required a fair amount of unique trussing and hardware elements," explain

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UK - Stage Electrics was very pink and fluffy on Friday 28 October, in support of the Breast Cancer Campaign. Marketing's Helen Gadbury and Marie Wilson organized the "pink day" by encouraging staff to wear something pink and donate money for the fund raising event. Costumes included everything from paisley pink pyjamas and lurid pink socks to the pink gossamer wings worn by David Whitehead's PA Jenny Redman.

"James Bull from the Projects team looked very comfortable in his pink pussy pyjamas and Anna Western had even more pink on than usual. The menu for the day at The Green Room café at Stage Electrics Bristol offered pink sponge dessert with pink custard, served by men wearing pink bandanas," said a spokesperson.

First prize for the best pink costume was won by Sandra Brimson, one of Stage Electrics' housekeepers, who herself is a breast cancer su

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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 / South America - Theatrical Concepts Inc (TCI) has been appointed the exclusive US and South American distributor for German manufacturer Coolux GmbH, whose range of products includes the Pandora's Box digital media engine and a diverse collection of digital content.

Based in Agoura, California, just outside of Los Angeles, TCI has significant experience in both video production and lighting rental markets. "It's really exciting to be part of making Pandora happen in the US," says TCI's president, Steve Gilbard. "The Pandora's Box Media Server is an amazing range of products in itself, along with some really quite spectacular content, and Coolux has a number of other interesting new products, which we are looking forward to helping them market to the industry."

Coolux's Pandora's Box Digital Media Engine V2.0 was first launched at PLASA in 2004 and sin

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USA - Australian production engineer Phil Markey, and his company Kaos Lighting, has joined forces with US-based American DJ to create a new DMX-controlled centerpiece effect called the Streamer. Combining fibre optics with LED technology and RGB colour mixing, the Streamer produces thread-like beams, and will debut at the ETS-LDI show in Orlando next week.

"The Streamer is totally different than any other special effects light out there," said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. "With its fiber-like beams, it's a truly unique visual phenomenon. Plus, it offers so many other features - from DMX control to LED technology to custom color mixing - that its applications are virtually limitless."

Markey first used fiber optic technology on a much more basic fixture called the Mirrorlight, powered simply by a small halogen light b

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UK - Soundcraft continue to make the mid-level mixing market their own patch with the hugely popular MH3 console - as evidenced this month with the opening of the latest Carling Academy in Newcastle.

Academy Music Group's contractors, Marquee Audio - asked to create a top quality infrastructure for the company early on in their relationship - had opted for the MH3 as the centre of a top-spec monitor set-up. Since standardizing on the 32-channel MH3 at the stage end they have been specifying 40-input desks at front-of-house. "With the exception of Islington, every Academy venue now has an MH3 out front, as well as for monitors," observed Marquee Audio MD, Spencer Brooks.

AMG decided to pioneer high-level referencing a number of years ago, providing an enviable technical infrastructure for visiting bands. Brooks continued: "We backed the MH3 as soon as it was rele

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UK - Sennheiser headphones have been chosen to compliment an innovative on-train entertainment system that has been introduced by Volo:TV for First Great Western Trains. With this technology, customers in a dedicated coach can take part in interactive seat-back entertainment.

Volo employed Hi-Fi reviewer and audio consultant, Chris Thomas to advise on sound set up and headphone selection. As a result, Volo uses Sennheiser MX300 in-ear units.

Customers can navigate their own menu of options using touch screen technology, and choose what they want to watch and for how long. Like the latest airline systems (albeit very few), the Volo system offers choice and control, via on-demand services, of how they want to be entertained, informed and educated. Also, the system's high bandwidth enables wireless communications, news, weather and sport to be regularly updated throughout the day

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USA - Smart-e's SmartNet-X video and audio switching and distribution equipment is being used in the Broadway production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Woman In White when it opens in New York this month.

The SmartNet-X system, which is a true matrix switcher designed to connect multiple inputs to a myriad of remote displays, distributes high quality video and audio signals up to 300m over Cat 5 UTP cabling, say the company. The Smart-e equipment is being supplied by video production company XL Video, to project backdrop scenery and images with which the actors interact throughout this stage production adapted from Wilkie Collins' well-known Victorian thriller.

XL Video and video consultants Mesmer chose to use the Smart-e equipment for the New York production because it is an efficient and cost-effective solution to the problem of distributing high quality video an

Details
UK - ATC used the recent AES exhibition in New York to introduce the PA65, a compact, three-way active PA speaker system for flown, live sound installation. The system was developed from the company's established SCM150ASL active studio monitors that have been installed in London nightclubs Chinawhite and MO*VIDA.

The three-way active PA65 system comprises an ATC Super Linear 15-inch bass driver, a three-inch softdrome mid-range driver and a 1.25-inch fabric dome tweeter. ATC three-channel Class A/B amplifiers deliver 200 watts to the low-frequency driver, 100 watts to the mid-range and 50 watts to the tweeter. All amplifier channels feature active momentary gain reduction.

Each three-way active enclosure is capable of generating a maximum SPL of 116dB. Each cabinet offers ±80 degrees of horizontal, coherent dispersion with ±10 degrees in the vertical plane. Crossover freque

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UK - PSL has boosted its inventory of screens and monitors with the purchase of a substantial number of Samsung plasma screens. The order includes a number of Samsung's PPM63H3s, which, at 63", are one of the world's largest plasma displays. Ideal for floor, wall or multi-screen mounting, this giant monitor features an internationally acclaimed design, built-in sound amplifier and DNIe enhanced pictures, say PSL.

In addition, PSL has ordered a substantial number of Samsung 42" plasma screens, of which 14 are PPM42M5HSXs, the newest high-resolution panel from Samsung, which allows high-definition images to be shown in true native resolution. Appropriately enough, as the broadcast world trundles towards unilateral high-def standards, PSL debuted its new screens at the International Broadcast Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam, where the reaction from PSL's customers at the sh

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UK - The life-like animatronics effects in the Natural History Museum's Dinosaur Gallery have been given a new realism with the addition of low-lying fog, triggered by the prehistoric animal's computer. The Museum's contractors, North Devon-based JP Leisure, evolved the solution based on products from Antari, distributed in the UK by Lighting Effects Distribution.

Jon Powell's company have been main dealers for the full Antari range of fog, smoke, snow, bubble and haze machines for some time, and he maintains that Antari business has increased 20-fold. "Their reliability is good, as is their service and spares, and we are now shifting between 300-400 Antari items per year, which represents a huge growth."

For Health & Safety and extended duty cycle issues the Museum was reluctant to use conventional CO2 Dry Ice and so JP Leisure recommended the upgraded DNG-100 Fog C

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UK - Mojo Barriers UK supplied 209m of Mojo Steel Barriers to keep horses and crowd separate at the Horse of the Year Show this month. Grandstand Media Ltd have produced the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) since it moved to the NEC and it has remained a firm favourite with competitors and the horse fans from all over the UK.

Mojo Barriers UK manager Kevin Thorborn oversaw the project, highlighting the co-operation between the international offices of Mojo Barriers underpins the success of the show. The Mojo Steel Barriers are painted and prepared in the De Meern (Netherlands) office so that they match the high quality of presentation demanded by the HOYS organizers.

Thorborn commented: "In our first year [2002] we spent a lot of time working with the organizers, measuring and planning the configuration of the barriers for the main ring. They had to accommodate advertising h

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Sweden / USA - Swedish manufacturer Wireless Solutions Sweden AB announced they will launch their W-DMX product range in the US at this year's ETS-LDI show in Orlando, Florida. Designed for theatre, corporate events, theme parks and architectural applications, Wireless Solutions' W-DMX product is a plug-and-play system "that easily outclasses Wi-Fi-based arrangements" the manufacturer claims.

The first prototypes of the W-DMX product range were shown in 2004 - winning a PLASA Award for Innovation for its W-DMX transceiver by "taking wireless data to new levels," according to the judges. "We are really excited to be showing our product line in the US for the first time," says Wireless Solutions' international product manager, Niclas Arvidsson. "We are proud of what we have achieved with W-DMX and feel that it offers unparalleled reliability and

Details
Spain - Vieta Pro, established eighteen months ago as a division of the noted consumer audio company, is making inroads into city-centre bars, restaurants and clubs in its home city, Barcelona.

Vieta's DO Line is the favourite choice, and from this series, it is the DO-5 which is proving the most popular. A two-way passive bass-reflex speaker, it has been designed for sound processing in small spaces which require high quality sound.

At Rouras, a high-end café-bar, effective coverage is gained from just two Vieta DO-5 16 ohm loudspeakers; Kit Kat, which operates as a restaurant during the day and as a bar at night, features eight DO-5s; Chasis, an old pub in the Bribiescas that has recently been refurbished, incorporates four DO-5s and four DO-8s to cover separate dancing and seated areas.

Zacarius is built on the former site of the famous La Boite Club. Owner Carlos

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USA - Meyer Sound and LCS Audio have announced Meyer's acquisition of LCS, a manufacturer of sophisticated multi-channel digital audio mixing and processing products, and electronic acoustic enhancement such as VRAS, CueConsole, CueStation, Matrix3, SpaceMap and WildTracks.

The union of these two companies results from their successful collaboration on the development of Galileo loudspeaker management system, and underscores Meyer Sound's commitment to digital audio as part of its vision for the future of professional sound reinforcement, say Meyer.

"LCS has created digital platforms that deliver unique and fascinating capabilities," says John Meyer, president and CEO of Meyer Sound. "A strong relationship was created with LCS through the development of Galileo and I look forward to leveraging their technologies to give users the same high level of quality and f

Details
USA - Elation Control Systems has introduced the DMX Partner, a hand-held DMX recorder/playback unit that will accept information from any universal DMX-512 controller. The DMX Partner is capable of commanding a professional intelligent light show, while fitting comfortably in the palm of a hand, say Elation.

The DMX Partner features 96 DMX channels, and can hold eight chases of up to 99 steps each. It can also hold two light shows of up to 99 steps each, with separate speed and fade time adjustment. It also includes a mini-joystick in the center that can be assigned to fixtures for pan and tilt control.

Chases and shows can be played back either in Sequence Mode, one at a time, or in Mixed Mode with all eight chases and two shows playing during one session. When in Mixed Mode, the DMX Partner will incorporate the HTP Principle (Highest Takes Precedence). Under the HTP Princip

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USA/Europe - Garbage toured the US and Europe in support of their Bleed Like Me tour, with XL Touring providing their video needs. As video contractor for the tour, XL Touring Video supplied the band with the new Flying Pig Systems HogiPC, Catalyst G-5 Media Sever and a Mainlight SoftLED Curtain.

John Wiseman, president of XL Touring says "Production/Lighting Designer Butch Allen came to us with a need for a versatile and flexible video package that would fit the band's changing needs as a result of touring such drastically different sized venues. We came up with a soft led curtain and plasmas. Butch got together with High End Systems' Brad Schiller and was able to come up with a design that would allow for consistency from show to show."

(Jim Evans)

Details
UK - The Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) has invited nominations from its Full UK Members for three places on its executive committee, the body that provides strategic direction to the Association.

The nine members of the executive committee play a critical role in driving the numerous initiatives undertaken by the Association. Industry certification schemes, a Manufacturers Forum, a major membership restructure and maximizing opportunities related to the Olympics are just a few of the projects currently in discussion.

Committee members come from all sectors of the industry, but have in common a determination to develop and shape the strategic direction of the Association, helping to create a positive business environment for the membership.

Matthew Griffiths, chief executive of PLASA, commented: "It's always encouraging to see interest in the future

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UK - The Trafalgar Square 200 - The Spirit of Nelson spectacular which took place on October 23, was authored, created and produced by London-based production company, Innovision.

Innovision's aims were to combine artistic production with interactive theatrical techniques. Stage Electrics and lighting designer Durham Marenghi also played key roles.

The result of was a stunning array of lighting in patriotic colours, illuminating Nelson's column. Equipment used to create these effects included 16 Space Cannons, 4 Syncrolite B52s and a combination of 60 Martin MAC 2000W and MAC 600NT units.

Some 700 crew and cast, many of whom are Navy and Sea Cadet personnel took part and an estimated audience of 10,000 attended. Captain Steve Bramley, director of marketing and publicity, Trafalgar 200 commented, "This was a bold and challenging event that we believe struck

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Austria - Austria's largest privately held brewery, Stiegl, in Salzburg, is on the move. Following plans by the well-known Austrian architectural firm, Atelier Burgstaller, a newly built brewing area was recently completed - a glass extension of the old building. The area is also used to hold seminars on beer and brewing and receives a good deal of visitors.

Modern brewing boilers - formerly made of copper - are today made of stainless steel. For that reason, and in order to create an authentic atmosphere for guests that resembles the older look of those traditional copper boilers, Lichtdesign of Salzburg proposed a controllable, dynamic lighting solution for the new brewing area.

Some 19 controllable Alien 02 colour changers from Martin Architectural are now mounted in two circles on the ceiling to provide a variety of dynamic lighting looks. With the touch of a button tour g

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UK - Northampton-based sound and lighting installer Fabtronic has completed two audio system installations in new venues belonging to The Richardson Group, both of which use Electro-Voice EViD compact loudspeakers.

For the Church restaurant in Northampton town centre is, as the name suggests, a church conversion. on the conference and private function market. Mostly the largest in the range, the 6.2 two-way high-output cabinets with 12.1 subwoofers, have been installed. Additionally, the Church has the smaller 4.2 units for a secondary bar area. With music playback from CD, the system can be tailored to audience or time or day with a zoner/mixer desk, and it is entirely powered and processed by Electro-Voice products.

The Old White Hart Inn is a minimalist non-smoking bar/restaurant with a contemporary theme. Originally an old brewery just outside Northampton, the venue has be

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