Lighting

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UK - Wilkes Iris Ltd, world leaders in precision irises for scientific and lighting applications and close tolerance sheet metal cutting, recently announced the acquisition of Temple Shearing and Engineering Ltd, a general-purpose sheet metal shearing, bending and forming company in Burgess Hill, West Sussex.

It is now announced that their work in sheet metal will be carried out under the new name of Pearlfisher Engineering Ltd, absorbing Temple Shearing & Engineering Ltd, and working from 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 the businesses and customers, particularly in architectural, gallery illumination and concert and disco lighting.

Wilkes Iris, a forth generation family business, was founded in 1884, and with well over a cen

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UK - Robe ColorSpot 1200ATs have been specified by lighting designer Greg McLennahan for an installation to illuminate the largest mirror ball in the world - on Blackpool Promenade.

This is one of the new lighting features for the world famous Blackpool Illuminations and its newly launched Festival of Light concept, which was switched on for the 2005 season at the weekend by Chris Evans.

The 20ft diameter rotating mirror ball, is named They Shoot Horses Don't They and has been in residence since 2002. It was created by artist Michael Trainor and is synonymous with the culture of ballroom dancing, for which the town is also historically renowned.

McLennahan was commissioned to transform the glitter ball into a "new icon for the illuminations". Apart from that brief, received from Illuminations' Festival director Philip Oakley, he was given a free hand

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UK - Barco is holding an open day this week to showcase its new B-10 - a cost-effective solution to providing large screen LED video and graphics wherever they are needed. The Barco B-10 is a a mobile, self-contained outdoor LED solution, which incorporates a rotatable 9sq.m LED display mounted on a trailer.

The B-10 is a cost-effective mobile LED solution incorporating Barco's well-known SLite 10 outdoor LED technology, which is aimed at bringing the 'wow' factor of an LED display to any event, large or small, say Barco. The B-10 is a multipurpose display solution that can be used to play any type of video or data content, including play back live footage or show advertising and promotional messages.

The B-10 works in accordance with the 'drive and play' principle. Drive to the event location, pull out the screen, and the show is on in no time. No need for structures or truss

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USA - Ever since the Source Four profile spotlight was invented from a blank canvas in 1992, ETC has worked to ensure it remains the cutting edge tool for lighting professionals. The brightest luminaire in its class, the Source Four is the benchmark against which others are measured. Continuous development has seen progressive increases in light output (62% more punch since the luminaire's introduction), enhancements to the lens and reflector and innovative modifications to the lamp itself.

Now the Source Four is set to become even better, with the launch at PLASA 2005 of a potent new accessory, the EDLT - the Enhanced Definition Lens Tube. Designed as an option for the Source Four fixed focus profile, the EDLT provides even crisper projections with greater acuity and higher contrast. The EDLT makes graphics look even better and the beam edge even sharper, with no loss in field

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USA - Color Kinetics Inc has announced the appointments of Philip O'Donnell as vice-president, North American sales and Paul Kallmes as director of licensing. The appointments mark the latest achievement in an on-going expansion of the company's worldwide sales organization, which has grown significantly in one year, say CK.

"LED technology is advancing at accelerated rates, fueling both existing and new markets for Color Kinetics' intelligent solid-state lighting systems. We're accordingly building a world-class sales organization to capitalize on the opportunities ahead," said Bill Sims, President and CEO, Color Kinetics.

"Color Kinetics' prolific rate of product and technology development is one of our foremost differentiators, and we believe that a larger, strategically dispersed sales force will deliver incremental revenues, especially when armed with our l

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USA - The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences recently recognized the lighting design team from the 2004 Olympic Opening Ceremonies with its top Emmy Award for Outstanding Lighting Direction. PRG was the main lighting contractor providing equipment, programmers and technicians for the Athens 2004 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies. The lighting system included over 2000 automated luminaires controlled by Virtuoso consoles and a Virtuoso fiber optic control network.

The 57th Annual Emmy Awards recognizes outstanding programming and individual achievements in primetime television. The Awards was given for Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic, Multi-Camera) for VMC Programming. The lighting team were lighting designers Bob Dickinson and Eleftheria Deko, and lighting directors Ted Wells, Andy O'Reilly and Theodore Tsevas.

(Lee Baldock)

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USA - The new SeaChanger Colour Engines from Ocean Optics made their theatrical debut in July at the USA's largest community theatre. The CYM colour changers, which install easily into ETC Source Four ellipsoidal spotlights and require no cooling, were used at the Omaha Community Playhouse. John Gibilisco, resident designer and production electrician, said he was "very impressed".

The innovative SeaChanger Colour Engine uses robust dichroic filter technology to create millions of brilliant, rich, reproducible colours that will not fade, degrade or shift colour with time or temperature. "The simple and smooth colour transitions are impressive," said Gibilisco. "I'm using the extreme magenta feature to produce saturated reds that I could never sustain using conventional colour filters."

The SeaChanger colour engines are quiet in operation and elimin

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UK - 5 Star Cases, the Cambridgeshire-based flightcase manufacturer, showcased its recent major investment into 3D modelling software at the recent PLASA Show. 'Solid Edge' from UGS, was demonstrated over the four-day event by 5 Star's Andy Stockdale, who has been implementing the system into the company's facilities over the past few months.

The main software capabilities were demonstrated including the fabrication of case fittings and hardware, case assemblies and photo-realistic rendering. Integration into other company facilities were also demonstrated, such as generation of production ready geometry for use with CNC machining systems. XpressReview, a free 'client-based' application was also shown.

Keith Sykes, 5 Star's works director, said: "The interest shown by both new clients and existing customers in this new software was fantastic. The company will be 'rolling

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UK - Glasgow City Council today unveiled the programme for a new festival, which will allow Glaswegians to see their city in a spectacular new light. The streets of the Merchant City will be transformed by celebrated lighting designers and visual artists from around the globe, alongside local emerging artists, as part of Radiance, Glasgow Festival Of Light.

Taking place from 25-27 November, 2005, Radiance will ensure that a walk through the Merchant City will become a dazzling journey of discovery for a wide range of audiences of all ages, from art lovers to people working or shopping in the city, as the often hidden, but beautiful buildings are illuminated by stunning light installations and captivating visual artworks in unusual and unexpected places. Developed and funded by Glasgow City Council, as part of their £5.2 million investment into the city's lighting strategy,

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UK - When Glasgow Royal Concert Hall was looking to replace some luminaires at the end of last year, they chose six ETC Source Four Revolutions. They were so happy with the new moving lights that when they then decided to refurbish most of the rest of their equipment, they looked again to ETC. Chief stage and lighting engineer Graeme Ironside tested three lighting control consoles. "ETC's Congo won on simplicity and power," he said. "We have had two desks since the hall opened in 1990 and wanted a replacement which we were sure would last at least that long again."

In addition to the Congo (the first installed in the UK) Ironside also chose a SmartFade from ETC as a compact backup console, a further eight Source Four Revolutions, 20 Source Four Junior zooms, eight Source Four 10ยบ profile spotlights and 80 Source Four PARs, all supplied by A.C. Lighting.

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UK - The 2005 Scottish Lighting Show is nearly upon us and this year hosts black light are showing the way in a very appropriate manner - by holding the show in a lighthouse. But this is no ordinary lighthouse. It's as easy to get to as black light's Edinburgh premises - indeed it's right next door! Built as a training tower for the Northern Lighthouse Board, the lighthouse is a perfect venue for the leading visual technology show in Scotland and the north of England.

This year's Scottish Lighting Show takes place on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th September between 10.30am and 4.30pm. It builds on the success of previous shows, with many exhibitors returning and more exhibiting for the first time, drawn by its well-deserved reputation for high quality visitors and calm atmosphere. Visitors can discuss business in a quiet and informal environment, without being deafened by the PA

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Europe - Available throughout Europe since 2000, the IES Matrix dimming system was created to take advantage of a new generation of sine wave technology which allowed dimmers of different ratings and dimming techniques to be mixed in the same installation. Now, with just 44mm additional headroom, the new IES Matrix Mk II from ETC is one of the most flexible systems available, with the greatest choice of channel ratings and module options available, plus higher density and improved efficiency, say ETC.

The extra 44mm has enabled ETC to increase the density of the rack up to 180 dimmer channels. With space for up to six dimming channels per module, Matrix Mk II is customisable with up to 180 x 3kW or 90 x 5kW dimmers per rack. Sine wave modules are available as 4 x 3kW, 4 x 5kW and 1 x 10kW, with an even greater choice of channel ratings for SCR Basic and high filtering modules. W

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uk - dAFTdATA has had a hectic twelve months leading up to PLASA 2005, which saw the launch of its new mDMX product.

PLASA 05 saw the introduction of the 5.8 GHz frequency range to compliment the established 2.4 GHz frequencies that eDMX currently works at. eDMX is now the only system on the market which allows the user to send the signal wirelessly at both 2.4 and 5.8GHz - to ensure connectivity at all times.

PLASA 05 also saw the launch of the new mDMX system that will be available from Avolites in the New Year. mDMX currently allows for up to four universes of DMX to be modulated down the mains cable up to 400m. dAFTdATA expect to be able to increase the capacity in the new year in addition to supporting video over mains as well.

The partnership with Avolites to incorporate dAFTdATA's WENDI system into its eDMX product has seen eDMX used for wireless DMX data transfer wor

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UK - Cwmbran based Zero 88 Lighting Ltd, one of the Europe's leading lighting control companies, has sponsored Creative Lighting Design (UK) with one of its new Jester lighting consoles.

Creative Lighting Design is currently undergoing a UK wide tour, carrying out Lighting workshops for students as well as INSET training courses for teachers in schools and colleges. These workshops compliment the students in their GCSE and A'level studies by giving them hands on experience and understanding of the working of stage and theatre lighting.

The high spec Jester was handed over to Jon Watson during the workshop recently held at Croesyceiliog School, Cwmbran. Mr Watson says: "The console will make a huge difference to both students and teachers at the workshops. The Jester is probably the best piece of equipment on the market for the price. It offers schools, colleges and smalle

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uk - Metropolis AV's new met 3 LED lighting products have been specified and installed at the new London clubs management Ltd's fifty London landmark venue at 50 St James Street.

The designed by fashionable architect of the day Benjamin Wyatt, was first opened as a casino in 1827 and in its latest incarnation, it is rated as one of the best and most popular private members clubs in London.

The venue has recently undergone complete refurbishment, with an interior design by Jeffrey Beers that has injected new vitality into the building. The look is of the sophisticated end of 1980s retro, offering a spectacular gaming room, private gambling facilities and five floors of upscale bars and restaurants plus the fifty below club lounge downstairs - all aimed at entertaining both gamblers and non-gamblers alike.

The sound and lighting installation was undertaken by touch media, whos

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UK - A.C. Lighting announced its status as an Official Sponsor of A1 Team Great Britain participating in the inaugural season of the A1 Grand Prix, the World Cup of Motor sport.

The unique concept, which is the brainchild of Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum, will bring together the two worlds of business and motor sport and see the national pride of at least eighty per cent of the world's population represented on the grid during the 12 race series.

A.C. will be using the sponsorship association to increase its overseas business derived from new or existing markets represented by the 24 other participating countries. A1GP is the ideal platform for the company to promote its brand and services on a global level, and provides a dynamic environment for sponsors and countries to network at a business-to-business level.

Phill Capstick, the company's sales director, commen

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UK - Stage Electrics London is holding a Martin MAC700 demonstration afternoon on Thursday 6 October.

This will give users a chance to have a hands on demonstration of Martin's latest and quietest moving head say the company. A compact, light, quiet fixture with power and optical precision beyond its peers is what Martin set out to achieve in the MAC700 Profile.

Fully equipped with all the industry standard Martin features, the MAC700 Profile also combines a full CMY colour mixing system supplemented with an eight position colour wheel and a gobo animation system for dramatic projection effects.

Numbers are strictly limited so please call 020 7939 3000 to reserve your place, doors open from midday.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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Switzerland - Zurich's Flughafen Airport has come up with a novel idea in using one of its old terminal buildings. The terminal has been developed in to a multi purpose venue called 'Event Dock' which includes a Museum along with various other corporate event and exhibition facilities. In developing the terminal certain criteria had to be met with regards to equipment and software that was to be installed, especially as the majority of event managers at the site are not fully experienced lighting technicians or engineers.

Project manager Andreas Stahl from EBZ in Switzerland recommended and installed the Frog Box and Frog Touch Screen system from Zero 88 to control the 30 Clay Paky Points and 16 Clay Paky Colorwave 300's used throughout the terminal. The main reason for the Frog range being used was that it was the only product on the market capable of providing the number of pr

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Computer DJ was again at PLASA with an array of new products. Of particular interest for bars and clubs as well as light and sound installers was the new Q-Play digital music system, say the company.This touch screen unit will play the required style of music for up to 365 days a year. The system incorporates bio-metric (fingerprint) security, ensuring that only those authorized to do so can change the music (or its volume). The system can be managed by venue staff or programmed remotely via an optional secure internet link.

The other product to attract a stream of visitors was the newly developed Screenfly. This software programme can be used to generate immediate adverts and other live messages on the plasma screen. Within seconds the user can display special offers; introduce new products; show menu details; etc. Screenfly can also be used interactively or to entertain customers and

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UK - As well as having one of the most eye-catching stands at the event, Pulsar unveiled a number of new products at the recent PLASA Show. In addition to the existing ChromaBatten200 and ChromaFlood200, the range now includes a ChromaBatten100 (available in 600 and 1200mm widths) and the compact ChromaFlood100. All units are IP65-rated and are powered directly from 100-240V; they have full remote DMX control of RGB levels for colour mixing, and internal sequences provide operation without a separate control system.

Another addition to the ChromaBatten range is the ChromaBatten50 - a 300mm (1ft) wide, IP65-rated fixture. ChromaBatten50 is powered and controlled from the ChromaZone and up to a maximum of four pieces can be driven from a ChromaZone12.

Adding to the highly successful ChromaStrip2 is the new ChromaStripX3 High Power LED strip, offering three times the power of the

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UK - The Pharos Lighting Playback Controller (LPC) was awarded a prestigious Award for Innovation during PLASA 2005. The coveted Awards were judged by a panel of industry professionals, who were impressed by the Pharos product's "versatile operating system that is destined to set the benchmark for installation controllers". This success follows on from the Award for Best of Category (Controls and Controls Software) Pharos received at LightFair International in New York earlier this year.

Pharos is a solid state, fit-and-forget solution for control of colour mixing fixtures, dimmers, ballasts and moving lights using either DMX or DALI protocols, and the judges praised it as being "a beautifully engineered lighting controller". A comprehensive range of expansion modules allows it to connect with a host of other triggers and protocols, all in a compact DIN rail-

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UK - Just days after they had purchased their Frog 2 consoles from Zero 88, HSL Productions wasted no time in making them earn their keep - throwing them in at the deep end at Creamfields 2005. Over 50,000 people attended the event at the Old Speke Airfield in Liverpool, the spiritual home of legendary superclub Cream. The event featured the very best of current and 'old skool' dance acts across the Galaxy main stage and nine supporting arenas. The line-up inlcuded Basement Jaxx, Faithless, Paul Van Dyk, Judge Jules, Fat Boy Slim, Scratch Perverts and MC Dynamite.

Launched earlier this year, the Frog 2s have found homes in theatres, churches and multi-purpose venues across the globe - but this was their first outing at a festival event. The two Frog 2 consoles were in action in the 'Full Cycle' Hardcore House arena and 'Hed Kandi' hospitality tent. Controlling a collection of Ma

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UK - Robe ColorWash and ColorSpot 1200E AT fixtures were specified and used by lighting designer Mirash Lekaj for the JUMP Broadway finale staged in the Manhattan Studio at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York.

This is the latest in a series of high profile theatrical productions for which Robe products are increasingly finding favour - chosen for their near-silent operation, fast movement and impressive brightness.

Break The Floor Productions' JUMP - is one of the youngest and most innovative dance teaching faculties in America. Led by Gil Stroming, it combines live rock and hip-hop music with the precise rhythms and techniques of tap, jazz, ballet and modern in a new and exciting mix of the two cultures, connecting with a new generation of dancers.

The JUMP Broadway finale was the culmination of a regional tour that encouraged and inspired thousands of aspiring performers

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UK - A.C. Lighting's Special Projects division has supplied over 400 Chroma-Q Color Blocks to up-light the stage set for the Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang World Tour 2005/2006.

Following the North American leg of A Bigger Bang World Tour, which kicked off on 21 August in Boston, the band will then tour Mexico, South America, the Far East and finally Europe in the summer of 2006.

The Rolling Stones will once again showcase their diversity as musicians and performers by playing different venues from the grand scale excitement of a stadium to the thrill of an arena. This year's tour takes the concert experience to the next level by bringing together the advantages of an up-close club experience with their electric stadium show.

Setting a new standard for concert effects, The Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang World Tour is the first major rock concert to include

  1. Martin Exteriors light Aichi's Toyota Bridge
  2. DTS plans "aggressive growth"
  3. Lycian Stage Lighting introduces new followspot
  4. ETC's Congo debuts on US TV
  5. PRG Europe supplies Alvin Ailey
  6. PLASA 2005: All about Business
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