UK - Canegreen has just reached a landmark 21 years in business this May. They recently unveiled new corporate identities across the group of companies. Canegreen was the first audio rental company in Europe to invest in the new Meyer Milo cabinets, included as part of the line array system installed on the Isle of Wight Festival.

The festival is steeped in history, and returned for its second year with a two-day line up, there are now plans to expand the festival over the next five years. The line-up was headed by Bryan Adams and Paul Weller, joined by American chart toppers Counting Crows, The Darkness (due to support Robbie Williams on his tour this summer), Starsailor, The Ravonettes and Hell is for Heroes.

The line array system design for this site required careful consider

UK - Wigwam Acoustics has recently acquired four BTR 700 radiocom wireless intercoms systems from London-based UK distributor Orbital Sound. Adding the systems into their hire stock, Wigwam has increased their potential to offer seamless on-site communications. Wigwam was a major supplier to the Golden Jubilee Celebrations where they gained their first experience of the BTR 700 system. Since then the systems have been deployed extensively on a wide variety of large-scale events across Europe and Internationally.

Geoff Muir commented: “The BTR 700 is a very powerful and versatile tool and is ideal for any type of production from theatre, to festivals, corporate and broadcast applications, it allows the production team to communicate in real time and quite simply promotes seamless operations on- site. Since we took the product on-board it’s been continually out on hire

UK - Cafeteria, one of London’s new eateries, has turned to Sound Division, to specify, supply and install its audio equipment. Sound Division’s audio design team, David Graham and Elliot Patterson, opted for a Crown-powered JBL system based primarily on JBL Control 29AV loudspeakers.

“Although it’s not a massive system, the keyword here was quality,” explained Graham. “The client wanted a high quality system that would cruise from background to foreground levels with the minimum of effort, and the flexibility to zone the system as required with remote, independent level control.”

To that end Sound Division supplied a total of six JBL Control 29AVs for the restaurant area downstairs with four more gracing the cocktail lounge upstairs. These are supplemented by four JBL Control 23s in the entrance area and four Control 24C ceiling speak

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Strictly FX, Pushing Boundaries

Strictly FX was founded in 1996 by industry veterans Mark Grega and Ted Maccabee. Our expertise and knowledge of the world’s leading pyrotechnic, laser, and flame manufacturers allows us to curate astonishing live events. With over 500+ shows performed a year, there’s good chance you’ve seen some of our work!

France - The city of Angers in the Loire Valley of France is famous for its 12th century cathedral, 13th century castle and the Tapestry of the Apocalypse. Now, Theatre Projects Consultants (TPC), working with Architecture Studio, has won the contract to design a new theatre for the city, which it's hoped will attract just as much attention.

Working for the City of Angers with a budget of 24,000,000 Euros, it's not the first time TPC has joined forces with the Paris-based architects: the company was appointed last year to design an arts facility in Athens and a new theatre in Bahrain.

Work started in March on the new building, which will cover an area of 8000sq.m. TPC's Mark Stroomer and Gavin Green have designed two auditoriums - a 900-seat proscenium theatre, which will adapt to a 600 seater for drama and music events and a smaller studio theatre with a capacity of 300 - 40

Hong Kong - Stage Technologies has announced that it has been awarded the contract to refurbish the flying system at the Grand Theatre in Hong Kong Cultural Centre. A servo motor powered counterweight assist installation will be controlled using the company’s Nomad consoles.

The inauguration of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in 1989 marked a new era in the development of performing arts in Hong Kong. Still highly relevant today, the centre attracts an array of world-class performances, from concerts and operas to experimental theatre and musicals.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Germany - Sennheiser is sponsoring aviator Polly Vacher MBE’s latest trans-global charity flight. The company has contributed financially and by supplying the Sennheiser Aviation headsets worn by Vacher on this flight. Her penultimate stop is Hanover, home of Sennheiser, where a warm welcome awaits in early 2004.

Polly Vacher MBE has trained as a music teacher, physiotherapist, sky diver and more, this is her second flight round the world. Sennheiser has supplied the HMEC 25KA flight communications headset, a compact lightweight design that is fully adjustable and ideal for extended use. Vacher commented: "The HMEC 25KA is the only headset I have tried that is female friendly, and it is worth noting that over 25 percent of all pilots are women."

HRH Prince Charles attended the departure ceremonies where he was introduced to Vacher, the team and some of her spo

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The Many Looks of Zeo

Delivering ultimate brightness and unique looks, Zeo’s distinct face design is defined by a central LED monolith and four reflectors, backed by four RGBW engines. As a blinder or strobe, Zeo promises powerful impact with 30,000+ lumens. With its sheer brilliance and playful effects, Zeo is ready to amplify the energy on any stage.

USA - The International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM) has accepted a permanent seat on Entertainment Services and Technology Association’s (ESTA) new Certification Council - the governing body that will manage the development and implementation of a new industry-wide certification program for entertainment technology technicians.

IAAM president Joe Floreano, CFE, has appointed Don Hancock, Ph.D., CAE, IAAM’s director of education, research and development, as their representative to the Council.

The ESTA Certification Council will represent the diversity of the industry. Members will include key leaders in entertainment business, labor, facilities, associations, and academia. ESTA is in the process of extending invitations for Certification Council membership. IATSE, (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees), and USITT, (the United States In

Germany - F.A.S.T is versatile new system from HK Audio. With separately adjustable microphone and line inputs, it provides a quick and simple solution to most sound reinforcement challenges, from a solo gig in a small pub to a multimedia presentation. F.A.S.T's multi-functional housing makes it a top-flight stage monitor. The integrated DuoTilt speaker stand collar offers two angles of tilt, letting you zero in on the audience and make the most efficient use of sonic energy.

Featuring integrated OFR technology, the F.A.S.T's power amplifier offers 300W RMS, with enough reserves for larger events. The matched combination of 1" driver with 60° x 40° CD horn and 12" woofer provides a lush, crisp sonic image, remaining feedback-proof even at the highest levels. The use of the DynaClip limiter ensures the bass impulses are rendered clearly. "With F.A.S.T, getting a

Belgium - L&SI has learned of the recent death of Marc Phlippo, one of the founders, along with his father Jos, of Phlippo Showlights - which grew to become one of the largest lighting production rental companies in Belgium. Marc, who was especially well known in Belgian TV and theatre, died early last week after losing a two-year battle against cancer. His funeral took place on Saturday 21 June.

(Ruth Rossington)

UK - Pro audio distribution company Autograph Sales has been appointed as an executive agent for Midas, as part of the manufacturer's reshuffle of its UK distribution. Autograph has also rejoined the Klark Teknik fold by becoming a dealer for its product range once again.

Midas' new executive agent principle applies to its large format consoles, excluding Venice. The company believes that its new network of agents will add value to the sale in terms of part exchange, payment plans, by attracting a new market sector or from the benefit of having an established relationship with the client. "UK rental companies and installers now have access to consoles at 'commercial user' rate," explains Midas sales manager for the UK, Richard Ferriday. "Factory-approved executive agents are authorized to negotiate sales on behalf of Midas, but there is no stocking commitment, and

UK - Autograph Sales, UK distributor for ATM Flyware overhead structural products, has announced the launch of the SB Series Swivel Beams, an economical solution to suspending a loudspeaker from two fixed structural attachment points. The Swivel Beam can be suspended well below the structural attachment and will allow the adjustment of pan and tilt.

The SB Series is ideally suited for individual loudspeakers suspended in a left and right configuration where the building structure is not in alignment with the proper pan of the loudspeaker. The top section of the SB Series can be attached to a joist in the building, and the lower section can be rotated to align the dispersion of the loudspeaker. There are additionalattachment points on the lower section that accept pull-back straps for adjusting the down-tilt of the loudspeaker.

There are four Swivel Beams in the SB Series: SB-1

Germany - Skan PA Hire was recently appointed by production company Exposure Ltd to design, install and operate all the audio systems for Levi's massive 150th year celebration which took place at the Postbahnhof, a former train maintenance depot in Berlin. Skan director Chris Fitch worked closely with production manager Matt Ringer to agree a system design for all areas of the event including the exhibition, fashion show, dance and performance areas.

The unusual dimensions of the venue presented a particular challenge for Skan when designing the sound system - the building is 160m by 20m, curved and very reverberant. The system design was further complicated by the limited strength of the roof structure. Added to the challenges presented by the building, Exposure's specification called for the system to provide flexibility and zoning as the Postbahnhof needed dedicated systems f

UK - Big screen video entertainment specialists Blink TV kicked off another busy summer season - their fourth year - of Party In The Park-style festivals, with events in Southampton (with Power FM) and Reading (with 2-Ten FM) at the weekend.

These are the first of a dozen such events, where Blink is supplying full video production and collaborating with various local radio stations owned by the UK's two biggest radio groups - Capital and GWR. The Southampton event was headlined by boyband-of-the-moment Busted, and featured Blazin' Squad, Mel C, Girls Aloud, Cheeky Girls, DJ Sammy, Mis-teeq and Billy Crawford. The back-to-back performances were punctuated by presentation slots, featuring DJs from the hosting radio station and advertising breaks, during which Blink ran its specially tailored footage.

Blink is responsible for sourcing video screens, cameras and a PPU for all the

USA - Renkus-Heinz has launched the CobraNet Breakout Box. Currently the only product of its kind, it allows users to connect non-Cobranet products to a Cobranet network, giving an installer the benefits of CobraNet technology without having to purchase special amplification, or to retrofit existing systems with CobraNet technology.

The Breakout Box provides six fully-balanced analogue output channels on miniature Phoenix output connectors, and all outputs are muted on power On/Off to prevent system thumps. As well as adding CobraNet connectivity to Renkus-Heinz PN Series powered speakers, Renkus-Heinz rack amplifiers or even another manufacturer's amplification, the Breakout Box also provides an output for the Renkus-Heinz R-Control system, permitting full remote control of R-Control enabled Renkus-Heinz amplification products.

The standard pair of RJ-45 ethernet connectors a

Australia - Two of Australia's major audio companies, Johnston Audio and McLean Audiohave announced the formation of a new audio company, Johnston McLean Audio creating a new force in the Australian audio industry, which will have an inventory including Nexo, EAW and Martin speakers and Midas and Yamaha consoles.

Johnston Audio has grown steadily since 1985 and has become a major supplier of audio production, especially in the band touring, festival and dance markets. Bruce Johnston, himself an internationally known sound engineer with world tours for Oasis and more recently Silverchair under his belt, has steered Johnston Audio to providing services that would more than satisfy any local or visiting international act. "As an engineer, I know how important it is to have things just right and I have always tried to apply that philosophy to Johnston Audio. Merging with McLean

UK - Back with a bang from the 1980s, Erasure's The Other Tour started in the US in March to rave reviews and continued in the UK through May and June. FOH engineer Martin Hildred is mixing front-of-house using a Yamaha DM2000 digital console and a d&b C4 PA system provided by Encore. The band played a variety of venues with stars Andy Bell and Vince Clarke fronting this revival of their glory years. The impressive set is pure bedsit-land, with the exception of some outrageous costumes for Andy Bell.

Bell's distinctive voice has graced numerous top-ten hits with Erasure, but according to Hildred, it can be a bit of a handful live. "Andy's voice has real dynamics to it, but it is so vital to the Erasure sound I needed to keep it manageable in the mix without losing any presence." Hildred specified four channels of XTA's SiDD DP324 (Seriously Intelligent Digital Dynamics

UK - Winlite - Pulsar's software-based memory lighting desk which runs under Microsoft Windows is now available for free download. The system, which is ideal for use in small theatres, schools and amateur dramatics, is based around a simple 2-preset layout making it straightforward to use. Winlite is also an ideal educational tool, even without being connected to a lighting system. Detailed information on Winlite and access to the download page can be found at the website below.

(Ruth Rossington)

UK - LAMDA, the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, has sold its base on Cromwell Road, near Earls Court, to move to the old Royal Ballet School venue just up the road on Talgarth Road, near Hammersmith.

As an ex-ballet school, the five rehearsal studios in LAMDA's new building have dancers' mirrors around the walls, which are not ideal for acting classes. However, Luke Rittner, chairman of the board at LAMDA, recognised that the mirrors were not something to simply rip out, they render the rehearsal spaces multi-functional and add to the potential opportunities for renting/selling-on of the building.

To conceal the mirrors, Rittner called in Triple E to design and install a track system to enable the curtains to be drawn or opened easily. The tracks had to be unobtrusive yet strong enough to withstand being swung on! The solution was 180m of Triple E's E66 track throug

UK - London-based Orbital has recently expanded and refurbished its Brixton based HQ and announced the launch of a distinct but complementary division - Fixit. Fixit offers a 24/7 maintenance service contract for out-of-house installations and productions as well as a comprehensive repairs facility for all audio and comms equipment. The repair facility benefits from new technical workshops and a huge investment in the latest test equipment.

Fixit offers a new concept in maintenance and back up for venues as diverse as theatres, live entertainment venues, places of worship, bars and clubs, council chambers and leisure parks. As a brand new service division, Fixit aims to remove the inconvenience of in-house repairs and the need to stock spare parts, and is aimed at AV and audio rental companies.

Over the past decade Orbital's in-house technical support team, headed jointly by D

Greece - Between Acropolis and Lycabetus Hill in the historical center of Athens, the first QSC AcousticDesign AD-S82H surface-mount loudspeakers have been installed in the Acai club/restaurant. QSC's AD-S82H speakers employ a 2-way design that incorporates an 8" weatherproof, LF transducer coupled with a 1" exit compression HF driver.

Although the AcousticDesign Series may be new, the well-known name and reputation of QSC convinced the owners of Acai - one of the oldest and finest venues in the area - to upgrade the loudspeaker system they purchased just last year to the AD-S82H enclosures. For power amplification, Acai's owners elected to stay within the QSC product line and chose the company's popular PLX 2402.

Thus, eight AD-S82Hs, mounted on QSC's revolutionary IntelliDock AD-ID8 intelligent mounting system, were installed in a semi-open terrace, powered by a pa

Monaco - The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the highlights of the Formula 1 season, and this year's race witnessed Colombia's Juan Pablo Montoya clinch only the second win of his career in what was also an end to the Williams team's 20-year barren spell at the track. Adding to the race goers' experience, the action was relayed on a number of Lighthouse LED screens.

French audio-visual company Lumison, under the direction of their chief technician, Pierre Heyligen, supplied a total of four Lighthouse screens to Automobile Club de Monaco. The largest screen, 120 panels of LVP2056 in a 12 x 10 configuration, measuring a total of 150sq.m, was situated at the treacherous right hand bend of St Devote supported by a custom-built scaffold structure.

Two screens, each16 panels of LVP2056, were placed in front of the new seating area at the rear of the pit lane and a further 13 panels in f

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