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UK - Knight of Illumination Award-winner and lighting designer Cate Carter has harnessed the precise and powerful beam control of Philips Vari-Lite VL3500 Wash FX luminaires to create a beautifully focused, and surprisingly intimate, show for Elbow at London's 20,000-capacity O2 Arena, provided by Lite Alternative.

"The VL3500 Wash FX provides me with both a powerful beam and even coverage for the stage wash," explains Carter. "The range of the zoom allows me to use these fixtures in different capacities to fulfill multiple applications and also the quality of the color mixing gives me a really diverse palette, from which I can build many different looks."

The design, a deconstructed yet no less imaginative version of the full production tour from the previous year, is both intimate and expansive and as expected not just restricted to the stage.

"The

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UK - Pro audio sales company, LMC Audio will host two dedicated wireless microphone systems training days provided by Sennheiser UK at its London and Birmingham bases respectively on 5 and 7 February.

The days will follow an interactive format and will provide attendees with an overview of the digital switchover to Channel 38, due to come into force at the end of January, and future spectrum related plans, an overview of wireless systems and how to set them up, as well as basic radio frequency (RF) training, which will cover frequency choices, basics of intermod, programming, wireless systems management and multichannel setups.

"LMC's training days offer an easy to understand format for anyone using wireless systems," says Gerry Forde, director - Professional Division, Sennheiser UK. "The Channel 38 switchover over is a particularly hot topic and one that is sti

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USA - Rycote, the UK-based manufacturer of advanced microphone windshields and suspension systems, has announced a strategic collaboration with Røde Microphones of Australia.

Under the terms of the new arrangement, Røde will be including patented Lyre technology with selected microphones, beginning with the popular VideoMic range, designed for use with camcorders and video-capable DSLRs. All future Røde microphones that include Rycote's technology will be prominently branded 'Rycote Onboard' on their packaging and other marketing materials.

The Lyre is a non-elasticated suspension web composed of a hard-wearing thermoplastic, Hytrel, and is markedly more effective at acoustically decoupling microphones from unwanted vibrations, handling and cable-borne noise than elasticated suspensions. Since 2008 the world-patented Lyre design has featured in many succes

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UK - Digital solutions company DiGiCo has announced Steve Watson, Simon Honywill and Rob Collins as winners of its Olympics UB MADI competition, which it ran during the Games to celebrate the efforts of the engineers involved, without whom the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies would not have been heard.

"As a UK manufacturer, we were delighted to have our consoles on the events, a total of 13 consoles, including eight SD7s, plus 12 SD racks and 13 Purple Boxes, for what was probably the biggest event this country has ever seen," says DiGiCo's managing director, James Gordon. "But it's the work of the designers and engineers who used them that truly deserves recognition.

"The UB MADI competition was our way of doing this, saying thank you to them and adding a little light relief during such an intense period of pressure. The winners picked were pulled o

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UK - Leading UK lighting rental company Siyan invested in additional Robe MMX Spots to keep up with the demand for these popular fixtures and a busy autumn order book.

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire based Siyan, headed by Nick Valdez, services numerous tours, shows and events including a healthy pick of exciting 'bands of the moment'. The company also has a reputation for nurturing and producing new and emerging young lighting designers, operators / programmers and technicians.

Half of the new 24 MMX fixtures went directly out on tour with Feeder, where they were specified by LD Ewan McRobb and used as the main lights on the rig. McRobb had also taken some of Siyan's original batch of MMXs out on the Bryan Adams tour at the end of 2011. Siyan recently had MMX Spots out on Skunk Anansie's European tour with LD Andy 'Foxy' Smyth, which ran throughout November.

Nick Valdez expla

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USA - The New York City Performing Arts Centre recently benefitted from a major renovation programme which has transformed the iconic venue into a premium destination for world-class drama and music performances. The full system audio upgrade was designed by NYCC's Augie J Propersi in association with Scott Lehrer, with acoustic consultancy from Kierkegaard Associates.

Following on-site demos by TiMax distributor Duncan Crundwell of 1602Group LLC, TiMax2 Soundhub was specified as the overall system processor to provide routing, EQ and zone management plus the ground-breaking audio localization capabilities of its automated dynamic delay-matrix.

Propersi explains, "We wanted the TiMax Soundhub to matrix the main house sound system and manage speaker alignment and sound imaging within the performance space - so for all the system timings as well as room tuning. The EQ secti

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UK - Not only is Irish comedian Dara O Briain charming and funny, he is also very clever it would appear! Perhaps it is his enthusiasm for things or our constant desire to learn more, but it would seem that something 'adds up' for us, as comedy game show School of Hard Sums is back for a new series.

Richard Martin Lighting (RML) provide the lights for the show which is designed by LD Michael Sutcliffe aka Sooty. The rig comprises of Pixel Par 90s, Chroma Floods, Alpha Beam 300's and 900mm Chroma Strips. The simple yet effective look ensures that you keep your mind focused on the job in hand.

School of Hard Sums is the last show to be filmed in TC4 of the iconic BBC Studios in London White City before it closes. It is scheduled to be aired in April on Dave.

(Jim Evans)

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Belgium - Winter Wonders 2012 (Plaisirs D'hiver) festival was one of the major attractions in the centre of Brussels this Christmas. Thousands of people took leisurely strolls along the festive route between Place Saint-Jean and Marché au Poissons in a welcoming, dazzling and magical atmosphere typical of festivals at this time of year. The illuminated and sound-filled setting featured a wide range of fun activities (including street theatre, ice skating, music bands, and puppets etc.), as well as several large digital signage solutions.

The Christmas holidays are also an important time for many businesses who rely on the busy trade to boost profits before the end of the year. And this year at the Winter Wonders festival, Christmas shoppers were also greeted by several spectacular LED walls installed before the holiday rush to boost trade advertising and public informa

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UAE - Nicolas Kyvernitis Electronics Enterprises, distributors of Midas and Klark Teknik in the Middle East have recently supplied a Midas PRO1 digital live audio system to Dubai based, Integrated Audio Visual System. The system integrator has provided the console as a complete AV solution to a prestigious new events and convention centre in the Emirate of Sharjah.

"IAV were looking for a powerful and portable yet feasible solution for a new events venue and considered the Pro1," commented Chicco Hiranandani, business development manager at NMK.

He adds, "With the ability to remotely control the console with an iPad, the venue operator has the most flexible solution at their disposal."

(Jim Evans)

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USA - Miley Cyrus performed with Israeli dubstep producer DJ Borgore in front of his Cream Machine built of Chauvet Professional MVP 18 video panels, during a Christmas Creampies Concert at the Fonda Theatre. Made of 65 MVP 18 fixtures, the truck displayed custom-made animations, while Cyrus and Borgore sang Decisions.

A concept of Morgan Lavery, owner of Future Visual, the idea of the Borgore Cream Machine is to make Borgore look like he is driving inside an ice cream truck, equipped with real 30-inch rims that move and spun around on motors. Forty-seven MVP 18 panels cover the main façade of the truck and 18 make up the rear screen behind the DJ booth, while two are modified for the front of the machine. "We built the truck specifically for the MVP™ 18 frame, since it can work with just about anything," said Collyns Stenzel, owner of Advanced Concert Pro

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Europe - Luc Peumans from Genk, Belgium based creative visual design practice, Painting With Light, has designed stage and set lighting for the first arena touring production of Dreamworks' Madagascar LIVE!

Brought on-board by Netherlands based producers, Stage Entertainment Touring Productions, Peumans' joined a seriously talented and acclaimed creative team on a show high in production values that is scheduled to tour internationally for two years.

His work brings atmosphere and vibrancy to the pacey musical that follows the adventures, thrills, spills and comedy moments of a group of escapees from Central Park Zoo in New York ... who find themselves shipwrecked on the sandy shores of Madagascar.

Peumans used David Gallo's stage/set design, based on a series of curtains, elaborate scenic and printed drops, drapes and scrims used to create the different locations, as

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USA - Veteran monitor engineer Michael Prowda spent most of 2012 on tour with a new client, Radiohead. Being a big believer in matching equipment to the specific needs of the artist, he suggested the band consider the Sensaphonics 3D Active Ambient IEM system.

"They are a very talented band, technology-friendly and open to new ideas. At our first meeting in London, I presented the idea of the 3D as something that might be right for them," says Prowda. "They understood the active ambient concept immediately and knew that they wanted it. They were very decisive, embraced the idea, and trusted me to make it happen for them. Very cool."

Initially, three Radiohead band members - singer/songwriter Thom Yorke, guitarist Ed O'Brien and drummer Phil Selway - ordered the 3D Active Ambient. The systems arrived during rehearsals. "Sensaphonics really delivered for

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Sweden - Wireless Solution Sweden AB has reported its achievements during 2012 and is preparing for "an even stronger future". The company broke its own record with a 50% increase of turnover between 2010 and 2011, and an additional increase between 2011 and 2012, even during a slower economy.

Wireless Solution was nominated the highest ranking of financial strength in 2012 from International Dun & Bradstreet with AAA.

Wireless Solution has invested heavily in a new approval for Russia, being the first company outside Russia that has import approval to Russia as well as an import license, with Russia promising to be a significant market in the future. Wireless Solution is also the first European wireless DMX company that has completed both ETL and C/ETL (similar to UL and C/UL). In addition, the company has been awarded a new patent in USA for Wireless Lighting Contr

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USA - Avolites Media's Ai Media Server has powered a spectacular 3D video mapping experience at one of Las Vegas's biggest New Year's Eve parties.

The fast, intuitive Ai Media Server - which has become an integral engine for some of the world's most ambitious visual events - was used to map the graphics projected onto three giant structures for the 2000-strong party at the luxury Aria Resort to welcome in 2013.

"I chose to use the Ai server because of its ability to work with 3D mapping and to handle multiple projection devices internally," says Vickie Claiborne, product specialist, lighting & digital media for PRG, which supplied all of the lighting, video, truss, as well as lighting design and show staff for the VIP event. "Add these groundbreaking features into a media server that can be controlled either independently or via a lighting console, and you've go

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Russia - St. Petersburg-based integrator Ascreen, dnp denmark's premium dealer in Russia (and dnp Partner of the Year 2012), has designed and implemented a major AV system upgrade at the St Petersburg Court House, using the Danish company's solutions.

The building's main conference hall seats 350 people, and ensuring that they all get a good view was the installers' key concern. The solution they chose was a Supernova Infinity screen measuring 5500mm x 3094mm, made of the standard 08-85 material to achieve the highest image possible, and driven by two Panasonic PT-DW100 10000 ANSI lumen projectors working in 'dot-by-dot' mode.

"We chose the screen size and material to give everyone a bright, clear image, and deliver the high contrast you need for viewing material on video," explains Ascreen brand manager, Oleg Gukov.

In two areas of the courthouse strong ambient li

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UK - Theatre design consultancy Charcoalblue is supporting the Theatrical Management Association's industry leading Touring Symposium by announcing lead sponsorship for the next three years.

Charcoalblue will kick off sponsorship this spring as the TMA's Touring Symposium takes place at the Congress Centre in central London on Wednesday 6 March.

The TMA's premier annual event has established itself as the key forum for debate on the development of the UK touring industry. It provides a unique opportunity for venue managers, producers and directors to discuss and determine the environment and practical operation of their sector. Last year's Symposium attracted a record breaking 238 delegates from all over the UK.

"The TMA is delighted to have secured a three-year partnership with Charcoalblue," says David Brownlee, general manager of the Theatrical Management Associ

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Belgium - Allen & Heath has appointed new sales and distribution company, XLR, as its exclusive distributor in Belgium and Luxembourg. A fledgling operation, XLR's team is already well established in the pro audio business as it is owned and run by Louis Lukusa and Jan De Brucker, who previously worked at ASC, Allen & Heath's former distributor for the region.

Louis Lukusa commented, "We are delighted to continue working with A&H, this is a leading brand with a long history of innovative products. We are looking forward to developing a successful business and to ensure customer satisfaction at the very highest levels."

"Louis and Jan have many years of experience in distributing A&H in the Belgian market, and they have established a strong dealer network, which has great confidence in their expertise and skills," explains A&H regional sales manager, Norbert

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UK - Suppliers to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be able to champion their involvement in last summer's sporting spectacular, after a landmark deal has been reached by the Government, British Olympic Association (BOA) and International Olympic Committee (IOC). The deal will give companies the recognition that they deserve for the part they played in the success of the London Games.

Culture Secretary Maria Miller and BOA Chairman Lord Sebastian Coe announced that the companies which helped build the Park, venues and provided goods and services for the Games will be able to actively promote their work on the London 2012 Games. The move is designed to provide a significant boost to the country's economy by helping firms land contracts and deals on the back of their involvement with the London 2012 Games.

The new deal will benefit tens of thousands of British co

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Denmark - Just because a venue is located in a small town and prides itself on its community links and support for local artists doesn't mean that it is content with being simply average. The Godset Rock Club in Kolding, Denmark is an excellent case in point. Managing director, Christian Haugk clarifies for the uninitiated, "Although we are not a large community, the local government has been consistently supportive in our efforts to create a set of rehearsal rooms and a live venue that has quality written all over it.

"The Godset is run by an amalgam of volunteers and music organisations and provides a wonderful platform for developing grass roots talent, but our commitment to professional quality means that we have a national profile that attracts acts of international stature. Our success provides a feel good factor that politicians recognise as something of a vote

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Cultural Affairs - The submission process to find the UK's second City of Culture in 2017 has been launched by arts minister Ed Vaizey. The announcement came just days after Derry-Londonderry officially began its year-long celebrations as the inaugural UK City of Culture and sets out the timescale for submission of bids from cities interested in participating. Vaizey said, "The UK City of Culture is a prestigious title that is a vehicle for encouraging economic growth along with highlighting the very best of the country's cultural talent. Derry-Londonderry are already making the most of the opportunities being UK City of Culture brings and I would urge other local authorities and partnerships across the length and breadth of the UK to consider putting themselves forward."

Those interested in submitting bids to be UK City of Culture 2017 are being asked to register with

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Israel/USA - Continuing its strategy of delivering creative AV Signal Management solutions to customers around the world, Kramer Electronics reports that it has entered into a licence agreement with ComQi.

Kramer Electronics is a leading manufacturer of high-quality analogue and digital audio, video and computer signal management products for the ProAV industry. ComQi (formed from the merger of Minicom Digital Signage and EnQii) is a leading digital in-venue media management company.

The agreement provides Kramer Electronics with exclusive manufacturing, sales and marketing rights for ComQi's (MiniCom Digital Signage) media distribution products, and allows Kramer to provide an end-to-end digital media solution encompassing media distribution, network management, content management and proof-of-performance, on various digital signage platforms, such as mobile web and computer

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UK - Back in 2002, lighting designer Richard Williamson and Peter Kirkup (a student at the time, now VP of entertainment at LumenRadio) had the idea of setting up an online forum to discuss life and work backstage. On 29 January 2003 The Blue Room technical forums were born.

From small beginnings it has grown to become a huge resource to technicians all over the world, receiving well over 5m million hits per month from over 70,000 unique monthly visitors. Members have contributed over 450,000 posts to the site over the 10 years, with over 19,000 members using the site from across the industry.

The Blue Room technical forums are very pleased to be celebrating this landmark

birthday and hope for many more years of support, advice and friendship to come. Peter Kirkup commented, "Richard and I would like to thank all of the users for making us a huge success. We look forwar

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India - A Milos MR5 roof system was recently used for a high profile open-air concert by Oscar award winning Indian megastar A R Rahman, staged at the YMCA Grounds in Chennai, India. Organised by popular Tamil broadcaster Jaya TV, the event was attended by 30,000 enthusiastic fans.

The multi-deck layered stage was designed by leading Bollywood set designer Varsha Jain, and this, the Milos roof system, all trussing, rigging and assorted scaffolding and structures utilised on site were supplied by Chennai based 'Men At Work Stagecraft Management Pvt Ltd'. The project was managed for them by Mankaran Singh.

The Milos roof system measured 24m wide by 18m deep with 13m of headroom. Various trusses were sub hung from its mother-grid, including six straight ones of different lengths and four circular - one at 8m, one at 4m and two 6m diameters.

(Jim Evans)

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UK - A squad of Clay Paky Sharpys proved the must-have gadgets for lighting designer Nick Gray at the latest Bond film premiere party at London's iconic Tate Modern.

Gray, of London-based lighting creator Renegade, specified 24 pure-beam Sharpys to create a high impact welcome for 1600 A-list guests at the Turbine Hall party to celebrate the release of Sam Mendes's James Bond film Skyfall.

The Sharpys were positioned pointing directly toward to entrance, shooting piercing shafts of light down The Bridge at arriving guests, taking advantage of Sharpys brightness usually achievable only with far greater wattages than its 189W rating, and the fixture's ability to produce a perfectly parallel, laser-like beam with an incredible output of 59,760 lx at 20m.

"I've been a long term user of Clay Paky luminaires for these sort of shows as well as for all my Kasabian concer

  1. CRMX helps London end 2012 with a bang
  2. Robe lights gala benefit events
  3. ISE extends contract with RAI
  4. SES links with Moscow's Skyfox
  5. Dirty Rigger expansion for CineTools in Spain
  6. Sarner adds another award
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