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UK - Scheduled to open on 19 June at London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Lord of the Rings, at £12.5 million, is one of the largest and most expensive musicals to be staged in the West End. The entire rig is being controlled by two grandMA full-size, one grandMA light, one grandMA ultra-light and seven NSPs. grandMA 3D and grandMA onPC software were used for the pre-programming of the show.

"We used the grandMA due to the complexities of the lighting rig. It consists of approximately 200 moving lights and 300 conventional lights, and the requirement that after the opening night the lighting operator also controls special effects and triggers the Catalyst Video System," explains associate lighting designer David Howe. "During the three month preparation

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UK - Furman will be demonstrating its redesigned IT-Reference 16E and SPR-16E power management products for the European market. The new designs feature smooth contours of black steel and silver brushed aluminium complemented by clear blue LED lights, while offering reliable performance and innovative technologies, the company says.

The new IT-Reference 16E i offers discrete symmetrical power to cancel hum-inducing noise from audio and video, power factor technology to provide extra current on-demand for power-starved amplifiers, and four discrete dual-screen power banks to eliminate inter-component interference and noise.

The new SPR-16E i provides an ultra-stable 230 VAC supply from excessively low or high AC voltage sources. It is also outfitted with Furman's proprietary Series Multi-Stage Protection Plus (SMP+) technology, which combines three filtering and protection circ

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UK - Hawthorn's continued commitment to the Clay Paky Alpha range of moving lights has been further advanced by the addition of the Alpha Profile 1200 to its rental stock.

The Alpha Profile 1200 is a professional beam shaper which combines the technology of the Alpha units with an exclusive framing system, designed and patented by Clay Paky. With the Alpha Profile 1200 it is possible to achieve any effect you desire using the wide range zoom 10° - 30°, a full colour system, 14 gobos (6 of which rotate), an animation effect and a prism. All of the effects can be combined with endless varieties of beam shapes and sizes, says the company.

"The Alpha Profile is an exceptional unit to add to and to compliment our current range of moving lights" said Martin Hawthorn, Hawthorn's MD. "We have received many requests from both lighting designers and hire customers

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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USA - Humpin' Hannah's in Boise, Idaho recently upgraded its sound system to match its high-energy, eclectic environment. The system includes four JBL VP7215/64DPAN powered, 15" loudspeakers.

Located in the heart of downtown Boise, Humpin' Hannah's has been a staple of the city's nightlife since it opened 29 years ago. The tri-level venue serves as both a live rock club and dance club. Having worn out its existing 10-year-old loudspeaker system, Hannah's needed a new high-performance system that could serve a variety of events.

"We average almost 1,000 people on any given Saturday night, so we needed a PA system that could handle a lot of volume but was lightweight enough to reconfigure if necessary," said Rocci Johnson, co-owner of Humpin' Hannah's and lead singer of the club's resident rock outfit, The Rocci Johnson Band.

After a demonstration of the JBL VP

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USA - Symetrix has appointed Dallas Dougherty to the newly-created position of product and training specialist/field engineer. He will spend most of his time travelling to help existing and potential customers understand the applications for Symetrix technology, listen to their needs and identify solutions. While he will work with all of the Symetrix brands, his main focus will be training and support for SymNet.

Dougherty has experience in every market Symetrix covers - recording, live sound/production and installed sound. His studio days were spent at Ironwood Studios and the Tank, as well as being owner of Pink on Vinyl Productions.

Commented Dougherty, "Innovative product design and dedication to the customer are the driving forces behind Symetrix. I am excited to be a part of this incredible team, and look forward to promoting the SymNet line through training."<

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UK - Gerhard Schroeder, Jesse Jackson and explorer Monty Halls will be sharing their thoughts with UK business people this month - and making sure their words of wisdom aren't drowned out by rain or echoing acoustics is a Yorkshire-based sound specialist.

The 12th Yorkshire International Business Convention is being held at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate on 8 June. There, an audience of the region's key business people will be keen to hear from the former Chancellor of Germany, from the Rev. Jesse Jackson, business guru Jonas Ridderstråle and Lyn Heward, former creative director of Cirque du Soleil.

TMC engineers, sub-contracted by Saville AV, have the job of installing and running a sound system that ensures every one of the 1,500 delegates can hear clearly, but is visually discreet enough to blend into the background. "Acoustically the room isn't ideal,

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UK - Digital mixing console manufacturer DiGiCo and Nexo UK distributor Fuzion plc pooled their resources to put on a demonstration of both DiGiCo consoles and the new Nexo Geo D10 array at London's Hippodrome in Leicester Square.

The event offered live hands-on experience and training on DiGiCo's D5 and D1 digital consoles, sending multitrack mixes to Nexo's Geo D10 tangential array, which was flown in the venue.

Paul Ward of Fuzion comments, "Our objective was to create interest in the new Geo D system among touring professionals. We wanted to communicate directly with Nexo's potential end-users, hence the choice of an easy-to-get-to central London venue and a very relaxed format that allowed the system to be demonstrated as it would be used in a real situation.

"Nearly 40 front-of-house engineers came through the doors, and I think their experience of the system

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UK - ISCE's revised Training Initiative got off to a flying start. Already nearly 50 attendees have been trained and accredited with their certificates, in the Measurement & Certification of AFILS Systems, to the newly revised IEC60118-4 Standard. This is a vital course for anyone involved with Induction Loop Systems.

Regional courses have already been held in Watford, Warrington, Washington (Tyne & Wear), and Northern Ireland and, with places filling fast for course venues at Bristol and Crowborough on 9 and 16 July respectively, there is no time to lose if you don't want to miss out on this essential training and accreditation, says ISCE.

Future courses being planned include Design and Installation of AFILS; Commissioning, Balancing and Equalisation of Sound Systems; Implementation of the new EMC Standards; and courses specifically for Voice Alarm Systems. For those new to

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Finland - A huge Cyberhoist motion control system was used to animate the dynamic set created by lighting and screen designer Mikki Kunttu for the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) semi-final and final, broadcast live from Helsinki's Hartwall Arena.

The set comprised over 400sq.m of Barco LED modules which formed the stage floor, a catwalk out into the audience and left and right screens. The screens, and a total of 16 lighting trusses, were lifted and lowered by four ultrafast Cyberhoist CH250 (250kg load capacity / 0 to 40 meters per minute, variable speed) intelligent chainhoist motors and 34 Cyberhoist CH500 (500kg capacity / up to 20m per minute variable speed) motors.

The complete system, programmed by CyberHoist-operator Joeri Swagemakers, operated by Cyberhoist technician Chris Sabelleck and supplied by Flashlight from The Netherlands, was under the control of an InMo

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USA - Furman Sound has appointed John Benz as the new marketing manager for Furman Sound, LLC. Benz has served Furman for more than two years in the marketing department, and has previously owned his own marketing services company.

Furman's former marketing manager, Dave Dilitkanich, will remain with the company for six weeks to assist in transitioning the position to Mr. Benz. He will then be leaving to pursue an MBA at the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

(Jim Evans)

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UK - Selecon is offering visitors to next week's ABTT Theatre Show the opportunity to win one of four top of the range Leatherman Charge TTI hand tools.

Entry forms for the promotion can only be obtained at the Show; either at the Selecon Stand or keep an eye out for someone in a bright yellow 'Get a Grip!' t-shirt and collect one from them. Fill it in, pop it in the tombola at the Selecon Stand and you are in the draw - the earlier you enter the more chances you have to win, says Selecon. There will be a total of four draws with one winner per draw.

(Jim Evans)

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UK - Multiform Technology has announced the sale of its trademark, product IP and company history to an affiliate of Hong Kong-based Adelto Group.

Iain Price-Smith, founder of Multiform, will continue to act as a consultant to the company, who will be developing a new range of quality performance lighting products designed in Europe, which are to be manufactured at Adelto's affiliated manufacturing plant in Guangzhou, China. Global distribution will be handled by Adelto offices in Hong Kong and Germany.

Existing products will continue to be manufactured and distributed in the UK under licence by Light Engineering who will continue to provide service, spares and technical support for these products.

The first new products to be released will be a range of sophisticated, colour changing, DMX-controlled LED luminaires, followed by a range of dimming controllers to succeed Multi

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UK - Boost Juice Bars UK is screening colourful, energetic promotional content at its outlets nationwide using digital signage software from 3M. Rapidly updated multimedia material, generated in Australia but displayed on screens globally, is central to the 'Boost Customer Experience' which takes place every time a customer visits a store.

Originating from Australia, Boost Juice Bars has a 200-strong international network of stores spanning South East Asia, South Africa, Europe, the Middle East and South America. To support this expansion, Boost Juice has adopted 3M Digital Signage software for its global network of screens and is now rolling out the network in the UK, starting with new stores in Manchester and Oxford.

"3M Digital Signage is a powerful tool to create movement and colour and builds the vibe in all Boost Juice bars worldwide. This adds to the unique experie

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UK - Lighting Partners will again be exhibiting at this year's ABTT Theatre Show with products on display from its usedlighting.co.uk operation together with Smoke Factory smoke machines and budget products from stagelighting.co.uk.

Iain Dennis of Lighting Partners commented: "We are delighted to be returning to the ABTT show after last year's event proved to be such a success. Our stand will include a selection of products from our new and used operations, plus it will be the first chance in the UK for the public to see the latest range of smoke machines from Smoke Factory including the Tour Hazer II, Captain D and Fan Fogger."

Florian von Hoffen from Smoke Factory will be on the stand. The Lighting Partners team will also be joined by Malcolm Burlow of Highlite UK.

(Jim Evans)

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Norway - Massteknik, one of Scandinavia's leading AV rental and installations integrators has installed two digiLED LED video screens at FC Start's new stadium in Kristiansand.

Two widescreen displays each measuring 7m high x 4m wide have been installed at either end of the stadium using digiLED's latest effective resolution digiLED d12 modules which offer a 25mm physical, 12.5mm effective, pixel pitch.

The bespoke modules were specifically designed to suit FC Start's stadium, maximising the screen size in the available space. Measuring 1m wide x 1m high x 0.140m deep, the 7 x 4 module configuration provides a screen with an effective resolution of 560 x 320 pixels.

The digiLED d12 screens are controlled by an Omnivex Director feeding live camera, graphics and other sources to the screens. The Ominvex system, located in the control room, connects to the screens via fibre opt

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UK - The recently re-launched website for theatre lighting clamps, stands and associated equipment from Doughty Engineering of Hampshire (www.doughty-engineering.co.uk) is proving a hit with the company's distributors and customers worldwide, it claims.

The new site features an easy-to-use navigation system based on a mix of pictorial images for fast recognition combined with a simple, sectional menu for those who know exactly what they are looking for.

Doughty sales manager Julian Chiverton says, "The people we deal with have been asking for more on-line information for a while now, hence this six-month project to completely redesign out site, but nothing prepared us for the almost immediate and massive increase in traffic which we are experiencing. Judging by current response I guess we must have got it just about right."

Over 1000 products are featured along wit

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USA - As the first line of soft cases designed specifically for lighting products, Arriba has created bags for just about every piece of equipment a mobile entertainer could possibly own. Now the company has expanded its lightweight case line and come out with a series of five soft bags for stage trussing.

The new AT Truss Series includes three different-sized cases for straight truss (designed to fit both square and triangular trussing), and two cases for holding union junction blocks. Featuring the same lightweight yet durable design and construction as the rest of the Arriba line, the new truss bags offer convenient and economical alternative to hard cases for protecting trussing in transit or when it's being stored, says the company.

Each bag features PVC plastic ridges on the bottom and ends to hold the trussing securely in place, while protecting the rugged fabric of the

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USA - Fletcher Cove is a stretch of ocean paradise on California's lower left coast. It's a favourite spot for surfers, swimmers and residents of north county San Diego. As with any populated beach, lifeguards have their hands full with watching the waters and keeping people safe. Communicating over the ocean's roar can be critical, and is always a challenge.

"The area had been experiencing some minor issues," explains Steven Manno, systems designer at BlueWater Audio. "Typical stuff like swimmers and surfers straying into each others' areas and such, and they needed a marine announcement system. They only had this one small, out-of-the-way lifeguard station and a very limited budget."

Manno opted to mount a pair of Community R.5-HP loudspeakers midway up a bluff overlooking the cove, which maximised throw and limited potential vandalism. The installation w

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UK - Architainment Lighting Ltd, the exclusive UK distributor for Color Kinetics Inc, has announced that rental company HSL Group has become the first company in Europe to invest in the new iColor Accent Powercore linear fixture from the US-based LED manufacturer. iColor Accent Powercore is an IP66 rated linear fixture available in 600, 1200 and 2400mm lengths and is controllable in 30mm increments.

Power and control is through the new Data Enabler EO, which can power up to 30m of product, with the capability of receiving both DMX and video inputs into the same box.

Simon Stuart, managing director of Blackburn-based HSL Group, comments: "The fact that this fixture can accept both DMX and Video through the same box puts it head and shoulders above similar products on the market."

The initial investment has gone straight onto ITV1's new talent show Grease Is The W

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USA - In an unusual project, dB Audio and Video's system advisor Keith Armstrong oversaw the conversion of a gym to a sanctuary at Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Gadsden, Alabama.

The gymnasium was a large 120ft x 80ft x 22ft box covered with reflective surfaces, and Armstrong measured its reverb time at 7.5 seconds. However, the church had determined that they could place a generous stage along one of the long walls and still accommodate 900 church members.

"Diffusion panels would help kill the rather extreme flutter echo," Armstrong explained, "but there was still a massive slap-back echo from the back wall to the stage." To combat the problem, dB Audio and Video designed a regiment of two-inch absorption panels and installed them along the back wall. They soaked up most of the energy above 1kHz and a good deal below that frequency.

"Although we did

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UK - After a successful eight months with Stage Technologies, Gerry Jeatt has been appointed operations manager. Jeatt joined the company in October 2006 primarily to oversee large UK and international projects. His responsibilities have since developed and, following the company's further recent expansion, he has become increasingly involved in the manufacturing side of the business.

Stage Technologies has also recently been joined by Robert Hopkins who will be working on permanent installation projects as a system integration engineer.

(Jim Evans)

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