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Business

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UK - Maycom, the Dutch company which has pioneered the design and manufacture of compact flash card sound recorders since 1994, has appointed Solid State Sound to distribute its range of HandHeld II, EasyCorder and MP3/MicTube solid state recorders in the UK and Eire.

Based near Warminster, Wiltshire, Solid State Sound specializes in the sale of digital audio card recorders and their accessories, including suitable microphones and headphones. The company is owned and run by Rodney Wayman who has over 20 years' experience in pro-audio equipment sales, and some 10 years in broadcast production before that. "Having used and sold several million pounds worth of every conceivable audio device in my time, all the way from open reel to hard disk," says Wayman, "it is such a pleasure to be so closely involved with what the industry has been working all this time to achie

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France/China - French digital mixing console manufacturer InnovaSON has appointed its first Chinese partner, Hua Nan (HN) Audio. For several years InnovaSON has been testing the water in China, and the new appointment reflects an aim to step up its presence in the region.

"The Chinese market is a huge and difficult one," says Philippe Pelmelle, market development manager at InnovaSON. "If you do not have somebody in the country working for you with experience of your technology and products, together with a great knowledge of its market, and ability to do business right across the region, you will not succeed. My strategy was to find a company not only able to do this, but which also represented other product lines compatible with InnovaSON."

HN Audio was able to meet Pelmelle's criteria. Located in the southern Guangdong province and active across the whol

Doughty - Banner - ABTT (27 May - 5 June)

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UK - A.C. Lighting has reported the sale of a large quantity of SpectraLite cases to Stagelight, a leading Belgian lighting production company. StageLight, which supplies to the entertainment and performing arts markets, purchased 24 SpectraLite cases after a successful trial using the product to send out equipment from its in-house rental service.

Stagelight chose the cases due to their combination of stylish design, high build quality and scratch-proof material. The trial cases have been in regular use since they were purchased 12 months ago and have transported a wide range of equipment, including power and microphone cables, Hog PCs and ETC Source Fopur PARs.

The cases are constructed from an injection moulded, custom blended thermoplastic resin material which although often lighter than conventional cases, is able to withstand harsh touring environments. The material is

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USA - ESTA - The Entertainment Services and Technology Association - has announced the election results for its 2005 Board of Directors, with Bill Groener of Color Kinetics taking over the role of president from Mike Wood. Other appointments are: manufacturer vice-president - Bob Luther (CEO, Lex Products Corp), dealer director - Larry Schoeneman (Designlab Chicago Inc), manufacturer director - Rich Wolpert (Union Connector Company) and affiliate director - David Taylor (Theatre Projects Consultants).

Bill Groener has a long history of service to the Association, having previously served as the chair of the Technical Standards Committee, dealer director, affiliate vice-president, and a member of numerous committees including Long-Range Planning and the recent Buyers Survey. ESTA says Groener is in the unique position of having, during the course of his career, been a Dealer, Ma

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USA - Meyer Sound celebrated its 25th anniversary in style at the117th Audio Engineering Society (AES) convention held in San Francisco recently. After a year of increased sales and well-received new products, the company had a strong presence at the exhibition and left with its fifth TEC (Technical Excellence and Creativity) award, awarded to the MILO high-power curvilinear array loudspeaker for being best in Sound Reinforcement Loudspeaker Technology at the 20th annual awards show.

Previous TEC awards have been given to the SIM source independent measurement system, HD-1 high definition audio monitor, PSW-6 cardioid subwoofer and UPM-1P ultra-compact high coverage loudspeaker. The award took its place on Meyer Sound's booth the day after the TEC event next to the company's previous four awards, which were on display there. MILO's nomination was the 19th that the company has r

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New Zealand/Australia - Following the recent appointment of Amber Technology as exclusive distributor for DPA Microphones in New Zealand, it has been announced that the ties between the companies have been further strengthened with the appointment of Amber Technology as the exclusive Australian distributor for the range.

For the past decade, DPA Microphones have been well represented in Australia by Leon Hart from D2a Professional Audio. However, in an amiable agreement between all three companies involved, distribution arrangements for DPA products have moved to Amber Technology, with Leon Hart joining the company to ensure his extensive experience and product knowledge will continue to be available to DPA's large Australian client base.

"It was time to grow the DPA Microphones brand name even further and after more than 10 years association with DPA, I am pleased that m

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Germany / USA - Messe Frankfurt, organizer of Prolight&Sound, and Primedia, producer of the LDI exhibition and Entertainment Design and Lighting Dimensions magazines, have announced a strategic alliance. The statement issued jointly by the two organizations says: "This allows our attendees and exhibitors to take advantage of a wide range of sales and marketing objectives without increasing the number of shows. The initial result of this agreement will include combined marketing efforts designed to help promote each group's events, with more concrete synergies as the relationship grows."

Details of what the new relationship will entail, and what benefits it might bring to exhibitors and visitors to the two shows, are yet to be revealed, although it appears that Primedia is looking to strengthen the LDI exhibition's pro audio presence by cross-selling exhibiting and mar

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UK - The BT Digital Music Awards 04 took place in the Shepherds Bush Arena recently, with PA company Canegreen Commercial providing their specialist audio expertise to ensure the event could be enjoyed by the live audience and be recorded for the all important webcast.

The event was managed by Reality, who have extensive experience of producing corporate style awards ceremonies with a rock'n'roll element. MD Paul Corrick commented: "When music is the central theme of an event we know the sound - critical to the events success - will be in safe hands with Canegreen Commercial. Their knowledge of the venue and their interfacing with a good in-house system helped make these Digital Music Awards run very smoothly to be televised and webcast."

Canegreen has enjoyed a long relationship with the Shepherds Bush Empire, having first installed the in-house PA over 10 years a

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UK - Professional audio-visual supplier, Snelling Business Systems of Norwich, has just completed an AV system for the new Jarrold stand at Norwich City Football Club. The microphone systems chosen are from Sennheiser's evolution wireless G2 series: two ew322 systems with EM300 receivers and SK300 pocket transmitters with ME 4 tie cardioid mics and two ew335 systems with EM 300 receivers and SK 300 hand-held transmitters with MD 835 cardioid heads. These, plus Denon multi-CD and pro DVD players, plus a JVC SVHS VCR, feed the mixers and DSP audio matrix control. Amplification is handled by a QSC CX254 4-channel amplifier, which drives eight Tannoy iP5 Mirage NXT ceiling loudspeakers. A Tannoy CMS110B active sub adds the lower frequencies to the system.

To provide audio for the hard of hearing and comply with the Disability Discrimination Act, Snelling installed an additional Sen

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USA - American DJ will be holding its Customer Appreciation Party on February 23, 2005 during the Mobile Beat 2005 Show at Las Vegas' famously popular Beach Night Club, which was voted "no 1 Party Club in Las Vegas" in a 2004 poll conducted by the Las Vegas Review Journal.

The party is free for Mobile Beat show attendees. "It's our way of thanking customers for their patronage and support," said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. On most nights, working DJs provide entertainment so that other people can party and have fun. We thought our customers deserve one night when they can kick back and do the partying themselves."

"The 2005 version of this annual ADJ bash promises to be bigger, better and more fun than ever," said Davies. "In fact, this party will be so jamming that it will take two DJs to emcee

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USA - TAB Technical Services has become a major installer of Allen & Heath's iDR DSP audio distribution and processing systems. For one client, The Cheesecake Factory, TAB has installed the A&H iDR-8 at 75% of the national restaurant chain's 60 locations, according to company president Todd Berman.

Although materials, ceiling height, and décor differ slightly between locations, says Berman, the A&H iDR installation at each Cheesecake Factory restaurant is essentially the same. "It's pretty much an 8 or 10 zone system in each venue. The iDR works out well because there are 10 outs - two monitor jacks in addition to the eight main outs."

Using the multi-zone control and processing capabilities of the iDR-8, audio in each area of the restaurant may be separately programmed and controlled, continues Berman, who also has years of experience with Allen & Heath's DR128 dig

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UK - Following on from the successful 'Working Safely - Adapting to change in the electrical distribution phase colour codes' seminar at the PLASA Show, PLASA is hosting a follow-up seminar on 15 November at RIBA's London premises. The half-day open discussion and workshop will attempt to resolve ways in which the industry can manage the mixture of old and new colour schemes in temporary installations, especially during the grace period which runs until April 2006.

Anyone interested in helping to formulate a practical answer to this change in the wiring regulations is invited to attend. For more details on this half-day session, including directions and timings, please contact Nic Bowker at the email or phone number below.

(Ruth Rossington)

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USA - Color Kinetics has announced revenues of $11.1 million for the third quarter of 2004. Revenues increased 42% from the $7.8 million reported in the third quarter of 2003 and increased 9% from the $10.2 million reported in the second quarter of 2004. Net income for the second quarter increased to $853,000, or $.04 per diluted share, compared to $8,000, or $.00 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2003. The company's cash and short-term investments at 30 September 2004 totaled $55 million.

"We're extremely pleased to post another quarter of excellent results, and our sixth consecutive quarter of profitability," said George Mueller, chairman and CEO. "This achievement reflects Color Kinetics' ability to deliver strong operational results both domestically and internationally, driven by continued market and technology leadership."

"The perfor

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Worldwide - The edgy melodic post-grunge of Hoobastank is a worldwide hit. Live, the band relies on Audio-Technica mics to deliver knockout performances on stages throughout North America and Europe. Currently trekking through Europe on The Reason Tour, Hoobastank's lead vocalist Doug Robb is using the A-T Artist Elite 5000 Series Wireless System with an AEW-T3300 capsule.

Drummer Chris Hesse has a pair of Audio-Technica ATM63HE dynamics mics on the top and bottom of his snare, the dual-element AE2500 on his kick drum, an AE5100 on his hi-hat and ride cymbals, and the AE3000 on his rack toms. The AT4050 microphones Hesse uses as overheads are also employed by guitarist Dan Estrin on his guitar amps, while bassist Markku Lappalainen utilizes the AT4047/SV.

Brendon Brown, Hoobastank's tour manager and FOH Mixer for the band's last two tours, likes to work with the combina

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Germany - d&b audiotechnik has announced the launch of a newly-designed website - and really hopes that everyone has as much fun looking at it as they had choosing the images - such as the d&b army knife representing 'Support' (pictured). The website design now matches the most recent marketing design used by the company over the past year and to launch the Q-Series loudspeaker range and the D12 amplifier.

The company says that the new design allows easy navigation to download all d&b documentation and software updates and even includes a site map for those to whom speed is of the essence - zero to E0 in nanoseconds. Even the highly useful d&b calendar has been made more accessible under the News section, say the company.

"Of course," commented Simon Johnston, d&b's marketing director, "being d&b, we will now be changing the design of our advertisements from S

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UK - Entec Lighting is supplying full production and crew to the popular Virgo Productions UK theatre tour of Oh What A Night. Created in 1997 - and still starring Kid Creole and the outrageously camp Nigel Roach as Stretch - the show was initially conceived for a short season at Blackpool Opera House. Since then, it's thrilled audiences across the UK, Europe and Australia, featuring 36 pumping, all-action hits from the dizzy disco-crazy heights of the 1970's. The show's director is choreographer Kim Gavin, guru of modern pop choreography and the creator of stunning live shows for the likes of Take That, Westlife, Steps and the Pop Idol tour among many others.

Fusing the disciplines of rock 'n' roll and theatre has always been a central production platform for Oh What a Night, with it's hectic touring schedule and itinerary encompassing a myriad of different types

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Australia / Germany - Smart AV Pty Ltd has appointed the German distributor For-Tune as its distributor for Germany and Austria. Smart AV is the manufacturer of the Smart Console, a revolutionary new control surface for digital audio workstations and live applications. "For many years we have specialized in the distribution of high-end audio technology," said Stefan Mayer, managing director of For-Tune. "The products of Smart AV fit perfectly into our current product range and we are convinced that the Smart Console will set a new standard for hardware controllers in post-production and broadcast applications."

Patrick Woolcocks, European sales manager for Smart AV, commented: "We chose For-Tune not only for its reputation and knowledge of the market and technology, but also for the company's great energy and enthusiasm. I am very pleased to be working

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USA - Clay Paky America Inc and Group One Ltd have announced a change to their existing relationship. As of 1 January 2005, Group One will become part of the expanding Clay Paky America network of dealers and will continue to provide support for Clay Paky fixtures through its repair facilities. Clay Paky America will expand its sales force with the hiring of a regional sales manager for the Central and Eastern US.

"We are extremely pleased with this new agreement," said P.J. Turpin, CEO of Clay Paky America. "Not only does this provide significant clarification of Clay Paky America's distribution policy to the rapidly expanding customer base, but it also provides an exciting new role for Group One. Group One has been an important member of the Clay Paky family for a number of years, and we are glad that they will continue to work with us through the dealer progr

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UK - The first ever Nordic Music Awards was held recently in Oslo, Norway and rental company Audio One was the chosen live audio supplier for the event. The show, which was held in Oslo Spektrum and broadcast live on Scandinavian television, featured top international artists such as Robbie Williams, Tina Turner, Kylie Minogue, Westlife and Brian McFadden.

The Nordic Music Awards is to be an annual event for Norway, Sweden and Denmark, where national and international artists are chosen in different categories, such as Best International Female Artist, Best Nordic Band, etc.

With an audience of around 9000, the event was completely sold out, meaning a large sound system was required to adequately cover the whole audience listening area. Spektrum is a very wide and steep seated venue, so to have an even SPL coverage is always a real challenge. To do the job proper

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USA - Super Vision International Inc, the Florida-based manufacturer of fibre optic and LED lighting systems, has announced that Advanced Lighting Systems Inc of Sauk Centre, Minnesota, has signed a license to Super Vision's 'Variable Color Lighting System' 1990 patent developed in 1988 by Richard Belliveau of High End Systems. This follows the announcement in October that Canada-based Spectrum Manufacturing had signed a license to the '687' patent.

Super Vision purchased this patent from High End Systems to provide open access to the industry for intellectual property rights in the production and sale of colour-changing LED systems. Advanced Lighting specializes in the manufacture of fibre optic and LED lighting products for the architectural and entertainment industry.

Paul Streitz, president of ASLI: "Super Vision's making available the '687' patent to leading light

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UK - Automation and movement specialists Kinesys has designed and built an automation and control system for the new Clear Channel Entertainment production of Starlight Express.

This starts its UK tour at Manchester Opera House in November, following a lengthy and successful stint in the US. Kinesys initially supplied the production two years ago at the start of its US tour - providing six Elevation 1+ variable speed chain hoist controllers, an Array PD-ES power and Emergency Stop distribution unit plus a computer system, complete with proprietary Vector software. This was used to move the lighting trusses quickly and safely during the show, greatly enhancing the visual dynamics and flexibility of the touring rig.

Kinesys supplied the kit via Tomcat US, who provided the accompanying customized high speed Lodestar JJ Motors to US production company Troika. Tomcat also un

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UK - The Hilton Metropole Hotel, located close to Birmingham's NEC (National Exhibition Centre) was transformed into a spectacular setting for the Smirnoff BEDA Awards - the annual gathering of the members of the Bar Entertainment and Dance Association. BEDA's annual awards event brings together managers, owners, suppliers and promoters to celebrate the finest venues in the UK.

Over recent years, Pulsar has designed and supplied the lighting system for the BEDA Awards dinner, and this year the company came up with a striking lighting design which would meet the varying demands of the show. The lighting system comprised Clay Paky Stage Zoom 1200, MiniScan HPE, Alpha Wash, Alpha Spot HPE, Stage Light 300, Stage Colour 300 and CP 250 automated lighting fixtures. In addition to these, an impressive array of 46 Pulsar ChromaBanks was used along six flown trusses above the dinner tab

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UK - West Molesey based Sound Associates, the UK's largest supplier and installer of high quality cinema projection and sound systems, has just taken delivery of 16 D.A.S. DS-112A active loudspeakers and 16 Sennheiser evolution G2 300-IEM wireless monitor systems. The equipment make up the sound reinforcement system for eight portable cinema systems that Sound Associates is supplying to Film London, part of the Government-backed strategic agency, the UK Film Council. As part of the Digital Fund for Non Theatrical Exhibition, Film London required eight portable cinema systems that could be used in a wide range of multi-purpose venues including schools, colleges, and local halls.

Jerry Murdoch, sales and marketing manager for Sound Associates, explained the system: "The DS-112A gave us a really tough portable system with the clarity, power and dynamics needed for film but, b

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Denmark - Bico Professionel A/S, the Danish dealer for Italian manufacturer LDR, has recently specified and installed a batch of Suono F250 MSD luminaries to illuminate the new Alfa Romeo showroom in Birkeroed close to Copenhagen, Demnark. A total of 19 of the units of the units, in silver, were used to light the interiors of the building and to highlight the new Alfa Romeo cars.

The fixtures were specified by Mogens Gewecke from Bico, who says: "I took the project through from start to finish, so we had to interact with all the involved contractors. The ability to interact with the internal fittings design and to project an even beam of light with low maintenance were all top priorities when it came to choosing the lights."

He continues: "We had the choice on many different brands of luminaires, but we chose the Suono F 250 MSD because it combines a great ligh

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