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29 May 2025

Germany - The Digital Signage Summit (DSS) Europe concluded with a record of almost 500 delegates following three days of strategic insight and technologies at the Hilton Munich Airport, Germany. Organised by invidis in a joint venture with Integrated Systems Events (ISE), DSS Europe took place from 21-23 May, bringing together innovators and thought leaders to debut its new three-day format.

Florian Rotberg, conference chair and managing director of invidis consulting, reflected: “Over the past three days, DSS Europe 2025 has not only set a new benchmark for innovation and collaboration but has also highlighted the pressing challenges and future opportunities that our industry must address.

“From groundbreaking advancements in digital signage to meaningful conversations about sustainability and user engagement, this year’s summit has truly red

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28 May 2025

USA - The Mid-Atlantic region has recently become something of an enclave for Martin Audio’s Wavefront Precision line array series - and in particular WPC.

A flurry of recent sales in the Mid-Atlantic has helped weave a powerful network of users, giving each access to lucrative cross-rental opportunities when large event support is required.

This was highlighted by Martin Audio USA’s Northeast regional sales manager, Martha Callaghan. She reports that Kennedy Event Services recently bolstered their existing WPM inventory by upscaling to 16 WPC, supported by 12 SX218 subwoofers in the tri-state New York Metro region. 

Midway Productions also added 16 WPC to their 32-strong WPM fleet, as well as investing deeper in iKon amplifiers. They are based in Christiansburg, VA, servicing the many large higher education systems in the region, such a

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27 May 2025

UK - Sterling Event Group has announced a major expansion in facilities, a strengthened specialist team, investment in the latest production technologies, and a new brand identity.

With an impressive 25-year track record of delivering high-end production for corporate, private, public sector and live entertainment events, Sterling is now scaling its capabilities to support national and international growth. The company has built deep-rooted relationships with clients across the North of England and has consistently delivered strong growth year on year.

Sterling’s move to a new 102,000sq.ft warehouse at Manchester’s ICON Business Park more than doubles its existing capacity. The site will house a comprehensive inventory of professional-grade production technology, which is meticulously serviced and maintained by Sterling’s in-house team, for dep

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27 May 2025

India - Obsidian Control Systems recently delivered a three-day training in India supported by VMT, the brand’s official Indian distribution partner. Spearheaded by Obsidian’s business development director Koy Neminathan and lighting designer Giancarlo Vannetti, the training series attracted over 100 lighting professionals eager to get hands-on with the NX1, NX2, and NX4 consoles.

Designed to empower and elevate, the sessions offered deep insights into Obsidian’s advanced architecture and functionality. “Watching participants gain confidence with the NX1, NX2, and NX4 through hands-on experience was truly rewarding. The passion for lighting control in India is inspiring, and we’re excited to see how these professionals take their skills forward,” noted Giancarlo Vannetti.

Neminathan echoed this sentiment: “It was incredible to see the e

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27 May 2025

Spain - INFiLED has announced the launch of its INFiLED Certified Engineer (ICE) training programme – a comprehensive initiative aimed at equipping technical professionals in the EMEA region with the hands-on skills and knowledge needed to install, configure and maintain LED systems with confidence.

The ICE training course is designed for engineers, technicians and support professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of INFiLED’s LED technologies and develop the practical competencies required to deliver the highest standards of service. The course covers both theoretical knowledge and real-world application, providing a full overview of INFiLED's LED ecosystem.

Key topics covered in the training include the basics of LED display systems and INFiLED’s product range, system set-up, calibration and configuration, troubleshooting and fault-

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27 May 2025

UK - The Profile Awards 2025 Television nominations have been released by the STLD and are now published on the TPA web page.

The TV section of The 2025 Profile Awards is judged by a panel consisting of theatre lighting designer Peter Small, TV lighting designer Martin Kempton, TV director Stephen Neil and chaired by STLD honorary secretary and lighting designer Stuart Gain. (https://profileawards.com/television-nominations-2025/)

The Profile Awards TV sponsors are:

@rosco_labs - TV Entertainment Series Award

@lightscontrolrigging - TV Entertainment One-Off Award

@chamsysltd - TV Drama Award

@elpelstree - TV Small studio Award

@cameo_light - TV Non Scripted Entertainment Award

@led_creative_limited - TV Continuing Drama Award

@

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27 May 2025

South Africa - When Dr Ismail Mahomed, writer, director, and former artistic director of the National Arts Festival, reached out for help after TX Theatre Productions in Tembisa had their console stolen just before their annual festival, DWR Distribution responded with a donation of a Signify Vari-Lite FLX S24 lighting console, a 24-fader surface designed to create beautiful looks fast and easily.

In the heart of Tembisa, TX Theatre Productions has been a hub for drama, music, and dance since 2008. Founded by Mxolisi Masilela and registered as an NPO in 2014, this multi-Naledi Award-winning company produces around 50 shows annually, regularly earns plays at festivals like the National Arts Festival, and supports local talent through awards, publications, and its Writers Lab.

Tembisa was established in 1957 during apartheid-era forced removals, reloca

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27 May 2025

Glastonbury Time - The 1975, Neil Young and US pop star Olivia Rodrigo will headline this year’s Glastonbury Festival which opens on Wednesday. Rod Stewart will also be performing on Sunday afternoon in the ‘legend slot’, 23 years after his last appearance at the festival.

Other notable acts on the line-up include Charli XCX, Wolf Alice, The Libertines, Wet Leg, Biffy Clyro, Franz Ferdinand and The Prodigy. There will also be debut Glastonbury performances by Alanis Morisette, Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams, Lola Young and Doechii.

Glastonbury is known for unpredictable weather so festival-goers are advised to pack for all conditions, including wellies, waterproof clothing and sun cream. There is also a list of prohibited items to ensure the safety and security of everyone on site. Banned items include - but are not limited to - fireworks,

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23 May 2025

Europe - GLP has appointed Paris-based MiD (Musique Industrie Développement) as its new French distributor – coinciding with the latest edition of the GLP-sponsored Showlight lighting networking show being held in Dijon this week.

With a dedicated GLP showroom hosted by Artbox located at the Parc de l'Évènement in Longjumeau (south of Paris), MiD operates throughout the country, carrying more than 36 AV brands in its catalogue. Historically strong in pro-audio, it is now starting to develop its lighting brands. MiD sales director Julien Seillier says GLP is central to this mission, in the event, concert touring and architectural segments.

He says that GLP recognised MiD’s flexibility, energy and above all a desire to develop the lighting market and propel this brand to the forefront: “I come from a rental background, having spent se

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23 May 2025

Brazil - Follow-Me has announced a strategic partnership with Newart Iluminação Ltda as its sales partner in Brazil. The collaboration marks a significant expansion of Follow-Me's presence in South America.

Newart Iluminação, established in 2001, has built a strong reputation as a trusted provider of advanced lighting solutions across Brazil. The company offers a comprehensive range of lighting products and services for entertainment, architectural, and commercial applications. With headquarters and workshop facilities in São Paulo, Newart brings over two decades of experience and deep market knowledge to this partnership.

Francisco Pinheiro, owner and managing director of Newart, comments: "We are always looking for innovative solutions to bring the latest lighting technology to our clients. Follow-Me really stood out as a game-changing system

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23 May 2025

South Africa - DWR Distribution’s Jaques Pretorius recently spent two busy days with third-year lighting students from the Department of Performing Arts at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), offering hands-on training on the grandMA3 lighting control platform.

Over the past year, TUT has invested in two grandMA3 onPC command wings – one for its Breytenbach Theatre and another for its practical teaching space – making this training especially timely.

Wandile Mgcodo, a long-standing lecturer at TUT and a passionate supporter of the next generation of creatives, helped organise the workshop. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing students grow in confidence, find their artistic voice, and master tools they’ll use in their careers,” he said.

The journey began when TUT decided to upgrade from their previous MA2 system, keep

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22 May 2025

South Africa - Following the recent announcement of Mediatech’s return in 2026, organisers have confirmed an important venue and date change. After close consultation with key industry stakeholders, the expo will now take place at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg from 1-3 July 2026.

Mediatech Africa is the continent’s largest and most established trade show dedicated to professional audiovisual, broadcast, media, and live event technology. The show brings together industry professionals, technology providers, creatives, and decision-makers for three days of hands-on demos, networking, and innovation. It serves as a platform for both global brands and regional players to connect, collaborate, and explore the future of the industry.

Previously scheduled at Johannesburg Expo Centre, the move

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22 May 2025

USA - CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) returns to the Colorado Convention Centre in Denver, Colorado, from September 3-6, 2025.

With 300+ exhibitors displaying smart home, commercial integration, luxury audio, home theatre, lighting, outdoor living, energy management, security, Work From Home (WFH) and commercial AV technologies and solutions, the combined show promises a broad and compelling showcase of new technologies in addition to keynotes and panels on the most pressing tech-related issues of today. Exhibitors include ADI Global, Crestron, Harman Luxury Audio, Legrand AV, Lutron, Origin Acoustics, Nice, Samsung, Sonance, Sony, and more.

“The lines separating home and work are becoming increasingly blurred, requiring smarter and more flexible systems integration solutions,” said Jason McGraw, group vice-president for CEDIA Expo/CI

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22 May 2025

South Korea - UK-based 7thSense has announced an official distribution partnership with Dong Hwa AV, who will serve as a reseller and distributor of 7thSense technologies in South Korea.

As part of this new alliance, Dong Hwa will represent 7thSense’s product range across the region, providing sales, support, and consultation services to South Korean customers in markets including themed attractions, museums, immersive installations, and broadcast environments.

The partnership was officially unveiled at the KOBA 2025 trade show in Seoul, taking place this week, where Dong Hwa is exhibiting a selection of 7thSense technologies. Attendees are invited to visit the Dong Hwa booth D302 to see live demonstrations and speak with experts about how 7thSense solutions can elevate visual storytelling.

“We are thrilled to partner with Dong Hwa as our

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22 May 2025

USA - Powersoft has announced a significant milestone in its longstanding collaboration with Coastal Source, a US-based innovator in high-performance outdoor audio systems.

This strategic OEM agreement marks the next phase of a multi-year partnership focused on developing a purpose-built amplifier platform tailored specifically for Coastal Source. Leveraging Powersoft's advanced technologies, the new amplifier lineup is engineered to deliver exceptional performance in the harshest outdoor environments – combining superior power management, durable construction and seamless AES67 network integration. The collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to innovation, reliability and premium performance tailored to application-specific needs.

"Powersoft and Coastal Source share the same passion for amazing sound, reliability and efficiency –

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22 May 2025

India - Pro audio distributor Pink Noise Professionals recently helped arrange for the first EAW Anya ADAPTive sound system to be purchased and deployed in the country.

Durgesh Sound and Lighting Systems, an event management services company that rents equipment for various applications across India, was eager to upgrade its PA inventory and elevate clients’ audio experience.

The Anya system from EAW was chosen. Durgesh Sound and Lighting purchased 16 Anya units and 12 SBX218 subwoofers, laying the groundwork for an audio system that promised sound quality for a wide range of live events. A second phase of this audio upgrade, including additional EAW products, is also in the pipeline.

“The customer has rented this EAW solution for various concerts and has expressed their satisfaction with the system,” said Vijay Sinha, director of sales

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21 May 2025

Mexico - This spring, the sound:check Xpo trade fair took place in Mexico City. Over three days, numerous international manufacturers and distributors presented their innovations in the fields of audio, lighting, video, stage technology and more at the Mexico World Trade Centre.

For Cameo, the sound:check Xpo was a milestone event: its official market launch in Mexico. To mark this, the Mexican Cameo distributor OHM Distribution presented a broad overview of the latest highlights from the Adam Hall Group’s lighting brand at its stand.

At the OHM Distribution stand, Cameo models including the Azor S2, Otos W12 and the new P6 LED profile spotlight attracted the attention of visitors. While the first day of the trade fair was primarily reserved for musicians, studio professionals and smaller service providers, on days two and three i

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21 May 2025

USA - Eagle Production Company of New Jersey has significantly strengthened its rental inventory by acquiring 100 Paragon LED profile moving heads from Elation. This major investment marks a pivotal step in Eagle’s evolution into one of the region’s leading dry hire rental providers for the live event industry.

“We felt the Paragon S hit the mark for small to mid-size profile fixtures,” says Shaya Adler, founder and CEO of Eagle Production Company. “It outperforms everything we’ve tested in terms of output, colour rendering, detail, and weight. It’s simply an exceptional all-around fixture.”

Founded by Adler in 2016, Eagle Production began in audio before evolving into a full-service event production company. Today, the company serves a wide array of clients across sports, corporate, political, and entertainment. Since shifting its fo

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21 May 2025

South Africa - Cape Town technicians and anyone interested in servicing and troubleshooting lighting fixtures are invited to attend hands-on Robe Fixture Maintenance Training with Tyler Pugin, taking place on 11 June from 9am to 5pm at DWR Distribution, Cape Town.

This workshop will cover ‘everything you need to know about caring for your Robe lighting fixtures – from troubleshooting issues to cleaning techniques and routine maintenance’.

Participants need to bring metric tools, including electrical and 8mm flat blade screwdrivers, no. 1 and no. 2 Philips screwdrivers, 2mm - 8mm Allen keys, long-nose pliers, wire cutters, and a multimeter. The cost is R250 per person and includes a light lunch and refreshments.

The course will be hosted at DWR Distribution, Unit 37B Platinum Junction, 4 School Street, Marconi Beam, Cape Town.

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20 May 2025

India - tvONE has announced its partnership with Cavitak as a distributor for tvONE and Green Hippo products in India.

Established in 1986 and headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Cavitak has built a robust reputation in the ProAV market through its expertise in channel management and the distribution of specialized technology products. With over 36 years of experience, the company boasts a network of more than 4,500 channel partners and dealers across India, supported by six regional offices and 15 warehouses.

Cavitak's value-added distribution model encompasses comprehensive networking, in-depth product understanding, solution design, and post-sales support. This approach ensures that clients receive not only the latest products but also the necessary support to implement and maintain them effectively.

"We are thrilled to partner with Cavit

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20 May 2025

Australia/UK - Advatek Lighting has announced that White Light has officially joined its global dealer network as an authorised distributor for the UK market. This partnership marks a strategic move to expand Advatek’s footprint across Europe and further strengthen its presence in the entertainment, AV, and architectural lighting sectors.

“White Light’s expertise across live entertainment and performing arts makes them an ideal partner,” said Luke Taylor, managing director at Advatek Lighting. “As demand for advanced pixel lighting continues to grow, we’re excited to work with a team that shares our passion for technical excellence and innovation.”

The partnership gives UK customers direct access to the full range of PixLite Mk3 pixel controllers, including the recently updated Long-Range series, which offers robust differential transmi

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20 May 2025

UK - 7thSense has announced a strategic partnership with Teq4 Systems Limited. Teq4 is a valued and long-standing collaborator of 7thSense and is known for delivering innovative, experience-led solutions. This strengthened relationship underpins the shared commitment of both 7thSense and Teq4.

As part of the newly established partnership, Matt Barton and Richard Brown, both directors of 7thSense, will take seats on the Teq4 board of directors.

The new partnership between 7thSense and Teq4 is focussed on advancing immersive and interactive technologies in support of the global creative and integration community.

Richard Brown, CTO at 7thSense, said: “Our integrator partners remain at the heart of everything we do. 7thSense’s continued success is built on deep collaboration with the global integrator community, and this focus remains unchan

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20 May 2025

UK - Polar, supplier of key industry brands to the installation, MI, and professional audio markets has announced that it will demonstrate its full portfolio at the Old Savoy Theatre, Northampton on Wednesday 28 May.

Polar Expo, a day-long event for integrators, AV consultants, rental companies, sound engineers, and everyone passionate about technology, will present an opportunity to see, hear, and explore the full Polar catalogue.

Last year, Polar staged a series of successful demo days for specific brands, including one at the Old Savoy for Turbosound, which drew plaudits from the wide range of audio professionals in attendance. Convinced by the success of the format, which gives visitors a real-world, hands-on experience of products, Polar sales manager Andy Plunkett will host Polar Expo, the company’s largest demo day to date:

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20 May 2025

‘Absolute Losers’ - Sir Elton John described the government as "absolute losers" and said he feels "incredibly betrayed" over plans to exempt technology firms from copyright laws. Speaking to the BBC, he said if ministers go ahead with plans to allow AI firms to use artists' content without paying, they would be "committing theft, thievery on a high scale".

Last week the government rejected proposals from the House of Lords to force AI companies to disclose what material they were using to develop their programmes. A government spokesperson said that "no changes" to copyright laws would be "considered unless we are completely satisfied they work for creators". Generative AI programmes mine, or learn, from vast amounts of data like text, images, or music online to generate new content which feels like it has been made by a human.

Sir Elton said th