UK - For the fourth year in a row lighting solutions provider, Architainment Lighting, is aiming to raise money for cancer support charity, Maggie's by completing a 20 mile hike across London through the night.

As in previous years, 'Team Easily LED', a group made up of Architainment employees will join approximately 2500 other individuals to trek 20 miles across the capital at night, with one aim: to raise money to support those living with the effects of cancer.

Throughout the years the lighting specialist has raised thousands of pounds for the charity and Architainment continue to support Maggie's not only due to the incredible work it does, but also due to its strong associations with the architectural and lighting industries. Lighting is an integral part of the night hike e

Czech Republic - Trussing and staging manufacturer Milos Group has announced the recent acquisition of two leading trussing and staging brands - Litec and Tomcat.

The new deal makes Milos the largest global aluminium trussing and staging group with the addition of major manufacturing bases in Italy, Slovakia, Mexico and the US to strengthen their 250,000sq.ft of production facilities in the Czech Republic and Asia.

Milos's CEO Frantisek Zykan states, "We are very excited with this announcement. Our strategy has always been to deliver the best products made to the highest standards of excellence with a quick, efficient turnaround. Having Litec and Tomcat on-board expands the ideas pool and product range to meet all staging needs .... with a truly international reach.

"All those working for Litec and Tomcat are driven, focussed and share our collective visions for th

USA - For an outdoor production of Dreamgirls in St Louis, lighting designer Seth Jackson called upon wireless and battery-operated Chauvet fixtures to light six 16-foot mobile truss towers that freely move across its 94ft stage.

Jackson and the production team for the 11,000-seat Muny theatre, billed as 'America's Oldest and Largest Outdoor Musical Theatre', were pleased to be able to light the towers properly. Actors in choreographed moves drive the six towers on stage. In previous productions, the towers-a "signature look" for the performance-were scaffolding on wheels, minimally lit.

"The truss towers are a signature [component] of Dreamgirls. They've been around since the show was on Broadway in the early 70s," said Jackson. "Michael Bennett choreographed the show with those moving towers in mind. I don't know exactly how they manage

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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

A full-volume demo area dedicated to the demonstration of loudspeakers, giving visitors the chance to listen to products in a real-world environment.

The famous Funktion One demo room has got some company at this year's show as we take over a whole new space at Earls Court for large scale demonstrations of the latest loudspeaker technology.

Martin Audio took huge strides forward with the launch of the award winning MLA System at the PLASA Show two years ago, they return this year to take over the AudioLab, on Monday 10 September.Approaching the problem of controlled coverage in poor acoustic spaces, Martin Audio Engineers came up with the unique concept of OmniLine®, where rather than applying DSP to a traditional column loudspeaker, OmniLine's vertical beam-forming is achieved by physically articulating individual modules to curve the array.

T

UK - A number of important additions to the London edition of the PLASA Professional Development Programme have been announced. The 80 free-to-attend sessions form the backbone of the 2012 edition of the PLASA Show, which takes place on Sunday 9 - Wednesday 12 September, live at Earls Court in London. From the creative minds of world-renowned LDs and sound engineers, to the visionaries of tomorrow's technology, the PLASA Professional Development Programme is the largest free knowledge sharing event of its kind.

"The new style programme forms a roadmap for the next twelve months in theatre, live concert and touring, live events and installed environments. PLASA 2012 continues to be the place where pace setters converge to share expertise and ideas, and we are delighted by the concentration of talent coming to London this September, it is simply phenomenal. Anyone wishing to

UK - This year, Nexo (Stand G-20) is focussing the spotlight on its Concert Sound loudspeakers and, in particular, the Intelligent Amplification solutions that power and control them.

Four loudspeaker families are presented: the shiny new STM Series of modular line array cabinets, scalable for audiences from 1,000 to 100,000; the GEO S12 all-purpose compact line array; the radical 45° N-12 stage monitors, shaped like a wedge of Brie; and the classic PS Series, industry standards for nearly 20 years.

But in prime position at PLASA is Nexo's NUAR or Universal Amp Rack, filled with technological innovation and functionality. This is a scalable amplification solution for all Nexo concert systems, encouraging inventory standardisation among NEXO users and facilitating cross-hire opportunities.

The Nexo Universal Amp Rack contains two NXAMP4x4 amplifiers, a new Digital Patch U

UK - Tait's Landscape Video system consists of hand held pixel tablets each containing nine LED pixels; all of which can be individually programmed and viewed at angles of 180 degrees horizontally and vertically. Tablets are IP65 rated as well as being EC and EMC compliant, and recyclable holders can be created for each tablet."Landscape video opens unlimited opportunities for the use of this type of large scale LED technology in stadium video displays and architectural environments," says the company. "Audience members move from being passive spectators to becoming part of the show itself; video becoming three dimensional. Communication of any message on a large scale can be achieved without limits."

"We think this is a blank canvas that event organisers are really going to enjoy," says Carol Scott, director of sales and marketing, Tait Technologie

UK - The Cygnus range from Wybron features 100W and 200W RGBW theatrical and Variable White film and TV LED fixtures, all now supplied with quick and easy interchangeable lenses.

Cygnus provides more than five times the brightness of comparable products thanks to a proprietary design featuring 48 or 96 (depending on the model) CREE LEDs in a quad package for ultra-high lumen density and virtually rainbow-free shadows, says the company.

"With the new interchangeable lenses, users can quickly switch between very narrow (16°) or medium flood (24°) patterns, without losing brightness or clarity of light. 100% colour consistency between multiple fixtures is made possible by Wybron's proprietary colour balancing software.

A true dimming ratio over 200,000:1 gives extremely smooth fading even at low intensity levels. Both RGBW and Variable White fixtures feature a high

UK - In today's competitive market versatility and quality are both important factors to consider when buying speakers. After extensive market research MilTec has developed a brand new multi-function mid/high speaker cabinet, suitable for single source and line array use.

The low profile and versatile hardware options make it ideal for installation under balconies in theatres, on poles for conferences and as a line array for larger venues. The TP62R is fitted with 2x 6" high efficiency drivers and a 1.7" rotatable, horn loaded compression driver. The compression driver uses a variable dispersion controller to enable the user to switch between conventional and line array modes.

This and many other products from the MilTec range including speakers, lightweight amplifiers and signal processing will be on view on stand number 1-F1.

(Claire Beeson)

UK - Avolites and Avolites Media (Hall 1, booths F18 and G15) are set to launch three new products and new Titan Operating system at PLASA 2012. It will see Avolites Ltd presenting the launch of the Titan One virtual console and Titan Version 6, while Avolites Media will showcase the Ai Infinity Media Servers and launch the ground breaking Sapphire Media console.

Known for their professional and friendly approach, the team from Avolites will be on hand to offer individual demonstrations and detailed technical information about the fully comprehensive visual control range.

Avolites Titan V6 not only offers support of Titan-Net distributed DMX but also a host of new features such as the ability of Assignable Global and Individual Rate Masters to enable over-ride of BPM and Times, Auto-legend for Colours, Gobos and Video Clips as well as to hand draw into your Pixel Mapper with A

UK - The LUMI Painter Series from Korean company Kirin Precision are LED Cycloramas which cover the back or side of space with full, bright light. The Smart mix-match railing system means units can be combined and operated as one unit. The Series is currently on display at Harrods in London till 25 August. It was selected as one of the top 10 Korean brands to promote the country in during the London Olympic Games.

"The Series generate a perfectly uniform light output without colours shadows and are flicker free, so they are the perfect solution for TV studios and theatres," says the company.

(Claire Beeson)

UK - Clear-Com is showcasing the Tempest 2400 with Seamless Roaming capability and Tempest 2400 MasterBelt digital wireless intercom for the live sound market at PLASA 2012 (Stand I-F29). Tempest Seamless Roaming is ideal for large venues that are separated by sizeable distances, such as multi-theatre environments and/or outdoor venues, says the company. The MasterBelt is suitable for smaller, more mobile applications, including live, outdoor productions and tour-guide setups.

The Tempest2400 Seamless Roaming feature affords crew members the ability to move freely and wirelessly throughout large venues, such as multi-theater complexes, university campuses and sports arenas. This ensures that users can walk from one coverage area to another without interference or dropouts. The Seamless Roaming feature allows BeltStation users to migrate between as many as 16 different Tempest240

"The future technologies available to use as a result of LEDs are going to blow our minds"

As a 14 year old James Simpson was intrigued by the moving lights being produced by the likes of Martin and Vari-lite but, as pocket money didn't stretch to a VL1, he decided to make one after school in his DT workshop. It was a new technology and he wanted to know everything about it so, using the stalwart tool of any young engineer - Meccano, he produced his own version. It even found its way onto local am-drams pantomime although Simpson is cagey about whether it would have passed the PAT test!

So: it's safe to say that James Simpson is passionate about technology and it's a lucky man who can indulge in his passion during the working day. As Lighting Visualiser at the Royal Opera House, with what he, himself, describes as 'the most amazing resources' he has had the opportunity to i

UK - Batmink Distribution, one of the UK's leading distributors of professional audio, lighting, hardware and effects equipment, will be introducing several new and exciting products at PLASA 2012.

Of particular interest are two new re-chargeable slimline LED PARcans from Visage Lighting. The entry level WR-944 delivers an impressive light output from 9 x 4 watt RGBW LEDs, whilst the professional WR-684 model incorporates 6 x 8 watt RGBW LEDS. Both models offer wireless DMX with seven available frequencies, sound to light and stand-alone programs together with a Master / Slave function that allows units to communicate wirelessly. These products offer true flexibility and their rechargeable / wireless operation allows for quick installation in even the most awkward or remote situations.

Another product that will be featured on the Batmink stand is the new re-chargeable LED bar

UK - Lighting and visuals rental company HSL continued its busy summer supplying lighting equipment, LED screens, trussing and rigging for the Main Stage and five tented arenas at the 2012 Global Gathering event, staged at Long Marston Airfield near Stratford ..... attracting up to 50,000 dance music fans over two days.

HSL's Tim Fawkes project managed the event and co-ordinated the supply of seven trucks worth of equipment to event production lighting designers Nick Jevons and Phil Windward of Electric Fly, also working closely with their lighting crew chief Mark Callaghan.

The main stage headliners were Tinie Tempah (Friday) and Chase & Status (Saturday). They and a host of other top international DJs and live acts - including Armin van Buren, Skrillex, Dot Rotten, James Zabiela, Ferry Corsten and hundreds more - set the Warwickshire countryside buzzing.

HSL is also supply

UK - Roland Systems Group (RSG) will be making PLASA an 'event within an event' this year with new product and software launches combined with a packed schedule of 'Hands on Live Sessions' hosted by key dealers on their stand throughout the show.

Showcasing new solutions for both audio and video, there will be a series of exclusive PLASA product launches at the show, and the chance for visitors to the stand (1-F34) to be first in line to get 'hands on' with new technology.

Designed to give visitors to the show a truly interactive experience with RSG live, recording and video products, five 'Hands on Live' sessions will take place on the RSG stand each day, with up to 12 places available at each. Pre-registration will be available via the hosting dealer or the RSG website, or more information can be requested by email to Rebecca.peterson@roland.co.uk

Making its debut appearan

UK - Longtime PLASA exhibitor ShowLED returns to Earls Court with several new starcloth product developments.

Recent upgrades to the Animation High Output system include controllers and LED strings that offer a stunning 3000 Hz 'dimming modulation frequency', allowing for flicker free configurations in combination with other studio equipment.

The LED dots in the ShowLED High Output system emit up to 12 times more light than standard Animation LEDs, says the company. Developed for theatre and TV studio applications, the High Output LED curtains achieve "a sublimely even light distribution when applied as backlighting for cyclorama cloths and projection screens".

The brightness of the LEDs allow the user to produce the same results as traditional lighting effects with a mere 30cm distance between the ShowLED High Output curtain and the diffuser screen.

The system w

UK - Altman Lighting's Chalice is a 100w LED sourced downlight designed for use in both theatrical and architectural applications. Chalice's spun aluminium housing is lightweight at 8.5lbs and at 10" wide by 12" tall Chalice offers an unobtrusive, low profile look.

Chalice offers DMX controlled 3000K, RGBA, RGBW and 3000K-6000K variable colour temperature LED arrays, all rated at 50,000 hours. Custom populated LED arrays are also available.

DMX controlled, the Chalice features eight or 16 bit personalities to ensure a smooth dimming curve at low intensity levels with a built-in fixed colour mode that will maintain last look should power be lost. Chalice features an on board 100-240v power supply for compatibility in all global markets and, like all Altman LED fixtures, Chalice is convection cooled with no fans to replace or maintain.

A wide variety of mounting opti

USA - Announced earlier this year, the Mackie DL1608 16-Channel Digital Live Sound Mixer is now shipping. To "meet unprecedented demand", Mackie has increased production capabilities and shipments are now leaving their North American manufacturing facility to eager customers worldwide.

"We are extremely excited to get the DL1608 into the hands of musicians and engineers," commented Ben Olswang, Mackie product manager. "We've been addressing customer interest with a series of video podcasts that go over all the cool features. Plus, the Master Fader Control App has been fully updated with great new features that weren't available in the preview version."

The Mackie DL1608 combines the power of a full-featured digital mixer with the unmatched ease and mobility of iPad.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Following three successful years at XL Video in the US where he oversaw the Los Angeles office, Phil Mercer has returned to his native UK to take up the role of group head of concert touring.

Mercer's brief is to develop the Concert Touring division of XL Video globally, by working with XL's offices in the US and mainland Europe to provide artists with a seamless touring solution across multiple continents.

"I'm hugely excited by my new role within XL Video," says Marcer, "and the responsibility that comes with keeping us visionary in our approach to the industry; in terms of providing cutting edge display technology, high skilled crew, efficient packaging and unequalled service.

"With live show revenues increasingly replacing CD sales as the main income stream for most touring artists, this places equal importance on high production standards and va

UK - Rubber Box manufactures breakout boxes, stage boxes and audio cables to the same high quality that users have come to expect from the company's power distros.

"As well as a standard range that we will hold on the shelf, we will also build custom units to customer specification. These will be fitted into existing enclosures and there will be a new enclosure which is to be seen for the first time at PLASA on stand 1-F20," says the company.

(Claire Beeson)

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