UK - At the PLASA Show this year (10-13 September 2006, Earls Court, London) Italian manufacturer Clay Paky will be showing the latest additions to its Alpha line of moving body projectors - which the company says is now the most complete range on the market, boasting 12 different models.

New at PLASA'06 is the Alpha Profile 1200 - a professional beam-shaper which combines the technology of the Alpha projectors with Clay Paky's patented framing system. The Alpha Profile 1200 has a wide-range zoom of 10° - 30°, a "total colour system", 14 gobos, animation effect and a prism. All the effects can be combined with endless varieties of beam shapes and sizes.

Also new at PLASA'06, the Alpha Wash 1200 is the most powerful washlight in the Alpha family. The optical system uses uniform CMY colour mixing which, together with a fixed colour wheel with linear CTO and a C

UK - GSL Power Distribution has been launched by Garry Lodge to offer the entertainment industry in general and rental operations in particular a fresh approach to providing power solutions to suit the different demands of today's venues from large-scale outdoor events to concert halls, theatres and even intimate cabaret settings.

Based on his experience of more than 20 years working with Avolites and some of the largest companies in the lighting industry, Lodge believes that his new GSL Power Distribution company will bring something unique to the event marketplace. "We have developed (and are currently working on) a selection of new products and services that we know the leading rental operations are demanding," he comments. "They want easily customised products that are robust and reliable and GSL Power Distribution will provide practical solutions and developm

USA - The science-fiction television series Stargate Atlantis is utilizing FogScreen in an upcoming episode of its new season. Stargate Atlantis, seen around the world, is about a team of military and scientific explorers who travel to a distant galaxy through the Stargate in search of the lost city of Atlantis. FogScreen is used in episode three of the show's third season, Sateda.

A Finnish invention, FogScreen generates a thin, dry fog that delivers an ideal on-screen look for live events, film and television productions. It enables people to actually walk through an image projected in mid-air. FogScreen uses ordinary water and does not contain any chemicals. "We chose FogScreen for its quality and its proven advanced technical characteristics," explains N. John Smith, executive producer of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. "

UAE - On 15 July, the newest project of Martin Professional Middle East was the opening of the Chanel Studio, located in Harvey Nichols in the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai. This studio is the sixth of its type worldwide after London, Moscow, Tokyo, and Seoul.

Martin offered a solution that provides the whole studio with basic colours used for makeup, which allows shoppers to have the same mood and colour recreated, of candle light, fire light, day light etc...

Fidaa Baddour, the marketing manager of Chanel - UAE says: "The Basic element and the main focus of makeup is lighting. In Chanel we say, 'Chanel Masters the Light'." Baddour continues: "The lighting in the studio is unique, that shows [the] professionalism of makeup depends on light directly. We trust that Martin is able to demonstrate all the colours we need and all [the] applications required."

Th

UK - For the second year running the Canary Wharf Group turned to Hawthorn to assist in their Summer Gala events. With nine days of activities in July, held at Canada Square Park, with both lunchtime and evening performances the gala attracted over 10,000 spectators over the two week period.

The varied programme included: film screenings, a comedy night, an evening of dance, and classical music recitals. Hawthorns were commissioned to provide entrance, stage and garden lighting.

"This years event was an interesting project," said Matt Oscroft the Hawthorn project manager, "with it being our second year working for this event, we realised we had to keep our designs and specifications fresh. This was achieved by using new configurations of Prolyte truss, which allowed us to use the maximum height of the Orbit structure. In addition, as the Clay Paky Alpha Spots we

UK - "Common-Sense is one of those products that you don't need every day, but when you do - it's the only solution!" say Artistic Licence of their new product. As the name suggests, it is a common point for sensors and interfaces in the world of show control and systems integration.

Common Sense provides a wealth of input and output functions including opto-isolated contacts, keypad readers, analogue sensors, real time clock, DMX512, MIDI, MIDI Timecode, RS232 and RS485. A Windows software package, Sense-Edit, is used to configure the relationship between all of the inputs and outputs. This can include up to 350 discrete events such as 'When DMX channel 3 passes 50% send this serial data string'.

Common-Sense has recently been extended to provide even more functionality. The optical inputs can now be combined using Boolean equations to provide even greater triggerin

USA - Prelite NY and Prelite SF often provide support for a variety of events, but recently they each were involved with two large-scale endeavors where time and budget were big factors. Prelite NY's studio space was used to support LD Philip Rosenberg's design for the Broadway Bares fundraising event for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) while Prelite SF provide a Prelite Onsite system to LD John Featherstone to help him realize his design for the Opening Ceremonies for the Gay Games VII in Chicago.

For the second year in a row, Rosenberg lit Broadway Bares. The revue is one of the many Broadway charity events coordinated by BC/EFA and took place at Roseland Ballroom. This year's theme was New York Strip. Rosenberg explained that the show was "a dance concert of 200 actor/dancers that came together under several different choreographers; each number

UK - Following their successful launch earlier this year, Tryka L.E.D. will show for the first time at PLASA its array of new luminaires. The fixtures include the Easy-Link Module 3, Module 6 and Module 12, as well as the powerful IP rated Module 36 for all large interior and exterior installations.

The family of Intelligent Drive Systems (namely the IDS-4 and IDS-12 offering a variety of built-in functions to run up to 144 LEDs) will be completed by the launch at the show of the IDS Wall Control and IDS Wall Control DMX. The two compact units - which can be either recessed or surface mounted - will remotely run up to 32 IDS Drivers by recalling the same functions also available on the Drivers themselves.

Furthermore the IDS Wall Control will offer a master dimmer for dimming all channels, whilst the IDS Wall Control will also offer the added advantage of individually dimming

USA - LED-fitted Colortube EQ offers users the unique possibility of mounting a 32-band, real-time sound frequency visualizer, ideal for any venue where a highly visible and dynamic display is wanted. Each tube can be addressed to respond to one of 32 frequencies, from bass to treble, very much in the pulsating manner of a graphic equalizer on your stereo.

Each tube houses 144 blue, red and green diodes, weighs under 4lbs and is 40-inch long and 3-inch wide. The system features 16 pre-set patterns, chases, colour flows with variation plus blackout.An optional controller, sold separately, allows users to select specific colours, making this ideal for retail, sports and corporate events where brand identification is vital.

The tubes are sold in packs of four. Using just four tubes and selecting the first four addresses would display the four lower frequencies in the band. If you

UK - LED and feature lighting specialists i-Vision has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for Spanish manufacturer Mundocolor. Barcelona-based Mundocolour offers three different lines of lighting equipment, and i-Vision will be taking on the broad-based 'Technical' range of LED fixtures for architectural and decorative illumination.

Mundocolor was looking for a proactive business partner says export manager Dave Simpson: "I was made aware of i-Vision, their work and their products, and soon thought they fitted the bill perfectly." He adds that once they met face-to-face, he was immediately struck with the company's energy and enthusiasm for the industry. I-vision already manufactures its own successful Lumos range of industrial and commercial LED luminaires.

The Mundocolor range - which includes stair nose and step lights, in-grounds, linear LED and neon

France - French phenomenon Johnny Hallyday is currently on tour with a showcase of Vari*Lite fixtures. Influenced by Elvis Presley and the 1950s rock revolution, Hallyday became famous in the 1960s for singing rock 'n' roll in French. Since then he has had a 40-year career in the music industry and is one of France's biggest stars.

Lighting designer Jacques Rouveyrollis is affectionately known as 'The King of Vari*Lite' and has worked with Hallyday for 30 years. Director of the tour is Bernard Schmitt and Jacques' assistant is Nicolas Gilli.

The lighting specification includes 40 VL3000 spots, 35 VL2500 spots, 35 VL2500 washes, 15 VL1000 AS and 30 VL500s. The 'Flashback Tour' is an elaborate theatrical production, with Hallyday singing 25 songs both old and new. The set morphs from a destroyed theatre in to a contemporary scene throughout the show adding to the drama of the pe

UK - Northern Light's recently launched Events division has already been responsible for bringing numerous prestigious events to life, the company reports. Gregor Murray, events manager at Northern Light, said: "The UK events market is ripe for a new player - and Northern Light has the experience and expertise to offer a fresh and innovative approach."

Murray joined Northern Light from his own company, Edinburgh-based Liquid Lighting - and is no stranger to servicing high profile events. Working with venues, event organisers and directly with artists, he has been providing specialist hire services and consultancy for over 15 years.

To date, the Northern Light Events team have provided specialist lighting and sound hire to major events including the After Shock Arena at the Download Festival in Donnington Park, the Duracell Arena at T in the Park, the Braun Arena at t

USA - High atop New York's Rockefeller Center is a unique, interactive space that takes the capabilities of intelligent LED lighting to new heights. Conceptualized by Electroland of Los Angeles, the 'Target Interactive Breezeway' is an imaginatively lit passage that connects the Center's top-floor observation decks. Its intention is to engage visitors as they pass through by tracing their movement with intelligently controlled light.

According to Electroland partner Damon Seeley: "Color Kinetics' LED-based fixtures were the only technology that could effectively deliver the full RGB spectrum in a small package, while keeping power consumption to a reasonable level. We required a tried and true product with manufacturer support to do the job on a fast-track basis."

The space comprises a glowing ceiling and walls that are entirely lit by LED systems. Approximately 1,30

UK - HSL supplied all lighting, rigging and staging for the acclaimed Whiteplane 2 project, a live interactive performance/art installation tour using an atmospheric mix of ambisonic sound and architectural lighting, created by experimental artists Alex Bradley and Charles Poulet.

Whiteplane 2 immerses its audience between two horizontal planes of light, one coming up from below and one coming down from the ceiling above.

The floor and ceiling each contain 30 JTE PixelLine LED fixtures, chosen as one of the few types of lighting that could be made into a smooth and even floor of light and walked over for 12 hours a day whilst emitting virtually no heat.

The audience enter the space and sit, stand or lie between the two planes of light, which change colour and intensity as the piece unfolds. The multilayered physical experience is completed by the 'walls' of sound coming in f

UK - There may have been an absence of Glastonbury Festival this year, but Glastonbury Abbey delivered live music to the south west and pleased the crowds this August, with the help of That's EnTEEtainment production behind the show.

The annual three night extravaganza organised by Michael Eavis partly as a thank you to the people of Glastonbury for their acceptance of the main festival and also to raise funds for Glastonbury Abbey, this year hosted Jools Holland, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Rat Pack, performing to thousands in the beautiful surroundings of the Abbey.

Having been involved with Glastonbury Festival for eight years and Glastonbury Abbey for 11 years, Dick Tee of That's EnTEEtainment was the production manager for the show, overseeing the complete production from build up to break down.

Arriving on site five days prior to the event, Tee and his tea

UK - Lighting Partners has supplied new exterior architectural fixtures for the National Theatre on London's South Bank. The company supplied nine Showtec City Painter 575 units which feature a shutter and zoom facility, coupled with CMY colour mixing and an MSR 575 light source.

The National Theatre's lighting resources manager Alex Murphy said: "We initially tried the unit as we were extremely tight for space. However, when we turned it on and saw the light output and played with the zoom we knew we were on to a winner. We're just trying to find new places around the building to use them now."

David Morgan of Lighting Partners added: "We are delighted to build on our relationship with the National Theatre and to have been able to bring the Showtec product to their attention with an on site demo."

(Lee Baldock)

UK - One of Birmingham's best known nightclubs DV8, has chosen Wharfedale loudspeakers for its new front bar extension, Innov8.

Mark Broadhead, installation manager at local dealers Matthews Electronics, who service many of the local bars, says that the comprehensive Wharfedale range offers so many options, that each venue can have its own tailored Wharfedale-specific sound to reproduce the wide range of background and DJ sound. This was certainly a feature that appealed to DV8 owner, Wayne Toon.

The 900-capacity venue was in a run-down state when he purchased it some four years ago and added it to his 150-strong community pub portfolio in the West Midlands. Recently he decided to commit in the region of £300,000 to developing a bar that would build up the early evening trade.

DV8 itself, which trades with a 6am license, is something of an institution in the city. Whil

Slovakia - Slovakia's leading television lighting designer Martin Kubanka specified Robe moving lights at the core of his design for the country's latest Big Brother style series, Vyvoleni.

This second series was produced by independent TV channel JOJ, and recorded in Koliba Studios - the largest in Slovakia. Like the massively popular first series, it also utilised Robe ColorSpot 1200 ATs.

Vyvoleni quickly became the top rated TV show for its three month run, where 15 housemates including four couples vied for some serious money prize and the chance to become celebrities.

The TV action included twice daily 'house visit' shows, plus a weekly eviction show with an interactive and very enthusiastic live audience.

Kubanka is a big Robe fan and uses the luminaires regularly on most of his work which includes high profile shows like Superstar and large TV

UK - Kent-based David Fitch Services is celebrating 25 years in business this year. David Fitch took the usual route to stage lighting i.e. as an amateur, starting at the tender age of five working with his father on the school show. Later, at the age of 16, lit his first show called Asses Ears.

After leaving school he spent six years in the family engineering business with four years at college studying engineering and management, and took over the running of the business just as the 1980 recession took hold, and the company closed. Fitch was faced with the choice of unemployment or seeing if the hobby could become a business . . .

Starting with six lights and a dimmer board (laughably described as 'portable', Fitch recalls), and working from the garden shed, Fitch made inroads into the local school and amateur market. Aquiring second-hand lanterns, he build up a stock

Sweden - Wireless Solution Sweden AB has announced that the City of Stoke's innovative Living Lights project, of which W-DMX played a major role, has been awarded first place in the lighting category of The Street Design Awards 2006, a national contest in the UK to reward innovation by local authorities.

Recognized as one of the most advanced art lighting systems in Europe, the $900,000 installation, done by Thorn Outdoor Lighting, turns Stoke's Civic Centre into a giant 300ft by 75ft canvas for colourful light shows each night, designed by students, as featured in January's issue of L&SI.To facilitate the demanding requirements of the installation, Thorn chose W-DMX IP65 units for wireless control of the entire system.

The building is illuminated by 57 groups of DMX-controlled, Thorn RGB LED strips (more than 100 fixtures in total) fixed to the building. These c

UK - Pharos Architectural Controls will be exhibiting at PLASA 06 in Earls Court next month on stand F31. The Pharos Lighting Playback Controller (LPC) won a PLASA Innovation Award at PLASA 05, and is ideal for architectural, retail and themed entertainment environments that require sophisticated control of colour mixing, dimming, moving light and LED sources. Its advanced timeline-based lighting control, versatile triggering options and rugged solid-state construction make it the ideal all-in-one control solution for fixed installations, the company says.

At PLASA 06 Pharos will be introducing additional products to the LPC range, including the Remote Input Output (RIO) Module, and demonstrating the latest designer software, with a host of new features including Mac OS-X support.

Pharos will also preview a brand new controller which will extend the Pharos range in a new direc

UK - This August, the longest-running hire contract ever for entertainment lighting supplier White Light will come to an end. White Light supplied the lighting rig for The Woman In Black at the Fortune Theatre in 1989; the show has been running ever since.

However, even though the hired rig will be coming back to White Light, the show is not ending. Instead, the producers and original lighting designer Kevin Sleep have decided to update the rig to give the show a fresher look; anticipating a long continuing life for the show, they have decided to purchase rather than hire the new lighting. White Light's hire team will no longer be involved with the show, but the sales team are working to provide an updated version of the rig, based largely around ETC's Source Four profile. The changeover will happen at the end of August.

"This also means that we'll be getting back

UK - TMB will be exhibiting some new products at PLASA 06, on stand D38.

New to the DecoPAR range of fixtures are PAR 16 and track-mount models. Available in a variety of finishes, DecoPAR is more than a light source; the fixture is a scenic element itself.

The ColourPix range of LED display systems has been expanded to include high- and low-res modules comprised of interlocking panels, custom-configured for pixel pitch and size depending on the project. A touring version of ColourPix high- and low-res modules is offered for repeated transport, rapid setup and teardown.

Alpha One of Germany offers Falcon high-power, compact fixtures for architectural and portable use. Xenon and Metal Halide models are available, in static or automated versions, and IP-rated for outdoor use.

Interactive Technologies' new CueServer playback processor is a self-contained, web enabled solution

UK - For over four decades, Neil Sedaka's timeless standards have helped change the face of popular music. With countless hit singles, and platinum and gold records, he is recognized as one of rock and pop music's legendary pioneers. On Friday, 7 April, 2006, Neil performed at London's Royal Albert Hall (RAH), which was filmed for a worldwide DVD release.

Ollie Jeffery, technical show manager at the Albert Hall explained the production, "We were originally asked by Neil Sedaka production team to provide a three colour wash and a special for the Piano. We developed from a three colour wash to a comprehensive lighting rig using a mixture of generic and moving lights."

They felt that the best light to give good images on the backdrop would be the new Mac 700 Profiles which were supplied to them by White Light. Its variety of gobos and animation wheel was a big advantage

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