USA - Behind the Scenes holiday cards have become a tradition in the industry for those who want to spread holiday cheer while supporting their colleagues in need. Proceeds from card sales help provide grants to entertainment technology professionals, or their immediate dependent family members, who are seriously ill or injured. Each year, designs have been created and donated to the charity by everyone from Tony Award winners to high school students. The design guidelines (btshelp.org/carddesign) are very simple and you can also view previous examples (btshelp.org/cardexamples). If you are interested in designing a card, Behind the Scenes will need your commitment no later than 24 April and your artwork by 15 M
UK - SARM Music Bank rehearsal studios in London recently hosted a major series of demos from UK loudspeaker manufacturer, EM Acoustics and Out Board, immersive spatial reinforcement and performer tracking specialists. In the spotlight was the y Reference Series R10 point source loudspeaker from EM Acoustics - seen for the first time anywhere at ISE 2020 - and the HALO-B medium format line array. Out Board showcased the new HARDCore FGPA processing for the TiMaxSoundHub and the all-new TiMax TrackerD4 precision stagetracking for live performer vocal localisation and multimedia effects control. Held from 3-5 March, EM Acoustics’ Mike Wheeler deems the event to have been “a huge success” with high attendance figures and, more importantly, positive reactions from the industry. Renowned sound designer, Sebastian Frost, whose credentials include plays, musicals
USA - Over the next few weeks, ADJ will host a series of live video broadcasts that will provide educational content and in-depth product overviews. Each installment of Stay Connected will have a specific focus and provide an opportunity for lighting and event professionals to upskill from the safety and comfort of their own homes ready for when the covid-19 pandemic is over. This is the season that ADJ, like many in the industry, would usually be exhibiting at trade shows around the world, demonstrating its latest products to new and prospective customers. In lieu of these industry events, which have all been cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, ADJ wants to offer something of the tradeshow experience but in a way that can be accessed safely in these times of social distancing and home working. ADJ wants to serve the industry by providing fre
Europe - With the health and safety of our attendees, membership, exhibitors, and staff being of utmost concern during the global Covid-19 pandemic, and following weeks of discussions with the host Austria Centre Vienna, the Audio Engineering Society has officially cancelled the live, in-person components of the AES Vienna 2020 Convention scheduled for May. AES leadership, the convention organising committee and headquarters staff members are working to organise the logistics of a virtualisation of the convention technical programme into “an engaging, compelling, educational and productive online experience”. “Details on the virtual convention, which are being developed to include video presentations of papers, workshops, tutorials, tech tours and other technical programme content along with live- and forum-based dialog with presenters, will be shared as they b
USA - Pro AV tradeshow InfoComm 2020 has been cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The event was due to take place on 12-18 June at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. AVIXA, InfoComm's organiser, says in a statement: "Like many, we had remained optimistic that the show would go on and we continued to monitor recommendations from the local health authorities, the WHO and CDC, but the extreme circumstances of today’s reality have led to a different path forward. While we explored the option to postpone the event until later in the year, this was not realistic given InfoComm’s size and the lack of possible venues. Both the current and likely future environment of economic hardships, travel, spending freezes, and uncertainty with the Covid-19 virus made it clear to us and our partners that not proceeding with InfoComm 2020 was the best decision
South Africa - With the country in lockdown due to coronavirus, DWR Distribution’s staff remain available during office hours, while the company is offering a range of online learning opportunities. “We have entered into completely uncharted territory as individuals as a country and as citizens of a global community,” says the latest update from DWR. “The South African government has taken up the call to become a part the most ambitious and courageous global effort to stop the spread of the novel Coronavirus that is causing Covid-19, placing the lives of its citizens before commerce and profit. We at DWR Distribution stand behind our government and our world leaders and pledge our support to stem the threat posed Covid-19 by staying at home. “However, staying in our homes does not mean that we have closed our doors. We have simply installed a virtual
USA/Europe - Manufacturer of 4K and full HD AV signal distribution and control solutions, WyreStorm reports that it is monitoring daily all situations related to Covid-19 that may impact its business, following CDC guidelines and making sure that safety precautions are being taken. “As an essential business, our warehouse is fully operational and making shipments daily, including in areas that have mandated shutdowns. We have not seen any major concerns in terms of our inventory and will continue to monitor this in the days and weeks to come,” says the company. “At this time, we are functioning as normal, with some exceptions: Our sales team will not be making in-person customer visits for the time being, but they are always available by phone and email to answer any and all questions. “We are continuing our work from home plan that was announced on Tuesd
UK - Pro AV solutions manufacturer Biamp has announced the implementation of a dealer-direct model in the UK and Ireland, which “will enhance the company’s ability to support customers and drive growth”. Following the recent opening of Biamp’s new European headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium and its UK sales office in London, the company is now transitioning to dealer-direct model to strengthen its sales, support, and product distribution in the region. In addition to some direct accounts, Biamp will be working with Midwich, Leisuretec, and Professional Audio in Northern Ireland - in all cases, served by Biamp’s sales and support staff. This enables the company to more aggressively pursue opportunities in all target vertical markets: corporate, food service and hospitality, retail, large venues, education, religion, sports and leisure, and outdoor applications.
UK - With more than three decades as a touring engineer and heading up his sound company, Pyramid Audio, Ian ‘Fleece’ Elliott is well versed in the value of both vintage and contemporary technology. A typical Pyramid Audio sound system combines classic Martin Audio loudspeakers with Linea Research power amplifiers. “I’ve got Martin Audio products that go back to the 1980s and 1990s,” he reports. “We plug them into new Linea Research 44M or 48M or 88C power amplifiers and they sound amazing The clarity is phenomenal. Everybody’s blown away by it every single time.” Although Elliott has long favoured Martin Audio loudspeakers, he has tried an assortment of power amplifiers over the years before settling on Linea Research. “We do mostly loud rock shows, and it demands a lot of power,” he offers. “The new Linea Research amplifiers save us a lot of rac
Europe - Elation Professional’s European website has received a thorough makeover with a redesigned look that makes for a more engaging visual experience with more intuitive interaction. The website’s improved functionality and cleaner, uncluttered design makes it easier for visitors to find the information they need in a more visually appealing interface. The new website, still found at www.elationlighting.eu, is more reflective of the professional development and increased market presence the company has experienced over the past few years. Elation Europe’s new-look website is easier to navigate and features an enlarged format with enhanced visual content. Compatible across multiple platforms/browsers with an adaptive screen size and design for phones and tablets, the new webs
USA - US entertainment technology charity Behind the Scenes (BTS), in partnership with HelpPRO, has launched an online therapist finder designed for the entertainment industry. As part of its research into mental health and suicide prevention, the charity had conducted an online survey of industry professionals, which revealed a shortage of therapists who understood the unique culture and stresses of the entertainment industry and who were available to see people on nights and weekends or through teletherapy. The finder is now accepting therapist listings. Only therapists who have previously seen professionals in the entertainment industry as clients, or who have personal professional experience in the industry themselves, will be included in this finder. The finder will be available to anyone working in any facet of the entertainment industry and users will be able t
South Africa - The technical production industry is known worldwide for its resourcefulness and determination, and the coronavirus pandemic is energising some intrepid ideas to help keep businesses rolling and communities safe and functional during the crisis. With all conferences and live entertainment work cancelled or postponed, South African rental company MGG based in Johannesburg was looking at their 32 idle vehicles - ranging from 45ft artics to small run-around vans - when owner and MD Mark Gaylard came up with the idea of offering the fleet for moving essential medical and other supplies during the crisis. Mark composed a quick Facebook post about the transport fleet which went on his own personal page and before long it had nearly 400 shares and people started talking and calling. The initial inquiries have started to become a steady trickle of work,
Europe - LED lighting manufacturer Astera has launched Astera Academy, an online resource of free webinars dedicated to the company’s hardware and software offerings. Available at www.astera-led.com/academy, the new venture enables interested parties – lighting and visual designers, DOPs, directors, gaffers, grips, engineers and techs - to utilise and maximise their time in self-isolation to learn. The Astera Academy is doing its bit to help make the best out of the worldwide situation and assist the creative and resourceful entertainment technology industry to be ready to hit the ground running when life and business return to normal! The Astera Academy offers free webinars allowing people to learn more about the AsteraApp and various Astera lighting fixtures. Topics will include subjects like Getting Started with the AsteraApp to discover its
UK - The Isle of Wight and Download, due to take place in mid-June, have become the latest music festivals to be cancelled due to the coronavirus. Duran Duran and Lionel Richie were due to appear alongside Supergrass and Kaiser Chiefs at Seaclose Park, Newport on the Isle of Wight. At Download, Kiss, Iron Maiden and System of a Down were the headliners due at Donnington Park. These cancellations follow the earlier news that Glastonbury 2020, also scheduled for June, will not happen. “The Isle of Wight Festival will no longer be taking place this year,” says the event’s website. “This decision hasn't been taken lightly and we have tried our hardest to make it work, but it was unavoidable given the current status. The whole team was excited to welcome everyone to the island for another fantastic festival and we extend our sincere apologies to everyone who was lo
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
