UK - David Moran and Ulric Kenny of Ion Equity have acquired Ocean Media Group from Anglo Irish Bank. Ocean Media is a broadly based exhibition, publishing and new media organisation with core businesses in the weddings/bridal and social housing sectors within the UK, Holland and Germany. Its portfolio includes The White Book and Access All Areas magazine.

The buyout was financed privately and leaves Ocean Media debt free. As such it is able to, and intends to, launch and acquire new business. Kenny will be chair of Ocean Media while Moran will be CEO. Moran and Ion Equity owned Ocean Media previously from July 2006 to October 2007.

Moran said: "They say you should never go back, but Ocean is a great company with strong products and fantastic people and I am l

UK - Harman Soundcraft's small-format digital console, the Si Compact, has received a major upgrade with the release of its V2 software. The new free upgrade provides more than 23 major new features, updates and enhancements, the company says. These include eight additional DSP channels expanding the Si Compact 16 and Si Compact 24 to 32 and 40 inputs to mix, respectively.

Of particular note is the new user-configurable fader layers allowing input channels to be reassigned anywhere on either input layer and any bus master reassigned to either master layer. Now an engineer can put the inputs and returns where he or she most needs them - for example, having the main vocal or presenter always in position 1 on both input fader layers, or mixing aux and matrix masters on a single bus layer to reduce the number of layer changes.

Another useful new function in V2 is DOGS (Direct Outp

UK - Le Mark has announced the availability of TripLine - a new safety product specifically designed for use on the front of performance stages. The system provides a discreet visual and physical barrier to the front line of the stage for both performers and stage crew.

The Tripline system provides a clear visual indication of the stage edge even in complete show blackout situations by means of a line of LEDs positioned 30cm apart. This visual front line also has a failsafe backup in the application of a photo-luminous strip which will glow in the dark for up to eight hours without the need for an electrical power supply.

Made from aluminium box section (25mm x 50mm) and available 1m, 2m and 3m lengths, the unit can be mounted along the front line of a stage to provide a physical barrier in order to stop flightcases, stage trucks and Tallescopes from rolling over and into the

Russia - Reaffirming its ambition to deepen customer and distributor engagement in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Harman Professional has appointed Sergey Trotskiy as director of business development for the region.

Trotskiy is responsible for "enabling the best possible mutually beneficial working relationships between Harman Professional Division and its distributors and customers in the Russia and CIS region", the company says. Trotskiy comments: "I am here to help realize management's vision to unlock the potential of Harman's Professional Division brands in the Russia and CIS markets," Trotskiy said today. "These brands bring tremendous value in terms of performance, integration and quality build that will, in turn, impact the business performance of our distribution partners and ultimately the efficiency and effectiveness

Turkmenistan - On New Year's Eve, a large laser projection appeared on the facade of the 175m high Anayasa tower in Turkmenistan. As part of the projection a laser counted down the last seconds of the year and the gathered crowd cheered as 2012 arrived and magnificent fireworks erupted.

At the same time, a giant permanent laser installation was launched. Scheduled for continuous operation in January 2012, the installation connects the highest towers of the Turkmenistan capital city Ashgabat with "dazzlingly-bright" laser beams in the national colour of green. Display lasers (used for building projections) are used as part of the project, seen for the first time on New Year's Eve.

Officials of the International Laser Display Association (ILDA) believe that it is the largest permanent display laser installation in the world.

According to reports, the president of Tur

UK - Pro Audio Stash (PAS) has launched its new R8010 19-inch Slide-and-Rotate racking system to provide ultimate flexibility for 19 inch racking set ups that are installed in tight and / or difficult to access spaces.

This innovative system has been developed in response to extensive feedback, and has a wide range of applications as a versatile solution for the installed rack units that can be easily rotated 90 degrees in either direction once pulled forward from the home position for full accessibility, maintenance, etc, says the company.

It's suitable for any location where space is at a premium such as AV installations on cruise ships where the rack needs to be locked into position with the base plate being screwed to a solid surface, or for clubs / theatres / studios where space is often limited.

For high-end commercial and residential installations, the Slide-and-Rotat

The Philippines - Clear-Com has added greater efficiency to productions at Resorts World Manila's (RWM) Newport Performing Arts Theatre by providing advanced intercoms. The high-end theatre has installed a Clear-Com FreeSpeak wireless system and Encore partyline intercoms to facilitate communications between its production staff.

As the first integrated tourist hub in the Philippines, RWM combines lodging, restaurants, gaming facilities, entertainment spots, a luxury mall, and the Newport Performing Arts Theatre, a majestic 1,500-seat venue for concerts, plays, musicals and exclusive productions. The Clear-Com FreeSpeak and Encore systems increase organisation for the facility's elaborate theatre productions.

The six communication paths offered by FreeSpeak, coupled with the four additional channels from Encore, segment the theatre's departments into distinctive communication

USA - Three new sessions have been added to the attractions already on offer during the inaugural PLASA Focus: Austin 2012, taking place at The Renaissance Austin, on 22-23 February 2012.

Alongside 50 exhibitors and a two-day programme of free professional development sessions, visitors can now book a place on a very special discussion presented by world-renowned lighting designer, Peter Morse. From Madonna and Michael Jackson to Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Usher, Prince, Christina Aguilera and Janet Jackson, Peter Morse has worked with some of the biggest stars on some of the biggest tours in history. Peter will talk us through his inimitable personal style, and share some of his experiences in this very special session; Lighting the Big Stage with Peter Morse.

Another major scoop is Advanced Mapping Techniques with Hippotizer Media Servers, presented by TMB

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The Netherlands - At ISE 2012, ComQi will launch five new place-based mobile applications interacting with digital signage displays in a retail venue. Powered by ComQi's Interaction Manager, these mobile apps include: Voting, Information and Couponing, Group Buying, Quizzes and Games.

Ajay Chowdhury, ComQi's CEO, says, "ComQi's Interaction Manager enables marketers to engage with customers at the point of influence. These new applications enable brands and retailers to engage in a conversation with their customers on the go, establishing and reinforcing a relationship complemented by social networks. ComQi's innovative platform enables retailers to improve their brand image, customer satisfaction and customer retention."

Consumers can connect to the Interaction Manager platform with their smart phones through a variety of means on the screen - using a textual URL, a

UK - Canford is to launch a new intermediate size of their SDV low fire hazard installations cable range at BVE. New sequentially powered up and down mains distribution units will also be on display as will the new Canford manufactured mains power distribution units and fibre optic termination panels featuring most industry standard fibre optic couplers.

Voice Technologies miniature microphones and headsets will be exhibited including the latest waterproof versions. Products from the Nevion fibre optic signal processing, conversion and routing ranges can be seen alongside Canford's D'n'A audio cables. A selection of the latest portable audio recorders from Tascam including the new DR-40 will also be on Canford's stand.

The new Canford SDV cable type will initially be available in two types. SDV-I-LFH is the standard type with low smoke, low fire hazard properties and the SDV-I

USA - Being launched at the 2012 NAMM show in Anaheim, California, DiGiCo's UB MADI allows any computer to instantly connect to MADI via the most standard connector of all, USB 2.0.

UB MADI uses the latest Stealth Digital Processing FPGA technology straight out of DiGiCo's SD range of consoles, yet "fits into your top pocket and delivers 48 simultaneous inputs and outputs, totalling an unprecedented 96 channels of audio I/O over USB 2.0".

Once the low latency driver is installed, UB MADI is a simple plug-and-play device, automatically detecting the MADI input format and clock selection. UB MADI then communicates with your preferred PC or Mac as a standard ASIO or Core Audio interface, says the company.

"Delivering the convenience of USB combined with Stealth Digital Processing to professional audio engineers working with MADI has been a massively rewarding exp

UK - The lighting division of UK live event and communications agency, DRP Group, has made its first investment in Chroma-Q products with the purchase of 24 Color Force 48 LED battens.

DRP is a single source supplier to a multiplicity of corporate presentations, live events, festivals, awards shows, parties and charity works. Their HQ is in the Midlands; they also have offices in London and Manchester and work all over the UK and internationally.

Richard (Rikki) Parmenter, DRP's head of lighting explains that they specifically wanted an LED batten fixture that would light walls, cyc, banners and architectural features with a smooth, linear wash.

Since buying the Color Force fixtures, they have been in demand for a diversity of projects. The Color Force 48 version also happens to be the same width as DRP's standard modular set panels, which are 4 x 10ft. When used for lightin

USA - High End Systems is hosting an Orlando, Florida area open house on 26-27 January 2012. This event will allow customers to see and experience the latest technology from High End Systems.

Sales and technical professionals from High End Systems will be on-hand along with intellaspot, Technospot, trackspot Bolt, DL.3 and Road Hog Full Boar consoles.

Over the course of two days, experts will demonstrate the capabilities of the latest products while also allowing plenty of time for hands-on experience and education. The relaxed atmosphere of the open house ensures attendees plenty of time to learn about High End Systems' products, says the company.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Atomic Lighting of Lititz, Pennsylvania, the exclusive lighting supplier for the second consecutive year to the Latin Grammy Awards, recently provided the show with 50 Clay Paky Sharpy fixtures.

Latin music's most prestigious awards telecast, the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards was sent live on Univision Network from the Mandalay Bay Events Centre in Las Vegas. Since its debut on Univision in 2005, the show has consistently increased its ratings worldwide; and is the most widely watched awards show among Hispanics.

Atomic's vice president of operations Brett Puwalski, who has served as the show's gaffer for the last five years, introduced lighting designer Carlos Colina to the Sharpy at the Premio Juventud awards show on Univision last summer. "He loved the tight beam and how bright it was for its small size," says Puwalski. "Carlos has said he can never h

The Netherlands - At ISE in Amsterdam, Peerless-AV will be showing for the first time their improved portfolio of flat panel stands, kiosks and trolleys to cater for the widest variety of applications and requirements. Products range from multi screen video wall trolleys, for mobile digital signage applications, and single screen stands, ideal for education and video conferencing, to secure kiosks designed for way-finding and public information points.

The new Peerless-AV mobile, multi screen video wall display stands are an innovative solution for delivering impactful on-the-go presentations, or creating eye-catching backdrops for exhibitions and meetings, says the company. Engineered to accommodate screen sizes from 40" to 60" with universal mounting in either 2x2 or 3x3 landscape configurations these models are quick and easy to install, configure and manoeuvre.

T

USA - Electro-Voice is launching the matching subwoofer for its ZXA1 compact self-powered loudspeaker at NAMM 2012 - the ZXA1-Sub.

The ZXA1-Sub is designed to provide "the ultimate combination of portability, performance, and power in a lightweight, stylish, small-format package". Though equipped with an EV-engineered heavy-duty 12" woofer, a 700-W amplifier, a durable 15-mm wood enclosure, and a maximum SPL rating of 126 dB, the ZXA1-Sub weighs-in at just 46 lbs and sports a trim 15.75" x 17.5" x 18" profile.

Easy-to-use controls and connectivity to the equation and a ZXA1-Sub makes enhancing a compact sound system with professional-quality low-end easier than ever, adds the company.

(Jim Evans)

Germany / UK - Calibre UK is to partner with EIKI Deutschland to offer a combined projection, warping and projection mapping sales and support offering for the German market.

The partnership will see EIKI Deutschland featuring products from Calibre's HQView range of multi-image scaling and blending processors in its German-language marketing collateral, giving resellers in Europe's largest pro-AV market access to a tailor-made solution for projects requiring the images from multiple projectors to be warped, mapped and blended together, says the company.

"Calibre already has a German office and staff on the ground who can provide German-language support," says Guido Sterzing, MD of EIKI Deutschland. "What EIKI brings to the party is a large network of dealers and resellers who, up until now, have lacked a 'one-stop shop' for multiple-image systems. It should be a

Germany - From 21-24 March, Prolight+Sound will take place in Frankfurt, Germany. Products and services at Prolight+Sound will be divided into two main sections: 'Audio and Sound Systems' and 'Lighting and Stage'. The Audio and Sound Systems section in Hall 6.1 presents microphones, mobile PA systems and accessories. In Hall 8.0, the Audio and Sound Systems section covers 'portable sound', 'concert sound', 'installed sound', microphones, networks, production and broadcasting. The Lighting and Stage product group is spread over Halls 9.0 and 11.0. Theatre, studio and stage lighting, stages, trusses and rigging, display units and video will be in Hall 9.0, while show and stage lighting, design and installation, lasers and effects, stages, trusses and rigging are in Hall 11.0.

On the outdoor exhibition area, the Concert Sound Arena and the Portable Sound Arena will showcase large-s

UK - Vortex Lighting Ltd was recently commissioned to provide the lighting for a Carols of Light concert in one of Britain's favourite buildings, Durham Cathedral. The aim of the concert was to raise funds for both the Durham Cathedral Music Endowment Fund and The Sunderland AFC Foundation. Lessons were read by HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO, Sir Tim Rice, The Rt Hon David Miliband MP, Kate Adie OBE, Steve Cram MBE and Channel 4's George Clarke while the concert included performances by Joe McElderry, Rick Wakeman, Alan Price, Barbara Dickson OBE, Sir Thomas Allen, Clare Teal and Kathryn Tickell.

Durham Cathedral is a very busy building, so the time available to rig and programme the equipment was somewhat limited, but Vortex's crew of just 4 installed all of the equipment, including the stage in just over three hours and removed in less than two hours, says the company.

UK - Technical Marketing has been appointed to plan and implement a marketing campaign to promote the ABTT 2012 Theatre Show which takes place 13-14 June at The Old Truman Brewery in London.

Technical Marketing's Andy Collier announcing the engagement said, "we are delighted to have been appointed and thank the show organisers for the trust placed in Technical Marketing to deliver a successful campaign. What is particularly exciting is that although the show enjoys a fantastic heritage - 2012 will be its 34th year - it continues to evolve and retain relevance to the theatre industry now.

"As both a visitor and exhibitor over the years, for me the show has always been friendly and accessible. Not only is it a great opportunity to talk to equipment suppliers and examine new products, but it is also a 'must attend' event for networking and making or renewing contacts.&q

The Netherlands - Artistic Licence founder, Wayne Howell, is to chair a Lighting Panel discussion at the Dynamic Events Conference being held at 4.00 - 5.30pm on Monday 30 January, RAI, Amsterdam.

Dynamic Events is a new conference aimed at the use of lighting, sound, video technology and staging in large scale entertainment and sporting environments.

The Lighting Session participants include distinguished lighting designers Durham Marenghi, Paul Collison, Koert Vermeulen and David Eversfield. The panel will be discussing the challenges faced in the production of unique large scale events with a global televised audience - from technical to cultural to financial.

After each panellist and the moderator have introduced themselves to the audience, the panellists will take turns to lead on a variety of topics guaranteed to produce a lively and productive session. The discussions

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