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With recent revisions to Building Regulations concerning conservation of fuel and power coming into effect, UK architects and building design professionals will be pleased to hear that a design advice service offered by the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme (EEBPp), to improve the energy efficiency of all building projects is available to them free of charge.

Design Advice offers all organizations, from both public and private sectors, free, objective advice on how to maximize both the financial and environmental benefits of providing quality built environments with minimum operation costs. As part of the campaign, Design Advice is offering free independent site energy assessments for new build and refurbishment projects with a floor area of 500sq.m or above. The assessment will be undertaken by one of a network of 160 specialist consultants and will assess every aspect of the

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Exhibition creative lighting design specialists Stage Light Design has enjoyed a busy spring. In Las Vegas, Stage Light’s John Rinaldi and Alastair Crooks were both in action, but not at the slot machines. At the enormous broadcast industry technology NAB show, they designed imaginative lighting for Snell & Wilcox (for designers 2LK) and Quantel (for HBM) stands respectively.

Both clients also wanted to use identical stand lighting at IBC in Amsterdam in October, so the logical solution was to create the lighting design, source equipment locally for the US show, and for Stage Light Design to supply the equipment in September.

The Quantel stand features 80 Source Four PARS, four Source Four profiles and four Martin MAC 2000s, controlled with an Avolites Pearl console. The Snell & Wilcox stand lighting utilises nine MAC 2000s, over 100 Par 64s, Par 56s plus an assortment of other

Doughty - Banner - from 6 June 2025

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Australia's premier contemporary dance company, Graeme Murphy's Sydney Dance Company, have developed a new production called Ellipse, which features, on-stage, use of a fully motorised 4K HMI De Sisti Rembrandt Piccolo. At a meeting between Coemar De Sisti's Australia's Peter Kemp (MD) and Richie Mickan (Technical Products Manager) and Sydney Dance Company's Graeme Murphy (Choreography & Concept), John Henderson (Production Manager) Nick Broun (Development Manager) and Hugh Hamilton (Head Electrician), the dance company concept was explained. CDA were very happy to be able to suggest that a standard lighting system from De Sisti Italy, the ICARUS, met the specifications exactly.

The Icarus system is fully customisable, and for this production features a Rembrandt Piccolo 4kW HMI fresnel in the motorised pan-tilt-focus Icarus housing. Combined with the luminaire is a De Sisti DEB

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July 2002 marks the 20th anniversary of California-based Dove Systems. It was summer of 1982 when Gary Dove left Teatronics where he was co-owner and vice-president of engineering, and started his own company in his garage. Gary took the Scenemaster product line with him: the Scenemaster was improved and other products were soon added to the line. In 1990, Dove acquired the WestStar company, a pioneer of memory lighting control on a personal computer. Lighting control products were developed for the Commodore, Apple, and IBM personal computers. In 1996, Dove acquired Hallikainen and Friends Inc, a broadcast equipment company. Along with the deal came owner and electronic engineer, Harold Hallikainen, who turned his expertise from radio and TV to lighting control. Today, Dove Systems has 15 employees including Gustav the mascot dove. Dove's products include over 25 lighting control produc

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The Sandia Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico received a new roof system from Quickbeam Systems recently, manufactured by Tomcat USA. The 60’ X 52’ KT7-like roof structure with a tan canvas top was installed to permanent columns in the amphitheater type facility next to the casino to host concerts and festivals in the community. The main grid is constructed of 54" X 31" custom truss, 54" X 26" internal custom truss members and 24" fixed triangle truss. The grid integrates with four steel towers designed by Dekker, Perich, Sabatini Architects.

Tomcat also fabricated head blocks and a custom guide system for each tower utilizing six 2-ton chain motors that run in tandem. "The Sandia Casino did not want the grid to block the view of the mountains and the lush casino that sits behind it, therefore it was imperative that the grid design could be easi

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Marquee Installations have carried out the latest audio-visual fit-out for Six Continents, in their roll-out of the Edwards brand. In Swindon, they have again chosen the combination of Mackie and EAW components, following the design model originally created with Orritt Electronics.

Marquee Installations' Mark Brown says that all the installations include multiples of Mackie Monitor 8s and 5s, underpinned by MSW8 subs, providing the environmental sound on both the ground and first floors. "We choose these because they are compact and discreet, produce a good sound and have a wonderful tonal balance."

On the dance floor, they specify EAW speakers in the form of JF290Zs, reinforced by FR250Z subs. The four mid-highs are flown while the pair of bass bins are ground-stacked. Brown adds that correct speaker positioning is vital in achieving the transparency of sound that Six Cont

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Turbosound Ltd, the British manufacturer of live performance and installed-sound loudspeaker systems, has recently appointed a new exclusive Austrian distributor - dBLuX Vertriebs GmbH, based in Dornbirn. Located close to the Swiss and German borders in Western Austria, dBLuX is already reporting major successes for Turbosound's QLight and Impact series, which are proving particularly popular with specialist bars and clubs located in the ski resort areas.

dBLuX was established in 2001 by Thomas Feuerstein and Johannes Sorgo to fill a perceived gap in the local market. Thomas explains: "We could see that there was a need for a new kind of sound and light distribution company that provided an excellent product range, supported by a comprehensive, responsive after-sales service. Turbosound products represent a perfect match for our target market, and in the few months since our appoi

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SSE Audio Group launched its new sales department at the ICC in Birmingham recently, at the same time as giving the UK market its first demonstration of the GEO Tangent Array loudspeaker system. Also on display was the range of InnovaSon digital consoles for which SSE has recently been appointed UK distributor. SSE’s new dedicated sales department is headed up by Julian Ward in the role of equipment sales manager. The company has been selling equipment for many years, based on the sale of its large ex-hire stocks, and the new department will capitalize on this, offering both new and used equipment for sale, as well as undertaking key installation projects.

Invited guests at the ICC launch represented all sections of the industry, including hire companies, theatre management, corporate and event production people, and freelance sound engineers. SSE used the full scope of the 3000s

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LM Productions has just completed one of the largest brand launches of 2002 in the UK, in association with Edelman Public Relations. LM Productions provided all the lasers, lighting, sound, video and pyrotechnics for the launch of the new Mobile Communications brand O2 - the result of a merger between BT Cellnet, Genie and four European countries. The launch was also the first UK outing for Laser Magic’s new StratoSphere system.

The contract went to LM following a demonstration of its StratoSphere system in Reading. The location for the launch was the British Airways London Eye, and the concept was to light up the London Eye which would become the ‘O’ part of the logo and a 20m x 20m water screen was used as the projection medium for the ‘2’. The 300 VIP guests were treated to a ride on the London Eye, from where they viewed the show. Stephen Harvey said:

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The Audio Post-Production Studio sector of the APRS is launching a specialist handbook called Audio Post UK at Cannes this year. The handbook focuses on the audio post production facilities and services provided in the UK and is being targeted at producers and audio-post supervisors involved in commercials, film and TV production throughout the world.

Over recent years the UK's audio post facilities have acquired a reputation for excellence throughout the world with high profile movies including the Star Wars series, Harry Potter, The Mummy 2, James Bond and Tomb Raider amongst those productions choosing the UK for their audio needs. UK audio facilities and the strength of music composition and score recording have all contributed to this reputation which Audio Post UK is promoting.

Supported by the DTI through Trade Partners UK, it is hoped the directory will introduce new clients

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BMN Music has joined the growing ranks of high profile studios investing in the new Yamaha DM-2000. The DM2000 will complete BMN’s state of the art equipment roster at its High Barn Studio. Purpose built in 2001, utilizing part of an 800-year-old barn, the studio is located in the historic Essex village of Great Bardfield and provides a unique and relaxing setting.

Iain Court of BMN explains: "The main reason for the acquisition of the DM2000 console is that we have a number of albums waiting to be mixed and without the extensive features of the console (particularly its automation capability) it would be near impossible to get the standard required." The DM2000 console provides full recall of almost every setting on the desk at the touch of a button and features 100mm precision touch-sensitive motorised faders. Even during automated mixdown, a fader can be touched to m

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The Rigging Working Group, part of the Entertainment Services and Technology Association's Technical Standards Program, has approved the following new standards projects and notified the American National Standards Institute of their initiation:

BSR E1.21, Temporary Ground-Supported Overhead Structures Used To Cover Stage Areas and Support Equipment in the Production of Outdoor Entertainment Events: The standard will offer guidance to ensure the strength and structural reliability of the structures within its scope (ones in which the structural elements are rigid towers, trusses, and space frames) but does not address fire safety or safe egress issues, nor cover membrane structures and other structures in which the majority of the structural elements under tension are made of flexible elements.

BSR E1.22, Entertainment Technology - Fire Curtain Systems: The standard to be developed

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Audium SRL, the long-standing Italian distributor for Australian pro audio manufacturer ARX, has passed on news from Rome detailing the recent Installation of ARX products into new audio systems at St. Peter’s Square and several other locations within the Vatican.

Five ARX Maxisplit line splitters are used for signal routing and zoning to the 33 Crown Comtech 1610 high-voltage amplifiers feeding 30 EAW KF 900 Series loudspeakers. The complete audio system is managed by a CROWN IQ Control System. Another five ARX Maxisplit Line Splitters were installed as part of the audio system at the Nervi Hall, the 7,000-seat auditorium within the Vatican. In the audio systems at the Blessing Hall and San Damaso Court, ARX Mixx 4-channel microphone mixers and further ARX Maxisplits have been utilized for microphone mixing and zoning.

(Lee Baldock)

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Confronted with the need to increase their large-format fresnels, the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden have recently added ARRI high-grade theatre luminaires to their rig in two separate batches. These were supplied and installed by White Light.

The new lights comprise two fully automated 4K Compact ARRI HMI fresnels and a further three automated 5K tungsten ARRI Junior fresnels to add to the nine units supplied by White Light last year. The Junior 5Ks, in this case incorporating dichroic reflectors, are built into a moving yoke with scroller, while the ARRI Compact 4K HMIs have dimmer shutter and scroller incorporated into the moving yoke. The Royal Opera House are a long-standing client of White Light, who also service and maintain their moving lights, dimmers and control system. Account manager David Howe said: "The Royal Opera House rig has come on a lot since their initial

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Bob Geldof’s current UK tour landed at the Guildford Civic Hall last month, with XTA’s SiDD (Seriously Intelligent Digital Dynamics) ensuring that Bob’s distinctive, gravelly voice was done full justice.

Sean Busby-Little has used SiDDs as in-ear monitor control processors in the past, but working as FOH engineer on the Geldof tour needed a different approach completely. He explains: "I use each channel of the SiDD on Bob’s voice and guitar. Not only is his voice unusual, but he also plays a right-handed guitar upside down, so when he hits the top string first you can get too much top end. The SiDD gives the dynamics to get rid of the bits that I don’t like. Also, on the vocal, the compression gives warmth and depth and the limiter is great for when he plays the harmonica. I’m using everything that SiDD’s got on Bob’s voice - he has

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In a deal widely expected within the lighting community, Lighting Technology has announced that it is to promote Vari*Lite luminaires throughout the UK and France. Garry Nelsson, LTG sales director commented: "Over the past few months many of our customers have been asking if we can supply this equipment and we are delighted to have reached a formal agreement to distribute the Vari-Lite range. With sales and service facilities in London, Paris, Manchester and Newcastle we are ideally positioned to handle the distribution of these stunning products."

Vari-Lite’s European sales manager, Simon Roose, told us: "With excellent relationships, throughout the UK and beyond, the Lighting Technology Group are natural business partners."

(Lee Baldock)

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Airport House in Croydon was the host venue on Sunday 28 April when direct marketing company, Smart Sound Direct, held its SmartDay Out open day. Glasses at the bar rattled as associate director Paul Murray guided visitors through an afternoon of demonstrations. The full complement of MSA (Matched System Approach) PA systems were auditioned, accompanied by detailed information to help customers choose a set-up for their specific needs - from the versatile and compact 1,500W RMS (3,000W program) DJ Friendly Package to the 3,500W RMS (7,000W program) Portable Club rig. Live entertainment was provided by the talented Replay, allowing visitors to witness the power handling of instruments through the MSA range, while DJ magazine iDJ, recreated the club scene with a mixing session.

Three new products were launched at the show. The first of these, aimed at the DJ sector, is the affordable Ff

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Bandit Lites is supplying Barry Manilow’s sold-out Manilow Live! 2002 US and UK tour, which finishes - after 10 months - back in the US in September. Lighting designer Seth Jackson has worked with Manilow - one of the world’s most successful singer/songwriters - since 1998. The lighting for each tour starts conceptually, when Manilow gives Jackson the demos for the upcoming album. They reconvene a couple of months later and evolve a scenic concept. Manilow is big on collaboration, with clear ideas of the visual elements he likes to see incorporated and choreographed into his stage show.

The ‘Here at The Mayflower’ album is about an apartment block, and contains strong narrative tales about the different people inhabiting each space. For the tour, he wanted a city feel, without it being too literal, and so Jackson came up with the metallic scaffolding structure a

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Today, the Scottish Parliament will move to Aberdeen for a week. This will be the first time ever that the Parliament has met in Aberdeen, Scotland’s third largest city and the oil capital of Europe. While in its temporary home, the Parliament will score another first, using virtual studio technology, installed and operated by Metro Ecosse.

Using For-A’s state-of-the-art digiWarp-EX technology, Metro Ecosse has created a virtual parliamentary newsroom from which material will be webcast on the Parliament’s website. The virtual studio will provide a modern news setting for a variety of interviews and features, and will incorporate a video screen depicting a virtual image of the Parliament’s new Holyrood site, currently under construction. There will also be a computer-generated image of the interior of the new building, from which the presenter can continue studi

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Unitek’s new Activ Banner system delivered an impressive performance at its inaugural race meeting at Chester. Installed and operated by event display specialists ADI Group, two Activ banner systems were used to display announcements, race results and sponsors’ messages at the May Vase Day event, televised by Channel 4 Racing.

This is the first time Unitek’s Activ Banner system has been used at a UK horse racing event: based around Unitek’s industry standard LED display cabinets, the low-profile, banner format displays can be installed quickly and easily, virtually anywhere. The Activ system allows real-time textual information, announcements, graphics and animations to be displayed with pin-sharp clarity and in vivid true colour, even in strong direct sunlight.

The fully weatherproof displays are controlled by a dedicated processor and Unitek’s Activ-8

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The management of Telex EVI Audio is planning to market Dynacord’s pro audio products in the US. The person charged with responsibility for introducing the brand to the US market is Ernie Lansford, vice president and general manager of Dynacord Pro Audio, USA. Lansford will begin with a campaign to launch the new Dynacord COBRA line array system in the US, has been enjoying enormous success throughout Europe since its launch in the spring of 2002.

(Ruth Rossington)

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The Greek pro audio industry has received a major boost thanks to a joint venture between the London-based FX Group and Athens-based db Mediahire that will enable the Greek audio industry to tap into the FX Group’s extensive equipment hire stocks.

Db Mediahire was established earlier this year by sound engineer Christos Tsakiridis after he noticed a gap in his local market for a professional pro audio equipment rental company. He explains: "Although there are a large number of companies hiring PA equipment in Greece, there was definitely a need for a company that could supply pro audio equipment to the local audio industry. Almost every day I was receiving requests for this type of equipment, so I set up db Mediahire as a direct response to this demand."

Tsakiridis first came into contact with the FX Group while he was studying and working as a sound engineer in the U

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Unusual Services Ltd are main contractors for the massive Golden Jubilee weekend celebrations that are happening in The Mall, Green Park, St. James’s Park, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park and at the Queen Victoria Memorial.

The company is supplying all technical infrastructure, co-ordination, site and production management for this mind-boggling task, working closely with show producer Major Sir Michael Parker and the Golden Jubilee Weekend Trust. Unusual has employed over 250 sub-contractors and mounted a major logistical exercise to ensure the event - being broadcast live worldwide - is a well-oiled operation. To this end, the company has been interfacing with various authorities including Westminster City Council Special Events, the Metropolitan Police, Royal Parks, the GLA, the WRVS, London Underground, London Ambulance, St. John Ambulance and the British Red Cross.

The event i

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The Public Address, Voice Alarm and Public Safety Conference and Exhibition 2002, organized by the Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers, will be held on 9-10 July 2002 in Regent's Park, London. The conference will feature a series of presentations that will take a wide range of construction, insurance and regulatory professionals through the issues surrounding the use of voice alarm systems in emergency evacuation from buildings and stadia. Current, changing and new Standards that impact upon safety compliance issues will be treated in depth.

Detailed consideration will be given to BS EN 61508 for which a new sector specific version applicable to voice alarm systems is now under consideration. This could revolutionise the way insurance companies and underwriters deal with compliance requirements when insuring buildings. The 'Total Systems (Risk-Based) Approach' to safety is

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  6. A.C. Lighting Special Projects at The Watermans
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