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UK - The PLASA Lighting Protocols Plugfest 2018, held recently at London Gatwick, was hailed a “huge success”, with attendance numbers up on previous Plugfest events and more protocols added to the programme.
Plugfest offers manufacturers of lighting products an opportunity to test the interoperability of their products with other equipment. It’s the only event of its kind in Europe where product engineers and software developers can test and debug, improve connectivity and ensure the reliability of lighting products.
Manufacturers from across Europe were in attendance including ARRI, Artistic Licence, ChamSys, Company NA, Eaton, eldoLED, ETC, Howard Eaton Lighting, JESE, Lamp & Pencil, LSS GmbH, LumenRadio AB, Robert Juliat, Rod Boyce, Swisson, TMB, Wireless Solutions and Volksoper Wien GmbH.
Protocols discussed at the event included Art-Net, DALI, DMX

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UK - Milton Keynes-based IPS announced an updated look at the recent PLASA Focus Leeds, in preparation for what is set to be company’s busiest summer yet. IPS now employs a total of 35 full time staff, and with a further four staff joining for the summer season.
IPS is a well-established operation, known by many for its large hire stock of LiteDeck staging and outdoor roof structures, alongside technical equipment hire ranges. However, when starting the process of redeveloping the company website, it quickly become apparent that some customers referred to the company as Impact, some as Impact Productions and many other variants.
After much discussion, and despite the original IPS logo being on literally thousands of items, the decision was made to refresh the logo, and adjust the company name accordingly. This process has also lead to the three key areas of the busin
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USA - Global design and BIM software solutions provider Vectorworks has invited professionals, educators and students in the AEC, landscape and entertainment industries to attend the fourth annual Vectorworks Design Summit from 4-6 November 2018 at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Arizona.
The conference includes industry sessions, tech support, networking events, inspiring keynotes and hands-on training. Multiple sessions will offer continuing education credits.
Vectorworks CEO Biplab Sarkar, comments: “The Summit is the most cost-effective way for designers to maximise their investment in Vectorworks and improve their company’s bottom line. It is my hope that all attendees will leave Arizona with inspiration and valuable experience to strengthen their career in the design industry.”
There will be two keynotes and 50 sessions led by 35 ind

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UK - Burnley-based Bates Box has received its first major order following the company’s recent launch. This order from Inverness-based I-Light will see Bates Box supply two bespoke power distribution units for a catering event.
Bates Box offers a lightweight and efficient power distribution solution, compliant with all UK and European regulations, for a variety of applications across many sectors, including TV & film, catering, oil & gas and theatre. Their weather resistant and stackable boxes provide up to 16 power outlets in a single unit, made from recycled material.
Bates Box founder Paul Bates says: “We’re excited to be fulfilling our first order, especially since the units will provide safe, robust and effective power distribution for the caterers.”
Stephen Leslie, owner, I-Light, adds: “We’re delighted to be dealing with Bates Box. Th

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UK - Special Project Resources (SPR), a new event production company part of HSL Group, has been launched by Tim Dunn and Marcel Wijnberger.
SPR has been described as “dedicated to assisting clients on any or all of the technical and design aspects of their concepts and projects through the innovative use of technologies”. The two founders have relocated from Johannesburg to HSL’s HQ in Blackburn, UK.
HSL MD Simon Stuart comments: “I am hugely excited about welcoming Tim and Marcel as SPR to the Group, and am looking forward to the dynamics and vision they bring to our equation. It’s going to be a highly productive, fulfilling and enjoyable working relationship.
“SPR will work in harmony with all the current HSL Group businesses and help grow, develop and diversify the scope of our work, optimise the talent, skills and personalities we already have a

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UK - PLASA Focus Leeds celebrated its 10th anniversary with a sold-out show floor, a programme of compelling content, and the unmistakeable buzz of business in the air. Exhibitors represented each corner of the industry, with household names sharing the stage with newcomers.
“We’ve had a great experience at PLASA Focus Leeds,” says Rob Moore from Chauvet Professional. “We’ve seen a varied selection of visitors from across the board; everyone from end-users, lighting designers and engineers to specifiers and influencers. We’ve seen lots of new faces, too.”
Inesh Patel from Sennheiser concurs: “PLASA Focus Leeds is brilliant - it has been non-stop, so much so that my voice is going from talking too much! The event is valuable as we get in front of the right people, meeting key end users and important dealers.”
First-time exhibitor Glyn Harries fro

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USA - Upon the opening of the world's largest architectural and commercial lighting trade show, Altman Lighting will be at Lightfair 2018 in booth 3922 inside McCormick Place, Chicago, on 8-10 May.
In preparation for their showcase of innovative architectural and commercial lighting solutions, Altman Lighting will be highlighting the power and performance capabilities of their Gallery LED series, Chalice LED downlights, and the popular Spectra Cyc wall wash family of LED luminaires.
“With so many talented architectural and commercial lighting professionals all gathered at one time, Lightfair is a significant opportunity for us to demonstrate the innovation behind our lighting solutions,” said Nick Champion, Altman Lighting vice president of North American Sales. “It is amazing to see how the technology behind the industry has grown over the last several years, a

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UK - PLASA Focus Leeds has begun its tenth birthday celebrations on 1-2 May at the Royal Armouries, Leeds. The popular entertainment technology trade show provides a stage for over 175 global brands, and the show’s reputation attracts thought-leaders and taste-makers who share their expertise through seminars and training sessions.
The show floor will feature products fresh from European launches, and the seminar programme is overflowing with enriching talks and lively debates. The show caters to everyone from lighting designers and sound engineers, to riggers and production managers.
Audio enthusiasts can get under the skin of digital mixers with Soundcraft’s Andy Brown and Sound Technology’s Ben Todd, and can get to grips with Line Array systems with Harman’s Ed Jackson and Sound Technology’s Stuart Strachan. Visitors can learn about frequency response wit

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Germany - There was a buzz surrounding the High End Systems booth at the recent Prolight + Sound trade show in Frankfurt. In addition to sneak previews of new products, visitors were treated to a visual spectacular in the form of the latest instalment of the world’s leading academic lighting programming competition, Hog Factor.
This year, in collaboration with the German branch of parent company ETC and German distributor LMP Lichttechnik, High End Systems opened up the competition to teams of students and trainees from across Europe, giving the contest a real international flavour. As in previous years, LMP provided valuable support during the preliminary stages – LMP product manager, Marcel Vranken hosted a series of training sessions and was involved in the shortlisting process.
From the numerous entries received, four teams from four different countries were se

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Italy - Audio Precision has previewed its planned contributions to the 144th International AES Convention next month in Italy. Themed The Power of Sound, AES Milan will bring together audio professionals and advanced audio technologies from around the world for four days of audio immersion, experiences and networking. In addition to the three technical presentations, AP will exhibit on stand 213 with their partner in Italy, AudioLink S.r.l.
Delivered as part of the Audio Quality session track (P02), AP’s first paper, An Auditory Model-inspired Objective Speech Intelligibility Estimate for Audio Systems, is scheduled for Wednesday, 23 May. The paper presents the implementation of a new algorithm for objective speech intelligibility, based on the modified rhyme test using real speech.
On Thursday, 24 May, AP’s second presentation, The Evolution of C

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Germany - Visitors flocked to ETC’s stands in Hall 3.0 at the recent Prolight+Sound tradeshow in Frankfurt to get a glimpse of the company’s latest innovations. Among the main attractions were several new products - the Element 2 lighting control console from the award-winning Eos family, ColorSource Pearl variable white-light LED fixtures, and the Irideon WLZ architectural wash light - all making their European debut.
Launched at the show, the Element 2 control desk is designed for venues with modest rigs and maximum hands-on fader control needs. It brings the fundamentals of lighting control to the forefront while allowing access to a wealth of advanced control features below the surface.
ColorSource Pearl, a variable white-light, LED array produces an impressive range of colour temperatures at an affordable price point. Engineered for applications in need of t

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Germany - At the recent Prolight + Sound show in Frankfurt, Fantek and Work Lifters announced they will be incorporating an enhanced version of the existing Dynsys overload limiting system in their future products.
Dynsys is a patented safety feature developed to protect operators by preventing top-loading (telescopic) and front-loading lifters lifting under overload conditions, in accordance with the stringent requirements of the EU-wide safety regulation DIN 56950, an important part of the DGUV V17/18 Health & Safety (Industrial Accident Prevention) regulations.
Until now, if lifters incorporating Dynsys are overloaded, user control of torque is blocked. With the improved Dynsys v1.2 system, Fanterk and Work lifters will additionally be prevented from raising anything above Level 0. At the same time, the operator will be given immediate visual feedback to infor

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Germany - French lighting manufacturer Ayrton reported that the size of the crowds that surrounded its stand for the hourly lightshow throughout the four days of Prolight+Sound were “testament to the anticipation generated annually amongst visitors by Stephane Migné’s lighting design and the Ayrton products he used to create one of their most complete lightshows to date”.
The show incorporated over 300 fixtures and gave each product group a chance to shine. It showed off the qualities and characteristics of the full range of new wash and spot fixtures, some new product releases, plus a few old favourites. Swathes of MagicPanel-FX worked their geometric magic from the back wall, MiniPanel-FX performed in tight aerial clusters, and MagicBlade-FX showed off its capabilities moving between ethereal colour changes to dramatic club-style sweeps.
MiniBurst added drama

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Germany - New trussing and staging systems manufacturer Sixty82 only came into being on 1 March, and shortly after made its successful first public appearance at Prolight+Sound 2018. “The show was incredible for us and we have been bowled over by the phenomenal response we have received from the start,” says Sixty82’s sales & marketing director, Rainier Smeding.
Sixty82’s stand was built using some of its own products to replicate a pub. Complete with bar serving bespoke Sixty82 beer, meeting areas and a full complement of its products, it was a suitable setting for staff to welcome its many new clients. The arrangement reflected the friendly, approachable nature of the company whose team has a genuine enjoyment of their jobs and puts customer service at the forefront of their operations.
“Having good product is paramount of course, but we believe that gi

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Germany - Avolites experienced its most exciting Prolight+Sound show yet, with a series of product launches including the world premières of new compact media server, the Q3 and launch of light and video integration feature set, Synergy.
Avolites kicked things off on the eve of the exhibition by hosting its annual distributor summit and awards. The company introduced its latest product developments to the 68 sales partners who attended from around the world, and afterwards presented a number of awards to its highest-performing partners.
"The response from the international team was excellent," says sales director Koy Neminathan. "They were genuinely excited about the Q3 media server and what Synergy offers to their customers. The Avolites Academy was also an area of key importance as we are now rolling out certified Avolites training via our global distribution networ

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Germany - With the first live presentation of the new grandMA3 series the MA Lighting booths at Prolight + Sound 2018 were a popular draw.
Founded on the legacy of the previous grandMA consoles, the grandMA3 represents “a radical re-think of what’s possible from a lighting control platform”. The elegant new system-architecture incorporates new fixture, feature and effects-handling at its very heart.
The system features concepts from top industry visionaries, presented within a refined user interface, and is designed to make practical tasks more intuitive. The physical design detail of the grandMA3 range is focused on delivering “the best possible user experience, now and into the future”.
The interest of all visitors at the exhibition was very high, therefore all 13 grandMA3 hands on stations and the dedicated grandMA3 live demonstration auditorium wer

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UK - Orbital Sound returns to PLASA Focus Leeds this year on stand N-C28. Featured on the stand this year is the Nemesis range of audio tools for use in theatre, AV, live music and more.
Key featured product is the new ACS-1 Auto switch over unit that enables automatic switchover of the Nemesis range of Dante and MADI switches. A typical use for this unit is in computer playback systems enabling a dual redundant computer playback system to automatically switch to the Back-Up system should the Primary playback system fail.
Come and see the new option boards for the very popular Nemesis CCS-2 Computer Switch adding more versatility and options, whilst the TCR-1 Time Code Reader adds an impressive feature list to a simple but effective solution.
Full working demonstrations of these new products will be running on the stand daily.
Also on the stand will be pro

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UK - Eaton’s Zero 88 is looking forward to a busy PLASA Focus in Leeds next week, where the UK lighting control manufacturer will highlight its powerful FLX range of consoles, which will be running with the latest ZerOS 7.9.4 software on Stand N-B12, 1st and 2nd of May 2018 at The Royal Armouries in Leeds city centre.
The all new FLX S24 and FLX S48 consoles, the original FLX and the ZerOS Wing will be demonstrated at this event, which is also renowned for its conviviality, networking and being a meeting hub for industry professionals working and based in and around the north of the UK.
FLX S24 is a new console that runs up to 48 LED, moving lights and conventional fixtures and is easy to learn and straightforward to use, delivering flexibility and multiple features at an affordable price.
FLX S48, also new, has double the power of FLX S24, offering intuitive

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UK - A new lightweight lighting stand will take centre stage on the Doughty stand at this year's PLASA Focus Leeds. The prototype product, which has been designed with the events and conference market in mind comprises a flat, round plate and slim tube, slotted at each end to allow cables to run unseen inside it. Described as ‘extremely robust’, the stand has a sleeker appearance than the standard Tank Trap and comes with a stacking slot which allows for the stands to be stacked together as well as a carry handle.
Dan Phillips, project sales co-ordinator at Doughty comments: "We really encourage everyone to come and take a look at this piece of kit on stand N-C25 while it's still in its development stage. We take feedback extremely seriously and use it to fine tune the product so that it ticks all the right boxes. We think our customers will really like the Lightweight L

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UK - The Editorial Board of the fast-approaching International Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference (ITEAC) have announced actor Mark Rylance as their latest keynote speaker.
The Board say in a statement: “The Editorial Board for ITEAC 2018 are very pleased to have been able to accommodate Mark within his professional commitments. It was felt to be of the highest priority to ensure that the voice of an actor of such experience and considered opinion should be heard at an event that seeks to be seminal for both the leading and the emerging talents working in the design and specification of places of entertainment.”
Named in Time Magazine’s 2016 100 Most Influential People list, Mark’s work includes a 10-year tenure as the first artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (1996-2006), which included the construction of the Theatre and Internat

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Germany - Claypaky presented a new concept in theme booths as it introduced its stage lighting products at Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt.
The Claypaky booth concept was based on three theme showrooms. Demos were performed in each one by alternating lighting techniques with evocative visual effects, creating an absorbing multimedia mix enjoyed by the almost 3,000 visitors who came to the showrooms over the four days.
"We saw enormous interest," comments CEO Pio Nahum and marketing manager Davide Barbetta. "The theme itinerary through the three showrooms worked in a continuous cycle, yet there were visitors waiting to enter at every time of day, and their numbers even increased on the last days. We think word got round of a highly detailed demo, put together by our technical team consisting of Claypaky's lighting designers, Marco Zucchinali and Giulia Sabeva, and visual de

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UK - All aspects of electroacoustics will be explored at Reproduced Sound 2018, which takes place 27-29 November at the Bristol Hotel, Princes Street, Bristol.
Offers of papers on any electroacoustics topic will be considered for the programme. Authors are encouraged to include practical elements in their presentations and could be allocated extra time if required.
Potential topics include: Live Sound, Acoustics in Rooms, Audio System Design, Loudspeakers and Microphones, Intelligibility, Measurement & Evaluation, Cinema Sound. Case Studies are also welcome.
Organisers urge those interested to send a 150-word abstract for papers plus a short biography of up to 150 words to linda.canty@ioa.org.uk by Friday, 11 May.
Final written papers for the proceedings must be submitted by Friday, 28 September.
(Jim Evans)

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Italy - As the cornerstone of the Audio Engineering Society’s (AES) mission to promote the science and practice of audio, each AES convention features a wide array of presentations on research topics presented by leading engineers, scientists and students in the field of audio engineering, and the AES Milan convention, coming up 23-26 May at the NH Hotel Milano Congress Centre in Milan, Italy, is no exception.
Brought together by AES Milan papers co-chairs Ville Pulkki and Sascha Spors, the Convention’s Technical Programme will feature research papers, engineering briefs and poster sessions by over 100 authors.
Day one of AES Milan kicks off with a series of presentations on loudspeakers, followed by a poster presentation session on transducers. Audio quality, a hot-topic at this year’s convention, will then be delved into in two full sessions of paper presentat

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Germany - Robe has reported “a busy and successful” Prolight+Sound 2018. The Czech manufacturer’s live show concept taken to new levels with Cirque Robe, a six-minute performance spectacle and circus style presentation with a cast of 11 designed to highlight the company’s latest lighting technologies.
Another highlight was Robe’s new MegaPointe multi-purpose moving light winning a 2018 PIPA (Prolight + Sound International Press Award) for Best Light, a decision reached by a jury of international trade journalists who meet annually in Frankfurt.
The MegaPointe was one of the primary fixtures featured in the stand show, where Robe continued to raise the bar in presenting live exhibition entertainment, with an ever-rising element of expectation accompanying each one.
CEO Josef Valchar comments: “Our goal was to showcase the products in an entertai
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