Lighting

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USA - Color Kinetics Inc has announced that the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts has granted all of its motions for summary judgment against Super Vision International Inc with respect to the validity and infringement of Color Kinetics' patents and inequitable conduct.

By granting summary judgment for Color Kinetics, the Court determined that there was no genuine dispute of material fact and that Color Kinetics was entitled to judgment as a matter of law against Super Vision on Super Vision's claims of invalidity of Color Kinetics' patents, and that the patents are infringed by Super Vision. The Court also found that Color Kinetics was not guilty of inequitable conduct regarding its actions with the US Patent and Trademark Office, as alleged by Super Vision. As such, no trial will be held on these issues.

"This major win vindicates Color Kinetics' intel

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UK - Lighting designer Jonathan 'Speedy' Cole of Speedy Productions recently purchased a Compulite Vector Blue console with iControl wireless remote, initially for use on the Gilev Show Band UK Tour. Gilev was established in 1995 and is now a vibrant 16-piece band with more than ten years of successful performing experience behind them. The band caters extensively to a variety of high profile audiences on both the private and corporate circuit.

Speedy comments: "The current Gilev tour utilises 48 Pulsar Chroma panels, 24 Vari*Lite VL6c, 12 Vari*Lite VL5, 12 SGM Palco, 12 Par 64 and 60 Egg Strobes, all of which have to be programmed on the day at each venue over a very short get-in period. I needed a console that could be programmed extremely quickly and be able to deal with 'on the fly' changes during the show, as well as being able to handle a range of different fixtures (

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USA - New Jersey based Circuit Lighting Inc has been busy supplying Robe moving lights to a series of high profile televised sporting events including a recent Showtime Boxing HBO pay-per-view broadcast from Washington DC.

Lighting was designed by Gatto & Associates and the show utilised 18 Robe ColorWash 1200E ATs (with electronic ballast), four Robe ColorSpot 1200E ATs and 180 Source Four Pars to outline the ring - all controlled with an Avolites Pearl 2004.

This follows the announcement of Circuit's newly acquired dealership with Robe Show Lighting, which sees this rental company now exclusively carrying the full range of Robe automated fixtures. Circuit Lighting has now completed the first phase of its inventory overhaul and has replaced all existing automated fixtures in the rental and production department with Robe ColorSpot and ColorWash 1200 ATs and E ATs, and Robe Co

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Australia - Australian manufacturer LSC Lighting has secured prime position at this year's PLASA show - right behind the popular Innovation Gallery at the front of the hall. Despite numerous attempts to gain information on LSC's new product releases at PLASA this year, a company spokesperson has repeatedly stone-walled by just offering the company's stand number - H11. What can be so secretive not to reveal any details prior to the show? LSC is in its 15th year as an exhibitor at PLASA, so why not just blurt out what's coming? Everyone else does . . .

LSC will unveil the big secret at the PLASA Show - on stand H11.

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Germany - MA Lighting has released a new software version 5.60 for grandMA multimedia consoles and it is available now for free download from MA's website. At the same time, the company is offering another useful tool - grandMA video, a fully network integrated (MA-Net) and software based media server.

Many new and innovative features have been added to the new software, version 5.60. In conjunction with additional tools such as grandMA 3D, grandMA onPC and grandMA remote, the grandMA console becomes a much more powerful multimedia control tool that meets the sophisticated requirements of today, says MA.

The new grandMA video software can be controlled with advanced features including browsing, previewing bitmaps of video footage and pictures as well as arranging the content of the media server directly on the console via MA-Net. The 'Channel Value' organization within the 'Fi

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UK - Jem's industry standard AF-1 has served the entertainment industry well as a multi-purpose fan for years, serving in clubs, studios and theatres, and on countless tours and events. A more powerful version of the AF-1 Fan, the AF-2, has now hit the market. Employed in a variety of ways - projecting smoke over long distances, converting smoke to haze, producing wind effects, or keeping equipment like amp and dimmer racks cool, or performers themselves - the AF-2 is all about moving air, namely awesome output and power! In fact, it is nearly three times as powerful as the AF-1.

Besides increased power and airflow, the overall design has been enhanced to become even more state of the art. Like its predecessor, the AF-2 features DMX as standard (both 3- and 5-pin) and can also be remote controlled with features such as auto timer, speed/output control and 8x mode, which expands

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UK - PRG Europe provided extensive lighting facilities for this year's Henley Festival, which takes place on the banks of the River Thames immediately following the famed Regatta. "It's been described as a cross between Glyndebourne and Glastonbury," said festival director Stewart Collins. "And each year the site looks better and better, because of the way it is lit after dark by PRG. This year, it looked fantastic. Dusk was at 10.15pm, at which point the entire site was illuminated - as opposed to floodlit - using cutting edge lighting to stunning effect."

PRG Europe has been working with the festival for the past five years, says project manager Peter Marshall, lighting the whole site, providing all the crew and organising the lighting for the main performance venues. The site lighting was designed and theatrically lit by lighting designer Theo Cox to creat

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Italy - The Palco-3 Mobile promises "great efficiency and high colour rendering". The LED-based light source offers a number of key features: 100,000 hours life at full power, cold light and absolutely no maintenance; top colour efficiency: the red's intensity for example is the same as that of a 750W halogen lamp, but consumes less than 100W, and silent operation. The fixture is fan-free and has no cooling system.

Palco 3 Mobile is fitted with absolute encoders, so when reset doesn't require any repositioning procedure and goes immediately to the required position. If accidentally moved, it restores the position and when switched off, a special mechanism enables to block the motor in the current position. It has a considerable range of interchangeable optics designed to meet the most varied illumination requirements.

SGM can be found at the PLASA Show on stand G30.<

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UK - CAST's renowned WYSIWYG workshops have now been confirmed as part of the overall seminar and training programme at this year's PLASA Show (11-14 September, Earls Court 1, London). The workshops will offer an introduction to this industry-standard lighting visualisation software, which is used by lighting professionals the world over on productions ranging from major concerts to West End musicals, and from blockbuster movies to cutting-edge architectural installations.

Created by Cast Software, WYSIWYG has won many awards, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering Development. Lighting designers, programmers and operators can join Josh Koffman, WYSIWYG's product manager, for an overview of the system, before focusing on essentials such as basic CAD techniques, fixture selection and placement, rendering and plotting. Josh will also introduce attendees

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USA - The Rolling Stones' world tour kicked off in the US on Sunday, 21 August with a Flying Pig Systems Wholehog 3 console specified for lighting control. The lighting team includes lighting designer Patrick Woodroffe, lighting director Ethan Weber and programmer Dave Hill. Lighting contractor is PRG, which also supplied a Wholehog 3 backup. The veteran rockers' A Bigger Bang world tour spans the globe through 2006.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Avolites will show a number of new products at PLASA 2005. First among them, the ART-DC dimmer is a fully environmentally friendly, portable, stand-alone, wireless or DMX battery powered dimming system specifically developed for low voltage lamps. Originated for the fabulous The Storr - Unfolding Landscape arts project in Scotland, the ART-DC dimmer is now part of the diverse Avolites ART dimming range.

The ART-DC runs off industrial or car batteries and dims lights up to 20A. It's currently available in 4-channel/32A modules, and it can be either a dimming or a relay/switching module. It's ideal for dimming car headlights and other HMI/HID automotive lightsources, say Avolites. A 'Battery Save' function kicks in to conserve energy if there's no control signal, and there's local control and a useful and easily readable LCD front panel display for status and diagnosti

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Denmark - The popular Maxxyz console has received a boost in speed and functionality with the release of version 1.5. The company says that months of user-input and an extensive beta testing program have ensured the console's steady development and success in the market as the desk of choice for many lighting designers and programmers.

Elements of the software have been completely revised resulting in significant improvement in performance while components of the user interface have received a face-lift for more consistent operation. With version 1.5 the console supports an enhanced internal database structure and improved internal networking, which has eliminated any lag in fixture selection and improved the general operation of the console. Boot up speed has been enhanced as well.

The Maxxyz's fixture patch has been redesigned using a theatrical command line structure with a

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UK - Martin Professional PLC has appointed Emma Thorpe as marketing co-ordinator, based at the company's UK headquarters in Maidstone. Thorpe will be responsible for all UK marketing communications including exhibitions and trade shows, external and internal marketing communications, publicity material and market intelligence, as well as providing support for both the sales team and customers. Thorpe replaces Victoria Spurgin, who resigned her position in mid-August.

Martin UK managing director David Caulfield comments: "Emma brings with her a wealth of marketing knowledge and experience, including an excellent Marketing Diploma, with the accolade of being the World Wide Top Student in 2004 for Marketing Strategy, making her very capable of increasing the strength of Martin's products throughout the industry. We are delighted to have secured her appointment."

Thorpe

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UK - Leeds-based Zig Zag Lighting has unveiled a new business venture and website, www.lightingsales-direct.co.uk, which aims to provide quality lighting and associated products at competitive prices to the entertainment industry. The site is a full e-commerce facility that allows anyone from amateur theatre groups to professional DJs and club owners to source the latest lighting products.

Zig Zag managing director Neil Hunt says, "The idea is to provide a site that any user can go to and purchase professional quality lighting equipment. We source our products from well respected suppliers and pass on that quality and good service to the end-user."

Hadyn Thomas, the site's developer, adds, "There is a gap in the market for such a service and when I was approached by Zig Zag to create the site, I was confident that it would prove to be a successful venture."

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UK - Bandit Lites supplied lighting production and crew for LD Jonny Gaskell's spectacular visual design at the Top Shop Fashion Show and Awards. The two-day event was staged at Syon House in West London, and each day saw 1500 of the popular retailer's design teams and store managers as guests.

The project was managed for Bandit by Lester Cobrin who has worked with Gaskell several times in the past. Gaskell and his partner Nick Gray of Renegade Lighting were asked onboard by event producers 9PR, who are regular clients.

Lester Cobrin comments, "Jonny is one of the most talented and enthusiastic LD's I've had the pleasure of working with. He has tremendous vision and the end product is always refreshing and innovative."

Gaskell had to light the show and catwalk area in a 150ft long marquee, featuring a central stage area with four runways coming off it at right angl

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France - The biggest fireworks display in Europe was held on the first Saturday in August, as it is every year, at the Fete du Lac in Annecy. Set against the stunning backdrop of the French Alps, it is a truly spectacular event that attracts tens of thousand of visitors every year.

This year's theme was Chansons d'Amour with a prelude courtesy of Les Choeurs de France (the choirs of France), an ensemble of 700 choristers whose music also accompanied the pyrotechnic display. Production was handled by Annecy Evenements who turned to Austrian pyrotechnician, Armin Lukasser for the second year running to create the fireworks spectacular. Also for the second year running, audio was handled by Starlight Evenementiel a full service production company from Alsace.

Starlight worked in conjunction with German rental company, Omega, and between them they fielded a powerful 130-box

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UK - With little more than two weeks to go until PLASA 2005 opens its doors, here are 10 reasons why you can't afford to miss out on this year's Show - taking place between Sunday 11 and Wednesday 14 September at Earls Court, London:

1. You'll see lots of new ideas - over 1,000 new products will be launched, and the best of these will be featured in the Innovation Gallery.
2. You'll see all the major international brands and manufacturers from around the globe.
3. You'll find more new companies exhibiting this year than ever before.
4. You'll hear about numerous new industry initiatives.
5. You'll find out what others are spending their money on and why.
6. You'll get to talk to lots of different people, many of them potential customers.
7. You'll take back knowledge to your workplace.
8. All the major industry trade associations will be there to offe

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UK - Lightfactor Sales has sold SGM Palco colour changing LED luminaires to Bristol-based lighting rental company, Fineline. Fineline's Darren Wring first trialled the Palcos on a corporate job at the NEC in Birmingham for Spandex, after which he was so impressed he decided to invest in the units. These went straight out again on another show for Spandex in Amsterdam.

The new Spandex exhibition stand's design and lighting design is by Wring and was built by James Thomas Engineering. It's an impressive 12 metres wide by 16 metres long, and the whole stand spins round in a circle, and is animated by both movement and changing colours.

Lightfactor's Peter Coles completed the deal with Fineline, "It's great to see companies like Fineline investing in LED technology, and we're really pleased that Darren chose the Palco as his first LED wash fixtures. It's generally been an exc

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UK - DJs keen to see all the latest DJ technologies should head to this year's PLASA Show, which runs for four full-on days at Earls Court 1 in London, from 11-14 September. Both show floors will be packed with the hottest DJ gear - everything from the smartest decks to top-of-the-range mixers.

Denon, Numark, Pioneer, Stanton and Vestax will be just some of the big-name brands at the Show, and a key part of the 300-strong line up of exhibitors showcasing current trends in lighting, sound, AV and multimedia technologies.

DJ Sunday, sponsored by iDJ magazine, will get the show off to a flying start with numerous events, giveaways and on-stand demos by leading DJs. In the DJ Lounge (at the back of the hall), visitors can watch the winners of iDJ Magazine's monthly Raw Talent competition and there will also be an opportunity to take the first steps into music production with a Tal

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Australia - Australian manufacturer LSC Lighting Systems was contracted to design and supply a cabinet dimming system for the Australian Government's pavilion at World Expo 2005. Held in Aichi, Japan, World Expo commenced on 25 March and will wind up in late September. It provides a significant opportunity to promote Australia to the world and averages 20,000 people through the pavilion every day, with the grand total of visitors nearing the two million mark.

The Australian pavilion reflects the theme of the Expo - Nature's Wisdom - from an Australian perspective. Visitors to the Australian pavilion gain an understanding that through learning the lessons of the past and using modern-day technology, we are better able to provide for the sustainable future - environmentally, economically and socially. The pavilion showcases Australia's unique lifestyle - a lifestyle that ha

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Sweden - On the evening of 18 August, Ericsson Racing Team's Volvo Ocean 70 was baptised by her godmother - HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, at a spectacular christening ceremony in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Swedish company Spectra Stage & Event Technologies used W-DMX BlackBox products to control four units of Syncrolite SX B/52 and six units of Studio Due City Color over the harbour of Gothenburg. The distance was about 200m open water between console and fixtures. W-DMX BlackBox with standard antenna was used and chief technical officer of Spectra, Abbe Westerlundh who used the products was very happy with the simplicity and power of the W-DMX equipment from Wireless Solution Sweden AB.

Spectra Stage & Event Technologies have invested in several W-DMX BlackBox Systems for the indoor and outdoor events and completed several events in the last month, including Doobidoo

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UK - Glasgow is to host its first Festival of Light this November, bringing together celebrated lighting and visual artists and emerging talent to create a three-day spectacle placing light at the centre of urban culture. Radiance, Glasgow Festival of Light will be staged in the city's vibrant Merchant City from November 25 - 27.

Commissioned and funded by Glasgow City Council, and organised in partnership by nva and DF Concerts, the festival will "introduce light as an art form, creating an engaging and visually striking artistic experience at the festival site - whilst illuminating the beautiful, significant and often hidden architecture of the Merchant City".

The festival will coincide with Glasgow's hosting of the 2005 AGM of LUCI, the Lighting Urban Community International Association which promotes creative lighting strategies within urban contexts, of w

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UK - Le Maitre will be holding live pyrotechnic demos at PLASA 2005, in association with the PSA. The company will be holding demos on the Top Deck at Earl's Court. The demos are scheduled for 12pm, 2pm and 4pm every day of the show. Hosted by Le Maitre's head pyrotechnician, Mark Thomas, the demos will allow visitors to see pyrotechnics in action. Effects will include Prostage II Gerbs, Waterfalls, Mines, Flames and Robotics and there will be a chance to examine the latest firing systems.

If you want to know more about the demos or are interested in coming along whilst you are at the show, please contact Amelia Croucher at the e-mail address below.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Mark Leahy has joined worldwide entertainment lighting manufacturer High End Systems Inc as the regional sales manager for Northern Europe. Based out of the London office, Leahy's territory includes UK, Ireland, Scandinavia and the Baltic States. Leahy has been involved with the professional lighting and sound industry since 1989. He was most recently commercial sales manager for Barco Media & Entertainment in the UK, where for more than four years he was responsible for sales to the events market, including concert-touring rental companies.

"High End Systems is making strong pioneering moves and forging ahead with digital lighting. This is a good opportunity to partner my experience in the projection industry with digital developments in the lighting market," Leahy notes. "Catalyst, DL1 and DL2 are pushing technology forward and are significant contributions

  1. New category for Lighting Design Awards
  2. MAC 250 Wash debuts in A Tivoli Fairytale
  3. Upgrade for SGM's Regia
  4. Green Hippo and Scenechange merge
  5. Projected Image Digital at PLASA
  6. Stagecraft at the Portsmouth Royal
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