USA - Alcons Audio has announced the addition of Spoiled By Technology, Inc to its US network of representatives for the professional audio industry, covering the northern Illinois and Wisconsin region. Describing itself as ‘a professional sales organisation providing integrated solutions in a continuously evolving world’, the team at Spoiled By Technology (SBT) has over 50 years of collective experience within the professional audio/visual industry. The company has won many manufacturer and industry awards over the past two decades, highlighting its core values of open and honest communications, trust, respect and a determination not to rest on its laurels. On the subject of Alcons’ Audio products, SBT is clearly excited about bringing the many benefits of the company’s pro-ribbon technology to live sound suppliers in the region. "There is a lot of oppor
UK - The International Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference is now less four weeks away and the daily timetable is revealed, showing where more than 30 sessions have been placed in the three-day schedule. Since the first programme announcement and with Mark Rylance and Graham Vick as confirmed keynote speakers and the news of the Bridge Theatre session and visit, the Editorial Board has been working hard to confirm the speaker line-up. Hot industry topic of the moment, lamps for stage lighting and the threat posed by new EU regulations, will be discussed in Bursting the Bubble: LED, Regulation and the Future of Lighting, when the question of how specifiers deal with a rapidly changing world in which environmental and regulatory factors are becoming ever more significant, will be investigated. On the flip side, Raising the Standard will re
UK - Stage Electrics has been awarded the £2m technical contract to provide the infrastructure for production lighting, sound reinforcement and audio-visual services for the new £83.7m International Conference Centre Wales (ICCW). Set in the Coldra Woods just outside Newport, the ICCW is a joint venture between the Welsh Government and Celtic Manor Resort. The project features a state-of-the-art auditorium, main exhibition hall with capacity for around 5,000 delegates and associated meeting room as well as breakout facilities and will be capable of staging major party-political conferences. Being built by John Sisk & Son and scheduled to open in July 2019, it will be the largest facility of its kind in Wales and the South West of England. Stage Electrics has been working on the project since 2016 to develop the schemes and ensure allocated budgets are met. It wil
UK - A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ltd (AC-ET) has agreed to provide technical equipment and run training courses for live events industry education provider Backstage Academy. The partnership is part of a long-term strategy to offer Academy students the most up-to-date practical experience through AC-ET’s latest technologies from brands including ProLights, Chroma-Q, Green Hippo and BroadWeigh. Jonathan Walters, AC-ET's UK sales director, comments: "We are delighted to be able to support up and coming generations of backstage technicians and creative people. The future of the industry is all about fostering the talent of tomorrow and letting them use the technologies behind today's live events productions. “The partnership will give the Backstage Academy's students access to the latest LED lighting from popular brands such as Chroma-Q and ProLights, indust
Europe - Broadcast technology innovator Lawo has appointed the AVC Group as its agent for Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Slovenia. Prior to agreeing this new partnership, AVC had employed Lawo Nova73 routers, mc² audio mixing systems and VSM system control in a number of system integration projects at the request of the clients, proving the quality and reliability of Lawo technology and equipment - a key factor for AVC’s clients. AVC Group is a leading provider of audio, video, multimedia, lighting and telecommunication solutions in the Southeast Europe market, and has been the main supplier to the public and private broadcasting, and television stations in the area for the past 25 years. AVC - Audio Video Consulting - was founded in 1990 as a multinational group supplying and supporting the most modern au
Ireland - Entertainment equipment supplier A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) has launched a new sister company, A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ireland. Registered in Dublin, the Irish branch will be helmed by County Limerick-based MD Aaron Cripps, who previously acted as AC-ET's representative for Ireland and has also worked as an account manager in the international sales division of AC-ET. AC-ET’s managing director Phill Capstick comments: "I'm delighted that Aaron will be heading up A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ireland. With his extensive local experience and contacts, and strong relationships with key suppliers, he is well equipped to oversee the development of A.C.'s Irish business." Cripps adds: "I am really looking forward to building the A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ireland business. The company has access to a fantastic portfolio of cutti
Canada - Martin Audio has appointed Erikson Pro as the company’s exclusive distributor for Canada. Erikson Pro is a division of JAM Industries and also distributes Allen & Heath, Audient, Chauvet Professional, Martin Lighting and Illuminarc. Commenting on the new relationship, Erikson Pro vice-president Christian Bouchard says, “We’ve been looking at Martin Audio for some time and have been intent on pursuing the line because of their innovative and appealing products that have the potential to be very successful in the Canadian market. “Going to the UK and experiencing the line in person really convinced us in terms of the Martin Audio sound signature being so uniform, from the smallest point source speakers to the largest line arrays. They have unique technology like Hard Avoid™ and the capacity to control the signal over specific areas. A lot of
UK - The PLASA Lighting Protocols Plugfest 2018, held recently at London Gatwick, was hailed a “huge success”, with attendance numbers up on previous Plugfest events and more protocols added to the programme. Plugfest offers manufacturers of lighting products an opportunity to test the interoperability of their products with other equipment. It’s the only event of its kind in Europe where product engineers and software developers can test and debug, improve connectivity and ensure the reliability of lighting products. Manufacturers from across Europe were in attendance including ARRI, Artistic Licence, ChamSys, Company NA, Eaton, eldoLED, ETC, Howard Eaton Lighting, JESE, Lamp & Pencil, LSS GmbH, LumenRadio AB, Robert Juliat, Rod Boyce, Swisson, TMB, Wireless Solutions and Volksoper Wien GmbH. Protocols discussed at the event included Art-Net, DALI, DMX
UK - Milton Keynes-based IPS announced an updated look at the recent PLASA Focus Leeds, in preparation for what is set to be company’s busiest summer yet. IPS now employs a total of 35 full time staff, and with a further four staff joining for the summer season. IPS is a well-established operation, known by many for its large hire stock of LiteDeck staging and outdoor roof structures, alongside technical equipment hire ranges. However, when starting the process of redeveloping the company website, it quickly become apparent that some customers referred to the company as Impact, some as Impact Productions and many other variants. After much discussion, and despite the original IPS logo being on literally thousands of items, the decision was made to refresh the logo, and adjust the company name accordingly. This process has also lead to the three key areas of the busin
South Africa - Alfacam SA, a leading industry supplier and operator of HD TV facilities for events and shows in the outside broadcast market in South Africa, has recently invested in a DiGiCo SD12, purchased through DWR Distribution. Alfacam is no stranger to the DiGiCo platform. In 2013, owner Greg Nefdt purchased OB16, now fondly known as OB1, with all associated equipment from Euro Media Group and founded Alfacam S.A., operating out of Bush Hill Estate AH in Randburg. Upon arrival, OB1 was kitted out with a Soundtracs DPC-II and a DiGiCo D1. These consoles had worked perfectly for many years on numerous successful gigs, but Alfacam’s Quentin Davis knew it was time for an upgrade. DWR has been dealing with Alfacam for the past year, assisting with possible DiGiCo solutions and, although Quentin had many different options available to him, his heart was set on DiGi
UK - Following its Northern Open Day held at Gateshead Sage in March, RCF has announced a similar two-day event in Guildford, Surrey. The Southern Open Days will be hosted by Yes Productions at the G Live arts centre on 4-5 June (times yet to be confirmed), with registration now open. Dean Davoile, RCF UK sales manager, comments: “We are delighted to be partnering with Tom [Chennells, Yes production director], and capitalising both on the momentum created by our Northern event and recent exhibition showings at Prolight+Sound and PLASA Focus Leeds. This will be the first opportunity for those in the southern half of the country to hear our ground-breaking new HDL 6-A and HDL 30-A in a real-world situation.” The systems will be r
USA - Global design and BIM software solutions provider Vectorworks has invited professionals, educators and students in the AEC, landscape and entertainment industries to attend the fourth annual Vectorworks Design Summit from 4-6 November 2018 at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference includes industry sessions, tech support, networking events, inspiring keynotes and hands-on training. Multiple sessions will offer continuing education credits. Vectorworks CEO Biplab Sarkar, comments: “The Summit is the most cost-effective way for designers to maximise their investment in Vectorworks and improve their company’s bottom line. It is my hope that all attendees will leave Arizona with inspiration and valuable experience to strengthen their career in the design industry.” There will be two keynotes and 50 sessions led by 35 ind
USA - Adam Hall North America has expanded its operations by merging with its New Jersey-based North America distributor Musical Distributors Group (MDG). The deal is hoped to enhance the Group’s presence in the USA and Canada and strengthen the presence of its brands, including LD Systems, Cameo Lighting, Gravity Stands, Palmer and Defender Cable Protection, as well as MDG’s exclusive distribution brands, such as Höfner, Ultrasone, EBS, Mad Professor and Lock-It Straps. Steven Savvides, president of the new Adam Hall North America, comments: “We are joining forces in order to further drive this growth for all the Adam Hall brands and for our other exclusively distributed brands. It will also allow us to expand into additional market segments. Combining our strategic New Jersey-based location, 32 years of industry experience, substantial resources, expert staff,
Devastating Impact - Theatres around the UK face a total bill of £1bn - more than five times the cost initially feared - if new European Union regulations come into effect. This is the warning from the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre and is much higher than the amount initially estimated. The theatre membership bodies issued a joint statement warning of the devastating impact that proposed restrictions on lighting would have on the industry to their members, which include all West End Theatres and regional theatres around the UK. Due to concerns over energy efficiency, the EU is considering banning the sale of most lighting fixtures that are currently in use in theatres from 2020. UK Theatre and SOLT, along with industry leaders including West End theatre owner Nica Burns, are campaigning for an exemption for theatre lighting to be included in the new r
UK - Burnley-based Bates Box has received its first major order following the company’s recent launch. This order from Inverness-based I-Light will see Bates Box supply two bespoke power distribution units for a catering event. Bates Box offers a lightweight and efficient power distribution solution, compliant with all UK and European regulations, for a variety of applications across many sectors, including TV & film, catering, oil & gas and theatre. Their weather resistant and stackable boxes provide up to 16 power outlets in a single unit, made from recycled material. Bates Box founder Paul Bates says: “We’re excited to be fulfilling our first order, especially since the units will provide safe, robust and effective power distribution for the caterers.” Stephen Leslie, owner, I-Light, adds: “We’re delighted to be dealing with Bates Box. Th
UK - Northern Stage Theatrical Productions in Newcastle recently invested in Spotlight FresneLED 150RGBW luminaires for a touring production requiring a versatile and low-energy LED Fresnel - and after being so impressed with their performance, has now made them a regular fixture in their Stage 3. Northern Stage is the one of the largest producing theatre companies in the North of England, presenting new and dynamic original work as well as up-and-coming, innovative theatre makers. With a recent tour taking in some smaller community venues, Northern Stage production manager, Chris Durant and lighting designer, Richard Flood needed a low-power LED lighting rig featuring a multi-purpose Fresnel solution, to keep the overall power needs down. At the same time, it needed to match the quality and output of conventional Fresnels and have the option to create coloured light
UK - Manchester-based audio specialist tube uk became the first UK production company to take delivery of Yamaha’s new Rivage PM7 digital mixing system, and the company was also the first to use it on a UK show. “Rivage PM7 has many excellent features, the inclusion of the Rupert Neve Designs transformer circuitry and SILK processing through Yamaha’s Virtual Circuit Modelling shows that there is no compromise in quality,” says tube uk managing director Melvyn Coote. “The extensive i/o count also means it is properly multi-purpose and will fit a wide range of audio scenarios. All-in-all it is a great quality system at a good price and, of course, it is underlined by Yamaha’s rock-solid reputation for reliability.” Following Yamaha’s hands-on Rivage system demo day at London’s Abbey Road Studios, tube and Yamaha presented a similar hands-on worksh
Poland - KLANG:technologies has announced the appointment of Konsbud Audio as its exclusive distributor for Poland. Konsbud Audio is a leading pro audio distributor with a portfolio that includes, among others, d&b audiotechnik, Allen & Heath, Audio-Technica, Avid, Genelec, Neutrik and Cordial. Started in 1989, at the beginning of the free market in Poland, Konsbud Audio began with distribution of audio and music equipment. Today, in addition to distribution of pro audio products, the company offers complete audio solutions for rental, recording and post-production studios, theatres, cultural centres, broadcast and AV companies. Konsbud Audio also supports its clients with industry leading technical support and service. Jarosław Kierkowski, Konsbud Audio’s commercial director comments, “We had previously seen KLANG at PL+S in Frankfurt and, at a meeting wi
UK - Special Project Resources (SPR), a new event production company part of HSL Group, has been launched by Tim Dunn and Marcel Wijnberger. SPR has been described as “dedicated to assisting clients on any or all of the technical and design aspects of their concepts and projects through the innovative use of technologies”. The two founders have relocated from Johannesburg to HSL’s HQ in Blackburn, UK. HSL MD Simon Stuart comments: “I am hugely excited about welcoming Tim and Marcel as SPR to the Group, and am looking forward to the dynamics and vision they bring to our equation. It’s going to be a highly productive, fulfilling and enjoyable working relationship. “SPR will work in harmony with all the current HSL Group businesses and help grow, develop and diversify the scope of our work, optimise the talent, skills and personalities we already have a
Europe - German company GLP has become the next major lighting manufacturer to campaign for exemption of stage lighting from the Energy Directorate’s Ecodesign Working Plan 2016-2019. GLP says it would be “deeply affected” by the plans, which in their current form would impose a minimum efficiency of 85lm/W and a maximum standby power of 0.5W on all light sources from September 2020. Udo Kuenzler, GLP MD, comments: “If this becomes law, it could mean extinction for theatres, concert venues and other sections of the performing arts since no tungsten fixtures and many LED-based entertainment fixtures don’t appear to meet these requirements. “GLP stands for the responsible use of energy and the resources of our planet. However, it is not very helpful do this on flat-rate regulations as provided for in the current EU working paper. Therefore, we advoca
UK - PLASA Focus Leeds celebrated its 10th anniversary with a sold-out show floor, a programme of compelling content, and the unmistakeable buzz of business in the air. Exhibitors represented each corner of the industry, with household names sharing the stage with newcomers. “We’ve had a great experience at PLASA Focus Leeds,” says Rob Moore from Chauvet Professional. “We’ve seen a varied selection of visitors from across the board; everyone from end-users, lighting designers and engineers to specifiers and influencers. We’ve seen lots of new faces, too.” Inesh Patel from Sennheiser concurs: “PLASA Focus Leeds is brilliant - it has been non-stop, so much so that my voice is going from talking too much! The event is valuable as we get in front of the right people, meeting key end users and important dealers.” First-time exhibitor Glyn Harries fro
USA - Upon the opening of the world's largest architectural and commercial lighting trade show, Altman Lighting will be at Lightfair 2018 in booth 3922 inside McCormick Place, Chicago, on 8-10 May. In preparation for their showcase of innovative architectural and commercial lighting solutions, Altman Lighting will be highlighting the power and performance capabilities of their Gallery LED series, Chalice LED downlights, and the popular Spectra Cyc wall wash family of LED luminaires. “With so many talented architectural and commercial lighting professionals all gathered at one time, Lightfair is a significant opportunity for us to demonstrate the innovation behind our lighting solutions,” said Nick Champion, Altman Lighting vice president of North American Sales. “It is amazing to see how the technology behind the industry has grown over the last several years, a
UK - Liverpool-based Adlib Audio has invested in Outline’s Newton advanced multi-source audio processor. Combining new ‘WFIR’ (patent pending) filter technology, multi-format audio signal routing, simultaneous multiple standard conversion and digital signal synchronisation in a single 1RU chassis, Newton represents the next generation of networked audio system control, claims Outline. Ian Nelson, Adlib’s senior engineer commented, “I heard some chatter about Newton on social media, then investigated further on the Outline website and subsequently contacted James Lawford at CUK. “The Newton’s 18×16 matrix and its huge amount of I/O possibilities are the major factors that attracted us to the unit, but the ASRC and SRC on each matrix input is also a big advantage. This, coupled with the multiple levels of input redundancy, is something we had been se
USA - Point Source Audio (PSA) has announced the recipients of its $10K Anniversary Giveaway in celebration of its 10-year anniversary and “give back” initiative to benefit the performing arts. Each of the Grand, Great, and Good prize winners will select from Point Source’s full catalogue of miniature microphones and headsets totalling their prize value of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 respectively. The contest was open to public and non-profit schools, non-profit performance art and music-driven organizations, community theatre and performing arts groups and clubs, and church performance groups. “The award winners exemplified to us how it is possible to use the performing arts to entertain while also magnanimously create goodwill throughout their community,” said James Lamb, president of Point Source Audio. “It is heartwarming to see so much good being done day in a
