UK - Building on their new slogan of CRT Forever, Barco has appointed Owl Video Systems as its exclusive distributor of CRT projectors for the leisure industry. The leading unit will be the Barco Cine 5, which offers high performance brightness, reliability and the long life expectancy that CRT projectors produce. The unit offers a highly efficient cooling system with no fans, which means that it is ideal for use in environments prone to smoke and dust. The Cine 5 incorporates 7" high performance CRTs to optimize picture geometry and sharpness, to give greater detail and extended durability. Optically coupled lenses give contrast and automatically correct colour deviations. Auto-diagnose LEDs indicate when maintenance is required and 'Mean time between failure' is greater than

UK - Enlightenment has recently supplied an ADB Vision 10 lighting control desk to the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft. The system comprises a 1024-channel Vision 10/ST with a Vision 10/RB back-up crate both running the company's ISIS software which provides total control of light, colour and movement through astate-of-the-art 32-bit multi-tasking Linux operating system.

Since its inception in 1997 Enlightenment has been fully committed to both the Vision 10 and Phoenix range of lighting control desks from ADB and has supplied the systems to numerous venues in the UK.

(Ruth Rossington)

Germany / The Netherlands - Telex, the owner of the well-known Electro-Voice loudspeaker brand, has announced that it is taking legal action against companies distributing counterfeit copies of the Electro-Voice Sx300 and Sx100 loudspeakers, anywhere in the world. Already in March this year, Electric Audio, the importer of Electro-Voice product in the Netherlands, gave notice that on the instructions of Telex, it had commenced legal proceedings or issued statements of claim against a number of defendants.

Telex reports that increasing numbers of counterfeit copies of these loudspeakers have been coming onto the market recently, in violation of the company's copyright. The first cases have already been decided in Electro-Voice's favour, the court having decided in each case that the defendants should seek the return of the counterfeit copies from their customers and deliver them

UK - Britain's only exhibition for the out-of-home leisure industry is now just six weeks away. Leisure Industry Week (16-18 September, NEC, Birmingham) will showcase the latest innovations and solutions as well as the top suppliers from across the leisure industry.

At the heart of the show is a keynote seminar programme, which features a line-up of industry heavyweights and opinion formers, including Rt Hon Richard Caborn MP, Minister for Sport and Tourism, as well as speakers from Alton Towers, Pret a Manger and Marriot Hotels. With around 15,000 visitors and over 400 exhibitors, LIW is where the leisure industry joins together annually to exchange and source ideas, knowledge and expertise about industry strategies and trends, and to access solutions and leading suppliers.

And, for the first time this year, LIW features a PLASA Lounge wherein the PLASA organization will mee

Australia - The School of Audio Engineering (SAE) is set to open a new teaching facility in the world-famous costal resort of Byron Bay, which will incorporate a Solid State Logic SL9000 K Series Superanalogue console in its main studio.

The console, which was featured at this year's European AES exhibition in Amsterdam, was immediately snapped up by the facility for its new AUS$40 million campus, where there are a total of 31 audio and video studios. Currently the only XL to be used for training - and the second to be delivered to an Australian customer - the console has pride of place in the main studio at Byron Bay. Students studying for a full range of courses in sound engineering, including degree programmes, will be able to study the latest recording and mixing techniques on the new console which features Solid State Logic ergonomics.

Tom Misner, founder of SAE, comment

UK - CT Screenco collaborated closely with Chris Bird of United Visual Artists (UVA) to produce a huge and original interactive data display for Massive Attack on their latest international tour. During the course of the show, current newspaper articles and e-mails to the band's website were progressively relayed to the 15mm LED screen.

This required a unique use of technology: under normal circumstances graphic output would be sent to the screen as a video signal and then be converted to data. But the use of scan conversion on a standard 640 x 480 VGA resolution display would have failed to align the pixels correctly. "When the signal gets converted to video and back to data the processor simply doesn't recognize how to line this up," explained CT Screenco's Mike Walker.

The answer lay in the SACO processor. "At the time, this was the only processor that would

Australia - Pro audio manufacturer ARX Systems has released the new EQ 215 dual channel 2/3rd octave graphic equalizer. Following in the steps of the company's EQ 15, the EQ 215 is suitable for all sound reinforcement, installation and broadcast applications where 1/3rd octave equalization is not required.

Each channel on the satin grey front panel features 15 of ARX's new Extended Resolution long-throw, centre grounding sliders, switchable to either ±15dB or ±6dB, for the ideal combination of high fader resolution and maximum cut and boost. Also, each channel features a Gain Level control with up to +10dB of gain; a Clip LED to indicate circuit overload; a sweepable 20 - 200Hz High Pass Filter, and an In/Out hardwire bypass switch with optional transformer output.

With its state-of-the-art circuitry and ultra-low noise design, the EQ 215 boasts a signal-to-noise of 95dB un

UK - High End Systems (HES) has announced that it is to provide a Wholehog III console at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), in order to give students the opportunity to experience the latest in the Wholehog line of control products.

HES has been a sponsor of LIPA since its opening in 1996. Through the years, a wide variety of HES' products has been installed into the Paul McCartney Auditorium, named in honor of the performing arts school's famous founder and benefactor. Four years ago, HES founder and chairman, Lowell Fowler, presented LIPA with a Wholehog II console, which was installed in the school's High End Systems Studio. This will now be upgraded with the Wholehog III this summer, whose installation will be overseen by LIPA production manager Mike Brown and HES Europe's Phil Mercer.

LIPA's Ffounding principal and CEO, Mark Featherstone-Witty, was delig

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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 - Chauvet has introduced the SF-4005 channel timer, a multi-tasking 2 or 4-channel timer/chaser designed to keep your lighting effects from exceeding their recommended duty cycle. Chase or sound-activated modes are also ideal for pin spots, Par cans and any other chase-able lights. A three-position switch controls timer, chase and sound-activation functions, while another switch lets you select two or four channels for timed control of up to four lighting effects.

(Lee Baldock)

Latvia - Latvia was in full swing from 26 June to 6 July, with the XXIII Latvian Song and Dance Festival 2003. The Song Festival, which lasts for 11 days, is held every five years and is incorporated into various venues - including the Skonto Stadium and Mezaparks Open Air Stadium. The event featured over 30,000 participants, 300 different choirs, more than 500 dance groups, 57 brass bands, three symphonic orchestras and one chamber orchestra as well as an art exhibition, parades, singing and dance performances. All equipment was provided by Company NA, the Vari*Lite dealer for Latvia.

Before the festival began, Company NA was on site to plan crew logistics, and to supply the lighting equipment from cables to control systems, to both the venues. Over 12,000 people gathered in the audience to listen to some of Latvia's famous rock and pop stars, plus rock band Time after Time. Li

UK - Adam Hall, the UK distributor of US made 'SKB' cases, has recently supplied top UK production duo 'Mint Royale' with an SKB Mini Gig-Rig, Rotoroller and various SKB rack accessories to join 'Mint Royale' on their current international tour.

Mint Royale's Chris Baker approached Adam Hall as an SKB user for many years and specifically wanted SKB cases to complete their live set-up because of superior build quality, weight and strength. The Mini Gig-Rig and Rotoroller is being used to house Chris's mixing console, hard disc and various outboard equipment. Mint Royale have already used their SKB kit at events including Glastonbury, T in the Park and Wakestock and are taking in other events such as Creamfields, V2003 and European Festivals such as Lowlands in Holland and Pukkelpop in Belgium.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Slough-based lighting and sound sales company Stagetec, the UK distributor for Compulite and LSC lighting products will have a number of new products lined up for the PLASA Show this year, including the company's showpiece new product - Compulite's Vector family of lighting consoles. The Compulite Rave is also highlighted, as well as the Spark Top.

New from LSC is the Minim lighting desk, a budget-priced 12/24-channel memory desk, shown alongside their MaXim series of fader-based lighting consoles. Dimmers will include Compulite's powerful CompuRACK digital dimmer racks and their CompuDIM and MobileDIM modular racks. Dmmers from LSC include the iPRO installation dimmer range, the e1220 and the ePAK and ePRO ranges, plus their Delta power distribution units.

Stagetec can be found on stand E40.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Yamaha has increased its PA speaker line-up with the introduction of six models in the completely new Yamaha E (European) series. Built specifically for the demanding European market, the new E series speakers will be positioned to replace the familiar SE series of American speakers. With their proven rugged carpet finish, high quality Yamaha build standards, steel carry handles and lightweight design, the SE series have become a popular model for the price conscious market. The new E series builds on this success, but now offer Speakon connections and a greater frequency response within the top end.

Peter Peck, marketing manager for music production at Yamaha-Kemble, said: "Ideally matched with our new Yamaha P series power amps or EMX powered mixers, the E series is ideal for applications where high quality sound, yet competitive pricing, are required. The Yamaha Pro

UK - The Bloody Sunday Inquiry into the events which resulted in the loss of 13 civilian lives in Derry on the 30 January 1972, has been one of the most heated and emotive public inquiries of all time. The inquiry, which commenced in Derry in July 1998 and incorporated state-of-the-art virtual reality technology, which won the ICL (Fujitsu Services) Society for Computers and Law IT award in 2001, moved to London in July 2002.

Strabane-based audio consultant, Michael Kielty of MK Audio, who supplied AKG microphones for this inquiry, explained that the most awkward audio problem faced by the inquiry was that some witnesses - as in many courtroom scenarios - were showing a tendency to mutter their answers and statements, in such a way that they were virtually inaudible over the sound reinforcement system. This therefore called for microphones, which were sensitive and clear enough

Europe / N. America - Touring for the first time in five years, R.E.M. have again come up with an event both visually stunning and musically superb. R.E.M. lighting designer Willie Williams has created a spectacular visual experience on a stage that is awash with vibrant colours. The elaborate stage is highlighted with whimsical shapes created from EncapSulite fixtures, including the word 'LUV' as well as graphic panels featuring stylized portraits of the band's members.

USA - Baltimore's recent Artscape 2003 Festival of the Arts was a colourful event, utilizing High End Systems equipment to provide the creative palette. Cannon Stage Lighting supplied six Studio Spot 575 and eight Cyberlight Litho automated luminaires, and two Wholehog III lighting consoles for the weekend event.

George Cannon Jr, owner of Cannon Stage Lighting, commented: "We brought in two Hog III units. One was to be a backup only. Programmers Zach Edwards and Paul Rosinksy would switch back and forth laying out conventionals on one desk and intelligent lighting on the other."

Programmer Paul Rosinksy elaborates: "My reaction to the Hog III desk was very positive. The colour picker for all my colour-mixing Cyberlight and Studio Colors made things go so much faster. I also noticed that all the internal cues in the lights moved a good bit faster than on other d

UK - A busy 2003 sees Fourth Phase expanding its project management team with the addition of Alistair Smyth as project manager, who joins from High End/Flying Pig, where for the past nine months he had been sales account manager for Central and Eastern Europe.

Previously a technical support engineer for the company for over two years, Alistair had also fulfilled the same role for two years at Vari-Lite. His technical knowledge and overseas experience will prove invaluable to Fourth Phase, as the company adds the Madrid production of We Will Rock You to its portfolio. Smyth will join the existing project management team of James Hall and Simon Harborow.

(Ruth Rossington)

UK - For the fourth year running, drapes and rigging specialist Blackout was appointed by Henley Festival's production team to supply an extensive amount of black drape and custom sewn starcloth for the 20th edition of The Henley Festival of Music and the Arts.

Staged on the banks of the Thames, the five-day Festival is recognized for fusing an eclectic mix of music and art and follows on from the legendary Henley Regatta. Comprising two main stages - the 'Floating Stage' where world class performances included Lesley Garret, Bryn Terfel, Sir Tim Rice and the 'Club Marquee', where artists included The Fine Young Cannibals and Mel C. Working closely with production manager Bob Caple, Blackout supplied all the blackout drapes and necessary rigging equipment to facilitate the dramatic set-design on the famous Floating Stage - a giant Edwin Shirley structure measuring 20m wide by 8

UK - DHA Lighting, the leading manufacturer of gobos and optical effects, has announced that the company - or at least some of it - is on the move. From Friday 29 August 2003, DHA's manufacturing, production and despatch teams will move from DHA's current base in central London to a new base in Crayford, Kent.

The new contact numbers for staff in Crayford, including UK and Eire sales manager Louise Tester, Asia and Pacific sales manager Julie Harper and production manager Karen Simkins, will be +44 (0)1322 520052. The new fax number will be +44 (0)1322 520055. Email and web addresses remain unchanged.

"The move of our operations and production teams to Crayford has been in the planning stage for some time, as part of our ongoing work to make the company more efficient." comments DHA Lighting's managing director, Diane Grant. "Our customers are already seeing the

UK - Advanced systems solutions provider, beyerdynamic GB, is set to present its diverse, yet complementary range of manufactured and distributed products at PLASA. The focus will be towards showcasing integrated application-led solutions for the installation and contracting markets.

In addition to its extensive range of headphones and microphones, beyerdynamic will present a new range of Opus wireless radio microphones - the 300, 500MKII and 800 systems. The new Opus range benefits from an advanced Auto Scan/ACT function, exceptionally wide frequency response and up to 16 channels, which can be operated simultaneously.

As a new addition to beyerdynamic's distribution range, Bittner amplifiers will be showcased from Slovakian manufacturer, Bittner Audio. An expansive range of high specification amplification products which complement beyerdynamic's range of speakers and DSP ba

UK - Former Martin Professional employee Simon Allan has rejoined the company as product manager for the stage, studio and event segment, which includes Martin's popular MAC range of moving heads. Allan's responsibilities will also cover Martin's growing range of lighting controllers, including the newly-released Maxxyz lighting console.

Simon has 10 years of experience in the lighting industry and returns to Martin UK after three years as technical manager at moving light rental company Set Lighting & Sound. Prior to that he was employed at Martin UK as a technical support engineer, working on various on-site projects, as well as conducting training courses and helping to run the Martin University.

(Ruth Rossington)

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