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Big screen entertainment specialist Blink TV has kicked off a busy summer schedule by announcing agreements with the UK’s two biggest radio groups - Capital and GWR - to work with more than a dozen local radio stations nationwide at their outdoor ‘Party In The Park’ style events.

These shows have become a regular and important fixture on the summer circuit and regularly attract the UK’s hottest pop acts including Blue, Mis-teeq, The Sugarbabes, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Hear’Say, Liberty X, 3SL, H & Claire and the like - all packed into a programme that usually runs for about four hours throughout the afternoon.

According to David Llewellyn, Blink’s head of operations, who has been responsible for developing this particular business strand, the way it tends to work is that the local station will source the screens and cameras and Blink will then produce

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Wybron will be showing six products, including the award winning Eclipse II iris douser and Moiré gobo rotator.

Eclipse II is a DMX-controlled system that does mechanically what can’t be done electronically - it mechanically dims HMI and other ‘non-dimmable’ lights. The Eclipse II Iris douses the light while the power stays on using fins in an aperture-like configuration to provide dimming with no loss of light. The award-winning Moiré is Wybron’s first dual gobo rotator, enabling users to rotate and change two B-sized glass or metal gobos. Controlled by a simple toggle switch, the two gobos are operated independently and can be rotated together, in opposite directions or with one static and the other moving.

Wybron’s CXI colour changer uses two colour scrolls, made up of graduated frames of cyan, yellow and magenta, to create virtually every colour o

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The chameleon-like role which multi-pupose, public-funded theatres need to play in the community can provide a real conundrum for chief technicians when trying to stretch, and achieve maximum utilisation of National Lottery grants. With an 810-seat conference theatre, boardroom, restaurant, 76-capacity cinema and foyer to provide coverage for, Eden Court in Inverness is just such an establishment. A client of LMC Audio’s Birmingham branch, when the company was on a visit recently the issue of video was raised.

Previously, a videowall had been proposed as a solution to the diverse needs of the venue. However, chief technician Graeme Watt could see a more flexible alternative by offering LCD projection - which led directly to the purchase of the theatre’s first Christie Digital Vivid series projector. The Vivid Green had been strongly recommended by Jules Deakin, head of AV

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Belgian rental company DEE Sound & Light has increased its stock of Midas consoles with the addition of a 48-input Heritage 3000, supplied by Ampco Belgium. This latest purchase brings DEE's Midas inventory up to seven consoles, making it the company's principal console brand.

DEE's André Schneider explained that the reasons for investing in Midas were manifold, although one of the principal motivations was compatibility with other key suppliers. "We work very closely with Ampco Holland so it was important that we invest in the same equipment. We are both part of the Synco Network with Renkus Heinz, and it made sense to carry that through with the consoles as well. Plus of course Midas is a fantastic product. Our very first Midas console was a custom-built XL2, followed by a 24-channel XL200, both of which are still going strong. In fact, the XL2 is currently out on a world tour

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Ibex plan a busy PLASA show this year with the launch of three new products - two new motion control units and Ibex’s first ever audio product.

The two new hoist controllers build on the success of the Programmable Hoist Controller launched at PLASA two years ago. The Programmable Hoist Controller Plus adds even more features for the most demanding applications, including an Ethernet port allowing linking of controllers and remote PC control. The HC8 complements the range, providing control of eight Lodestar or Verlinde style hoists, together with the new safety features now required for hoist control systems in the entertainment industry.

Ibex’s new audio product - Sonix MP3 - is a professional audio sound store, with a versatile range of triggering options. Audio files, using the high quality MP3 format, are played from inexpensive, high capacity CompactFlash memory ca

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In the Pantheon of award shows, the Classical Brits is a relative newcomer. That said, it’s a worthy show, recognising as it does young talent, the new, the great, and the good in the firmament of Classical music. Like its popular music forebear the Brit Awards, Classical Brits is also a highly challenging environment for live sound, composed as it is of a multiplicity of musical style and dynamics, it’s a rare day when you¹ll hear the light froth of the Opera Babes juxtaposed with the heavy artillery of a Russell Watson vocal broadside.

Strange then that Richard Sharratt, the man charged with delivering this unlikely mix to the listeners should try out a new console on the very singular recommendation of a colleague. This is after all, a one-off live show, not a heavily rehearsed concert season, as Sharratt explained: "Yes, it was my first time using the PM1D but I&r

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The Designer Outlet @ The Lowry is the new £90million waterside shopping and leisure ‘destination’ in Salford Quays. It’s the latest spur of a regeneration programme that has seen the former Docks - once Britain’s third busiest port - transform itself into a three-mile waterfront for leisure, business and residential use.

Note the word ‘destination’, because it’s entirely appropriate for the modern retail experience. And the Designer Outlet - a project undertaken by Orbit Developments (Manchester) Ltd - is as much a destination as it’s possible to be, as witness its recent opening marked by the imaginative use of exterior colour changers.

Both the exterior and interior lighting scheme for the project was devised by Into Lighting Design’s Northern Studio in Nottingham, and supplied and installed by A.C. Lighting.

The exterior

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Literally bringing light relief to PLASA visitors and exhibitors alike will be a massage area on the mezzanine level adjacent to the main escalator from the lobby where it is hoped both upper body and foot massages will be on offer. The space is being provided by PLASA itself, with the additional costs being taken on by sponsorship. All proceeds on the day will go directly to the Light Relief charity to help further its work in the industry, providing support to lighting designers when they have personal difficulties.

What's more, US glass-gobo manufacturer, Apollo, has offered to make any number and size of gobos featuring the Light Relief logo, the idea being that as many exhibitors as possible will use them in their on-stand demos.

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The Guardian Hay literature and arts festival was last year described by Bill Clinton as "the Woodstock of the mind". In early June, this year’s Hay Festival returned to Hay on Wye, a tiny market town in the Black Mountains of the Welsh Marches - a town with 1,300 people but no less than 39 bookshops. XTA Electronics’ digital processing was deep at the heart of a sound system that presented readings and lectures by day and live bands by night.

Leading figures from the worlds of literature, music and the arts attract 50,000 visitors from all over the UK, Europe and America for 10 days a year, to join in what festival director Peter Florence calls ‘a market of ideas’. The music programme included Macy Gray, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Afro Celt Sound System and Bob Geldof, while new ideas and writing were presented by Maya Angelou, Paolo Coelho, Ian McEwan,

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Lars Brogaard and David Bryson, production manager and wireless guru respectively, have asked wireless specialists Hand Held Audio to organize the licensing of their extensive radio systems for the current Rod Stewart UK tour. The tour requires 27 clear frequencies for each show, split between 13 in-ear systems, six backline systems for guitars and eight radio mics for vocals and brass.

Fortunately, the AKG IVM in-ear systems and radio mics and the Samson guitar systems all have frequency agility. Without that capability it would be impossible to get the same equipment onto clear channels in venues as diverse as Hyde Park, The Manchester Evening News Arena, Glastonbury Festival and Stormont Castle in Belfast. In order to have the widest possible selection of frequencies the production also has a total of three sets of AKG antennaverters for the vocal and brass systems. This rare beast

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Tascam is exhibiting in force at the PLASA Show, demonstrating its rapidly expanding range of DJ products, including new ranges of high quality scratch and install mixers, alongside the company’s market leading X-9 digital performance DJ mixer.

Live and studio production products will include the SX-1 digital audio production environment, the full range of GigaStudio PC sample software, the DM-24 digital recording console and MX-2424 24-track HD recorder/ editor - featuring a new ‘Theatre Play’ mode. Also on the stand will be the new Tannoy Ellipse 8 monitoring system, as well as the full 5.1 surround sound configuration of the highly successful Reveal monitor. Guest appearances from top UK garage DJs DreemTeem among others are lined up.

PLASA sees the European trade launch of the Tascam DJ ‘Super Analog Series’ XS-3, XS-4, and XS-8 scratch mixers; progr

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Cadac is focusing on the importance of sound economics at this year's PLASA. On show will be the latest version of Cadac's advanced Sound Automation Manager (SAM) for Windows, and a brand new compact addition to Cadac's line-up - the S-Type Live Show Console, details of which won’t be revealed until 8 September.

Cadac is also celebrating the tenth anniversary of its successful J-Type Live Production Console - regarded as the industry benchmark for major musical productions and tours. On show will be the latest J-Type module developments, reflecting the console's continuing evolution over the past decade, keeping it at the forefront of sound reinforcement functionality.

During the show, the company will be running a series of high profile ‘teach-ins’ across a variety of live sound topics. These will include guest presentations from leading industry experts on audio t

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ETC will be featuring three of its latest products at PLASA - the new SmartPack; MultiPAR, making its first UK appearance and Emphasis, which was extremely well received at the recent ABTT show in June.

Bringing the Sensor-dimming level of technology to portable dimmer packs, SmartPack is a thyristor-based, professional-quality dimmer that can go anywhere. Very compact (19-inch 2U rack mount), SmartPack is available with either six 15A dimmers or 12 10A dimmers and is ideal for smaller studios and theatres, touring companies, small road shows and band gigs.

The Source Four MultiPAR combines the unsurpassed optics and energy-savings of the acclaimed Source Four PAR (EA) with the functionality and flexibility of the classic batten. It is available in 3-, 4- or 12-lamp strips, as well as a 3x3 version with in-line switches. For lighting venues with unique needs, ETC also offers the Sou

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Screen specialist GL UK has supplied top dance artists Basement Jaxx with 21 modules of 25mm pixel pitch Unitek LED screen for their summer tour and festival appearances. The screens are flown upstage in three columns, and used like a lighting effect to create an intense montage of colour and movement with a mix of images and visuals. The screens are full daylight panels, so look equally good if the band are playing in the afternoon, creating a unique visual identity for Jaxx’s lively set.

The screen footage - running for 90% of the show - was produced by video artist Richard Shipman. Shipman worked in close conjunction with the band and lighting designer Vince Foster, whose lightshow is directed and operated on the road by Leggy. Their collective ideas produced the highly imaginative and original stage look. The video content ranges from bold graphics and cartoon characters to s

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The latest innovative roof system designed by Tomcat USA was installed at Disney’s California Adventure park in early July for Disney’s Rockin’ the Bay summer music series. Tomcat and Kleege Industries worked together to engineer the custom 43ft x 46ft (13.1m x 14m) roof system with cantilevered PA wings in less than a month.

"What makes this system so unique is that it is surrounded by water on three sides and a portion of the towers are actually underwater," comments Tomcat design manager, Keith Bohn. The two upstage towers go through the stage and rest in 15ft (4.6m) of water. Custom bases were designed to accommodate the uneven floor at the bottom of the lagoon. The underwater towers consist of steel with multiple coats of two-part epoxy paint. All chords are capped and kept air-tight to help resist corrosion. All four towers interact with the stage for

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White Light lived up to its name - literally - recently, with White Light Sales and The Moving Light Company supplying white StudioSpot moving lights to the Royal Opera House.

The Moving Light Company have been closely involved with the Royal Opera House since its refurbishment, supplying automated lighting equipment ranging from the first City Theatrical Autoyokes in the UK to custom tungsten and HMI moving fresnels created from Light Technik yokes. The Moving Light Company also provide service and support for all of the House's automated lighting equipment.

With the Opera House now extending its use of automated lighting equipment beyond the theatre itself, the ROH's David Harvey turned to The Moving Light Company again. This time, the request was for moving lights to be used as part of the architectural lighting system for the Floral Hall, next door to the Opera House. The complic

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As part of a short two-date tour of the UK, SRD Group of Tonbridge supplied a GAE Director sound system to Randy Crawford for her performances at the 2000-seat Fairfield Halls in Croydon, London, produced by Backbeat Music Promotions.

When asked about the choice of system, Stuart Roberts of SRD commented that the GAE Director system was chosen for its exceptional clarity and tight dispersion. Eight stacks of Director, driven by QSC Powerlight amplifiers, were used to provide even coverage throughout the stalls area, the circle being in-filled by the venue’s existing Meyer system. Other equipment provided included five ways of Shure PSM-700 in-ear monitoring, two channels of Shure Premier Beta 87 radio mics, a Midas XL3 front of house desk and a Soundcraft SM-24 for the monitors. Wedge monitors were GAE 152M.

(Ruth Rossington)

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Aggressive lawyers and the increasing amalgamation of artist management companies were among the topics discussed at the Music Managers Forum (MMF) Open Day, held recently at the Landmark Hotel, London.

Over 90 delegates attended the event, including a number of record producers who were invited through the Music Producers Guild that, in recent months, has been developing closer links with the MMF. "We were delighted with the attendance and with the quality of debate from both panelists and members of the audience participating in question and answer sessions," said the MMF’s Executive director James Fisher. "It was particularly satisfying that, in our 10th anniversary year, we were able to provide such a highly professional list of panelists to discuss matters that are becoming increasingly important in this new and difficult age for managers and their artists.&qu

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Hard on the heels of the successful MP 700 Zoom, the latest product from Coef is the new MP 700 Wash - a spot of minimal weight offering a high light output, CMY colour mixing and a comprehensive range of functions. And all this in a fixture measuring just 56cm high, 37cm wide and 45cm deep, and weighing in at just 28.5kg. But there is more to the MP 700 than its technical specifications alone, for this lightweight fixture is also notable for its modern stylish design.

Stand C32

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Wembley-based recording facility Phoenix Sound has installed an AMS Neve VR60 console in its main Phoenix One control room. The desk complements an AMS Neve Capricorn digital console, featuring fully automated mixing and reset facilities, which has now been operating in the Capricorn Room since February 2002.

The VR60, purchased in June 2002 in collaboration with Mark Derksen of Markant Recording Studios in Holland, has provided Phoenix Sound with the framework to offer traditional recording and mixing facilities in Phoenix One. A further collaboration with Andrew Walton of K&A Productions means that the studio now has a comprehensive microphone collection. Phoenix Sound’s managing director, Peter Fielder, says: "Ever since we opened, back in October 2001, it very quickly became clear that Phoenix One being operational was what the punters wanted. Having achieved the first s

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Since becoming the sole UK distributor for the Robert Juliat range of lighting equipment just over a year ago, While Light Sales has met considerable demand for these high-quality products - with over 100 lanterns being supplied in the last few months alone.

The bulk of these have gone to the National Theatre, where lighting project manager Mike Atkinson and Lyttelton Theatre head of lighting Paul McLeish specified 76 Juliat 710SX 2000W 10/25 degree zoom profiles as part of the reworking of the lighting rig made necessary by the Lyttelton Theatre's change of format for the National's current Transformation season. The 710SXs have replaced many of the theatre's older Strand Cadenza lanterns, and have already been put to use in shows including The PowerBook, A Prayer for Owen Meany and The Adventures of the Stoneheads.

Elsewhere the baby Foxie 700W MSD followspot has proved popular wit

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E//T//C UK, the large format projection specialist, fresh from its success in illuminating Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Jubilee, has produced a series of breathtaking 40-minute projection shows for Guernsey’s three-month long Victor Hugo Festival. The free son et lumière show - specially produced by E//T//C UK - that recalled the dramatic life and times of Hugo, who spent 15 years in exile on Guernsey during the 1850s and 60s. The free, three-day son et lumière was timed to coincide with Bastille Day, and also illustrated the rich cultural heritage of the island. It was held on the waterfront at Guernsey’s capital, St. Peter Port, and was a massive success, attracting over 5,000 people. E//T//C’s Ross Ashton was approached by members of Guernsey’s Victor Hugo Working Party last year, following a son et lumière presentation at Chiswick House in London

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Audace Ltd, manufacturer of the Intelliplate range of remote control panels for installations, has announced that the launch of the newest member of the range will take place at the PLASA show in September.

The ‘SuperHub’ moves the Intelliplate concept away from exclusively controlling audio towards more general AV control. It does this by providing more control ports, a proprietary scripting language - ‘IntelliScript’, more processing power and Ethernet capability. Benefits to installers will include the facility to access the control system remotely using a standard web browser, facilities for controlling multiple devices with one processor, an integral calendar for scheduled events and an automated error logging facility for diagnostic purposes.

SuperHub is a 1U device, which resides in the rack alongside the equipment to be controlled. It boasts two RS232

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A 40-channel Allen & Heath ML4000 VCA live console was used for front-of-house mixing at the recent 'An Audience with Michael Jackson' fundraising event at Exeter City football club (UK). The Bristol branch of Stage Electrics supplied the sound reinforcement system for the event, including the ML4000, a Soundcraft K3 on monitors, an EAW KF760 line array, XTA DP-series processing and Lab Gruppen amplifiers. The Exeter branch of the company provided the technical production for the event which also included lighting, staging and trucking.

Michael Jackson's seemingly improbable appearance at the event can be attributed to his friendship with Exeter City's non-executive chairman, Uri Geller. Jackson travelled to Exeter on a specially chartered train and although his fans were not treated to any songs, he did make a short speech to a packed stadium before being presented with a special team

  1. PLASA 25th Party plans announced!
  2. Chicago in Moscow
  3. CT dials in to T. Mobile’s Blackpool Convention
  4. LDPS New Zealand goes live
  5. Berlin culture tent equipped with HK Audio
  6. Audio company’s major role in castle spectacular
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