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USA - London-based automation specialist Stage Technologies will collect a Staging and Projection Product of the year EDDY award from Entertainment Design magazine, when the awards are presented in New York in June. Judges singled out the company's latest software innovation - Visual Creator commenting that it is "remarkably intuitive and greatly expands the notion of what can be moved where on stage."

Visual Creator is an advancement of the award winning Pathway technology that was used to create the spectacular flying effects in the The Witches of Eastwick, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Millennium Dome. The latest in software design architecture, this motion design tool allows two- and three-dimensional effects to be drawn as imagined. Combined with position maps and profiles this new software makes the previously complex task of calculating cues a thing of

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UK - Software provider Stardraw.com has appointed pro audio sales and systems specialist Marquee Audio as UK reseller for the entire range of Stardraw's design and documentation software packages. Both parties regard the new partnership as an extremely positive move. "We have been Stardraw users ourselves for years and we love the product," said Marquee's Andy Huffer, "so it seemed only logical to be able to pass on the benefits to our own customers. Furthermore, as a forward-thinking company whose products are constantly evolving and developing, Stardraw's profile complements our own modus operandi perfectly."

Stardraw marketing director Rob Robinson agrees. "Marquee Audio is one of the most respected and successful names in the business for professional audio sales and systems integration in the UK, and is thus the ideal partner for Stardraw. In addit

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UK - The participation by María Pagés in the first ever flamenco festival to be held in London was also a first in the use of a Harlequin Liberty floor for this form of dance. Recognized as one of the leading innovators in the development and redefinition of modern flamenco, María Pagés and her company of dancers performed 'Flamenco Republic', 'Bulerias and 'El Perro Andaluz' as part of the recent Sadler's Wells flamenco festival.

As a leading exponent of modern flamenco, María Pagés had been searching to replace traditional 12mm plywood flooring with a new type of floor that could offer the purity of sound demanded, and at the same time reduce physical stress on the dancers. Patrick Lesage from Harlequin International already had an idea that Harlequin Liberty floor could provide a modern solution to this problem and discussions were opened at the company's studios in Tor

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China - Ace Hong Kong have carried out an audio and lighting fit-out in Cheng Ping - a town in Guang Zhou, Southern China - having won a competitive tender for the work. After specifying the system, Ace had to meet a deadline for the opening show at the Cheng Ping Culture Centre on the second day of Chinese New Year (January 23, 2004).

The loudspeaker management system consists of four BSS Audio 9088 Soundwebs (processing the JBL AE series Left/Centre/Right cluster). Soundweb also handles the speaker delay taps and EQ processing in an auditorium which seats 1,300 people. In an all-Harman Pro line up, Crown CTs series amplifiers power the system, and the FOH mixer is a Soundcraft MH4.

Ace was also responsible for providing the theatre lighting, with the conventional lighting controlled by ADB. The generics include profiles and fresnels while Clay Paky provide the moving lights,

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UK - Audio contractor Ansabac has found an unusual application for the Symetrix SymNet digital audio matrix system - in a West Midlands bingo club. When they installed the original sound system at Shipley's Luxury Bingo Club in Redditch, the client had specified a custom-built matrix device. "But the company who manufactured it went under, and when the system also went down it was clear we needed an off-the-shelf solution," said Ansabac's Phil Parkes.

They turned to Fuzion plc's Tim Harrison, and he in turn recommended Symetrix' proprietary SymNet system. "It's often the case that our clients contact us for solutions," reports Harrison. "Ansabac were unsure how they were going to accomplish their routing and digital distribution, and we were able to show them how easy this would be using SymNet technology; at the same time we were able to help them signi

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USA - In 2003, the famed US Naval Academy at Anapolis completed a 10-year renovation of the historic Bancroft Hall. Bancroft Hall has the distinction of being the largest dormitory in the world, housing the academy's entire class of 4,500 midshipmen. It has 1,873 rooms, 4.8 miles of corridors, and almost 10,000 windows.

One of the last rooms to be renovated was the historic Memorial Hall. Known for its plaques honouring past midshipmen and its "Don't Give up the Ship" motto, the Memorial Hall is one of the most revered spaces at the academy and has been used for countless Naval ceremonies and presentations over the last 100 years. As with many historic rooms, the hard reflective surfaces and high ceilings made the Memorial Hall a difficult acoustical challenge. The Naval Academy wanted to replace its ineffective portable sound system with a permanently installed audio

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UK - Leading project management company Stagecraft is the first company in the UK to install an innovative new touch screen lighting system created by Zero 88. Stagecraft has been working with Salisbury nightclub The Chapel on the supply and installation of £100,000 of lighting equipment, which includes the new touch screens.

Since early 2003 Stagecraft has been involved in the massive refurbishment project at The Chapel. Project manager Martin Palmer commented: "Lighting can be used in so many different ways in clubs like The Chapel and the system we installed had to be extremely versatile. With so much new lighting technology out on the market we spent a great deal of time researching all the options available."

Linked directly to the Zero 88 Frog Box, the touch screens can be used to recall and edit lighting sequences stored in the Frog Box's memory. Through a re

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USA - Ballantyne of Omaha, a manufacturer of motion picture projection and specialty lighting equipment including the Strong International range of followspot products, has reported financial results from continuing operations for the three- and 12-month periods ending December 31, 2003. Net revenue from continuing operations for the three months ending December 31, 2003 rose 44% to $11.1 million, up from $7.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2002. Gross profit from continuing operations in the quarter rose 110% to $2.7 million from $1.3 million in the year-ago period, due to lower manufacturing costs resulting from increased sales volume and a more favourable sales mix.

John P. Wilmers, president and CEO of Ballantyne, commented: "The financial health of the theatre exhibition industry is steadily improving and our customers are gaining improved access to capital for new

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UK - Adlib Audio has installed a predominantly proprietary sound system into the restaurant and bar at one of Liverpool's first boutique hotel - The Hope Street Hotel - a collaboration project between three individuals, Andrew Bentley, David Brewis and chef Paul Askew. At Hope Street, the bottom line is to ensure guests are comfortable and relaxed in a well-designed environment, as they enjoy the hotel's facilities including the London Carriage Works restaurant and the resident's lounge bar.

Andrew Bentley is a concert pianist and local show promoter, so he knew the importance of sound as a creative element of making the right ambience, he said: "I chose ADLIB because I have known them for many years. Apart from getting an excellent sound for the room, they've always been straightforward to deal with."

ADLIB's Andy Dockerty was asked to design a system sympathetic to

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UK - Tower Productions of Edinburgh has opened an hire facility just South of Oxford at Watlington to better serve an ever increasing client list in the South and Midlands. Offering a full dry hire service of; lighting, dimming, control, rigging, mains distribution, and event heating equipment, hires can be delivered at very cost effective rates, or may be collected from the warehouse just off the M40 and only an hour from North London.

Tim Shaw of Tower Productions said: "The company aim to offer the slightly less usual items like; single phase Prostar motors (run 11 from one 13a socket) and rated keder clamps for tent rigging, white minuettes and birdies, 240v exterior birdies, exterior par cans etc."

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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UK - SA Sound Services of Wellingborough has just completed a full A/V installation for the 500 capacity Brickhill Baptist church in Bedford. Steve Ashley CEO of SA Sound commented: "The church had a historical problem getting intelligible sound to the rear seating which is under a low ceiling running around the entire perimeter of the room. The choice of the L-Acoustics MTD112b has solved that problem. Using an L/C/R format we were able to cover the entire auditorium very evenly and just as importantly cost effectively with just three elements".

Both Pastor Paul Woodward and Paul Templeman the resident sound engineer have confirmed that the new system is much clearer with excellent vocal clarity throughout the room. Templeman said: "There is no problem now in reaching the perimeter seating, and we have a very even SPL coverage at all frequencies around the venue.

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USA - For the third season in a row, Kieran Healy is the designer responsible for the stunning lighting display on the live hit talent show, American Idol. VLPS Lighting Services is providing the full lighting package, including the digital lighting. Utilizing the soon to be released Virtuoso EX1 media server, a combination of EX1's abstract and graphical 3D digital images are manipulated and controlled from a Virtuoso DX2 console and projected onto LED and plasma screens during each performance.

"Every season I try to make the lighting better and keep the looks different and dynamic," notes Healy. "By using the EX1, we obviously added impact because we're able to play around with the digital images and integrate them with lighting. The digital content library on the EX1 is pretty extensive so we've been able to use terrific images to light and set the back

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UK - A dazzling new look for one of London's most famous icons, the BT Tower, was recenty unveiled when a brand new sign and lighting scheme at the top of the building was switched on.

The tower's new signage, which replaces the previous 'piper' design, is a three hundred and sixty degree structure featuring constantly changing illuminated colours drawn from the company's 'connected world' identity. Ben Verwaayen, BT's chief executive, said: "The BT Tower is a communications icon and a prominent landmark on the capital's skyline. It is also one of the most visible representations of the BT brand. When we launched the new identity last year we said that we would roll it out over time, so I am pleased that the time has come for the new colours to shine out from the BT Tower."

BT launched its new 'connected world' visual identity in 2003 to more accurately reflect the w

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Switzerland - The 74th International Motor Show at the Geneva Palexpo saw numerous innovations and highlights - and not only among the automobiles. As leading technology service providers, CT Creative Technology Germany and London fielded the latest media technology for a number of stands, including Opel AG, SAAB Automobile AB, GM-Corvette, Volkswagen AG, Ford Motor Company, Mazda, Land Rover and Jaguar. They were able to deploy the latest LED technology, including the groundbreaking VersaLIGHTGUIDE for SAAB Automobile AB.

But the highlight, delivered by CT Germany, was on the GM-Corvette stand where more than 7,000 Barco MiPIX LED modules where used to build a fascinating, 80sq.m illuminated flat media floor, which was the platform for the world premier of the Corvette Convertible.

The unique application of MiPIX was conceived, planned and installed by CT Germany, working in

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USA - Robe Show Lighting's US operation has undergone a radical restructuring that sees Michael Carattini appointed as president, and a new HQ and warehouse opened in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Tony Perez has also been appointed as Eastern U.S. sales manager.

The existing West coast office and warehouse continues under the direction of Ron Ramirez, VP of Robe America and director of Western U.S. operations. Both East and West coast offices will carry comprehensive product stocks and run full service and support departments.

Robe Show Lighting's MD Josef Valchar stated: "The changes enable Robe America to offer the very best and most efficient sales and after sales service for the Robe brand across the US. Having bases on both East and West coasts is vital to consolidating our resources and operation, and in supporting our growing client base in all areas of the entertainme

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USA - Apogee Sound International, renowned for state-of-the-art sound reinforcement products for the professional audio industry, announced that its new digitally-controlled APL-500 DSP self-powered arrayable loudspeakers and ADAM (Apogee Digital Audio Management) software were used to provide live sound at the Independent Film Producers' (IFP) Independent Spirit Awards ceremony.

The prestigious event, held this year on 28 February, annually attracts 1,300 guests and 350 members of the international press in a large tent on a beach in Santa Monica, CA. Veteran Hollywood sound designer Bruce Burns of Innovative Audio Technologies selected the Apogee equipment. Burns serves as sound designer and audio coordinator for the Independent Spirit Awards show, he commented: "This is a challenging event. We couldn't use trusses to hang the speakers, and we couldn't have any of

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Australia - LSC Lighting Systems has supplied Melbourne-based lighting and presentation solutions company, Resolution X Pty. Ltd. with five maXim lighting control desks, each fitted with the LSC PaTPad moving light controller. The purchase is part of an upgrade to Resolution X's control desk inventory.

Resolution X's MD Tim Hall selected a maXim MP 48 fader console with 24 Intelligent fixture control, two maXim LP's 72 fader desks with 36 Intelligent fixture control and two maXim XLP's - 96 fader with 48 Intelligent fixture control.

The new consoles will go into immediate action on Resolution X's busy schedule of fashion, exhibition, event and general production work. Hall chose the LSC brand following plenty of experience with the equipment in the past, he commented: "It was an easy choice, specially once I saw the power of the moving light controller, I knew this was th

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UK - In the three short months since Christmas, Colourhouse, the White Light Group's conference and corporate lighting specialist, has found its services called upon at land and on sea, with Colourhouse's crew surviving both real storms (a force ten gale while lighting shows on board the Pride of Bilboa in the Bay of Biscay) and the potential political storms of the party conference season, during which Colourhouse provided the lighting for the Labour and Liberal Democrat parties.

Other shows presented unique challenges of their own. For Heroes at the Honorable Artillery Company in East London, the Colourhouse team supplied 1200kVA of generated power, twenty-four hours a day, six days a week to 4500m2 of marquee covered event space spread across six acres. Luke Bennett of Luke Bennett Production Management was full of praise for the Colourhouse's team led by lighting designer Da

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Germany - The X-Tra is one of the largest and best-known entertainment venues in Switzerland. International live acts such as The Rasmus, Seeed, Sean Paul and De La Soul regularly appear at the club, which has a capacity of around 2,000 people. The club's sound consultant, Granary Sound, recently searched for a new audio system, and received five tenders - one of them from the Basle-based Audio-Tech KST AG, which since the first of July 2003 has been a partner of EVI Audio.

"Our bid was undoubtedly the most expensive," confesses Edi Mosch, divisional manager pro audio for Audio Tech KST AG, "but the experts at Granary Sound considered that the EVI Audio equipment provided the most professional solution in view of the very high standards required. When it then emerged that the X-Tra's own sound engineer favoured Midas, Klark Teknik and EV equipment, nothing more st

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USA - Britney's hotly anticipated Onyx Hotel tour in support of her album In The Zone is currently taking America by storm. A three-month international trek, the tour kicked off in early March in San Diego and has so far proved to be a storming success.

Britney's show features an extravagant set based around the theory of the mysterious Onyx stone. The theme of the show is a hotel on the edge of reality - the Onyx hotel - that Ms. Spears checks into. A magical "wonderland of the subconscious" where, according to a creepy character that plays the M.C, your ''darkest side'' can be explored, with ''titillation'' guaranteed.

Stage Technologies, in conjunction with Ocean State Rigging and The Rigging Partnership, helped create the scenic wow factor for the show, with Stage Technologies providing an automation system to fly Ms Spears backwards and forwards over the

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UK - Entec Sound once again supplied the sound system for the five day Teenage Cancer Trust charity event at the Royal Albert Hall. This is the forth year that Entec has been involved with the show.

The main audio issue at the Royal Albert Hall - a notoriously challenging acoustical environment - was designing and installing a system capable of dealing with a wide variety of performers and musical genres.

The 2004 line-up was headlined by The Who, Jools Holland and friends, The Stereophonics, Tom Jones, and - for the first time - a comedy night featuring Steve Coogan as Alan Partridge and others. Entec supplied a centre speaker hang comprising of d&b C4/7 enclosures, which matched the distinct curvature of the famous venue, with B2 subs under the forestage, and C7/690 ground fills. The main array was four wide and seven deep left and right, and it followed the same sonic princ

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UK - The PLASA Show 2004 takes place at Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London from 12-15 September. Now in its 27th year, the PLASA Show focuses on innovation with new features, product launches, professional development opportunities and displays and demonstrations from the leading brands and pioneering manufacturers and innovators in the industry.

Emphasising the importance of training and education, the PLASA Professional Development Programme (PPDP) reinforces the importance of continual learning as an integral aspect of the show. This year's sessions are designed to focus on technical hands-on training, industry debate and networking to appeal to lighting and sound professionals at every stage in their career.

Building on the success in 2003 of the inaugural Architectural Audio & Visual sector, this year there will be a village of exhibitors that are associated with v

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UK - Inc Bar, the popular brand new club in Greenwich, has been fitted out with an array of equipment supplied by leading UK distributor Autograph Sales. Leicester-based Pro Audio Solutions was approached to complete the installation, and turned to Autograph Sales because of its reputation for supplying high quality products and service to the installation market.

The bar was designed by flamboyant interior designer and local resident Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, famous for his hosting of TV's makeover show, Changing Rooms. Pro Audio Solutions installed Meyer Sound's MM4 miniature loudspeakers, which are highly compact at just 10cm³, ideal for the setting of the Inc Bar, where sound reinforcement needed to be powerful and clear yet unobtrusive. 10 MM4s were used alongside two controllers with further Meyer Sound loudspeakers in the form of four UPM-1Ps. In addition to the lo

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USA - Symetrix's SymNet Audio Matrix family of network linkable audio matrix DSP processors is continually finding its way into new and unique applications. Recently, Johnson Knowles, resident technical guru at the Dallas-based Russ Berger Design Group (RBDG), integrated SymNet into an all-digital recording studio setup to operate as the 5.1 monitor system controller.

Last year, RBDG designed a brand new studio facility featuring an SSL C200 fully digital mixing console for Bicoastal Music in Ossining, New York, which has just opened for business. Searching for a sonically pure piece of audio equipment with which to control the proprietary RBDG-designed 5.1 monitor speaker system at Bicoastal, Knowles turned to SymNet. "We've previously used SymNet in several home theatres and home theatre showrooms," he says. "And now we've designed the first control room monitor

  1. Prolyte's modular training programme
  2. Marquee's Legion of Honour
  3. Lab.Gruppen powers Clapton tour
  4. Strand's ShowNet provides link to the Bridge
  5. Versa Tile wins two awards at Lightfair 2004
  6. Lightswitch at Kips Bay
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