Lighting

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UK - Direct connectivity with ESP Vision software with some new exclusive features is now available for Wholehog 3 console owners. A new partnership between ESP Vision of Las Vegas and High End Systems allows Wholehog 3 owners to make use of this ground-breaking visualisation technology.

ESP Vision software simulates all facets of a lighting fixture's capability and personality in real-time via a simple Ethernet connection with a Wholehog 3 console. The visualization provides the user with a powerful toolset to create and pre-program spectacular shows and lighting designs.

"This connectivity to ESP Vision is exciting because of the functionality it will add to the Wholehog 3 console," says Robbie Bruce, HES Director of Software Development. "It's optimized for the Wholehog 3, meaning that it carries features the normal ESP Vision software doesn't offer for other

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USA - We've seen a number of new developments concerning the ongoing LED debate this week, beginning with Color Kinetics Inc (CKI) announcing that the Massachusetts District Court has granted its Motion for Summary Judgement regarding three of Super Vision's claims - those for 'interference with prospective business relationships', 'trade disparagement', and 'defamation', which we reported on 25 April.

Following that announcement, Brett Kingstone of Super Vision was quick to respond to reassure his supporters and place the implications of the ruling in perspective. He told us: "The ruling was based on a technical procedural issue, and not on any merits in the case, including any merits on those three claims [by] Super Vision. In fact Color Kinetics did win a minor victory in this summary judgment, which unfortunately is one of a string of minor victories that are based prim

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Germany - Lighting design - what does the phrase conjure up for you? Do you think of par cans, fresnels and spots? Or moving heads? LED systems? How about video screens and projected images? Award-winning lighting designer Jerry Appelt will be considering this question at Showlight 2005 next month, when he talks about Lighting Germany. Appelt's work integrates all the visual elements of a performance into his designs, so the set, video, projections and effects such as star cloths and LED light curtains all seamlessly become part of the production.

As a counter to this, another award-winning lighting designer, Rick Fisher, wonders whether technology is beginning to upstage the lighting designer's art. With his paper Nothing to Light? It must be projection!, Rick guarantees a stimulating discussion as he questions why, if lighting is the glue that holds a show together, are

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UK - Martin Professional A/S recently announced that Henrik Miller will be the company's new R&D director. Henrik comes to Martin with roots in project-oriented R&D and an extensive background in product engineering. He has held previous R&D positions at Purup Electronics, Terma, Crisplant, I/O Technology and Esko-Graphics, all of which are Danish firms.

Based at the Martin headquarters in Aarhus, Denmark, Miller's main responsibility will be to oversee Martin's R&D activities at both its Danish and Chinese facilities. "My primary focus at Martin will be to strengthen the project organization and continue to work on the integration of product development into the main business process," he stated.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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Canada - Cast Software says it is anticipating a great response to its Competitive Products Promotion, endorsing the WYSIWYG Design product level. Effective on 1 May 2005, through to 31 July 2005, Cast will be offering users of competitive products the opportunity to purchase WYSIWYG Design or WYSIWYG Design Educational versions at extremely discounted rates. For as little as $319, these users can own WYSIWYG Design Educational or for $619 they can own the complete version of WYSIWYG Design.

Competitive products including VectorWorks, MSD and LD Assistant will be honored. "We've spoken to several industry professionals who are frustrated with their purchase and wish they had bought WYSIWYG", says Bob Mani, V.P of sales and business development. "We understand their dilemma and would like to protect their investment by offering them the latest and best software ava

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Australia - Laservision has announced it has recently won first place in four major national awards that recognise the creative and technical solutions Laservision provided to Hong Kong's Harbour and its Symphony of Light spectacular.

The awards were for Australia's Best Small Business, Entrepreneur of the Year, presented by the Australian Institute of Engineers, Best Creative Small to Medium Sized Enterprise, presented by the Hong Kong Australian Business Association, and NSW Exporter of the Year in the category of Arts and Entertainment, presented by Austrade and the Australian Institute of Export.

The Hong Kong spectacular was produced for the Hong Kong Tourism Commission. Described as the largest of its kind ever attempted, the Symphony of Light celebrates the permanent illumination of 18 of Hong Kong's most prominent buildings. The sensory medi

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USA - The Universal Forum of Cultures, with walls built from coral-like blue concrete and water flowing from a giant reservoir on the roof to keep it cool in summer, is a spectacular architectural addition to Barcelona's seafront. Known locally as the Forum, it was, quite fittingly since the Toyota Prius was the official car of Forum Barcelona 2004, the site of Toyota's European Regional Dealer Managers Conference 2005, an event produced by Jack Morton Worldwide. Sound was provided by UK sound production company Delta Audio, with DiGiCo D5 Live consoles providing their mixing solutions.

"In the past this event has been held in the Palau Saint Jordi in Barcelona, and also in Lisbon," explains Delta Audio's sound designer for the event, Jim Lambert. "It's a conference and party for 5,000 Toyota car dealers and managers from around Europe, held over two days. This ye

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UK - David Atkinson Lighting Design (DALD) recently completed the lighting of the UK Pavilion at World Expo, Aichi, Japan. The theme of Expo is Nature's Wisdom, with the aim to raise people's awareness of the global environment and explore the ways to promote a sustainable future. The UK pavilion called www.my-earth.org.uk was designed and created by Ten Alps Events, Landesign and the Natural History Museum (London).

The pavilion site incorporates a garden and an internal exhibition space. Both the garden and internal space contain specially commissioned artworks by nine renowned British contemporary artists on the theme of mankind's relationship with nature.

Although the garden would be viewed during daylight hours throughout the summer months DALD chose to illuminate the space for dusk and overcast conditions. The pre show queuing area consists of large 'leaf-filigree' woode

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UK - PLASA Media has received a warning about a con-man operating in the London area who has stolen several thousand pounds worth of equipment from a London-based AV hire company. The culprit gave his name as David Jones from BBC Worldwide, and presents convincing paperwork - and an internal answerphone message at the BBC itself - to back up the claim. He then collected, via courier, a range of equipment including laptop computers and plasma screens, and disappeared.

The BBC is aware of the problem, we are told. If anything suspicious arises, please contact Simon Brown at the BBC's investigations department on 0208 752 5094.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - If you can hum the tune to Spirit in The Sky or know the words to I Think We're Alone Now, then chances are you're hooked on Hit Me Baby One More Time, the latest offering from production company Granada. Airing in ITV1's prime time Saturday evening slot, the light entertainment show gives the pop idols of the past three decades a chance to reclaim their fame.

Proving that Heaven is a Place on Earth, PRG Europe provided the lighting rig for the show, along with premièring the G-LEC PhantomFrame. Seven heats see five artists performing two songs each week - their signature tune and a contemporary track - while the public vote their favourite through to the grand final.

With artistes such as Belinda Carlisle, Baccara, Gloria Gaynor, Limahl, Shakin' Stevens and Chesney Hawkes all playing on the same stage, an extremely versatile set and lighting arrange

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UK - The transformation of a North London venue by two former international athletes has resulted in a new leisure and hospitality complex being established at the top of Muswell Hill. Former British decathlon stars Steve Gutteridge and Brian Taylor have converted the separate function room of the former Green Man into West End-style nightclub, The Hill, which has been brought to life using LED mood effects from Lighting Effects Distribution.

13 eight-head Alkalite Tracpod 80 linear intelligent LED battens are recessed the length of the ceiling to provide a dramatic colour wash down either side of the room. In the centre is the DJ podium, above which is a three-way plasma triangle, facing out on three axes. The displays form part of a 16 plasma and LCD flat screen array (which includes local booth TV's), giving the venue a genuine sports bar theme.

All the sound, lighting and

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UK - Hawthorn is in the throes of a European exhibition programme for Allison, the commercial vehicle transmission manufacturer. Allison's stand features two transmissions displayed in huge transparent water tanks, which form an integral part of two columns on the exhibition stand. Hawthorn lit the tanks with Pulsar Chroma Par 36 fixtures in a red hue, to compliment Allison's corporate colours.

With Hawthorn's experience of LEDs and its continued investment in the technology, the company was able to meet Allison's requirements of reducing its power costs and also minimizing heat output. The stand design incorporates a low ceiling and is lit with Thomas Par 90 LED fixtures which were integrated into the stand framework to provide an even light distribution across the whole stand.

Project manager, Peter Boott commented: "As water and electricity do not mix, we used IP68 wat

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UK - Entertainment lighting supplier White Light has been chosen to supply lighting equipment to the UK tours of two shows which originated on the other side of the world: the Australian productions of Hi-5 and Sleeping Beauty On Ice.

First to arrive in the UK was Sleeping Beauty On Ice, with lighting designed by Gavan Swift; this is Swift's second show in the UK following his design for Saturday Night Fever's return to the West End. His design includes ETC Source Fours, L&E striplights, Selecon Pacifics including five of the 90° unit, UV fresnels, Vari-Lite VL2000 Washlights, Martin MAC 500 and MAC 2000 Performance spotlights and Atomic strobes, as well as Wybron CXI colour changers, and atmospherics from Jem Glaciator low smoke machines and Unique haze machines. Control is from a Strand 500 series console, and White Light is also providing the show

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Europe - Bandit Lites has supplied full lighting production and crew for Queen. Currently touring for the first time in 13 years, Paul Rodgers is on lead vocals to great acclaim and an ever-broadening fan base. The tour plays arenas across Europe before hitting the UK for a series of summer stadium and outdoor shows. LD is Barry 'Baz' Halpin, said to be one of the industries brightest young designers.

Bandit's Mark Powell said: "Working with Baz is always a fantastic experience, couple that with the legendary music of Queen and a massive lighting rig and the end result is amazing. Add to that some Free and Bad company classics and it makes for a great show".

Queen was renowned for having monstrous lighting rigs in the 1980 before moving light technology really took off, so Halpin was in the position of being able to make the show look huge, with fewer fixtures and th

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USA - Signing on as one of Selecon's latest dealers in the USA, Portland-based Hollywood Lighting Services Inc couldn't be happier with their decision to support the "already in demand" range of performance lighting which includes the award-winning Pacific and Hui lines. Dwayne Thomas, president of Hollywood Lights, reports that the company is currently in the middle of an ongoing project to remake and modernize their over-the-counter conventional fixture rental inventory.

This process was underway last year when they were approached by their biggest production client, Nike, to design and produce realistic (but necessarily theatrical) lighting for a retail space mock up at their Asia-Pacific Spring Sales Meeting in June 2004 at the Oregon Convention Center. "The Nike job was what pushed our Acclaim Fresnel purchase initiative over the top, but at that time we had

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USA - Color Kinetics recently announced the largest-ever, landmark installation of its lighting systems at the new $2.7 billion Wynn Las Vegas resort and casino. The venue boasts a three-acre, man-made lake as its highly anticipated visual centerpiece and encompasses more than 4,000 individually controlled, submersed Color Kinetics C-Splash 2 systems. The lake represents the largest intelligent solid-state lighting installation of its kind, and seamlessly changes color as part of a spectacular, multimedia light-and-water show, it also features a five-story waterfall that cascades from a 150-foot man-made mountain.

"This milestone installation underscores the incredible applications that are now made possible by the combination of today's power LEDs and Color Kinetics' technology and system infrastructure," said Bill Sims, President and COO, Color Kinetics. "We are

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Belgium> - ADB Lighting Technologies has recently appointed SF Dis Tikaret A.S. as ADB authorized Distributor in Turkey. This move comes as a confirmation of an informal relationship, which has already proven to be beneficial to the two partners and their customers.

Said, Larry Busch, ADB's area sales manager: "SF Dis Tikaret, with its long experience and impressive reference list in the entertainment lighting and sound market, was a natural choice for us to further strengthen our position in the stage and studio markets, and become a real Partner for Light in Turkey."

ADB's broad product range has recently been enhanced with WARP, a fully automated profile spotlight, specifically designed for the theatre.

Installations that include ADB products in Turkey include: Ankara Odti Multipurpose Hall, Antalya Talya Hotel, Bursa Olay TV, Eskisehir Anadolu Universitesi, Ist

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UK - Wilkes Iris Ltd, of Bexhill-on-Sea, a world leader in the manufacture of precision irises for scientific, lighting and other applications, announce the acquisition (merger) of Temple Shearing and Engineering Ltd (Burgess Hill). In addition to the complementary manufacturing processes Keith Woods, managing director of Wilkes Iris, has plans for improvements and expansion for the mutual benefit of both businesses.

Wilkes Iris, a fourth generation family business, was founded in 1884, and after more than a century of iris technology, provides an unparalleled range. From the entertainment and television markets to the scientific and fibre optics sectors, its irises have found many uses. One is fitted to a popular compact microscope whose low weight and size make it ideal for expeditions: it was included in both the first ascent of Everest and the first moon landings, and is now

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UK - To optimize the presence of MA products in the UK market and to strengthen the support and communication MA Lighting is going to found its own UK subsidiary. For this, Richard Lambert has just joined the MA team as Technical Director UK. Lambert will support the UK sales and project business in a decisive way, especially for tenders and complex system integrations. Richard is both a product and system expert and he will become an active part between sales and the market.

Lambert is highly experienced and competent in the field of entertainment lighting and technical services. With a BSC (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, PGCE (Physics) and senior management roles with previous employers such as Walt Disney's World on Ice and ETC Europe, Lambert has gained longstanding experience in managing, training, commissioning and supporting many large projects.(Sarah Rus

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Germany - Over 100 moving lights from Robe Show Lighting have been specified for Top Of The Pops Germany, recorded in Köln. The lights have been specified by LD/DOP Patrick Nicolas, who has been lighting the show for the past seven years for Germany's largest privately owned channel, RTL. The move to Robe follows the latest redesign and launch of the show. Nicolas decided to test some Robe products after hearing good reports from his LD contacts; after the test he decided to swap the rig out to Robe at the first possible opportunity.

The new-look show features two stages, while the central floor area is also utilized as an impromptu stage area. Nicolas, who also designed the set, is using 35 Robe ColorSpot 1200 ATs, 20 ColorSpot 575 ATs, 31 ColorWash 1200 ATs and 10 ColorWash 575 ATs, plus a large generic rig and lots of LED-lit scenic pieces. The ColorSpot 1200s are fitted wit

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Italy / Canada - Cast Software Inc and SGM of Italy have announced a two-year partnership agreement by which SGM will bundle their lighting boards (consoles) with a copy of the WYSIWYG Console edition (CE). Cast is the developer of the award-winning WYSIWYG suite, the industry standard in lighting design and pre-visualization software. "We are continuing to align ourselves with the best console manufacturers, and are very pleased that SGM has joined the family of manufacturers that offer WYSIWYG CE with their consoles", says Bob Mani, VP of sales and business development at Cast.

Previously, Cast announced similar agreements with progressive companies such as Strand, HES and ETC. These manufacturers have been providing their customers with a complete solution - top line consoles coupled with the best visualization software.

"The CAST-SGM partnership brings great

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UK - Rosco has introduced new colours to its Supergel range of lighting filters - the first colour addition in nearly five years. A total of 15 new colours and one new diffusion filter have been added, which Rosco say they "are confident will answer many of the requests for more saturated blues, blue-greens and the demand for a better range of lavenders".

Feedback on the new colours from lighting designers has been very positive, say Rosco. To receive a free swatch book and details of your local Supergel dealer, contact Rosco at the e-mail address below.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - White Light recently lit a charity dinner for the Rugby Football Union at their Twickenham headquarters, held to raise money for the RFU's two nominated charities - SPIRE, the official RFU charity that assists players who have suffered permanent total disability through rugby, which is currently supporting around 115 ex-players, and Show Racism The Red Card (SRTRC), which aims to combat racism through education and the use of professional sports players as role models.

The rig for the evening, overseen by White Light's Jon Coventry, included 24 of White Light's Exhibition Uplighters, 26 ChromaQ ColorBlock LED fixtures, eight Par cans, a Source Four followspot and a Zero 88 XLS lighting console along with associated rigging, cabling, colour and control. "We received lots of positive feedback from the guests," commented Sharon Moy-Taylor, the RFU's retail operations

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Uruguay - Teatro Solis in Montevideo, one of Uruguay's leading opera houses, recently re-opened following an extensive refurbishment programme and decades of closure, complete with a Robe moving light rig. The restoration project - led by architect Eneida De Léon - included the construction of a new and larger stage, and the installation of a complete new state-of-the-art technical infrastructure. This has made Teatro Solis a premier venue for hosting all types of 21st century productions.

The moving lights - consisting of 12 Robe Show Lighting ColorSpot 1200 AT fixtures were specified for the theatre by Hoffend Argentina via Nemiler, their- Uruguayan representative. Hoffend & Sons is the Robe distributor for both Argentina and Uruguay, and it was they who spec'd Robe fixtures onto the project after extensive discussions between Hoffend Argentina's Jorge Escudedro and Robe Show

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