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Over the past six months, Unitek Displays has supported their growth by making a number of key appointments in different departments. During that time, the company has added three new members to its sales team alone, firstly with Russell Hartwell (sales manager) - who brings 10 years’ experience in the LED display and customer information display market - followed by Terence Ulysses (field service supervisor) who has been working in the maintenance and support of electronic information display systems for the last 15 years. Now Unitek has recruited Ken Browne (Sales Executive), latterly with Gearhouse, and prior to that with a 15-year service record at Pioneer UK. The new sales force will be supported by the long-serving marketing team of Paul Freeman and Andrea Sheldon. Finally, Unitek have made two key appointments in their engineering department, with Quality Manager Terry Seymo

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London-based Orbital Sound has combined forces with the Royal National Theatre's sound department to stage the first of an annual advanced training programme for students wishing to pursue a career in theatre sound. With audio technology becoming increasingly sophisticated, both organisations are concerned that there is a skills shortfall, and that young people entering the industry have little experience of the latest technology. Initiated jointly by Orbital's Simon Whitehorn and the National's Rob Barnard, the co-produced course was held at the National Theatre and at Orbital's central London facility, between 9 - 12 April 2001. The creative and conceptual workshops were staged at the National, whilst in-depth technical sessions were held at Orbital's headquarters.

The course was designed as a 'top up' for final year Stage Management and Technical Theatre students. Nine candidates we

Doughty - Banner - from 4 July 2025

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Italian lighting manufacturer, Sagitter has launched its new-look website. The website gives full details of the company’s lighting ranges, which encompass architectural, colourwash, professional and theatre products. Each product on the site is allocated a page where full technical information is laid out, alongside graphic illustrations as well as accessory information. The website also contains a news site - where all the latest information regarding the company’s activities can be found, a contacts page, and a full price list. The website can also be accessed through the website of Sagitter’s UK distributor, Multiform Technology Group.

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Clay Paky, via its Argentinian distributor PSL S.A., was the exclusive sponsor of the ‘Jornadas de Luz e Sonido’ (Days of Light and Sound) event, which took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from the 2 - 4 April. Organised by the Argentine specialist magazine Tecnopolitan, the event was attended by more than 1000 show lighting professionals. A highlight of the event was a seminar held by Luc La Fortune, the renowned Cirque du Soleil lighting designer. La Fortune spoke of his artistic experiences, particularly on how a designer’s creativity is born and develops, and how he finds his own inspiration for the lighting of the world-famous Cirque du Soleil shows. A long-time user and supporter of Clay Paky products, La Fortune said: "Clay Paky projectors have always given me the possibility of implementing all my projects in the best way, thanks to their power, versatili

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Forever Living Products, the world’s largest cultivator and distributor of Aloe Vera products, brought their motivational world rally to Wembley on April 21, where the Arena was configured as a 5,000-seat auditorium. Hired by production company Creative Realisation Ltd, AV solution specialists, Creative Technology provided a record-breaking backdrop over the elevated stage. Their modular 10mm pixel pitch LVP-102D LED screen fromLighthouse Technologies, configured as a 12 x 9-module display (7.86m x 4.32m) for 16:9 aspect ratio projection, became the largest 10mm LED screen ever flown in the UK.

Flanking each side of the LED screen at Wembley were gauzes, onto which Creative Technology projected graphics, via their recently-acquired Christie Digital 10k Roadies. The world’s first purpose-built projector for the rental staging community, the Roadie delivers 10,000 ANSI lumens

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If you use radio mics or radio talkback systems, you should be aware of the Radiocommunications Agency’s (RA) latest consultation document on Spectrum Pricing.

For most in the industry, there’s good news in that the cost of licensing is to be reduced - a result that didn’t seem likely when the first consultation document was released. A study published by Smith Nera on spectrum pricing, based on its calculation of the value of radio spectrum, would have made one radio mic channel worth about £80,000. However, following reaction from contractor JFMG and several users at the earlier stage, another round of consultation was announced. If all goes to plan, the technicalities of licensing will be simplified too.

Once the policy is adopted, a block of frequencies, such as UHF Channel 69 frequencies, would cost £75.00 per year. JFMG hopes that the price reduction will in

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Live concert touring and special event video production specialist XL Video is opening its new USA Office in Los Angeles. The US operation is headed by Bob Higgins and Barbara Riedling; both of whom have vast experience of the US concert touring business. The US base is designed to offer video equipment, crew and service for all XL clients whose tours originate from US, European and Far Eastern operations. The first tour overseen by XL’s new US office is U2’s Elevation world tour; using Barco, the video projection surrounds the stage, while motorized LED video screens come and go throughout the show. U2 begins its LA area performances this week in Anaheim.

The US office carries the same fully digital touring systems that are now standard XL issue in Europe. Bob Higgins’ career in the music business started as a Hollywood recording engineer. While working with a gold r

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Neutrik AG has chosen to pursue judgement in its patent infringement suit against Switchcraft Inc in the United States courts. The company, which is changing counsel, contends that Switchcraft has intentionally copied its Speakon connectors and in so doing has violated the United States Patent held by Neutrik. Werner Bachmann, managing director of Neutrik AG told PLASA Media. "This case is not only important for Neutrik, but for our clients as well." Last month the lower courts ruled that based upon the materials reviewed, it did not appear that the patent was violated.

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MAD, the Leicester-based effects lighting company is now trading under the name Mad Manufacturing Ltd. David Summerland continues as MD of the company, whilst David Linger takes up the role of sales director. With many years experience in the lighting industry, he will also oversee the design and project management of product installations. Neil Walton becomes operations manager, and will oversee production and purchasing for MAD’s busy manufacturing facility. Technical support is now the domain of Gareth Fish, whilst Roger Poynor takes up a position in export sales. Meanwhile, Sam Steed is responsible for sales in the UK, Germany and northern European regions. Finally, Paul Williams is responsible for all the company’s marketing activities.

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The Allen & Heath ML series proved its rock and roll credentials when both the ML 4000 and 5000 were used for a Deep Purple show in Bangalore, India recently. The two dual function FOH/monitor mixers were used for the live concert, which was attended by over 15,000 fans in the palace grounds. Felix Remedios of Reynolds Sound and Light, the system provider for the production, said: "We had no hesitation in choosing the Allen & Heath mixers, as we knew they would give us the best of both worlds - great features at a great price."

The company's association with the ML series began when Felix saw the ML 4000, the latest addition to the ML series, at its debut in the Plasa Show, London. He was so impressed by the specifications that he bought an ML4000/48 and used it straight out of the box at the MC Hammer concert in Bangalore. The results were so good they immediately ordered a

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Bytecraft Automation has completed its investment in the UK stage machinery company, Caire Ltd. Bytecraft’s John Rowland told PLASA Media: "The acquisition of a controlling interest in Caire Ltd is the culmination of Bytecraft's five year strategy to achieve a European network of alliances and affiliates allowing us to offer stage automation and stage lighting solutions to our European customers." Bytecraft is one of the leading suppliers of stage automation control systems with major installations worldwide in cities including Tokyo, New York, Sydney, San Francisco, London, Melbourne and Paris. Bytecraft director Ted Fregon said: "The investment in the UK company Caire follows the opening of Bytecraft's Dutch operation in 1999. Bytecraft has now completed more than 10 projects in Europe and expects to complete a further 11 in the next three years."

The UK-bas

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Photographic giant, Canon, unveiled its world vision at the recent Focus Show (NEC) with a stunning new stand featuring a huge globe constructed from leading aluminium trussing system, OPTI Trilite. The exhibition brings together photographers and suppliers from all over the UK, and is one of the key showcases for new products and services in Europe. As one of the biggest players in the market, Canon was determined to make a big splash and didn't disappoint. Canon's stand was the brainchild of exhibition specialists, Creative Concepts. "We always try to do something bigger and better every year for Canon's Focus stand," says managing director, Paul Harber. "This year we decided the central feature would be an enormous globe built from the polished version of OPTI Trilite. Being close business neighbours helps too, as both Creative Concepts and OPTI are based in Luton. Glen

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The Marine Hall in Fleetwood has chosen an Allen & Heath ML5000 as part of a sound system re-fit at the theatre, with a brief for no compromise on quality. Tony Mitchell, sound engineer at the hall, explains: "We needed a really advanced feature set and were gobsmacked to find it all on the ML5000 at such a competitive price - and with a great EQ, as well."

The dual function FOH/monitor mixer is ideal for the varied demands of the Marine Hall, with its 16 auxes, 8 audio groups and 8 VCA groups. The console's extended VCA capability includes 128 mute/VCA snapshot memories and intelligent P/AFL switching. Equally crucial to the decision was the full three-speaker balance provided through the LCRPlus panning system, ideal for providing even coverage throughout the auditorium and compensating for the effects of the central dome.

Andy Huffer of Marquee Audio, the company that su

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A glittering array of stars and a sell-out audience of 5,000 joined Prince Charles at the Daily Mail Farm Aid concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall earlier this month, which raised more than £350,000 for farmers affected by the Foot and Mouth crisis. The concert was the brainchild of classical music patron Jackie Rosenfeld OBE, who - with the help of experienced fund-raiser Maggie Heath and publicist Aurelia Stephenson - organised the evening in just four weeks. Dobson Sound was brought in by production team Unusual Services to design and operate the sound system for the gala event, which was based around the 96-piece London Philharmonic Orchestra accompanying virtuoso performances from the Royal Ballet, opera singer Kim Cresswell, humorous singer Dillie Keane, and comedy duo Kit and the Widow. The evening was hosted by Angela Rippon and Robert Powell and featured contributions fr

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Vari-Lite has announced that West London-based Richard Martin Lighting (RML) has become the UK’s first Vari-Lite Rental Associate with stocks available for hire of the new VL2000 series. The company, which specialises in automated lighting for the television industry, and regularly supplies to all the main studios around the UK, has taken delivery of a batch of the new VL2414 wash luminaires. RML’s operations manager Steve Wells expands on the decision. "There has always been a high demand for the VL5 wash luminaire and we were extremely interested to see what the new Vari-Lite retail range had to offer. We arranged demo sessions for our clients to see the capabilities of the luminaires and after reports back on excellent colour mixing and high output, we decided to go ahead and become a Vari-Lite Rental Associate."

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Switchcraft Inc, the US manufacturer of audio connectors, patch bays and cable assemblies, has strengthened its international distributor base by appointing Electronics & Cables and Technosound to distribute its products in Italy and Lebanon respectively. Stephen Waldron, Switchcraft's director of international sales, told us: "Both companies are well established in their respective markets and will provide our customers with high quality service and support."

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Television Film Services (TFS), the location audio equipment supply company, recently founded by film sound recordist Keith Silver, has chosen Sennheiser wireless microphone and in-ear monitoring systems to equip its inventory. Having already purchased a large number of SK 50 transmitter and EM 1046 modular receiver-based, 5000 Series systems, the company recently supplemented this with a further 16 channels of rackmount 3000 series systems, bringing the total number of channels to 45. The company further purchased six channels of Sennheiser evolution 300 Series wireless IEM. Founded just 10 months ago, TFS has already supplied equipment to BBC and Channel 4 productions, as well as to a growing number of corporate and feature film clients. Recent productions include The Human Body, Last of the Summer Wine'and The Gentleman Thief, along with a host of documentary titles.

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Lighting Technology Group has provided equipment for the newly-launched Well Being television channel and website from Boots and Granada that offers information and advice on all aspects of personal well-being. The three-year run of programmes is produced at Yorkshire Television in Leeds with Peter Hardman as lighting director. Equipment supplied by Lighting Technology includes 20 Brightline 1.4d four-lamp phase control dimmable units, complete with accessories such as broad field screens and colour frames plus Osram Studioline 3200k lamps. Further equipment includes 30 Strand Quartzcolor Studio 1k pole-operated fixtures, 15 ETC Source 4 Pars with barndoors and six Dennard pantographs. Peter Hardman detailed the project: "The brief was to light YTV’s Studio 3 in such a way that any action could be shot from most angles and in any part of the set. No lighting expertise would be

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London-based Orbital Sound has now added Yamaha's PM1D mixing console into its extensive hire stock, making it available for tours, conferences and one-night events alike. Complementing their existing portfolio of high-spec equipment, the PM1D is available for hire following its recent ground-breaking debut at Sadlers Wells for the RSC production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. As a theatre specialist, Orbital has worked closely with the Yamaha R&D teams both in the UK and Japan to initiate certain software developments to enhance the PM1D's performance as front-of-house workhorse, making it even faster to programme and providing greater control from its up-graded version 1.2 software.

As Mike Case, head of Yamaha Commercial Audio, explained: "We are delighted that Orbital are utilising the latest version of PM1D software for the system used in the production of FA

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Those masters of rock industry logistics, EST, are once more in the thick of the action over the summer season. Touring with a list of bands that reads like a roll-call of the top aristocracy of the rock music industry, the range of locations and number of vehicles involved is staggering. The tours are all major Arena and Stadium scale and are forecast to be the biggest gross-earning acts of the summer season. 16 of the familiar yellow and purple trucks will provide logistic support to Madonna’s European tour running from the 5 June until 12 July. A further eight trucks will provide transport for the Eagles, starting in Moscow on 29 May and finishing in Glasgow on 28 July. Another 16 EST trucks will accompany Bon Jovi’s European Tour which starts in Stockholm on 31 May with 16 more shows in locations as diverse as Huddersfield, Hamburg and Zurich before ending in Munich on 30

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Following an assessment by an independent body, Total Fabrications Ltd (TFL) has been awarded the ISO 9001 Certificate. This award for quality is supported by Government, and recognized worldwide. "We’ve experienced an increasing demand for special project work across all our market sectors, both here and abroad," commented TFL’s managing director Chris Cronin. "Couple that requirement with the development of our unique safety product, the T2 trussing system, and the need for an internationally recognized standard became essential." The award recognizes the company’s commitment to high quality service. Readers will be interested to learn that only around 3% of UK businesses hold this certificate, thus TFL are now at the forefront of quality service and customer care. Peter Hind of TFL headed up the team that prepared the company for assessment, co-op

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On March 30-31 over 80 of Scandinavia’s top lighting professionals, including architects, engineers and lighting designers, gathered in Aarhus, Denmark for the annual Nordlys Lighting Seminar. A large part of the seminar consisted of the viewing and evaluation of 11 'lighting experiments', each experiment created by a different lighting manufacturer. For four evenings buildings, monuments, bridges, sculptures and open space were illuminated around the town of Aarhus in an impressive display of the possibilities of architectural lighting. On Friday evening, the 80 participants voted for their favorite ‘experiment’.

The overall winner was Bispehave Tårnet (Bispehave Tower) illuminated by Martin Professional’s local distributor Martin Danmark. Lighting Designer of the winning project was Peer Ostergaard from Martin Danmark who commented about the design, "Be

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A number of successful projects and an expanding market have encouraged AV and multi media specialist, D J Willrich Ltd (DJW) to open their new office in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Located approximately 15 miles out of Dubai, in the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, DJW’s new base will be run by Southampton couple Josh and Liz Miller. Josh, previously one of DJW’s senior project managers, will now be responsible for all DJW’s projects in the Middle East, whilst Liz will assist with the marketing and administration. Established in 1986, DJW grew from the AV Department of the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. Since then the company has grown to achieve a multi-million pound turnover and become a major force worldwide in the AV and multi media industry. DJW’s ability and reputation is based on providing creative solutions that deliver the ultimate v

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P&O Stena Line (P&OSL) have installed an integrated sound and entertainment system, incorporating Bose speakers, on board their ships on the route between Dover and Calais. The installation is part of a £10.5 million refurbishment of the P&OSL fleet; the sound system installed in all the Silverstone’s sports bars incorporates a Sound Leisure state-of-the-art video touch-screen juke box which links through to Thomson plasma screens and monitors, and Bose 32SE and 302A loudspeakers strategically positioned around the bars. All seven ships on the P&OSL Dover Calais route will be equipped with the new technology by the end of May. An additional feature on the P&OSL Provence is a back-projection videowall which is also integrated with the entertainment and sound system.
  1. Yates's Leicester Square with Nexo & Crown
  2. Report Dodgy Structures
  3. Beware the Con Artists
  4. Great Wall of China
  5. Clay Paky Outlines Plans for New HQ
  6. Brähler Mic System for Patent Office
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