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PLASA’s Standards Office is appealing for help from the industry. The office is currently reviewing a number of standards-related issues and would value feedback and input from the industry in general, but PLASA Members in particular. Current topics under review include the Event Stewarding Standard - a new British Standard is to be written; EN 55103 - the EMC standard for audio, video and lighting control systems is under revision; EN 60598-2-17 - the electrical safety standard for stage and studio luminaries is to be revised. Also being reviewed at the moment is the Draft Revised EMC Directive - the European Commission's proposed revision and the ESTA Power Cabling Survey - which examines the usage of single conductor feeder cables. If you have an interest in any of these issues, please e-mail Tim Cox at the PLASA Standards Office on tim@p

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GPA Hire's XTA SiDD processors demonstrated their versatility at a number of consecutive Brixton Academy shows serviced by the company during the summer. The shows incldued dance/DJ events, as well as live performances by Outcasts and Basement Jaxx. "We first used SiDD on the Leftfield tour last year," says GPA's Chris Hinds. "We had six units on those shows and have since added another six." The one-off Basement Jaxx show was the first time that the band's sound engineer Shan Hyra had used SiDD. "I believe you have to give new equipment a try, so I was very keen to get my hands on a SiDD unit," he says. "And I wasn't disappointed. As it was a one-off show, I didn't get chance to really 'get into' it, but I can see a lot of potential for it. I'd really like to take one on tour to properly get to the guts of it."

For the Academy shows, GPA ran the

Doughty - Banner - ABTT (27 May - 5 June)

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It was free, it was ethereal and it used a hell of a lot of sticky tape. Born out of a burnt-out church in Stockton at the Riverside Festival in 1998, developed further for Glasgow's Year of Architecture and Design in 1999, the outdoor event that is Sticky most recently appeared as the culminating event to the Croydon Summer Festival on July 21. The show, which requires, amongst other things, a mobile crane, opened with performers pulling and twisting roll after roll of 2" wide clear sticky tape (3M's the best so far) out of the shadows, forming a web of tape. High above the performance area, a winged figure fluttered, faltered, then fell into a spidery limbed, translucent carcass. Over the next hour, with the help of some stunning lighting and fireworks, the shimmering mass transformed into a tower of filigree pinnacles, a clock - complete with flaming pendulum - and finally a mach

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Formula Sound will be showing its latest modular mixer - the PM-100. This mixer replaces the award-winning PM-90 and is proving to be as popular. One important feature of the PM-100 is the single universal input module which can be configured to accept virtually any type of input source. Also featuring VCA controlled crossfade with punch; contour control and inserts at either end for connecting external signal processing equipment. With its many other facilities and its combination of sizes, layout etc. the PM-100 is the most versatile small production mixer around. The full range of products for mixing and noise control will also be on show.

Formula Sound can be found on stand E26.

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Avolites’ sales team members Steve Warren and Koy Neminathan have just returned from a highly successful workshop and demonstration mission in India. The two-day workshop, held at the King’s Banqueting Hall in Central Bombay, was a hands-on product awareness exercise aimed at increasing knowledge and enlightening existing and prospective owners about the many advantages of Avolites equipment, specifically Pearl 2000 consoles and Art dimmers.

The idea was initiated by sales director Steve Warren, and organised with the help of Viraf Pocha of LIDE and Atul Sonpal of Jagmag Electric. The workshop was attended by over 35 people from more than 10 companies based in and around Bombay. Lighting designers, rental companies and a host of individuals linked directly to the burgeoning 'Bollywood' film industry (now the second largest film production market in the world) attended. Pear

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The first Hard Rock Cafe opened its doors to the public in June 1971 in London. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the classic diner put on a concert by Grammy-nominated superstars Matchbox Twenty at The London Apollo, Hammersmith, followed by a celebrity reception at the original Hard Rock Cafe.

Blackout Triple E was contacted by Hard Rock Cafe to install black wool Serge drapes over the crowd-control barriers for the VIP guests, plus starcloths to create the desired atmosphere within the Apollo. Additionally, a 6x8ft printed Foamex logo board was rapidly constructed featuring the Hard Rock Cafe logo at the entrance to the venue, presenting an ideal location for taking photographs of the celebrity guests. Accustomed to operating to tight deadlines that also require a high degree of flexibility and quality, the Blackout Triple E team had just two days notice to fulfil this time-sensiti

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Opened in October1992, the Wycombe Swan Theatre in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, has made a major upgrade to its lighting system. The theatre is a receiving house for a rich diversity of acts and shows, which appear for runs ranging from single evening shows through to productions with eight performances spread over six days. The original lighting console, installed when the theatre opened, had given good service, but a decision was taken to invest in a new console which more closely matched the current needs of the venue. "We needed a console that was more acceptable to a high proportion of our visiting acts," said Carlos Queiroz (pictured), technical manager of the Wycombe Swan. He continued: "Many shows arrive with their lighting programmed on a disk for a Strand 500 Series console and therefore this became our obvious choice."

Considerations to upgrade the cons

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Music Factory Mastermix is celebrating 15 years of success at PLASA this year. Alongside its vast array of original artist mixes, boxed sets and DJ-friendly compilations, the company is also showing an additional range of hardware, merchandise and the revolutionary introduction of the CD+Graphics player. The launch of the Karaoke CD+Graphics player, say Music Factory Mastermix, is a major step in the DJ industry, meaning that DJ's can provide a Karaoke night without having to spend extra pounds on expensive hardware. With an increasing range of CD+Graphic DJ-friendly collections put together by the company’s Mastermix producers such as Party Animal Karaoke and Ultimate Karaoke, Music Factory Mastermix can provide for all Karaoke needs. To celebrate 15 successful years in the industry, Music Factory Mastermix has formed a selection of the very best mixes from the company’s inc

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Color Kinetics Inc, the US manufacturer of LED lighting fixtures, has announced that its intelligent LED-based lighting technology has been added to the permanent collections of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, at the Behring Center in Washington DC. The donation includes the first prototypes of several different LED-based lighting fixtures that incorporate the company's patented Chromacore digital lighting technology. Also part of the Smithsonian donation is a detailed timeline of milestones in the company's history.

Color Kinetics’ co-founder, president and CEO George Mueller commented. "I don't think there is an inventor or technology pioneer alive who hasn't imagined that their work would someday be part of the Smithsonian Institution. It is a great feeling and a landmark achievement for everyone associated with Color Kinetics to have our technology

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Lightfactor’s Scott Callis is in the midst of a highly successful UK tour with a quantity of SGM automated lighting kit. This is designed specifically to put the gear through its paces in a variety of situations and environments. Callis devised this slightly unorthodox way of exposing the equipment to as many differing situations as possible by integrating it into varying lighting hire packages. The SGM kit - including Giotto 250 Spots and Giotto 1200 spot and wash lights - has appeared at high profile clubs, venues and live shows nationwide including a recent BB King show at Leicester De Montfort Halls and an insurance sales conference at the NEC in Birmingham. At De Montfort Hall, Callis has supplied the SGM kit to the Hall’s Chief LX and technical manager Graham Williams for a variety of summer events, including an outdoor concert by blues legend BB King.

The show was de

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The Smoke Company will have a host of new products and ranges on show at PLASA. The company has recently agreed a joint venture with Wings and is now the sole European distributor for its range of quality special effects lighting systems. Other new products planned for PLASA include Apollo - a range of silk flame lights, built in the UK under licence by The Smoke Company; UV Planet, a range of ultra-violet products for use in pubs, clubs and bars (The Smoke Company again being sole European distributor); the Powercan, a popular and cost-effective canister smoke machine. The Parcan, smoke output from a lighting fixture . . .

Also on show will be The Battery, The Goblin and The Roama.

The Smoke Company can be found on stand D33

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MilTec (UK) Ltd has recently supplied the Woodville Halls Theatre of Gravesend with a whole host of f.a.l. (Italy) theatrical products, which were supplied through Primarc. Ken Green, technical manager of the Halls told PLASA Media: “We were looking to refit our theatre with a number of theatrical lighting products, and decided on the f.a.l. products, these being well-constructed, good value and featuring excellent optics.” The installation included 28 profiles, 20 spotlights, five six cell lights and two ultra-violet lights.

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Celestion will be exhibiting a comprehensive selection of loudspeakers. Ranging from the high power CXi Series to the compact KR series for background sound, Celestion has a product to suit every venue. New products on display include the white Celestion CXi 521, ideal for modern architectural spaces, and the new CXi 822 horn loaded mid-hi loudspeaker. Also on display will be a selection from Celestion’s comprehensive component range, including a revolutionary new high power neodymium PA drive unit.

Celestion can be found on stand G34.

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Allen & Heath will be introducing several new products on stand H30, including significant developments for the live sound, DJ and installation markets. Visitors will be able to get their hands on the new ML3000, a 15-buss live sound VCA console designed to make high quality VCA automation affordable for mid-range PA / AV rental and installation work. Allen & Heath will also be displaying Xone:02, its first dedicated DJ performance mixer. This console is the result of the company’s quest to marry broadcast quality audio and construction with the creative performance features and layout demanded by the serious turntablist. The company will also be inviting feedback on some important new software and hardware advances in the pipeline for its digital installation range.

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The Gaiety Theatre on the Isle of Man has unveiled a permanent lighting exhibition covering the evolution of theatre lighting. Building on from a ten-year long restoration process to re-instate the theatre back to its former Victorian appearance and ambience, the management decided to convert the three old projection rooms into a permanent exhibit of the history of theatre lighting. The idea had been lying latent for a while and was brought to life at ABTT earlier this year, following a conversation with lighting designer Jim Laws.

Designed by the highly reputed Frank Matcham, the Gaiety Theatre was built in 1899 and opened in 1900. Located at the rear of the auditorium above the balcony, the exhibition houses lighting equipment from the early days of electrical theatre lighting. Most of the old lighting from the theatre has found a new home there, as has the 1960's control system from

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From one of the widest ranges of sound reinforcement mixers in the industry, Soundcraft will be showing no less than 12 models, starting with the top-of-the-range touring consoles, the Series Five and SM20 monitor desk. With smaller footprints, but equally high specifications, the VCA-equipped Series Four and Series Two are equally at home on tour or in fixed installations. Soundcraft’s digital programme is represented by the 324 Live, and there is an impressive array of high-quality compact consoles, including the new M Series. For PLASA visitors feeling the heat, the stand also features the Soundcraft Juice Bar, serving non-alcoholic cocktails . . . or should that be mixers?

Soundcraft can be found on stand G22

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With the closing deadline set at 10 August, there’s just one week to go for companies exhibiting at the PLASA Show 2001 to enter their new products for the prestigious PLASA Awards for Product Excellence. Two awards - one for Design Excellence and one for Technical Innovation - are given in each of the four categories of Lighting, Sound, AV and Stage Engineering. Winners are presented with a trophy (specially-designed by DHA Lighting) at a ceremony on the final morning of the show. All the winners will be featured in a special post-show Awards supplement published with the October edition of Lighting&Sound International magazine, but win or lose, all nominees will benefit from full pre-show publicity for their latest products.

If you want to enter your products for a PLASA Award, full details of the nomination process can be found on the PLASA Show website or call us now on +44 (

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The Augustin Cloisters are one of the highlights of Les Nuits Lumière de Bourges - a season of lighting and sound shows run in the historic French town of Bourges during the summer months.

It’s a multi-site Son et Lumière show - the audience sees the 90-minute spectacular on foot and stroll about 2km during the show, being guided by a blue line of light. At each of six main buildings or sites, they see and hear a show with dramatic lighting and projected images. The show was designed by Philippe Noir and Christine de Vichet. Lighting design by Pierre Boudeau and Vladimir Lyszczynski, sound by Daniel Deshays and images by Serge Fouillet. The main technical contractor for the event was AEB, with Cyclope providing the large format filmstrip projectors. Electrosonic France was responsible for overall show control and slide projection.

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On Thursday 12 July, a preliminary meeting was held at the Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre, to seek interest in the formation of an Australasian association for all who share an interest in the art, science and technology of light.

With an overwhelmingly positive responses from this, and a follow-up meeting in Melbourne, organisers Andy Ciddor and Cat Strom (Forcer) have decided to press ahead in establishing an Australasian Lighting Industry Association, provisionally entitled ALIA.

Discussions at the meetings were based around a widely-circulated proposal prepared by Cat Strom, Steve Furzey and Andy Ciddor, the text of which can be found on the preliminary ALIA website - www.lighting-association.com.

It was agreed that a broadly-based and inclusive lighting industry association is a worthwhile goal. Members of Australia’s existing lighting association, the Illuminat

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Lighting design and events specialists Rainmaker recently lit an open air stage on Brighton Beach for a Channel Four party event starring dance impresarios Norman Cook AKA Fatboy Slim and Groove Armada, and enjoyed free by approximately 35,000 excited revellers.

The main focus of the stage was a giant Screenco LED screen. This had been rigged to facilitate a C4 broadcast of the Ashes cricket from Edgebaston on the Thursday through Sunday. However, Channel Four then decided it would create a great local buzz of they threw a party on the Friday night, offering an opportunity to groove the summer evening away with the best in contemporary club vibes with local hero - the Fatboy himself! They then decided to broadcast parts of the party a week later on C4’s ‘Fatboy Slim Night’.

The Fatboy Slim event originally started out just as a just live show, with Rainmaker initial

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L&SI has received official notification that Studiomaster is in administrative receivership. The Milton Keynes-based company, which was officially registered as Studiomaster Diamond, had recently been experiencing problems with the chain of supplies from its Indian manufacturing plant and had been forced to contact customers advising them that the dispute had left them with no option but to put the company into administrative receivership.

Studiomaster was well known in the industry as a designer and manufacturer of professional audio equipment, a role it had been performing for over two decades, although the current company wasn’t incorporated until 1991.

Its first ever products were power amplifiers followed quickly by mixing consoles for live sound. Around this time the first affordable multitrack machines appeared and Studiomaster designed a studio quality desk to meet the

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Lynx Digital has completely refurbished a derelict 16th century barn and other farm buildings in Denham Village and converted them into a unique sound recording and comprehensive editing facility. The easily accessed complex in the West of London combines rustic character with 21st century technology to create the perfect creative environment.

The facilities comprise 12 separate, fully-equipped on and off-line sound and video editing suites, an orchestral sound recording studio, comprehensive DVD authoring and mastering facilities, plus impressive graphics and web design departments. Barn Studio also boasts a fully licensed exclusive Bistro, as well as meeting and private viewing facilities. The facilities are equipped with the latest technology including Symphony Smoke & Flame, digital editing for complex multi-layering, two Avids, two AMS Neve Logic suites, plus a host of other hardw

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In preparation for the recent PALA 2001 and continuing its commitment to international workshops, DHA Lighting recently organised a day of workshops in Singapore in association with Audio Light Asia. Showing how theatrical lighting effects can be translated into alternative design contexts, Julie Harper, DHA's sales manager for the Asia Pacific region, demonstrated a variety of DHA products. In addition to theoretical guidance and professional demonstrations, the workshop provided hands-on opportunities to experiment with a range of lanterns and accessories. The audience was able to experience the potential of creative lighting when used to produce a variety of atmospheres which can be used across several market sectors, including themed entertainment, architecture, retail and interior lighting.

Taking her audience through a wide range of moving effects, Julie also used the compact DHA

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i-vision is the brainchild of Geoff Jones - an entrepreneur well-known in the entertainment technology industry, most latterly with his company Laser Studio and as chairman of the Entertainment Laser Association (ELA). Jones is setting up I-Vision as a new and integral infrastructure for the dynamic group of companies with which he is involved. With the i-Vision launch, the company starts up in new premises in Wales, in downtown Chepstow, adjacent to the Severn Bridge. Contained within the group is Laser Studio, JMC Lighting i-vision Banners, i-vision Architectural and i-vision Hire. The plan is to develop the i-vision brand as a progressive, contemporary visual production facility appropriate to service a huge array of challenging entertainment industry projects in the 21st century.

Laser Studio continues to manufacture, sell, install and hire the latest in laser technology. Re

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