UK - A.C. Special Projects (ACSP) will attend PLASA 2012 (Stand 1-E8) to showcase and discuss examples of the many leading performance lighting, audio and AV system installations provided by the company.

ACSP design, supply and install lighting, sound and AV systems - as well as track and curtains, intercom and show relay. With access to over 200 quality brands, the company's previous installations range from a basic six circuit lighting bar, with a dimmer pack and lighting desk, to full blown theatre systems.

Working alongside designers and architects or directly for the performance venue, the ACSP's fully qualified team of engineers will provide a first class finished system installation, on time and on budget.

Once systems are operational, ACSP also offers a range of tailored service contracts to ensure installations continue to deliver the highest level of performance.

UK - MDG will be returning to PLASA in London (stand 2-S25) this year with its latest product, theFAN. Released amid celebrations at Prolight+Sound, Frankfurt in March, theFAN is a digital, fully DMX/RDM operated stand-alone unit.

theFAN has a very low power consumption of only 100W so benefits from very economical running costs. Nor is it channel hungry: the velocity of its three-bladed rotor is controlled via DMX (1 channel) or RDM, or locally using a discreet 4-button controller with LSC panel on the base of the unit.

A surge-protected, universal switching power supply covers the full range of 100V - 240V, 50/60Hz ensuring theFAN can be used anywhere in the world at the flick of a switch.

Stylish in design with a 270° tilting head, theFAN is ultra-compact and therefore extremely portable and versatile on tour. And as a final touch, theFAN can be free standing or truss

UK - Philips Entertainment will debut the latest in lighting control technology, the Strand Lighting ML250 moving light control console, on stand BV 1-F50 at PLASA 2012.

In addition, Strand Lighting will introduce the dynamic, new iPad controls for the complete family of Palette lighting control consoles. PLASA Show visitors will be able to see this in action as part of a full dynamic Philips Entertainment lighting system that embraces all its premier brands - Vari-Lite, Selecon plus new stand-alone brand - Showline, which will be debuting its exciting range of feature rich LED luminiares aimed at the touring and TV markets.

The Strand ML250 is an evolution of the popular Strand Series 200 console. It features four encoders and an LCD display screen for quick and easy automated lighting and LED control. Along with all the standard features found on a preset desk, the ML250 con

World - Lady Gaga's Born This Way Ball world tour is the third concert tour supporting her second studio album, Born This Way. The show clocks in at two and a half hours with 23 songs split into five acts. The stage is modelled on a medieval Gothic castle featuring viewing towers, intricate carvings and a large catwalk allowing audience interaction.

The lighting design is by Patrick Woodroffe with Mac Mosier out on tour as lighting director. The rig is a self-contained Upstaging production that includes about 270 moving lights and multiple LED fixtures - all controlled by a grandMA2 full-size. "There's quite an assortment of fixtures in the rig, many of them dictated by the amount of space we have," explains Mac Mosier.

Using the grandMA2 on this tour has been quite a learning curve for Mosier who particularly likes the way the console is laid out. &quo

UK - Flightcase and speaker cabinet solutions specialists Penn Elcom will exhibit this year together with group brands CLD, Pro Audio Stash and Rackz on a single integrated booth. See them on stand number 1-B15.

This co-ordinated show format highlights the synergy between all the elements of the Penn Elcom Group, sayts the company.

This year's major highlight will be live demonstrations of Penn's innovative new CaseDesigner software running throughout the exhibition.

Launched at Prolight + Sound 2012 in Frankfurt, CaseDesigner has proved a runaway success with case makers throughout Europe, with an extraordinary number of licenses already issued.

A fully visual graphical interface enables Penn Elcom customers to plan and visualise new case designs in both 2D and 3D, and view the completed design in full 360 degree rotation.

The programme can simultaneously provide all th

UK - Gerriets will feature a number of new products at PLASA 2012, extending its textile, screens and technical product range.

The 'stretch family' is enlarged by the new white polyester Heavystretchfabric, 500 cm wide and flame retardant according DIN 4102 B1. And among the woven glasses the new Quality 96320 represents a new extra wide quality with its 320 cm width.

Paillette adds very well to the textile collection, is studded with sequins, notes a width of 140 cm and a weight of 295 g/m² and impresses by a variety of available colours. This fabric also solves a common but often unknown problem since both the fabric and the sequins are flame-retardant according DIN 4102 B1.

Royal is a new stage velvet with silver thread, a weight of 250 g/m² and a width of 140 cm wide and available in a broad range of colours.

With its transparent matte finish, Frost is as a diffusion

UK - Once again Duran Audio will be exhibiting at the PLASA Show. New for PLASA 2012 will be the Optocore DM1 interface. The DM1-TP is designed to provide SANE connectivity to powered Duran Audio loudspeakers, allowing for seamless integration of the company's loudspeakers into synchronous, low latency, redundant Optocore and SANE networks. Offering a non-proprietary open standard transport platform SANE is the first fully synchronous Cat 5 network solution for streaming and transmitting data in real time.

In addition to the synchronous, low latency digital audio distribution, DM1-TP will provide the Intellivox range with all the other benefits of SANE, including 100 Mb/s Ethernet audio distribution, dual-redundant ring connections, and interfacing to Optocore FX and TP devices

The introduction of the SANE network will bring significant benefits to system designers, installers

UK - Once again, GLP will be exhibiting at the PLASA Show in London and using it as a launch pad for its latest LED fixture, the Volkslicht Spot, along with the UK premiere of the new impression X4. G-LEC will also be present and showing the latest additions to their range of creative video solutions on their stand (1-F8).

The German company continues to play a very active role in the show, and in addition to showcasing its expanding portfolio, it will also be helping to decorate the main PLASA entrance with fully rigged 'flower stands'.

On the stand, however, pride of place will be given to the new Volkslicht Spot.

Treading in the footsteps of the impression Spot One, the Volkslicht Spot features a powerful 230W RGB LED light engine, and the same optical principles allowing it to project a full spectrum from deep saturates to light pastel shades, with smooth cross fades or

UK - The official release of the ArKaos Stage Server will take place at at PLASA 2012 (Stand no 2-R23 in the White Light zone) where it will be shown for the first time in Europe.

The new Stage Server is billed as an affordable, easy-to-use media server for creating and controlling video content. It offers the perfect solution for live entertainment, theatre, educational, audio-visual and worship applications.

Designed for quick and easy set-up, ArKaos Stage Server operates using MediaMaster Express in 'Simple Mode' and offers LED mapping over Ethernet and two Full HD outputs which, combined with the powerful ArKaos graphics engine, produce smooth visuals. These can be easily triggered using just a few DMX channels on your lighting desk or notes on a MIDI controller.

(Jim Evans)

UK - For several years, PLASA'sTechnical Resources Office, supported by manufacturers of RDM-compliant equipment, has provided a stand at PLASA dedicated to RDM (Remote Device Management) with the aim of familiarising visitors with the RDM protocol.

This year is no exception, yet brings a slightly different approach that reflects how the RDM protocol has become more widely recognised, understood and adopted as an industry standard. This year's stand will go beyond explaining the basics of what RDM is and how to use it, and explore the uses and applications to which it can be put within two major market areas.

The stand( EC2-R4) will demonstrate two fully functioning RDM systems, one dedicated to architectural applications and one to entertainment use. Each system will have a fully working RDM network showing the strengths of the RDM protocol and how it can be used in these dif

UK - Austrian manufacturer of flame retardant fabrics, dance and stage flooring and stage technology solutions, Tüchler Bühnen- & Textiltechnik, will be making its first appearance as an exhibitor at PLASA 2012 (Stand 2-R10).

Tüchler has specialised in textiles, flame retardant, projection screens and performance flooring since the 1970s. Its products are called for in theatres, stages, operas, event centres, dance and ballet schools, television studios and multi-purpose halls, as well as event organizers, rental companies, architects, and planners.

The 1990s saw Tüchler's product portfolio expand to incorporate stage technology solutions including chain hoists, curtain tracks and stage platforms.

Now one of the top three vendors of specialist products in Germany, Tüchler's international customer base extends to Japan, Korea, Australia, Spain, Italy, England, Russia, Sc

UK - Avolites Ltd and its recently augmented team of directors is set to launch the new Titan One Virtual Console and the latest Titan Operating System - Version 6 - at this year's PLASA show, Hall 1, stand F18.

The Titan One virtual console offers a cost effective solution for all lighting applications. Its focus - to offer fast and intuitive control of intelligent lighting, Dimmers and LED effects from a single on-screen console. The DMX USB Dongle allows users to output one line of DMX on any of 12 lines, with the full functionality of Avolites Titan Software.

Virtual Console users have access to powerful features such as Pixelmapper, Quicksketch, Media Clip Select, Attribute Control-Blades and Shape Generator. Not only that, Titan One allows users unlimited usage, offering uninterrupted programming and playback time, says the company.

Alongside this Avolites will introdu

UK - Martin Audio has provided a major boost to its touring and theatre portfolio, with the introduction of the new high-output XD Series. This sets out to define the ultimate in performance and versatility for professional, fixed-dispersion, two-way loudspeaker systems, says the company.

The models in the XD Series - the XD12 and XD15 - have been designed to deliver best-in-class performance, including higher output levels and more extended frequency range than is normally associated with similarly-sized systems. They are designed to represent new benchmarks for the compact two-way format which has always played a central role in professional sound reinforcement.

Designed principally for live sound, theatre/fixed install and high power stage monitoring, both the XD12 and XD15 combine a full, rich sound and an accurate 80° x 50° dispersion pattern in a compact, multi-a

UK - This year's Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe has been the most successful yet for Black Light. Over the four-weeks of the summer arts festival (the biggest in the world) the company supplied light, sound, staging, AV and theatre equipment to some of the Fringe's biggest names and venues.

"We've had a great festival. It's been bigger, better and busier than ever," says Black Light's hire and events manager, Calder Sibbald, who explains that, as always, the company's planning for the festival began early in the year to make sure that it could access the tonnes of equipment and the miles of cabling required.

"This year we thought that a major challenge would be posed by the Olympics which would swallow up a lot of gear," says Sibbald. "However, careful forward planning meant that this wasn't a real problem."

Highlights of Black Ligh

UK - LumenRadio will showcase its RDM products and OEM partners at this year's PLASA show. Remote Device Management, RDM, is an extension of DMX that allows bi-directional communication for configuration and monitoring of equipment typically found in entertainment applications and also in many architectural lighting systems.

The company released the first wireless DMX/RDM product based on its wireless CRMX technology in 2009. It has since then completed hundreds of successful installations all over the world and added wired RDM connectivity in the form of the Unity extension. Integral to the success is also SuperNova; a powerful and ever evolving software application that offers a feature rich RDM controller and an easy to use graphical user interface; putting the power of this technology into the hands of the everyday user.

Lighting industry heavyweight Robe, a pioneer in the

UK - The MA onPC command wing paves the way for mobile use of the highly flexible and powerful grandMA2 control system. In combination with the free of charge grandMA2 onPC software, the MA onPC command wing is a portable 2,048 parameter control solution that can be used nearly in any location - and all for an affordable price.

Designed as "the perfect hardware expansion to the grandMA2 onPC software", the MA onPC command wing enables the look and feel of the software to be as close to a real grandMA2 console as possible. Thanks to the MA onPC command wing - incorporating the command section of the grandMA2 consoles - it has never been easier to use the grandMA2 onPC software. With a simple USB connection between the MA onPC command wing and the computer running the grandMA2 onPC software, all inputs and outputs of a grandMA2 console are available to the user. DMX, Mid

UK - Roland Systems Group (RSG) are hosting a series of 'Hands On Live' Sessions for visitors to the PLASA show - taking place on their stand number 1-F34. Designed to give a truly interactive experience with live, recording and video product, five 'Hands on Live Sessions' will take place each day, with up to 12 places available at each. Each person will have the opportunity to mix an exciting four camera shoot in HD of a live recorded band (V-Topia) including immersive visuals on the Roland V-800HD Multi-Format Live Video Switcher as well as mix up to 40 channels of audio on the Roland M-480 Live Mixing Console.

The sessions require pre-registration online and you also get a 'goodie' bag and a product discount voucher for attending! So make the most of your PLASA visit and register for a 'Hands On Live' session by going to the web address below.

(Claire Beeson)

UK - LED Engin, Inc., a leader in high lumen density LED products, will be demonstrating emitters and LED modules that enable the size of entertainment lighting products to be significantly reduced, on Stand 2-S11 at PLASA 2012.

The company's LuxiGen platform of white and multi-colour compact emitters generate the high luminous flux density demanded in entertainment lighting, particularly for spot beams, distance lighting effects and in dynamic lighting scenarios.

Patented thermal management technology allows the LED die to be driven to higher current levels and in a denser configuration than industry standards, without adversely affecting operating life. LED emitters are up to 80% more efficient than traditional tungsten lighting and this combination of features in LED Engin products enables lighting fixture designers to at least halve the size of their products, and in some

UK - At the end of an unrivalled summer of success, PLASA 2012 opens its doors for the very last time at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre on Sunday 9 September and with pre-registration figures already way ahead of last years, it's time to celebrate!

As PLASA announce a new home for the PLASA Show, the final event at Earls Court promises to be a glorious celebration of the industry's involvement in the Diamond Jubilee and London 2012 Olympics. The Olympics Uncovered sector of the Professional Development Programme is close to a sell-out and joining Backstage at the London 2012 Ceremonies will be Making it all Possible! presented by Riedel Communications; Landscape Video, a seminar from Tait dedicated to those transforming LED panels that turn stadiums into vast video screens and Scott Burges from Creative Technology delivering From a Wobbly House to the

UK - Robe lighting continues to celebrate its popular theme of 'Working With Winners', as CEO Josef Valchar donates an authentic Olympic torch - used on one of the torch relay legs for the London Games - for auction at the PLASA exhibition taking place next week at London's Earl's Court Exhibition Centre.

The torch, 800mm high with stylish conical design and featuring an attractive shiny gold finish, will be on display on the Robe Stand Hall 1 F47 on Sunday and Monday of the exhibition for all to admire.

The auction will take place during the PLASA Innovation Awards, presented at the end of the day on Monday in the Central bar area. A professional auctioneer will be on hand to conduct the proceedings and help find the lucky winner!

All funds raised will be distributed to leading industry charity, Light Relief.

(Jim Evans)

UK - The Chroma-Q stand at PLASA 2012 (1-E8) will see the official worldwide launch of the new Studio Force Phosphor LED lighting range alongside the brand's other recent LED, control, data distribution and lighting accessory solutions, which are designed for a wide range of entertainment, broadcast and architectural applications.

Chroma-Q will also unveil a new-look corporate logo, brand identity and revamped website, underscoring their continuing transformation into one of the industry's leading innovators of LED lighting solutions.

A nominee for the 2012 PLASA Awards for Innovation, the new Studio Force Phosphor range utilises innovative LED technologies to provide an equivalent soft edge output to a fluorescent fixture - up to 7,000 lumens - developed specifically for use in TV, film and broadcast studio environments, says the company.

There's a choice of standard daylig

UK - The ShowTex Acoustic Baffle has been nominated for a Theatres Trust People's Choice Award and a PLASA Innovation Award.

This new flexible fabric panel is proof that stage technology and the environment can go hand in hand.

Independent laboratory research confirms the Acoustic Baffle from ShowTex achieves better sound absorption of very low frequency sound levels than any other baffle on the market today with just half the fabric thickness of other systems.

Made from 100% recycled material, the flame retardant baffle provides an ecological solution for sound absorption.

An in-house recycling program for fabric cut offs in the ShowTex sewing workshop was the first step towards developing the baffle.

Ongoing research into acoustic properties of ShowTex fabrics led to the combined matting and cover quality that would produce the best acoustic results. Finishing and modu

UK - Zero 88 will be celebrating their 40th anniversary at this year's PLASA show.

There will be celebrations on the Copper Controls stand 1-E38 with cakes and bubbly from 3pm onwards on both Monday and Tuesday afternoons during the show.

PLASA also sees the culmination of the 'Me and My Zero 88' photo competition, run as part of the 40 year celebrations. It has been a great success with many interesting and exciting images submitted. The lucky winner of an ORB XF lighting console will be announced during the show. There will also be a large photo wall of some of the Zero 88 team's favourite photo entries on display.

Zero 88 are launching ZerOS 8.0 operating software at the show, which will be shown operating on the ORB XF and Solution lighting consoles. The show stand will also feature a hands on display of RDM and Moving light control with a wide range of consoles availabl

UK - Prism Projection is expanding its RevEAL line of LED products with the debut of three new luminaires - Profile Jr., Studio.3 Fresnel, and Studio.UV Fresnel. With its largest product launch to date, Prism will be debuting the fixtures in Europe at both the PLASA 2012 show in London as well as at IBC 2012 in Amsterdam.

Prism Projection will be on Stand 2-P16 in the White Light Zone at PLASA 2012. For the IBC show, Prism will be on stand 9.C15 in Hall 9 along with Mac Tech LED.

The RevEAL Profile Jr. is a new compact LED profile spot that offers the strengths of Prism's award-winning RevEAL product line, in a new compact design that is compatible with existing industry-standard lens tubes matched with high output performance. The Profile Jr., along with the Profile, are designed for use in many applications including long throws well over 50' like those in front of house lig

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