South Africa - DWR Distribution has announced the grandMA2 Beginner to Intermediate Training, an intensive three-day course to be hosted from 10 to 12 October 2018. Presented by Jannie de Jager, a range of topics will be discussed from patching and fixture editing to tracking and cue list management. Delegates are requested to supply their own grandMA2 console and laptop for the MA 3D Visualizer. The cost is R2 550 and includes refreshments and lunch. The course will be hosted at DWR Distribution, Block C, Unit 1, Kimbult Industrial Park, 9 Zeiss Street, Laserpark, Honeydew. Bookings should be made on-line at http://dwrdistribution.co.za/register/grandma2-intermediate-training-october-2018/ (Jim Evans)
South Africa - As the technical supplier to most international Bollywood productions performing in South Africa, rental company Bass Mechanics have invested in additional L-Acoustics equipment to complement their existing systems. Besides new LA8 and LA12X amplified controllers, they have also purchased KS28, ARCS Wide and ARCS Focus from local distributor DWR Distribution. What started off as a mobile disco company run by 16-year-old Sushil Patidar in 1997, has grown as he has persistently invested back into his company to offer professional gear and service to the entertainment industry. “I was in standard seven (grade 9) when I started,” Sushil recalls. “We were all turning 16, so my friends were having birthday parties.” Before long he was doing his friends’ 18th birthday parties, 21sts and so it continued with him making a name in Lenasia, the neighbourh
UK - History was made when the first ever Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance degrees were awarded at a graduation ceremony in The Rose Theatre, Sidcup on Friday 14 September 2018. The College, whose alumni include Gary Oldman, David Ajao and Hayley Squires, can award their own degrees following the granting of Taught Degree Awarding Powers by Her Majesty’s Privy Council in January 2017. Addressing graduating students and guests, including the Rt. Hon. James Brokenshire, MP and the Mayor of Bexley, Cllr. Brian Bishop, Rose Bruford College Principal Clarie Middleton said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to all our graduating students on this historic occasion. It marks the first steps of a strategic development plan, which will enhance our position as a leader in the theatre, event and performance higher education and training sector. Pa
China - Budee’s recent sponsorship of the 15th annual Communication University of China Sound School (CUC) Recording Masterclass was a major success. The event has grown to become one of the biggest in China for those in the recording industry and Martin Audio’s Chinese distributor, who were sponsoring it for the first time, ensured the British manufacturer had a good presence at the event, fielding stacked pairs of DD12 and PRX subwoofers on either side of the stage in the CUC auditorium on the opening day. Proceedings then relocated to the live house/performance space on the university campus in Beijing. CUC has a reputation as one of the top institutions in the field of information communication and has a pivotal position in the Chinese recording art education sector. Its Masterclass event started in 2001 as an informal gathering of foreign experts with Chinese
UK/USA - The success of Yamaha’s Rivage family of digital mixing systems continues, with two of the best known names in live music production - Britannia Row Productions and Clair Global - respectively investing in pairs of Rivage PM7 and PM10 digital mixing systems. Britannia Row has invested in two Rivage PM7s, one of which has been installed at the monitor position in London’s iconic Roundhouse venue, with the other scheduled to join it at Front of House in the coming months. “In our view too many house systems remain the same for years, so we regularly update all aspects of the Roundhouse system. Keeping the system current keeps the venue current,” says Britannia Row’s Mike Lowe. “We know there will be bands coming in in the autumn and early 2019 who want us to supply PM7s. It also benefits the large amount of engineers that work in the Roundhouse every
Australia - Lexair Entertainment has become the Australian distributor for DMXking, a New Zealand company that focuses solely on DMX512 products. Tony Lukeman, product manager at Lexair, comments: “We first used DMXking products for LED pixel control projects as a solution with Green Hippo Media Servers. The LeDMX4 Pro drivers which each have the capacity to run up to 8,160 RGB pixels or 16 universes of DMX over ArtNet or sACN are an ideal way to harness some of the hundreds of universes available per server with Hippo V4’s pixel mapper. We have been really impressed at how versatile and intuitive the DMXking network configuration software is and we’ve barely scratched the surface of what they’re capable of.” DMXking MD Jason Kyle adds: “For many years we’ve wanted an Australian distributor but have never found the right company. I’m very pleased th
UK - Innovative technology and insightful seminars have been the highlights on Day One at the PLASA Show, with exhibitors wowing visitors with new technologies and stylish solutions. After revealing its new stand concept, Platinum Sponsor Robe continues to showcase its latest lighting fixtures in a show-stopping stand production featuring a dance troupe, rain, fire and a mysterious cave, all visible from the Gallery Level. “We decided to create a ‘Lost World’ trilogy for three trade shows,” explains design duo Nathan Wan and Andy Webb. “We drew inspiration from Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones and the Goonies, creating an epic fire VS water battle. We always go big and this year sees a 22m wide rain feature.” Stand aesthetics have led the way for Yamaha, too. Chris Irvine, Yamaha’s product manager, says: “This year we took a new approach which has had a gre
UK - The 41st edition of PLASA Show - the worldwide event for live entertainment technologies (16-18 September) - opened the doors of London Olympia this morning along with Platinum Sponsor Robe, Silver Sponsor Infinity and Hawthorn as Technical Sponsor. The atmosphere is tangible as exhibitors and visitors waste no time in browsing new products and discussing industry trends. 200+ brands are present representing each sector across the live events and entertainment spectrum, and the seminar programme is brimming with expert sessions and enlivening talks. Plus, the all new Hands-on Rigging Area and Rigging Theatre are welcoming both aspirational and seasoned riggers. “After months of hard work, the team and I are excited to see PLASA Show 2018 in action”, says PLASA managing director Peter Heath. “Many of our industry’s leading brands are here with their iconi
UK - Data Strategy has reported that the first QC-Check workstation delivered to White Light (WL), incorporating the Out Board PAT-4 tester, is now fully employed in testing distros, power cables and electrical appliances. Furthermore, integration with inspHire, WL’s comprehensive rental software, has been completed providing a live update of the hire stock’s status. The deal between White Light and Data Strategy was announced earlier this year. Delivered in June, White Light received the first Data Strategy ‘660’ QC-Check workstation, incorporating the new configuration built for Data Strategy by long-standing partner, Datchet-based SES. The single bay ‘660’ is named for its width and provides significantly more room for test connectors whilst retaining the mobility of a 19” rack format. When Power-Check (the QC-Check distro testing module) is added to the pac
UK - As part of an on-going company-wide investment programme, Pinewood MBS Lighting has expanded its range of location services with delivery of a collection of new mobile generator units. Forming part of the company’s transport fleet expansion, the super silent units use the very latest acoustic design and technology making them the quietest generators in the market. This first consignment of 250kW sets are mounted on the latest Euro 6 emission compliant chassis, custom built to feature substantial equipment compartments, compatibility with PMBS customisable rolling equipment racks and 1500kg capacity 1.8m tail lifts. The 250kW output is easily switchable between three and single phase. For added flexibility, each generator set can be fully synchronised, allowing for load sharing or instant seamless power change over for back up. Distribution via Powerlock
UK - White Light has been appointed as one of a group of ‘master dealers’ in the UK for the High End Systems’ Hog 4 family of products. The full range includes Hog 4, Full Boar 4 and Road Hog 4, and smaller lightweight consoles,Hoglet 4 and HedgeHog 4. All products comprise of matching intuitive and powerful operating system software for seamless compatibility and control. WL’s Stuart Porter, comments: “Having worked as a freelance programmer in the entertainment industry for many years, I am impressed by how the Hog 4 Family Software has continued to move forward. This is a great time for me to join WL as their dedicated Hog Product Manager and reinforce WL’s dedication to this product.” Associate regional sales manager Jeremy Roberts, states: “It is great to have WL as a ‘master dealer’ for the Hog4 Console line and particularly to have such
UK - Burnley-based portable power distribution equipment supplier Bates Box is marking the first six months of trading and its latest order for one of its bespoke and innovative power distribution boxes. Entertainment industry specialists Nitelites ordered a tailor-made power distribution box to be used for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications. Bates Box offers a lightweight and efficient power distribution solution for a variety of applications across many sectors, including TV & film, catering, theatre and construction. Their weather resistant and stackable boxes can provide a multitude of outlets in a single unit, made from recycled material. Paul Bates, Bates Box founder, comments: “It’s been a fantastic six months for the business and we’re seeing great demand for Bates Boxes in a variety of sectors including, events, automotive, TV & f
China - Italian pro audio specialist K-array officially announced the formation of K-array China (K-array.CN Limited). The Chinese subsidiary is headquartered in Hong Kong, with a sales and service centre in Beijing. The announcement was marked with a ceremony in Beijing attended by K-array co-founders Alessandro Tatini and Massimo Ferretti, and project specialist Daniele Mochi provided a presentation to familiarise new acquaintances with brand. Marc Vincent, CEO of K-array China, comments: “Today is a milestone that sees us create the first subsidiary of K-array outside Italy. The reason we chose China is because it’s the biggest market in the world. The role of K-array China is to provide products, consultancy and after sales service to our customers.” The K-array China team includes Roger Qi, who is in charge of sales and marketing in China. The team al
UK - The PLASA Show will open its doors this weekend (16-18 September) at London Olympia. The trade show will feature hundreds of brands across the show floor as it prepares to welcome thousands of entertainment technology professionals. Audio heavyweights L-Acoustics, Bose and Yamaha, and lighting pioneers Robe, DTS, ETC and Philips will all be present on the show floor and the seminar programme promises to deliver in-depth sessions across a wide range of topics. Product highlights Elation will be showcasing the Smarty Hybrid, their new LED lighting fixture. MA Lighting is showcasing its grandMA3 lighting console. Robe is launching a new product as well as showing its RoboSpot Multi Device Control. Robert Juliat will reveal new additions to its Dalis range. Prolight Concepts is bringing the all-weather Endura and Evora series from elu
Dutch rental company Ampco Flashlight Rentals has invested in Ayrton Ghibli and Ayrton MagicPanelFX fixtures for its rental stock to meet the rising demands of its customers. This is the first time the company has purchased Ayrton fixtures for its inventory. “Ampco Flashlight works in the live performance, theatre, broadcast and corporate markets and these Ayrton fixtures fit well into any of these environments,” says Ampco Flashlight CEO & CCO, Dennis van der Haagen. “Their versatile features and adaptability mean they also complement our existing rental portfolio well.” Ghibli is Ayrton’s first factory-equipped fixture with a 100% framing system, and an impressive 23,000 lumen output from a 600W source, with an incredible 80% efficiency that makes it powerful enough for large scale arenas.
USA - E1.33 - 201x, Entertainment Technology -- (RDMnet) -- Message Transport and Device Management of ANSI E1.20 (RDM) over IP Networks: This standard defines a method for carrying E1.20 (RDM) messages over IP networks. It also defines a scalable architecture for RDM message transmission that allows multi-controller environments with tens of thousands of RDM Responders. Additionally, a minimal protocol is defined for carrying non-RDM data over the same architecture. BSR E1.37-7, Additional Message Sets for ANSI E1.20 (RDM) - Gateway & Splitter Messages: This document provides additional Get/Set Parameter Messages for use with the ANSI E1.20 Remote Device Management protocol. This document contains messages relating to configuring managed splitters, proxy devices, and RDMnet Devices. These standards will be in public review until 5 November. Those th
UK - Martin Audio will once again throw open its UK HQ for a series of demonstrations and presentations on its latest audio offerings, including many new products to be showcased for the very first time. Taking place between 18-20 September, this is an opportunity for rental companies, sound engineers, system integrators and installation specialists to get in-depth understanding and lots of listening time in relaxed surroundings. Factory tours and refreshments are also part of the experience making for a memorable morning or afternoon. The demonstrations will include Sound Adventures - a 3D immersive audio experience - with its partner, Astro Spatial Audio; optimised line arrays including O-Line and Wavefront Precision; its new high-power performance TH Series; and the newly announced ADORN on-wall commercial loudspeaker series. James King, marketing dire
UAE - Event design and technical production specialist Maestra has launched a new scenic department in Dubai. It will operate from a dedicated facility close to their HQ in Investment Park. Maestra has been providing its clients with creative scenic services for the past few years in both London and Dubai, so this consolidates the business model, and brings a key division of the contractor services portfolio in-house. Already delivering lighting, audio, video, rigging as well as scenic elements including the fabrication of set and staging, it was a “totally logical step” confirmed Maestra Dubai’s managing director Tom Clements. The new department will be headed up by Jurgens Potgieter, who brings over 10 years of practical experience in the region, working for several leading fabrication contractors. Before then, he cut his ‘production teeth’ in the sam
Germany - Prolyte Group has announced the opening of their new International Training Centre (ITC) at Rheiner Strasse 125, D 48282 in Emsdetten, Germany. The new ITC state-of-art facility will provide a venue for Prolyte events and Prolyte partners to introduce Prolyte products to customers and prospective clients. The training centre includes 500 sq.m of meeting space and is comprised of a main conference area that can host up to 100 guests and five additional breakout rooms. The building was originally constructed pre-war as a textile manufacturing warehouse. ITC’s facilities will include a lounge and bistro area, arrange of high-end technical equipment including a digital projector and screen, video conferencing equipment, and a wide screen television. “It’s important that we provide the right tools and environment to help our partners experience the Prolyt
Europe - A document has been published explaining what the latest draft of the Ecodesign regulations released by the European Commission could mean for the entertainment technology industry. Written by PLASA's Ecodesign task group representative Adam Bennette of ETC, the eight-page document (available in full here - PDF) lays out his views and interpretations of the contents of the second draft. The Professional Entertainment Lighting Products Ecodesign task group - the body that represented the industry during the public consultation - said the situation was "far more positive" following the Commission's
Visual Horizon Communications (VHC), a St. Paul, Minnesota-based boutique staging company, has taken delivery of Claypaky Axcor Spot 300 fixtures. One of the first in the US to acquire Axcor Spots, part of Claypaky’s new Axcor 300 family of moving LED fixtures, VHC has been looking to replace older spots in the company’s lighting inventory. “We needed to replace some ageing spots, and our last two purchases had been Claypaky equipment,” says lighting designer Bob Wynsteker. “We really like the quality we’re seeing from Claypaky. Their fixtures are built to last.” When VHC decided to invest in new spots the company staged a shoot-out with other LED fixtures of comparable size to the Axcor Spot. “The Axcor’s brightness, compared to our current spots, was right up there,” says Wynsteker. “Stacked up against the other units, the Axcor consumed less power and
UK - Phoenix Audio has confirmed Tukans as its UK distributor. Tukans will offer all Phoenix Audio Technologies’ solutions including the Spider series, the Condor Microphone Beamforming Array, and the Stingray DSP Mixer. “We are very excited to add Phoenix Audio to our portfolio and look forward to working with them to expand their business in the UK. We are seeing an increase in demand for collaboration accessories, that enhance the experience when using PC based conferencing,” comments Yvonne Womersley, managing director at Tukans. “People are looking for professional level audio and video, that offers the true plug-and-play experience for whatever the room size. With the addition of Phoenix, we are confident that we are able to cover a vast majority of all customers unified collaboration and conferencing needs.” “We are thrilled to further expand our par
Singapore - Adam Hall Asia hosted an APAC distributor summit at the company's showroom in Singapore on 23-24 August. Just the second summit of its kind for Adam Hall Asia - a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adam Hall GmbH Germany - the event welcomed more than 20 partner companies from 16 countries, with distributors from Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Republic of Fiji attending for the first time. Members of the product managers and business development teams from Germany, alongside Adam Hall Group COO Markus Jahnel, were also in attendance. Jahnel comments: “I would like to emphasise how important the partners who attended this meeting are for the international growth and success of the Adam Hall Group." Chandan Mahtani, managing director of Adam Hall Asia, adds: “The whole meeting was characterised by a fantastic team spirit. It was evident how essential
Slovakia - SRS Group, lighting rigging and power distribution specialist, has recently moved its production and offices into a larger facility. The new base, in Rybnicna 38/B, 83107 Bratislava, is just across the street from the company’s old location. The larger premises will enable SRS to hold a larger stock of products, have more space for the R&D department, assembly and metal-work production. The building also features its own 600A transformer that gives an opportunity for PDU testing under full load. SRS Group believes their customers will benefit from this step ahead by having better delivery times, more organised production and even more developed R&D. Customers are advised that despite the move, SRS Group’s billing address has remained unchanged. (Jim Evans)
