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UK - The controversial UK tour of Jerry Springer - The Opera opened at theTheatre Royal, Plymouth in January and continues to twenty-one other venuesover the following six months.

Olivier award-winning sound designer, Mike Walker, adapted his design to allow for fast turnarounds and variety of venues. "The show is playing for a week in most venues, so, at the design stage, it was imperative to make sure that the system was easy to configure.

"There is a reduction in cast size from thirty to twenty-one and a smaller orchestra of six rather than eight, so inputs were able to be reduced accordingly.

"It was important for me that the engineers moving the show have sufficient time to get the speakers in the right position, focussed precisely and working togeth

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Germany - Zero 88 Chilli dimmers and ChilliNet panels have taken control of the lighting system in the new vehicle showroom at MAN's state of the art truck factory in Munich.

The Munich based MAN factory is the head office of MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG. The original plant was built in 1955. As the biggest factory in the MAN manufacturing group this Munich site sets industry standards in the economic manufacturing of high-quality vehicles. Their recently modernized showroom offers customers a high-quality and modern environment in which to shop.

The design requirements for the new lighting control system in the show room were clearly stated. Flexibility and reliability with simple installation of the equipment were the main criteria for this project. The features of the Chilli lighting control system matched this brief and complimented the futuristic features of the show room.

Zero

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UK - It is an unusual situation for a lighting designer to be briefed to: "on no account light the leading performer". However this is exactly the situation that Andrew Bridge found himself in when lighting Sinatra at the London Palladium this year.

Directed by David Leveaux, Sinatra opened in March and is realised via a hybrid of technology and live action. The production mixes video footage of ol' blue eyes himself with a live band (music arranged by Gareth Valentine), accompanied by live backing singers and dancers (choreographed by Stephen Mear).

Bridge's brief was to create atmosphere and dimension for the 24 strong band and the live dancers - without upstaging Sinatra. However it was not easy to light the live performers when the leading man appears as a video image anything up to eight meters tall! Sinatra manifests on nine separate screens of va

featured content

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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Germany - Pioneer presented yet another glimpse into the dynamic future of digital DJing during Musikmesse in Frankfurt. Focusing on all matters relating to music, from hardware and software to instruments and accessories, the enormous international trade fair took place this year between 29 March and 1 April, and together with ProLight&Sound attracted over 100,000 visitors from 120 countries.

In the mix at Musikmesse in hall 5.1 alongside other scene leaders such as Ableton, Apple and UDG, Pioneer hosted a grand stand in order to introduce the latest equipment. This included the exciting new digital DJ mixers, the DJM-400 and DJM-800, as well as the new range of CDJ CD decks, the CDJ-800Mk2s and CDJ-1000Mk3s. Aside from this future-proof DJ hardware, Pioneer's new DJS software was also available for examination alongside the new industrial strength DVD player, the robust and re

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USA - Building upon the success of its theatrical and entertainment lighting design software, Chicago Stage Equipment, DBA Design and Drafting, released CAD Content, the first ever Visual Shareable Library.

Using Autodesk's advanced i-drop technology CAD Content delivers unbelievable power in an easy to use Visual Library. CAD Content's Visual Library can be shared over a local server or on-line. This advanced power library comes with predefined content, user defined content and online content capabilities. CAD content's on-line path can be modified to control the location that a designer can browse.

CAD Content is a stand-a-lone product and works with AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT or LD Assistant. It speeds up the design process and shortens the overall design times. It is designed for companies and individuals to quickly set up and share design content with their team using on-line an

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UK - Video Europe, one of the UK's broadcast hire companies specialising in sporting events, has recently invested in an INNOVASON Sy48 digital mixing console complete with stagebox and several I/O cards supplied by SSE Hire.

SSE's digital systems manager, Richard Willis, stated that Video Europe was delighted with its latest addition to their inventory. "They specifically wanted a small footprint, high performance console capable of handling a full mix for live TV yet that remained compact and lightweight enough for easy transport around the globe. One of their engineers mentioned that INNOVASON might be a good choice, so they approached us for a demo. Once they saw for themselves the amount of processing power housed in such a stripped-down and accessible format, they didn't need any further convincing."

The Sy48's first job was live international cricket coverage

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UK - Sound Division has recently supplied a fully portable and modular PA system for the Bradford & Bingley building society, complete with custom-built branded flightcasing and accessories. The PA system was designed and built to the B&B's specifications for use on a number of events ranging from internal team meetings to communications roadshows to staff parties.

The system is based on a pair of JBL Eon 15-G2 full range powered loudspeakers on Proel stands and a Soundcraft Folio E6 six-channel rackmount mixing desk with a Pioneer PDM426 six-disc multiplay CD player and two Shure UHF PGX24/SM58 radio mic systems. Sound Division also supplied a custom-built flightcase with a 10U mixer slope and 4U of rack space beneath it to house the mixer, CD player and radio mic transceivers.

B&B's Dean Butterfield is pleased with the end result. "Sound Division have been very helpful

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Monaco - The Principality of Monaco may be one of the smallest nations in Europe, but its reputation for elegance, luxury and sophistication spans the globe. The tiny country's riches are founded on events of worldwide renown such as the Monaco Grand Prix, and the draw of glamorous entertainment venues such as the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino.

The company responsible for running much of Monte Carlo's leisure programme is the Société des Bains de Mer, which owns a number of hotels, bars and nightclubs, as well as the casino itself. Maintaining quality is a top priority.

Yves Hubert, is the technical manager responsible for audio at some of the top venues, including the Salle des toiles - a multi-purpose lounge that hosts live music, discos and a number of events for television, particularly when the annual Grand Prix circus comes to town. Built in the 1970s, th

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USA - TMB is pleased to announce Lisa Kerwath's promotion to sales manager. Lisa will coordinate global sales with TMB's European general manager, Paul Hartley, and oversee TMB sales operations in the western hemisphere and Asia. Lisa will also help implement a restructuring to accommodate the company's OEM and new architectural divisions.

Kerwath joined TMB in 2001 and is based at the headquarters in Los Angeles. Having worked in TMB's LA, NY and UK offices, Kerwath will help the continued strengthening of TMB's global reach. A native of Georgia, Kerwath represents a tradition of southern hospitality and integrity, qualities that compliment TMB's commitment to friendly and reliable service.

"I am looking ahead," says Kerwath, "TMB's business is more than transactional; it is relationship driven. I intend to maximize our ability to foster and maintain relations

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Germany - Frankfurt ProLight&Sound saw d&b audiotechnik unveil the latest addition to their stage monitor range, the M4, and their large-scale J-Series loudspeaker range, and also reveal the latest software additions to the d&b Remote network.

The M4 is a visually discreet, 2-way high performance stage monitor employing an integrated 15" /1.3" exit coaxial driver with a CD horn and passive crossover network. In its standard 50° x 70° dispersion configuration it provides an accurately defined coverage area on stage and when used upright it is transformed into a powerful PA system. The M4 can optionally be operated in 2-way active mode by changing the d&b D12 amplifier's configuration without any modifications to the loudspeaker. For its compact dimension and mere 20 kg (44 lb) it produces an incredible 138 or 140 dB SPL when driven in passive or active mode respective

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UK - Bandit Lites is supplying full lighting production for blues legend BB King's last ever UK tour. Still vibrant and enthusiastic at 80, King has decided that it is finally time to take a break from the rigours of the road! The tour is co-headlined by another guitar hero - Gary Moore.

Lester Cobrin, Bandit's business development manager, says: "It was an honour and a privilege working on what was billed as BB King's farewell tour. I have absolute respect for the 'King of the Blues' and will never forget seeing him on stage at his final show at Wembley."

Lighting designer Mark Wheatley has worked with Moore for the last four years, and he came onboard to light both sections as BB doesn't have permanent sound or lighting engineers.

It's the first time Wheatley has worked with Bandit, describing the experience as "Absolutely excellent". The famousl

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UK - Tannoy have announced the appointment of Andrzej Sosna as managing director, effective immediately. It's almost six years to the day that Andrzej joined the company at its Scottish-based headquarters as sales and marketing director. The company organisation and management team was restructured when TC Group bought the TGI group of companies in 2002 and since that time Andrzej has been the driving force behind Tannoy's recent product successes in his role as product development director.

Commenting on the internal promotion of his successor, current Tannoy MD and CEO of TC Group, Anders Fauerskov, said: "The appointment of Andrzej to this position will allow me to focus 100% on Group activities and will also ensure that there is now a dedicated 'champion' for all Tannoy matters within the Group. With his wealth of experience relating to international sales, distribution

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Germany - Klotz Digital was recently awarded a contract from North Rhine Westphalia's Parliament to replace the existing public address system with a Varizone announcement and evacuation installation at its facility in Duesseldorf. The building includes eight levels including a circular plenar hall, separated parliamentary party and administration areas, two basement garages and a variety of assembly rooms and offices, housing round about 500 employees and 182 members of the parliament. Klotz Digital's PA system will link 1,700 loudspeakers spread on all levels of the building.

The bigger areas such as the casino, entrance hall and car parks will be provided with a traditional 100V PA system from Klotz Digital, while Varizone will primarily be used for feeding the offices. A Vadis 880 main frame will control audio routing and signal processing throughout the facility. The instal

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Sweden - Wireless Solution Sweden AB announced that it will begin shipping fully qualified RoHS-compliant W-DMX products in June 2006. The RoHS directive, often referred to as "Lead-Free legislation", is an acronym for Reduction of Hazardous Substances. It is intended to restrict the use of certain hazardous matter including lead, mercury, and other various hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

Compliance must be met for all products containing electrical or electronic components placed in the European Union market as of July 1 of this year. This legislation appears to be part of a growing global trend toward more environmentally sound manufacturing policies in the industry as a whole.

Wireless Solution is committed to providing only quality products to its customers that have been proven to be safe not only for people, but the environme

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Slovakia - Slovakia's top lighting designers, Martin Kubanka and Michal Schmidt are using 85 Robe moving lights on the country's top rated TV series - Superstar.

It is the second series of the Slovakian Pop Idol roll out. Such is its popularity that STV1's weekly Friday night prime time show had to be moved to a larger venue - the Incheba Expo in Bratislava - with a capacity of 5,000. The show is also being watched by up to a third of the county's 5.5 million population, and is proving a great boost for Slovakia's burgeoning young musical talent.

All lighting for the series is supplied by leading Bratislava-based rental company Q-99, who also supplied the inaugural series last year which also featured Robe moving lights. Q-99 has invested heavily in Robe over the last year to keep pace with it's busy schedule which includes many of the top TV shows, concerts, to

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UK - MLsoundadvice, ML Executives and LXco joined forces to create a nightclub in the heart of an exclusive estate, producing a private birthday party for 150 guests to celebrate in style.

The client had an idea to recreate the atmosphere of his favourite nightclub, 'B.E.D' (located in Miami, USA), in a marquee in the grounds on their house. MLsoundadvice manager Gareth Jones originated the overall design based on obtaining descriptive 'key-words' from the client on their likes, dislikes and interests.

Drawing on his creative side, Jones's design solution included multi-level raised areas that turned into, and focused the guests' look towards the stage. The areas included a discrete 'bed' VIP area for the hosts, a second VIP area for family with contemporary furniture and a circular pink bar, all flanking a chequered dance floor. His technical expertise generated a real nightc

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Italy - The International Laser Display Association (ILDA), is an organisation of over 100 of the largest professional laser show companies from some 30 countries. The umbrella organisation of the laser show industry, founded in 1986 in the USA, it serves not only to define exchange formats and standards for laser performances, but also offers a forum for the exchange of expertise and the latest technological advances among professionals within the framework of an annual conference.

Following on from Brussels and Las Vegas, this year's event took place for the first time in Rimini, Italy, in conjunction with the SIB light and sound trade fair. The conference again included the presentation of the ILDA Awards, which honour the best laser shows of the year, considered to be not only to be the laser show industry's Oscars, but also the most objective yardstick as to the state of la

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UK - The Guildhall School will give seven performances of Martin Crimp's version of Molière's The Misanthrope at the Bridewell Theatre this May. Moliere's greatest comedy is reworked in this blistering contemporary version, with its fierce argument between conformity and non-conformity.

The Guildhall School welcomes award-winning lighting designer Rick Fisher to work on the production, saying "his involvement provides a remarkable opportunity for Guildhall School Technical Theatre students to work with one of the best lighting designers in British Theatre".

Fisher has most recently been at the Victoria Palace where he designed the lighting for Billy Elliot, The Musical. Fisher is currently chairman of the British Association of Lighting Designers (ALD) and his prestigious CV includes work on Jerry Springer The Opera (National Theatre / West End)

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UK - A Studer Vista 8 digital audio console has been chosen for the new recording studio at the recently-refurbished Glasgow City Halls. Performances given by the venue's principal resident, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, in the Grand Hall will all be recorded in the new studio for broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and Radio Scotland.

"Vista 8 technology confers significant practical benefits as well as outstanding audio quality," explains Studer's Andrew Hills, UK sales director. "Using the new fibre optic infrastructure, in conjunction with Studer's portable Stageboxes, the City Halls team will make noticeable savings on set-up time, as they move from venue to venue within the complex."

Glasgow's City Halls houses the Grand Hall, The Old Fruitmarket and the Recital Room. Now merged into one complex, these adjacent, Grade I listed Victorian venues, dating fro

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Europe - Pathway Connectivity has announced that it will begin shipment of fully qualified RoHS-compliant products in the first quarter of 2006. The RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive, which is often referred to as Lead-Free legislation, is intended to restrict the use of not just lead, but a variety of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

Compliance must be met for all products containing electrical or electronic components placed in the European Union market as of 1 July this year.

Pathway has a demonstrated commitment to protecting people and the environment and the company has been following the development of these directives for a number of years. In early 2004, Pathway began working on a RoHS compliance strategy. This included an evaluation of compliance as well as component substitution and re-engineering where necessary to inc

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Germany - Martin Audio used the recent ProLight&Sound in Frankfurt to preview their new W8L Longbow - an evolution of the successful W8L line array system. Longbow brings a new level of performance to the most demanding sound reinforcement applications such as outdoor festivals, sports stadiums and the largest arenas.

Since the launch of the W8L, Martin Audio has developed a patent pending technology, which provides an exceptional degree of control over the curvature of the high frequency vertical wavefront. Research has shown that even very long-throw systems benefit from a small, but specific amount of wavefront curvature. By coupling this technology with significant advances in high frequency device design Martin Audio have created a quad-driver, high frequency system with an impressive 10dB greater output capability over the W8L.

This additional high frequency headroom all

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