UAE - How do you illuminate a 100m high metal tube on top of the tallest building in the world? That was exactly the question asked of Oasis Enterprises - Architainment Division - who were called in to solve the challenge.

Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, is over 828m high with more than 160 stories. Oasis had intimate knowledge of the structure and connectivity having already worked on the contract to integrate and programme the festive lighting system comprising over 800 strobes. An on-site mockup test was scheduled within weeks and the concept was enthusiastically embraced by global property developer, Emaar Properties, who gave the green light.

The system comprises four 2kw and two 3kw xenon Falcon spotlights from A&O technology located on the upper terraces. Oasi

Turkey - L-Acoustics' Turkish distributor, Elit Light&Sound Technologies, reports a spate of recent installations and projects in Istanbul using L-Acoustics systems.

Technical production companies 911 Music and Pia Stage Technologies worked with Elit to provide all sound and lighting for a concert at new Istanbul venue, Ora Arena, featuring the Buena Vista Social Club and Omara Portuondo. A main system of 12 KARA WST line source speakers per side was used, together with four ARCS, 10 SB18 and six SB28 subwoofers and 16 112P coaxial loudspeakers as stage monitors, the whole system being driven by 10 LA8 amplified controllers apart from the self-powered 112Ps. The prestigious concert featuring the multiple Grammy-winning Cuban band was organized by Turkish event management company Unilife.

According to Hamid Nejatemin, partner of 911 Music, the only option for providing sound qu

South Africa - Acclaimed electronic artist, Joel Zimmerman - aka Deadmau5 - is widely recognised as the guy in the massive mouse head equipped with built-in LEDs sporting video mapping, wowing crowds with his performances and productions. Based in Toronto, the Canadian music producer hit South African shores in December last year with a three cities tour.

It kicked off in Cape Town at the CTICC before moving to Durban for an 'unhooked' show which did not have the full lighting and video rig. This gave the crew at CTICC a day and a half to strike the kit, transport it up to the Johannesburg venue, Wild Waters H2O, and get it rigged it time for the final show.

Gearhouse took care of gear whilst Dillon Jearey, MD of Kilowatt AV, took care of all logistics, planning and production for tech for the entire tour. LEDVision, the screen division of Gearhouse supplied the back screen. W

Poland - Tommex ?ebrowscy Sp. J. has recently completed the design and delivery of a Community loudspeaker-based pro audio and voice evacuation system for the prestigious Hala Stulecia (Centennial Hall) in Wroc?aw.

Constructed in 1913, Centennial Hall is undergoing a comprehensive programme of renovation and new development that transforms it into a state-of-the-art venue for its centenary. The installation of the sound system, handled by Asseco, is one of the final parts of this ambitious development programme.

Centennial Hall was built to commemorate the Battle of Leipzig in 1813, which ended Napoleon's occupation of the region. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, chosen as one of the most important achievements in 20th century architecture. At the time it was built, Centennial Hall was the largest reinforced concrete structure in the world and feature

South Africa - Nick Barnes has joined DWR Distribution in Durban. From 2006 to 2008, Barnes studied Entertainment Technology at the Durban University of Technology, and often helped out at Black Coffee during this time. In his final year he got involved with Gearhouse Durban and proceeded to join the company as junior lighting technician and lighting workshop manager. He was only 20 years old at the time.

"I got behind Jason Fritz who was then at Gearhouse, and he and Simon Hampton mentored me," recalls Barnes. "I obviously learned all I could about lighting, rigging and power. Offer Lapid was really good to me as was Stuart Andrews, who was the branch manager at the time."

Barnes then took a sales position at Electronic SA Durban Branch where he stayed for close to two years.

(Jim Evans)

South Africa - Johannesburg-based VWV, One of South Africa's leading production companies - responsible for the spectacular closing ceremony of the 2010 Soccer World Cup amongst many other events - has invested in Robe's new Robin MMX Spot moving light fixtures.

"They are currently building up a carefully selected stock of their own lighting technology, which is starting to expand," explains VWV Technical Director Jonathan 'Jonno' Royston, who co-ordinates all the company's technical requirements.

The purchase of the eight MMXs is the start of an expansion in the kit they own. The units were supplied by Robe's South African distributor, DWR, also based in Johannesburg.

Royston first saw the MMXs in action on the Robe stand at the PLASA 2011 exhibition in Earls Court, London. He was "Highly impressed" with the gobos, the animation wheel functionality and t

UK - Experts behind the triumphant restoration of Newcastle's Theatre Royal will disclose the secrets of the project's success at PLASA Focus, Leeds on Tuesday 17 April. The seminar, which kicks off at 1pm in the Bury Theatre, forms part of the new PLASA Focus Professional Development Programme. It will see Jon Woodley of Charcoalblue Theatre Consultants heading up an expert panel comprising: Peter Hall from Sansome Hall Architects, Theatresearch's David Wilmore and Mark Priestley from Unusual Rigging.

Following an extensive £5m restoration project, Newcastle's Theatre Royal reopened its doors to the public on Monday 12 September 2011. The complex renovation drew on all aspects of the Charcoalblue team's theatrical expertise as Woodley explains, "The scope of the restoration for this Grade I listed theatre was particularly ambitious. It included complete internal rede

USA - The Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing kicked off Grammy Week with its fifth annual event, this year honouring music producer, entrepreneur and chair of Interscope Geffen A&M Records Jimmy Iovine, who has worked with artists including Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, U2, the Pretenders, Dire Straits, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and many more.

Iovine was recognized for his commitment to excellence in audio and ongoing support for the art and craft of recorded music. The event was held at The Village Studios in West Los Angeles. Grammy Week culminated with the 54th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday 12 February 2012.

The event was held with the support of leading companies within the musical instrument and professional audio markets. Presenting sponsors included The Village Studios, West L.A. Music and Westlake Professional Sales. Co-sponsors included

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UK - Crestron has appointed Matthew Buck to the position of commercial account manager. He will be responsible for bringing new members into the Crestron family as well as maintaining good links with existing clients.

Since graduating from Swansea Metropolitan, Buck worked for Polar Audio (originally BeyerdynamicUK) and progressed from the position of consumer products manager to business development manager; where he was responsible for key accounts in the South East.

"Crestron has long since been the leader in control and automation systems which makes my new role a real privilege and hugely exciting," says Buck. "Having gained some valuable experience working within the professional AV market at Polar, I'm relishing the prospect of working with an already strong and successful team to further the success of the Crestron brand."

"At Crestron we val

UK - The law has come to J&C Joel in the form of qualified solicitor Oliver Marns, who has joined the company as sales office manager.

Marns joins J&C Joel after six years working as a commercial litigation and sports lawyer. He has also worked as a UK area manager for a major international supermarket chain.

A decorated sportsman, Marns has played professional rugby for the Halifax Blue Sox during their time in rugby league's Super League and has represented Great Britain at junior level. He currently plays semi-professional rugby union for Hull Ionians.

Marns will manage J&C Joel's UK and export sales teams and brings a wealth of legal and human resources knowledge and experience to the role.

(Jim Evans)

Germany - MilTec(UK).ltd will exhibit at ProLight&Sound for the first time this year. On display will be a number of new audio and lighting products from its MT audio and LEDHead ranges. These include a new 8 channel amplifier, zoners, mixers and a new digital processor. On the lighting front, new battery powered units and an LED wash and profile in the same unit will be highlighted.

"We are currently looking for worldwide distributors for our audio and lighting products," says the company.

MilTec will be in Hall 9.0 stand number C51.

(Claire Beeson)

Germany - Set for launch at the 2012 ProLight&Sound exhibition in Frankfurt, XTA has created the DS8000 - an entire redesign of its popular DS800 mic/line distribution system. Featuring microphone preamps designed by Gottlier award winning Alex Cooper, the DS8000 offers many new facilities including a dual redundant power system, one-to-many split-switching, antitamper functions and subtle panel lighting. "All this combines to create a package that enhances its predecessor's reputation as a flexible, rugged and high quality distribution system," says the company.

Also showing will be the S Series S800 and S1400 Reference Power Amplifiers from MC2 Audio. "Designed for use in the most challenging studio monitoring environments, but equally at home in any application where transparency and 'no compromise' performance are the focus, the S Series delivers the stunning

France - Clear-Com reports that Y & Co has extended its hire inventory of intercom equipment with two new Clear-Com Eclipse Matrix systems, namely the Eclipse-Median and Eclipse-Pico Digital Matrix, along with the V-Series and ICS user control panels. This additional investment signals Y & Co's confidence in Clear-Com intercoms' capabilities to serve the growing live events and broadcast production needs, says the company.

A loyal Clear-Com user in France since its opening in 1989, Y & Co is a leading rental company providing audio solutions to live event facilities, tour groups and broadcasters. As a member of the Clear-Com Global Rental Group, Y & Co already supplies a portfolio of Clear-Com intercom systems including partyline systems, HME DX200, HME PRO850 and Tempest2400 wireless systems. In addition, Y & Co's technical staff are well-trained in Clear-Com technology to prov

Australia - Townsville-based production company Wild Gravity caters to a wide variety of clients with events ranging considerably in size. Consequently managing director Noel Anthony requires a 'family' of lighting control consoles.

The company already owned a Vista M1 Control Surface and an S1 Control Surface when Anthony decided to purchase a Vista I3 Console late last year. The Vista I3 is a mid-range console that provides all the features of the full-size T4/T2 consoles in a smaller, more economical package.

"It's the same platform for us whether we're taking out our little M1 with five faders on it or a larger one - you only have to learn one system to do small or large jobs," commented Anthony. "We just love the whole time line aspect of the Vista consoles and the fact that they are very visual. I sold one to a mate a couple of years ago and it has never b

UK - City Park in Bradford, designed by Gillespies and Arup on behalf of Bradford Council and supported by a multi-disciplinary design team, will be officially launched on 24 March 2012.

This landmark public space contains the largest city-centre water feature anywhere in the UK, a 4,000sq.m mirror pool, and the UK's tallest urban fountain which reaches a spectacular 100ft.

City Park stems from a city centre masterplan drawn up in 2003 on Bradford's behalf which provided a vision of opening up the city centre and creating a public space that would act as a focal point.

Bradford Council took the lead role in turning this vision into a viable plan and Gillespies, Arup, Sturgeon North, Atoll and The Fountain Workshop developed this early concept into a detailed design which was submitted for planning permission and funding in 2007 before construction started in late 2009.

The

UK - J&C Joel manufactured and installed nine bespoke fabric swags for the 2012 TPI Awards ceremony.

The drapes were used to mask the ceiling within the Novotel London West Hotel in Hammersmith and were manufactured from Blue Jomeleon (JOM604B), a sheer two-tone Trevira CS voile with fantastic iridescent qualities, particularly when backlit.

J&C Joel also sponsored the award for Favourite Set Construction Company, which was awarded to Brilliant Stages who stood out for the judges in an extremely competitive field.

The 11th annual TPI Awards were held on 13 February 2012 and celebrated the leading lights within the live production and events industry.

(Jim Evans)

Australia - Celebrated annually on 26 January Australia Day (previously known as Anniversary Day, Foundation Day, and ANA Day) is the official national day of Australia. The date commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the proclamation at that time of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of New Holland. Community festivals, concerts and citizenship ceremonies accompany the day in large and small communities and cities around the nation. A special event is always the celebrations in Sydney - like this year in the town's Darling Harbour.

For the show taking place there, lighting designer and video content producer Paul Collison again relied on MA Lighting products. In detail he used two grandMA2 light and one MA NPU (Network Processing Unit) as well as the grandMA2 3D software for previsualisation.

Collison comments: "We had to build

Denmark - TC Group International, part of TC Group has announced a mutual decision along with Blue Microphones to cease their distribution partnership. TC Group International will remain the distributor of Blue Microphones in the MI and Professional Audio sales channel until 31 March 2012. Over the coming months, Blue Microphones will transition away from distribution through TC Group International by partnering with European distributors on a country-by-country basis.

Both TC Group International and Blue Microphones have grown rapidly over the past few years and each company has acknowledged the mutual benefit of this decision. Ending this distribution partnership is seen as a natural progression by both companies as they continue to strengthen their core business and focus on their individual areas of growth.

"It has been a pleasure to work with Blue Microphones and we

Italy - RCF SpA's Audio Academy is collaborating with the local Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia's Faculty of Engineering to produce a university course in sound engineering.

The primary goal is to provide engineers with a specific knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies related to sound, transducers and speakers, and their application in the professional market.

The course will be divided into four main modules, starting from an overview of acoustics in open air and closed environments, followed by a module focused on transducers and speaker systems, including the main design and simulation methods. The third module is dedicated to electronics, and will cover the circuit analysis, filters, signal amplifiers and DSP use, and the final module will be focused on sound reinforcement systems, line arrays, system configuration and measurements.

The technical c

UK - The fifth Knight of Illumination Awards (KOI) 2012 is open for nominations and industry professionals from all sectors are invited to get involved.

Organised by the STLD, ALD and Clay Paky, KOI is the only industry event that celebrates the outstanding creative achievements of lighting designers working in the sectors of Television, Theatre and Rock. At the same time it forges closer ties between the world of lighting design and the lighting industry as a whole.

Each sector is assessed by its own panel of industry experts and breaks down into a number of categories:

Television - Light Entertainment, Drama, Small Studio and Events

Rock - Stage events, Arena events and Eco Innovation

Theatre - Dance, Opera, Play and Musicals

Already nominations are flowing in from lighting designers, service providers, production managers, technicians, TV fans,

UK - The Executive Hire Show proved to be a great success yet again for inspHire. Interest in the newly launched dashboards was high as they were well received by both inspHire customers and prospects alike and early result for the high quality leads taken on the stand for the inspHire Hire Management solutions are already very encouraging, says the company.

"We had an excellent show," said Mark Taylor, inspHire new business development manager. "We were inundated with independent hirers waiting to see how our software could make improvements and efficiencies in their hire businesses and the new Dashboards had excellent reviews. The Dasboards are designed to give our customers an up to the minute snapshot of how their business is performing, whether it's live hire and analytical information for the hire manager, or items due for preventative maintenance or breakdo

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