Lighting

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Another SIB exhibitor quietly enjoying significant growth is Dutch company Highlite International, which now produces a huge range of lighting, audio and trussing products. Company owner Huub de la Haije told me that since the company was founded in the early 90s, it has doubled its turnover every two years. Highlite has always manufactured its products in China, and has more than 10 years' worth of relationships with Chinese manufacturing interests under it belt. Consequently it is somewhat ahead of the game now that everyone's eyes turn are turning eastwards.

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On the Ianiro stand, Artistic Licence's Mark Thompson was showing the intelligent Pixi-Led array which demonstrates Remote Device Management (RDM) in operation, with each individual fixture feeding back status information to the controller - the same technology Artistic employed in the Broadgate installation. Also with Ianiro was High End Systems, whose Fons de Vreede, Phil Mercer and Tony Magana were on hand with the Catalyst digital media server system and the Catalyst DL1 moving head.

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Spotlight was present in its role as both manufacturer and distributor. Its own new products included the Evolution series of high performance profile spots, which now consists of eight models available in both halogen and discharge versions, and ranging from 1000W to 2500W. The discharge units feature a built-in electromechanical dimmer which allows the fixture to be dimmed through a dimmer channel in the same way as a halogen profile spot, while taking advantage of the higher performance levels of discharge sources.

Spotlight also introduced the ARC Video Performer system. The ARC is an intelligent yoke-mounted video projector, which in combination with the Video Performer digital media server system provides a complete package for video content manipulation, processing and projection. In its distribution role, Spotlight was joined on stand by a number of leading brands including Com

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Studio Due's highlights included the 'Photowall', a 1200e large format scrolling projector, and the CS2 (2 x 250W) and CS4 (4 x 250W) moving multi-par fixtures. Also new is the Silver Line of architectural lighting products, including the Hercules 800e and 600m models, the CityColor 400 and 300 models and the MiniCity 250/SL, 150/SL and 100 models - all of which are IP66-rated.

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Of the lighting players, Clay Paky's launch of the impressive Alpha range of 575W moving head fixtures was one of the highlights of the show. The three Alpha models are the Alpha Spot, Alpha Spot HPE and Alpha Wash. 'HPE' signifies 'High Performance', and accordingly the Alpha Spot HPE boasts a redesigned optical system, a 10-40° zoom and electronic focusing. With CYM colour-mixing and a seven-colour wheel, linear CTO for colour temperature correction and pastel shades, plus its three gobo wheels (of which two are indexable, interchangeabe and bi-directional), two prisms (2-facet and 5-facet), three frost filters, 0-100% dimming and stop/strobe effect, the Alpha Spot is a fully-featured unit. Another new feature is its 'fast-clamping' capability which provides quick switching of graphic effects discs.

The Alpha Spot is a lower-budget option, with a 15-35° zoom, two colour wheels and

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Swefog showed its smart new Live T26, the design of which includes a handy carrying bar and a nozzle that wouldn't look out of place on a drag racer. The unit utilizes Swefog's X-Power heavy duty 2,600W smoke generating system, and produces 1,800m/min output.

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UK - For performing arts professionals and students based in Scotland, it's a long trek to trade shows in the Midlands and south to see the latest products and talk to equipment manufacturers. So this year the Department of Technical and Production Arts at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) added a Sponsors Trade Show to run alongside its annual graduate exhibition. Spearheaded by Ros Maddison and David Ripley (RSAMD's head of Technical and Production Arts and production manager respectively), the combined event was held on 24-25 March.

The show fulfilled three functions: to give the Academy's sponsors something in return, by bringing their products out 'to the market' and providing a forum to informally talk direct to the students; to give the students the opportunity to talk to the companies, to discuss products, working practices, work placements and employ

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UAE - The Middle East is an exciting market for lighting, sound, AV and systems integration providers. For example, the UAE is slated to invest $28billion in new architecturally-driven projects over the next five years. Across the Middle East region, research has indicated that the sound and lighting industry will be worth $2billion per year within five years.

This huge level of investment aims to open up massive new income streams to these previously oil-dependent states, with tourism and leisure on the grandest of scales being the big earner of the future. All good news for suppliers and installers of entertainment, presentation and communication systems.

Against this background, IIR Exhibitions has put the Pro Audio & Light Middle East - PALME - exhibition firmly on the international trade show calendar after just two events. This year's show, which took place in February,

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UK - Firework display specialist Rocket Pyrotechnics has announced the acquisition of fireworks display company SWPF. Paul Franklin, MD of Rocket Pyrotechnics said: "Due to Rocket's rapid growth and success, we have been looking for other fireworks companies to acquire as part of our expansion plans. We were particularly interested in SWPF as its infrastructure could easily be integrated into Rocket's and we felt that John Kennet, (MD of SWPF), would be a great attribute to our team."

Rocket's forte is fireworks displays choreographed to live music, where as SWPF's forte is fireworks displays choreographed to pre-recorded music, using the Fire One firing systems. This combination makes Rocket a powerful player in the pyro-musical field. Kennet and his team will also strengthen Rocket's indoor and special effects department, which provides indoor pyrotechnics, confetti

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France - Early spring in Paris and the 22nd SIEL show opened its doors to what the organizers claimed were 25,893 visitors. Essentially a national show attracting a largely French audience, SIEL is unsurprisingly dominated by French Distributors. There were few international manufacturers exhibiting independently and those that were hailed mainly from the European mainland.

There was a very relaxed feel to the show with practically everyone stopping for a long lunch at around 1pm (how civilized!). This year the show was divided into two distinct areas with entertainment lighting and sound exhibitors on the upper floor and the rather livelier and more colourful nightlife and events show on the ground.

Siel was attended by many of the usual suspects along with a few interesting new faces showcasing some fascinating and innovative products. LED technology at last seems to be est

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UK - The Coliseum, home to the English National Opera, was in the final stages of its £41m refurbishment when I visited in early February. Having experienced hideous delays resulting in both the cancellation of Nixon in China and the advertised first night of Rheingold, ENO tentatively opened its doors on 27 February with the first part of Wagner's pioneering tetralogy, The Ring Cycle. Whilst the opening show received mixed reviews the interior itself procured gasps of admiration from FOH staff and punters alike.

Originally a variety house designed by the renowned architect Frank Matcham, the Coliseum has been home to the English National Opera since 1968. This restoration is the first major programme of repair since it opened in 1904: the venue has undergone several face-lifts in the past, some of which have eradicated many of the theatre's beautiful original features.

Respo

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UK - Experienced industry executive, Garry Broadbent, has been confirmed as the new MD of CRS Ltd and Powerent. Broadbent will take the reigns at two of the Longville Group's specialist equipment rental companies after a complete restructure by the new board which was appointed at the end of last year. CRS is one of the country's leading climate control hire specialists and Powerent provides power and generator solutions.

Broadbent was one of the original founders of CRS in 1995 and moved with the company, becoming sales director, when the Longville Group acquired it in 1999. Broadbent not only has a background in sales but also mechanical engineering, which is crucial in what is a technical, installation and solution driven market.

Broadbent said: "The restructure at Longville has created a great opportunity for our businesses to focus on their own unique strengths and c

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Italy - Eros Ramazzotti is one of Italy's top exports music-wise: the Roman singer/songwriter is in fact currently globetrotting with his high-tech World Tour, performing hits and tracks from '9', his latest BMG album, to packed crowds throughout Europe - from Moscow to Lisbon - then over to South and Central America, before coming back for a summer leg in European open-air sports arenas.

Producers Clear Channel Entertainment Italia called in Canadian set Designers Serge Denoncourt and Francis LaPorte and LD Alain Lortié who, along with production manager Giorgio Ioan and musical director Claudio Giudetti, came up with a world-class multimedia spectacle. Ioan says: "Eros decided he wanted a complete change and the show really is different - with a great deal of work going into the actual concept, the lighting, sound and video."

Ioan went to Canada and met the design

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Ireland - On 19 February, Pink, the bad girl of pop, made a dramatic entrance onto the stage at the Point Theatre Dublin as she was lowered smoothly to the stage in a rusty steel bird cage (pictured right). Pink opened her show with the hit song There You Go, telling the 8,000 strong crowd that the evening was to be an 'illusion of music'. . .

Brilliant Stages were approached by production manager Rich Barr to work on the Mark Fisher design for the European leg of Pink's world tour. The company supplied two 'smart' hoists - to lower the cage to the stage - preferred for their ability to ramp up and down from a soft start to produce a smooth descent. The set pieces include two exaggerated speaker stacks mounted to an upstage raised walkway, accessed via two open-tread aluminium staircases on stage left and right.

The 64 speaker cones, constructed from fibreglass, are up to 3ft

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USA - High End Systems (HES) New York has relocated its office to a new suite number within the same building, and with the move, has increased its technical support. Joe Haller joins the automated lighting manufacturer as a fixture specialist for HES legacy products and the new digital product line of Catalyst and DL1. Haller worked for the past five years at High Output in Boston, where he was the electronics department manager.

Haller comments: "While at High Output, I became knowledgeable about High End Systems products for a range of projects from the in-house production rentals to theatrical tours. I wanted to get out of the rental game and always wanted to get into the manufacturing side. High End Systems lights are the first I ever worked on and programmed. I'm happy to be here and excited about the direction of the company. It's also good to see an air of excitemen

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UK - The Haunch of Venison is one of Salisbury's oldest pubs and features small intimate dining areas amongst oak beams and winding stairwells. Owner Rupert Willcocks wanted to enhance the ambiance within the building's unique structure, adding to the overall dining experience for his guests.

As part of the electrical refurbishment led by electrical consultant Kevin Flynn, Zero 88 supplied a ChilliNet control system to the historic tavern. Six Chilli 410's and three 5 Button Brass control panels were used throughout the three levels of public space including the bar, separate drinking areas and the dining rooms. The system allows for the levels of each space to be individually controlled, with preset scenes easily accessed by staff using the push button control panels.

Willcocks explained: "In a restaurant environment it is essential to maintain an appropriate ambience

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USA - Color Kinetics Incorporated (CKI) and HoMedics has announced a strategic patent licensing agreement through which HoMedics will develop and market a new line of intelligent LED-based color light products designed for sensory therapy. The innovative Color Cube product line was recently unveiled at the International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago, Ill., and will be sold via HoMedics' major consumer distribution channels.

The new Color Cube products feature illumination panels, which display colour and light and react to sound, producing varying light patterns for mood-enhancing benefits. "This is an exciting agreement for Color Kinetics that extends our reach in the market for LED-based consumer products," said Bill Sims, president and chief operating officer of Color Kinetics. "We're pleased to work with HoMedics, whose expertize in sensory therapy product

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USA - Foam Masters and Snow Masters, one of the leaders in manufacturing, sales, and rentals of "fun products" for parties, nightclubs, shows and entertainers, now offers its latest foam generating machine: The Foam Cannon X-Stream. Combining the results of thousands of test hours, Foam Masters has developed a sleek, high-powered foam-maker that teams with a precisely formulated solution to create fluffy, dry foam that builds up walls of foam at any event.

Resting on mobile casters, the Foam Cannon X-Stream is versatile and easy to operate. The cannon can be angled up and down to shoot up to 480 cubic feet of foam per minute from 10 - 25ft distance. The self-contained foam cannon has a 25-gallon reservoir; a pumping system and a one touch control (On/Off Switch).

The foam generated by the Foam Cannon X-Stream is biodegradable, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, fire retardan

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The Netherlands - Dutch dimming manufacturer IES has led the way in sine wave Ethernet-networked dimming systems in Europe with several recent major projects having high-capacity Ethernet networks for dimming, automated lighting, effects and dimmer status reporting. The company says it saw an obvious requirement for a dedicated product range of Ethernet nodes tailored to the needs of a new generation of lighting network, and in response has introduced the iNode.

The new iNode is a small, self-contained unit which operates with power-over-LAN and can be located anywhere within the lighting rig using Cat 5 cable or wi-fi. The range comprises iNode2 in cable, 19" rack-mounting or wi-fi versions with Ethernet in and 2 DMX-in and 2 DMX-out and iNode4 (Ethernet in and either 4 DMX-in or 4 DMX-out). The innovative design, which also includes a merge function, may also be integrat

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Germany - The Fun Company, a new Germany-based venture aimed at bringing new show control solutoions to the market, launched its E.GO show control system at the recent Frankfurt ProLight&Sound exhibition. The E.GO system offers control of lights, video and sound in professional theatrical or event environments, and follows a fully modular concept which allows the user to add and combine any number of modules to one console.

In addition, each module can work as a stand-alone unit, so it can function as a full desk on its own. There are three modules available, each being tailored towards a specific use: the Designer module for direct access, the Performer for playing back complex shows and the Fader module for flexible device mixing.

Technologies such as the easy to use ColorTarget and the ShowDrive make the E.GO show control system one of the most versatile and easy to use s

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Australia - Enttec's latest product, the Datagate, is essentially a DMX Splitter, a DMX Merger, and a DMX-to-Ethernet node in one package. It has an Ethernet port, which acts as an input or an output, as well as eight 1500V opto-isolated DMX ports, any of which can be configured as an input or an output. This allows the Datagate to be configured to distribute up to eight DMX Universes from its Ethernet input, or to take a common application, accept four Universes via Ethernet and distribute each to two optically isolated DMX outputs.

The Datagate can also accept standard DMX inputs and merge or copy them to the other 5-pin DMX outputs, or the Ethernet port. Merging can be configured as HTP for LTP, and the configuration can vary from port to port. Some of the other features of the Datagate are easy wireless DMX links (using third party wireless LAN access points), opto-isolatio

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USA - Thommy Hall of Barbizon Phoenix describes the outdoor lighting system at the city's new America West Arena as "the ultimate mega-rig of all time." Integral components of the "mega-rig" are 16 Vari*Lite automated lighting fixtures - eight VL3000 Spot luminaires and eight VL1000Arc units.

The luminaires are located outside the arena in the Paseo, a 400ft x 65ft area where visitors gather before and after events. A perforated steel canopy above the area serves as a projection surface: four 12ft x 9ft glass kiosks suspended 10ft off the ground each house two VL3000 Spot luminaires, two VL1000 fixtures and a video projection system. Each kiosk also has its own enclosed three-ton air conditioning unit. Barbizon provided the Vari*Lite automated fixtures to Genesis Audio Systems for the project.

Jim Jorgensen, owner of Genesis Audio Systems, was originally br

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UK - When the acclaimed lighting designer Willie Williams was asked to contribute to a major new series of exhibitions to celebrate 150 years of Christian charity BibleLands' ministry in the Middle East, he turned to Fourth Phase London to supply the lighting rig.

Featuring contemporary interpretations on the theme Presence - Images of Christ for the Third Millennium, events are taking place in six cathedrals throughout Britain, with Williams' piece, Vigil, on display at Canterbury over the Easter period.

At Canterbury the exhibition featured two contrasting pieces of art. Antony Gormley's sculpture Rise, rests in the Trinity Chapel in the place where Thomas Becket's bones lay in a shrine until it was destroyed during the Reformation, while Williams' newly commissioned light installation went on display from dusk on Palm Sunday, 4 April 2004.

Using a selection of equipment

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USA - Capitalizing on the growing demand for IGBT dimming and the tremendous success of recently introduced products, Dallas-based Entertainment Technology (a division of the Genlyte Thomas Group LLC, owner of Vari-Lite) is aggressively expanding its distribution chain and reports that it is currently in the process of completing distribution networks in Asia, Europe and Latin America. At the same time, the company has also expanded its presence in Canada, appointing a dedicated regional sales manager for that area.

"We are taking advantage of the tremendous advantages silent dimming offers our customers, and are introducing IGBT technology into new areas," said Bob Schacherl, Entertainment Technology's vice-president of sales. "Other manufacturers are only now beginning to realize the advantages of silent dimming and are struggling to enter the market. Entertainm

  1. Lumileds launches new Lighting Network
  2. Robe UK at La Scala
  3. Rock in Rio takes a new direction
  4. Color Kinetics: two new patents
  5. Coemar UK supplies new-look Hippodrome
  6. Super WYG 5000 put through its paces
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