UK - London-based audio and broadcast equipment hire company Richmond Film Services has upgraded one of its trio of SoundField ST250 portable microphones, replacing it with the recently launched ST450.

The ST450 is the latest in a long line of compact SoundField battery-powerable microphones aimed at location sound recordists. Like its predecessors, the ST450 can generate audio in any format including mono, stereo, Mid & Side, and phase-coherent 5.1 surround and beyond, without the need for more than one microphone.

"We got one of the new ST450s, and it's proved very popular amongst our rental clients so far," explains Nigel Woodford, co-founder of Richmond Film Services. "It's more convenient for many location recordists, because the ST450 can output four line-level signals, which suits users of some portable four-channel recorders better. We've retired two of

USA - "Making its US debut, the V-Series line array is the heavily anticipated new addition to the Black range of touring loudspeaker systems," said the d&b US marketing manager Roger Keim.

"But don't let that be the only reason you come to Las Vegas from 13-15 June: on booth C11528 we will also have many other interesting offerings from both the Black and White ranges, and as this is the first time that the White range has been shown in the west of the nation, we will also make four daily presentations of the range in our dedicated demonstration lounge." The lounge sessions are approximately thirty minutes, are free to attend and will take place each day at 9 am,11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm in room N103.

In short visitors will be able to see the new E4 and E5 loudspeakers, the teeny-weeny additions to the comprehensive assortment of delay, fill and effects loudspe

USA - In one of Las Vegas Convention Centre's larger meeting rooms (N110), Meyer Sound will set up the largest and most sophisticated multichannel surround system the company has ever assembled for a trade show. Combining the Constellation acoustic system and SpaceMap multichannel surround panning through the D-Mitri digital audio platform, a special demo programme Surrounded in New York will be featured.

The live presentations will also offer a sneak peak of the linearity of the 1100-LFC low frequency control element, a new loudspeaker for low-end directional applications in large-scale tours and installations. The 1100-LFC will begin shipping in June 2012.

On the main show floor (booth C9717), the recently expanded range of low-voltage, self-powered solutions will be shown in the US for the first time, including three 48 V,DC-powered models: the UPJunior-XP VariO and

USA - Swedish image processing and control specialists, Dataton will bring their Watchout 5.2multiple image and display software for the first time to InfoComm 2012. Watchout will be showcased on the main aisle booth at InfoComm together with the Dataton Pickup audio guide system. Along with their partner Show Sage, Dataton will launch their Academy programme offering in-depth training and education sessions for their North American customers highlighting how they can make the most out of their presentations, events and productions.

"Since the introduction of Watchout version 5.2 earlier this year, we've received a tremendous response from users.," says Fredrik Svahnberg, marketing director, Dataton AB. "We're consistently impressed with the new and exciting ways in which Watchout is used in the market and we hope to highlight just a few of these during InfoComm20

UK - With a heritage in effects projection development dating back to 1970, OPTI Kinetics has retained its iconic 'Solar' prefix to mark the launch of its first LED-based device.

Back in the golden era of disco the Solar 250 became probably the best known effects projector in the world. The company subsequently embraced the various evolutionary stages of lamp technology and has this month announced the OPTI Solar LED, in its customary white chassis.

Boasting light output of over 650 lumens from a 40W LED module, along with a high colour temperature for truer colour projection and image clarity, the OPTI Solar LED is suitable for all gobo and effect projection applications.

LED technology offers the operator many benefits, including cool running, virtually silent operation and a 100,000-hour effective life of the LED module - over 300 times that of an M33 lamp. LED technology

China - Wireless Solution Sweden AB will be exhibiting at PALM EXPO in Beijing with new products and new improvements to their W-DMX product line.

PALM EXPO, held 24-27 May 2012 at the New China International Exhibition Centre in Beijing is China's largest and most established technology event for the entertainment, pro audio and light, music, trussing and staging, installation and AV industry.

Wireless Solution will officially launch the new G4S, a completely new software platform that is prepared for future hardware functions as well as many new features and updated functions. W-DMX G4S has the lowest latency in the market under 5ms, available for a software update on all existing Micro F-1, BlackBox, WhiteBox and ProBox units already shipped via the USB Dongle, says the company. The new software is patent protected in Europe as well United States.

BlackBox MK2 offers supp

UK - Orbital Sound is planning a compelling product line-up of international brands on Stand No: 33 at ABTT 2012 (Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, 13-14 June) - including the first UK showing of the recently launched Clear-Com HelixNet all-digital intercom platform. Among the latest additions to Orbital's comprehensive portfolio will be the new Yamaha CL Series mixers, the d&b audiotechnik V-Series loudspeakers, and the Shure Axient radio microphone system.

Based on Clear-Com's advanced I.V.Core Technology, HelixNet is designed to break down the conventional barriers between intercom technologies, combining exceptional audio quality and network flexibility with cabling simplicity and system intelligence. Clear-Com products are distributed exclusively in the UK by Orbital.

Orbital's sales director Tom Byrne comments, "Although we all use analogue wired communication

USA - Tannoy, Audica, Lab.gruppen and Lake will be exhibiting together again at InfoComm 2012, taking place between 13-15 June at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

InfoComm 2012 will see a number of firsts, with Tannoy demonstrating its new VLS Series passive column loudspeakers for the first time. VLS Series is the first Tannoy product to incorporate FAST (Focussed Asymmetrical Shaping Technology).

Visitors to the show will also get an exclusive first opportunity to find out about Tannoy's new VSX Series subwoofer line - being unveiled in the demo room.

Leading the charge for Lab.gruppen will be its latest install-centric amplifier range, E Series, which was previewed at last year's InfoComm, well in advance of its official launch. Lab.gruppen will also exhibit its PLM Series (which incorporates Lake Processing technology) alongside the Lake LM 44 (another debut at InfoComm)

UK - Northamptonshire based Unusual Rigging has added in excess of £1m worth of stock to its rental inventory, including chain hoists, truss and control.

Responsible for more than 40 theatrical productions - West End, regional and touring - plus upcoming corporate events and installations - plus an exceptionally busy summer - Unusual has added 500 Liftket chain hoists to its existing stock of over 1,500 units. The new stock comprises 50 x 2 ton, 350 x 1 ton and 100 x 500kg hoists, all of which are direct control and double braked.

Unusual's hire stock of truss has been increased with the addition of Prolyte's H40 and S52. The H40 is designed for permanent or semi-permanent installations such as theatrical sets and studio grids, while the heavy duty square S52 truss is designed for high load bearing demands and high frequency usage, such as supporting structures, overhead

UK - MilTec (UK) Ltd has come up with new way to colour or brand your LED uplighters. Conferences, weddings and theatre productions can all be enhanced by co-ordinating the colour with the surrounding décor or scenery or by adding your customers own logo or message.

Ad Cover is a patented cover system designed for the entertainment industry and is designed to be used with all makes and shapes of LED uplighter from MilTec's own LEDHead units to those supplied by GDS, Core, Chauvet and Showtec. The lightweight, fold-flat design makes it easy to transport and also allows for re-use on tours and roadshows, says the company.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Trade AV rental specialist PSCo Rental has launched the omniSHAPES from manufacturer eyevis to the UK. omniSHAPES features seven high resolution tile shapes, including rectangular, arrows and hexagonal tiles, which fit together seamlessly to create walls or any shape or size. The modules have been designed with front and back access for operation and maintenance with a simple and robust mounting system.

Stuart Holmes, PSCo Group CEO explained, "At PSCo, our ethos is to invest in and bring new technologies to the UK market, making them available to our trade partners in compelling rental packages. The introduction of omniSHAPES will give customers more flexibility to be creative with the confidence of the latest German engineering supporting the product.

"omniSHAPES is believed to be a real game changer and the next generation of display and is the most technical

UK - Remote energy supplier, Off Grid Energy, has launched a fleet of money-saving hybrid power generation machines specifically for rental.

Off Grid Energy provides remote energy solutions for people in places where grid power is unavailable, unreliable or too expensive to connect. Traditionally, if mains power is not available, then a generator has been the only way of generating electricity.

Managing director of Off Grid Energy, Danny Jones, says, "We've produced a viable solution to generate clean, silent and cost effective energy and significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Our off the shelf hybrid power system - E-Cube mini - is self-contained and particularly useful for commercial applications. Used on its own or coupled to a generating set the system can be easily deployed and transported to wherever it is needed."

With diesel costs so high, many in the building

UK - Independent Studio Services will be exhibiting for the second year running at ABTT where it will be showcasing its range of services and products (Stand 3). Specialising in the design, supply and installation of stage engineering systems and offering inspection and preventative maintenance services, the Independent Studio Services' team will be on hand to discuss customers' upcoming projects and how they can be best serviced - be it an install or inspection, or a full design and implementation package.

As newly appointed distributors for Tüchler, Independent Studio Services will be exhibiting the Tüchler Stage Platform Zoom 1200 and a selection of curtain tracks, alongside Tüchler's Tom Kat category 'A' chain hoist.

Independent Studio Services is also the UK distributor for HOAC, suppliers of staging and ASM Steuerungstecknik, manufacturers of drive and control technol

UK - The Philips Selecon team is celebrating this month following an influx of positive feedback from dealers and end users in response to the newly launched PLCyc1 LED luminaire.

Recently on show at April's industry trade event PLASA Focus Leeds, the Philips Selecon PLCyc1 LED delivers a smooth even beam, seamlessly blending intense washes of colour on cycloramas up to 5m high. Using LED source technology combined with a properly shaped asymmetrical reflector, the PLCyc1 LED delivers consistent light distribution without the compromising performance of vertical or horizontal spreader lenses, says the company.

"This luminaire is generating extremely encouraging responses from our dealers and end users," says Grant Bales Smith, sales manager United Kingdom, Scandinavia & Benelux. "We're hugely excited about the launch of the PLCyc1 LED, and it's technology-rich a

UK - After its success at both Prolight & Sound and PLASA Focus shows, ETC is getting ready to show the new Source Four LED at this year's ABTT Show. The fixture joins a host of other new and updated ETC products on the stand, as the show moves to London's Old Truman Brewery.

The ETC Source Four LED is available in three versions: Lustr+, Daylight and Tungsten. Just like the Selador Desire Lustr+, the Source Four LED Lustr+ offers a complete palette of colours, thanks to the Selador x7 Color System. Meanwhile, Source Four LED Tungsten and Daylight produce maximum brightness at the respective warm (3000K) and cool white (5600K) colour temperatures. Each offers the same projection-quality beam.

Mark White, ETC's regional manager for UK & Ireland, says, "In addition to the demonstrations we've held at trade shows, we also took part in Black Light's open day in Edinburgh last

UK - Entertainment equipment engineering company Triple E will unveil its newly designed and enhanced acoustic banner at this year's ABTT trade show.

Triple E says it believes that its latest version offers significant advantages over the original design. Simpler mechanics and an improved slat design have reduced weight, and enabled a much smaller stacking distance. The new design incorporates an enclosure for both the lifting system and the stacked fabric with the bottom tray forming a closing panel.

"Our new variable acoustic system, Varibanner is the result of 15 years of experience in designing products that not only absorb sound but are also visually and architecturally pleasing," says David Edelstein, managing director at Triple E. "We're hugely excited to be introducing the industry to our new version at ABTT, which confirms our edge in this market."

UK - At The ABTT Theatre Show, the team from Philips Vari-Lite will be on hand to show off its recently launched, super bright range of Spot and LED Luminaires and catch up with end users and dealers.

The Philips Vari-Lite team will present a showcase from the latest1500W platform of Spot Luminaires, launched earlier this year at Frankfurt ProLight and Sound. They include the VL3015and the VL3015LT, as well as the VL3515 Spot luminaire. With the VL3015 andVL3515 Luminaires, Philips Vari-Lite has substantially increased light output while maintaining the popular features of existing Vari-Lite fixtures.

"The VL3015, VL3015LT, andVL3515 Spot luminaires each use an OSRAM 1500-watt short arc lamp," explainsDavid March, director, European sales for Philips Vari-Lite. "The VL3015LT,Vari-Lite's first luminaire developed specifically for long throw applications,also feat

UK - Hot on the heels of its success at PLASA Focus Leeds and ProLight and Sound, Frankfurt, the team at Philips Entertainment Lighting is gearing up for yet another high-energy trade event in the form of the annual ABTT Theatre Show in June.

Philips Selecon and Philips Strand Lighting promise to deliver "an exciting showcase of pro-lighting products". These include the recently released PLCyc1 LED, which combines LED source technology with an asymmetrical reflector, which delivers consistent light distribution without having to compromise performance with spreader lenses.

Visitors will also be able to examine the benefits of the LED Studio Panel, a variable colour temperature soft light that, by using a mixture of amber and white LEDs, offers a range from 2,700K up to 6,000K and draws just 60 watts. Powered via a PowerCon connector from the mains or a four-pin XLR t

USA / Netherlands - Sensaphonics and Elcea, the Netherlands-based specialist in custom hearing solutions under the Elacin brand, have reached an agreement whereby Elcea will manufacture Sensaphonics custom-fit sleeves for Shure earphones in the European market.

"We are very pleased to be working with Elcea," says Sensaphonics president and founder, Dr. Michael Santucci, Au.D. "Our companies share a common heritage and mission: to provide our customers a safe, high fidelity listening experience without compromise. Now European users of Shure SE Series earphones can get the same custom-fit silicone sleeves that Sensaphonics provides in North America."

A leader in promoting hearing health in the European market, Elcea already possesses the manufacturing expertise to produce the precision-fit soft silicon sleeves that set Sensaphonics apart.

"The coopera

UK - Mt Pro Ltd will be exhibiting at the ABTT show at the Old Truman Brewery in East London this month. On show on stand 65 will be a selection of professional audio and LED lighting products developed by MilTec (UK) Ltd.

"We have been very busy over the last year, developing new products and expanding the ranges of existing products," said David Faulkes, sales director. "We have also extended our manufacturing base to include Germany."

One of the products to be featured at the show will be an LED cyclorama wash. Based on the powerful LEDHead Batten2, it uses 18x8W quadcolour LEDs and high quality optics to give an even wash of light over 4.5m high when mounted only 1m from the cyc.

Other new LED products include two new wireless uplighters with adjustable pan and tilt and the Ad-cover system, designed to colour and brand any make of battery uplighter.

Germany / UK - To celebrate its 88th Anniversary beyerdynamic has refined its DT770 PRO headphones with a special 32 Ohm edition, optimised for mobile devices.

The DT770 PRO headphone has been a professional audio industry standard for more than 20 years. While the new 770 PRO 32 Ohm anniversary edition satisfies even the highest studio requirements, it is also compatible with smartphones, MP3 players, tablets, laptops and PC soundcards, says the company.

Like its bestselling 80 Ohm and 250 Ohm twins, this special 32 Ohm version is hand-made in Germany complete with a black soft-skin headband and ear cushions, a 1,6m straight cable with 6,35mm and 3,5mm mini jack connectors as well as aluminium labels on the side cups, which are embossed with the anniversary number 88. The limited anniversary edition DT770 PRO 32 Ohm comes in an exclusive retro-style box and is available now.<

UK - Having just reported its best month of trading ever, Ambersphere Solutions is preparing to exhibit at the ABTT Theatre Show, taking place at the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, London on 13-14 June.

The ABTT exhibition will provide a platform for visitors to see the recently launched, time-saving battery powered LED GlowUp fixture and the feature packed Alpha Spot QWO800 from Clay Paky.

"We are delighted to be showcasing these products to the theatre industry at ABTT," comments Glyn O'Donoghue, MD of Ambersphere Solutions. "Our experienced team will be on hand throughout the show to demonstrate the myriad features of these phenomenal products, and answer any questions visitors may have."

The new A.LEDA LED moving head range will also be on display. This is "a sophisticated alternative to a traditional washlight" but offers all the benefit

UK - ShowTex returns to London next week for the ABTT Theatre Show where several new product developments will be presented at stand number 39.

The Acoustic Baffle from ShowTex proves ecology and noise level control can go hand in hand, says the company. The new acoustic fabric panels are made from 100% recycled material compressed together to optimize sound conditions. The flame retardant Acoustic Baffle comes in two sizes (2m long and 3 m long) and can be installed modularly for extra flexibility.

By combining the two standard formats, nearly any height or area can be covered. The Acoustic Baffle can be installed as a ceiling lining or around curves and corners. Custom formats and /or colours are available by request. The panels are finished off with Velcro for connecting together easily and can be used for temporary and fixed installations.

The Acoustic Baffle from ShowTe

UK - With more than a hundred exhibitors preparing for the first ABTT Theatre Show to be held at the Old Truman Brewery in East London, many are taking the opportunity to demonstrate new products to the technical theatre community. Visitor registrations have exceeded the previous two years, and the choice of the new venue seems to have increased the excitement of the Theatre Show, which will be celebrating its 34thyear on 13 and 14 June, say the organisers.

The ABTT 2012 Theatre Show has attracted exhibitors from all areas of technical equipment supply and service provision. The prominent sectors of sound, lighting, projection and staging equipment are joined by companies showing scenic materials, stage flooring, books, seating, cables, as well as support services to the live entertainment industry.

Show director Roger Fox said, "The ABTT Theatre Show really is a place to

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