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UK - Backup Tech has launched the Backup Photographic Competition, aiming to capture live entertainment, the people that make it possible and the backstage atmosphere. The competition is held in association with headline partner and sponsor the Lightpower Collection, and was launched at this year’s PLASA Show at Olympia London.
The Lightpower Collection is a long-time supporter of Backup and was looking for an idea that would shine a light on Backup and the work it does within the industry, that directly related to its impressive photographic collection.
“We’re delighted to collaborate with Lightpower Collection on this new and exciting way to raise awareness of our industry and in particular the people that make live entertainment possible,” says Backup’s vice-chair Piers Shepperd. “The overall theme of the competition is ‘Entertainment Production’,

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Germany - Conferencing specialist GreenIT24 has created a unified communications solution for companies using MS Teams and Zoom rooms, with a tvONE CORIOview multi-window processor at its core.
The Osnabrück-based company, which specialises in video comms and IT for organizations looking to optimise internal communications, collaborated with German AV technologist and supplier Exertis Pro AV to create a system that would aid remote, multi-site video meetings between team members.
“Due to COVID, we have had an increasing demand for this type of solution, in terms of implementing hybrid classrooms and workspaces with different sorts of content sources and multiple cameras,” explains GreenIT24 Product Manager, Tobias Blaser. “Usually, the client requires two to four input sources with variable resolutions - 1080P or 4K - which need to be displayed in different, fl
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UK - This year’s winners of the PLASA Awards for Innovation were announced last night at PLASA Show, Olympia London.
The Awards for Innovation, run in association with LSi magazine, are respected industry-wide for celebrating future-focussed tech that improves safety, efficiency and performance through new methods and materials.
33 products were entered this year. Seven nominees scooped an Award for Innovation, and a Gold Award and a Sustainability Award were also presented. This year’s judging team comprised of 12 independent technical specialists from a wide array of backgrounds, chaired once again by chartered engineer James Eade.
James Eade, commented, “It has been great to see big names launching products at what is acknowledged to be the most independent industry awards. It is heartening to see creative engineers in the industry continuing to devel

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Energy Efficient - London mayor Sadiq Khan has pledged £1.2m to help creative spaces, including theatres, become more energy efficient, as heating costs spiral. Local authorities within Creative Enterprise Zones – which were established across London in 2018 with the aim of giving artists more affordable workspaces – will have access to the fund. Grants of up to £200,000 will be made available to invest in practical solutions that will lead to greater energy efficiency, aiming to help organisations counteract the pressure of rising heating bills.
Last month, theatres across the UK, including Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds and the Lowry in Salford, warned of extortionate increases to their heating bills. Theatres and other cultural spaces within the nine Creative Enterprise Zones – Croydon, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hackney and Tower Hamlets, Haringey, Hounslow,

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Europe - Shure is teaming up with Netgear to deliver faster and more reliable integration when installing Shure Microflex Ecosystem products with the Netgear AV Line M4250 switches. The combination of Shure’s legacy in AV, along with Netgear’s commitment to AV over IP will help integrators with limited networking skills save time configuring rooms.
Built from the ground up for 1G AV over IP, the Netgear AV Line M4250 switches combine years of networking experience with best practices from leading AV professionals to simplify and elevate the installation process. A new AV-centric browser-based user interface enables key AV network settings, selectable profiles for popular AV devices, and a sleek front panel with various mounting options. Now, M4250 switches come pre-installed with two Shure profiles to optimise switch settings and customise VLANs for control and audio whe

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UK - On the eve of PLASA Show 2022, it was announced that Robe Lighting has agreed to acquire Artistic Licence.
“This is a great acquisition for Robe”, stated Josef Valchar, CEO Robe Lighting s.r.o., “It provides products that complement our own production, and will add value to sales made throughout our global distribution network”.
The acquisition of the Artistic Licence business and products is an important part of the strategic growth plan of both Robe and Anolis brands say the two parties. This purchase from Singularity UK holdings has also enabled an ongoing product design agreement.
“I look forward to helping develop the Artistic Licence business using the significant Robe subsidiary and distributor network,” said Artistic Licence CEO Wayne Howell. “I am also excited to be involved with new product development for a brand leading business th

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UK - PLASA Show, London’s international event for entertainment technology, will once again open its doors at Olympia London from 4-6 September. Thousands of professionals from across the live sector are expected to attend the show, coming together to celebrate the industry’s strength and innovation following the pandemic. Tickets are still available for £15, which will increase to £20 on the door.
200+ global brands will sit side by side in Olympia’s Grand Hall, representing the very best of pro audio, lighting, audio-visual, rigging and staging technologies. These include the show’s headline sponsor Robe, as well as fellow lighting brands Chauvet Professional, Claypaky, Ayrton, Avolites, ETC, Elation, GLP, Vari-Lite, Martin, TMB, plus many more. The pro audio sector is well covered, with brands such as d&b audiotechnik, Sennheiser, Yamaha, DiGiCo, Shure, RCF

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UK - Production Futures exists to create opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and develop real careers in production across every area of the live event, music, touring, theatre, TV, broadcast and film industries.
As part of the promotion for its forthcoming Production Futures On Tour autumn events, the organisation will host a seminar at this year’s PLASA Show on the subject of Creating an Inclusive Workforce - How Can the Industry Attract Young Talent?.
Chaired by CEO Hannah Eakins, the panel, which includes Jas Parekh (Production Futures), Koy Neminathan (Sales Director at Avolites), Amy Kerr (field sales support manager at Robe) and Ollie Jeffrey (head of production and technical at Royal Albert Hall), will discuss solutions to the skills shortage in the live sector.
Hannah Eakins explains: “Since the pandemic, live events

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Hungary - The Hungarian State Opera House is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Budapest, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Following a five-year refurbishment project, the historic building has been returned to its former glory, now complete with modern technologies, including High End Systems Sola Silent fixtures from ETC.
The building, located on the elegant Andrássy Avenue, has long been one of the world's leading opera and ballet facilities. Some of the finest singers, dancers and performers have showcased their talent at the venue. Gustav Mahler and Otto Klemperer are among those who've served as directors, while Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Renée Fleming have performed there.
A previous renovation was undertaken from 1980 to 1984 and the building reopened to the public for the 100th anniversary of the institution. This time

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Europe - Blumano, engineering consultancy and advisers for safety and stage machinery design, has announced its expansion with Blumano Deutschland. This base, located in the heart of Western Europe, will work closely with Blumano’s network of offices in Ireland, the UK, Italy, South Korea and the Netherlands.
Laura van Haperen joins this organisation and brings impressive experience and her qualifications as a DGUV V 17/18 (formerly BGV C1) expert in Germany. Her career as a safety expert in machinery and equipment for stages and other production facilities includes collaborating with leading companies in the entertainment industry. She has also improved quality management issues regarding business and technical processes throughout her work with automated stage machinery manufacturers.
Laura and Blumano's other directors met during standardisation meetings within CE

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Estonia – A host of Green-GO’s digital intercom products have been installed at Tallinn City Theatre’s temporary home at the nearby Salme Kultuurikeskus (Salme Cultural Centre) while the main theatre is renovated.
The relocation gave Green-GO distributor and Tallinn-based theatre smart control experts Focuspoint OÜ the opportunity to specify Green-GO solutions to the theatre, which is looking to the future with the rebuild and technical upgrade.
The existing communications system at the Salme Kultuurikeskus (Salme Cultural Centre) was, according to Focuspoint, extremely old, consisting of a one-way announcing mic at the stage manager’s desk and 100V loudspeakers positioned in four wardrobes.
“The team at City Theatre were looking to upgrade their communications system to a full digital, flexible system almost as a try out while they operate in their te

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UK - Prolight Concepts Group has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Flightcase Juice. The addition of this brand ‘enhances the current umbrella of brands, and enables Prolight to continue to stock, supply and develop this popular consumable’.
This label cleaner and permanent market remover is developed and manufactured in the UK and is currently available in 0.75 litre spray bottle. A 5-litre version is also available which is suitable for refills or larger usage requirements. Mini sample bottles of Flightcase Juice will be given away at the upcoming PLASA Show in London.
Managing director Andrew Jeffrey comments, “I am pleased to welcome Flightcase Juice in our group. We will be looking at further expanding the range with the same dedication and passion that we have applied to our other brands over the years.”

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UK - A new pro audio distributor, AUX Import, has officially launched, offering brands such as CatCore, UNiKA and NEXT Audiocom.
Following a career in pro audio, founder and sales director, Mike Newman explains his drive to start the company.
“Having worked over 20 years in live events I felt that experience could lead me to better understand what installers, integrators and rental companies were looking for; both in terms of products and service. Having worked around the world for audio manufacturers for many years I had become aware of several unrepresented brands who I felt could succeed in the UK market. AUX Import has been founded on a culmination of these two things, which is already proving to be a winning formula.”
AUX Import currently offers exclusive products from the German ‘XLR over Cat’ manufacturer CatCore as well as UNiKA Pro Audio, the man

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UK - BishopSound, boutique manufacturer of point source and line array loudspeakers, has announced the availability of the company on the open market. The company founder, Andrew Bishop, is seeking to partner with investors to grow his infrastructure to a level that can meet the increasing demand for his products.
BishopSound’s order book includes enquiries from as far afield as the US, India, West Africa, and Vietnam, as well as reflecting a loyal customer base in the UK among discerning artists, rental companies, and systems integrators. Since the company was formed in 2015, year-on-year growth has stretched resources to the limit, and Bishop now feels the best way forward is to place the business in the hands of a like-minded concern with shared goals in entertainment technology.
Although seven years old, BishopSound’s provenance goes back several decades to wh

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UK - Next week sees Nelson Street venue SWX Bristol host its first events since an arson attack stopped the calendar in its tracks 13 months ago; fire, smoke and water damage requiring owner/operator Electric Group to undertake a complete refit.
Power metal band Gloryhammer play on Friday 9 September followed by club night Far Fetched, highlighting the breadth of purpose SWX provides for.
The tech has been upgraded. There’s an L-Acoustics Kara II PA, all new lighting, motors, and a Fiend Productions’ LED wall. Swish dressing room suites backstage wait for the weight of performers set to play SWX: Banks, Rema, Young T & Bugsey, Sugababes and Black Midi to name just an autumn handful.
Reaction from promoters/agents to the news that SWX is on the map again underlines the venue’s value to the city’s coveted nightlife model.
Mike Weller, head of mus

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Europe - Ed Sheeran kicked off his Mathematics (+–=÷x) tour, his largest to date, on 23 April in Croke Park Stadium, Dublin. Since then, the singer-songwriter has been playing stadiums across the UK and Ireland, with further dates planned across Central Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, Australia, Latin America and North America as part of his mammoth 2022 / 2023 world tour.
Continuing its long-term relationship with the artist, Colonel Tom Touring (CTT) is once again supporting the production, supplying over 1100sq.m of a variety of ROE Visual LED panels, all powered by Brompton Technology LED processing.
The spectacular 360-degree stage design incorporates a giant circular ‘halo’ video screen, comprising 462m2 ROE Vanish V8T high transparency outdoor LED panels, fixed over a 90m2 revolving LED stage built from ROE BM5 panels.
The stage is surrounded by six 30-m

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UK - Free registration for this year’s PLASA Show will end at midnight tomorrow (31 August). Taking place in Olympia London’s Grand Hall on 4-6 September, the leading entertainment technology trade show promises to deliver some of the latest technology, brand showcases and product demos. Alongside ample networking opportunities, visitors will also be able to take advantage of the show’s free-to-attend seminar programme of over 60 sessions, taking place across four show floor theatres. Meanwhile, the winners of the 2022 PLASA Awards for Innovation and the Gottelier Award will be announced at the show on Monday 5 September.
Don’t miss out – register for your free ticket by midnight tomorrow: https://registration.gesevent.com/survey/1ibtbcj5j6f10?actioncode=WB14

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Theatres at Risk - The Theatres Trust has launched a new programme, Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities, to help reduce the threat to at-risk theatres and strengthen theatre communities. The national advisory body for theatres, has been awarded a grant of more than £294,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund as well as funding from the Pilgrim Trust and Swire Charitable Trust to establish the initiative. The three-year project will focus on supporting communities operating a theatre building and communities considering taking over a theatre building.
Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities will feature a grants programme to fund strategic and organisational development work for three to six theatres a year, a new training and knowledge-sharing programme, and a series of free webinars open to all theatres to develop expertise across the sector.

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UK - Since investing in a Nexo Geo M12 line array a couple of years back, Bluestone Audio is winning more and more mainstage jobs at festivals where they might previously have supplied systems for second or third stages.
A recent example is Lakefest which took place in August at the picturesque Eastnor Castle Deer Park in Herefordshire. The Bristol-based sound rental company has previously handled the VIP Gold Stage at the festival, but this year moved up to the mainstage, with headliners including UB40, Manic Street Preachers, Leftfield and Supergrass.
“This year’s Lakefest gig is typical of how our business is growing with the Geo M12 system,” says Bluestone owner Sam Brook. “And we’re building relationships with other Nexo-equipped rental companies like Total Sound Solutions from Swansea, who are partnering with us at this event.”
With an audience

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The Netherlands - Genelec has further strengthened its growing AV business by appointing Audio XL as its distribution partner for the entire Genelec AV Installation range throughout the Benelux region. Audio XL’s appointment also deepens the relationship between Genelec and the European AV Group.
Founded in 2004 and based in Utrecht, the Audio XL team specialises in the live, retail and installed sound markets and combines exceptional levels of sales and marketing expertise, technical knowledge and system design – all backed up by a premium quality logistics operation.
With a separate showroom in Antwerp, Belgium, and two independent sales teams, Audio XL is well equipped to handle the entire region and its various language requirements. It is the distributor for several leading brands, including AV system automation and integration solution providers such as AMX a

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UK - Established in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is one of the world's oldest universities in continuous operation. The university has five main campuses in Edinburgh that support more than 42,000 students, placing the university among the top 10 largest universities in the UK.
In early 2020, as the realities of the pandemic were starting to take hold, the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh reached out to the university's Learning Spaces Technology team asking for a way to share audio between its three instruction labs, and then also share audio back-and-forth with students attending remotely. At the time, because of campus restrictions, the university could not bring contractors or electricians onsite to install the new audio cable systems needed.
Faced with the challenge, the Learning Spaces Technology team began researching IP-based audio to m

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UK - Central London venue Somerset House is inviting suppliers to apply to become an accredited supplier. The venue hosts hundreds of events each year for a range of clients and is keen to ‘ensure its suppliers and their services are equally inclusive and sustainable in practice’.
Rebecca Moore, senior event manager, said, “Somerset House is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community reflecting the diversity of our society. Our newly accredited suppliers will reflect this and actively engage with it. There’s a lot of new, forward-thinking talent in our industry, and we welcome businesses both big and small that identify with our beliefs and working practices.”
The accredited list is being reviewed for the first time in over three years. Somerset House is expecting significant interest given the opportunity to work with high profile brands, busin

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Pay Offer - West End backstage and front-of-house workers have voted to accept a revised pay offer from the Society of London Theatre – which includes a 10% increase to minimum pay rates. The accepted pay offer will see a number of other revisions implemented in the SOLT/BECTU Collective Bargaining Agreement, which covers pay and working conditions for front-of-house and backstage staff in roles including wardrobe, sound, box office and stage door.
These include the removal of a ‘force majeure’ clause - allowing for lay-offs in the event of further Covid restrictions - which was among a series of variations to the agreement that were negotiated to get the industry back on its feet after the pandemic lockdowns, from 31 March, 2023. The new rates of pay will apply from August 22, with other arrangements in the variation agreement to also end on this date. These i

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Europe - Obsidian Control Systems is to host three in-person training sessions on the Ooyx control platform at its European headquarters in Kerkrade, The Netherlands. The training sessions will take place 20, 21 and 22 September and will focus on Obsidian’s Onyx software while covering the DyLOS pixel composer, Netron Ether DMX devices and Capture visualization software.
The training will cover Beginner (20 September), Intermediate (21) and Advanced (22) levels, allowing anyone with or without Onyx experience to get a comprehensive understanding of the powerful software. The goal of the training is for lighting professionals to grow their knowledge base and improve their skills to become more effective and creative lighting programmers.
Each session will dive into the details of the Oonyx platform, using an NX2 console in a hands-on approach to learning. With a var
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