Lighting

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UK - In 2005 Artistic Licence launched Light-Switch, a DMX512 playback system designed for single and multiple room lighting control. A new version has just been released, which expands its capabilities even further. Light-Switch can now be remote controlled via RS232. This means that Light-Switch can easily be integrated into a larger show control system.

Light-Switch is suitable for use in conference room facilities, retail and domestic environments, trade shows and museum exhibits. Available in both UK and US style wall panels, Light-Switch is controlled by 14 illuminated buttons. Features include three pages of eight memories, with each memory containing all 512 channels and an independent fade time. A fourth page provides six sequences with variable step times and direction control.

The entire system is programmed by PC application Switch-Edit, which contains a moving lam

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UK - LD Patrick Marks has found the Avolites Diamond 4 lighting console's Fixture Exchange facility a life saver during their extensive summer festival style tour. He's touring his own console everywhere and picking up a variety of local productions across the UK and Europe. The schedule has also encompassed a 3-week Swedish tour with lighting sound and trucking all supplied by Copenhagen-based Nordic.

Having the D4 and using Fixture Exchange has not only meant: "No more re-programming shows on sunny afternoons with no time!" says Marks, it's also saved him from worrying about whether the fixtures for the day are Martin, Robe, Vari*Lite. Whatever they are, his show remains the same.

Marks 'converted' to the D4 at the beginning of the summer after many years of running Status Quo's show on a Diamond 3. Now he's using the D4 and the very latest software versions which

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UK - HSL is supplying a full floor lighting system for Snow Patrol's current UK and European outdoor festival tour, which includes an impressive LED back wall consisting of 57 ColorKinetics iColor Tiles and 57 Chroma-Q DB4 LED fixtures, plus 16 Robe moving lights.

The band's stunning stage look is being created by the slick teamwork of lighting designer Dave Sherwin and visuals operator Robin Haddow. The tour is being project managed for HSL by Mike Oates.

In addition to the LED and moving lights, HSL is also supplying six vertical trussing towers, two pairs each at 10ft in the centre, 8ft and 6ft on the outside; six two cell Moles and six Atomic strobes - each of which sits on each tower, along with six of the Robe ColorSpot 1200ATs on top. The rest of the moving lights are scattered around the floor, along with an additional 20 DB4s.

HSL designed and supplied the custom sc

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UK - Robe Show Lighting is expecting another action-packed PLASA, and is launching 12 new products including the StageQube 324, a new 700 Series of moving lights, the DigitalSpot 5000 DT and the ColorSpot 2500E AT.

The StageQube 324 is a new-generation of LED panel. Designed as a plug&play application, it doesn't require any external power supply and control boxes. The complete electronics are located in the IP54 housing. An integrated rigging system allows even large systems to be built up very easily.

The resolution of StageQube 324 is 18 x 18 px at a size of 80 x 80 cm (pixel pitch 4.44 cm). The StageQube 324 system uses a video input (VGA) that is connected to the QubeControl PC. It can be DMX controlled using a Robe Media Hub aloowing intuitive control from the lighting desk.

Robe Show Lighting also launches its revolutionary new DigitalSpot 5000 DT, a 5000 ANSI Lumen o

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UK - With the industry's leading companies rolling out major new products and services, PLASA06 is going to play a central role in delivering solutions to many of the high profile projects, events and tours of the coming 12 months.

The specialists exhibiting at PLASA06 have the expertise to make anything possible with technologies developed by this industry transforming the quality of experience within the entertainment, events, live arts and leisure markets to a level scarcely imaginable 10 years ago.

And in the building and architectural sectors, the development of audio, video and IT technologies has also transformed the way buildings are designed and used - aesthetically, practically and architecturally - with information and safety-related systems now essential ingredients in the development of public spaces and buildings.

All these developments - together with the next

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UK - 11am on Sunday 10 September at PLASA 2006, will see the launch of the much-anticipated Lancelot, the latest in a long line of innovative lighting products from acclaimed French manufacturer Robert Juliat. The launch will take place on stand G25, the stand of Juliat's UK distributor White Light.

The brightest, most spectacular fixture ever released by Robert Juliat, Lancelot is both a long-throw effects projector and a followspot perfect for the largest of venues, particularly stadiums. Based around a 360,000 lumen 4kW HTI lamp, Lancelot uses a carefully-designed optical train that gives an extremely flat-field beam distribution. Lancelot's modular design allows up to five effects cassettes to be inserted: based around a totally new four-blade design these allow progressive effects such as frost or colour correction. Further effects will be available for Lancelot during 2007

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USA - Wybron have announced the release of the InfoTrace RDM Lighting Control System, effective September 5, 2006. InfoTrace is an innovative new system that uses RDM (Remote Device Management) for the control and management of DMX-controlled lighting devices such as colour changers, moving lights, conventional lights, and dowsers. (RDM is the new open standard of bi-directional protocol for DMX512 based control systems.)

"InfoTrace simplifies the set-up, maintenance, repair and integration of professional stage lighting," says Keny Whitright, founder and president of Wybron, a leader in performance lighting innovation (inventor of the scrolling colour changer and the industry's first automated spotlight tracking system). "Time saved during load in and pre-show checks translates into more time to create innovative lighting sets for stage, touring shows, architectu

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UK - At the PLASA Show this year, a trio of the UK's best-known TV lighting directors will gather together for what promises to be an entertaining session on the ups and downs of the business of lighting for television.

John Watt, Mike Le Fevre and Ian Dow are all TV lighting directors who by default have specialised in different genres of television - as well as just lighting whatever comes next! They hope to be inspired by questions from the floor to explain how they attempt to keep the quality of lighting in television, whilst battling budgets and the idiosyncrasies of producers. They may well illustrate their remarks with stories of the triumphs and disasters of their careers!

Chaired by PLASA's executive director and former L&SI editor Ruth Rossington, the session will take place from 3.30-5.00pm on Tuesday 12 September, in the seminar theatre on Level Two of Earls Court.

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UK - PLASA - the Professional Lighting and Sound Association - has announced a new events strategy to drive the development of its market-leading PLASA Show and to advance its range of business and networking events. Central to this major initiative will be the roll-out of a number of satellite events, including the launch of a regional networking event in the north of England, details of which will be announced shortly.

The move will be underpinned by the launch of PLASA Events Ltd, which will implement the new strategy, and also allow PLASA to build on the success of its established PLASA Show, paving the way for a major relaunch of the event in 2007. The new division will be headed by two faces familiar to the industry: Nicola Rowland joins the PLASA team as director of events and Sophie Matthews joins as operations manager. Formerly with Clarion Events, both have wide experi

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Worldwide - Like floating cities, Carnival Cruise Lines offer their passengers a lot of variety. Now grandMA's play a key role in the line's entertainment show control. "The grandMA system is an important component for technical operations in the main showroom on our ships," says Preston Bircher, entertainment technical projects manager for Carnival. "Most ships have between two and seven production shows and although they're completely different, they utilise the same basic rig and light plot. The difference is in the programming with all the moving lights and colour changers. The flexibility of the grandMA system is fantastic," he continues.

Demfis Fyssicopulos of dfdesign served as grandMA lighting programmer for Carnival's 2,052-passenger Sensation, with the next installation scheduled for the line's 2,052-passenger Fascination. "These vessels are si

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France - SA Europe has announced the appointment of Eric Guillaumin as its new Senior Technician. His appointment follows the company's business expansion in Europe and its successful one-year partnership with Robert Juliat, say the company. Guillaumin holds a degree in Electronics Engineering and has gained extensive experience in dimming engineering and development working at Robert Juliat for almost 20 years.

"Eric's technical experience will be so valuable to our growing business here in Europe," said Bertrand Dauphant, SA Europe's director. "We now have many installations on the way which require Eric's skills and knowledge to ensure smooth operations."

Guillaumin's focus will be to provide in-depth technical trainings and supports to distributors and customers while working closely with installation contractors on projects.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - There was something for everyone at this year's Global Gathering on the 28-29 July, and with acts such as Daft Punk and Fatboy Slim. Held at Long Marston Airfield, Stratford Upon Avon, there was a capacity crowd of 25,000 camping on Friday, and 45,000 on Saturday. Global Gathering boasted eight Primary stages (seven tents and 1 outdoor) as well as numerous sub stages, and was promoted by Angel Festivals (a joint venture by Angel Music Group and Live Nation).

Simon Barrington, production manager says: "As co-designer for the stages, and lighting designer for the site my concentration on the looks for all the stages was always going to be biased towards lighting. I have always had the belief that punters should walk away from the gig, having experienced the ultimate in audio and visual shows."

Barrington says: "My reasons for choice of fixtures were threefold

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USA / Czech Republic - Color Kinetics and Robe Show Lighting today announced a global licensing agreement whereby Robe will have access to Color Kinetics' complete patent portfolio, enabling the development and sale of its LED Series and Anolis product lines.

Robe is a 15-year manufacturer of moving light systems that are widely used in theatrical, touring, television and other entertainment applications. Its LED-based product lines apply Color Kinetics' proprietary control methods to generate millions of colours and colour-changing effects. The global license will apply to sales of Robe products in all markets covered by Color Kinetics' patent portfolio.

Bill Sims, president and CEO of Color Kinetics, says: "The entertainment lighting market was among the first to embrace intelligent LED lighting technology, and with ever-increasing LED performance, we believe that deman

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Sweden / UK - Wireless Solution Sweden AB is gearing up for its third consecutive year exhibiting at the PLASA Show in London, where all visitors to the stand can enter a draw to win a W-DMX system valued at 1200 Euros.

A complete new range of W-DMX products will be on display, including W-DMX T-512 Outdoor Transceiver, W-DMX Micro, and W-DMX D-512, the world's first wireless 3-way truss splitter. Two of these products have been entered for the PLASA Awards for Innovation - the D-512 and W-DMX Micro, a mini DMX receiver with built-in battery backup of 6-8 hours use, signal display indication and battery lifetime. As a bonus preview, the RDM specification on W-DMX will be shown for the first time at PLASA.

The company reports that 2006 has been a great year for W-DMX: in just eight months, over 5,000 units of W-DMX products have been shipped worldwide. The demand for safe plug-

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UK - With its broadest agenda in the show's history, the seminar programme at this year's PLASA '06 (September 10-13 at Earls Court One) will offer an insight into technical developments, as well as addressing some of the key issues facing businesses today.

New technologies lead the way with Sunday's opening seminar - Out of Home Leisure Entertainment - considering the application of interactive and 4D technologies and the growing crossover between the themed attraction and theatre sectors.

This trend continues throughout the four days, with a range of technical seminars providing the core of the programme: sound system designers and operators of public spaces and transport networks will be interested in Intelligible Intelligibility - how to make PA and VA systems understandable and meet intelligibility standards, whilst those more focused on lighting can attend

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Luxembourg - For a long time the large area around Luxembourg, Saarland-Lorraine, has lacked one thing, a multi-functional hall designed primarily for music events and concerts. With its technical, acoustic and logistic facilities the new 'Rockhal' fills this hole, catering for any show from international artists to local music events.

The opening concert featured The Prodigy and Korn, attracting sell-out audiences. Since opening, many acts have featured at the Rockhal including Simply Red, Michael Bublé, Duran Duran, Clawfinger, Soulfly, Fish, Marillion and Chris Rea. Apart from live performances 'Rockhal' was also the venue for the MTV-produced iDance.

The 'Rockhal' has two venues, the Club Hall which holds up to 1,200, and the Main Hall which can accommodate 6,500 people. There are also six extra rooms for rehearsals, a ballroom and a recording studio. A uniqu

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UK - New York City-based City Theatrical will launch two new products in its award-winning WDS Wireless Data System product line at the PLASA Show - a WDS Four Port Opto-Receiver and a WDS Candle Adapter. The WDS Four Port Opto-Receiver receives a universe of DMX data via wireless broadcast from a WDS transmitter, and turns it into four fully optically isolated five-pin XLR outlets. An external power supply allows for either mains or battery operation.

The WDS Candle Adapter allows the City Theatrical Candle Lite electronic flicker candles to be controlled or dimmed through WDS Dimmers, allowing for full wireless operation of stage candles. Recent installations of WDS Candle Adapters include the New York and Las Vegas companies of The Phantom of the Opera and the New York production of The Coast of Utopia.

City Theatrical - stand F33.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Laser Visuals Research will present a one-day course in laser display safety at the Kent Science Park on 20 September, covering the key aspects that need to be considered by anybody involved in working with laser displays. The course combines theory with practical examples of many topics, enabling attendees to gain valuable knowledge and insight into what is necessary to perform safe and enjoyable laser displays.

In addition to the subjects covered in the course, attendees will be given a copy of the company's 200-page handbook on laser display safety, and a certificate of attendance. Each Certificate of Attendance includes a unique serial number allowing the attendee to register free of charge on the company's new online database of Registered Laser Safety Operators. The cost of the course is £245 + VAT for one delegate, or £445 + VAT for two. Please contact Ju

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UK - There's less than 48 hours to go to PLASA '06 - the key exhibition for professionals in the audio, lighting and AV industries.

Pre-registration is still available, with entry at half-price, to take advantage of the opportunity to see leading-edge products, and catch up with friends and colleagues.

For a full round-up of what's happening at PLASA '06 - from product launches from the industry's leading 500 brands, to new feature areas addressing specific technologies, and from a greatly expanded programme of events and seminars, to the chance to win £1,000 in a major prize draw competition - check out the Show website link below.

(Chris Henry)

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UK - A.C. Lighting Ltd has announced details of a major online competition to win a Jands Vista S3 lighting control system and bonus Vista prize draw at this year's PLASA Show. The competition coincides with the launch of the new Vista S3 and Vista App hardware and software solutions, and is open to participants living in Europe, North America and the Middle East.

The main online competition officially launches on the A.C. Lighting stand at PLASA 06 - where the company will be showing final production models of the new Vista solutions - and runs until Friday 1st December 2006. Entrants have the chance to win a 1024-channel Vista S3 (with a list price of £4,200 / $9,244) or one of 100 free one-day Vista training vouchers.

The online competition consists of two stages. Entrants first download the Vista App PC software and follow instructions provided to build a basic light

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UK - Liverpool's Mathew Street Festival - Europe's largest free urban live music festival - proved another success for organisers The Liverpool Culture Company. The event kicked off with a classical concert on the main Pier Head stage by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and guests. The Pier Head site again ran two stages for all three days this year - after the success of introducing the second new bands stage last year.

The Culture Company was responsible for staging the event, co-ordinating and designing the complete technical infrastructure, booking and liaising with all artists and scheduling nearly 100 performances across five stages over the period.

Liverpool Culture Company's team was divided into three areas - Operations managed by Susan Lees, Site and Traffic Management managed by Alastair Stott and Production/Artist Liaison managed by Kirstie Blakeman. Whil

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UK - PLASA will be holding a prize draw at the PLASA Show for an amazing limited edition lithograph of Sir George Martin's score for the Beatles song 'Yesterday'. PLASA purchased the lithograph, which is signed by Paul McCartney and Sir George, to help support the rebuilding of a new cultural and community centre in Montserrat.

Tickets for the prize draw - which cost £10 each - can be purchased from the PLASA stand (FF1) on the Upper Deck of the PLASA Show. The proceeds of the draw will provide further help to complete the centre, which will provide a much-needed focal point for the regeneration of the island.

PLASA 2006 takes place from Sunday 10 September to Wednesday 13 September 2006 at Earls Court in central London. The show attracts professionals from all over the globe and is Europe's leading exhibition for new developments in the entertainment, event, corporate,

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UK / Australia - Entertainment lighting supplier White Light is delighted to announce its appointment as the exclusive UK distributor for the products of LSC Lighting Systems from Australia. White Light will assume this role from the start of the 2006 PLASA Show, with LSC being officially welcomed into the White Light family of exclusive distributorship products at 12 noon on Sunday 10 September, the first day of the PLASA Show, on White Light's stand, G25.

LSC manufacturers a wide range of products covering everything from lighting control desks (including the XTC, Minim and maXim) and dimmers (the monoPAK, EKO and i-series installation, and e-series and TDS touring dimmers) to power and data distribution with products such as the Delta data splitters.

LSC's products are already in use in a great many venues 'down under' and around the world, and have become increasingly of i

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UK - Highlite International BV is proud to announce that from the 1 September 2006 they are the exclusive distributor for Antari smoke and effects machines within the United Kingdom, through their UK division Highlite UK.

Antari will be located on the Highlite International stand at this year's PLASA show (stand E50), where the company will be showcasing its new S200 Silent Snow Machine. The unit has a newly-designed electronic controlling PCB, which gives the same level of output as the S100, but using lesser snow fluid and is silent running, say Antari.

(Chris Henry)

  1. Robe at Vaynol Festival
  2. XLNT launches new product at PLASA '06
  3. Bandit announces further growth
  4. PaintCan from Elektralite
  5. The PLASA Show is Open!
  6. PLASA Show to welcome Sir George Martin
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