USA - Xytech, specialist in facility management software for media and broadcast, has launched Xytech After Dark, a podcast focussing on trends in the media and broadcasting industries. The first two episodes are now available on iTunes, Spotify and all podcasting platforms. “Xytech has hundreds of clients around the world in the media and broadcast business,” said Xytech’s Greg Dolan. “We get this super unique view of the industry from our clients and maintain a comprehensive understanding of current trends. The podcast is not a forum to sell, but instead to talk about why create the functionality in MediaPulse, and the types of things happening in our industry. “The podcast will focus on industry trends: what we are seeing and how we view the world of media. Finally, this is really fun work. There are a million easier ways to make a living, but there
Spain - Amate Audio’s CEO Juan Amate has updated the situation at his Barcelona-based operation. “Further to our statement on 20 March, the continuing emergency situation across Europe has begun to impact our production capabilities due to the disrupted supply of essential components and our ability to maintain sufficient levels of stock of these. “Together with the announcement by Spanish authorities of a further extension of the extensive lockdown measures in the country, this means that the practicalities of maintaining production at this time are no longer viable. “We are however continuing to supply our customers’ orders from stock, across our international distributor network, and are maintaining the highest possible level of service in these unparalleled circumstances. “Additionally, with the continuing escalation of the health crisis i
UK - Loudspeaker specialist EM Acoustics has decided to suspend day-to-day business. Company directors ED Kinsella and Mike Wheeler have issued the following statement: “In light of the current national and global crisis caused by the COVID-19 virus, we have taken the very difficult decision to close the factory and suspend day-to-day business as of 6pm on Friday 27 March. Without wanting to cast aside the value of our country's economy, the health and wellbeing of our staff and customers has to take priority, as well as a social responsibility to do our part to halt the spread of the virus in these difficult times. “Whilst the factory is closed and we will not be despatching any orders after Friday, our phone lines are diverted and emails will still be monitored so urgent communication can still get through to us – both for commercial matters and for technical
Italy - AEB Industriale S.r.l, the owner of the brand dBTechnologies, has said it will observe a period of temporary suspension of production activities in order to “decisively counteract a further spread of Covid-19 on the territory”. Says AEB: “AEB Industriale is prepared to support any preventive action, in the belief that the health of our employees, collaborators, customers, and their loved ones is an absolute and unavoidable priority. “We would like to remind you that all the company's activities managed by remote working will continue: dBTechnologies' users and customers may therefore get in touch with the company's contact persons via e-mail or phone. “We also wish to take this opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims in Italy and worldwide. Our thoughts and solidarity also go to all the companies and worker
UK - Every part of the professional audio industry is currently affected by the unprecedented challenges which we all face from COVID-19. Yamaha says the most important priority is to protect the health and safety of everyone within the industry. The company is closely monitoring this fast-developing global situation and following all advice and guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and public authorities in each region. “We have many important, long-term relationships throughout the industry, including partners, customers, many freelance technicians and clients, whose lives and livelihoods are being impacted by this unprecedented situation. Our thoughts are with all of you. We want to support you as much as possible and contribute to helping the industry get through this difficult and complex time. “Since 1990, Yamaha has been proactive in devel
UK - German manufacturer Music & Sales PE has signed an exclusive contract with UK firm Polar to distribute its HK Audio and Hughes & Kettner brands in the UK and the Republic of Ireland from April 2020. Polar will take on the entire product range for both brands, including Hughes & Kettner’s award-winning lines of electric and acoustic guitar amplifiers, and HK Audio’s comprehensive pro audio portfolio, which covers everything from portable sound systems for musicians and DJs to full-blown line array systems and professional install solutions. Tim Riley, Polar’s director, brand development, comments: “Polar is set up in a way that ideally serves all the market areas relevant to HK Audio and Hughes & Kettner, so this agreement seemed a perfect fit for us from the offset. We have divisions that directly address the retail markets, professional au
USA - Following 12 successful years in California’s highly competitive live event production community, DJE Sound & Lighting is now set to enjoy expansion both regionally and nationally with a major investment in TW AUDiO. Based in Southern California, the full-service events specialist recently capped a year of growth by becoming the first US production company to shape its audio inventory around a full flagship TW AUDiO VERA36 system. “We realised that TW AUDiO had arrived in the United States and we decided to take full advantage of that,” explained president/CEO, Ted Tesoriero. “We previously had great success with the TW AUDiO PA-SYS-ONE multi-application, portable system and that experience left us wanting to know more about the company.” Founded in 2009, DJE Sound & Lighting rapidly developed from humble beginnings in Tesoriero’s garage
USA - Calibre has announced that, despite the regrettable but understandable decision to postpone DSE2020, the company is continuing its efforts to expand its distribution channels in both North and South America. At DSE, Calibre had planned to engage with potential channel partners in the Americas whose business would benefit from having access to Calibre’s range of image processing and display solutions. “We have had considerable success in identifying excellent resellers throughout Europe and Asia - but we are still underrepresented in some of the single biggest markets that exist from New York to Los Angeles, and from Mexico City to Buenos Aires,” comments Willy Tsai, MD of Calibre UK. “There is certainly a growing opportunity in those regions for products like our AiO range as companies renew their focus on safer ways of working remotely, how they can minimize t
Switzerland - In reaction to the current situation, pro audio and MI manufacturer Schertler has issued the following: “For the first time in all these years, we are all together facing a situation that is bigger than us and that is changing our way of living and seeing the world. “Here in Switzerland, the circumstances have already gotten serious and sadly, we’ve had to stop the production and the shipments at least until 30 March in accord with the government decision and for the safety of our employees. Nevertheless, we are still active office-wise - from our beautiful homes - and we are trying our best to answer to all your needs, support you as much as we can and prepare a lot of news for the future. “What we ask you in this difficult moment is to understand that things might be slower than the usual but, primarily, we would like to give you a message of ho
Germany - Lighting control specialist Madrix has scheduled a free live streaming programme to start next week. “To stay connected with our industry and lighting community, we would like to invite everyone to join us live on YouTube from the Madrix headquarters,” says marketing manager Martin Fritzsche. “We will be offering an update on what we are working on to stay connected. Among those is the world premiere of a brand-new hardware product.” The programme includes: Madrix: 2020 March Update - an overview over the latest updates regarding the company’s range of LED lighting control solutions made in Germany; Madrix Radar - Unleash the full potential Of RDM - Learn how to unlock unprecedented RDM functionality with this brand-independent tool with fully automatic 24/7 device monitoring and automatic e-mail notifications; the world premie
UK - Arts Council England (ACE) has announced a £160m emergency response package to help cultural organisations, freelancers and individual artists survive the coronavirus crisis. The money is intended to prevent artists and arts organisations from going into liquidation, but is also designed to help them come up with creative responses “to buoy the public” during the lockdown. The package breaks down as £20m of funds for creative practitioners and freelancers, £50m for organisations not in the national portfolio, and £90m for the 828 organisations in the national portfolio, a category that ranges from small touring theatres to the National Theatre. The money is coming from a combination of ACE’s emergency reserves and a suspension of national lottery project grants, normally a vital source of income for smaller organisations and individuals. ACE
UK - The Knight of Illumination (KOI) executive committee has come to the decision to postpone the 13th annual awards ceremony and gala dinner due to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis and the enormous implications it is having on the entertainment industry. A statement from co-founders Durham and Jennie Marenghi on behalf of the KOI committee reads as follows: "The Knight of Illumination committee has taken the considered decision that this year's KOI Awards ceremony will not be held on 6 September as planned, due to the uncertainty of the times in which we now live. The event will be held as a celebration of our industry and to bring people together, once the current situation has been resolved and it is safe to do so. "Meanwhile, we will continue to appraise the work already submitted and we ask designers to please continue to nominate via the KOI website.
World - LSi Online has launched a dedicated page with training and information resources for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Available at www.lsionline.com/covid-19-support, readers can access the latest business reaction including online training initiatives, industry campaigns and information on the latest financial support packages available to the industry. The page is regularly updated and is devised as a key resource for those looking for a reliable guide to all important announcements concerning the industry. Readers who wish to share relevant initiatives or resources should get in touch with the LSi team on info@lsionline.com Meanwhile,
Eurovision Alternative - Organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest are investigating an ‘alternative’ show after this year's event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although the format has yet to be decided, they stressed the programme would not be a competition. However, the show will “honour the songs and artists” that were due to take part of the contest this May. “With that in mind,” organisers said, “this year's songs will not be eligible to compete when the contest returns. Participating broadcasters may decided which artist(s) to send in 2021, either this year's or a newly chosen one.” The event's executive supervisor Jon Ola Sand added: “We are very proud of the Eurovision Song Contest, that for 64 years has united people all around Europe. We regret this situation very much. The event will return stronger than ever next year.”
USA - Samsystems UK has announced the appointment of Texas-based RBI Music, as USA distributor for its Integral close cab miking system. Available in 10in or 12in format, Integral can be used as an innovative solution to augment or replace traditional external close cab miking techniques, in a live or studio environment. With less mike stands on stage, Integral also helps prevent overspill, feedback issues and offers quicker band set up times. Installed in minutes within cabs or combos, Integral features a circular constructed rigid frame, mounted internally between the cabinet grill and existing speaker. A super cardioid, dynamic microphone with a high/low, full range frequency response and pressure tested at extreme volumes, is housed within the central ‘pepper pot’ strategically aimed off-centre of the speaker coil, delivering the true, balanced, accurate
Italy - Loudspeaker specialist K-array has written to friends and partners. “We hope that everyone is doing well and staying safe and healthy during these unprecedented times. With things changing at such a high speed, we personally want to assure that every member of our extended family is informed on an ongoing basis. “At K-array, with the safety of our staff as the top concern, we have already been taking necessary steps to adapt our operations while remaining committed to driving business by enacting remote smart working for those who can, which has enabled us to interact with our customers and suppliers in a more safe and active way than before. “Our next action, in respect to the latest restrictions imposed by the Italian government 22 March, is to suspend all activity within the factory. Effective immediately, K-array will remain engaged and availabl
South Africa - DWR Distribution has shared a message to the industry. “When Duncan Riley established DWR Distribution from a tiny office in his home in 2006, he and his wife Sherryn decided to do something different. Abandoning the security of a salaried job, Duncan set out to build on an idea - that the people, not the gear, makes our industry special. “It’s all about the people has been the guiding vision and mantra of DWR Distribution for the past 14 years. The DWR family has grown from a team of three to a team of more than 60 people, all of whom service the industry in South Africa with passion, dedication and, above all else, humanity. It is more important now than ever that we stand together and make every moment we have all about the people. “You might be feeling scared right now, just as we are. We are scared for our families and loved ones. We
USA/UK - Elation Professional and the ADJ Group of Companies “wish to bring a heartfelt message to everyone in our beloved lighting community”. “Like you, we are shocked and saddened by the devastation the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the world, and our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected,” say the companies. “Throughout our 35-year history, we have always been a company that cares deeply about our personnel, and therefore place the health and safety of all our employees and their families as our top priority. “In order to provide a safe and secure working environment while continuing to support our customers, we are adjusting staff levels and operating on a reduced schedule going forward. To further minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission and to adapt to the current business climate, we have decided to temporarily adjust our US opera
UK - Lighting console manufacturer ChamSys has announced an online programming contest - the ChamSys Online Programmers Competition. The competition is open for entries until 10 April and participants will be in for a chance to win a MagicQ MQ70 console. The first 25 entries will also receive a MagicDMX Test Kit, and the three runners-up will get a ‘premium swag bag’. For the competition, ChamSys is utilising Chauvet Professional’s 200-fixture rig that was meant to premiere at the now-cancelled Prolight+Sound 2020 tradeshow. To participate, entrants must download the Vis/Base show file of the rig, select a one to three-minute song of their choice, and programme the lights using MagicQ with MagicVis visualistion. Entrants then have to record their entries via screen capture and submit them, along with the show file, to competition@chamsyslighting.co
UK/USA - By popular demand UK TiMax developers Out Board have announced a Spring season of ‘One-on-One for One’ online training sessions with TiMax specialists in the UK and USA. Anybody interested in developing their leading-edge skills in the rapidly growing use of TiMax immersive audio, spatial mixing and showcontrol may well want to check this out. Sessions are open to all sound designers, sound engineers and production sound techs worldwide on a first-come, first-served basis. Simply register to download TiMax SoundHub software (Mac or Windows) from outboard.co.uk and enter “1on1” into the About You section. Alternatively contact Out Board direct on software@outboard.co.uk. Out Board will respond with an invitation to select an available time and date for a personal, one-on-one, one-hour Skype screen-share trai
UK - Martin Audio has unveiled a series of weekly webinars aimed at helping technicians stay up to date with the latest technology during this unprecedented time for the industry. The live webinar series will begin on Wednesday 1 April with all sessions remaining available on the Martin Audio website. The live webinars will begin with Low Frequency System Design, presented by Simon Purse and will be followed by sessions on Display 2.3, EASE Focus and WPS Optimised Line Arrays. In addition to these initial sessions, the company will be adding a variety of topics over the coming weeks, covering Martin Audio’s products and software, as well as more general pro audio topics. In addition to this, in the coming months Martin Audio will also be hiring freelance industry professionals a
Europe - Benelux rental companies recently took part in #LightTheSky, an initiative in support of key workers and those on the frontline of fighting the coronavirus pandemic. On 22 March, for half an hour, companies and individuals - in fact anyone with access to a light - were invited to point it upwards and #LightTheSky. The idea was conceived by a Dutch rental company and became a clarion call taken up by numerous entertainment rental companies, venues, broadcasters and others, by people working in every segment across the whole Benelux Region with some extremely creative results. Heart shapes were a popular choice and many of the lighting schemes utilised Robe products - MegaPointes and Pointes were a favourite for their brightness - however other products and brands were also involved in this spontaneous and imaginative expression of solidarity. It highlighted gra
UK - Glyn Owen, a self-employed rigger at the ACC Liverpool, expressed his bewilderment at why the UK government has not offered comparable financial backing to the self-employed. Last week, the chancellor Rishi Sunak opened up access to the Universal Credit system to workers including freelancers and zero-hour contractors. However, claiming from the welfare system would only secure £94.25 per week for a self-employed worker, whilst the government promised to cover 80% of the salaries of employees. On Sunday, the communities secretary Robert Jenrick recognised “this isn’t perfect”, adding: “It isn't easy, it's not as simple as supporting those who are in employment. The purpose of our employment mechanism is to help continue the connection between employees and their business so once this is over - and it will be over - those individuals can return
Europe - Highlite International has vowed to support its clients affected by the coronavirus outbreak. “For almost everybody who is active in the entertainment-business our line of work is no profession. Entertainment is a passion which, for most of us, started long ago as a hobby and gradually over the years became a calling, if you will. How else can you explain all these short days and long nights building, rigging, producing, controlling and entertaining and doing the same thing the next night. Every DJ, bass player, singer and entertainer knows this feeling through and through. “There is nothing greater than being able to put smiles on people’s faces, let them feel good during a couple of hours. Be it at a festival, a family reunion, on tour, during a fashion event or a children’s birthday. Entertainment comes in many forms as does joy. “The coro
