UK - Rackz, the UK based 19" rack specialist designer, manufacturer and supplier, has expanded its range of wood finish Credenza rack units which are being distributed worldwide via the Penn-Elcom network.

This is due to popular demand and the foresight of Rackz' Dave Roberts who spotted a gap appearing in the market led by changes in digital technology and the requirement for elements of home entertainment / smart-home systems to be combined into elegant integrated packages. These are also designed for all commercial applications.

The Credenza range is a simple self-assembly product, designed for quick, efficient and stress-free set up - even for those challenged with DIY skills. Says Roberts: "The idea is that anyone can assemble a Credenza rack even those with little or no practical experience - unlike some 'self-assembly' products which are accompanied by a brick

Europe - Luc Peumans from Genk, Belgium based creative visual design practice, Painting With Light, has designed stage and set lighting for the first arena touring production of Dreamworks' Madagascar LIVE!

Brought on-board by Netherlands based producers, Stage Entertainment Touring Productions, Peumans' joined a seriously talented and acclaimed creative team on a show high in production values that is scheduled to tour internationally for two years.

His work brings atmosphere and vibrancy to the pacey musical that follows the adventures, thrills, spills and comedy moments of a group of escapees from Central Park Zoo in New York ... who find themselves shipwrecked on the sandy shores of Madagascar.

Peumans used David Gallo's stage/set design, based on a series of curtains, elaborate scenic and printed drops, drapes and scrims used to create the different locations, as

India - A Milos MR5 roof system was recently used for a high profile open-air concert by Oscar award winning Indian megastar A R Rahman, staged at the YMCA Grounds in Chennai, India. Organised by popular Tamil broadcaster Jaya TV, the event was attended by 30,000 enthusiastic fans.

The multi-deck layered stage was designed by leading Bollywood set designer Varsha Jain, and this, the Milos roof system, all trussing, rigging and assorted scaffolding and structures utilised on site were supplied by Chennai based 'Men At Work Stagecraft Management Pvt Ltd'. The project was managed for them by Mankaran Singh.

The Milos roof system measured 24m wide by 18m deep with 13m of headroom. Various trusses were sub hung from its mother-grid, including six straight ones of different lengths and four circular - one at 8m, one at 4m and two 6m diameters.

(Jim Evans)

The Netherlands - Magenta Research will utilise ISE 2013 (booth #11-C84) to introduce new additions to its Voyager, MultiView and HD-One core product ranges as part of a complete, end-to-end solution for fibre and UTP-based signal switching and distribution.

Magenta's fully digital Voyager Series of fibre-optic based products, which began shipping in 2011, extend, switch and distribute video (including HDCP protected content) and auxiliary signals digitally over fibre-optic cable.

The new Voyager 4-port core (now shipping) can serve as the heart of any transmitter or receiver and opens up an additional sphere of distribution options - use as a 1x4 distribution amplifier, as a 4x1 switch or as a daisy-chainable receiver with the ability to route signals in four different directions. The Voyager four-port core is also a key component in enabling Voyager matrix switching solution

UK - Prolyte Products UK has expanded its projects team with the appointment of Alex White as trainee project manager.

This development follows Prolyte Group's acquisition of Brilliant Stages in July last year, which consolidated the custom capabilities already established within its special projects division, Litestructures. As envisaged, the two entities have pooled their knowledge and experience to deliver several impressive projects over the past six months. The synergy between the companies has proven to be very successful, with further collaborative ventures already lined up for 2013.

White recently completed a Foundation Degree in Live Events Production from the industry-led training centre Backstage Academy. The graduate has already acquired some valuable experience through working on The X Factor Live Tour 2012 and the Goodwood Festival of Speed, as well as a p

UK - From riggers and tradesmen to specialist stunt teams, Dirty Rigger's new Secutor Utility Belt has drawn much interest from end users and distributors around the world.

The new belt has been designed and engineered with comfort and versatility being paramount. The Secutor Belt features a 5-inch wide padded back, lined with specially selected foam and a breathable mesh for exceptional all-day comfort.

The belt also boasts four fully adjustable and re-positionable D-rings for securing additional attachments and a 2-inch outer belt, designed to work with all Dirty Rigger tool pouches and accessories.

Dirty Rigger's designer Steve Marshall said, "This belt has been months in the making, testing materials and construction variations to enable us to maintain the renowned Dirty Rigger quality and performance.

"From Finland and Austria all the way over to Korea, pre-

Spain - Expanding their coverage across Europe, the Dirty Rigger team have announced a new distribution deal with Spain's CineTools.

Stocking a wide selection of Dirty Rigger's tool pouches, rigger gloves and accessories, CineTools will be a valued new addition to a trusted network of stockists around the world, says the company.

Dirty Rigger's Hannah Attfield said, "CineTools offer years of personal experience to the industry and carry this forward in their business. It gives customers great confidence and trust to know their product information and recommendations come from hands-on experience."

CineTools' Beatriz D. Muñoz said, "CineTools decided to bet heavily on the Dirty Rigger brand, a decision we very quickly became proud of. We have been working with the Le Mark Group (Dirty Rigger's parent company) for years and the export team is always aware

UK - For the 4th year running Le Mark's high-gloss StudioTak flooring enhanced the stage on ITV's The National Television Awards 2013.

Hosted by Dermot O'Leary, the NTA's and its collection of star-studded award-winning celebrities shone on Le Mark's water-like-reflection studio floor.

Performances from dancing star Darcey Bussell relied on StudioTak's excellent durability.

Soon after, the high-gloss floor offered a glistening reflection for Kimberly Walsh & X Factor rising star Ella Henderson. The set was built and installed by Blackfriars Scenery Ltd.

Blackfriars project manager Perry Judge commented, "StudioTak is fantastic, we never use anything else."

(Jim Evans)

USA - PLASA has announced the members of the 2013 PERG Council who are responsible for overseeing the activities of the Production Equipment Rental Group which serves the needs of the film and digital community within PLASA. The PERG Council is made up of leading members of that community who donate significant time and resources to shine a light on the challenges and opportunities faced by professional rental companies and focus the collective experience and expertise of members to shape solutions and responses.

Mark Wofford, general manager of Production Consultants & Equipment in Atlanta, was elected chair of the council at their recent meeting in Dallas, TX. Mark commented, "It's important to PC&E to be a part of PERG and the important work that PERG does for the rental industry. The PERG Council is the driving force behind this and to be elected as chair of this group

UK - MP Event Trailers has partnered with Spanish manufacturer Capotex to launch a new temporary or permanent structure solution for the UK events market. The product, called Tubbo, is a modular, design gallery, transparent pod, which is billed as "ideal for outdoor events no matter what the weather".

The modular design of Tubbo makes it quick and easy to assemble and its streamline design and hi-tech material content comply with regulations meaning no structure licensing is needed.

Rhod Howcroft, rental fleet manager, MP Event Trailers comments, "The engaging design and aesthetics of Tubbo mean it will be an instant source of conversation between guests, as nothing like this has previously been available in the world of events. Visitors get the best of both worlds, a heated or air conditioned event space whilst still remaining and watching part of their surroun

USA - Experts in theatre and stage equipment PNTA have become the latest company to take on the full range of Dirty Rigger Gloves & Accessories in the USA.

With nearly 40 years in the business, Seattle based PNTA has grown over the years to offer one of the widest selection of equipment & consumables on the west coast.

PNTA's Richard Buckley said, "We are incredibly excited to introduce the Dirty Rigger tool pouch and rigger glove range. All the team here are really impressed with the quality and materials used on the construction of the gloves and accessories, and the stitching is excellent. They have a style of rigger glove that will suit just about any setting out in the field"

The Dirty Rigger range will be available at PNTA's online retail store and on display in their spacious new warehouse located on Andover Street, Seattle.

(Jim Evans)

USA - With over 25 years of rigging industry experience, USA based The Rigging Box offer a level of service and professionalism that exceeds many others in the industry.

Looking to increase their brand awareness and streamline their packing process, The Rigging Box extensively researched local printed packing tape suppliers before turning to UK based Le Mark Group.

The Rigging Box's Selina Conrad said, "The best price I could find was anywhere from about $3.00 to almost $4.00 a roll, but with Le Mark the tape costs could be as low as $1.25 a roll. Even adding less than $0.25 a roll for shipping still made it worth the purchase.

"Using Le Mark's printed tape has saved us a lot of money. It's easy to work with, no razor needed to cut the end of the tape. The employee can break it off with his hands once he has completed the job and the end is always easy to find when

UK - One Direction performed from a stunning sloping stage designed and built by LS-Live for the band's video game themed sets on ITV's X Factor final at the end of 2012. The hit talent show culminated in a live final at Manchester Central with the boyband as special guests.

The production team was keen to raise the tempo of the show by producing a stage set that would differentiate the band's performance from the contestants, whilst fitting seamlessly in to the existing production at the venue.

Production manager on the job, Kenny Underwood of Cheeky Rascal Productions, is a long-standing client of LS-Live's. He contacted the company direct to bring to life the designs of Stufish's Ray Winkler, in just one week. The 3m wide by 12m long stage, which sloped up to a height of 2.5m, had to be assembled and roll on the stage in just three minutes.

LS-Live custom built a s

USA - The need and importance of accurately assessing the point loads of substantial touring rigs is gaining momentum. With several articles published in the trade press at the end of last year, it was refreshing to see this crucial safety issue receive public airing. To underscore the significance of the issue, Load Cell Rental, who only last November announced its formal arrival in the marketplace, has now made a major move to improve and expand the range of tools available to concerned riggers and promoters.

"When we first looked at the rationale behind a weighing service for large complex touring systems, it was clear that a significant number of measuring devices would be needed to adequately fulfil the needs of the industry," said Load Cell Rental founder, Richard Young. "Our initial investment was for 60 two ton load cells from Motion Labs. Now, we've just

Malaysia - Flightcase and speaker cabinet solutions specialist Penn Elcom has opened a new sales and distribution hub in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This is designed to enable fast access through local sales support centres - primarily in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand - of the full range of Penn Elcom products.

It reflects generally buoyant markets and strong trading in Asia over the last 12 months, as well as being an integral element of Penn's planned medium-term global expansion strategy.

Heading up the operation will be Jane Li, who has worked for some time as operations manager for Penn's Logistics & Quality assurance centre in Xaimen, China. She will initially run a full time staff of three people.

The creation of the new KL facility enables Penn Elcom's clients and end users of all sizes to benefit from direct shipments and optimised efficiency, ensuring even faster

UK - TV and live arena spectacular, Sports Personality of the Year, saw Unusual Rigging apply its technical expertise to a complex and demanding set up. Both a TV show and a live event, this year for the first time, it was broadcast live from London's ExCel Arena.

Hired by Unspun, whose role encompassed creative consultation, event design and implementation as well as technical production and schedule management, Unusual Rigging not only took care of the rigging needs for the arena itself but also for a hospitality event in The Capital Hall.

On winning the project, Unspun's project manager, Alex Clayton-Black, and technical production manager, Gary White, set about putting the key supply services out to tender. They needed to be confident not only in the rigging company's equipment and project management skills but also in its collaborative spirit, as Unspun was procuring infr

UK - Le Mark's Harmony Gloss portable stage floor glistened and shimmered on Sunday night with the BBC's broadcast of the BAFTA Awards 2013.

Watched by an estimated 5.5m viewers and hosted by Stephen Fry, the ceremony production was visually stunning from start to finish.

Offering a high-gloss floor with a water-like effect, Le Mark's Harmony event floor flowed across the set, complimenting the stars as they walked onto the stage to collect their awards.

Having also been used in some of the largest productions in the world, including a custom printed version for the opening ceremony at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Harmony has become widely known for its speed and ease of installation, along with the ability to offer amazing visual effects when combined with professional lighting.

Le Mark's Leanne Baker commented, "To have any sort of involvement in what is arguably

UK - The Executive Hire Show proved to be a success yet again for inspHire shown through a busy stand over the course of the entire show. Three independent hirers took the opportunity to have a demonstration of inspHire hire software and then decided to purchase on the spot. Kelly Plant and Tool Hire Depot both utilised inspHire's 'Show only Deal' and purchased inspHire Express at the show's discounted rate and TJ Hire purchased inspHire Office Edition.

inspHire on Android, selected to be included on the Innovation Trail, was launched at the Executive Hire Show. Interest was high on this new, innovative product, as both inspHire customers and prospects were requesting a demonstration. Since launching inspHire on Android, inspHire has set up customers on this new application.

inspHire held one-to one free workshops throughout the show, providing customers with the chance to fur

UK - Dave Bellamy, Showforce's client relations manager, was awarded the accolade of 'Best Employee' at the Event Production Awards 2013.

With 20 awards presented in total, by comedian Tom Stade, Dave Bellamy and Kim Gavin, artistic director of the Olympic and Paralympic closing ceremonies were the only individuals to receive awards on the night.

Bellamy was nominated for the award by Showforce's chairman Ian Spendlove who said, "I really wanted to formally acknowledge the hard work, commitment and high standards demonstrated by Dave throughout, what was undoubtedly, the busiest time in our 20 year history. Dave oversaw projects that included Olympic overlay, the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympics and Paralympics, the Diamond Jubilee Concert and Sports Personality of the Year."

The judging panel for the awards included; Chris Salmon, event operations d

USA - When the three-day grand opening celebration began on 11 January at the new Bing Concert Hall at Stanford University, the 842-seat hall resonated with performances by the San Francisco Symphony, mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, the St. Lawrence String Quartet, Stanford Chamber Chorale, and members of the Stanford Symphony Orchestra and Stanford Philharmonia.

This diverse selection of performers and ensembles demonstrated the versatile acoustical capabilities of the new hall, showcasing solo performances and small ensembles as well as the full orchestra. World-renowned acoustic designer Yasuhisa Toyota of Nagata Acoustics determined the optimal sound design for this hall - and to execute this design, Stanford called upon the rigging experts at J. R. Clancy, Inc.

The complex job required Clancy and an installation team from Western Theatrical to work around a massive net

UK - Arena Group's Arena Scaffolding division provided a special installation at Spring Fair International, an exhibition which showcased the latest products and trends at the NEC Birmingham, 3 - 7 February 2013.

Most Arena Scaffolding projects involve supplying materials as supporting sub structures which tend to be concealed. However, at Spring Fair International Arena's temporary scaffold display became a central feature point at the Trend Bar in Hall 6, visited by over 3,000 delegates.

Working closely with the convention's head of design, Justin Southgate of Southgate Designs and fabric suppliers Stitch, Arena ensured the highest quality equipment was available to mirror Justin's design concepts and create a visually striking display.

Each scaffold pipe was individually positioned at different height levels and formed a large torch shape fitted with pastel coloured fabri

Germany - Le Maitre are launching two stunning new machines at this year's Prolight & Sound, Frankfurt.

Le Maitre's HazeMaster is their most advanced and powerful hazer yet. Le Maitre have taken all their experience from HazeMaster's predecessors, the renowned Stadium Hazer and the MVS Hazer, and designed a completely new machine with a host of new features and benefits. Le Maitre's acquired knowledge and original investments have enabled them to produce a much more competitively priced unit, despite using higher quality, longer lasting parts.

The first thing that strikes you is the sleek modern design and robust steel casing, underneath which lies a true masterpiece of engineering. The combination of an industrial grade air-pump, a 2-stage heating process and a microprocessor controller, produce an output so powerful that the HazeMaster can convert up to 500cc of fluid per ho

UK - PLASA's Technical Resource Office announces that the RDM and sACN Developers Conference and Plugfest returns for 2013 and will take place on the 25-27 April, in the UK, at Gatwick Manor, London Road at Lowfield Heath, just south of Gatwick Airport.

This Developers Conference aims to provide a European forum for manufacturers, designers, consultants and prospective users; and to ensure that the adoption of these new standards achieves desired levels of interoperability and reliability.

The conference includes presentations in understanding, implementing and using the published PLASA control protocols suites. Discussions will also embrace the current protocol developments that form part of the PLASA Technical Standards Programme. The past 12 months has seen considerable advancement in the development of RDMnet - with various drafts of BSR E1.33 being offered for public revi

UK - The TPi Awards, was a night of double celebration for LS-Live, which won two titles.

The stage, set and studio company based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, picked up awards for Favourite Rehearsal Facility (sponsored by Showcase) and Favourite Staging Company (sponsored by Sunbaba). LS-Live was also nominated for Favourite Set Construction Company (sponsored by J&C Joel Limited).

The annual TPi Awards has celebrated the most talented individuals and service companies working in the live production industry worldwide for over a decade. Presented by Radio DJ Lauren Laverne at the Novotel London West in Hammersmith on Monday 11 February, the 2013 event attracted 1,500 people.

Director Ben Brooks collected the awards and commented after the event, "We are very proud to be judged favourite rehearsal facility and staging company, and I'd like to thank everyone who voted f

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