Germany - Bosch Security Systems has introduced a new version of its Plena All-in-One combined background music and paging system with DVD audio and video functionality. In addition to background music, the unit can also play DVD videos on a separate display, showing, for example, video commercials or slide shows in small shops, showrooms and boutiques. The new Plena All-in-One also features a digital FM/AM tuner with 15 presets to store preferred radio stations and a 120 W mixer amplifier, all integrated in a compact housing.

The DVD player plays normal audio and video DVD and CDs as well as MP3 encoded DVDs and CDs. In addition, it plays JPEGs on CD-R, DVD-ROM and DVD-R.

The unit has component, composite, and S-Video connections for video output and can play PAL and NTSC content in either progressive or interleaved scan. A TOSlink optical output is also available that suppor

South Africa - The Stones chain of entertainment venues is rapidly becoming one of South Africa's most established and successful hotspots and has been successfully franchised across 19 branches nationwide. Two of the chain's key venues in Cape Town and Pretoria now boast state-of-the-art EAW sound systems throughout, supplied and installed by EAW's South African distributor, Johannesburg-based systems specialists, Surgesound.

Stones venues incorporate chilled lounge areas, up-beat dance-floors, live music stages and a relaxed bar and pool table environment, all open seven days per week. After hearing the EAW system recently installed by Surgesound in the Manhattan Club in Johannesburg, Adam Collingwood, operations manager for the Stones Group, had no hesitation in commissioning Surgesound to supply and install a customised Lab.gruppen-powered EAW system throughout Stones Tygerv

USA - Adamson Systems Engineering has expanded their Y-Axis Partner Network in the United States with the addition of BP (Bishop Petty) Lighting Sound & Video, based in San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 1990, BP Lighting also provides sales of entertainment lighting, sound and video equipment as well as expendables and accessories for installations. They work out of a 10,000sq.ft location with 12 full time employees and various freelancers.

After meticulous research into line arrays, they narrowed down their choices to a few, "We were amazed at the amount of detailed information available to us that explained the inherent differences of a line array," says Frank Burton, vice president / sales / production. "The calculations were solid and we followed that up by listening to various line arrays and were sold on the sonic clarity of the speakers as well as the ease of

UK - One of the dominant themes of the December meeting of PLASA's Manufacturer's Forum will be a discussion of Ofcom's proposals (as part of the TV switchover from analogue to digital) to sell-off the radio frequencies currently used by the UK entertainment industry. If the sell-off goes ahead as planned, it will leave the UK live events sector without a licence and everyone involved in the sale, hire or use of radio microphones, in-ear monitoring systems, talkback systems or wireless links will be severely affected.

BEIRG is lobbying Government to highlight the damage that the spectrum sell-off will have to companies in the sector. Sir Alexander Muir-Mackenzie and Jonathan Sayeed from PLASA's political strategists Ranelagh, together with members of BEIRG, will explain the key objectives of the campaign and hopefully secure interest from members to support the solutions being p

Greece - For the second time, Glass Page's events management team turned to Leicestershire-based Hawthorns to provide the technical solution in terms of lighting, sound and set for drinks giant Diageo's recent Global Finance Conference held in Athens, Greece.Two 45ft trailers were used to transport over 200m of stage trussing, 40+ Martin MAC lighting fixtures and a D&B sound system from Hawthorn's base in Old Dalby to Athens.

A dedicated seven-man project team was deployed by Hawthorn for the week-long conference, which included such events as an Opening Dinner, Conference and a Team Building activity room for the 200+ delegates. Matt Oscroft, the Hawthorn project manager said: "One of the most demanding aspects of the project was to create a stunning lighting effect at the entrance of the venue."

Diageo took the opportunity at the conference to highlight its sponsor

Spain - French multimedia retailer FNAC has commissioned Vieta to kit out special event stages in all its new stores, commencing with the most recent openings in Murcia and Bilbao.

The French company FNAC is one of Europe's largest retailers of cultural and consumer electronics products, from books to TV sets to computer software. Vieta collaborated with FNAC on the 10th anniversary celebrations of its megastore on Barcelona's famous Diagonal. FNAC has asked for Vieta's PA speakers to be installed in new stores as they open across the country.

In each FNAC branch, an 'auditorium' is dedicated to different in-store marketing events, such as book signings, personal appearances by musicians or authors, and promotional demonstrations. In Barcelona, the store auditorium hosted a number of bands playing live, using Vieta's Fa-Line speakers. Deployment of a number of Vieta's highly-p

UK - The development of modern, fully-featured performance spaces in both state-run and privately-funded educational facilities, has become something of a mission for Stuart Graham's company Clarity in Sound, Light & Vision. But even he would be surprised at the progressive approach taken by the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) to the construction of a new theatre at Blackheath High School in south-east London this year.

The GDST is a group of 28 independent schools operating in England and Wales and Blackheath High School was founded in 1880 as part of the Trust.

The school's business manager Tony Sutherland says the project appeared on the radar soon after the Senior Department relocated to its new premises in 1994, and by 1999 a decision to build a £1.5 million, 345-seat auditorium - principally to be used for performing arts, ballet and school assembly - was rubber sta

UK - SSE Audio Group has one of its four Soundcraft Vi6 digital consoles on tour with rock band Thunder, one of the big guns on the British metal rock circuit, selling out all the dates on its UK tour of academies and civic halls.

The Soundcraft Vi6 is in the hands of front-of-house engineer Pete Russell, who has been mixing the band for nearly 12 years. As a project manager for the SSE Audio Group, Russell has been close to the development programme of the Vi6 but this is the first opportunity he has had to use the console on the road.

"Although it's right up there sonically, the outstanding quality of this desk is that it is just so user-friendly," comments Russell. "I'm very impressed by the amount of information that is available on the surface, and how easy it is to use it. The layout is excellent - within two minutes of seeing the Vi6 for the first time, I

UK - Orbital Sound has recently completed the third and final phase of a year-long reorganisation program. Apart from doubling its staff and setting up rigorous benchmark testing, it has also involved some major structural work to expand the available space. The result is a highly modern facility, to service its clients in the UK and mainland Europe.

Bringing in experience from the retail industry, Samantha Loveless was appointed as warehouse manager in January 2006, previously with Amazon UK. Joining the company with absolutely no knowledge of sound equipment, but with considerable knowledge of warehousing, she has successfully implemented some rigorous changes to propel the company forwards as a leading rental and sales facility.

She commented: "On joining the company it was clear that it had enjoyed considerable growth in only a few years, and inevitably the warehouse

UK - Whilst many major towns and cities across the UK are served by local theatres, each playing a multipurpose role within the community, The Lights in Andover has raised the bar a good deal higher.

Originally built in 1972, the waterfront location was a run-down venue when it was taken over by the local Test Valley Borough Council. But this Autumn it has emerged as a vibrant regenerated facility, with its own leisure arena, dance studio and theatre, which will accommodate an ambitious programme of music, theatre, comedy, dance, education and conferencing.

The theatre has undergone the first UK installation of QSC's ILA line array sound reinforcement system, which was recommended and installed by locally-based specialists Stagecraft Theatre Services Ltd (STS).

Stagecraft have been in business for three decades - and specifying QSC products for at least the last ten years. I

UK - With a UK tour that started in June, British soul singer and songwriter Terri Walker has been talent-spotted by Shuttlesound as the perfect endorsee for Electro-Voice's wireless microphones. The former Mercury Prize and MOBO nominee has an outstanding vocal range and timbre, which is served by the EV RE1, and the endorsement also includes guitarists Toby Oriyende and Joel Grant, who are using EV's wireless guitar systems.

Terri's third album, I Am, has just been released by Dekkor Records, which also operates the successful Pizza Express jazz venue in Soho's Dean Street. Showcasing her new live act at the club, prior to the summer festival scene, provided her first opportunity to try out the Electro-Voice mics.

"The microphone is my instrument," says Terri, "it's a vital tool in creating a close connection with each audience member, and making them f

UK - As part of a "world-wide shake-up", Vestax products are once again hitting high demand, with DJ endorsees including Carl Cox and US based DJ Qbert stressing their role in the club install market, according to UK distributor, Leisuretec Distribution.

Appearing at Brighton's Ocean Rooms this autumn, DJ Qbert & DJ Muzzell utilised the Vestax PMC-08Pro professional hybrid digital mixer and QFO system. Whereas the QFO is portable and ideal for scratch and trick mixes, the PMC-08 is the first scratch mixer with digital processing; a great install product that may be a hidden gem for venues, says Muzzell: "I got the PMC 08 a few days ago and didn't go out for 24 hours. It has an analogue-to-digital converter built in, which enables DJs to shape the sound very precisely. The up-faders are fantastic; they've got a new curve which means they cut in right at the top. In

USA - JBL Professional Vertec system owner Sound Image was recently named the winner of a 2006 Parnelli Award for Sound Company of the Year. The award was presented to Sound Image president Dave Shadoan on October 20 at the LDI convention in Las Vegas. The Parnelli Awards are chosen by subscribers of Projection, Lights & Staging News and Front of House magazines.

In 2006, Sound Image serviced some of the world's most successful tours, including Toby Keith, Eric Clapton, Tool, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, and Jimmy Buffett. On these tours, Sound Image deployed Vertec line array systems, using Vertec VT4889 full-size line array enclosures and VT4880 line array subwoofers. "Our company philosophy is to be the best you can be and give 110 percent at all times," Shadoan said.

According to Shadoan, the use of Vertec line arrays correlates directly with this philosophy. &qu

Italy - Martin Audio loudspeakers feature in a revolutionary Italian leisure hospitality concept which has opened in Brescia. Known as MYA Dinner Moving the premises simultaneously operates as a restaurant, lounge bar, meeting point, dancefloor, art gallery, theatre and much more.

Accessed via a crystal elevator, the articulated scene is spread across 800 sq.metres on different levels, with electronic systems able to completely transform each area. This is an innovative use of space where the common denominator is 'togetherness' - the kitchen, rooms, music and decor effects are all united in a single aesthetic, with high architectural values masterminded by Adriano Verzelletti.

On the top floor, customers are able to dine under the stars - thanks to an additional 500sq.m terrace, with hanging gardens and water games. After dinner MYA 'changes its skin', transforming completely

Spain / France - Vieta has appointed new distribution for its professional sound reinforcement products in France, choosing the new independent company Dimension AV to represent the brand.

Based in Paris, Dimension AV is headed up by Directeur Génerale Stéphane Morillon, a highly experienced pro-audio reseller, who has served with Edge Technology and SCV Audio, as well as leading French PA company Dispatch. In Dimension AV, he is partnered by Ampco Flashlight Holding, which is distributing the Vieta portfolio of products in Belgium. Dimension AV made its corporate debut at the SATIS exhibition in Paris, announcing its partnership with Vieta by displaying the radical So Line of wireless loudspeakers.

From So Line to the versatile and inexpensive loudspeakers of the Do Line, Morillon sees a huge variety of customers for the Vieta range of pro products, from theme p

Portugal - The Portuguese capital recently hosted a conventions for Herbalife, the American company which boasts a million distributors in 61 countries worldwide and annual net sales of three billion dollars.

Herbalife is known for its 'monumental' conventions, planned down to the smallest detail. Sound reinforcement at the event in question - staged at Lisbon's Pavilhão Atlântico - was entrusted to Planet Service of San Marino, a leading European supplier to the corporate event market, with clients including AGIP, Nike, Asics, Reebok and many more.

Planet Production recently purchased an Outline Butterfly line array made up of 24 Hi-Packs and 12 Victor Live subwoofers, complete with T Series power amplifiers and Genius 26 processors, and added to its stock of HARD 212 monitors. Lisbon's Pavilhão Atlântico, a 5,200sq.m arena with a capacity of 20,000, doesn't have the acou

UAE - IIR Exhibitions, organiser of the annual PALME Middle East exhibition in Dubai, reports that the success of the 2006 event has led to another surge in expansion for the PALME 2007 event. Initially planning to increase the 2007 event from three to four halls of the DIEC, IIR has now announced its decision to increase the size of the show to five halls.

The main objective of PALME is to allow for manufacturers, suppliers and installers to meet with Middle Eastern buyers and specifiers from a wide range of industries who have a need or requirement for professional sound, light, music, audio-visual and systems integration equipment and solutions. The latest major companies to sign up for PALME 2007 include EVI Audio, Indu Electric, Martin Professional, RCF Spa, Prolyte, Projectiondesign, Audioprof and BG Franck Bichon to name but a few, say IIR.

The 2007 PALME Middle East sh

USA - The creations of Cirque du Soleil have been holding audiences spellbound since the company's inception in 1984. Their newest presentation, Delirium, was created and directed by Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon, and is an inspired mélange of theatre, music, dance, and multimedia. The production is performed on a unique stage configuration open to both front and back. The 136-foot wide, 80-foot high stage bisects the arena, dividing the audience into two halves.

The show's complex technical aspects are handled by Montreal-based Solotech. Long an integral part of the Cirque du Soleil magic, the media technology company works closely with each show's creative teams to help realise their visions on stage, designing and providing the show's essential infrastructure, from audio, video and lighting systems to rigging, trussing and automation.

The production requires

Spain - The Dolby Lake Processor won the Best PA Product Award at the fourthannual Producción Audio and Producción Profesional Awards in Madrid, Spain,in November. The digital loudspeaker processor was recognised by Spain'saudio professionals for its technical relevance and for including the mostadvanced and innovative features in the category.

The award was accepted byVictor Pérez, technical director of PRO3&Co., the Spanishdistributor for Dolby Laboratories' professional live sound products.

Pérez says: "Our main markets are the live sound for PA and fixedinstallations, and the Dolby Lake Processor without doubt is the mostadvanced control for sound systems for these markets. The Dolby LakeProcessor is very simple to configure and use and allows you to makeadjustments in real time. It's fantastic!"

The ceremony, which took place in the South Audit

Italy - The steering committee of the SILB (Italian Dancehall Owners Syndicate) has formally authorized chairman Renato Giachetto to officially sign an agreement with Rimini Fiera SpA for the SIB biennial international exhibition for event and entertainment technology, which will see the SIB exhibition remain in Rimini for the next 14 years.

Contrary to what was previously reported, following the 2006 event, the next edition of SIB is scheduled to be held at Rimini expo centre from 6-9 April 2008. Rimini Fiera chairman Lorenzo Cagnoni commented: "Yesterday we announced the important agreement with TEN, a network of 50 large companies in this sector (lighting, audio and video, décor and theatre stage equipment and sets, musical instruments, industrial design firms, design studios, training, research) which has officially chosen SIB for developing its members' business

The Netherlands - The show organisers of Integrated Systems Europe 2007 today announced that 95% of available space at the show in Amsterdam from 30 January - 1 February 2007 had been sold, leaving only a handful of booths available.

Integrated Systems Europe have confirmed that ISE is on pace to set a record-breaking event. With the fourth show just three months away, ISE 2007 has grown larger, with the newly booked Hall Four nearly full. During the last six months, the show organisers have reacted quickly to meet the insatiable demand from companies anxious to be part of Europe's largest show for professional AV and Electronic System Integrators. Over 11,000sq.m of space has now been sold, making it the largest ISE show ever held.

Mike Blackman, ISE 2006 managing director urged any business intending on booking existing space to contact ISE immediately, as Hall 4 is nearly b

USA - Legendary pianist/composer Alan Pasqua has purchased two EON G2 powered 15-inch loudspeakers for use as his personal stage monitors. The pair was recently used on a two-week tour through the West Coast of the United States.

Pasqua's career includes playing piano for Bob Dylan, Santana and The New Tony Williams Lifetime. Other album and touring credits include Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, John Fogerty, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Rod Stewart and Phil Spector. Additionally, Pasqua is an accomplished composer, and his two CD releases hit the top of the jazz charts.

Recently, Pasqua has reunited with guitarist Allan Holdsworth from The New Tony Williams Lifetime and toured in support of their upcoming DVD release, entitled Live At Yoshi's. When recently touring in Europe, Pasqua discovered the JBL EON G2's. "I was trying out a lot of different speakers for my keyboa

Denmark - dbx Professional Products, a Salt Lake City-based manufacturer of professional signal processing products and a division of Harman International has provided a signal distribution solution for a new hotel wellness and conference facility in Denmark.

Situated in the idyllic surroundings of Snekkersten, in Denmark's North Seeland, Comwell Borupgaard Hotel has recently undergone a significant renovation with the opening of its Body & Mind Spa. This has met the increased demands for qualitative meeting facilities and relaxation from delegates within the business community. In this simple, beautiful and sensuous universe - created by Bente Midelbye of TO B Design, the main focus is on silence and tranquility.

The task facing Morten Paulsen from Pro Event, Frederiksværk who supervised the audio installation, was to meet the psycho-acoustic requirements of this spa, massag

UK - CrystalRoc is the UK Company behind Kylie Minogue's crystallised Sennheiser SKM 5200 microphones, currently being used on the Showgirl Homecoming tour, which started in Sydney on 11 November.

Launching this month, CrystalRoc has hand customised the star's Sennheiser microphones with Swarovski crystals in sparkling Dorado (metallic gold) and stunning iridescent crystal. Additionally there will be the world's first completely crystallised fully functioning Gibson Les Paul Custom guitar, which will also make its debut on the groundbreaking tour.

Kylie Minogue was delighted with her dazzling microphones when she saw them at her London rehearsal studios last week and is pleased to be the first artist to use them. And her tour manager Sean Fitzpatrick says: "The microphones look and sound fantastic!"

CrystalRoc is the brainchild of successful music producer M

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