CT Exhibitions, through its London and NEC offices, supplied audio-visual services to a number of design and production companies with clients participating at the Farnborough International 2002 air show (July 22-28). Specialists in providing the technical infrastructures for exhibition displays, the two operations pooled both their expertise and their equipment resources.

Design company IEDS contracted CT to equip two locations for its client, General Dynamics United Kingdom Ltd, by providing plasma screens, DVD players and a 6ft x 4ft screen running off an NEC LT155 video projector in the hospitality chalet area. General Dynamics’ stand display was in the form of a multimedia projection show featuring four pods based around Samsung LCD monitors, along with a further two Barco 6400s, a 40" plasma display, control equipment and audio reinforcement. A significant amount of LE

ARX Systems, the Australian-based manufacturer of professional audio products has appointed Electric Audio as its new exclusive distributor for The Netherlands. ARX's managing director Colin Park announced the appointment: "We welcome Axel Nagtegaal and his team at Electric Audio to our European Distribution network. Europe has really taken to the new products we've been releasing in 2002; with a serious Distributor like Electric Audio in The Netherlands we look forward to developing our market presence even further."

Centrally located in Almere, Electric Audio was formed in January 2000 as the Electro-Voice and Filo Professional Cables distributor for The Netherlands.

(Ruth Rossington)

When the new dance club Rehab opened in Leeds this month, it positively reflected the changing DJ requirements for audio processing. Aside from recognizing the growing popularity of the straight tone arm, with the incorporation of a pair of Stanton’s STR8-100s into DJ mission control, it followed the lead of other pioneering British clubs by installing Stanton’s flagship VRM-10 mixer, with valve preamp and built-in filter. All products were supplied by the company’s UK distributor, Lamba plc.

Most Technical’s Dave Parry - mastermind behind the technology at London superclub Fabric - acted as technical consultant on the Rehab project. The Stanton install comes a month after Lamba plc appointed Marquee Audio as their new professional dealers, to further increase their exposure at the top end. The move is already paying off, and this month sees the installation of

Star Hire (Event Services) Ltd supplied all of the staging and supplementary site structures for the Route of Kings series of concerts, promoted by the collective talents of Triple A and ClearChannel Entertainments this summer.

The 2002 Route of Kings series of shows this year took place in London, Cardiff, Warwick and Leeds and featured headline artists including Paul Weller, Rod Stewart, Meatloaf, Bryan Adams and St Germain. Through the course of this run, Star Hire supplied its Vertech stages to the Route of Kings sites. During this busiest of periods, the company logistics involved 63 truck movements transporting equipment all over the UK, employing 48 staff across nine event sites, while the artists on Star Hire stages were watched by a collective audience in the region of a quarter of a million people.

This summer Star Hire improved its award-winning Vertech system through the

Yorkshire-based audio and visual specialists TMC has been involved in many top quality sound systems for venues across the nation. Based in the centre of Bradford and founded in 1987 by directors Paul Smith and Miles Marsden, TMC (The Music Company) has just received the ultimate recognition for its achievements by picking up the prestigious BEDA Installation Company of the Year award.

The award is based on the company’s installation of audio and visual systems at the UK’s biggest new clubbing venues and its on-going partnership projects with major club operators. Creation in Leeds, The Works in Birmingham and Oceana in Milton Keynes have all benefited from TMC’s state-of-the-art sensory systems that have established the three venues as the hottest tickets in town. This is the third time that TMC have won the award, having previously carried home the ‘oscar styl

The much-anticipated new Bond film, the 20th film in the series, is currently in production at Pinewood, near London. Die Another Day, produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and directed by Lee Tamahori, will see Pierce Brosnan return in his fourth outing as James Bond, and will be released in the UK on November 22nd 2002.

As usual, the film set is closely guarded and few details of the plot or its characters are available, but significant quantities of custom and pre-made Van Damme VGA cable have been ordered by Chris McBride, the film's computer and video supervisor. "We're using Van Damme cabling both for on-screen and off-screen applications," explains Chris. "Our department provides all the on-set video and computer requirements, working with the shooting crew. And we also supervise the on-screen screens, those seen in the film."

As in many

The Midas distributor for Finland, Oy Hedcom, have recently supplied a 52-input Midas Legend 3000 to the Crazy Reindeer (Hullu Poro) club in Lapland as part of a larger AV installation completed late last year, which also includes three video screens with multiple cameras and a Nexo Alpha E sound system. Located in a ski resort way above the Arctic Circle, the Crazy Reindeer Arena is a 1,500-capacity club/live venue which also offers full conference facilities during the day as well as saunas and a jacuzzi. In addition to the Arena, the Crazy Reindeer complex includes hotels, restaurants and an extensive leisure programme.

Oy Hedom's Ari Manninen explained that versatility and reliability were strong factors in the decision-making process. "During the season there is a show every night and the place is packed out, so the desk will be working pretty hard," said Manninen. "

Sunday 8 September - 7.30pm till late . . .

This year the PLASA Show is celebrating its 25th year, and it’s something we’d like to share with as many exhibitors and visitors as possible. So, we’re hosting a PLASA Party on the evening of Sunday 8th September at 'The Bridge' (underneath London Bridge) - one of London’s newest venues, to which everyone is welcome. The all-inclusive tickets are just £50.00 (plus VAT) and include a champagne reception, buffet supper and all you can drink. Not to mention the chance to dance until late.

For further information call Mikaela Fenton-Jones on +44 (0)207 370 8207.

Having been appointed as one of a number of UK Derksen dealers in November last year, DHA Lighting is delighted to have now become its exclusive UK distributor, stocking an extensive range of the German company’s interior and exterior lanterns. Louise Tester, sales manager for the UK and the Derksen contact at DHA, said: "This is an exciting development for DHA - the stock of Derksen lanterns will complement our own range of image projectors and gobos whilst opening new possibilities in architectural lighting, corporate events and retail."

In addition to a full range of Derksen interior and exterior lanterns, DHA will also stock GoboTop, the smallest low voltage gobo projector currently on the market. A minute piece of equipment, GoboTop turns commercial low voltage multi-mirror lanterns into projectors and can be used in conjunction with both glass and metal gobos. By

About 600 guests, including the German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, and many famous politicians and actors, attended the recent opening of the new Opel Co-ordination Centre in Berlin. With a permanent exhibition of the latest models and numerous changing displays, ‘Opel in Berlin’ will be a genuine attraction for visitors. Art exhibitions and lectures will be staged and there is an ‘Auto-Media Café’ for the general public too. The whole exhibition was designed by Stadler Project of Offenbach, who were also the project managers.

Working with Scheiner Interaktive Medien of Langenfeld, who were responsible for the AV design and project management, Electrosonic supplied and installed all of the audio-visual systems in ‘Opel in Berlin’. On the ground floor the visitor can surf the world of cars in the Auto-Media Café, where there are 10 interactive dis

Lighthouse LED screens, supplied by Massteknik, Scandinavia’s foremost giant screen provider, played a huge role in the visual aspect of the recent month-long tour by Sweden’s best-known and most popular artist, Tomas Ledin. A total of 77 panels of Lighthouse LVP1010D LED video screen (10mm pixel pitch, 1000 nits of brightness) was divided between three screens which tracked from side to side across the stage, forming either one giant screen of 11 x 7 panels (7.04 x 3.36m), or three smaller individual screens, with the centre screen being larger than the two outer screens.

Throughout the month of July, the tour visited open-air venues in no less than 30 cities around Sweden, sometimes on consecutive nights, with each concert attracting crowds of up to 10,000 people. This is the second year running that Massteknik has provided Ledin¹s entire video solution and, to make such

Dave Bryant lighting designer and director of Spirit Design Ltd has designed a spectacular illuminated night-time walk for Lightquest Southwest on Saturday 24th August 2002 in aid of local charities and organizations, and supporting North Devon Hospice. Lightquest is a 4.5 mile illuminated walk following a trail of 10,000 lights, five huge illuminated figures built with fire and light on surrounding hills. The largest of these hill figures, The Angel of the South' combines over 700 flaming torches with state-of-the-art lighting technology, including control from the new Avolites Diamond 4 lighting desk, and will be the most elaborate illuminated hill figure created to date. Combined with an accompanying soundscape, this promises to be one of the highlights along the route.

For further information, visit the Lightquest website at the address below:

(Lee Baldock)

UK manufacturer Audient has supplied two ASP-8024 recording consoles to The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. The sale forms part of the Institute's ongoing capital replacement programme worth approximately £500,000. The two consoles, a 24- and 36-channel both with patchbay, are being installed in two of the six studios in time for the new term in September.

LIPA, whose lead patron is Sir Paul McCartney, was opened in 1996 and offers degree level training and education for both performers and those who make performances possible. It possesses some of the most advanced technical facilities for sound recording training in the country and its decision to continue with analogue desks such as the ASP-8024 is an indication of the desks continuing presence in education. Jon Thornton, Head of Sound Technology for LIPA says of the purchase: "After much deliberation, we decided that

The PAI Group has announced that it has acquired the rights and assets of Lighting Technology Projects (LTP). The new company will trade as before, under the name of LTP, and will be headed up by Terry Reeves, who managed the company prior to the appointment of the administrators PriceWaterhouseCoopers in early July this year.

The acquisition is a logical step for the PAI Group, which specializes in the creative design, supply, and installation of bespoke audio-video, lighting and sound for the leisure, retail, education, heritage, and sports industries, and consists of PA Installations (PAI), VS Installations (VSI) and PA Technologies (PAT). LTP is a respected name within the industry and its markets will complement those of the PAI Group, allowing it to continue to broaden its interests and market penetration whilst providing continuity of service to LTP’s existing customers.

ARX Systems, the Australian-based manufacturer of pro audio products, is pleased to announce the appointment of the newly formed Bose Greater China Ltd as their new exclusive distributor for China and Hong Kong. ARX Managing Director Colin Park explained: "Pacific Audio Supplies (PAS) have represented both ARX and Bose in Hong Kong and China for many years. PAS's distribution activities have now been absorbed by Bose Corp with the formation of their two new Hong Kong & Shanghai based subsidiary companies to be known as Bose Greater China led by Mr Joel Tzo. Earlier in the year ARX were contacted by Bose Corp with regard to continuing our relationship with Mr Patrick Chung and most of the team from PAS who were moving from Pacific Audio to Bose. As well as continuing our relationship with the ex PAS team, ensuring a seamless transition for the sizeable ARX dealer network in China was

Walthall & Associates - a sound, video and lighting company based in Florida - has become the first Dynacord Cobra customer in the USA. Chuck Walthall, head of the highly respected company, was quickly convinced by the compact line array system, commenting: "It delivers hi-fi sound and first class coverage. In addition, it’s unbelievably easy to use."

Walthall is sure that the Straubing-produced system has a great future in the US market: "Even though there are any number of great-sounding enclosures and systems on offer in the States, the Cobra fills a genuine niche. It delivers something we’ve all been looking for - Plug & Play functionality - and with it outstanding sound quality."

A professional with over 25 years’ experience in the audio industry, Walthall envisages a wide range of applications for the Cobra: "It’s ideal for all s

After long discussions between Dave Hickford of Laser Innovations Rob Fisher and Paul Tibbert of Audiolight, Laser Innovations has appointed the company as UK distributor for its laser display products. Audiolight will be able to supply, install and setup Laser Innovations Cyclone series and the more professional multicolour systems, along with its existing sound and light products. Hickford told PLASA Media: "Having concentrated on the export markets over the past 12 years, it is now time to focus on the UK market."

Laser Innovations will be supporting Audiolight at the PLASA Show this year, where new products will be shown including the Cyclone DMX Laser projection system and the SA series of laser controllers. To be launched at PLASA 2002, the Genesis DPSS high-power 40W Yag, which runs off a 13 amp supply, and requires no external water supply.

Laser Innovation can b

The discotheque ‘Treffpunkt’ (‘Meeting Place’) in the Swabian city of Balingen in southern Germany is certainly one of the largest after-hours attractions in the region. With several dance floors, bars and restaurants as well as a large outdoor patio area, it offers a myriad of entertainment possibilities for well into the night. The newest addition to the ‘Treffpunkt’ is the ‘Loop,’ a disco with three bars and a circular dance floor. Originally an American bar, this part of the spacious disco was completely renovated and converted into an independent discotheque in autumn of 2001, with the lighting and sound installation carried out by FP Veranstaltungstechnik.

For sound reinforcement, they chose HK Audio. Company owner Frank Pfister commented: "Our experience installing HK Audio has always been good, and we also have several diffe

Martin Professional’s highly advanced professional lighting console, Maxxyz, is set to hit the market in a matter of weeks, and the company is laying the groundwork by training and certifying Maxxyz instructors worldwide. As part of a comprehensive introduction strategy for what is the most advanced stage lighting console on the market, Martin began conducting dedicated Maxxyz training classes at its Danish headquarters for instructors. The first round of participants completed a two-day certificated training programme at Martin’s headquarters in Aarhus, Denmark in early August.

Martin’s international education manager, Gerald Heise, led the classes aimed at educating Martin’s Preferred Partners throughout the globe. He commented: "With Maxxyz, Martin has made a significant move into the controller business for concert touring, theatre and television. The M

PLASA 2002 will be the showcase for four new products from Australian lighting control equipment designer and manufacturer, LSC Lighting Systems. Taking centre stage will be the maXim range of lighting control consoles with the recently-released PaTPad moving lighting module - see PLASA Awards Nominations for more information..

In conjunction with the release of the PaTPad option will be the addition to the maXim range of the maXim-MP console. Sporting 48 faders each with Flash button and status LED; 24 Playback masters with nine pages of memory; 216 memories for scenes, chases and stacks; fully proportional softpatch out to 512 DMX channels; SVGA output port and 3.5" disk drive unit as standard; electronic labelling of memories; two sound to light triggers; universal power supply with ‘brown-out’ protection; an

In the USA, ESTA (the Entertainment Services & Technology Association) has announced that the finalists for the 2002 Dealers' Choice Customer Service Awards are: (1-6 employees category) Doug Fleenor Design, Johnson Systems, L.E. Nelson Sales Corp and Production Intercom; (7-25 employees category) City Theatrical, Dove Systems, Lighting & Electronics and SSRC; (25+ employees category) Apollo Design Technology, Electronic Theatre Controls, Lex Products and TMB.

The finalists for the 2002 Manufacturers' Choice Awards: (1-6 employees category) Baltimore Stage Lighting, Indianapolis Stage Sales & Rentals and Miami Stagecraft; (7-25 employees category) 4 Wall Entertainment, Grand Stage Company, LVH Entertainment Systems, Production Advantage, and StageLight; (25+ employees category) Barbizon, Stage Equipment & Lighting and Vincent Lighting Systems.

The Dealers' Choice Customer Service Awa

August saw over 100,000 people flock to Europe's largest public park, the Phoenix Park in Dublin, for what was billed as Ireland’s biggest ever free concert. The 02 Party in the Park in association with 2FM, the Irish national pop music station, attracted over 30 performers including top name acts such as Ronan Keating, Samantha Mumba, Lulu, A1 and Darius, as well as a number of popular Irish favourites including The Devlins, The 4 of Us and Picturehouse. The event was staged by Aiken Promotions who once again called on Mikam Sound to provide the audio system.

Following the success of previous collaborations with Britannia Row, notably for the homecoming of the Irish footballers from the World Cup which was also an event for 100,000 in Phoenix Park, Mikam once again teamed up with the London sound company who furnished the X-Line line array system from Electro-Voice. The system c

Jem smoke is adding to its extensive line of fog and haze machines with the launch of three Magnum series machines, the Magnum 550, Magnum 950 and Magnum Hazer Pro, at the PLASA Show. Magnum is a complete range of high quality, high value fog and haze effects generators for today's DJ and late night venue operator. The Magnum range offers users the latest in safe and high quality fog generation at affordable prices.

The Magnum 550 provides the DJ with a light-enhancing atmosphere. Housing a 600W ECO-Mass Vaporizing System for economical and even distribution of haze, a fast heat-up time and extended operation make the Magnum 550 the clear leader in its class. Supplied with remote control and fitted with the same high quality overheat protection as models from our professional range, the 550 will give many years of maintenance-free operation. The Magnum 550 should be used with either Je

When Urbis opened to the public on 27 June it was set to become not only one of the most innovative visitor attractions in Manchester, but also an impressive facility for corporate functions. Urbis has been marketed as a 'new kind of museum' and the philosophy behind the city's newest addition is to challenge visitors to 'see their world differently'. Using cutting-edge technology, coupled to hands-on interactive sections, audio-visual displays and moving video footage, Urbis tells the 'people's story' of cities from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles - the histories and experiences of the individuals who have shaped the urban spaces in which the majority of the world's population now lives.

Urbis has its roots firmly planted in urban soil in every way, from the Latin origins of the word urbis, meaning 'of the city' to its location in Cathedral Gardens, a new green space in Manchester's Millenni

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