Business

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UK - The Legion Public House and Social Club in Shoreditch recently commissioned a high-specification sound system from design and installation company, Marquee Audio. The 300-capacity venue is operated by Quadcrest Ltd - which includes the team instrumental in the success of the Social bars in London and Nottingham. They thus needed the flexibility to present a varied DJ programme by night, along with music from background CD (and the Social's trademark jukebox) by day.

One of the directors of the operating company, Brian Davis, had previously used Marquee Audio to fit out a bar in London's Smithfield Market. Thus when he secured the site of the former printing works in Old Street, which had been empty for two years, he had no hesitation in renewing the acquaintance, citing: "quality sound, reliable back up and competitive pricing" as the principle reasons. "I ne

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UK - Sennheiser UK has announced the sale of Lab.Gruppen FP-6400 power amplifiers to Concert Sound of Luton. The amplifiers will be used to power Concert Sounds' JBL VerTec system for the forthcoming Eric Clapton tour.

The major tour starts in April and will follow the release of the new Me And Mr. Johnson album in which Eric Clapton pays a unique tribute to seminal blues innovator Robert Johnson. Taking in Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham and Sheffield the tour culminates with a remarkable six-night residency at London's Royal Albert Hall.

Commenting on the purchase, Tim Boyle of Concert Sound said: "We have had a very long-term association with Eric Clapton and, again for this tour, chose Lab.Gruppen because of the outstanding sonic performance and excellent reliability. We needed a substantial 48 Lab.gruppen FP-6400s to power the rig a

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Australia - Sydney Harbour provides the perfect natural amphitheatre and one of the safest locations to stage the largest annual fireworks display in the world. The fireworks and lighting show regularly attract over one million people in, on and around the Harbour. This year's show featured a new twist when, for the first time, lighting designer Martin Kinnane and programmer Sean 'Motley' Hackett could actually see what they were creating from across the Harbour at the Sydney Opera House. In the past, programming always had to occur with the equipment on the Bridge, but this year, Strand's Australian distributor, Bytecraft Entertainment, had a better idea.

Using Strand's ShowNet nodes and WiFi wireless Ethernet they were able to connect the lighting console with all of the equipment on the bridge wirelessly across the Harbour. Strand's powerful and flexible TCP/IP Network create

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USA - Element Labs' Versa Tile continues to receive broad acclaim by receiving the Best of Category and Roeder awards this week at the Lightfair architectural lighting trade show in Las Vegas, USA. These awards follow similar awards at the PLASA and LDI shows last year.

Lighting designer Jim Benya presented the award at a special ceremony. He commented, "The New Product Showcase Committee has chosen to recognize one product which exemplifies the dedication, commitment to excellence, use of colour, and outrageous sense of fun representative of the late award-winning lighting designer, Mr. Craig A. Roeder."

Versa Tile is a glowing LED light tile controlled by video. The tiles, placed together in arrays of any size or shape, create different moods and effects. The system is extremely versatile and is suitable for use on applications ranging from architectural installati

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USA - LD Howard Werner, a partner in the US-based Lightswitch lighting design consortium, is participating in the annual Kips Bay Designer Showhouse in Manhattan. The renowned springtime event invites name designers from around the US to create individual rooms within a chosen residence. The showcase kicks off with a gala event and is then open to the public, with the funds used to support the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club. Founded in 1915, Kips Bay promotes juvenile development and prevents juvenile delinquency by helping young people recognize and achieve their potential. This year's project is on Park Avenue and 64th Street and will be open from 4-31 May.

Werner is working with interior designer Theo Kalomirakisto create a deluxe screening room in the five story townhouse. The screening room is an eight-seat movie theatre designed by TK Theaters of New York City. It uses simpl

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UK - In just two short years since the Legend 3000 started shipping in March 2002, the landmark 500th console has rolled off the production line and graced the Midas stand at ProLight & Sound 2004. Immediately after the show it was on its way, destined for Palestine where it is to be installed into The Ramallah Cultural Centre on the West Bank.

While Palestine is bound to raise eyebrows as a destination as it remains one of the world's most politically unstable areas, this sale is typical of the new markets that Legend has enabled Midas to penetrate. The perfect multifunctional console, the Legend 3000 is the world's only console that can mix monitors from front-of-house without compromise; perfect for live music clubs, conference centres or theatres. In addition to performing both functions simultaneously, Legend also handles dedicated FoH or monitor applications equally well;

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UK - Creative sound and installation specialists CP Sound has completed a comprehensive audio and AV refit at Bootsy Brogan's bar and restaurant venue in Fulham, West London. The themed Irish-style venue is owned by Glendola Leisure, for which CP Sound has completed several other projects. Bootsy's Fulham has proved such a popular and busy site that the original sound system was unable to serve the space as it now functions.

CP Sound's Colin Pattenden first troubleshot the venue. He sampled it at several times of the day, including extensively during peak capacity, and then came up with the new sound design for the background music system which features a wide variety of musical styles and genres!

He decided to add new JBL Control 28 speakers across four zones, plus additional bass bins under the seating. The Control 28's were chosen for acoustics, size, reliability and cost-e

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UK/Germany - PA/VA manufacturer Millbank announced the appointment of Atlantic Audio as German distributor for their expansive product portfolio at Pro Light + Sound 2004 in Frankfurt.

Millbank has been a driving force in public address and voice alarm systems since its inception in 1967 and over the years has become synonymous with innovation and quality with thousands of installations across the globe.

Benefiting recently from its acquisition by Ampekko Ltd, Millbank continues to set a precedent for ground breaking solutions, which are all compliant with UK and European Cenelec, standards, namely BS5839 pt8 and EN60849. Complementing Atlantic Audio's portfolio of leading edge pro audio products that includes Renkus-Heinz and XTA, Millbank offers products for both centralized and digital networked systems.

From London's Underground networks through to Harrods, Chase Manhatt

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UK - Already in operational service providing both primary and chin window displays, SEOS' DPM ultra high contrast monitor replacement option will be demonstrated on single window collimator optics, on stand 218 at ITEC.

A realistic alternative to CRT, the Digital Projection Monitor represents a new approach to resolving the issue of replacing 26" monitor displays and provides sequential contrast in excess of 40,000:1.

The DPM comprises a direct projection engine and lens, and a specially developed curved screen. The projection engine is a unique, high-performance fixed matrix LCoS projector based on SEOS' patented pixel management and 'black video' technology.

The technology used in the DPM enables it to display dusk and night scenes (including lightpoints) with correct dynamic range. It is compatible with the use of unmodified in-service night vision enhancement devic

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USA - Apogee Sound International has selected Metalfx Inc as its lead manufacturing and assembly partner for its full range of professional loudspeaker and electronics products. With the next ISO audit in May at the Metalfx facilities, the production of Apogee loudspeakers will be included in the Metalfx ISO 9001 certification. Located north of San Francisco in Willits, California, the company has over 150 employees and two world-class production facilities covering over 220,000 sqft. It's customers include companies such as Agilent, Ciena and Hewlett Packard. "We're excited to add Apogee to our distinguished client list," said Gordon Short, president of Metalfx, "and proud to partner with a company respected for quality that is second to none".

Prior to moving production from Apogee's Petaluma facility to Metalfx' facility in Willits, engineers from both com

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Germany - Blue Man Group is incorporating High End Systems' DL1 Digital Light fixtures and Catalyst v3 Media Servers into its new theatrical production in Berlin. Eight DL1s and 4 Catalyst v3 Media Servers are gearing up to enhance their permanent show opening 9 May in the Potsdamer Platz theatre. The show - promising new material along with classic Blue Man moments - is set for an indefinite run. Flashlight in the Netherlands is providing the HES gear.

Production and Lighting Designer Marc Brickman couldn't comment on details of the show design, as he is still in the early phases of creation with Blue Man founders Chris Wink, Phil Stanton and Matt Goldman, along with Associate Designer Marc Janowitz and Artistic/Video Director Caryl Glaab. However, he was excited about using the new digital lighting technology.

Brickman has been a creative consultant to the Blue Man Group for

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UK - The White Light Group is the lighting supplier for the transfer of the smash-hit musical Les Misérables to the Queen's Theatre, with White Light Hire supplying the conventional lighting and The Moving Light Company the expanded automated portion of the rig.

Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Les Misérables played at London's Palace Theatre from 1985 until 27 March this year, however it has now moved along Shaftesbury Avenue to make way for The Woman in White, the new musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Though outwardly appearing as a straight transfer, the new production features an entirely new version of John Napier's acclaimed set designed to fit within the Queen's smaller stage. Given the chance to re-think and update his Tony-award winning design for the show, lighting designer David Hersey has taken the opportunity to incorporate some of the latest li

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USA - A new company has been formed to chronicle, produce and distribute a shared history of production touring from the perspective of industry professionals. Roadcases, founded by Paul Dexter and Larry McNeny, is in its early stages of development, beginning with a website along with a new idea for a cable television series and a future book.

Dexter has been writing steadily in American industry magazines since early 2000. "I wrote an article early on called 'Is there Life After Rock'n'Roll Touring?'" says Dexter. "After touring, going out into the real world with rock'n'roll attitude was a huge shock. I need freakin' therapy now and I've discovered that I'm not the only one."

McNeny and Dexter met on Ozzy Osbourne's 'Diary of a Madman' Tour in 1981-82. McNeny was the tour manager, as he had been for the BeeGees and Eric Clapton, and Dexter was Ozzy's l

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USA - California's largest resort-casino, the Pechanga Resort & Casino, owned and operated by the Pechanga Native American Indian Tribe in Temecula, recently overhauled the audio system in its Showroom Theater with the addition of a new L-Acoustics V-Dosc concert system. The system design and installation was a collaborative effort between Muzak's Riverside-based systems division and AMT Systems of Santa Clarita.

The 1,200-seat venue, which has hosted performances from the likes of Olivia Newton-John, The Temptations, Hall & Oates, Kenny Loggins, George Carlin and Chicago in the past couple of months, now boasts a stereo, four-way loudspeaker system with six V-Dosc cabinets per side. Additionally, a total of 16 SB118 single-18" sub cabinets are located down on the stage, and all systems are powered by L-Acoustics' LA 48a amplifiers.

Muzak senior systems consultant Daryl

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UK - Fuzion plc has confirmed the sole UK distribution rights to a new European brand, t&m Systems, ending a two-year search. The extensive range of complementary loudspeakers and amplifiers has been part-engineered to meet the requirements of the UK market. "The Fuzion policy has always been to embellish our product portfolio in communication with our customer base," said sales and marketing director, Paul Ward. "It has been a constant source of frustration that a gap has existed below our Nexo range, and thus a huge market requirement in the bar, AV and small installation sectors has remained unfulfilled."

But now that looks set to change. "We've been searching constantly for the right partnership and t&m have been sufficiently flexible to allow us design input - which means that products, such as the t&m8 Pro, will be based around our customers needs

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Australia / Germany - ARX Systems, the Australian manufacturer of professional audio equipment has announced the formation of a strategic partnership with well-known German audio development company Algorithmix GmbH to develop, design and manufacture a range of specialist digital audio products under the 'ARX Digital' banner.

Based in Waldshut-Tiengen Germany, Algorithmix is headed by Christoph M. Musialik Ph.D, currently the European Chair of the AES Technical Committee for Signal Processing. Initial Products in the new DSP-based range will be released into the market in fourth quarter 2004.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - LD Vince Foster specified 12 James Thomas Pixelline LED battens for the current Sugababes tour directed by Paul Domaine. The Pixelines are mounted vertically in pairs along the bottom deck of the set - which Foster also designed - and ensconced into the cladding to emphasize its architectural lines.

Foster has been a keen fan of Pixellines since the fixtures were first launched, and initially used them for Massive Attack's 2003 tour. He also used them recently for an MTV special at Hammersmith Apollo, starring N-E-R-D featuring Justin Timberlake, and has specified them for the upcoming Phil Collins tour.

The Sugababes tour is being operated by Stephen Abbiss, The Pixellines are used simply, sparingly and often subtly for effects in specific songs. For 'Caught In A Moment' they create blue liquid effects, mimicking the video content for that number. They also throw an elec

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UK - Blitz Communications recently demonstrated its widescreen expertise at the IVCA (International Visual Communications Association) Awards 2004. Held in the Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel, on 26 March 2004, the prestigious award ceremony is a yearly event that recognises and celebrates the best in visual communications in the industry.

Blitz, working closely with THA (Thomas Hannah & Associates), the appointed production company, was commissioned by IVCA and THA to supply the equipment and technical expertise for a panoramic widescreen video backdrop to the award ceremony and entertainment.

Blitz used an 18.3m wide by 4.9m high screen combined with Vista Montage projection (supplied by Joys Production Services) along with six Barco R8 projectors to produce a panoramic vista, and a four-camera channel portable production unit with video record, plus video hard drive

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USA - The Ghost Bar on the 55th floor of the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas has recently upgraded its lighting with a design created by Adam Gregory of Kelly Communications. The installation features Martin Architectural Alien 05 stem mount fixtures hung from the ceiling above a series of curled acrylic photographs. Light from the Aliens penetrates the images, stretching the figure out onto the wall behind. The Alien fixtures (600mm stems) typically project a subtle blue but the Alien's palette of other colours is also integrated from time to time with six different looks programmed on a Martin 2518 controller.

The Palms is a $265 million resort just off the Strip with a diverse mix of top end entertainment venues under one roof. High above the Vegas Strip, Ghost Bar is an open-air venue with unparalleled views. The lounge boasts 12ft. glass walls and a glass floor on the ope

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USA - Element Labs Inc reports that Large Screen Video Imaging has taken initial delivery of a 50sq.m order of Versa Tile. The equipment has been placed in LSV's rental inventory, and the purchase makes LSV the first rental partner for Versa Tile in the US.

John Rigney, president of Large Screen Video, commented: "We are very excited to have this product in our arsenal. Everyone who sees it goes 'Wow, that's cool!' It's clear that Versa Tile's innovative and unique nature will keep our inventory very busy."

Since its launch last year, Versa Tile has received numerous industry awards and has been featured on the Super Bowl half-time show and a variety of other events. Large Screen Video is a rental and staging company specializing in LED display products and has offices isCalifornia, Texas, and Florida.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Installation Europe in association with TOA Corporation are inviting installers, consultants, distributors and manufacturers to nominate projects for the 2004 Golden Ears Award. The Award will celebrate excellence in the design of electronic systems in commercial buildings.

First prize is a dream tour of the Far East, sponsored by TOA Corporation to celebrate the company's 70th anniversary. For an entry form, please visit the website below.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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UK - Entertainment technology specialists Kelco UK Limited believe it is set to bend the collective ear of the UK clubbing scene with its most recent sound installation in Nottingham. Stealth is the latest club of note to open anywhere in the UK and aims to revitalize a club scene which many have claimed is on the verge of stalling. Details of the club and its exact style and content are a closely guarded secret.

Kelco managing director David Kelland commented: "I obviously can't comment on any other aspect of the club, but I can guarantee that the sound system that we have designed and installed is as good as it gets. There is no way that words and specifications alone will be able to do justice to the systems; it really is something that has to be experienced to appreciate what has been achieved."

The two main floors of Stealth will see the first UK installation of

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Japan - Tokyo City Keiba is a horseracing track located in Ooi, Tokyo, one of four built in the 1950s in central Japan. Since its opening, Tokyo City Keiba has entertained huge numbers of fans and, since 1986, has made a great success of its night time Twinkle Race.

With the help of Martin color changing projection, Tokyo City Keiba is continuing to change the horse track's entertainment concept. In 2003, a new entertainment facility called L-Wing was opened with restaurants, indoor gardens and color projection from Martin Architectural Exterior luminaries enriching the gamblers' visit. One result has been that women are now starting to visit the racetrack to enjoy the atmosphere.

At dusk L-Wing delights the crowd with colour changing projection, and during the Twinkle Race L-Wing paints the paddock in soft shades projected by several exterior lights. Delicate colors, kept dis

  1. HZ-International in liquidation
  2. Martin Architectural at Light + Building 2004
  3. Lighting Logic at The Brit School
  4. VLPS lights Network Awards
  5. Rocket acquires SWPF
  6. First Midas Heritage 4000s in UK go to SSE
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