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05 September 2024

USA - Martin Audio US has announced its next open day. This will take place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on 30 September, with separate presentations at both 11am and 2pm.

Hosted by VP sales, Lee Stein, the event will showcase highlights from Martin Audio’s current portfolio, with audio demonstrations and presentations by vertical market specialists, Brad Berridge and Brad Stephens.

Beginning with their latest range of passive coaxial point source speakers, FlexPoint, and the powered counterpart CDD-LIVE, they will then progress through to the specialist three-way 15” speaker of THS, onto the constant curvature series, Torus and finish with a complement of Wavefront Precision optimised line arrays – all supported by performance subwoofers including cardioid SXC115 and SXC118, as well as SXH218.

In addition, they will have XE stage

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04 September 2024

UK - Rigging pioneer Robin Elias was the proud recipient of the 2024 Gottelier Award. Nominated and voted for by his industry peers, Elias collected the award from PLASA MD, Peter Heath and chair, Adam Blaxill at this year’s PLASA Show, which took place 1-3 September at Olympia London.

Named in memory of the renowned industry innovator and commentator, Tony Gottelier, the award celebrates those who have made significant, long-term contributions to the advancement of entertainment, presentation or installation technology.

Elias began his career in rock ‘n’ roll, touring with iconic bands such as The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Queen and Genesis. He went on to become technical director of Unusual Rigging, where he delivered often complex and challenging rigging solutions across diverse sectors, including film and TV, live events, museums and ar

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03 September 2024

UK - The winners of the 2024 PLASA Awards for Innovation were announced last night at PLASA Show, currently running at Olympia London. The awards, run in association with LSi, are respected industry-wide for celebrating future-focussed technology that improves safety, efficiency and performance through new methods and materials.

44 products were entered this year, with the judges ultimately awarding eight products. And, for the first time in a number of years, the judges were delighted to also award the sustainability award. This year’s judging team comprised 13 independent technical specialists from a wide array of backgrounds, chaired once again by chartered engineer and LSi columnist, James Eade.

The winning products and judges’ comments are listed below:
Glensound for GTM Mobile  
The judges felt that this f

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03 September 2024

USA - Online retailer for music makers Sweetwater has announced the formal transition of All Pro Integrated Systems, its integration division, to officially operate as Sweetwater Integration. Solving the marketplace need for a one-stop shop for superior integration delivery, the transition reflects over a decade of investment, coupling exceptional customer care and a track record of successful projects for large-scale integration customers.

Sweetwater's customers now have a go-to source for integration to create immersive audio-visual experiences. And now, with Sweetwater Integration, the company is leveraging strong, proven relationships with experienced designers, engineers, and professional integrators.

"We've been working tirelessly to redefine integration and to ensure the integration delivery experience matches the experience synonymous with th

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03 September 2024

On The Campaign Trail - ABBA have complained after their hits like The Winner Takes it All were played at one of Donald Trump's presidential campaign rallies. The group's songs and videos, also including Money, Money, Money and Dancing Queen, were also played at the event in Minnesota in July, according to Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet.

In a statement to the Reuters news agency, the band's record label Universal Music said: "Together with the members of ABBA, we have discovered that videos have been released where Abba's music has been used at Trump events, and we have therefore requested that such use be immediately removed and taken down." The label said no permission or licence had been granted to Mr Trump's campaign.

ABBA are the latest in a long list of artists or their estates who have objected to Mr Tr

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02 September 2024

Australia - It was confirmed at PLASA Show 2024 that with effect from 1 September, Melbourne-based manufacturer LSC Control Systems will become the Australia & New Zealand distributor for UK-based lighting controls and visual systems manufacturer, Avolites.

Both companies are owned by Czech Republic-based moving light and LED manufacturer, Robe lighting s.r.o.

This significant development will be mutually beneficial to both brands in Australia & New Zealand – and to the market as it signals a new period of opportunity for the region’s professional lighting industry.

It also brings these two renowned brands full circle. Although in robust competition for more than 30 years, the two enjoyed a successful partnership back in the 1980s, when LSC provided certain products under OEM license to Avolites.

As Robe businesses, both c

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02 September 2024

UK - Sound Technology has announced its appointment as the UK and ROI distributor for the Sumolight Groups’ Sumomax lighting system.

Sumomax is a 500W full colour RGBWW LED soft light luminaire designed for film, television, and photography professionals. Known for its high output, adjustable colour temperature, and compact design, the Sumomax has rapidly gained traction in the global entertainment industry.

Steve Fay, managing director of Sound Technology, stated, "We're excited to represent Sumolight in the UK market. Its innovative lighting system perfectly complements our expanding portfolio of lighting brands and reinforces our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to creative professionals."

Tim Zur, managing director of the Sumolight Group, commented, “We are delighted to be able to start our journey with Sound Technology

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30 August 2024

UK - Backup is always excited to be at the PLASA Show and this year is no exception. Meet the Backup team at the Backup Support Hub, part of the #WeMakeEvents Stand A18.

Trained Mental Health First Aiders from Backup and Music Support will be available for the whole show to share information and signpost, with specific support again being offered by EventWell in the Safe-Space for anyone who needs it, at any point during the show. This is also a chance for companies and individuals to learn more about the services Backup provides and find out how they can get involved and support the industry charity. 

Tuesday sees the first Backup Interactive Wellbeing session, coordinated by PLASA. Starting at 2:30pm in Theatre 1, the session has been designed to offer a much less intimidating, more personalised environment and will be chaired by Peter Heath, PLAS

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29 August 2024

UK - A new partnership has been announced by lighting designers Ross Chapple and Nick Jevons. Auratecture brings together the combined creative talent of these two lighting and production designers to offer a “design house” with a bold artistic vision for clients seeking “dynamic, unique, and innovative lighting and stage concepts”.

“We have a historical friendship stretching back over a decade, during which time we have admired each other’s creativity and work ethos. Our individual artistic visions are contrasting yet complementary, and we felt the time was right to bring our thinking, skills and resources together to build something really special – a design partnership where our creativity could nurture exciting new collaborations,” explains Jevons.

“Nick and I are both musically driven people,” expands Chapple. “Creating imp

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29 August 2024

UK - Production Light & Sound, a provider of production equipment hire in the live events industry, has announced that it has become the leading supplier in the North of England for Green Voltage's sustainable power solutions.

From its headquarters in Leeds in Yorkshire, the company is taking a significant step forward in providing environmentally conscious power alternatives for events of all sizes.

Its recently expanded offering includes a range of portable battery power systems with solar panels, making it easy to support clients seeking clean, silent and sustainable power sources for events, live broadcasts, film productions and festivals.

Sarah Buckmaster, company director and technical manager at Production Light & Sound, said: “Our commitment to reducing carbon footprint and embracing eco-friendly practices has led us to this

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28 August 2024

The DALI Alliance has announced that the annual DALI Alliance Lighting Awards are officially open for 2024, including a number of new categories. This is part of a refresh of the renowned awards to better recognise diverse innovations and applications from across the lighting industry. Interested participants have until 7 October 2024 to make their submissions.

The traditional application categories have been consolidated to a list of five awards: Residential, Commercial Interior, Commercial Exterior, Industrial & Infrastructure, and Horticulture. Alongside the updated application categories this year’s DALI Lighting Awards will include the following innovation categories:

Best Use of D4i: Recognising innovative applications of DALI D4i technology in lighting systems, including enhanced data communication, energy management, and advanced control capabi

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27 August 2024

USA - LightParts, the parts and repair source for entertainment lighting, is celebrating surviving for 20 years in the entertainment lighting business. And a pandemic too!

LightParts was founded in 2004 by Don Pugh and Robert Mokry as the worldwide support centre for High End Systems’ legacy products like Intellabeam and Emulator. Industry support and demand quickly led to support for most all major entertainment lighting products.

In 2018, LightParts introduced its line of metal halide lamps, then expanded into tungsten lamps like the discontinued Strand Leko lamp. In response to customer requests LightParts started selling new, manufacturer B stock and used gear, all with warranty.

Robert Mokry of LightParts comments: “We’d like to thank our customers, our fantastic staff, past and present, along our supplier partners for making Light

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23 August 2024

Europe - Mike Leuchter Veranstaltungstechnik has significantly strengthened its audiovisual capabilities with the acquisition of 61 units of DMT Alpha Series A2.6i indoor LED screens. The strategic investment also includes six DMT Double Rigging Bars and two DMT Single Rigging Bars, increasing flexibility and ease of installation for various event setups.

The DMT Alpha Series A2.6i screens are renowned for their high-resolution display capabilities, featuring a dense pixel pitch of 2.6mm, ensuring ultra-clear and vibrant images. This high pixel density makes them particularly well-suited for applications with close viewing distances, such as information displays and boardrooms.

Mike Leuchter, founder of the company, emphasised the strategic choice of these screens, stating: “We have chosen the DMT Alpha Series A2.6i because of its high pixel pitch

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22 August 2024

UK - Named in memory of renowned industry innovator and commentator Tony Gottelier, the Gottelier Award recognises sustained or significant contributions to product development in the entertainment technology industry.

Pre-registered PLASA Show attendees, PLASA members and LSi magazine readers are eligible to vote for the Gottelier Award. The recipient will be announced during the PLASA Awards for Innovation ceremony at PLASA Show on Monday 2 September.

The nominees for the 2024 Gottelier Award are:

Robin Elias, senior rigging consultant, Unusual Rigging

Robin Elias began his career in rock ‘n’ roll, touring with bands such as The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Queen, and Genesis. Over 35 years ago, he sold his rigging company to Unusual Rigging, where he became technical director, delivering riggin

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22 August 2024

Europe - Absen has announced that a wide range of its products has achieved certification as Crestron Connected devices.

The Crestron Connected certification ensures that Absen displays can be effortlessly controlled and managed in a Crestron controlled environment and monitored through any PC or mobile device through Crestron XiO Cloud platform.

“We are thrilled to achieve Crestron Connected certification for key products in our range,” said Ruben Rengel, vice-president for global business development at Absen. “This new collaboration empowers us to deliver unparalleled flexibility and efficiency to our customers. By integrating our displays with Crestron’s powerful platform, we are creating new possibilities for businesses and other organisations to optimise their audiovisual experiences.”

Bob Bavolacco, director of technology par

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22 August 2024

UK - Production Futures, the organisation founded to create opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and develop real careers in every sector of the production industries, has announced a collaboration with KitPlus Show.

KitPlus Show’s long-standing affiliation with colleges and universities aligns closely with the Production Futures mission, as event director Matt Snow explains:

“We already work closely with further and higher education institutions across the UK, delivering paid training and unique hands-on experience for students and graduates in front of and behind the camera at our shows. By collaborating with Production Futures, who share our vision of creating opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and build careers, we can combine our skills and experience to really address the issues currently facing our i

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20 August 2024

China - Renkus-Heinz has announced a new distribution partnership to strengthen its presence in Northeast Asia. Shanghai You Shi Wei Xin will serve as the brand’s exclusive distributor, bringing Renkus-Heinz’s entire portfolio of audio solutions to the Chinese market.  

"We are very proud to be the sole agent of Renkus-Heinz in China,” says Shanghai You Shi Wei Xin’s vice president, Stevie Ng. “We will put our customers first and fully leverage our local advantages to bring Renkus-Heinz's superior audio products and services to our region.”  

Shanghai You Shi Wei Xin offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions that allow businesses, institutions, and creative professionals to elevate their audiovisual experiences. Boasting over 100 employees nationwide, the company offers system solutions to meet the evolving needs of sectors such a

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20 August 2024

UK - Showlight 2025 will be exhibiting at PLASA Show London (1-3 September 2024) at Olympia London in Kensington.

If you want to know more about Showlight, what it is and how to attend, members of the Showlight Committee will be waiting to meet you on Stand A34 to answer all your questions.

Whether you want information on becoming a Showlight exhibitor, sponsor, speaker or student, or what to expect when attending as a delegate, here’s your chance to find out more.

Organised once every four years, Showlight is an event with a rich history. Aimed at anyone involved in the many disciplines of lighting design, each Showlight is organised entirely by volunteers, literally from the ground up - a new country, a new venue, every time.

Showlight 2025 will be heading to Dijon in France where lighting practitioners from across the world will

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19 August 2024

UK - Union Audio has announced a new partnership with DJ and PA equipment reseller, Westend DJ, who will stock the company’s growing range of audio products.

Union Audio’s growing portfolio of own brand products include the orbit.6 six-channel rack-mounted analogue rotary mixer, compact linear four-channel elara.4, eq.xfader, phoebe phono preamp and lisann headphone amplifier.

Effective immediately, Westend DJ will display, demo and sell Union’s orbit and elara mixers and accessories, as well as any future product releases in its London stores and online.

"Westend DJ is a leading DJ equipment reseller in the UK and with two stores in the capital, provides a rare opportunity for customers to get hands-on with products. This makes them the perfect partner for Union Audio, as it gives our customers and followers a chance to see and hear th

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15 August 2024

Mexico - Evoke Studios, specialising in visual performance design technologies and content production for dynamic and virtual environments, has announced a strategic partnership with Malak XR Virtual Production Studios, a virtual production industry leader in Mexico.  

This collaboration was officially launched to television and production companies during a three-day demo event. The partnership combines decades of industry experience with the latest in virtual production technology, television, and film production, setting new standards for content production in Mexico.  

By integrating advanced real-time engines and immersive digital environments, Evoke Studios and Malak Virtual Production Studios aim to enhance creative narratives, reduce production costs, and significantly speed up the production process.  

Key highlights of the par

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15 August 2024

UK - Martin Audio, with sister brands Optimal Audio, TiMax, Linea Research and OutBoard, are joining forces once again for their open-day programme over three days at their facility in High Wycombe.

Sessions run from 3-5 September, from 9.30am-5.30pm on the Tuesday and Wednesday with a half-day programme on Thursday. All brands will feature with either audio demonstrations or presentations and as part of a series of educational modules.

Martin Audio will be running a separate point source demonstration, constant curvature and line array demonstration, as well as a stage monitor demonstration, and will also have in-depth training on Display 3 prediction software.

TiMax will showcase immersive audio solutions and will also be offering introductory software training, while Optimal Audio will be demonstrating multi-zone commercia

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15 August 2024

UK - The Showman’s Show, Qdos Event Hire, and the National Outdoor Event Association (NOEA) have partnered to launch the Event 100 Club. The collaboration, borne out of the combined ages of the organisations, as they each celebrate significant anniversaries, will see the launch of an experiential events exhibition at The Showman’s Show this autumn, and the creation of a networking club for industry professionals.

This year NOEA, The Showman’s Show, and Qdos will celebrate their 45th, 40th, and 15th anniversaries respectively, and will work “to bring their collective experience together, in a physical form, where the industry can meet, network and use as an influencer space.”

Over the course of the event, NOEA and Qdos will be using the space to host senior business and governmental stakeholders to better understand the industry, its challen

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14 August 2024

South Africa - Beetek has announced the appointment of DWR Distribution as its official distributor in South Africa with the second stock order arriving soon.

With this partnership, DWR will offer the complete range of Beetek products including armoured multi-core fibre, active optical HDMI, stackable cable reels, extenders and adapters.

“Since the first conversation with Duncan Riley and Dylan Jones, I immediately knew that DWR was the perfect partner for Beetek,” said Aaron Lange, Beetek International Team. “They understood the products, asked all the right questions, and were able to see the little details that set Beetek apart from the others.”

“Beetek offers an extensive product range that will complement all of our current AV solutions and allow us to support system integrators with their future installations,” said Dylan Jo

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14 August 2024

UAE - Perfect Ovation is a family-run company with a busy Dubai dry hire facility and a full production operation in Oman supplying lighting, sound, and LED screens to a diverse mix of shows and events. The company is headed by entrepreneur and music lover Baltazar Fernandez who comes from Goa.

Since 2019, Perfect Ovation in Dubai has been investing in Robe moving lights with the latest purchases being 160 fixtures - 40 x iFORTES, 40 x Tetra2s and 80 x LEDBeam 350s plus four RoboSpot systems, all delivered by Robe Middle East.

These were added to their existing inventory which already included 80 x Robe MegaPointes and 80 x Spiider LED wash beams.

Baltazar and his team chose the Robe route as they were confident that the products are well made, and offer great quality solutions, but apart from anything else, their brand choice was driven by i