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25 March 2025

Copyright Matters - Heads of high-profile arts organisations, including the Royal Shakespeare Company and English National Opera, have written to demand greater protection on copyright for creatives. Tamara Harvey, Daniel Evans and Andrew Leveson of the RSC, as well as ENO’s Jenny Mollica and the Royal Ballet and Opera’s Alex Beard have all signed a letter expressing concern over the effect the government’s plans to "diminish creative copyright" could have on "a fragile ecosystem" for artists.

The leaders, who also include in their ranks regional venue leaders such as Bristol Old Vic chief executive Charlotte Geeves, Tiata Fahodzi boss Chinonyerem Odimba and the Donmar Warehouse’s Henny Finch, all oppose an envisaged exemption to copyright law for AI companies looking to train their technology.

The government’s eagerness to unleash the pote

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21 March 2025

UK - Continuing to expand its brand portfolio, Prolight Concepts (UK) has partnered up with Netgear in the UK to bring Netgear AV to its customer base.

With a market presence of almost 30 years, Netgear is a global leader in innovative networking technologies. Netgear's Pro AV solutions are engineered specifically for #AVoIP with out-of-the-box support for every networked AV solution. Their fully managed switches have a revolutionary AV GUI simplifying configuration, whilst options such as ports on the rear or front along with PoE, multi-gig, and SFP options allow for flexible mounting.

“This collaboration once again solidifies our position in the market, ensuring we have a full and complete product offering for our customers,” says Prolight. Stock of Netgear products will be arriving early April.

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21 March 2025

UK - Built on 13 years of audio research and four years of video data, the 2025 edition of the RH Consulting (RHC) report provides a detailed analysis of the adoption of audio and video networking protocols into manufacturer products. Compiled by leading audio consultants and engineers at RHC and considered a benchmark document by industry professionals, the report contains an analysis of 6,942 networked AV products across 676 brands.

“One of the headline findings from this year’s report is that we can now consider audio networking adoption for professional audio products to be complete,” confirms Roland Hemming, audio consultant at RHC. “There is a massive choice of networked audio products available in all categories, and in our opinion, the next increase we can expect to see in coming years is the adoption of the technology in sectors suc

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21 March 2025

Estonia - Void Acoustics has announced its new partnership with RGB Baltic as its distributor for Estonia. This partnership marks a significant step in Void’s continued global expansion and will strengthen its presence in The Baltic States.

Based in Tallinn, RGB Baltic has established itself as a premier AV solutions provider. With over 20 years of industry experience and a team of more than 50 AV professionals, the company has delivered audio-visual installations across a range of sectors, including high-end corporate environments and entertainment venues. Notable projects include turnkey AV solutions for Bentley car dealerships and complete production of the Estonian Final for Eurovision entry.

The partnership between Void Acoustics and the Estonian-based distributor began during ISE 2024 in Barcelona. Impressed by the products Void Acoustics unv

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21 March 2025

UK - IPS (Impact Production Services) has announced the addition of the Martin MAC Viper XIP to its lighting rental stock. In response to strong customer demand, this latest addition to the Martin lineup introduces an LED source, IP-rated version of the classic Viper fixture family, enhancing all the best attributes of previous models.

Included as part of IPS’s Technical Production and Dry Hire service, the addition of the MAC Viper XIP expands IPS’s inventory, providing event professionals with access to advanced lighting technology suitable for a variety of applications.

IPS head of lighting, Davis Cmoch, highlighted the technical capabilities of the new fixture stating: “The new Viper XIP boasts Framing Shutters as standard, a key feature that previously set the Performance fixture apart from the Profile version. Additionally, its impressive

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20 March 2025

South Africa - StageOne has announced its appointment as the official South African distributor for DJ Power stage effects equipment. The distribution deal was finalised during ISE 2025 in Barcelona this past February.

DJ Power is known for its stage effects, including fog machines, flame effects, and confetti solutions, all backed by innovative technology and over 200 international patents. Adding DJ Power to StageOne’s portfolio enhances the company’s ability to offer comprehensive and affordable solutions for live events, concerts, and installations across South Africa.

Peter Berry, managing owner of StageOne, comments: "DJ Power's reputation for reliability and innovation is impressive, and their product range fills a gap in the market for high-quality yet affordable stage effects. We’re thrilled to bring these solutions to South Africa and

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20 March 2025

South Africa - Norwood Productions has recently bolstered its audio capabilities with the acquisition of premium d&b audiotechnik equipment from distributor Stage Audio Works.

This recent investment has expanded the scope of Norwood Productions' involvement in the live events sector, allowing them to serve larger audiences and meet the high international standards of touring artists. Behind these recent investments is an inspirational journey and a story of growth and adaptability, backed by a strong ongoing relationship with Stage Audio Works.

“I started Norwood Productions in 2018 out of my garage with just a small PA system of two tops and two subs. Back then, I was catering largely for corporate events,” recalls Chris Norwood, founder and director at Norwood Productions. “We steadily built the business, adding in some visual elements su

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20 March 2025

USA - L-Acoustics has announced that it has been named for the third time in Fast Company's annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025, reaching #2 on the list of top innovative companies in the events, concerts, and live experiences industry, recognised specifically “for changing the way Broadway shows sound.”

The 2025 list celebrates companies that consistently drive innovation and shape the future of their industries – a principle that has guided L-Acoustics since its founding, from pioneering line array technology to today's cutting-edge immersive sound solutions.

"Being recognised by Fast Company as a top innovator for the third time in six years is both an extraordinary honour and a testament to the ongoing commitment to innovation at L-Acoustics," says Laurent Vaissié, CEO at L-Acoustics. "This recogn

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20 March 2025

Japan - Operating in Southeast Asia, and with a presence in Malaysia and the Philippines, Symunity Group encompasses brands such as ARK Ventures, Takenaka, and, most recently, SolidWater. As a partner of Brompton Technology and a key strategic partner of ROE Visual, Symunity Group’s projects span multiple sectors, including virtual production, broadcast, corporate, and live entertainment.

An ambitious growth trajectory, including moving its Takenaka Nagoya sales office to Nakamura Ward, Kamejima due to business expansion, and establishing SolidWater in Manila, Philippines, means it is more important than ever for the Group to maintain a high level of service across all brands. In line with this, Brompton Technology’s Tessera LED processors are the preferred solution for its rental, system design and integration needs.

“With our roots dating bac

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20 March 2025

UK - Poole’s Lighthouse staged its first Work Experience Day last weekend as 15 Year 10 pupils from local schools got a taste of life at one of the country’s largest multi-venue arts centres.

As well as hearing about the different jobs that make Lighthouse work, the young people were able to learn about how the different performance spaces are used and how sound and lighting function in them.

“I just wanted to thank you for the amazing opportunity today, I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said one young person.

“I also wanted to thank you for the sugar-free sweets and chocolate, it was really touching to feel my needs considered and I'm very grateful. I definitely learned a lot today and enjoyed learning from the best.”

The Work Experience Day was organised in response to the unprecedented number of requests Light

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20 March 2025

UK - Optimal Audio has introduced a new advanced level online course in its Optimal Audio Academy, ringing the bell for installers to earn the highest stage of certification. The Optimal Audio Academy’s doors are always open for installers to obtain any of the three level certification modules available from anywhere in the world at the most convenient time.

Simple to navigate, the Optimal Audio Academy complements the ethos of the brand so that system integrators and installers learn how to best maximise the portfolio and most importantly, WebApp. One of the benefits of the online Optimal Audio Academy is that installers are taken through standard installation scenarios so that everything flows as expected for a swift and trouble-free installation. The courses also prompt those extra ideas – the ‘nice to haves’ that customers might not realise will

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19 March 2025

Canada - Fulcrum Acoustic has appointed DataVisual as exclusive distribution partner for Canada. DataVisual Marketing will carry the wide portfolio of products and solutions from Fulcrum Acoustic, from high-performance loudspeaker ranges, through immersive systems and hybrid acoustic panels.

“DataVisual is the perfect representative for Fulcrum Acoustic in Canada,” says Val Gilbert, director of business development for export at Fulcrum Acoustic. “We couldn’t hope for a more skilled and customer-dedicated team to drive growth in the North American market. We’re excited for future developments together in the region.”

York Kislich-Lemyre, VP of sales at DataVisual, adds: “Fulcrum Acoustic is a key addition to our product range. The innovative technology within the company allows us to offer a unique and competitive solution to the Canadi

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19 March 2025

UK - With only one week to go until ISCVEx 2025, industry professionals and enthusiasts still have the chance to register for this premier event.

Taking place on Tuesday 25 March and Wednesday 26 March 2025 at Coombe Abbey Hotel, ISCVEx promises a blend of networking, education and product discovery for sound engineers, audio-visual professionals, consultants and system integrators.

Day one - Tuesday 25 March kicks off with the Members' Day and AGM, featuring an inspiring presentation by Andy Dockerty, founder of Adlib Audio, followed by the Networking Dinner. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, share insights and build lasting professional relationships.

Day two - Wednesday 26 March centres on three engaging seminars and an exhibition that brings together the industry's leading manufacturers and distributors.

Atte

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19 March 2025

Italy - The entertainment world is gathering in Rimini from 23-25 March for the new edition of MIR – Multimedia Integration Expo, dedicated to technological innovation in the live events and audiovisual industry.

This year, Claypaky returns to the stage to showcase its most innovative lighting technologies in the Audiosales Live Experience Area. This space in Hall C2 will host the Claypaky Product Show, where visitors can see Claypaky’s latest innovations in action.

“In recent years, Audiosales and Claypaky have organised a series of events to introduce and provide hands-on experiences with new technologies and products, starting with the Experience Days, which welcomed hundreds of lighting professionals to Claypaky,” explains Stefano Rocchi, CEO of Audiosales. “For this year’s MIR, we have embraced an innovativ

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18 March 2025

Spain - HK Audio has been offering its distributors a look to the future with an exclusive event to explore the manufacturer’s market strategy and internationalisation efforts. HK Audio invited 100 of its international partners to a dedicated conference which also included an in-depth look at some of the products that are set to be launched later this year.

Taking place at the Holmusic Centre in Barcelona, the event provided the meeting point to discuss HK Audio’s plans for the coming months and years. The presence of key decision-makers from both the manufacturer and its partners ensured that high-level conversations could be had, and plans put in place to help the international growth of the company and align sales strategies with its distributors.

Alongside the presentations, HK Audio also took the opportunity to recognize the efforts of its p

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18 March 2025

South Africa - Johannesburg-based rental and production company MGG has made a sizable investment in new Robe moving lights, taking delivery of 76 x fixtures from Robe’s Southern Africa distributor, DWR Distribution, including the first iForte and iForte LTXs and the first SVB1 luminaires on the continent of Africa.

The total order comprised 24 x iFortes, 48 x SVB1s, and four iForte LTXs which are for use with the four RoboSpot BaseStations they already own.

MGG – which this year celebrates its 25th birthday – started as a small company when owner and managing director Mark Gaylard was still at school and running mobile discos. It has steadily grown and become a highly successful and visible technical supplier in South Africa. MGG purchased its first Robe products in 2008 – eight ColorMix 250 ATs.

“Robust build quality and longevity

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18 March 2025

Next Generation - A major entertainment centre is fundraising to invest £20m into a new academy to develop the next generation of musicians. The Glasshouse in Gateshead is aiming to support young musicians throughout their education and help them build a career in music. Over the next two years, the academy will open four ‘music learning hot spots’ in Middlesbrough, Carlisle, Sunderland and Kendal.

The organisation said the scheme had been designed to ensure young musicians could take their next step in developing their talent, whether that be picking up an instrument for the first time or pursuing a career.

Glasshouse CEO Abigail Pogson said the centre, previously called The Sage, had worked for the last 20 years to be a place people of all ages could make and experience music. She said: "The Glasshouse Academy builds on this f

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17 March 2025

UK - Adlib returned to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall stage earlier this month for the largest annual music industry careers event for young people in the North of England. The team engaged with attendees to discuss career paths and showcase the inspiring roles available in the live events industry.

Over 700 people attended the 2025 Liverpool Philharmonic Music Industry Careers Fest, which was delivered in partnership with Universal Music, Spotify, UK Music, PLASA, LIPA, Revere Arts, and LIMF Academy.

Adlib has a long-standing tradition of supporting the next generation of talent through regular open days at Adlib HQ, as well as providing work experience, apprenticeship opportunities, and participation in Early Careers events.

Lisa Mitchell, training and development, Adlib comments: "We’ve been delighted to support the Liverpool Phil

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17 March 2025

UK - Rise AV, an organisation dedicated to promoting gender diversity and professional development in the AV, live, and residential technology sectors, has announced the launch of its inaugural UK Mentoring Programme Agenda. Starting in May, the six-month initiative is designed to empower women by providing invaluable support to those with up to six years of experience, as well as those at the start of their career journey.

The Rise AV Mentoring Programme is made possible through the essential support of leading industry organisations that share the programme’s commitment to empowering women and upskilling the workforce to safeguard the future of the AV sector. Thanks to the generosity of Rise AV’s industry partners and the dedication of its esteemed mentors, participation in the programme is free of charge.

Rise AV extends its thanks to headline

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17 March 2025

China - On 13 March, Absen hosted its Spring Launch event, to present its latest innovations for the ProAV market. The event, themed Pioneering Pixels: Shaping the Future, brought together more than 70 clients and partners from around the world to connect, gain valuable insights into emerging trends and showcase Absen's latest innovations and strategic vision for the future.

The event kicked off with keynote speeches by Absen’s senior leadership team, outlining the brand’s positioning and strategy for the coming year. The team emphasised Absen's commitment to pioneering advancements in pro AV technologies with an in-depth introduction to the company's latest product launches.

The new products pre-launched included the Absen X V2 Series, featuring all-in-one LED display solutions for conference and corporate applications with 2K+

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17 March 2025

South Africa - For over two decades, Johannesburg-based Keystone Productions has delivered quality shows, product launches, and conferences. Their team of experts provides full technical support, including live audio, lighting, screens, streaming, video mapping, stage effects, and staging.

Recently, Justin and Jonathan Le Roux, the brothers behind Keystone, identified a gap in their audio department. After years without a major console upgrade, they knew it was time to invest in a solution to elevate their productions. Following a few months of research and consultation with trusted sound engineers, the decision was clear – a DiGiCo S21 from DWR Distribution.

“We still had a few of our older consoles in rotation, but as our broadcast and live event workload grew, we needed a desk that could keep up with demand,” says Justin Le Roux. “We talke

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17 March 2025

USA - New Jersey-based Squeek Lights has expanded its inventory by adding Elation’s new Paragon LED profile moving head, becoming one of the first rental companies in the US to stock the award-winning fixture. With the acquisition, Squeek Lights currently has the largest inventory of Paragon lights in the US, enhancing its capacity to deliver top-tier lighting solutions for live events.

“Paragon really checked all the boxes for us,” said Victor Zeiser, managing partner at Squeek Lights. “We compared it to similar products and found it had features that others didn’t. Plus, its versatility as a multi-purpose light was very attractive. Paragon does everything we need it to.”

Zeiser first encountered Paragon in its prototype phase and later saw the market-ready model at the LDI tradeshow in December, where it won the Best Debuting Product Aw

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17 March 2025

Australia - CPC Production Services is a leading live event and broadcast production company in Ipswich, Queensland. It has recently chosen to invest in Prolights solutions, supplied by Show Technology, the official distributor for Australia and New Zealand.

Recognised for delivering a full spectrum of live event and broadcast production services, the company has invested in Prolights EclProfile CT+IP and Prolights EclSoft LinearIP fixtures, along with additional EclPanel TWC and EclPanel TWCJr panels to enhance its stock.

“We've got a large outside broadcast truck, and our Prolights gear is great for that work,” commented Murray Keidge, managing director of CPC. “However, we love them for all of our work, particularly overhead lighting on theatre stages, for which they are stunning.”

Before investing in a Prolights inventory, Keidge

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14 March 2025

Europe - Following the successful launch of Milan Manager at InfoComm 2024, d&b audiotechnik and L-Acoustics have announced the launch of milanmanager.com, a dedicated website for accessing this network management solution.

The platform serves as a unified resource for audio professionals and manufacturers seeking to implement Milan-AVB networks across various applications. The website provides a centralised, manufacturer-neutral location where all users can download Milan Manager software free of charge.

The launch of a dedicated Milan Manager website coincides with the release of Milan Manager V2.0. This major upgrade includes many new features, the most significant being the addition of an advanced offline mode that enables the pre-configuration of Milan-AVB networks using