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05 July 2024

Germany - On the back of a successful exhibition at Euro Cine Expo 2024, Astera received the Best of Show award conferred by film-tv-video.de. The award was given for Astera’s new addition to its lighting portfolio: the LunaBulb, launched at the beginning of June. The win follows on from their previous success last year, in 2023, when Astera was shortlisted for their PlutoFresnel.

The LunaBulb mimics the appearance of a traditional bulb, but incorporates all the benefits of LED technology, meaning a lower power draw and full wireless control with incredible levels of precision when adjusting colour and brightness. With a focus on technological and design innovation, Best in Show judges were particularly impressed with how the LunaBulb granted gaffers both the creative and practical potential of a traditional and mainstay lighting solution, but incorporated

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04 July 2024

Austria - ARRI Rental has announced the expansion of its service offerings in Vienna with the opening of a new facility supplying lighting and grip equipment as well as logistics to productions of all types and sizes. Camera equipment will continue to be offered through the existing ARRI Rental Vienna office.

Located at 7 Haidequerstraße 6, 1110 Wien, the new ARRI Rental facility is located on the premises of the hq7 studios complex, which will open this summer as a premiere European production centre, capable of accommodating major international film and TV productions. The area is ideal for easy access to the airport, central station, and city centre.

ARRI Rental’s new Vienna facility covers 750sq.m of floor space and can supply lighting and grip equipment, including the latest ARRI lighting fixtures such as SkyPanel X and Orbiter, as well as AR

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04 July 2024

UK/USA - Stage Precision, has announced its 2024 schedule of education training days. The sessions, open to users from a variety of industries and taking place in locations in both the UK and USA, cater for both complete newcomers to Stage Precision software, and those who have previously completed a Core Skills workshop in the past.

“Training is important to us,” confirms Kevin Li, technical solutions specialist at Stage Precision. “Not only does it help us to spread the knowledge of software such as SP and grow our user base, but it also creates an opportunity for Stage Precision to develop the skills of our users and strengthen our community.”

SP by Stage Precision is the brand’s most popular product, a ‘Swiss Army knife’ that can be integrated with leading production technology to unify workflows on even the most complex projects. H

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04 July 2024

UK - The Marshall Amplification headquarters in Milton Keynes recently expanded to incorporate the recording studio, record label and live agency service. The space features a world class, 250-capacity live performance space, from which artists can record and prepare for live shows.

“Marshall started because artists needed amps,” says studio manager Adam Beer. “And 60 years on, we asked ourselves what modern artists need. This led us to found a record label, a live agency, and now a recording studio to enable up-and-coming artists to access the resources needed to become successful musicians.”

It was crucial to the Marshall team to retain a live element in the studio. “In this live space, we host events, album launch parties, and performances from visiting artists. Our sound system needs to reflect the high quality of the building and the w

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04 July 2024

UK - Situated close to the O2 Arena and Excel Exhibition centre in London, Crowne Plaza Docklands is a 210-bedroom hotel featuring the brand’s new Fremantle Bar & Restaurant concept. Creating the Australasian-inspired all-day restaurant involved a significant recent upgrade to existing audio infrastructure, a project tasked to Uxbridge-based AV specialist Middlesex Sound.

Briefed to deliver a high-quality, zoned audio system that met the hotel’s specific aesthetic requirements, Middlesex Sound supplied and installed a turnkey solution from Optimal Audio.

Director Darrel Olivier explains, “There were four separate zones we needed to cater for - the main bar, the restaurant, a private dining area and terrace. It was very important to deliver consistent, high-quality audio across the spaces, so we employed 16 Optimal Audio Cuboid 6 speakers wh

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04 July 2024

Europe - Front-of-house engineer Burton Ishmael found himself at the helm of one of the largest concert audiences in history.

On Madonna’s Celebration world tour, Ishmael’s technical prowess and creative vision were put to the test. Madonna’s discography spans over 40 years, requiring much more than a one-size-fits-all approach. With a long list of hit songs with different sonic signatures recorded all over the world, the goal was to stay true to each record while providing a cohesive experience.

Enter the Avid Venue | S6L. Captivated by its versatility and intuitive interface, he found in the S6L a platform that not only complemented his workflow but also ‘elevated his sonic palette’. With its onboard plugins processing power, and seamless integration with his preferred outboard gear, the S6L became an indispensable tool in his arsenal.

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04 July 2024

Europe - Holoplot has released the latest version of its sound system design software, Plan 2.0. The release introduces a cornerstone of the company’s second-generation software capabilities, kicked off by a major upgrade to its operating system, OS2.0, earlier in the year.

While OS2.0 enhances Holoplot’s core technology, Plan2.0 is now giving users access to new features and enhancements within the sound system design software itself. A new user interface and workflow improvements make designing and simulating sound systems more intuitive and efficient than ever.

“Holoplot Plan serves as the gateway to Holoplot's revolutionary technology. Our unmatched steering capabilities provide previously inaccessible levels of sound control, allowing you to precisely tailor your system design, which can be visualized inside the software,” says Adele Gar

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04 July 2024

Canada - PK Sound, in partnership with ACT Entertainment, the brand’s exclusive North American distributor, has announced its forthcoming Tx Series of intelligent, multipurpose point-source modules as a complement to its line of robotic line arrays.

Fully configured and controlled via PK.dynamics software, the Tx Series rounds out PK Sound’s Trinity range of robotic line source solutions to provide integrators and customers with a comprehensive solution for mobile and installed applications. Included among the compatible audio equipment is the T8 robotic line source system, the newest, compact option in the industry’s first robotically controlled line source family.

“There are plenty of great loudspeakers out there, but PK systems enable users to overcome the unique acoustic challenges of virtually any environment,” shares James Oliver, chi

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04 July 2024

UK - OIKLA has announced the release of Perception, an audio hearing protection algorithm designed for Remora PRO. Leveraging the advanced capabilities of Sonical’s embedded operating system, CosmOS, Perception marks a ‘monumental leap’ in preserving auditory health while delivering unparalleled audio experiences through headphones and all other ear-worn products, says the company.

With the integration of Perception, Remora PRO ‘guarantees optimal sound quality and user well-being in any listening environment’. “In the light of recent data from the World Health Organisation that brings to our attention the huge number of hearing issues being uncovered, in particular with younger listeners, we believe everyone should be protecting their hearing,” says OIKLA.

OIKLA’s Perception technology seamlessly blends two powerful features to provi

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03 July 2024

EMEA - Fulcrum Acoustic continues its expansion into the EMEA region with the appointment of Avientek as exclusive distribution partner for the Middle East and Africa.

With offices established across the region, Avientek will represent the entire Fulcrum Acoustic range of loudspeakers and immersive technologies.

Val Gilbert, director of business development for export at Fulcrum Acoustic, comments: "Avientek are a well-established structure in the GCC region and beyond. Their dedication to performance solutions and customer support meets Fulcrum's ambition for the territory. Avientek are growing quickly in the commercial audio sector, and we're excited to be partnering and supporting this growth."

Vikesh Thamban, general manager - business development – audio at Avientek, states: "Fulcrum Acoustic is a perfect addition to the Avientek portf

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03 July 2024

UK - With over 4,000 registrations, this year’s ABTT Theatre Show at Alexandra Palace was busier than ever. This industry event drew a broad range of attendees at all stages of their careers alongside an ever-increasing list of exhibitors from all areas of the industry, say the organisers.

“Running once again over two days, the ABTT Theatre Show gave the industry an opportunity to meet face-to-face in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The ABTT would like to thank all those exhibitors who returned, along with the many new exhibitors joining us for the first time. With a 10% increase of exhibitors on the show floor, this year’s event gave attendees over 165 brands with whom to speak, catch up and discuss new projects with.”

New exhibitors for 2024 included 2scale.shop, Acoustic Design & Architecture, Ascender, Cameo, Cell Pack Solutions, C

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03 July 2024

USA - Four-time Grammy Award-winning guitar player and singer/songwriter Gary Clark Jr. has embarked on the North American leg of his 2024 world tour with Claypaky Sharpy X-Frames and Midi-B FX fixtures filling the lighting rig.

Lighting designer John Adamo, who co-designed the show with Robert Fuller, selected the fixtures, which have been supplied by Bandit Lites, the tour’s full-service lighting and effects provider. Both designers have long histories with Clark and previously have used Claypaky Sharpy Plus fixtures for his shows. The tour, in support of Clark’s new album, JPEG RAW, kicked off in Fort Worth, Texas on 8 May and will play more than two dozen dates, including Radio City Music Hall, Wolf Trap and Red Rocks.

“I view Gary’s music as complex and modern yet timeless and classic” says Adamo.  “We wanted the lighting r

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03 July 2024

Europe - Peerless-AV has announced it is embarking on a dvLED Roadshow in partnership with 7thSense, Absen and NovaStar touring across Europe this September.

Taking place at Midwich Group country locations and Absen regional showrooms, the roadshow will incorporate specialist training and hands-on practical sessions on all the elements of a dvLED video wall installation, from mounting structures to display specifications to content control and image configuration. The objective, in one day, is to educate and equip dealers, system integrators and consultants with all the tools and skills necessary to install a fully operational dvLED video wall system, with ease.

Starting in the UK at Absen’s new regional showroom, located in Theale, Berkshire, the roadshow will continue to the North West of England, before moving to Absen’s German showroom in Fra

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03 July 2024

Iceland - The Reykjavik City Theatre is one of Iceland’s most prestigious theatrical institutions. It offers a wide range of performances in a high-tech modern theatre complex.

There are three formal performance spaces in addition to less formal areas. The Main Space has a 546-seat auditorium, with revolving stage and orchestra pit. The New Stage is a smaller, black-box studio that is endlessly flexible, while the Small Stage has around 200 seats with flexible seating and balconies for a theatre-in-the-round experience.

The theatre’s educational programme is central to the ethos of opening up theatre for all, with regular visits from nursery and primary school aged children, educational programmes and regular publications of educational material for all areas of theatre available via its website.

When the tender for replacing the existing

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03 July 2024

Japan - Connected to the largest freshwater lake in Japan, Karahashi Deck in Otsu City is a multifunctional facility offering water sports, corporate training, education, and a glass-enclosed restaurant with a stunning view. Sitting on the banks of the Seta River, the new venue is operated by Biwako Rowing Club – an organisation that offers rowing classes to children with disabilities. The newly opened café and restaurant, La Cosso, offers a naturally serene environment, which is complemented by six 4020 installation loudspeakers from Genelec.

Alongside its water sports lessons and educational seminars, Karahashi Deck aims to provide employment support for people with disabilities, through work in the café, boat repairs and additional roles across the site. Genelec helped to provide a relaxing environment where people with and without disabilities can in

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03 July 2024

Portugal - Europalco orchestrated the 120th Anniversary Gala for Sport Lisboa e Benfica, the Portuguese football club. The event, known as the Cosme Damião Awards, was held at the MEO Arena in Lisbon and paid tribute to the rich history and achievements of the club, as well as the personalities who have contributed to its legacy.

The Cosme Damião Awards is a ceremony that recognises the achievements of Sport Lisboa e Benfica and pays tribute to Cosme Damião, one of the club's founding fathers. This annual event holds immense significance in the hearts of Benfica fans and the sporting community, as it commemorates the club's enduring legacy and honours its brightest stars.

The centrepiece of the gala was the 70m x 12m main screen, creatively designed to resemble the wings of the Benfica eagle, the club's symbol. Europalco used 12 Christie Boxer pro

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02 July 2024

France - Alain Corthout’s production design for Black Eyed Peas show at La Défense Arena in Paris reflected the music and stage persona of the LA band with a transcended visual panorama that wove light and video together in concentric patterns.

“The lighting and video concept aimed to create a seamless fusion of elements, utilizing expansive curves and circles to present a unified visual experience,” said Corthout. “By integrating concentric rims extending from the video screens, we sought to evoke a sense of grandeur and cohesion within the large venue setting.”

Using this canvas, Corthout unfolded a narrative over a show that spanned more than two hours and featured a 24-song set list. “The narrative of the show centred on encapsulating the joyous, ecstatic, party atmosphere synonymous with the Black Eyed Peas' music,” he explained.

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02 July 2024

Chile - MA Lighting International has announced MMT as new exclusive MA distribution partner in Chile. From this month, MMT will offer the entire MA Lighting product range, support & service for hardware and software, as well as training.

Stephan Saremba, managing director of MA Lighting International comments, “We are excited about joining forces with MMT to develop our brand in the Chilean market. Both companies have a clear focus on providing high-quality products, excellent customer service and solutions to address customer needs in the various markets we are active in.

“With the commitment and expertise of MMT a strong sales force present in many regions and a well-trained and dedicated technical service we are aiming to resume and strengthen relationships with existing MA users as well as to expand into new markets. We are delighted to

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02 July 2024

Spain/Chile - zactrack has announced new distributors for Spain and Chile – SeeSound and MMT respectively.

"We are delighted to partner up with SeeSound for the distribution of zactrack in Spain.”, says Stephan Saremba, managing director for zactrack International. “With their wide product portfolio of audio, lighting and video solutions as well as an extremely passionate team of professionals in each market sector, we find SeeSound to be the right partner for us to bring fully automated tracking technology into the Spanish market.

“We are looking forward to work hand in hand with SeeSound, strengthen relationships with existing users and to expand into new markets. We are truly excited to continue to drive tracking solutions and creative tools to our users in Spain."

Nacho Alberdi, CEO of Seesound adds, “The tracking system is some

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02 July 2024

Finland - The country’s biggest rap stars descended on the Nokia Arena in Tampere recently to treat more than 10,000 music lovers to a night of pumped-up performance, with live action footage and pre-made content on an LED cube and wraparound ticker screens powered by tvONE's Green Hippo brand of Hippotizer Media Servers.

Organised by the international Rockstar Energy Drink brand in association with Def Agency and Warner Music Live, rappers including Ahti, Cledos and Elastinen played the in-the-round stage. This was dominated by a star-shaped overhead lighting truss and a 360-degree, four-fascia LED cube, and a DJ booth and stage riser formed of ROE Black Pearl 3 screens. LED stars – the branding of Rockstar – were built from Sceptron linear fixtures and rigged throughout the arena and from the ceiling truss. All the lighting and Hippotizers were contr