Czech Republic - The 10th Prague Quadrennial - the international showcase for scenography and theatre architecture - came to a close at the Výstavišt? Exhibition Grounds in Prague on June 29. The exhibition, which first took place in 1967 and now runs every four years, represents the best ideas in the fields of scenography and theatre architecture. This year, a record-breaking 50 countries participated in the exhibition, which, over its 16 day-run, attracted nearly 20,000 visitors.

Running alongside were a series of professional conferences and meetings, including the FIRT International Theatre Conference, Transteatral international meeting of students of theatre studies, and that of the OISTAT International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians.

The exhibition itself showcased two unique projects - 'The Heart of PQ - a Cardiac Arrest to the Conve

UK - Stardraw.com has announced a new productivity enhancement as part of their Feature per Month update service. Using a current design as a source document, Convert Environment automatically creates new layouts in other environments within Stardraw's design and documentation packages.

Stardraw marketing director Rob Robinson explains: "Stardraw has always used different environments to allow you to present your system documentation in the most appropriate format. For example, engineering layouts are best produced in the Block Schematic environment, while sales presentations benefit from the Pictorial Schematic and Rack Layout environments.

Stardraw has long had a 'Convert to Rack' function which analyzes all the data in your Block Schematic, selects those elements that are rack-mountable and then puts that information into the Rack Layout environment. July's feature, t

UK - Yet more developments in the contentious Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Bill, which is currently being bounced between the Commons and Lords, whilst those bodies with a vested interest, continue the fight to get their voices heard.

It all stems from the UK Government's desire to do away with the existing two-in-a-bar rule, which allows up to two performers to appear in a venue or pub without a licence. If the Licensing Bill as it stands becomes law, this will no longer be possible. The concern expressed by those most directly affected - the musicians and the venue owner/operators - is that the replacement Bill will mean a lot more paperwork, will prove costly, and could do some serious damage to the UK live music industry.

The pro lobby believe that the Bill is well intentioned and will update archaic licensing laws, clamp down on some of the UK's more worrying crimi

UK - The controversial reform of England and Wales' archaic licensing laws has now been given the go-ahead by Parliament. This paves the way for delivery of the Government's promise to provide for flexible pub licensing hours.

Having finally been approved by both Houses of Parliament, after much negotiation over the fine detail, the Licensing Bill will now go forward for Royal Assent, after which it will become law. The key elements of the bill include flexible opening hours; measures to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder (including new police powers to close licensed premises without notice for up to 24 hours); a greater say for the public (licences will be granted by electorally-accountable licensing authorities, instead of magistrates, with local residents able to make representations); strengthened protection for children and less red tape (the new Bill sees the amal

UK - As we reported last issue, Ampekko acquired the business of Millbank Electronics, one of the UK's most respected names in public address and voice alarm. We talked to Ampekko CEO Neil Voce about the deal and what it means to both Millbank and its parent company, Ampekko Ltd.

What plans do you have for the future of the Millbank name'

There are very few global brands within our particular sector and this is an opportunity to re-position Millbank back at the top of the pile. Worldwide distribution channels take a long time to put in place and we now need to work with our partners to ensure that the placing of the brand is maintained. The product line will be enhanced - quickly and powerfully. Some of the products suffer from an image of being a bit tired, although I have been very pleasantly surprised with their functionality.

What investment will there be in t

USA - After five years in development, Spectrum Manufacturing has launched the Spectralite Combi Case, the first in a range of injection-moulded cases using a custom-blended thermoplastic resin. In extensive testing over the past two years, the Combi Case has stood up to cold Canadian winters and hot Florida summers.

Although often lighter than conventional flight cases, Spectralite cases are designed to withstand harsh touring environments, but if damage does occur, they are easily repaired. One of their main advantages is the innovative ribbing system, allowing the case to be reconfigured easily by repositioning simple inserts, giving the customer total flexibility. Other advantages of the case are that it is water resistant and because the materials used are recyclable, it is environmentally friendly.

The case is also available to OEMs and case manufacturers around the wo

UK - A PLASA Member audio company has been approached by a company identifying itself as Paola Getti Holdings in the Isle of Man, asking for details of the company's products. In this case, the request was for copies of the manufacturer's web pages to be faxed to Paola Getti Holdings, as they were currently without internet access - the return fax number was, of course, a premium-rate number.

According to the UK-based website, Fraud Central ( www.fraudcentral.org.uk), Paola Getti Holdings is well known for this scam, which also takes the form of requesting a return telephone call, also on a premium rate number.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - PLASA continues to adapt to meet the changing demands of the dynamic and diverse markets it serves and for this year's PLASA Show (7-10 September at Earls Court, London) significant changes are in place to engage more visitors and exhibitors in this energetic, inspirational and trend-setting environment. The PLASA Professional Development Programme (PLASA PDP), the Association's new training initiative, will be hosting the educational programme at this year's show. This extended educational platform will examine current trends and issues across the broad range of our industry and provide visitors with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and learn from the industry experts.

The format for this year's programme has changed to offer visitors more choice and variety. This year, the sessions will range from Technical Workshops aimed at technicians through to Business Semi

UK - Osborne Creative Services has designed and produced a new website for UK pro audio specialist distributor, Pure Distribution. The site enables visitors to obtain information on all product lines distributed by Pure, including Aphex, Audient, ETA, Lexicon, Miller & Kreisel and Sanken, as well as Pure's own XIX range of microphones and accessories. Visitors can also locate their nearest dealer and download a retail price list.

Previously marketing manager at Tannoy Ltd, Peter Osborne founded the company in 1985, and provides a comprehensive design and production service for both new and old media applications within the pro audio industry. Osborne Creative Services has recently created websites for Audient plc www.audient.co.uk and Stirling Syco www.stirlingsyco.com. Other pa

UK - Nagra has announced the death of Derek Jones, aged 66, who died peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family on Monday 14 July 2003.

Derek enjoyed a long and successful career in audio sales - his extensive product knowledge was paralleled by an enduring personal interest in computing and a garage full of everything you would ever need to fix anything. His years in audio included positions with beyerdynamic, Hayden Labs, ASC (with his famous Skoda company car) and Alice (Soundtech). In 1998, he joined Nagra (GB), where he approached the role of sales and marketing manager with typical self-effacing humour - often adding that he had only himself to manage, which was quite enough!

As a long-standing and active member of the Institute of Broadcast Sound, Derek accepted honorary membership in December 2002 'in recognition of his contribution to broadcast sound over many y

USA - ANSI's Board of Standards Review has approved ANSI E1.5-2003, Entertainment Technology - Theatrical Fog made with Aqueous Solutions of Di- and Trihydric Alcohols. This standard is now referenced in ESTA's 'A Test Is Worth a Thousand Words' fog testing program and is available for free download from the ESTA website.

The new standard specifies the components of glycol and glycerin fog and the ceiling and the time-weighted-average exposure limits for the fogs. The ceiling limits are rationally based on scientific data and are consistent with the ceiling limits that have been specified in many performer union contracts, but the standard goes beyond those contractual limits by also controlling the time-weighted-average levels. It specifies the glycols which can be used in a conforming fog to proscribe irritating, common industrial glycols and ensure that only those gly

UK - The annual Hayden Laboratories Cricket Cup Challenge is taking place on Thursday 7 August at Littlewick Green Cricket Club, near Maidenhead in Berkshire. Now in its fourth year, the cricket challenge match sees a scratch team representing the sound and lighting industry line-up against a team drawn from the combined ranks of PLASA Show organizers Clarion Events and PLASA team.

The event starts at 4pm and is followed by a BBQ at 7.30pm, which will be charged at £6.50 per head. All are welcome to attend and lend their support to this popular event. If you are interested in attending please contact Nicky Rowland at Clarion on +44(0)20 7370 8231 (nicky.rowland@plasashow.com) or Simon Curtis at Hayden Laboratories + (0)1753 888447 (simon.curtis@denon.co.uk) for further details and directions.

(Ruth Rossington)

UK - At the Good Employers Awards ceremony in London on 29 July, Soundcraft Ltd from Hertfordshire was presented with the overall winner award, after being nominated by Councillor Harpinder Singh of the London Borough of Greenwich.

The Good Employers Award is organized by the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) and is promoted by individual local government councillors who nominate their own full-time employers in recognition of being flexible with working arrangements, thereby assisting their employees in carrying out their roles as councillors. Held at Local Government House, in Westminster and sponsored by the Guardian newspaper, the event saw entries from as-far-a-field as South Tyneside and the South Downs.

Speaking about the Good Employers Award, the Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, commented: "Councillors have a vital role to play in leadi

Following discussions with government body, Trade Partners UK, PLASA has been allocated funding for taking a UK Group to PALME in Dubai. All eligible UK companies planning to exhibit at PALME (17-19 February 2004) will receive a grant for 60% of costs, up to a limit of £2,300. The grant covers expenditure on such areas as exhibition space, stand construction costs, freight and display materials. For further information, contact Helen Willis on +44 (0)1323 410335 or e-mail

International Leisure Industry Week, the UK's only event for the out-of-home leisure industry market, and PLASA have announced a new partnership.

PLASA will be hosting a special lounge in the Leisure Environments section of this year's LIW. The section focuses on how to create the right environment through design, lighting, sound and vision.

The strategic partnership was born of a mutual dedication to the leisure industry. LIW addresses the full range of needs of the leisure market, attracting decision-makers from across the board, including nightclubs, late-night venue operators, theme parks, themed restaurants, fitness clubs, leisure centres, heritage centres and museums. The audience represents a fertile market for PLASA's members as these visitors all require lighting and sound systems in addition to other environment-enhancing products to meet mounting consumer expectations.

L

Joining as a Full Member is Source Manufacturing of Stockport, UK (Tel: +44 (0)161 476 0166). The company manufactures club lighting and special effects equipment.

Fametrack Ltd of Perivale (Tel: +44 (0)20 8997 0555) has joined as a corporate member. The company, which is an associate company of full member New Horizons (t/a Direct Imports UK Ltd), distributes pro audio, lighting and visual equipment.

The world-famous Royal Opera House, situated in London's Covent Garden (Tel: +44 (0)20 7212 9261) has joined as an associate member. The ROH is the London home of The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet, and has one of the most technically advanced facilities in the world.

Freelance sound engineer Danny Schurer (Tel: +44 (0)1243 827915) joins as an associate individual member, as does qualified electrician Andrew Rees (Tel: +44 (0)1269 595 586).

USA - Several people have been in touch to draw our attention to a story that was posted on the online news site of the Atlantic City County News, which reports on a major collapse of the rig for a concert planned to take place at the city's Boardwalk Hall venue, featuring Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera.

According to the news report, the large steel grid, on which a substantial amount of technical equipment was rigged, collapsed in the early afternoon during set-up. It also mentions that whilst most people escaped unhurt, three sustained minor injuries. The truss was apparently attached to the Boardwalk's false ceiling which was installed in the venue as part of a recent $90 million upgrade. An investigation is now underway. You can read the full report at the website below.

(Ruth Rossington)

UK - In July 2003, Essex-based Clarity in Sound Light & Vision Ltd became Leisuretec Distribution's 100,000th customer since the Company's inception in 1990. Clarity purchased a Trantec radio mic system, used as part of a complete sound system for a swimming gala event at a leisure centre in Hertfordshire.

Clarity specializes in supply and installation of audio, lighting and visual equipment to theatres, schools, churches and leisure centres. Stuart Graham, managing director of Clarity said: "We offer superb technical support and product knowledge to our customers, built upon knowledge gained from spending the last 25 years working in the leisure and entertainment industry, including a period spent working at Leisuretec Distribution as technical sales manager."

Leisuretec's managing director Nick Spalding commented: "It was pure coincidence that our 100,000th cu

UK - This year the education programme has been relaunched to meet the changing demands of the PLASA visitor and will be hosted by the PLASA Professional Development Programme (PLASA PDP), the Association's new training initiative. A full timetable is now online and taking bookings - check out the website below.

This extended educational platform will examine current trends and issues across the wide range of the industry and provide visitors with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and learn from the experts. The format has been revised with four different types of sessions - Technical Workshops; Business Seminars; Industry Seminars and Masterclasses.

Many of the sessions are supported by associations, trade bodies and publications and for the first time RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) are also supporting the programme. Their endorsement is clear recognit

UK - www.StageAccess.com - launched in April 2003 and now joined by over 2,500 members - has revealed the next generation of features that are to be added to the site over the coming months. The unique Teams Tool feature, which has been piloted as a stand-alone module on the Robbie Williams European tour this summer, will be the first major addition when it is fully integrated into the StageAccess.com website in late August. From that point on, all its powerful communications features will be available to every StageAccess member.

Teams Tool allows anyone to set up a group of people and communicate with at once them from a computer via SMS and e-mail. Important documents can also be shared and uploaded for all team members to view and share, and members can set up and join multiple teams, invite new members and join relevant discussions.

The Tour Guide and Events Module is sch

UK - Carlsbro Electronics Ltd has teamed up with the world-renowned Barfly to produce local gig guides throughout the UK. In the past, Barfly has helped to expose bands such as Oasis, Stereophonics, Ash and Electric Six, to name but a few. The new guides, which will be A6 format, black and white pocket books, will be distributed by each local venue and via www.ticketweb.co.uk, released mid-monthly.

Direct links will be established between each company's website (Carlsbro's new website is set to be launched at the beginning of November), which will provide info on venues and dates. Jason Woodcock, Carlsbro's marketing and business development manager, commented: "As part of Carlsbro's on-going commitment to keeping music live, Barfly is a natural partner."

This news follows Carlsbro's recent and continued support of the Xposure television series (first showing Thursd

Industry Indicators feature as part of PLASA findings

The third phase of PLASA's Industry Market Research project is now complete, and for those keen to understand what the future holds for this industry, it offers some interesting insights.

The research pulls together key information about the size, growth and dynamics of the four main industry sectors - lighting, pro audio, staging and AV - as well as a detailed analysis of notable trends.

The findings reveal that the 2002 UK market was estimated to be worth just over £1bn at end-user prices. Breaking this down into the various market sectors, lighting accounts for £217m of that, pro audio for presentation or performance purposes equates to £337m, pro audio for architectural or commercial purposes is £53m, staging turns in £45m, but it's professional AV that delivers the lion's share at £440m.

The Research also con

Ireland - Following an extensive pitch process, design and communications company Imagination has been appointed as the lead design agency to enhance the award winning Guinness Storehouse, based in Dublin. Imagination was originally the lead design agency that helped produce and launch the Guinness Storehouse back in December 2000. Imagination, who won the pitch against stiff competition from a number of design companies, will start work on the second phase of the design work immediately.

The enhancement involves updating existing areas in the Guinness Storehouse as well as designing several new exhibition and hands-on experiences for visitors. Since opening in 2000, Guinness Storehouse has achieved great success, welcoming over 700,000 visitors annually to the Home of Guinness and becoming Ireland's top visitor attraction. Paul Carty, general manager of the Guinness Storehouse,

USA - Color Kinetics Inc (CKI) has announced two additions to its patent portfolio, which now comprises 19 issued US and international patents, with more than 100 patent filings in process. The new patents cover innovative methods of controlling LED sources for entertainment and aesthetic purposes, say the company.

US patent number 6,577,080 is a utility patent called 'Lighting Entertainment System' that covers many entertainment and educational applications of Color Kinetics' core technology. The patent covers the use of lighting tracks encoded into any media, including video, radio, CD, broadcasting and networks, as well as the decoding from that media to provide illumination control. For example, a home theatre system might integrate LED-based lights to generate customized effects that correspond with movies or music.

US patent number 6,608,453 is a utility patent called 'M

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