Robe - LEADERBOARD - Feb 2025
Doughty - Banner - ABTT (27 May - 5 June)

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USA - Demonstrating the system's ability to meet the needs of diverse concert artists, JBL Professional Vertec line arrays were deployed by leading rental company Sound Image for the 20th Annual Bridge School Benefit concert at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA. The Crown-powered system consisted of 52 Vertec VT4889 full-size line array elements and 24 VT4880 full-size arrayable subwoofers.

The Bridge School Benefit is an annual event organised by Neil Young in support of his Bridge School non-profit organisation. The Bridge School supports the development of assistive technology for individuals suffering from severe speech and physical impairments to enable full participation in their communities. As is the case each year, the event featured performances by a wide variety of high-profile artists. Norah Jones, Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam and Emmylou Harris were just a

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UK / Hong Kong - The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), one of the largest horse racing organisations in the world, has recently undergone an overhaul of the audio system in its plush executive suites. The extensive new system comprises seven Allen & Heath iDR-8 digital processing mixers, an iDR-switch, iDR-Out, and from the accompanying range of PL remote control units, six PL-10 rotary fader panels, four PL-9 connection hubs, and 40 PL-4 wall plates.

Horse racing is the most popular spectator sport in Hong Kong, and the Club is the only authorized operator of horse racing. The government-run organisation also offers betting on football matches held outside of Hong Kong. The HKJC also provides dining, social and recreation facilities to approximately 20,000 members.

Designed and installed by Eastern Acoustic Development (EAD), the new system has been installed to manage three exec

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

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UK - XL Video chose one of the highest profile live TV events of the year - the 2007 Brit Awards - to launch its new high definition PPU.

The newly commissioned PPU is based around a Grass Valley HD Kayak mixer and GV LDK 8000 HD cameras, three of which XL supplied for the Brits. 10 further HD feeds from broadcasters CTV were also fed into the XL system which was used for the live stage IMAG mix, cut by Chris Hilson.

This was beamed onto a striking heart shaped high resolution LED screen centre stage and another large landscape shaped screen on stage left, upstage of one of the two performance areas. Both screens were also supplied by XL, built from Lighthouse R16 modules.

XL's two project managers were Chris Saunders and Paul Wood. Saunders managed the control side of the show, while Wood did the same for the screen elements. Both worked closely with technical

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USA - Harman Pro North America (HPNA), the U.S. distributor for AKG, Soundcraft and Studer, announces that it will be hosting two afternoons of product training sessions next month, at NSCA Expo in Orlando.

According to HPNA vice president and general manager Kim Templeman-Holmes, "These classes are an exceptional way for NSCA attendees to gain a more in-depth and hands-on understanding of our product offerings than would otherwise be possible on the busy exhibit floor."

HPNA's training schedule is as follows:
Thursday, March 15
1:00 - 2:00 p.m AKG: New Products for NSCA
2:00 - 3:00 p.m AKG: Recording and Headphone Solutions
3:00 - 5:00 p.m Soundcraft/Studer: Hands-on Training for Digital Consoles
Friday, March 16
1:00 - 3:00 p.m Soundcraft/Studer: Hands-on Training for Digital Consoles
3:00 - 4:00 p.m AKG: Wireless Solutions
4:00 - 5:00 p.m A

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Switzerland - Based in Wohlen but operating throughout Europe, the media service provider Winkler Veranstaltungstechnik AG has just brought its kinetic equipment up to date by investing in equipment from Movecat (distributed by Think Abele). Winkler now has twenty VMK-S 500-24 hoists, a low-noise model with noiseless brakes, and twenty V-Motion 30 power packs for motors up to 3 kW. The VMK-S hoists have a capacity of 500 kg, raise and lower their loads at speeds of from 0 to 20 metres per minute, and as a closed loop system are capable of achieving a genuine hovering state as well as reversing the run direction without incursion of the brakes.

The two Expert-T controllers used here, which are also from Movecat, were developed for the systemic control of kinetic drives in complex projects where up to 240 fixed- or variable-speed drives may be in use simultaneously. The selected c

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South Africa - One grandMA light accompanied Ronan Keating during his tour in South Africa. When playing his New Year's Eve concert at the 15,000 capacity Coca Cola dome in Johannesburg, Lighting director Pryderi Baskerville relied on grandMA video and one grandMA full-size console.

"I'm very impressed by grandMA video," says Baskerville, "It's really unique on the market, because it allows you to control a media server like a fixture. The thumbnails make content selection a lot easier. Control via the Smart window is extremely intuitive. This made the process of finding appropriate clips in the myriad of content a breeze - rather than having to scroll through a list of libraries. I also had a really positive experience with the console, it was an enjoyable learning curve. I was able to tailor the console to the way I like to work; I can't wait to get behind one a

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UK - BSS Audio, a Harman International Company, has provided a versatile matrix control and routing solution for a sophisticated two-tier dining and corporate hospitality complex in London's Drury Lane. With the opening of the Bollywood-themed Sitaaray restaurant above last year's much-vaunted Tamarai, entrepreneur Rohit Khattar has completed his mission to combine a restaurant, 5.1 cinema, dance venue, art gallery and corporate entertainment under one roof.

To create the ultimate in flexibility was the challenge handed to the Sound Division Group (SDG), which were recommended to parent company Old World Hospitality, and arrived on site soon after Rohit Khattar had purchased the former Millennium Club, in June 2005.

SDG MD David Graham opted for a BSS Audio Soundweb London solution to link the world of continuous Bollywood films upstairs in Sitaaray, with the flexibility of Ta

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UK - Kinesys automation system was used for the fourth year running on this year's Brit Awards - to raise and lower a large video screen on stage left to allow access for between-band backline and set changeovers.

The high profile event was staged at Earls Court in London and broadcast live on ITV 1. The screen - measuring 12 metres wide by 7 high, made up from Lighthouse R16 LED panels, weighing approximately six tonnes and supplied by XL Video - was rigged on eight Kinesys-adapted 1 tonne CM Lodestar motors.

All rigging was undertaken by Outback, with the overall operation co-ordinated by head rigger Dave Morrell, working closely with production manager Mick Kluczynski and his team from MJK Productions. The Kinesys system - run by its proprietary Vector software - was operated by Mylan Lester.

Kinesys' Dave Weatherhead says: "It's a great show and good to be ba

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Czech Republic - The newly opened City Club in Roznov pod Radhostem, Czech Republic, is fully fitted out with a complete Robe Show Lighting moving light rig and is already creating a buzz in the area.

The 900 capacity venue is something totally new in Roznov. It's part of the main City Casino complex and features an industrial-chic interior design, stripped back, full of metal and brick surfaces and a dynamic music policy.

Coincidentally, Roznov is also the home town of Robe Show Lighting. Despite the close proximity of the factory, this is the very first installation of Robe lighting products in the locality.

The City Club's Independent owner, local entrepreneur Pavel Zet, wanted to create something completely different. The aim is to be hip, trendy and also to appeal to an 'over 25' audience, with the intention that the club and adjacent casino might feed each other with c

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New Zealand - "An enormous variety of shows, and that was just our first week," said Andrew Craig of Western Audio in Wellington. "We took delivery of our new d&b audiotechnik Q-Series system on a Friday and I did the first show that following Sunday. I wanted to be the first to mix with it." The d&b system delivered to Western Audio comprises Q1s, Q7s and Q-SUBs all driven by d&b's D12 amplifier with system remote capabilities. "It was easy to use, in fact I forgot the PA was there," said Craig.

Two days later, Craig was into an altogether more challenging environment: "The Opera House in Wellington is a fairly classic lyric theatre; the 2,000-strong audience is on three levels. If you look at the auditorium in profile, in terms of the audio image there's a focal point for the audience about 20ft upstage. I flew two Q1s high up to cover the go

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USA - Color Kinetics Inc is marking its 10th year in business with the debut of a new corporate identity. "Color Kinetics has been credited for sparking the beginning of a lighting industry transformation back in 1997, and in many ways our original corporate identity embodied the spirit of defying convention. Since that time, performance and application trends indicate that LED technology is integral to the future of lighting - not a passing fad - and our company's role and influence have grown in parallel," said Bill Sims, President and CEO, Color Kinetics. "We've proven ourselves a dominant player in an increasingly important category, and this in turn guided the creation of our bold new mark."

By refining its corporate identity to better match its leadership position, Color Kinetics aspires to broader recognition as one of the lighting industry's foremost

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UK - The Single purchase counterweight flying system at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, has been refurbished in the short space of only six days between two productions in the venues' very busy current season.

The project was comissioned to Hall Stage Limited, who also installed the original systems in the theatre when it was built in the 1960s.

The flying system has been upgraded to the highest professional standard, providing an increased number of flying bars - up to 42 x 14m ladder bars, with a far quieter, safer performance.

Jon Woodley, Abbeys stage production manager says: "A tremendous amount of work was achieved in a short space of time, all thanks to an excellent team of skilled people working very hard.

"I could not be more happy with the project and I am most grateful to all involved, and highly praise the level of expertise and professionalism displayed

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USA - It's been described as "the best new musical nobody has heard of", Striking 12, which made its sold-out New York premiere last year, was back in New York for a second season at Union Square's Daryl Roth Theatre. Directed by Tony Award winner Ted Sperling (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Light in the Piazza), Striking 12 is a witty and entertaining blend of musical theatre and live concert starring the three members of the pop-rock group GrooveLily.

Written by the group's Valerie Vigoda (violin) and Brendan Milburn (keyboards) in collaboration with playwright Rachel Sheinkin, the show's minimalist approach helps the clever lyrics and distinctive musical score truly stand out. Sound designer Robert J. Killenberger created an audio system that was exceptionally well suited to the intimate yet distinctive venue.

The system was based around two arr

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UAE - Some 280 MAC 2000 Wash fixtures made the trek from the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar in December to Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, UAE for the January 17 opening of the 18th Gulf Cup.

Lighting designer for the biennial football tournament's Opening Ceremony was Paul Collison. "These fixtures in particular were amazingly reliable," Collison comments. "They had already spent almost three months in dessert like conditions in Doha, Qatar, for the Asian Games. Over there we were hit with rain and dust. Once we got onsite in Abu Dhabi every single fixture was stripped and cleaned out. The Procon service staff did an amazing job getting every fixture back online. Once the system was installed, I could count on one hand how many MAC 2K Washes were swapped out. They performed admirably.

"As far as I know, there is nothing that even comes close to a MAC 2000 Wash. Th

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UK / Germany - Turbosound has appointed a new distributor for its products in Germany. With effect from 1 March 2007, Turbosound professional loudspeaker systems will be exclusively available from eas GmbH (Excellent Audio Support), based in Emsdetten in the north of Germany.

Building on almost three decades of innovative pro audio developments, and endorsed by internationally renowned acts such as David Gilmour, Jamiroquai, Primal Scream, Robbie Williams, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Iron Maiden, Oasis, Brit Award winners The Fratellis, and Depeche Mode, Turbosound is looking to develop strong business opportunities in Germany together with its new German distribution partner.

"Eas's major strength is their positive attitude towards customer support," says Turbosound's European sales manager Chris Hinds. "Availability of spare parts and direct access to knowledgea

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New Zealand - Theatrelight has announced that a date has now been set in September 2007 by the High Court of NZ for a defended hearing of Theatrelight's case against Charlie Zheng, once a director and general manager of Theatrelight NZ. Charlie Zheng is now the manager of "Tai Li Lighting" of Zhuhai, PRC, Selecon's sole distributor for China.

Theatrelight is suing Charlie Zheng for losses of US$3 million suffered by Theatrelight in New Zealand in the period 1994 to 2002, when he was dismissed from the board of Theatrelight. The company says "this sum does not include losses in China due to difficulties with our one-time joint venture partners, estimated conservatively in excess of US$10 million, including the loss of all rights and equity in Theatrelight's joint venture 'Zhuhai Tai Li Theatrelight', the theft of all Theatrelight designs and intellectual property u

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UK / Germany - Cambridge-based Audica Professional has announced the further expansion of its rapidly growing international distribution with the appointment of Trius GmbH & Co. KG for Germany.

Trius are a leading distributor in the German market, handling many top live sound, MI and installation brands including Audix, Cloud, Focusrite, Furman, Lab.gruppen, L-Acoustics, Sabine, Symetrix, t&m, Amina, Apex, Countryman, Lucid, TSC Music and Australian Monitor.

Trius' sales manager, Kai Böckmann, says: "We are very happy to become the exclusive distributor for Audica Professional in Germany. They understand the specific needs of high profile background music systems and offer an excellent combination of products and features for a highly attractive price. Audica's products complement our existing portfolio perfectly and we are looking forward to a successful business!"

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UK - Lightfactor Sales, UK distributor for SGM has supplied 16 of the new Giotto Synthesis moving light fixtures to leading Scottish design and rental house, SKL. This boosts SKL's existing SGM inventory which includes Palcos, Ribaltas and the workhorse Giotto 400s.

Edinburgh-based SKL works in all areas of the industry, including corporate events and conferences, parties, rock 'n roll tours and festivals. They have also used various SGM fixtures to realise architectural lighting schemes.

The Synthesis deal was cut between Simon Kennedy of SKL and Lightfactor's Peter Coles. There were many reasons Kennedy made this latest investment - complimenting his existing SGM stock was one, and knowing he can rely on comprehensive, quality service from Lightfactor was another.

Operational and creative considerations were also high on the agenda. "It's a more precise unit than othe

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UAE - Two giants of control automation have again given their backing to PALME Middle East in May - and will be exhibiting a range of systems aimed at both the residential and commercial sectors.

Crestron will be demonstrating its 'Every Room Connected' philosophy, with new products including the Media Processing System (MPS), the latest generation of facility-wide network control software (RoomView 7.0) and the latest Isys i/O WiFi touchpanel, the TPMC-8X.

"We are looking forward to the opportunity of showcasing our single platform solution and related product portfolio to decision makers at this, the most important AV event in the Middle East.," explains Vincent Philippo, regional director, Crestron Middle East. "We will be able to demonstrate that Crestron can deliver the only complete control and connectivity solution for every room, every application and ev

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USA - The ESTA Foundation's Behind the Scenes announces the first two Challenge Grants during the USITT Annual Conference & Stage Expo. I. Weiss and Sapsis Rigging will both be sponsoring $5,000 challenge grants at the upcoming USITT Raffle, March 15 - 17 in Phoenix, Arizona. Thanks to both companies coming forward after the announcement of the Challenge Grant Program, every dollar donated at this year's USITT will triple in value.

Established challenge grant slots are still available for the Behind the Scenes / Long Reach Long Riders 2007 USITT Raffle, March 15 - 17 in Phoenix, Arizona at $5,000 each (four openings left) and The Long Reach Long Riders 2007 New England Charity Ride, July 29 - August 6 at $10,000 each (two openings).

David Rosenberg, president of I. Weiss, explains that it was an easy decision for his company. "We believe that we should be supportive of th

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UK - Psychedelic popsters the Flaming Lips are currently on tour with a UFO setpiece that has to be seen to be believed: the concept created by the band is an amalgamation of innovative DIY solutions and Oklahoma City-based lighting and rigging specialist, Toucan Productions.

Owner Robin Alvis has known band leader Wayne Coyne for several years and was intrigued when Coyne asked him if he had read a news story featuring the band in Rolling Stone? In the article, Coyne had been asked what was in store for the band and he had suggested that for the upcoming tour the band would arrive on stage in a giant UFO, play the gig, get back in and take off! A few days later, the reporter asked Wayne to sketch his concept - which he promptly faxed over and was published.

Alvis explains: "I hadn't seen the sketches until Wayne showed them to me! We discussed some ideas of how we could

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UK - Audio-Technica Ltd. has contributed a collection of microphones and monitor headphones to the Charlie Jones Live Room, at the School of Sound recording in Manchester. The room has been built as part of The Charlie Jones Project commemorative scheme at SSR, inaugurated by Wigwam Acoustics Ltd, and dedicated to the memory of the celebrated freelance live sound engineer, who died last year after almost 30 years in the industry.

Microphones donated by Audio-Technica include the classic AT4040 side address large diaphragm condenser, and ATM350 low profile clip on cardioid condenser and ATM650 hypercardioid dynamic models from the new Artist Series. ATM250 dynamic and ATM250DE dual dynamic/ condenser element models are also included from the Artist Series, and U857QL gooseneck condenser mics, featuring the company's UniGuard RFI shielding, are provided for presentation applicatio

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UK - Bandit Lites UK is once again working with Production North on the much-anticipated Shayne Ward UK arena tour. Supplying full lighting production and support, Bandit UK chief executive, Lester Cobrin joins production manager, Jason Danter and lighting designer, Tellson James on this project.

"For a relatively small lighting package within the arena environment, Tellson James' creativity was far-stretched as he had to produce a show with fresh dynamic looks from the outset, and without any duplication throughout the entire set," Cobrin explained. "Tellson strategically positioned the hardware with precision, and it has certainly paid off."

The lighting design for Shayne Ward is based around a mid-stage box truss with six vertical floor-to-ceiling truss towers which were hung at regular intervals along the upstage truss, neatly framing and shaping the pe

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UK - 5 Star Cases has supplied Warwickshire-based conference production and installation company, Insight Presentation Systems, with a range of bespoke flightcases to house a wide variety of equipment - including lighting fixtures, TFT Screens, projectors, microphones and many more elements. Insight first encountered 5 Star at PLASA 2006 - drawn into the stand by their eye-catching fish-tank flightcase - and were immediately impressed with the diversity of 5 Star's ranges and the rugged build quality of the trunks.

Since then, 5 Star has manufactured and supplied a steady stream of cases to the AV specialist. These have been selected from 5 Star's recently-launched lightweight EX brand through to their robust and popular Tour Grade specification, and has also included bespoke cases for Doughty stands, PAR 64 floor cans and HP printers. The EX range is particularly suited to ligh

  1. French PA companies create Nexstep
  2. SGMedia reports strong start in UAE
  3. ChamSys Training Courses
  4. Clay Paky light the Deftones
  5. Netherlands Opera goes digital with Clear-Com
  6. VarioLift for Russian theatre
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