USA - The Oriental Mission Church located in Los Angeles, California, has upgraded its sound system with the Adamson SpekTrix Line.

The design consists of two left & right main arrays of four SpekTrix 5 degrees boxes, with a single 15 degree SpekTrix Wave box at the bottom of each hang. A centre cluster of two Adamson SpekTrix and two SpekTrix Waves fills the centre of the seating area and the extreme front rows in front of the stage.

The Speakers are powered with QSC PLX 1104 and PLX 2502 amplifiers and processed with XTA Dp448 processors. The system design was executed by Rutherford Design, a consulting firm based in Northridge, California; using Adamson's Shooter Software. The Mission Church's house sound Engineer is Mr. Duho Kang.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Lakeside Arts Centre in Nottingham has become one of the first venues in Europe to take delivery of ETC's newest lighting control console, Congo jr, via dealer Stage Electrics. Lakeside is the University of Nottingham's public arts centre and presents an eclectic programme of music, dance,theatre, visual art and family events.

"It became clear that our old desk was not up to the demands we were making of it," explains technical manager Gareth Chell. "We test drove a few consoles and decided that the Congo jr was by far the best of all of them. It's made a real difference to the quality of lighting at the theatre, and we're really proud that we got one of the first desks in Europe.

"We chose the Congo jr as it has all the features and more that we were looking for and has the flexibility to meet with the demanding needs of a very diverse building. We al

Hong Kong - The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), one of the largest horse racing organisations in the world, has recently undergone an overhaul of the audio system in its plush executive suites. The extensive new system comprises seven Allen & Heath iDR-8 digital processing mixers, an iDR-switch, iDR-Out, and from the accompanying range of PL remote control units, six PL-10 rotary fader panels, four PL-9 connection hubs, and forty PL-4 wall plates.

Designed and installed by Eastern Acoustic Development (EAD), the new system has been installed to manage three executive floors at the Happy Valley racecourse, which house the offices of the chairman, vice-chairman, and board members, as well as various meeting rooms. Each floor has two iDR-8 digital mixers with PL-10 LED display rotary fader panels to manage the audio distribution to different zones. The system is accompanied by Lab.gr

Australia - Robe moving lights, LED Blinders, smoke and haze machines have been specified, supplied and installed into the legendary Queensbridge Hotel venue in Melbourne, Australia.

These were specified by Andrew Stanley from ULA (Australia's Robe Distributor) and QBH's Eugene Brouwer as part of the new house lighting scheme, and supplied by Bytecraft to QBH, one of the largest superclubs in the southern hemisphere.

QBH is a fully contained entertainment and function centre, kitted out with touring-standard sound and lighting systems, a large stage, several bars and a commercial kitchen. Its size and state-of-the-art facilities have made QBH an ideal location for a whole range of live concerts, product and media launches, gala dinners, conferences and parties. Its flexible layout can accommodate function style events and cocktail parties for up to 2100 guests and seated dinin

UK - Dormston School Theatre in Sedgely has replaced all of its working lights after being "blown away" by the unique, Award-winning GDS Blues System, distributed by Leisuretec Distribution.

BlueBeams in 5 and 10 degree versions and BlueDomes have replaced all working blue lights in and around the backstage area, the fly level and front-of-house cross-over gantry position. All existing fittings in the technical areas have been replaced - an unusual move for a theatre built just three-and-a-half years ago.

"They asked us to provide a demonstration and were blown away when they saw the products in situ," explained Leisuretec's Andy Duffield. "We assessed the best products and fittings for the different areas and depending on throw, elected either 5 or 10 degree BlueBeams. For the quick change areas stage left and right we chose BlueDomes with eyelids.&qu

Argentina - Named after Christopher Columbus and declared a National Historical Monument in 1989, the Teatro Colón is a significant example of cultural heritage in the City of Buenos Aires, and plays a key role in Argentina's artistic industry, defining, promoting and projecting national identity throughout the world. The theatre was recently equipped with Selecon Pacific Zoomspots, chosen for their "exceptional luminaires with outstanding performance, optically and mechanically".

Located on de Julio, the widest street in the world, the 2,367-seat Teatro Colón is the second largest performing arts theatre in the southern hemisphere, second only to Australia's Sydney Opera House. The theatre opened on 25 May 1908 with a performance of Verdi's Aida and during the twentieth century has deservedly earned the reputation of a world-renowned operatic centre possessin

Turkey - A comprehensive, state-of-the-art fire detection system from Bosch Security Systems is installed in the Kempinski Hotel The Dome in Turkey. Opened in 2005, the luxury hotel is located on the Mediterranean coast near the ancient harbour city of Antalya. The fire detection system, installed during the building of the hotel, comprises detectors from Bosch's well-proven 400 and 500 Series and Universal Fire panels of the type 2000 Series LSN (Local Security Network) with associated interface, alarm and control equipment.

Flush-mounted 500 Series automatic smoke detectors are installed in the hotel's Royal Suite, the general manager's office and the automation control room ensure unobtrusive protection and do not disturb the ambient's aesthetics without compromising safety requirements. These detectors operate on the scattered-light fire detection principle with dual detecti

Cyprus - Riccos Sound & Light, the KV2 Audio distributor in Cyprus, has just completed a prestigious sound and lighting installation in one of the country's premier live music clubs Hnioxos. Riccos Sound & Light was founded in 1992 by Andreas Christodoulou in Paphos, Cyprus and employs 11 people. One of them, Pambos Christodoulou, a distinguished sound engineer in his own right, designed the sound system at Hnioxos.

Hnioxos is a 900sq.m venue catering for up to 800 guests on four levels, constructed in the form of a modern day amphitheatre. Situated in Chlorakas, Pafos, the club has been owned and run by leading local music star Adonis Michaelides, drawing devotees from all over the island. The decision to upgrade the sound system in the club came through a perceived need to improve the 'offering' to the club's clients and provide them with absolutely the best sound system solut

USA - The Vilar Center located in the heart of Colorado's Beaver Creek Resort, features a 530-seat theatre that presents a variety of year-round performances, such as jazz, comedy, dance, film, musicals, theatre, family shows and more. The intimate performance space was designed to exacting specifications to create perfect acoustics and unobstructed views from every seat.

The upgrading of the conventional sound system was greatly driven by the demands of visiting performers. The theatre found itself having to rent systems for more demanding performers that were visiting, and found it hard to control the coverage and SPL from one performance to the next (often from a single piano concert to a full blown rock show), and frequently working with an unfamiliar system that wasn't ideal for the space.

The theatre's technical team started to assess their choices and thorough shootouts

UK - Spains Hall in Essex has been a family home for ten centuries. It has recently completed a prestigious conversion and extension of its listed stable buildings. Although the Hall itself dates from the early 15th century, installation company CGA Integration has equipped its function rooms with modern audio systems from Electro-Voice, part of Bosch Communications Systems.

CGA Integration was commissioned to provide zoned audio for a wide range of functions. Scope for future developments was part of the brief from the outset. Audio quality came top of the list for project requirements, with system flexibility and ease of routine use close behind. From the ceremony room to the vaulted dining rooms, separate zones were installed, all requiring individual design, while installation needed to be impressively finished to match the venue's high standards of decor.

Audio flexibilit

USA - Located on Broadway in downtown Oakland, California, the Paramount Theatre is a slice of history. With its magnificent, 2,992-seat, Art Deco design, the Paramount was the last studio-owned movie palace built in the nation. Over the years, the theatre changed hands several times as both the downtown film market and the building itself slowly decayed, and in 1970, the doors were shut for good. Or at least until 1972, when the Oakland Symphony (now the Oakland East Bay Symphony) purchased it and restored it to its original grandeur, reopening it as a performing arts centre. Shortly thereafter, it was declared a National Historic Landmark, and ownership was transferred to the city.

Today the Paramount is one of the Bay Area's prime spots for high-profile concerts, lectures, theatre, and film, but one recurrent complaint has dogged the theatre in recent years: mediocre sound. &

Eire - Midas and Klark Teknik's Irish distributor Sound Communications has supplied Dublin's National Concert Hall (NCH) with a new monitor system consisting of a Midas Siena 400 console and Klark Teknik Show Command hardware and software. This is one of the first complete packages to be supplied where Klark Teknik Show Command and Midas are united via Solo Tracking System (SOS).

The NCH's system consists of the Midas Siena together with a KT DN9331 RAPIDE graphic controller which gives direct access to the functions of KT digital EQs, providing instant recall of fader positions via 31 long travel motorised faders; three KT DN9344E quad equalisers and two KT Square ONE Dynamics units. Wireless control of the system is provided by KT's ELGAR software. The three amplifier racks are each run by a KT DN9848E System Controller to provide 12 bi-amped wedge monitor mixes, again all und

UK - The Switched On London lighting festival runs until February 16 in The Pool of London, encompassing the Thames, bordered by Tower Bridge and London Bridge. The event is billed as a celebration of the relationship between light, architecture and the city, and consists of temporary lighting installations and a series of light related events with an overall concept of theatre.

The IALD (International Association of Lighting Designers) has involved some of the UK's most celebrated lighting designers who, together with leading manufacturers which include Martin Architectural are realising these projects.

Martin Architectural is lighting HMS Belfast and showcasing its new Exterior 1200 Washes which are lighting the side of the ship. Twelve Exterior 600s have been installed in the main guns to produce the effect of the guns shooting, and a further four Exterior 200's have

UK - PLASA Events Ltd, the new wholly-owned events division of the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA), has revealed the first details of the PLASA07 Show at Earls Court - including a new layout that extends the show over one floor into both Earls Court 1 and Earls Court 2.

A host of innovations, based on exhibitor and visitor research, are designed to build on the show's reputation as the premier international new product showcase and PLASA Events anticipates a record number of new product launches this September.

The most radical development is the new show floor layout, which sees PLASA07 transformed into a two-hall, single-level show by expanding into the adjacent Earls Court 2. Essentially, this re-draw will secure premium exhibition space for the future growth and expansion of the show, whilst addressing industry and exhibitor demands.

The show design t

UK - The Rigging Partnership has designed, supplied and installed the latest capital acquisition of Stage Machinery into the Young Vic Theatre. As part of the Theatre's ongoing investment strategy TRP provided a lockable tracking beam system into the main auditorium, new truss grid systems into their two new studios and chain hoist motors for use in either space.

The Young Vic is one of the most creative venues in the UK having been completely refurbished over the last two years. TRP worked in close collaboration with the Young Vic management and technical team on this important project that will secure the versatility and functionality of the theatre for years to come.

TRP were contracted to design, supply and install 25 bespoke lockable travelling spreader-beams, which provide suspension points to any position in the auditorium. These spreader beams are telescopic, removable

UK - GE Lighting and New Look have today announced an £6.5 million exclusive contract for branch lighting for the next five years. GE Lighting will continue to provide lighting for all 570 New Look and 230 Mim stores and to supply expansions and refits.

New Look has decided to specify GE Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) lamps because of their lumen maintenance and life span as well as colour rendering, ideal for retail environments. The retail chain used the GE CMH lamps for 18 months before this contract win. Historical data built up during this period confirmed to New Look that GE lamps were the right choice, with fewer failed lamps and better light levels.

The CMH lamps offer a low 8% failure rate allowing for fewer re-lamping procedures and help to drive down overall maintenance costs, the company says. In addition, GE has supplied the lamps with a pre-determined warranty

USA - At the world-famous Walt Disney Concert Hallin Los Angeles, independent consultant / sound designer Fred Vogler andhead of A/V Kevin Wapner recently upgraded the venue with a Dolby Lake Processor and Lake Contour digital loudspeaker processingnetwork. The new wirelessly-controlled setup, which provides powerful signalprocessing tools for the optimisation of live performance and studioloudspeakers, is being used to control the venue's flown JBL VerTec andcustom stage-level ATC sound reinforcement systems.

Designed by internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Walt DisneyConcert Hall is a $272 million live entertainment complex in the heart ofLos Angeles that became an instant landmark upon openingin late 2003. The hall is the winter home of the L.A. Philharmonic and hostsa broad range of musical events.

(Chris Henry)

UK - Lighting Technology Projects (LTP) has installed and programmed a new piece of interactive light art, composed from 10,000 nodes of ColorKinetics' iColor Flex SL LED-based strand, custom-produced for the project, complete with transparent channels.

Artist Tim Knowles was commissioned to create several contemporary artworks in the regenerated Harbourside area by developers Crest Nicholson PLC, of which "Field of Play" is the largest.

Measuring an impressive 48 metres wide by 12 metres tall, it's constituted from 288 vertical lines of Flex, staggered - as per the original design concept - at between 50 and 700 mm widths, with varying drops. It runs along the sides of two buildings in the at the ever-evolving Bristol Harbourside development.

"Field of Play" is an interactive light drawing created - sometimes unwittingly - by the public as they move arou

UK - The ABTT Theatre Show's organisers - The Association of British Theatre Technicians - have announced that its 29th edition has sold out five months before it takes place on 13 and 14 June in London's Royal Horticultural Halls.

Filling all three exhibition halls in London's Royal Horticultural Halls to capacity, the show will again play host to over 100 exhibiting companies who will showcase a comprehensive range of products and services for professionals involved with equipping, refurbishing or up-grading their drama studio, theatre, auditorium or multi-purpose performance space.

Committed to building on the show's success the organisers aim to expand the show's attendance which grew by 5% last year to over 2,400 visitors, and included theatre and venue managers, technical directors, technicians, technical managers, heads of drama departments, architects, consultants, des

UK - When the plush new Bar Plazma in Wickford burnt down in October 2005 shortly after opening, it was hard to believe that it would re-emerge a little over a year later with an up-rated specification.

But the town centre venue, owned by experienced nightclub operator Douglas Quirk and managed by Alistair Burrell (who had safely evacuated all the staff and customers on that fateful October evening), has done precisely that.

Quirk, who made his name running the epochal Hollywood Romford in the 1980s, turned to fellow Essex contractors, Southend-based Essex Sound & Light and interior designer Colin Stone of Stone Me Design, to deliver a superior interior package. What they have produced is an upscale, all-day chameleon venue which trades from 11am until 11pm (midweek), 1am Thursday and 2am at weekends.

ESL were asked to carry out the technological integration in view of their

UK - Vision Fire & Security has announced that The O2 Arena has selected Millbank solutions to provide voice alarm and public address systems for the new music venue. The O2 is being re-developed by Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) to transform the Millennium Dome into "Europe's finest music venue". The 23,000 capacity in-door arena aims to host up to 150 music, entertainment and sports events in its first year.

The building will be renamed The O2 will also have a smaller Music Club venue with a capacity of 2,200, a multiplex cinema, an ice rink, a world-class exhibition space and a vibrant 'entertainment district' featuring a variety of bars, restaurants, retail and leisure facilities.

Building on Vision Fire & Security's global partnership with Tyco, the Millbank team began working together with ADT to realise the challenging brief from the early stages.

The pr

USA - Philadelphia Park Casino and Racetrack in Bensalem, Pennsylvania is an established horse track - home of the prestigious Pennsylvania Derby - that houses a more recent casino addition. A somewhat drab exterior facade fuelled owners' desire to enhance the venue's Porte Cochere entrance and thereby draw attention to Philadelphia Park as a newly diversified, dynamic entertainment facility.

Lighting Design Alliance of Signal Hill, California was called upon to create the eye-catching look. Scott Hatton, Principal of Lighting Design Alliance, commented, "The façade is a white semi-transparent fabric that conceals a fairly uninteresting building that had no exterior lighting at all. As this was an existing building that was being converted from just a racetrack to both a racetrack and a casino it was critical to clean up the façade cheaply and quickly and to light it in a

Korea - Cadac Electronics plc, working in partnership with local distributor Dreamsound Co Ltd, reports a series of installations in Korea. Four international musicals are currently being staged, with J-Type Live Production Consoles at the core of each show's sound system. In addition, Dreamsound has supplied Cadac's Digital Series Stage Rack (DSSR) to two major theatre installations - for the Sejong Center's Grand Theatre in Seoul and for the Grand Performance Hall at the Pohang Theatre.

Musical theatre has seen a significant rise in popularity across the region, with a resultant demand for high quality audio systems, as evidenced by Cadac's regional success. Mamma Mia! recently opened in its third Korean city, SeongNam, following the high profile Korean-language production of Disney's The Lion King, which opened last October in the Charlotte Theatre at LotteWorld

UK / Hong Kong - The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), one of the largest horse racing organisations in the world, has recently undergone an overhaul of the audio system in its plush executive suites. The extensive new system comprises seven Allen & Heath iDR-8 digital processing mixers, an iDR-switch, iDR-Out, and from the accompanying range of PL remote control units, six PL-10 rotary fader panels, four PL-9 connection hubs, and 40 PL-4 wall plates.

Horse racing is the most popular spectator sport in Hong Kong, and the Club is the only authorized operator of horse racing. The government-run organisation also offers betting on football matches held outside of Hong Kong. The HKJC also provides dining, social and recreation facilities to approximately 20,000 members.

Designed and installed by Eastern Acoustic Development (EAD), the new system has been installed to manage three exec

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