Australia - As of 1 June, 2013, authorised Shure distributor for Australia, Jands Pty Ltd, began distributing conferencing products manufactured by Danish Interpretation Systems (DIS), a division of Informationsteknik Scandinavia Group of Copenhagen, Denmark, which Shure acquired in February 2011.

"With the acquisition of Informationsteknik, Shure has reinforced our position in the installed sound market. Together, Shure and DIS have a history of innovation, quality and customer commitment, and with our strong and dedicated network of distributors, we will deliver state-of-the-art conferencing solutions to an expanded customer base," said William Chan, managing director of Shure Asia Limited.

(Jim Evans)

Norway - A dazzling array of pure beam Sharpys, rigged in a two-tier array around the Oslo Spektrum Stadium and pointing directly at the audience, has added superstar sparkle to the final of Norwegian Idol.

Respected lighting designer, Anders Busch, specified a host of Sharpys for the closing show of the international TV show phenomenon.

"The concept for the Norwegian Idol finale 2013 was that it should not look like every other TV talent show," explains Petter Nilssen from lighting equipment supplier, Elektrik Solutions AS. "The production designers didn't want the ubiquitous supersized LED or projector screens, they wanted something different. In addition the producers wanted to have as many people in the audience as possible. In order to do this they needed a 360 degree stage."

This presented a considerable challenge - how to create enoug

UK - London venue the Brewery has confirmed Blitz Communications as its exclusive in house audio visual supply and production partner. The five-year agreement will commence on 31 July.

James Varah, sales director, at the Brewery comments, "We are thrilled to be welcoming Blitz to become part of The Brewery family at a key point in our history. Our business has grown significantly in the last eighteen months, and we are now hosting more events than ever before. The breadth of Blitz offering was instrumental in our decision, and we feel will enhance our already comprehensive event service."

(Jim Evans)

UK - Dating from the 13th century, the Chester Mystery Plays production involves hundreds of amateur actors, volumes of volunteer work and a great audience from different corners of the UK and from all over the world. Organized every five years, this year's performances took place for the first time ever in the Chester Cathedral's nave, where about 100 CHauvet Professional fixtures lit the set.

"In order to bring these 700-year-old Mystery Plays to life, I knew I had to deliver some spectacular effects," said lighting designer Chris Ellis. " I also knew we needed a large lighting rig to do justice to the large setting in the Nave of Chester's medieval cathedral. With only modest power supplies available, it was an ideal opportunity to try out a large LED rig to help keep the power consumption down. Chauvet lighting kindly obliged with a selection of some 10

UK - Harlequin Floors, have played a vital part in the development of The Academy, the south coast's largest dance studio and training centre. Opened last Friday by Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers, Ian White and Natalie Lowe, the centre in Southampton features 720m2 of Harlequin Activity Sprung Floor and Harlequin Standfast.

Friday 28 June saw the unveiling of three large dance studios, costume and shoe storage room, an aerial performance room and two singing rehearsal rooms, all in a converted warehouse. The Academy is one of the largest dance studios in the UK and will house rehearsals for thousands of dancers and performers rehearsing for appearances on Carnival Cruises.

Each of the three dance studios were fully equipped with Harlequin Activity Sprung Floor topped with Harlequin Standfast Surface and were built to replicate a ship in a bid to help perform

Italy/USA - LDR has announced a significant change in their distribution policy for the USA . Effective from July 2013, LDR will cease the cooperation with Ballantyne-Strong.

LDR's Fabiano Besio says, "Ballantyne-Strong proved to be a professional and dedicated partner for LDR during our many years of collaboration and we wish them all the best for the future.

"The change has been necessary to answer the growing demand on LDR products in the USA and particularly on the Canto followspots and The Xpress 21 color color Scroller . Our customer base is very demanding and expects from our distributor the same high level of quality and service that are representative of our products.

Beginning 1 August, 2013, the Canto followspot range and related LDR products will be exclusively distributed and serviced by CantoUSA.

(Jim Evans)

Germany - The first live show in Europe to use Robe's new Pointe moving light fixtures was headlined by DJ and house music producer David Guetta at the DR2 Plaza Festival in Hannover.

The Pointes, supplied by satis&fy AG, were part of the specification provided for his headline slot enjoyed by 17,000 fans who packed the venue.

Guetta's lighting designer is Leggy (Jonathan Armstrong), and lighting is looked after on the road by lighting director Junior (Alex Cerio) from Smash Productions.

Armstrong is a big Robe fan and has used various Robe products in his work for some time. He was delighted to get the chance to run 20 x Robin Pointes - making their worldwide concert debut - in Hannover.

These were supplied, together with the rest of the lighting rig, including another 74 Robe fixtures by the leading German lighting rental house which has over 800 Robe units in its hire s

Peru - Together with Novolite screen & Light s.a.c, MA Lighting's distributor in Peru, MA Lighting Latin America, has just finished its grandMA 3D competition in Lima. Twenty young LDs selected from 50 participants had the chance to present their designs in the auditorium of the UNIFEM in Lima during the contest.

The contest was an ideal opportunity to showcase the use of grandMA 3D as a free pre-programming and design tool. It also showed that in combination with the free grandMA2 onPC software, users could access a real life design studio.

The jury comprising Alarico Sanchez, director of Novolite, Daniel Ridano and Paulo Lebrao from MA Lighting Latin America, Francesco Romagnoli from Clay Paky and lighting designer Mario Ráez assigned the awards to: first, Alex Tacora from Peru winning an MA onPC command wing; second, Jose Luiz Fagundes from Brazil winning an MA 2Port Node

USA - Constructed inside the shell of a vacated Boeing Defence Systems plant, Eastside Christian Church in Anaheim, Calif. is centred on a 1,765-seat worship auditorium. A Meyer Sound Constellation acoustic system and a MIca line array loudspeaker system were installed here to provide flexible sonic enhancement for Eastside's contemporary worship band and musical events.

In addition to supplying variable acoustics, Constellation also helps lend a sense of small-room intimacy to the teaching segments of senior pastor Gene Appel and others. "The main benefit of Constellation is that we can finesse it. We are not locked into a permanent acoustical decision as we would have been with a fixed acoustical ceiling," says Chris Gille, Eastside's CTO and chief systems engineer.

Gille says Constellation's effect on the room is strikingly apparent at all times. "Just talkin

Denmark - When Elton John played the 10,000-capacity Resenlund Parken in Skive in Denmark's Jutland at the end of June, DPA Soundco decided that its Coda Audio Airline LA12 system would be the perfect solution. The results proved their decision was justified and further cemented their faith in Coda and its products.

DPA Soundco has already been working with Coda for several years and bought the Airline LA12 system because they saw huge potential in Coda's technology, as well as the size, weight, rigging and handling of the system.

"We have been working with it a great deal and we've found out how to make the most of its power and versatility in a large variety of applications," says Ulrik Rasmussen, DPA Soundco project manager and system designer for the Elton John concert. "We're now really confident that it has plenty of potential to compete with the top brand

UK - Greenford-based rigging specialist Actus Industries has invested in new Kinesys Elevation 1+ controllers, Liftket chain hoists and a LibraCELL load monitoring system to expand its rental stock.

Actus Industries is headed by Andy Martin, and its senior management team includes some of the most experienced and respected practitioners in the production, show and event industry.

The business has three separate divisions; equipment hire, selected sales and project management.

Actus general manager Adam Beaumont explained that they always intended to go into automation and the choice of brand was made because, "Kinesys is easily the best option'.

They recently won the contract to supply the full rigging package to Robbie Williams' Take The Crown tour, and at this point decided to expand their Kinesys elements.

The new Kinesys kit - including Liftket motors, El

UK - Neneh Cherry is back for a small UK tour with new band RocketNumberNine and they have chosen the RML demo room for their production rehearsals.

This multi-purpose space can simulate studio conditions especially useful for lighting demonstrations, effects and design. The RML team of proficient lighting and industry experts and technicians can be on hand to clarify features, performance and technical characteristics. Alternatively the space can be hired for many other purposes including small productions, rehearsal space, pop promos, music videos, photo shoots and training to name a few.

Lighting designer Ed Warren, who is busy working with a number of artists including Mumford & Sons said that it was "a fantastic space" and wouldn't hesitate in recommending it.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Black Light now has one of the largest hire stocks of ETC LED lighting in the country. The company has recently invested in over 100 pieces of ETC's technically-sophisticated range.

"LED is the way forward," says Calder Sibbald, Black Light's head of hires. "We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible choice and the latest technology and we think that ETC's range offers an unbeatable combination of features."

The new additions to Black Light's stock include Source Four LED Lustr+ and Studio HD Profiles, Vivid Desire D60's Vivid, Lustr+ Desire D60 Lustr+'s and Vivid Desire D4060 Vivid luminaries.

"We bought some Lustr+e Profiles last year and they have been out on hire almost constantly ever since," says Sibbald. "We know that this range is perfect for our broad customer base which includes Lighting Designers, Ven

Russia - D.A.S. Audio continues to forge ahead with its training policy, recently holding two technical seminars in Eastern Europe. Ignacio Chulía, export department area manager and engineering department representatives Eva Argandoña and Joel Damiano made the trip from D.A.S. Audio's headquarters in Spain to share their expertise at the seminars in Russia and Ukraine.

Coinciding with the Moscow Prolight+Sound NAMM 2013 trade show, the first of these seminars was held in collaboration with D.A.S. Audio's Russian distributor LTM Music Company and with the invaluable assistance of company member Victor Petrenko. Eva Argandoña, head of D.A.S. Audio's Department of Sound Projects, kicked off the day by speaking about the different aspects of acoustic and auralization simulations performed during sound installation projects, with an in-depth explanation of the main differences be

France - Every year in 'The City of Light' on the Summer Solstice, hundreds of thousands of revellers enjoy music at stages and buildings set around picturesque Paris locations at the free Fete de la Musique event. Amadeus, based in France, manufacturers of high-end sound reinforcement systems and custom studio speakers, outfitted the EDM stage with live sound at the event for DJ sets by Michael Canitrot, Nico de Andrea, Gregori Klosman and Tristan Garner. Amadeus provided integrated sound reinforcement from stage to audience combining their Amadeus DIVA XL array systems, Amadeus PMX 15 coaxial speaker systems, used as stage monitors and in front-fills, and an exciting new prototype product, the Amadeus MAESTRO subwoofer.

"The Amadeus MAESTRO subwoofer takes a revolutionary step forward in subwoofer technology and design with a unique combination of both low power ha

UK - ADB Lighting has supplied the English National Opera (ENO), based at the Coliseum in London, with a Eurodim TwinTech dimming system, fitted with dual-mode DimSwitch dimmer modules.

The installation in April was carried out by ENO's chosen installer, Push The Button (PTB) and distributor White Light. The innovative DimSwitch software-switchable dimming and switching system, housed in ADB's dedicated Eurodim TwinTech cabinets, replaced ENO's existing dimmer system.

Already performing in many of Europe's leading opera houses, theatres and TV studios, ENO joins the likes of the Onassis Cultural Center in Athens, the De Doelen auditorium in Rotterdam, Opéra Bastille in Paris, Opéra de Lausanne, New Music Centre Linz, National Theatre of Bahrain and many others. White Light had already supplied a quantity of ADB's WARP/Motorized silent automated profiles for ENO's

UK - StageHand, formerly known as the PSA Welfare & Benevolent Fund, has used its resources to help a PSA member during a period of convalescence from a serious illness.

StageHand is registered with the UK Charity Commission in addition to the name 'PSA Welfare & Benevolent Fund', and donations can be made in either name. The charity is also registered with JustGiving.com, which allows the tax value of donations to be reclaimed under the Gift Aid scheme, boosting the value of individual donations significantly at no extra cost to the donor.

"We don't have many calls on our funds these days, because people have learned that having professional insurance of various types is the sensible way to go," explained trustee Mike Lowe of Britannia Row. "But in certain circumstances it is good to know that there is a fall-back option when a PSA member (or widow or widower)

Denmark - Sitting off the main highway in the Danish town of Losning, innovative concrete solutions provider Boligbeton decided to take advantage of the 30,000 vehicles driving past its facility on a daily basis. An opportunity to refresh its image by using free advertising space presented a more positive company image than the mundane concrete yard. Design firm Pluskontoret Arkitekter (PA) presented a lighting solution featuring 10 Martin Exterior 400 image projectors to tell the detailed story of the concrete process.

A number of thoughts were considered to improve the yard's aesthetics, but the proposal to illuminate the 140 x 11m façade was the winning idea. A unique and fun way to tell Boligbeton's production story, from the open pit and transportation to the end product, would provide a stunning, yet simple solution. Architect Daniel Olsen of PA understood a dynamic illum

Europe - Renowned New Zealand theatrical rock act, Starboy, will be touring Eastern and Central Europe this summer with an Allen & Heath compact GLD-80 digital mixer.

Starboy is a large theatrical show, blending a live heavy rock band with classical orchestration, electronic sounds and movie elements, plus dancers, Maori warriors, and pyros, lights and lasers. Consequently, production demands for the tour are high, made more complex by the logistical complexity of being based in New Zealand.

"For us to tour without a digital console would mean travelling with about 30U of outboard gear, which was totally impractical and very expensive for an independent band. After investigating everything in the market, we settled on the GLD-80 because the convenience of using audio over Ethernet was so much more practical than anything else out there," explains chief engineer, Stu

India - LumenRadio continues the expansion of its global distribution network with the announcement of Integrated Entertainment Solutions as CRMX distributor in India. Based in Mumbai, Integrated Entertainment Solutions is a leading distributor of products for the entertainment industry in India, with brands such as Robe and Martin Audio already part of their portfolio.

IES was founded in 1996 by Rasesh Parekh and Kekul Sheth. IES started out as a lighting distribution company but soon realized the potential of the industry and the need for more products and services.

Besides being a distributor, IES also offers lighting and sound solutions including complete integration with concept, design, installation and execution.

Rasesh Parekh says, "Intelligent lighting has seen a lot of development since the early years, CRMX wireless technology is the next step in that develop

UK - Stage Technologies has supplied a massive 75-axis automation system for the world premier West End smash Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Stage Technologies supplied the full automation package, consisting of counterweight assist winches, floor tracks, trucks, sliders and supplementary motors, while sister company Delstar Engineering supplied the stage engineering and hydraulics.

Production manager Patrick Molony said, "Working with the team from Stage Technologies on Charlie has been an absolute pleasure. The installation of the show into Drury Lane has been incredibly smooth. For a production with this level of automation there have been very few problems. When problems have occurred, which they inevitably will on something of this scale, Stage Technologies have pulled out all the stops, and have ensured that all necess

UK - When the Rolling Stones arrived at London's Hyde Park on 6 July to perform the first of two concerts at the AEG-Barclaycard British Summer Time 10-day season, they were safe in the knowledge that their glorious oeuvre of classic rock favourites would reach the 65,000 or so fans situated in proximity of any of the ten delay towers courtesy of an Optocore redundant fibre distribution system.

Capital Sound had been awarded the sound reinforcement contract by promoters AEG Live/Loud Sound - Royal Parks' new tenant - and the London-based production company deployed the Optocore system that they purchased in 2011 for the Take That Progress Live stadium tour - supplemented by a further eight newly-acquired XR6-FX converters.

Capital Sound technical manager, Ian Colville, said he had no hesitation in specifying this solution to set up the transmission ring covering around

UK - Rick Wakeman and his English Rock Ensemble recently performed two special shows with the 65-piece Cheltenham Symphony Orchestra and the Gloucester Cathedral Choir, which saw an array of Audio-Technica AT2020 and AT2031 microphones used for brass and woodwind duties.

The Rick Wakeman Ultimate Experience shows featured more than 90 artists on stage performing selections from Wakeman's best-loved albums - The Myths And Legends of King Arthur, Journey To The Centre Of The Earth and The Six Wives Of Henry VIII - at The Centaur venue at Cheltenham racecourse.

Front-of-house engineer Ian Barfoot has worked with Wakeman for nearly 30 years and is full of praise for Audio-Technica's budget-friendly 20 Series models.

"I use the AT2020s exclusively for brass," he explains, "I'm not usually a fan of large diameter capsules for live work bu

UK - A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) Ltd provided spectacular video projection for the British Racing Drivers' Club's (BRDC) dazzling annual British Grand Prix party at Silverstone racing circuit.

Staged every year on the eve of the F1 Santander British Grand Prix, this year a party was held for the first time at the BRDC Farm, which is adjacent to the celebrated race track.

AC-ET's technical manager, James Bawn, decided to bring the façade of the space's Georgian building to life. For this he used dynamic, high-speed racing footage from the BRDC's own film archive. To achieve the overall look Bawn specified a Green Hippo GrassHopper controlling Barco HD20K Projectors and TV One signal transmission for the projection.

BRDC's Stuart Pringle was delighted: "It was fantastic to see the BRDC Farm transformed into a dynamic, visually vibrant space full of light and

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