Events

PLASA Show expands technician services

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - As part of the PLASA Show relaunch, this year's event will see increased facilities dedicated to technicians with the introduction of The PLASA Production Village. This will incorporate The PLASA Crew Zone supported by Total Production magazine, and The PLASA Backstage Area, organized by the PSA (Production Services Association).

Placed on the Top Deck overlooking the main hall, the area will offer a number of facilities and services. The PLASA Crew Zone will offer a place to relax, furnished with two internet-ready computers sponsored by StageAccess.com, where visitors will be able to catch up with old friends by registering with StageAccess.com. The PLASA Backstage Area, organized by the PSA, will offer demonstrations and the opportunity for 'hands-on' use of products. Companies involved last year included Le Maitre, AC Lighting, Tomcat, Stage Technologies, TMB, Marquee

Autograph to host free Meyer training days in August

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Autograph Sales is hosting a programme of regional UK one-day Meyer Sound Technology training courses in late August, which are free of charge to everyone who registers at the website below before August 15. The courses, taught by Meyer Sound's technical training and seminars director Mauricio Ramirez, are scheduled to take place at The Helix, Dublin City University, on August 25; Audio Alliance North, Manchester, on August 26; B&H Sound Services, Peterborough, on August 28; and Capital Sound, London, on August 29. A fifth seminar is also planned to take place the same week in Edinburgh, details of which will appear on the website once confirmed.

The seminar will encompass such topics as phase alignment, delays, filters, line array theory and conventional loudspeaker arrays, as well as acoustic prediction and measurement techniques. Lunch and refreshments will be included d

ABTT 2003 - Avolites' lighting and video systems

Details: 14 March 2016

Avolites featured the Diamond 4 Elite lighting console, first seen at LDI in Las Vegas last year. This is a scaled-down version of the original D4, and features include 14 submasters and 96 assigned playbacks, with direct access to 96 fixtures via Legend Cells (re-assignable preset playbacks). Also on the Avo stand was the RADlite digital media server - controllable by any DMX desk (in this case an Azure Shadow). This video and digital effects package can be mixed and output from any lighting desk. It can be run as a video source for any show, either independently from the main video IMAG and playback production, or fully integrated with other video media as required. RADlite combines any number of images and vector shapes with digital video, colour backgrounds and text. Controlled just like a moving light, it allows the operator to apply masks like colours, shapes and effects (e.g. rota

ABTT 2003 - Triple E's perfect flyman

Details: 14 March 2016

Most theatres would give their right arm for a fully automated powered flying rig, but not every theatre can afford the expense of automation, so Stagemate, developed by Bader of Germany and distributed in the UK by Triple E, will certainly help. It's an inexpensive and easy method of motorizing existing hand-operated counterweight rigging systems. Installed on the flyrail and in place of the existing rope brake, Stagemate allows a single person to control several hand lines.

With this system, the existing hand-operated counterweight rigging system is retained, and it can be moved to enable different lines to be motorized for different productions. Stagemate offers variable speed travel for both individual lines and groups, with speeds of up to 1.2m/s. The provision of a remote control console ensures the fly-man can have an optimum view of the stage. As with all the best inventions,

ABTT 2003 - Orbital presents Trantec S6000

Details: 14 March 2016

Trantec's UK distributor Orbital had on stand the S6000 miniature radio mic. Based on the award-winning S5000 series, the S6000 has been developed from the ground up by Trantec's in-house R&D team, who have worked with end users to produce a system tailored to theatre and broadcast applications.

The miniature transmitter has a profile smaller than a credit card and is housed in a robust aluminium case. It features new 'compander' technology to deliver the audio quality required, and by virtue of its LCD panel, clearly displays gain on power up and the unit's operating frequency. An IR port allows gain and frequency to be configured either manually or remotely from a PDA. The S6000RX receiver is a slimline 2U 19" chassis, which can hold up to eight channel receiver cards. Each channel's bandwidth covers 72MHz, enabling the user to tune from the top of channel 62 to the bottom of ch

ABTT 2003 - Doughty Lighting Hoists

Details: 14 March 2016

Doughty has launched a range of Lighting Hoists. Although pretty lightweight themselves, these new hoists can handle loads of up to 140kg. Their minimal 'closed height' allows them to be installed in studios with limited headroom, or alternatively to give maximum overhead working height when stowed. By adding one or more pantographs to the system, optimum flexibility and control of individual luminaires can be achieved. Since the hoist will also accept programmable position control, studio time savings can be considerable.

SBES - November 2003, London

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - After a lack of bookings earlier in the year, which forced a rethink on the scale of this year's SBES, the organizers Point Promotions report that the event has now sold out. And, if demand for additional space continues, show organizer Dave McVittie hopes to be able to negotiate extra space with the venue, taking the exhibition back up in scale once more.

The economic down-turn, coupled with the change of venue, clearly gave some long-term exhibitors pause for thought before booking stand space this year. However good it may be, realistically the new venue represents something of an unknown for some, and extra thinking time was clearly needed before bookings were made. Now however, most established exhibitors, and some new ones, are on board.

Amongst the confirmed exhibitors are Canford Audio, De Wolfe Sound Effects Services (exhibiting for the first time), HHB, ntl, P

ABTT 2003 - Prolyte pre-launches ProTrac

Details: 14 March 2016

ProTrac is an upgraded fly-bar system designed for those situations where a simple bar or ladder beam no longer meets the requirements. For instance, if the uniformly distributed load needs to be upgraded from 300 to 500kg and the point load from 40 to 150/200kg, the normal fly-bar does not have the required strength. Therefore, the single round tube is often replaced with ladder beams, usually made from steel. ProTrac offers a better alternative than the steel ladder beams, thanks to its combination of an aluminium extruded square profile, underneath which a round tube of 60mm or 48.3mm is attached. Suspension points slide into the square profile and can be locked at any position, and flexibility comes from the fact that several lengths can be easily connected.

ABTT 2003 - Pixeldrive from JTE

Details: 14 March 2016

Further fuelling the control integration between different visual medias, James Thomas Engineering launched Pixeldrive, a highly innovative new video software-based control system for its Pixel fixtures.

Pixeldrive is the result of a collaboration between JTE's own R&D department and IRAD, the developers of the RADlite digital media server. The end-product is a control system which allows the synchronization of digital media to JTE's high brightness Pixelline 1044 battens and other pixelrange products. When running, this will enable visual sequences to be run across both lighting and video media. One of the main bonuses is in the time this will save - Pixeldrive can reduce the pre-production process from hundreds of hours of complex programming to just minutes. For example, to programme a water ripple effect across a bank of Pixellines would take about 30 seconds of programming.

ABTT 2003 - Litestructures ChromaDeck

Details: 14 March 2016

Litestructures showed its Chromadeck LED-based colour changing dancefloor system: first seen as a prototype at PLASA last year, but now revised and in full production, the 600mm x 600mm x 195mm Chromadeck panel is a hybrid of Litestructures' Litedeck and Pulsar's Chromapanel. As many as 12 Chromadeck units can be powered by one ChromaZone controller, which, in turn, will interface with any DMX lighting control desk.

Litestructures' Adrian Brooks is confident it will be a best seller: "I'm certain that we'll initially see an explosion of Chromadecks in nightclubs because of its versatility and value for money. It's a simple way to add a new dimension to your flooring needs, whether you're looking for a permanent installation, or want to rent it for a set number of weeks. So many people think that to create effective lighting designs you have to hang fixtures from ceilings and walls

ABTT 2003 - E/T/C UK shows PIGI 'S' 500

Details: 14 March 2016

Large format projection specialists E/T/C UK Ltd showed the Pigi 'S' 500 projector, along with a range of accessories for the theatre market. This new projector uses a 2.5k HMI lamp and includes CMY colour mixing, an internal dimming shutter and DMX control of all its functions. Accessories now include single and double film scrolling, as well as the traditional AMD-32 Slidechanger, a manual slidechanger, and dimming control is also available for less complex applications. A wide range of Barco objective lenses is also available, offering improved optical performance.

ABTT 2003 - Stagetec line up Compulite and LSC

Details: 14 March 2016

Stagetec showed the first production model of Compulite's Vector lighting console, previewed at PLASA last year. This features an integrated CAD package and enhanced paperwork capabilities and is designed to take the operator from concept to closing night in one user-friendly workstation. Also on show, was LSC's Minim desk, a budget-priced 12- or 24-channel memory desk, and the LSC Maxim series of fader-based consoles.

ABTT 2003 - ColorCommand and ColorMerge launched by High End Systems

Details: 14 March 2016

There were 11 new products from High End and Flying Pig: whilst many were developments of existing products, two - both prototypes - were very definitely on show for the first time. The ColorCommand colour mixing Par is a versatile, but simple, compact incandescent washlight which will give the end user considerable freedom in colour mixing and beam size. Anywhere you'd currently use a Par can, Fresnel or PC, you can use ColorCommand. It uses an innovative (and patented) dichroic colour mixing system that colours the whole beam simultaneously, ensuring a smooth, even field. The end result is a huge range of colours - from subtle pastels to deep saturates and everything inbetween. The colour media used is dichroic borosilicate glass, so it won't fade or change colour, nor will there be gel scrolls to worry about.

The second new product, ColorMerge, is an attachment that adds full dichro

ABTT 2003 - Overview

Details: 14 March 2016

If the latest show is anything to go by, the future of the ABTT show is secure. In a year when exhibitions as a breed are facing numerous challenges, the ABTT Show confirmed its position as the UK theatre industry's annual showcase and its main networking opportunity.

The show has grown from a small niche event at The Donmar Warehouse, to one which now fills London's Royal Horticultural Halls to capacity and is attended by over 2,300 visitors from around Europe. Appropriately enough for its 25th anniversary, this year's event was a sell-out show, with a record number of exhibitors - over 100 - showcasing both products and services for the theatre and live performance industries.

Numerous new product launches took place across the show floor, including the relaunch of ADB's impressive Axis luminaire, first seen at PLASA last year, but rebranded for ABTT to avoid confusion with another

ABTT 2003 - Harlequin new Liberty flooring

Details: 14 March 2016

Harlequin showed its new range of Liberty floor panels, with the stand featuring 'touring' panel versions of the Liberty sprung dance floors.

As readers of L&SI may recall, Harlequin's Liberty floors have recently been installed at Laban, London's new purpose-built (and Europe's largest) contemporary dance facility.

There was also a new version of Harlequin's Activity Floor, now available with a choice of oak, beech and maple finishes.

ABTT 2003 - Free Headlock with ETC Source Fours

Details: 14 March 2016

ETC is supplying a free Headlock with every Source Four sold in the UK until the end of August. Designed by Nigel Hollowell Howard of HH Solutions, the Headlock slips over the yoke of the Source Four preventing the securing bolt rotating independently from the lantern. It's a partial Health and Safety measure in that the operator/focuser requires only one wrench or spanner, as opposed to two to tighten the hook clamp.

The Headlock can save as many as 30 seconds for each lantern you lock off by requiring only one spanner for all - or one hour for 120 lanterns. By reducing the number of tools required it becomes easier to work with them on lanyards and makes focusing safer for anyone below. The Headlock won the ABTT Product of the Year Award in 2001 and has sold more than 4,500 to date.

ABTT 2003 - WYSIWYG prizes presented at ABTT

Details: 14 March 2016

Not strictly a new product development, but since it happened at ABTT we've included it in this report. The winners of a competition held jointly by the Association of Lighting Designers (ALD) and ETC each collected a copy of the student version of WYSIWYG Report. The competition (in the ALD's Focus magazine) asked 'What channel counts is Emphasis available in'' Andy Purves from Derby University and Tom Dexter Scott from the Ardent School in Manchester came up with the correct answer and were presented with their prize on the ALD stand.

ABTT 2003 - Zero88 regional roadshows

Details: 14 March 2016

Zero88 reports that its regional roadshows (launched in March this year to give teachers and students access to the latest control technology, as well as free training on the company's most popular educational products) have been positively received. If you're interested in attending, the next event will be held on the 29th July at Mill Hill School, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London. Keeping with the educational theme, earlier this year the company established a Financial Award Scheme aimed at schools, colleges and amateur dramatic clubs in the UK. Twice a year these organizations can claim 50% of the cost of any new equipment they purchase from Zero88.

ABTT 2003 - New chain hoist from Unusual

Details: 14 March 2016

The new Star Liftket will be available from Unusual in early August. The first model in this range is the 500kg hoist with a 1250kg version available at the end of the year. Both hoists can be double reeved, which will increase the capacity - a process which can be carried out in less than five minutes. The 500kg Star Liftket runs at 8m/min and, at 1000kg capacity, will run at 4m/min. It features external limit switches with an option of up to four internal adjustable limits. The brakes are 'set for life' - and thus require no adjustment.

ABTT 2003 - PCM Unibar

Details: 14 March 2016

PCM launched its new Unibar system at the show. This a winch designed in collaboration with Slingco, which allows for the quick and easy raising or lowering of lighting or suspension bars for scenery, with a motor driven unit. It can be installed onto any style of fixing or structure, including universal beams, trussing, channels and barrels.

It will prove a cost-effective alternative to the more sophisticated power-assisted winch sets. It is initially available in 250 or 500kg models with single or two speed options. The entire Unibar unit is self-contained, with the motor unit positioned on the end of the track. Single- or three-phase power options are offered, and it has simple, logical'plug-and-play' operation. Dual brakes are also available as an option. The system supports any number of suspension cables and any length of suspension bar with the ultimate top and bottom limits con

ABTT 2003 - Hall Stage HoldOn

Details: 14 March 2016

The good news for all stage technicians and production staff everywhere is that the days of tatty old timber cyc stretchers are over. No longer will you have to shred your knuckles on rusty wing nuts or get splinters from beaten up bits of old timber. Hall Stage has developed the HoldOn clip - an alternative to eyelets -which grip any thin flexible material. Two versions are available - Mini and Maxi - with the latter capable of handling 100kg.

ABTT 2003 - Successful launch for DHA at ABTT Show

Details: 14 March 2016

ABTT saw the first appearance of DHA's new lower-priced, highly-featured Gobo Rotator mk 2 range. The new range is available in three models: the Junior Rotator offers stand-alone operation using M-size gobos in ETC's Source Four Jr range whilst the Twin Rotator takes one or two B-size gobos, fits in ETC Source Fours, Strand SLs, Altman Shakespeares and Selecon Pacifics and again offers stand-alone operation at any speed from 0.4 to 25rpm or using a variety of built-in 'effects' modes.

Attracting most attention, though, was the Twin DMX Rotator. This adds DMX control of rotation speed and indexing (the ability to accurately and repeatably return a gobo to a known orientation) to the features of the Twin Rotator. The Twin DMX Rotator is also easy to integrate into existing lighting rigs with its ability to run from the 24V power supplies used for Rainbow or Chroma-Q scrollers, as well a

ABTT 2003 - Latest LED technology from Stage Electrics

Details: 14 March 2016

Eyecolor is the latest addition to Stage Electrics' hire and sales inventory. Among the first LED moving-head fixtures available, its 18 high-power 1W LEDs offer a huge palette of rich saturated RGB colours. The microprocessor-driven, high-resolution stepper motors provide a fast, smooth and virtually silent 16-bit resolution with 650° pan by 280° tilt. The compact unit also has a forced ventilation cooling system and self-adjusting variable speed fan.

With no lamps or motor-driven colour mixing systems, maintenance is easy: the units have very low IR emission and no UV radiation, enabling them to be used close to the objects they illuminate without risk of damage. They also come with downloadable software, boast automatic head repositioning, a digital LCD display for addressing and special function settings, making them ideal for use in architectural lighting, theatre, TV studios a

ABTT 2003 - IES dimmers are Ethernet compatible

Details: 14 March 2016

The latest generation of Matrix and distributed dimming from IES can now be controlled directly via Ethernet. The current protocols offered are those in the public domain (Artnet, ETCnet and AVAB/Transtechnik) and others will be added when manufacturers agree a common standard or to transfer proprietary protocols for public use.

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