The doors have opened at Earls Court for Day 1 of the 24th PLASA Show, and the first visitors are now filling the show floor, where over 370 exhibitors are displaying their latest innovations to the industry. Over 400 products are making their first appearance at a PLASA Show, with the cream of the crop entered into the PLASA Awards for Product Excellence, and displayed in the New Technology Gallery on the Top Deck of Earls Court, which is this year sponsored by Lighting&Sound International magazine.

Throughout today, and for the duration of the show, the team from PLASA Media will be bringing you all the latest news and pictures from the show floor. To follow events as they unfold at PLASA 2001, visit our dedicated news section at the address below:

The 56 products nominated for this year’s PLASA Awards for Product Excellence are currently available for visitors to view on the Top Deck of Earls Court, in the Lighting&Sound International-sponsored New Technology Gallery (pictured). The Gallery allows a one-stop view of all the latest product innovations in the categories of Lighitng, Sound, Stage Engineering and Audio-Visual. Judging for the Awards will take place during the show, by a panel of experts from each respective field. The winners will be announced at a special ceremony at 9.30 on Wednesday morning, at which time PLASA will also present the money raised from the Awards entries to a number of charities.

To view the complete list of products entered for the PLASA Awards for product Excellence, visit the web address below:

TJ Livehouse, one of Singapore's newest and more popular nightclubs, has had an all-Apogee system installed to provide sound in its 20,000sq.ft venue. The nightspot is a disco, but also hosts live entertainment including band performance, DJ and dance competitions, pageants and game shows. TJ Livehouse, which was converted from a movie theatre, needed to project uniform sound to the entire area, which includes a balcony. Before making the choice, the venue’s management had each potential vendor come into the club and set up a live demonstration. An Apogee system, featuring nine ALA-9 linear array loudspeakers, six FH-18 quad-subwoofers, and 28 DA-800 amplifiers, was then selected for permanent installation.

Silas Rabi, owner of Emaginex, the company which installed the system, said: "Apogee's line array speakers provided the sound quality TJ Livehouse was looking for, normal

transtechnik has been awarded a contract to the value of DM 398 800 by the Theater am Stadtgarten in Winterthur in Switzerland. The order covers the complete renovation of the control elements of the theatre’s 15-year old lighting system - the venue being one of the largest in the German-speaking world to be dedicated solely to touring companies. New equipment installed includes Prisma NT, Focus and Iris NT lighting consoles, a radio control system for remote control of these, a pair of remote operating stations, an Ethernet hub to be used to network the systems, three DMX mergers to be used to merge and amplify of the DMX512 signal, a digital auxiliary console (Profibus system with programmable controller), a DMX Gateway (protocol converter, Profibus/DMX) and a range of digital dimming.

Transtechnik went on site in early summer and will complete the work this month in readiness

Marquee Audio has carried out a major installation at the Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth. The company was awarded the contract by Three Rivers District Council after successfully tendering for the audio refit. The 481-capacity venue, which was built in the Hertfordshire town 25 years ago, stages a wide range of events, from spoken word, classical, jazz and pantomimes - as well as dinner dances, conferences and films.

The venue’s technical manager David Mead says that the new facilities at the venue, where the floor has a natural rake, will create more entertainment options. "In the past we have always had to sub-hire in equipment for any band requiring a PA."

Mead confirmed that while the old PA system, which had served the venue for 15 years, had been ripped out in favour of a Nexo PS15/LS1200, the existing Soundcraft Spirit Live 16/2 has been retained.

The N

Philips CSI has launched its new REO CCTV solution ideal for use by security installers in a host of security applications, including retail, fast food restaurants, convenience stores, schools and small to medium-sized businesses. The system handles up to eight cameras and is designed for fast and easy ‘plug and play’ installation. However, it has sophisticated features such as video motion detection on all cameras, alarm and event handling, ‘picture in picture’ and pre/post alarm ‘event replay’, snapshot event capture, intercom and door entry control.

REO replaces Philips’ well-established Colour POS system but existing monochrome POS observation systems will continue for those customers who prefer monochrome. REO offers colour CCTV operation with a choice of either switcher or multiplexer models. The Switcher model handles up to four cameras

Federal Signal’s contract to supply advanced voice alarm (VA) equipment for London’s prestigious Canary Wharf development has passed two major milestones. The company has delivered a new VeriFire voice alarm system to Citigroup’s European head offices at Canary Wharf. System acceptance has also been received for a 14-rack VeriFire installation in the HSBC building. This is the latest contract for Federal Signal in its long association with Siemens Building Technologies, which manufacture, supply and install life safety systems for Canary Wharf Contractors Ltd.

Sound and light are working together at the Bose Factory Store in Ashford, Kent, thanks to a state-of-the-art lighting control system from iLight Ltd. With the aim of creating a stimulating in-store experience for customers, the shop is sub-divided into different ‘retail experiences’ to demonstrate the high quality sound and home cinema products. Connected into the audio and AV systems, the iLight system is installed throughout the store as an integral part of the ambience control.

Comprising a mix of seven source controllers, one universal interface and a single two-button stainless steel control panel, the iLight solution is designed to be simple to use. The audio demonstrations and lighting within each retail area are selected via a Crestron touch screen that is connected to the iLight system. The sales executive selects a product on the touch panel and the general light

Terme Olimia is a new theme park situated next to the Sotla River, which forms the border between Slovenia and Croatia. The complex comprises a hotel, apartment block, village, sports park, pool complex, nature camp and the Aqualuna Water Park. All the entertainment and announcements throughout the complex are broadcast through a combination of 36 Martin Audio Contractor C115s, distributed undercover throughout the restaurant and café bar areas, and 16 custom-weatherproofed ICT 300s, which are found in most of the zones in the park. The sound installation was undertaken by KSL Studio, Martin Audio’s Slovenian distributor.

Jules Lauve has joined Theatre Projects as a senior theatre consultant. He joins the project management team where his responsibilities will include management of major projects, consultation on theatre design issues and design of performance equipment systems and advice on facility management and operations. For six years, Lauve was director of entertainment for the Treasure Island Casino Hotel in Las Vegas. Prior to joining TPC, he headed his own firm, Jules Lauve Entertainment in Las Vegas, where he provided production, design, direction and consulting for live entertainment.

Theatre specialist Stagetec UK Ltd has recently completed the installation of a brand new Nexo sound system at the Orchard theatre in Dartford, complete with Crown amplification and signal processing from Sabine, all supplied by UK distributor Fuzion plc. Stagetec’s managing director Andy Stone explained that the Orchard approached them with a basic specification around which Stagetec could suggest some options. As a result, Stagetec proposed three different systems, which were modelled on the acoustical modelling package EASE to provide an indication of sound pressure levels and coverage, of which two were demo'd on site. After hearing the results of the shoot-out, Orchard's project manager, Bob Clutterham, chief electrician Andy Coleman, and stage manager Lee Edmundson decided to go with the Nexo system.

Stone said: "Apart from the obvious audio quality of the Nexo, one of

Australian company Bytecraft has won the contract to supply the Beijing Grand National Theatre with its control system and electrics. The state-funded Opera is scheduled for completion in December 2004 and the Bytecraft contract - which covers both the control system featuring 400 axis of control and electrics and is worth $32million - will see the creation of one of the biggest control systems in the world. Bytecraft expects to go on site in early 2002 and remain there until the venue opens.

A major new-build house of worship in Korea has had its audio communication through the various auditoria, networked via a number of 9088 Soundweb digital devices. The main 5,000-seat sanctuary at the Soo Young Ro Presbyterian Church is joined by an 1800-seat and several 800-900-seat satellite chapels, all within a single complex. The audio, powered by Crown amplification, is sent to 15 JBL VS 3215 Venue series loudspeakers, used for the primary and choir foldback system, as well as 25 Soundpower SP2121s for the balcony system and 87 MS26 under-balcony speakers, as well as four JBL 4897 subs.

The design is based around 18 Soundwebs and other BSS processing hardware. These take a live mix from the choir and floating mics used by the clergy, via a Soundcraft Series 5 console and also routes the audio from the recording studio, based on the site. There is also a video editing room, and th

In a move that more than doubles the amount of space available to house its Canadian distribution and operations centre, Middle Atlantic Products has opened its new Ottawa-based headquarters facility. In making the move to the new location, the company increased its available space from 22,000 to 50,000sq.ft, allowing it to maintain more stock on site andaffording more room for its operations staff to better serve their customers.

"The increased storage capacity allows us to ship substantially more product from available stock to our customers throughout Eastern and Central Canada," explains Neil Andison, president of Middle Atlantic Products Canada. "This will significantly cut down the lead time involved in fulfilling an order." The company has not only expanded floor space but height as well, moving from a building with 16ft ceilings to one with 28ft ceilings, fu

Two new studios to be developed in the Channel 7 Melbourne Broadcast Centre are to be fitted out in a turnkey operation by Coemar De Sisti Australia. The installation will include full mechanicals (hoists, etc), dimming, control, DMX distribution system, power, leads and accessories and all luminaries. The Product Studio, to be used for drama and variety productions, will feature a full set-up of De Sisti hoists, with 36 self-climbing 140kg SWL units, 3 Modular Cyclorama 180kg SWL units, 4m Pantographs with a 14kg SWL. All hoist controls are also provided as part of the installation. Lighting for the Product Studio comprise a wide range of De Sisti luminaires including Magis 300/500/650 PO fresnels, DesiLux Fluorescent PO video luminaires with DMX on/off control, Giotto PO twin-compartment Cyclorama units and Duccio four-compartment groundrow units. Several zoom profiles are also part of

Damian Doria, president of Artec Consultants Inc, has announced the addition to its New York-based staff of Tateo Nakajima, as senior advisor, opera and concert production. Nakajima brings to Artec a broad range of experience ranging from his professional conducting career in Europe to management experience in the performing arts and the non-profit sector. He also has experience in the technical aspects of opera productions and the presentation of symphonic concerts, fund raising, project development and management, marketing, teaching and as a newspaper writer and editor.

Founded in 1970, Artec Consultants Inc has built a distinguished international reputation for excellence in the planning and design of performing arts buildings. The firm's experience spans concert halls, flexible-space theatres, playhouses, lyric theatres, opera houses, recital halls, multi-purpose halls and houses

Despite being one of Auckland’s oldest pubs, the Kings Arms Tavern - established in 1870 - is also one of the city’s most popular youth-oriented live venues. The room, which hosts up-and-coming bands during the week, headline acts at weekends and a varied line-up on Sunday afternoons, recently underwent a major upgrade of its house PA system. The new Proel system was sold by Junior Fitz of United Sound Agencies and installed by Proel distributor Jansen Professional Audio & Lighting in just two days, to accommodate the venue’s busy performance schedule.

The venue’s owners had been using a hired system for some years, and were anxious to replace it with a rig that would occupy less of the limited stage space and improve both audience sightlines and sound quality. The new system consists of two Proel TFL212P double 12" full-range speakers with 1.4" compre

At the start of 1998, finance company Nykredit invited a number of architects to participate in a competition aimed at finding the best design for its new Head Office in Copenhagen. The winner, Schmidt, Hammer and Lassen, presented a building with its front and back façades made entirely of glass. Nykredit wanted to create a building of high architectural quality. Completed in October 2001, the architects have more than matched their demands. Only half the building is used as office space; the rest is given to a large, central atrium with a glazed façade, which makes the ten-story building very transparent.

The building’s northeast and southwest sides are defined by 24 horizontal ribs of granite, two per floor. By day these ribs serve to give definition to an otherwise virtually transparent building: with the onset of night, however, the architects’ clean lines were disru

MAVCO has been awarded the contract to design, supply and install a range of audio, video, lighting and effect systems in over 20 venues on board a third Crystal Cruises ship. Commissioned by ALSTOM Marine Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St Nazaire, France, MAVCO will be involved with the complete turnkey contract for local entertainment systems.Scheduled for delivery in late June 2003, the as-yet-unnamed 68,000-ton vessel will see an increased number of Crystal Cruises' most successful features, including more entertainment lounges, expanding on the best of Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony. The scope of the project ahead for MAVCO incorporates detailed system design, supply, installation and commissioning, shared between the company's offices in Miami and the UK.

The Galaxy Show Lounge is the main entertainment venue for the line's distinctive award-winning production shows,

Proel has announced the latest additions to their cable catalogue, specifically produced for the installation market. The CMP Series are distinguished by their green outer jackets, housing a series of multi-pair fire-resistant cables for fixed applications in recording and television studios as well as cinemas, disco’s theatres and live sound PA applications. Double shielded by aluminium and polyester foil within a flame-resistant PVC jacket, the numbered paired cables are highly resistant to signal loss due to outside interference.

Three models are currently available - the CMP 8, 12 and 20 - each model number representing the number of pairs contained. In addition, a new double-shielded fire-resistant microphone cable has also been introduced. The HPC 210 FR is also contained in a green flexible outer jacket, which is shielded by tinned copper and is light in weight (30g/m).

A National Lottery grant has helped the Merlin Theatre in Frome, Somerset, to purchase a new sound system from Marquee Audio, as part of a major overhaul. The 241-seat venue, which first made contact with the Shepperton-based suppliers at this year’s ABTT Show in London, has replaced its tired former system with a Martin Audio Blackline F12/S15 combination, which technical manager Rick Worringham says has improved the set-up 100%. He explained: "We received £55,000 from the National Lottery plus matched funding from local councils, including Somerset County Council. This enabled us to refurbish practically the entire theatre - including a new stage floor, auditorium seating, dressing rooms and a restructure of the backstage area."The building itself is council-owned - and used as an educational space during the day - although the Merlin Theatre Trust Ltd owns all the acc

Earls Court has introduced an innovative new grid ceiling feature and dividing wall which enables the venue to create two smaller exhibition spaces within the existing Earls Court One hall. International staging and structure specialist, Edwin Shirley Staging (ESS), were appointed to develop the overall solution and installation of the grid as part of an ongoing programme aimed at providing service excellence for clients in the exhibition and live events industry. Tim Norman, managing director of ESS, said: "ESS was approached to provide a solution that would help improve the overall service Earls Court is able to provide its clients in the exhibition and events industry. Our bespoke system increases the adaptability of Earls Court One, allowing clients the opportunity to adapt the hall space to a preferred scale. This project helps establish ESS as a strategic solution provider to

The Adelaide Convention Centre in Australia has recently invested in Turbosound Powered QLight enclosures as part of a venue extension programme that will more than double the size of the facility. The development will offer more than 10,000sq.m of pillarless floor space, (divisible into six sound-proofed halls) for exhibitions, banquets and other events, in addition to existing convention facilities. The combined banqueting capacity will facilitate 6,500 guests, allowing for much larger events and enabling multiple function hosting.

After an extensive evaluation of most major brands in the market place, the ACC chose Turbosound’s new QLight Powered System and 16 TQ-440SP powered three-way enclosures and eight TQ-425SP subwoofers were duly supplied by Australia’s Turbosound distributor Audio Telex.

Arbiter Pro Audio has supplied Edinburgh-based SI Sound & Light with a large quantity of JBL loudspeaker systems for an exciting new sound installation at Genesis nightclub in Dunfermline. The independently-owned 800-capacity club is split into two sections - a large bar/walk-in space, and the main dancefloor area. A good budget had been allocated to allow for a sound system to cater for a diverse selection of musical genres from mainstream pop to hardcore dance. It was also essential not to alienate those wanting to drink rather than dance. SI Sound & Light’s Pete Simpson undertook the sound design - his latest of several using JBL.

Genesis' dancefloor speakers are four SP222s from JBL's Sound Power Series - 1500W each with 12" drivers. For bass, Simpson chose two JBL VS125HS speakers, combined with two SP128 subs. For maximum impact, he has sub-divided the low frequencies:

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