Details
UK - As part of a scheme to upgrade and expand its existing campus facilities, which began in 2000, the University of York has recently opened the new Theatre, Film & Television Building for students planning to enter the world of modern media.

According to the University's website, the Department of Theatre, Film and Television "offers a unique multi-disciplinary environment in which stage and screen are explored from artistic, scientific, theoretical and historical perspectives".

The Department's new building, which was completed in October 2010, provides electronic, media and performance facilities, including a scenic stage theatre, black box theatre, screening room, research and training areas, TV studios with audio and editing suites and ancillary teaching accommo

Details
China - During November, Haixinsa Island, Guangzhou, played host to two spectacular events - the opening and closing ceremonies for the 16th Asian Games.

PR Lighting was entrusted with the responsibility of presenting the festival of lighting which illuminated the event.

During the preparation of the Asian Games, General Director Weiya Chen stated that, "The ceremonies should not only be elegant, creative and unique, but also be multi-dimensional, and provide an all-encompassing festival of artistry and culture." And professional lighting effects were the critical factor in realising this ambition.

"Light is the soul of the stage. Without lighting, the stage will have no vitality or vigour. The PR Lighting moving heads contributed enormously to the high impact," said Xiaolan Sha, general lighting designer for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, who was also i

Details
Japan - Audio-Technica has opened the doors on a new facility, Technica Fukui. Located in Echizen City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Technica Fukui integrates the three pre-existing A-T Fukuoka branches into one location, consolidating and streamlining design efforts with increased collaboration among A-T's global design teams, says the company.

The new facility is equipped with a dedicated acoustic lab and an advanced-design anechoic chamber specially designed for audio testing. An emphasis has been placed on further advancing wireless technologies with research and product development.

Technica Fukui is designed to streamline Audio-Technica's product development process with emphasis on innovation, accuracy and efficiency. Investments in the latest wireless communication measurement tools will allow A-T to create wireless products for both professional and consumer markets that will

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 - The recent JTSE show in Paris was the occasion for loudspeaker manufacturer APG to introduce their concept of what has been termed the 'Uniline Solution'. The Uniline compact line array system is the flagship product of APG's new generation product range which also includes the SMX15 monitor speaker and the new DX Series compact, low profile multipurpose loudspeakers.

APG's managing director, Gregory Dapsanse comments, "The Uniline Solution is a comprehensive, multi-layered network that we have put in place to optimise the exploitation of Uniline in the marketplace."

At the first level, it comprises rental companies who already own a Unline system and who are APG-certified Uniline users. The second level is rental companies who don't own a system themselves, but are nevertheless certified Uniline users who can sub-hire a Uniline system whenever necessary. T

Details
USA - At the NAMM Show in Anaheim in January, Sennheiser is presenting the new MK 4, a large-diaphragm true condenser microphone. This cardioid microphone, which is manufactured in Germany, is Sennheiser's first large-diaphragm side-address microphone and focuses on giving the best possible sound quality rather than technical extravagance, says the company.

The MK 4 with its nickel-coloured finish was developed for professional users in project studios, but is equally well suited for other recording environments and is tough enough for use on stage, adds the company.

"In the development of the MK 4, we invested every euro in getting the best possible sound," says product manager Sebastian Schmitz, "and we focused on the key elements of a good studio microphone to ensure that we can offer the MK 4 to our customers at an attractive price."

The MK 4 has a la

Details
Switzerland - TiMax Tracker and TiMax2 SoundHub audio showcontrol systems from UK developer, Out Board, have been in constant demand for the outdoor theatrical events becoming ever more popular across Europe. Two such events in the 2010 season were Anna's Carnifex - the story of Switzerland's last witchhunt of Anna Goldi the witch by Carnifex the witchhunter - and Dallebach Kari, a musical of the classic film which signalled the beginning of German-speaking new Swiss cinema.

Tom Strebel and his Basel-based sound design and consulting company audiopool were behind both events.

The Dallebach Kari opus was staged at Thunersee, where every year a large stage is built upon the beautiful lake of this, one of Switzerland's largest cities. Strebel employed the TiMax SoundHub not only to apply its delay-matrix localisation capabilities to the radio mics, but also f

Details
USA - The Lycian 1250KB has gone into production following a "highly successful" unveiling at the LDI show in October.

The 1250KB, utilising an 80 volt 1200 watt Philips Fast Fit tungsten lamp as its light source is by far, the brightest non-discharge followspot Lycian has ever produced. Although originally designed for studio use, the 1250KB has theatrical applications due to its high output. The consistent 3250°K colour temperature and flicker free beam makes the followspot ideal for HD television, says the company.

Its compact size makes it small enough for theatre coves or box boom positions. Controls include a two lever variable focal optical system, a nichrome heavy duty iris with insulated top mount control knob and gobo slot. Also included is a square shutter control with independent horizontal and vertical shuttering. A six colour top mounted colour boom

Details
UK - PASMA and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are warning users of low level access products such as podium steps and folding room scaffolds to make sure that the equipment they have bought, or hired, meets at least the minimum standards of fall protection.

The warning follows increased concern about cheap, inferior products now flooding the UK market, especially in the construction sector, which offer limited protection to users by not having an adequate guardrail system fitted as standard.

Since 2004, industry estimates suggest that some 50,000 of these work at height tools have been sold in the UK and Ireland and are most widely used in the construction industry by a multitude of finishing trades.

Comments PASMA's managing director, Peter Bennett, "In theory, these products provide a compact, lightweight and protected work platform that represents a safe metho

Details
UK - December sees the opening of a new Covent Garden venue, the fourth in central London owned and operated by the growing cocktail chain - Adventure Bar & Lounge. Light Bureau have provided architectural lighting design to the 160sq.m subterranean basement bar in Bedford Street close to the piazza.

Working closely with interior designer, Sophie Hibberd, Light Bureau produced a dramatic solution relying on some simple theatrical techniques whilst producing comfortable lighting to booths for customers to relax and drink.

This is quite an achievement as Light Bureau director Paul Nulty explains: "The key to the success of the bar lighting has been to keep it simple, the budget for lighting was very tight, the total expenditure on lighting, including controls is just £4,000.00 so we had to be very creative with some of the details and resourceful with regards specific

Details
UK - Currently on an extensive tour to promote her debut, eponymously-titled album, Eliza Doolittle is playing a range of territories including Europe, the USA and Australia. A recent UK headline tour, followed by a prestigious support slot to Paloma Faith, has also helped to raise her profile in her home country.

Tour manager and Front of House engineer Jim Carmichael is a long-term Sennheiser user and a self-confessed fan of the 900 series. Currently, Eliza is using an e965 wireless microphone and G3 IEMs, with her band using wired e935 mics.

Touring takes its toll on equipment, especially when you're on a tight budget. "As well as providing good audio quality and signal strength, the Sennheiser equipment is extremely rugged and reliable," says Carmichael. "The company's backup is also excellent - I've never had a single problem that hasn't been solved with a

Details
Europe - As Deep Purple continue their tour through Germany and France, their long-serving FOH engineer Gert Sanner has transferred his show mix from his Soundcraft Vi6 digital console to the smaller footprint of the new Vi1.

An early adopter of the Vi6 (since when he has regularly provided technical support to sales and rental company, SSE Group), Sanner was keen to move his show files to the Vi1 and prove the process in a real-world environment.

"The purpose was to create show files that would work on any Vi console," he stated, with the end goal of purchasing a Vi1 for the band.

Having now completed his rigorous trials, the FOH engineer declares that he has been able to tick every box. "It was important to be sure that the Vi1 would work on the road and to discover whether there were any compatibility issues or areas for improvement. I did this by demoing i

Details
UK - The annual Prince's Trust Concert at London's Royal Albert Hall and lighting designer Simon Tutchener called on Bandit Lites and CE Lester Cobrin to supply the illumination needs for the 2010 event. Since 1976, this event is one of the premier happenings in the music world, raising money to assist the young jobless people in the UK. The show has long been an attraction to the best of the best and this year was no exception.

Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen, Eric Clapton, Status Quo, Phil Collins, Mike and the Mechanics, Jamie Cullum, Tom Jones, Alison Moyet, Midge Ure, Tom Chaplin and others served up an evening of memorable performances to the royal couple, Prince Charles and Camilla. The evening has hosted by Dame Edna Everage and Rob Brydon. The event was run by production manager Kevin Hopgood.

Tutchener used Martin MAC 2000 Washes, MAC 2000 Profiles, ETC Source 4

Details
USA - NAMM has announced the education session schedule for this year's Hands-On Training (H.O.T) Zone at the 2011 NAMM Show, offering the broadest educational experience for professionals in the recording, live sound, DJ, house of worship, commercial systems integrators, and stage and lighting industries in the history of the show.

The H.O.T. Zone will offer attendees free one-hour classes on more than 75 educational topics over four days, including topics such as Introduction to Live Mixing New Techniques for DJs, Lead Worshipers Arise The Future of Music, and Pro Tools 101". On 13 January, 2011, the opening day of the NAMM Show, the H.O.T. Zone will be offering Boot Camp Day with an array of basic courses designed to provide foundation-level instruction in music technology and business.

Details
UK / Netherlands - TV One will be demonstrating its range of Multiviewers at the ISE 2011 exhibition being held in Amsterdam between in February. Various demonstrations of visually creative four-window and eight-window displays will be shown on individual monitors, hi-lighting the CORIO2 video processing technology that is exclusively developed by TV One.

Using 3G-SDI and DVI CORIOview four-window processors, TV One will demonstrate the simplicity of viewing and controlling up to eight separate images on one video screen. A touch-screen panel installed with the free CORIOtool Suite software will be set up on the stand and visitors will be encouraged to get 'hands on' and see for themselves how easy it can be to control multiple Multiviewers and their various integral features.

The CORIOview Multiviewers accept composite video, component video, RGB, DVI and 3G-SDI signals in or

Details
USA - ESTA has started work on a new project to write an American National Standard: BSR E1.42 - 201x, Entertainment Technology - Installed Stage Lift Safety Standard.

Stage lifts, such as orchestra pit or theatre forestage lifts, are not the subject of any current national standard. As a result, safety requirements and inspections of them are inconsistent. This project is to develop a standard for stage lifts that can be referenced by the International Code Council and the National Fire Protection Association.

The scope is limited to safety and to lifts that are installed as a part of the building and that are not for a single theatrical production. Any person involved in the design, manufacture, use, or inspection of stage lifts and who is willing to actively work on the project is invited to join the new working group.

A working group application form is available on the

Details
USA - Meyer Sound has announced that it will exhibit at the forthcoming NAMM Show in Anaheim, scheduled for 13 -16 January 2011. This will mark the company's first formal participation at NAMM in more than 14 years.

Rachel Archibald, director of marketing at Meyer Sound comments, "Our presence underscores Meyer Sound's commitment to serving not only touring sound companies but also rehearsal facilities, music venues, musicians, and beyond."

"We are excited to have a company of Meyer Sound's calibre participate at the NAMM Show this year," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. "Both of our organisations share the desire to honour the best and brightest in the pro audio field through the TEC Foundation."

Meyer Sound will also become a Platinum Sponsor of the TEC Awards, to be held in conjunction with the NAMM Show on Friday 14 January.. Meye

Details
USA - Usher's current OMG Tour, his first big-budget spectacle since 2004, is lit by lighting designer Peter Morris and associate lighting designer Eric Wade. "We had to design around a lot of fly gags and moving set pieces," notes Wade who heads FOHShow, a lighting- services company. "The rig is designed to look big but not be completely massive; it's large but not over the top. It fills two trucks and features between 160-200 fixtures."

Wade is using a grandMA2 and comments, "I love the grandMA2 because you can pretty much programme it however you're comfortable programming: Nothing is set in stone. It does everything the way I'm used to working but with lots more bells and whistles. And the networking is amazing; I had Benny Kirkham come out and help me programme, and we worked simultaneously with him setting up his desk exactly the way he wanted whil

Details
UK - Lighting rental company HSL is supplying lighting kit and crew for the Foals Total Life Forever tour which covers the UK and Europe.

Lighting designer Davy Sherwin has put together a show based around a design that makes the rig appear vastly bigger than it actually is.

The project is being handled by Mike Oates for HSL, who says, "It's always great working with Davy - he is one of the most talented of the UK's current new wave of LDs."

The full rig contains a front and back truss plus a substantial floor package, the latter of which will travel to Europe with them where they will hook in to house rigs overhead.

Four different length tank traps come down as drop arms from the back truss, and another five come up from the stage underneath, with one GLP Impression LED wash light on the down pipes and two on each of the up pipes. Another two Impressions

Details
UK - Ateis UK has appointed York-based Tukans as sole distributor to handle its ECS-Teleconference range.

ECS (Echo Cancellation System) was launched at the beginning of 2010 and is designed to produce clear audio for teleconference work, with no delays or doubletalk. The product is based on a digital signal processor using Dynamic Automatic Echo Cancellation, which uses a wideband acoustic echo cancelling algorithm developed by Ateis engineers.

While ECS is aimed at the conference market in general Ateis is also looking to move into the boardroom and specialised commerce sectors. The ECS range has a modular configuration and comprehensive signal processing replacing the function of many ancillary products, making it cost effective and easy to maintain.

Tukans director Yvonne Womersley comments: "The financial sector has embraced conferencing technology and we are sure

Details
UK - LMC Audio has sold the very first Midas PRO3 live audio system to Rambert Dance Company. Rambert's front of house engineer, Tomás O'Connor, who made the decision to purchase the desk alongside sound designer David Tinson, was keen to invest in a desk that "combines quality and flexibility".

O'Connor comments: "Rambert wanted to spend wisely on a desk that could fulfil the demands of the company's increasingly complex show pieces. Our main goal was to find a desk that had all the flexibility and features of a digital desk, but with the usability and great sound quality of an analogue desk. After a lot of research, the Midas Pro series was the only desk that met our requirements."

JP Cavaco, sales manager at LMC London, made the sale to Rambert.

O'Connor notes: "When I joined Rambert, I was aware of a long history between the sound department her

Details
UK - Showsec's London Office successfully implemented a complex event security operation at Earls Court for the British Military Tournament.

VIP Royal guests and senior military officials were among 56,000 visitors attending the return of Britain's oldest military tattoo, on 4 and 5 December. Over 500 troops and 145 horses appeared in two performances per day, featuring the ever-popular field gun run, massed bands and battle re-enactments.

IMG's operations director Nick Mattingley who managed the event production, states, "Showsec were seamless from beginning to end. Their venue knowledge and experience was second to none, particularly for directing crowds and performers around Earls Court, we were reliant on them to deliver - and they did very well.

"There is a momentum for us to capitalise on this years' success and come back next year, so we will open discussion

Page 2589 of 3465

Latest Issue. . .