UK - Following the launch last year of their latest system design/documentation tool, Stardraw Design 7, software provider Stardraw.com has reported a number of significant milestones. The first is that SD7 was Highly Commended in the Most InAVative Commercial AV Accessory category of the InAVate Awards at ISE in February. The second is that Stardraw.com has recorded record sales for December 2011 and January 2012.

"These were our best December and January ever, and our best two consecutive months ever," reported Stardraw.com marketing director, Rob Robinson, "and that is principally down to SD7 sales. It's a huge testament to the relevance of the product to today's systems contractors, and doubly so when you consider that we have achieved record sales at a time whe

UK - Comic, Paddy McGuiness hosts the new Roughcut Television Saturday night comedy panel show Mad Mad World which will be aired on ITV later on in the year.

The show looks at fun new stories, events and TV clips from every corner of the globe. Each episode team captains (Rhys Darby and Rufus Hound) are joined by celebrity guests to explore foreign customs, curios and cultures.

Richard Martin Lighting (RML) supports LD Chris Kempton on the show, which is filmed at the BBC TV Centre, White City.

His specification includes Clay Paky Sharpys, MAC 500's, Alpha Wash 1200's, MAC 600's, VL1000 TS, GLP Impressions and Alpha Spot 700's.

(Jim Evans)

UK - PLASA Focus: Leeds will be the first UK show that MT Pro has taken a stand at as the distribution arm of MilTec(UK).

"We welcome all existing and new clients onto our stand where we will be showing several new audio and lighting products from our MT Audio and LED Head ranges of products," the company says. These include a new 8-channel amplifier, new 1U mixers, zoners and a digital processor, along with battery-powered units and one of the first wash/profile LED moving heads in the one unit from the company's LED Head range.

MT Pro - Stand S-C7

(Claire Beeson)

Canada - CAST Software of Toronto has announced the promotion of Jim Hutchison, creator and editor of the internationally renowned JimOnLight.com, stepping up to assume the role of product manager for CAST Software's wysiwyg as well as for Vivien Virtual Event Designer, the CAST software suite for the special events industry.

Hutchison has been contributing marketing and technical copy for CAST Software as their social media manager since early 2009, in addition to writing various articles for the company's newsletter, The Plan.

"I'm beyond thrilled to be leading the amazing development team at CAST," says Hutchison. "I've been a wysiwyg User since Release 4, and I don't think that there is a design I haven't created in wysiwyg since the early part of this century! I love the products, I love the teams, and I love talking to our Users about how wysiwyg wo

UK - 4HM has launched a new MADI to multi-format AES audio converter called the MA64. The MA64 provides simultaneous 32 x AES/EBU and AES3-id pair outputs, offers multiple synchronisation options and is Dolby compatible.

Also new from 4HM are two rack-mounted breakout boxes. The BOB/O-32 provides a means to break out two DB25 connectors to 16 AES/EBU pairs on 3 pin XLR connectors. The BOB/I-32 does the reverse and permits 16 AES/EBU pairs on 3 pin XLRs to be routed to two DB25 connectors.

MA64 is a compact and convenient 1U MADI converter designed specifically for broadcast and production applications. Accepting both optical and coaxial MADI, the MA64 simultaneously makes 32 pairs of balanced AES/EBU and unbalanced AES3-id available for interconnection to broadcast routers, audio consoles or any other AES equipped devices.

Comprehensive synchronisation options including word

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ETC Halcyon Silent

High End Systems Halcyon Silent builds on ETC’s legacy of fanless automated fixtures by incorporating features from the highly sought-after Halcyon family. Halcyon Silent perfectly balances silent operation with brilliant output of 18,400 lumens and high-impact features. 

For more information visit us at www.etcconnect.com

Belgium - ArKaos has released GrandVJ 1.6.5, a new version of its real-time video mixer with features that "bring out the VJ in everyone".

ArKaos GrandVJ 1.6.5 introduces Scratch Control support for DJ-style MIDI controllers with jog wheels, to bring DJs another step further into the VJ world. Two new slider widgets control the sensitivity of the scratch and the scratch itself.

ArKaos has added templates with feedback support for the new American Audio VMS4.1 and VMS2 MIDI controllers in a move designed to give a DJ-style feeling while mixing video with these controllers. It has also updated the mapping templates for the Hercules DJ Control series to take advantage of this new Scratch Control feature.

GrandVJ 1.6.5 also adds mapping templates for the Livid OhmRGB, with feedback support and coloured keys, and for the Elation Midicon with feedback support.

GrandVJ'

Germany - Visual Productions is set to launch IOCore at Prolight+Sound this month. The IOCore is an expansion module in the CueCore product family of solid-state lighting controllers. It offers interfacing to digital and analogue inputs and digital outputs and supports various protocols like DMX, RS-232, OSC, UDP and Art-Net.

The IOCore features eight inputs that can be individually configured as digital or analogue input. Set as digital input, it allows for an easy connection with, for example, physical switches and sensors. When set to analogue, it supports 0-10V and 1-10V inputs; ideal for connecting to household dimmers.

The eight outputs on the IOCore are relay-switched and can handle 3 Amp. The digital outputs can be used to switch various other equipment like A/V devices, blinds or heavy-duty relays.

Additionally, the IOCore is fitted with a DMX-512 port that can be c

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Create new traditions – Cameo P6 - High Output Full-Spectrum Ellipsoidal

Cameo's P6 is a future-proof LED profiler with a powerful 600 W RGBACL engine and 16,000 lumens. It’s an energy-efficient replacement for 2.5 kW halogen profile lights in theatres and venues. With excellent light quality and natural colour rendering, it fits perfectly in theatres, musicals, TV studios, congresses, and live events.

With an LED life of 50,000 hours and low power use, the P6 cuts energy costs and supports the EU’s ‘Green Deal’ goals for climate neutrality by 2050. It also meets updated eco-design rules for lighting.

www.cameolight.com/p6profile

Germany - As Renkus-Heinz celebrates a productive ISE, the company is gearing up for an even busier ProLight+Sound 2012 in Frankfurt.

ISE 2012 saw the first European showing of the new IconyxICR-MkII digitally steerable installation loudspeaker, with its innovative new triple tweeter design. "We now have a complete, equally spaced, array of high frequency devices extending the whole length of the array" comments Rik Kirby, VP sales and marketing. "This gives the new, fourth generation, column even better steering ability, reduced side lobes, and greater fidelity."

Equipped with RHAON (Renkus-Heinz Audio Operations Network) the ICR-II series is available in 8, 16, 24 and 32 driver formats, enabling sophisticated large-scale coverage of even the most imposing spaces. Typical applications will be cathedrals, airports, train stations and other large, acoustical

UAE - Nicolas Kyvernitis Electronics Enterprises have recently been appointed as distributors for Rycote in the Middle East.

"Rycote is the industry standard for news, TV, film and recording industry professionals when it comes to microphone windshields and microphone suspension systems," commented Chicco Hiranandani, business development manager at NMK.

He added, "with brands like Shure and Sound Devices that cater to the same market, the Rycote range of products now allow us to provide a complete solution to the client base. We look forward to growing our business in the broadcast and production segment."

(Jim Evans)

UAE - Nicolas Kyvernitis Electronics Enterprises, distributors of Roland Professional in the Middle East have recently supplied the V1600HD to Dubai based Liquid Productions. A live video production company working on a number of high profile events in the region, Liquid Productions purchased the Roland V1600HD after a demonstration by NMK's Roland specialist Moswain Antao. The HD vision mixer was immediately used for the BBC Good Food Middle East Awards 2012 held in Dubai.

"Liquid Productions have been working on SD for several years but due to market needs they realized that they had to quickly upgrade to HD and were looking for a flexible yet cost effective solution," commented Moswain Antao, Roland product specialist at NMK.

He adds, "the V1600HD gives them an all-in-one solution for any live event as it is multi-format, is HD and most importantly, si

Norway - LumenRadio has appointed Bright as its distributor for Norway. Bright is a leading supplier of lighting and sound solutions for a wide range of applications ranging from TV and film, live events, and theatre to indoor and outdoor architectural. The company, with offices located in Oslo, has an extensive product portfolio from leading lighting manufactures including ADB, Coemar, EGO Controls, Manfrotto, and CAST Software.

Bright and LumenRadio will host a kick-off event for the CRMX products with a hands-on workshop in Bright's offices on 7 March. Anders Ardstål from LumenRadio will be present and demonstrate the complete CRMX product range including the SuperNova management software. The workshop will include a general introduction to wireless DMX and RDM distribution technologies as well as in-depth sessions on practical issues ranging from control protocols to equipm

UK - Since PLASA 2011 and the successful launch of Green Hippo's Hippotizer software version 3.1, even more improvements and fixes have been made to the popular product. "Come along to PLASA Focus: Leeds and see 3.1 SP1 for yourself, including features such as VideoMapper, LiveMask and how 3D, mapping can be easy without the need for dedicated software," says the company.

Green Hippo will be showing new accessories for the Hippotizer range, now shipping, with breakout panels, a new Dual 3G HD/SDI input option and new FXs and Generators. Green Hippo - Stand S-E1 (with AC-ET)

(Claire Beeson)

USA - St. Luke's Hospital - Anderson Campus in Easton, Pennsylvania, is one of America's newest hospitals, a magnificent facility designed to promote healing and equipped with state-of-the-art medical technologies.

Since opening in mid-November 2011, the hospital's goal is naturally to provide a great health care experience but the hospital also prides itself on providing a great human experience as well. In keeping with that ethos, St. Luke's sought to do something extraordinary with its façade and chose to decorate it in an energy-efficient wash of dynamic coloured light from Martin Professional.

"Our goal was to celebrate the opening of our new hospital in a creative and significant way and chose to explore architectural lighting options that would create a dramatic, lasting effect," says Sue Ross, director of marketing & public relations, St. Luke's Hospital & H

USA - Houston Ballet Centre for Dance, a striking steel-and-glass architectural edifice designed by the world-renowned Gensler architectural firm opened in 2011 as the largest dance arts facility of its kind in the United States. It is also one of the most technologically advanced, with the entire six-story structure wired into a dedicated digital AV network that connects to more than 20 video screens and 68 Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeakers spread throughout the building's nine rehearsal studios, 175-seat performance space, lobby areas, and conference rooms.

"It's an absolutely stunning facility in every respect," observes Bill Schuermann, senior design consultant at HFP Acoustical, the Houston-based firm charged with acoustics, noise control, and AV systems. "That said, the cutting-edge architecture created acoustically difficult spaces which, when combined

South Africa - A Midas PRO2 was used for monitors in partnership with a Midas PRO9 at FOH by leading sub-Saharan Africa pro-audio company, Johannesburg-based Prosound, for the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the African National Congress (ANC). The weekend-long live music event took place at Loch Logan Park, Bloemfontein.

"It was our first opportunity to hook up a PRO2 and PRO9 in this way, and it's a dream set-up," says Prosound's Mark Malherbe, who has been a Midas user for some 30 years. "You get all the benefits of the individual Midas digital consoles - great sound, great ergonomics and exceptional versatility - and when you team them together, the operation is seamless."

The event, which attracted a capacity crowd of some 30,000, certainly demanded the highest technical and operational standards with a multi-artist and multi-DJ line-up, headlined

UK - The cream of the UK music production industry gathered once again at the Café De Paris in Central London for the annual Music Producers Guild awards.

Shure Distribution UK has been a key supporter of the awards since their inception in 2009 - in fact, the awards handed out to the winners are fully working, gold-painted Shure 55SH microphones. (The original design of these classic mics was released as the Shure 55A way back in 1939, and, in its 55S form, was famously used by Elvis and Frank Sinatra in the 1950s).

This year, Shure Distribution was involved in sponsoring two of the awards: Live Production of the Year, sponsored by Shure itself, and Mastering Engineer of the Year, which was sponsored by Radial Engineering, whose products are distributed by Shure in the UK. London-based Mastering Engineer Mandy Parnell picked up this award, which was presented to her by

Australia - Gearhouse Broadcast recently purchased 52 Bel Digital Audio 3G HD compatible BM-A1-2SHD audio monitors/de-embedders and used them in their HD coverage of the 2012 Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne.

Gearhouse Broadcast provides the technical facilities as the host broadcaster for Channel 7 which includes TV coverage from seven courts plus the World Feed and Channel 7's unilateral facilities. They also provide uni-lateral facilities to ESPN and Tennis Channel from the USA and facilities to tennis Australia for their delivery to various platforms. The newly purchased 1RU units where used together with their current stock of the 2RU Bel boxes to provide all the audio monitoring in the entire facility.

The BM-A1-2SHD is a 1U two channel audio monitor that de-embeds and permits the monitoring of the audio content of 3G, HD and SD SDI bitstreams but crucial

UK - Pro Light Concepts Ltd is a rapidly expanding supplier of innovative lighting and sound equipment to the entertainment industry. At PLASA Focus: Leeds, staff will be on hand to discuss the products available from Pro Light's office and distribution centre in Lancashire for worldwide dispatch.

The stand will also feature many new products, including the LED Quad colour Q Color and Color Storm LED Battens along with the Xperior Platinum 5R Spot from iSolution. Many other new items from eLumen8 will be launched at PLASA Focus including fixtures specifically designed for theatre, stage and T.V.

Pro Light Concepts - Stand S-D12

(Claire Beeson)

Germany - Guano Apes have just completed Bel Air, their second successful tour since reforming in 2009, and the decision by Front of House engineer Ingo Thürauf to specify a Coda Audio Airline loudspeaker system meant they delivered an audio clarity and punch that did their fiery brand of rock'n'roll true justice.

Supplied by Ambion GmbH, who provided full technical requirements for the tour, the system comprised a Coda Audio Airline LA12 three-way line array, augmented with high output sensor controlled SCP two18" and SC8 four 18" subwoofers, with Airline LA8 two-way compact line array cabinets as front/side-fill.

Thürauf had previously worked with both Ambion and Coda systems. "Coda line array systems offer a very exact reproduction, which made me specify the LA12 system for this tour," he says. "The powerful sensor controlled subwoofers in

USA - The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and PLASA, the international trade association for the event, entertainment and installation technology industries, recently announced an agreement between the two groups to bring more audio, lighting, video & stage technology professionals to Nashville during the 2012 Summer NAMM event.

As part of the agreement, PLASA will hold its new PLASA Focus: Nashville 2012 event to overlap with 2012 Summer NAMM.

PLASA Focus: Nashville 2012 will be PLASA's second regional event in North America and will be held July 11-12, 2012 at Nashville's Municipal Auditorium downtown. Summer NAMM will take place July 12-14, 2012 at the Nashville Convention Centre.

In 2013, NAMM and PLASA are planning to further develop their relationship by offering a PLASA Focus event at Summer NAMM inside of the brand-new Music City Centre, allowing more

Europe - ETC's newly invigorated control desk training programme has seen massive demand from users, says the company, with sessions in the UK and now across Europe full and more dates added.

Training is offered at ETC's offices in west London; at ETC dealer Lightco's offices in Utrecht, The Netherlands; and, from later this year, at Onetwosales's offices in Stockholm, Sweden.

ETC's Marketing Events coordinator Sophie Pierronnet says, "When we started offering training in our offices in Acton a few years back, it was on an ad hoc basis for end users who had just purchased a desk. Then some ETC staff decided to get together to see how to make this more attractive to a wider audience, with a formal curriculum and printed training materials. This soon grew into regular sessions, with two or three per console type each month.

"We have a great team of freelance trainers

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