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USA - The XLS Series, Crown's workhorse amplifier line for musicians and DJs, has now been extended with the addition of the new XLS 5000. Delivering 1800 watts per channel in four-ohm stereo mode, and 5000 watts in four-ohm bridge-mono mode, the XLS 5000 packs more than twice the punch of the next highest-powered model in the range, the XLS 802, says the company.

"Providing more watts per dollar than any other amplifier in its class, the XLS 5000 represents a tremendous value to end users who need a big amp without a big price tag," says Andy Flint, Crown vertical market manager, portable PA. "By pairing this amplifier up with JBL's MRX, SRX or VRX loudspeaker enclosures, our customers can now have access to a highly professional yet economical all-Harman solution.

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Syria - The FBT Modus line array was chosen by the owners of the 1001 Nights restaurant located in Damascus. Having a seating capacity of more than 1000 people in its big outdoor gardens this restaurant is rated among the best in the Middle East. Decorated both inside and outside with real scale reproductions including the leaning tower of Pisa, the 1001 Nights features an automated stage suitable for the most demanding theatre events, as well as for musical performances calling a large audience.

The installation was executed by the local contractor SADA. Al-Zayat was the chief engineer for the project, overseeing the installation of the equipment.

All the technical aspects and system designs were carried on while the restaurant was under construction; FBT provided all the sound products for this installation.

(Jim Evans)

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Australia - Allen & Heath's iLive digital mixing system was recently employed by Australian PA company, Davidson Audio, for two festival events staged at Sydney's Darling Harbour. Comprising an iDR10 stage rack and iLive-144 control surface, the system managed FOH mixing, complemented by a Martin Audio Wavefront speaker system, for the harbour's Fiesta Latin music festival and New Year's Eve show.

Fiesta is an annual four-day festival featuring over 30 acts, whilst the NYE Show was a free public event including fireworks and performances from international ABBA tribute band, Bjorn Again, and Sydney favourites, the John Fields Band. Fast changeover times between acts were critical, therefore Davidson Audio needed a digital mixer with the capability of recalling sound check settings quickly and accurately.

"Set up, sound checks, performances and changeovers were completely

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

Details
France - Zero 88 has appointed Axente as its exclusive exclusive French dealer. The appointment follows Zero 88's recent incorporation into Cooper Lighting and a restructuring of their distribution in France for 2008.

Axente combines lighting, sound and structure to supply an integrated solution to the marketplace. "There is a lot of synergy between the two organizations," says Zero 88's Western Europe market manager, Grant Bales-Smith. "Zero 88 and Axente both have a similar operating philosophy which places great emphasis on supporting customers in the marketplace. I am delighted to partner with such a pro-active and forward thinking company in France, and look forward to developing this important market together."

Axente has kicked off the new partnership with an order for over 30 consoles as well as a range of dimming, DMX and visualisation products.

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UK - Lifting and rigging sales specialists Lift-Turn-Move (LTM) will show a range of their standard products at ProLight &Sound 2008 in Frankfurt in March, including the Lodestar and Prostar electric chain hoists which are being highlighted at the show.

LTM started manufacturing hoist controllers in 2005 and has constructed systems for both Direct and Low Voltage controlled hoists. The past 12 months has seen the range expand from 4 channel to 42 channel units. These are available as movable, flight cased units and as wall mounted systems for permanent installations. LTM can design and construct bespoke control systems to fit a client's exact and specific requirements.

(Jim Evans)

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Denmark - An outdoor version of Martin Professional's Cyclo fluorescent colour changing luminaire is now available in the US. Cyclo IP65 provides for dynamic outdoor illumination of facades and structures, with a slim linear design based on RGB and white fluorescent T5 tubes.

Cyclo IP65 can be programmed to generate smooth variations in light and colour, as well as 'daylight' variations in colour temperature from warm white to cool white. Each of the T5 tubes is electronically dimmable from 0-100%.

The Cyclo IP65 US version is available in a 54 W RGB model (Cyclo 03) with DMX interface. The luminaire comes in a UL approved polyester housing with a clear front cover. Luminaires can be surface-mounted or mounted on an adjustable bracket (available as an accessory) that can be tilted through 90°.

Cyclo fittings can be controlled in stand-alone operation or via DMX. For simp

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UK - PerformTech, Scotland's recently launched show for sound, light, stage and AV technologies, reports that it has has secured "numerous prestigious exhibitors for its inaugural event" which is a collaboration between Black Light, Northern Light and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

The exhibition, to be held on 28 and 29 May 2008 at the RSAMD in Glasgow, has confirmed Christie Digital, Doughty Engineering, ETC, Hall Stage, Le Maitre, Lift Turn Move, MA Lighting, MGC, Selecon, Strand, Triple E and Zero 88 as exhibitors.

Gavin Stewart, managing director at Black Light, said: "Our plans for PerformTech really are coming on at quite a pace. The majority of industry players will be represented and will enable our visitors to view equipment that provides lighting control and effects, pyrotechnics, audio control and kit, projection, rigging, hoists, pai

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Norway - Rental company AVAB CAC has provided the sound system for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, held annually at the Oslo Spektrum, for the last 10 years. The 2007 featured a Midas XL8 Live Performance System at front of house for the first time.

"This year we knew we had to be digital, as we have been for a few years, but we also wanted to provide a console with sound quality equal to that of an XL4,and with double the amount of inputs and far more outputs then a H3000," says Asle Nilsen, head of AVAB CAC's sound department.

At the controls of the XL8 were AVAB CAC senior FOH engineer Geir °stensj°. "The XL8 is a tremendous digital tool that provides easy access to all the knobs and faders, just as if you're working on an analogue desk," he says. "The five bright screens give you a great overview of what's coming into and going out of the d

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Switzerland - Barix AG has announced that it is partnering with Digigram to bring EtherSound technology to new markets including security, transportation and other public address applications. Digigram has recognized Barix as a launch partner for the technology, with Barix implementing Digigram's ES-100/spkr technology within its Exstreamer IP audio decoders and IPAM modules for OEM partnerships.

The ES-100/spkr, a variant of the network audio standard EtherSound, enables manufacturers to implement EtherSound in new devices for "a fraction of the cost" while keeping typical EtherSound control and administration features when a fully features ES-100 or ES-Giga implementation is not required. Digigram unveiled the ES-100/spkr solution at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show in Amsterdam this week, with Barix also unveiling the technology at its ISE booth.

"As

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Italy - The organisers of Show-Way, the new, international trade fair for professional show technology and services which takes place in Bergamo later this month, have announced details of a three-day programme of Workshops and Forums.

During the three-day exhibition, from 24 to 26 February 2008, internationally renowned speakers and associations will talk on a variety of topical subjects, say the organisers.

24 February 2008
11:30 a.m.
LIGHT & SHADE IN CARAVAGGIO
The winner of three Best Photography Oscars, Vittorio Storaro, shares his reflections on an extraordinary career.
2:00 p.m.

LIGHT & CULTURAL HERITAGE
Reflections on the relationship between the use of light and Italy's artistic heritage.
Speakers (ACCADEMIA DELLA LUCE): Marina Vio and Francesca Storaro.

2:00 p.m.
ASSOMUSICA
A discussion on the problems of "live" shows

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UK - Artistic Licence has announced the launch of its latest DMX lighting tool, DMX-Fix. Artistic say this is a solution to "those occasional nasty compatibility problems - the ones that usually occur when the crew should all be relaxing in the bar!".

DMX-Fix aims to solve compatibility problems arising from products not quite up to speed with the latest advances in DMX512 and RDM (Remote Device Management). DMX-Fix is a combined DMX512 splitter and data filter, which automatically removes any 'clever' information from the data stream, ensuring compatibility with older or out of specification fixtures and dimmers.

The DMX512 input is optically isolated and the product offers five independent DMX512 outputs. The product performs a number of automatic functions, including stripping all non-standard start codes, passing only lighting level data; correcting stop bits, en

Details
UK - ML Group will be supplying the largest EAW KF760 Series line array loudspeaker contingent ever to tour Europe as the key components of a large-scale sound reinforcement system for the upcoming Iron Maiden Somewhere Back in Time 2008 world tour.

Kicking off in India early in February, the tour will visit more than 30 countries in the coming months, and comes to Europe for its final leg beginning in late June through mid-August. ML Group, with offices in the UK and US, enjoys a steady relationship with Iron Maiden, previously supplying a large-scale EAW-based system for the band's 2006 Matter of Life or Death concert tour.

"For the stadium tour of Europe, we'll be supplying four main hangs of 18 EAW KF760 large-format line array modules and two EAW KF761 wide dispersion modules," explains Gary Marks, managing director of ML Group. "That's a tota

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South Africa - 12 Robe ColorSpot 250E AT fixtures welcomed 12 new housemates from 12 different countries into the Big Brother house for the second African series of the world's most famous reality TV programme. The House is located at Sasani Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the show was broadcast on DSTV Channel 198, with lighting directed by Peter Rieck & Christiaan Ballot.

Christiaan Ballot and his team from Pretoria - Blond Productions - won the contract from Endemol South Africa to provide lighting, sound and AV for all the events outside the Big Brother House during the series, including the weekly evictions and the Grand Final. They also assisted with shooting inserts before the beginning of the production.

To cater for all the technical requirements, Ballot purchased six new Robe ColorSpot 700E ATs, and 12 Robe ColorSpot 250E ATs.

"They are awesome unit

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USA - A Dynacord Alpha Concept system has been installed at the Venetian's new TAO Beach club in Las Vegas, designed and installed by Bob Athey and Frank Heinrich of FBP Group.

A new addition to the mega-hotel's popular TAO nightclub, TAO Beach features a DJ booth, bar, lounge and luxury cabanas surrounded by palm trees and opulent drapery.

The complete Dynacord system solution at TAO Beach blends with the design elements of the space; for this installation, the speakers are colour matched, and nestled discreetly in the drapery but fill the entire pool area with sound.

Six Dynacord Cobra-2 Subs provide additional low end support; 12 D-Lite D12 full range cabinets supplement the surrounding VIP areas and hot tub deck. Powered by five Dynacord Power-H 5000 remote control DSP amplifiers with RCM26 modules, FIR presets optimise each loudspeaker's performance, and continuously mo

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UK - Following the success of its S4 Racked 'n' Ready wireless microphone system, Trantec has now applied the same concept to its S5 range. This turnkey approach packs "everything you need into one easily transportable flightcase, combining world-class wireless with the convenience of a system that's always ready to roll".

The system is available in two formats, allowing the user to take advantage of the two price points on offer. The entry level version is the S5.3 which operates up to 12 simultaneous channels in nine banks within an 11MHz window (854-865MHz). Computer monitoring software comes as standard so users benefit from realtime system status. The S5.3 is already being recognised as a versatile performer and is proving particularly popular with semi-pro bands and theatre productions, says Trantec.

The S5.5 system caters for larger projects and can simultaneo

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USA - Mike Borne set-up Allstar Audio Systems, a full-service sound, lighting, video and staging company, back in 1984. Since then, the Tennessee and Florida-based venture has been adding to its inventory as often as possible and Borne recently supplemented his existing DiGiCo stock with extra consoles.

According to Borne, his purchasing decisions are made from relationships, observations and a comfort factor. "Several years ago while attending an AES convention in San Francisco, Big Al (Allan Nichols) introduced me to a couple of Brits, in town promoting the product lines of the company they were working for at the time. Those two Brits were none other than Bob Doyle, and David Webster. They both had infectious personalities, and I had a great time hanging out with them, enjoying their British humour.

"I do several events each year where National Touring Artists com

Details
The Netherlands - During ISE in Amsterdam, The Harman Pro Group showcased a new system featuring products from JBL Professional, Crown and BSS Audio at The Hunting Lodge, an exclusive wine bar and restaurant in a popular tourist destination near Arnhem in Eastern Holland.

The system comprises 39 JBL Control Contractor Series speakers divided between the meeting room, wine bar, and the separate restaurant area. In the wine bar, eight JBL Control 26C units and three Control 24C ceiling mount speakers, each featuring titanium-coated tweeters, are able to deliver maximum sound level over a wide coverage area. For low frequency support, two Control 19CS in-ceiling subwoofers are installed.

Elsewhere, there are two restaurants within The Hunting Lodge, each equipped with nine JBL Control 24CTs with multi-tap transformers. The primary restaurant houses 17 JBL Control 24CTmicros.

Po

Details
UK - Stage Electrics is hosting a series of Product Overview Sessions at their branches this spring. During these free sessions, manufacturers Strand, Yamaha, ETC and RSS by Roland will be showcasing their new products, providing technical information, giving demonstrations and answering questions.

ETC will be introducing the Ion console, launched at LDI 2007. Like its big sister Eos, Ion is designed for today's multimedia lighting rigs and with a convenient small footprint is a compact solution for space-starved venues, says the company.

The first series of sessions featuring Strand and Yamaha commence in Bristol on 5 February and will also take place in London, Cambridge, Exeter, Birmingham and Tyneside.

Stage Electrics' training manager Sara Alarabi comments: "These are excellent opportunities for our customers to learn more about the latest products in a relaxed atm

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The Netherlands - Pixlvision, the Netherlands-based centre for professional video distribution, sales, solutions, support and training, has been appointed as Dutch distributor for two more of the industry's leading technology brands - Element Labs and Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU).

Pixlvision has also moved to new, larger premises in Utrecht, to accommodate its successful growth since the company's launch at ISE in 2007.

Element Labs and MOTU join PiXLVISION's existing brands - Altinex, Analog Way, Christie, Doremi and JL Cooper in the company's distribution portfolio.

Managing director Marc Kocks comments: "We are very excited that these two well respected and very diverse industry brands have made this commitment to PiXLVISION to help drive forward their growth in the Netherlands."

Pixlvision is headed by video industry specialists Hans Denekamp (sales manager) an

Details
USA - Bandit recently lit the 20th Annual Salute to Excellence event. Held at the Knoxville Convention Center, this year's event included live and silent auctions featuring exclusive items such as Lady Vol gear and tag-a-long trips with Lady Vol teams.

Lighting Designer Greg Shipley chose to use Martin MAC 600s, MAC 500s and 300s, AC Chroma-Q Color Web Panels, Color Kinetics iColor Accent 4ft tubes and ETC Source Fours. The rig was controlled by a Whole Hog II.

The design consisted of a 48ft x 52ft box rig with six upright towers along the back wall. Each of the towers had Martin MAC 500s on top with Lady Vol gobos loaded in them. The towers were toned from the floor with MAC 300s. The remaining MAC 500 and 600s were scattered around the box.

(Jim Evans)

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China - In preparation for hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics, China has been cleaning up and modernising its transit system in Beijing. 8 January was an important day for every member of the Beijing Traffic Police Force and their families, as it was the occasion for the amply titled The Award and Variety Show for Traffic Safety for the Chinese Olympic New Year. The Awards were presented to those who made a valuable contribution to traffic management in the previous year.

The function was organised by the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau and the China Central Television (CCTV) at the Beijing Worker's Stadium, which is also scheduled to host the football quarter-finals and semi-finals during the up-coming Summer Olympics. The venue was at capacity with a crowd of 6000 which included the management team of the Beijing government, and the Ministry of Public Security.

Many C

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