Robe - LEADERBOARD - Feb 2025
LSi 40 - Banner - July-Nov 2025

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UK / Belgium - ASC, one of Belgium's leading pro audio distributors, has taken on the distribution of MC2 amplifiers, after looking for a top-end amplifier brand to complement its existing portfolio. "We chose MC2 because it has an excellent reputation. We know designer Terry Clarke's reputation very well, and after putting them to the test and meeting with Ian McCarthy, who is very nice to work with, we decided that this was the route we wanted to take," said the company's Patrick Moiny. He added: "We have already made two important sales: one with the classic MC Series to Stage Team, a rental company that has a big Turbosound Flash/Floodlight system; and a second sale to a very important theatre in Brussels, L'Orangerie du Centre Culturel de la Communaute Francaise

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Italy - The 2004 edition of Festivalbar once again saw the participation of international artistes and the highly spectacular staging of a travelling show that had dates in Milan, Catania and Lignano Sabbiadoro, as well as the traditional finale hosted by the Arena of Verona on 18 September. Zucchero was the overall winner - the album 'Zu & Company', characterized by duets with various artistes, was the most sold CD this summer. Other artistes alternated on stage at the Arena of Verona, including R.E.M., Bryan Adams, Francesco Renga, Piero Pelù, Mango, Mark Knopfler and Eamon.

Renato Neri's Xenon provided the stage set and the light and sound systems for the 19th year running. This year, Neri used Clay Paky projectors, including Stage Zoom 1200, Stage Color 1200, Stage Scan, Super Scan Zoom and CP Color MH fixtures. The set featured numerous LED screens, which featured abstract

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UK - Dave Morrisey, lighting designer and technician at Manchester's three highly active Academy venues, came up with a better solution than air conditioning at the 500 capacity Manchester Academy 3 (formerly known as the "Hop & Grape") when the venue decided to do something about its "sweat box" reputation. They initially considered upgrading the air conditioning, and faced a bill of about £50,000 - but Morrissey thought of another way.

Onstage, a large proportion of the heat was generated by the 24 Par 64 cans lighting the small area. This gave Morrissey a flash of lateral inspiration. He'd originally seen James Thomas's PixelPARs in action at PLASA 2002 - when they were launched. Morrissey approached JTE, and worked out a deal for replacing the conventional Pars with PixelPAR 90s. Including the wiring, it cost a little over half of what the air-con costs

PLASA Show 2025 - Banner - June-Aug 2025

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USA / Canada - In news announced at the AES exhibition in San Francisco, Erikson Audio, the exclusive Canadian distributor of AuviTran and NetCIRA network audio products, has supplied 20 NetCIRA MS-8 AES/EBU coders/encoders and 16 AuviTran AVY-ES16 Yamaha compatible EtherSound cards to Solotech of Montreal.

Solotech, a major rental and tour-sound company, has prepared two touring rigs using the supplied equipment. Each rig consists of two Yamaha PM5D mixing consoles with four AVY-16ES cards, giving 64 channels of digital I/O over Cat 5 100TX Ethernet cabling/Network, plus eight NetCIRA MS-8 AES/EBU inputs, and two NetCIRA MS-8 AES/EBU outputs. In addition, eight Yamaha AD8HR Mic/Line pre-amp units are used for collecting the analogue sources and feeding them into the EtherSound network via the MS-8 AES/EBU encoders. All 64 channels of encoded audio then travel, via just 1 Cat

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USA - Entertainment lighting manufacturer High End Systems debuted the DL2 - the third generation in its digital lighting line - at the ETS-LDI 2004 Trade Show in Las Vegas last week (22-24 October). According to HES, the DL2 unites the worlds of automated lighting and digital video to create 'virtual scenery' but with additional advanced features. DL2 is a "smart" automated lighting system featuring an integrated digital media server, say the company. In one single package is housed a light engine, media server and content - and it hangs and acts like an automated light.

DL2 also reduces space and installation time, with no need for RGB cabling, and servers are no longer necessary at the front-of-house position. DL2 resembles an intelligent moving luminaire and controls just as easily, with plug-and-play operation using standard DMX cabling and protocols.

Its many

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USA - City Theatrical and Color Kinetics Inc have jointly announced the release of a new touring-style power/data supply, PDS-750 TR, for Color Kinetics' ColorBlast, ColorBurst, and iColor Cove intelligent solid-state lighting fixtures. The compact, rugged device allows easy connection and disconnection of up to 12 ColorBlast 12 fixtures, 24 ColorBlast 6 fixtures, 24 ColorBurst 6 fixtures, 48 ColorBurst 4 fixtures, and 96 iColor Cove fixtures by means of industry-standard 4 pin XLR connectors.

CTI's president Gary Fails said: "We just listened to our customers who asked us to build this device. Many lighting shops had devised homemade ways to get partially to where we have gotten, but our license agreement with Color Kinetics gives us the ability to use their patented technology in new and innovative ways."

"We're pleased to expand our relationship with City

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UK - The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has launched a six-week consultation on a proposed regulation to be added to the draft Work at Height Regulations. This regulation will retain a provision already in construction safety law that requires employers in the construction industry to provide particular work equipment and fall protection measures where work is undertaken at or above two metres.

This proposal is the result of representations made by the construction industry, which is seeking to maintain its existing practices by retaining the current 2-metre rule in these new regulations. This may have implications for other industries, which is why a short sharp consultation exercise is being undertaken to gather views from construction industry and other stakeholders.

Bill Callaghan, Chair of HSC said: "There has already been extensive consultation on these Regula

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UK - This Saturday, 30 October, will see the PLASA Award-winning InMotion 3D/CyberHoist motion control system make its UK television début, through Vertigo Rigging, which announced last week that it has become the UK Service Point for the unique system, developed by XLNT Advanced Technologies. The system won a PLASA Award for Innovation at the PLASA Show last month in conjunction with the CyberHoist intelligent motor by Verlinde and the DataMotion and PowerMotion system components from XLNT.

It will make its live TV début at 9pm on Saturday on BBC TV's 'Big C' cancer research benefit show, which will be broadcast 'as live' from London's Alexandra Palace. Vertigo Rigging director Rebecca Loughran says: "Viewers in the production business will be able to see the versatility of the CyberHoist/InMotion 3D system being used for scenic moves and lighting effects designed by Pe

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USA - Northwestern University's Department of Theatre has been named the 2004 recipient of the Martin Intelligent Lighting Technology Grant. The Grant was presented at a special ceremony at the recent LDI exhibition in Las Vegas. On hand to accept the award on behalf of the University was Joe Appelt, Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre and Director of the Lighting Design Program. Appelt was accompanied by Peter Anderson, supervisor of the department's lighting and sound shop, as well as several University alumni.

Claudia Kunin, interim managing director of the University's Theatre and Interpretation Center, stated: "All of us here at Northwestern are thrilled to have been chosen to receive this prestigious grant. The resources Martin Professional is making available to us will enrich the education of our students both in the classroom and in production. The M

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Belgium - EML, one of Europe's leading sound, lighting and video hire companies, has laid claim to the first purchase of a DiGiCo D1 Live digital mixing console, and has found it an ideal solution for Night of the Proms in the Antwerp Sportpaleis. The idea behind this successful series of concerts was that of two Belgian students, Jan Van Esbroeck en Jan Vereecke. Based on the UK's Last Night of the Proms, the show takes the concept one stage further by adding in contemproary artists to widen its appeal. In 1990, organizers PSE took the concept to Holland for the first time, shortly followed by Germany in 1994. Now in its 19th year, it is one of Europe's most successful musical events.

This year's rock contingent include James Brown, Joe Cocker, Supertamp's Roger Hodgson, Shaggy and Cyndi Lauper, who will entertain audiences with 56 concerts from 15 October until 22 December in

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USA - Production Resource Group (PRG) hosted a two-day training session for Medialon's show control software at its Las Vegas facility on October 25-26, following the conclusion of the LDI show. PRG is an official dealer and programmer for Medialon software, and the training program was open to all industry participants. Yan Terrien of Medialon taught the program, and Jason Goldenberg of PRG assisted.

Seven technicians from across the US participated in the classes, which covered basic system programming procedures and advanced system features. Upon completion of the course, each participant received a Qualified Medialon Programmer certificate, which entitles the recipient to be recognized as an official programming resource on Medialon's website. Medialon is one of several show control systems sold and supported by PRG. Other systems include Alcorn-McBride, AMX, and PRG's prop

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UK - The Institute of Sound & Communication Engineers (ISCE) has announced that Dr. Roy Lawrence, HonFIOA, MInstSCE, is presenting a two-day course tutorial in Manchester on "Basic Acoustics for Sound System Professionals". The course, which will take place on 9-10 November 2004, is available to PLASA and ISCE Members at £200 (plus VAT) and to non-members at £250 (plus VAT). The course is ideal for both newcomers and those wishing to brush up on their knowledge. Fees include course materials, and limited numbers of places are available. Full details and booking information is available from Ros Wigmore, PO Box 7966, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 7WY, phone/fax: 0118 954 2175, or at the e-mail address below.

(Lee Baldock)

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USA - Meyer Sound has announced the introduction of the Galileo 616 digital loudspeaker management system - a 6 input/16 output, fully-digital matrix processor which collects in a single box all of the facilities required to drive and align sound reinforcement systems employing multiple zones. The device will include digital implementations of popular features developed over years by Meyer Sound for its acclaimed analogue processors, including atmospheric compensation.

Housed in a 2U rackmount package, the Galileo 616 processor can be used as a standalone device operated directly from its front panel, or in conjunction with a laptop or other personal computer via Ethernet. The Ethernet connection presents a broad variety of control possibilities, such as the use of wireless laptop computers and tablets to control the device, enabling the user to walk around a venue while adjust

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UK - Grammy-winning, multi-platinum-selling Canadian jazz singer and pianist Diana Krall is currently touring prestigious venues around the world, including a run of five dates at the Royal Albert Hall in London, in support of her latest release 'The Girl in the Other Room'. A Heritage 3000 at FOH and a Midas Venice 320 for monitors (monitor engineer Eric LaLiberte) will help to ensure that Krall's legendary vocal talents are delivered with warmth and clarity to her demanding audiences.

Dave Lawler of Docktrdave Audio Inc in Capistrano Beach, California, was contracted to mix sound at FOH for the tour and brought in his 48-channel Heritage 3000 console. Though onstage electronics are minimal, with boutique amps, custom instruments and German microphones being par for the course, Lawler's FOH setup belies the simplicity of the DSP-free backline, incorporating no less than three

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USA - ESTA (the Entertainment Services and Technology Association) announced the winners of the 2004 Dealers' and Manufacturers' Choice Awards during the LDI exhibition in Las Vegas last week. The Dealers' Choice Customer Service Awards offer ESTA's Dealer Members the opportunity to publicly recognize those manufacturers that provide consistently good customer service throughout the year. The awards recognize superior performance in four main areas: Customer Service, Shipping and Billing, Technical Support and Quotations/Project Management. Dealers cast their votes for manufacturers in each of three categories based on the Manufacturers' number of employees, 1-6, 7-25, and over 25 - and the winners for 2004 were Doug Fleenor Design Inc; City Theatrical and Apollo Design Technology Inc, respectively.

The Manufacturers' Choice Dealers of the Year Awards offer ESTA's Manufacturer

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UK - Barry Walker's TV and recording showgroup, Smackee, has invested in a new Robe Show Lighting moving light system, complete with Robe 1024 control desk, for its busy live performance schedule. The move was prompted by the company's popular Abba - The Show landing a high profile seasonal booking at Blackpool's North Pier Theatre.

Walker explains: "Blackpool is world famous for its illuminations, and the time was definitely right to get some new lighting technology onboard. Lighting can make or break a show, and we wanted to have the best lightshow in town."

The production has successfully toured Europe and the UK for four years. Smackee also has several other shows in their repertoire, including, The Musicals featuring the top scenes and sounds form favourite shows. When it came to specifying a lighting rig, Walker - also show producer and MD - want

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UK - Edinburgh lighting specialist black light got to the heart of Scottish democracy in October when 46 of its luminaires were used at the official opening of the Scottish Parliament's Holyrood building. Taking place on 9 October, the opening of the building was televised by the BBC. The 40 Source Four MCMs and six Source Four Juniors supplied by Black Light were used by main lighting contractor Lee Lighting in the main debating chamber. Their purpose was to augment existing equipment to light the Queen, the Presiding Officer and the Scottish National Orchestra, amongst others.

"The Holyrood building has been at the centre of the news in Scotland ever since it was first mooted, so we were very pleased to be able to contribute to the opening of the Parliament's official home," says black light managing director Gavin Stewart.

"It's was another example which sh

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If the cruise market isn't of interest, then maybe China is. PLASA will shortly be introducing a new service for members which will assist them with securing new business in China.

Run in partnership with Schmittzehe & Partners, the service will embrace investment valuation, financial structuring, business development, negotiations, interim management and the setting-up and manning of representative offices. Members are offered a free half-hour consultation.Call us now on

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USA - Industry training specialist and lighting programmer Vickie Claiborne has left High End Systems to launch an independent career as a training development consultant and automated lighting programmer. Claiborne has worked with High End Systems for over 10 years developing training programs recognized worldwide for lighting control consoles and digital media systems. She has created and maintained a consistent training curriculum for many leading products, including LCD Controllers, Status Cue, Wholehog 2 and most recently Wholehog 3 and Catalyst. Her programming experience includes the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony as well as numerous live concerts, broadcast events, and corporate industrials.

Claiborne is now actively expanding her coverage of product support seminars to include various lighting control systems and digital media products throughout the lightin

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UK - A.C. Lighting's Special Projects division has supplied and programmed fixtures for the largest installation of Solar LED equipment in the UK. The project, designed by LightMatters, involved providing an architectural lighting and control solution for illuminating the crown of Wall Street broker Lehman Bros' European headquarters in the prestigious Canary Wharf area of Central London. The 32-storey building, known as 'HQ2', is located amongst some of the capital's tallest buildings and the world's leading financial institutions.

To obtain the luminaires for the cutting-edge lighting project, LightMatters consulted A.C. Lighting's Special Projects division, who used its in-depth knowledge of LED fixtures to source the solution used. The whole project was managed by Canary Wharf Contractors Ltd.

The lighting system consists of 152 no. IP67 rated Solar M200B RGB LED luminarie

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Germany - MA Lighting has announced the appointment of Stefan Fiedler as technical sales and project coordinator, in which role he will support the company's international sales and project business, especially concerning tenders and complex system integrations. Fiedler is both a product and system expert and has experience of R&D, production, sales and the market.

As engineering graduate (Dipl.-Ing) for theatre and event technology, Fiedler worked for the Nationaltheater Mannheim, before joining Stella AG as stage and lighting director. Since November 1999 he has worked for the Despar Licht- und Bühnentechnik GmbH, where he was responsible for the planning as well as realization of special projects.

(Lee Baldock)

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