UK - Wire and fibre rope assemblies supplier Rope Assemblies is celebrating two years since Linda Martin became company MD. The Retford-based organisation, which became part of the Unusual group in 2017, has experienced significant change, with the implementation of new company policies, best practice procedures and increased sales. "In the blink of an eye, two years have passed, which seems like no time at all,” comments Martin. “Then we took a step back and realised how much the company has changed in that time, thanks to all the hard work that every member of the team has put in, and we felt it was worth marking the anniversary." The biggest cause for celebration is the record sales figures that Rope Assemblies is achieving on a month on month basis. "If we look at January 2017, for example and compare that with January 2018 and January 2019, we are seeing a mar
The Netherlands - Lichtwerk (Light works) is a Netherlands-based technical production company which works closely with a wide selection of lighting and visual designers, particularly for theatre shows, tours and corporate events. The company recently invested in Robe’s fantastic T1 Profile LED moving light, which is designed for theatre, touring and TV. Jacco Pattist founded the company in 1995, and his association with Robe goes back to the very early days when the Czech manufacturer was still an OEM supplier. Once Robe was launched in 2002, Lichtwerk was an early adopter of the brand, a trend that continued through the ColorWash 250 series, then the ColorWash 750 and ColorSpot 700 series, the DT 3000 and 7000, and more recently with LEDBeam 300s MMX Spots / WashBeams and LEDBeam 150s. The latest T1s were purchased because, collectively as a company, “We love tungsten!” decl
Australia - LED displays manufacturer Absen has welcomed Audio Visual Distributors (AVD) into its Value Added Distributor (VAD) network. Effective 18 September, AVD promotes Absen LED products across the Australasian region, provides training for local end users, and exhibits Absen products at relevant trade fairs and roadshows. “We pay particular attention to strategically aligning ourselves with quality manufacturers who deliver innovative, market-leading products,” comments Blair Terrace, business development - LED displays at AVD. “We believe that the quality range of products from Absen is well suited to the vertical markets we support. The continual R&D and technical innovation of Absen’s LED ensures that our customer base is exposed to a constant stream of fresh and exciting products.” AVD’s sales and technical team is made up of a diverse
Finland - Audac has announced a partnership with Electro Waves as the new exclusive distributor of their audio solutions in Finland. Electro Waves is a family-owned business that represents the newest technology and the company will manage the sales, distribution and service of the complete Audac product line from their offices in Espoo. Miko Nurkki, Electro Waves CEO, comments: “By adding the complete Audac line to our portfolio, we are now able to provide a more extensive range of services to meet the needs and requirements of our partners. We were impressed by the range and scope of their services, not to mention the quality of the Audac products. So we’re excited to enter this partnership.” Mark Asselberghs, Audac’s international sales director, adds: “We are delighted to be partnering with Electro Waves for the distribution of our complete product rang
UK - Netgear has announced the introduction of a new engineering support centre for professional audio video (Pro-AV) integrators deploying AV solutions which utilise IP networking. This new service to AV installers, consultants, manufacturers and resellers is positioned to streamline audio visual solutions over IP and eliminate the complexity of AV deployments. This dedicated Pro AV engineering services team of experts has been conceived in the company’s efforts to empower those who are conducting installations and designing projects with free network design assistance, training and installation support. From pre-sales and post-sales support to technical training, to white papers and best practices, these services are positioned to help educate tech managers and integrators to become masters of AV deployments which require IP networking. In order to streamline the
Guatemala - Obsidian Control Systems has announced Casa Instrumental as the exclusive distributor of Obsidian Control Systems products in Guatemala. Lighting professionals in Guatemala will be able to test the console line at a two-day ONYX training event taking place on 1-2 October at the Casa Intrumental facility in Guatemala City. Designed to provide both a basic and advanced look at hardware and software, interested professionals can contact info@casainstrumental.com for more information. With 35 years in the market, Casa Instrumental is established as a leading provider of some of the world’s top professional audio, lighting and musical instrument brands. Under terms of the agreement, Casa Instrumental will provide full support for the entire Obsidian line of hardware and software lighting control solutions. “We decided to distribute Obsidian Control Sys
UK - Entertainment technology charity Backup is launching The Backup Pumpkin Challenge, a competition to help raise awareness of the charity in a fun and creative way. To participate, you need a pumpkin, your design, and any props or tech you want to incorporate to bring your design to life. Fundraisers are also welcome but not required. The Backup Pumpkin Challenge consists of four categories: Best Overall Design; Best Use of Tech; Most Money Raised (via the Backup Pumpkin Challenge Fundraising Page); Most Overall Likes (on Instagram). To enter a design, participants need to upload up to three photos and/or a video no longer than 15 seconds to Instagram using #BackupPumpkinChallenge along with your name or team name. All entries must be posted by 31 October. Winn
UK - The 2019 PLASA Show was “the busiest in years” thanks to a six per cent increase in attendance, PLASA has reported. The event’s global status was also strengthened, with delegates from over 63 countries flocking to the London-based tradeshow. This was the last edition of the event that was held at Olympia’s National Hall, with the 2020 PLASA Show set to move to London Olympia’s Grand Hall to accommodate a greater number of stands and show features. “PLASA Show has clearly been improving year on year with 2019 being the best one yet,” comments Johan Gunsing, international sales manager for Adam Hall Group. “We have started to see a wider geographic audience attend the show which brings with it new opportunities, new business and increased brand awareness.” “Once again PLASA did not disappoint,” comments Gareth Collyer, Nexo’s UK sales m
Gendered Awards - The Brit Awards say they will review the way they distribute prizes, with one option being the abolition of separate male and female categories. But reports that gendered awards have already been axed are "based on rumour and speculation", organisers said. "We can 100% confirm that there will be male and female awards in the UK and international categories in February 2020," they told the BBC. The statement was issued after a story in The Sunday Times at the weekend claimed organisers wanted to accommodate non-binary artists - who identify as neither male nor female - and that scrapping gender-specific categories was the likely outcome. The report came a week after pop star Sam Smith asked fans to call them by the pronouns "they/them", not "he/him". "After a lifetime of being at war with my gender I've decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out,
UAE - SLS has recently made a substantial investment in Robe lighting fixtures. This included an initial purchase of 50 MegaPointes last year followed by 86 Spiider LED wash beams earlier this year, then 24 Pointes and a pair of DL4S Profiles. Martin Luiz founded SLS 22 years ago in Dubai to provide full technical production management and design services - combined or individually as required - to a range of different events. He has built his business steadily based on being imaginative and delivering high quality results with outstanding technical expertise. SLS provides equipment for all major disciplines - lighting, sound, video rigging and staging - and there are currently around 130 full-time employees, all dedicated to working, mainly on a mix of corporate and industrial shows across the UAE and in neighbouring GCC countries like KSA, Oman, Kuwait and others.
UK - Norfolk-based LED lighting and control specialist TLS Pixelite has rebranded to TLS Lighting. The company was founded by Alan Reeves in 2007 and offers control systems for LED lighting as well as bespoke lighting solutions manufacturing and design services. Reeves reveals that he initiated the re-brand for the purpose of consolidation and simplification, “to create a stronger brand for our customers to identify with, drawing upon the solidity upon which TLS was built”. The TLS Lighting website now boasts a new portal (www.tlslighting.co.uk) from which visitors are invited to view the company’s projects, its premium lighting and control system products, and learn more about lighting control in its technical knowledge section. “Taking the time to clarify what TLS Lighting stands for and what it represents to its customers is a very important step
UK/Germany - Following on from a successful PLASA Show, Artistic Licence has confirmed Frankfurt-based AES Technik as a value-added reseller for its products in Germany. As technical services provider and project integrator working with many leading brands, AES is known for its high level solutions across a broad sector including conferences, trade fairs, award presentations and concerts. Artistic Licence CEO Wayne Howell comments: "As a UK-based manufacturer facing Brexit uncertainties, it's very important for us to maintain a strong international profile and ensure a business-as-usual approach. We have some incredible new products - our trailing edge mains dimmer, sunDial, won the Gold Innovation Award at the show last week - and I think many people will be surprised at just how keen our pricing is these days. “Growing our European distributor base is an obvi
Mexico - Grupo Morfo has been named Outline’s exclusive distributor for Mexico. Effective immediately, Grupo Morfo will be responsible for sales, technical support and service of Outline products across all markets, including touring, AV rental, live bands, performing arts venues, hospitality, restaurants, clubs, portable, cinema and stadiums. “In Grupo Morfo we have found an ideal partnership to strengthen, publicise and launch the Outline name in Mexico,” says Giorgio Biffi, Outline president & CEO. “Grupo Morfo has a solid, strategic approach in the product lines they have represented, as well as a proven track record of responsive service and support. The company principals have a close collaborative relationship with the integrator community, which aligns with Outline’s growing emphasis on commercial installation. At the same time their personal experienc
Europe - The 2020 Hog Factor Europe competition is now open, High End Systems has announced. The company is inviting applications from students, apprentices and other aspiring lighting professionals under the age of 25 from across Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Africa and the Middle East. Individuals or teams of two people are asked to submit a performance lighting piece programmed on a Hog or on Hog 4 PC, which can be downloaded for free with a special demo version of Capture visualisation. The deadline for submissions is 15 January 2020. The top three entries will be selected and the contestants asked to programme another performance lighting piece based on High End Systems’ 2020 Prolight+Sound stand design. These finalists will be invited to the event in Frankfurt, Germany (31 March – 3 April) to demonstrate their programming skills live
UK - Following on from last year’s successful event, Christie is once again opening the doors of its Wokingham office to visitors from the UK and further afield. Held over two days, Christie Connect UK will showcase new projectors for enterprise and cinema, LED displays, as well as content management and processing equipment, all of which highlight the powerful end-to-end nature of the Christie offering. The event coincides with Christie’s 90th anniversary and offers a special seminar programme designed to demonstrate Christie thought leadership on current and future technology developments. One of the event’s main attractions will be the award-winning Christie MicroTiles LED. For many this will be the first opportunity since its launch at ISE 2019 to see a live demo of the MicroTiles LED. Another attraction will be the Christie D4K40-RGB pure laser projector which wi
Canada - ACT Lighting has been appointed the exclusive distributor for Ayrton in Canada, effective 1 October. “We are excited to further our partnership with Ayrton to now service the entire North American market,” states Ben Saltzman, CEO of ACT Lighting. “Ayrton is the industry’s most innovative brand and market-leading manufacturer of professional digital lighting with unmatched quality and design. Ayrton’s product portfolio and development strategy are the perfect match for the ACT Lighting team.” “As Ayrton continues to look forward, it makes sense to consolidate our North American distribution strategy,” says Chris Ferrante, Ayrton CEO. “ACT Lighting is the perfect partner, being the best placed company across the region, especially considering the incredible growth we have experienced together in the US market. We are looking forward to the bro
UK - July saw over 100 delegates assemble at the Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre, (one of three theatres within the central London campus of RADA, The Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art), for a review of DiGiCo’s new Quantum Engine and designed-for-theatre T software. Hosted by DiGiCo and Autograph Sound, the day opened with Autograph’s co-founder Andrew Bruce telling his story from the early 70’s to the present day. This section effectively charted the development of modern theatre sound, using anecdotes and images of legendary West End shows including Starlight Express, Cats, Miss Saigon and many others. Ably assisted by Autograph sound designers Avgoustos Psillas and Gareth Tucker, plus Tom Williams and Dan Page from DiGiCo, Andrew then spent the remainder of the day walking delegates through the functionality of the T software. One of the dele
UK - At the PLASA Show, Shure UK announced Autograph as the recipient of its 2019 Pro Audio Partner of the Year award. The award was presented at the show by Stuart Moots, associate director, UK Pro Audio Group, as part of their annual programme to acknowledge the exceptional work carried out by Shure partners each year. This year’s award was presented to Autograph Sound Recording for their exceptional dedication and commitment to wireless best practice that delivers results at the highest level. “Autograph were an early adopter of Axient Digital and have been a great ambassador for digital wireless technology,” says Stuart Moots, UK Pro Audio director. “They’ve shown unwavering commitment to delivering first-class results at a time when the RF landscape remains challenging - particularly in highly congested spaces like London’s West-End. Autograph d
South Africa - Fanie Pieterse of CPS Audio recently acquired an Audix Studio Elite set of microphones which he has used on a variety of events including Classics is Groot 2019, Rand Merchant Bank Sales Conference, FNB Starlight Pops Opera and Band for Bricks. Already owning a D4 and ADX60, Fanie’s new Audix Studio Elite set, supplied by DWR Distribution, includes D6, i5, D2, D4, SCX1 and SCX25A models. “I have used Audix Microphones for the better part of a decade now and have fallen head over heels,” explains Pieterse. “The D-series, in my opinion, is the most versatile and natural sounding microphone that I have ever used on a drum kit. The D6 is my staple kick drum microphone with its thunderous low end and punch that can’t be matched. The ADX60 has really impressed me over the past few months. The D2 and D4 have proven to be the most impressive and consis
Switzerland - Cast Swiss Light Consulting, an Elation partner in Switzerland since 2015, has recently become the exclusive distributor for the lighting brand in the country. With the new partnership, Cast expands its professional portfolio to include Elation’s complete range of innovative lighting products, allowing the company to offer its customers more complete solutions. “As one of the bigger lighting companies in the industry, Elation is a fast-growing brand in Europe with a reputation for high quality and top level service,” comments Cast CEO Silvio Cibien. “This is exactly what we look for in a partner, a company that strives to be the best. We delight in demonstrating to customers the added value of investing in Elation products. The product range is very extensive with solutions to fit all sizes of projects and all types of demand.” Sales and m
India - 7thSense Design and Medialon have appointed Image Engineering as a distributor for 7thSense’s range of products including Delta Media Server and Juggler, the pixel processor, as well as the suite of Medialon show control solutions. Founded in Mumbai in 1989, Image Engineering provides a wide range of AV services and solutions for applications including cinemas, post-production and recording studio installations, theme parks, attractions and museums. “We are excited to add 7thSense and Medialon to our portfolio of professional technology brands for India,” comments Nainesh Vora, founder and owner of Image Engineering. “Our network of global partners and manufacturers work with us to offer exceptional, premium technology solutions for attraction, digital cinema, theme park and immersive installations - we are very much looking forward to bringing 7thSens
Poland - Elation Professional has announced that specialty stage technology company Przedsiebiorstwo Specjalistyczne TEATR has been named the new distributor for Elation products in Poland. Based near Warsaw in the town of Piaseczno, TEATR is one of Poland’s oldest and most respected entertainment technology companies. “We’re excited to be partnering with such an experienced company in one of Europe’s fast developing and important growth markets,” states Marc Librecht, head of sales and marketing for Elation in Europe. “The Polish market is distinct and offers unique opportunities. Our cooperation with TEATR will be a key step in expanding the Elation brand there and we look forward to working closely with their team.” TEATR has been involved in the implementation of state-of-the-art stage technology solutions for many of Poland’s top theatres, concert
UK - Inspired by the launch of its new PLASA Innovation Award-winning Esprite moving light with fully replaceable LED engine and a host of other features and the Back to The Future movie franchise, Robe presented the first in a new trilogy of expo live performance concepts at the PLASA 2019 expo in London. The show #ReturnToTheFuture was created to highlight Robe’s newest technologies in the context for which they were designed. With an original DeLorean MMC12 as the set centrepiece, six dancers – and around 200 Robe lights - including Esprites, Tetras, T1s, SilverScans, MegaPointes, Spiiders, Tarrantulas and LEDBeam 150s – rigged in the roof and all around the sides of the booth, plus stunning special effects and a pool of water containing Robe IP rated iPointes - the eight-minute 428-cue (that’s one every 1.12 seconds) show was performed to a sp
UK - The PLASA Awards for Innovation, organised in collaboration with LSi magazine, took place at the end of a vibrant Monday at the PLASA Show 2019. The Awards recognise and reward pioneering product designs and the people behind them and are widely respected as they are independently judged by a team of industry experts with a variety of specialist backgrounds. This year saw 36 entries for the Awards, with the judges selecting seven winners and one Gold Award winner.
The winners, along with the judges comments, are: Nexo for the P12 Point-source loudspeaker “This is the ‘loudspeaker version of a source 4’ having interchangeable horns with tool-less interchangeability.” Robe for Esprite “This advances technical practice by increasing the potential lifespan of LED fixtures, hopefully
