Germany - At ProLight+Sound, Philips Entertainment lamps is showing entertainment industry lighting concepts "to enhance the on-stage experience with uplifted creativity, greater flexibility and superior energy efficiency".

Today's stage designs call for lighting solutions which deliver high brightness and high contrast beams to avoid shadow creation, as well as more compact luminaire and fixture designs to improve creative choice and design flexibility. Addressing this need, Philips Entertainment lamps has developed a powerful and lightweight, compact system - Philips MSR Platinum 35.

In line with the Philips MSD Platinum Reflector lamps - introduced in 2010 - this lamp system provides a powerful tool to create intense lighting. The short arc generates sparkling, bright light. Depending on the application, and with an ultra-compact design suitable for smaller stage

Australia - The Education Programme at ENTECH INTECH 2011 is shaping up, with the dual announcement of PLASA sponsored international keynote speaker Chris Higgs and Australia's leading music and entertainment technology education and training provider, JMC Academy confirming their participation this week.

Chris Higgs started work in the entertainment industry in 1973 and has since worked in most sectors, providing rigging and flying effects for drama, opera and ballet in both subsidised and commercial theatre, for television and for concert touring throughout the 80's and 90's. In 1998, Chris started Total Training at Total Fabrications, part of what is now the Total Solutions Group in the UK.

Higgs will be presenting two keynote sessions including Working at Height and participating in panel sessions at the show. Higgs said, "I am looking forward to discussing som

Belgium - Pan-European based dry hire specialist, AED Rent, has announced that it has made a further substantial investment in the impression series of LED based fixtures from German manufacturer GLP German Light Products.

AED Rent is investing more than 1m euros to add to ITS existing inventory with the majority being used to increase their level of the impression RZ 120 Zoom fixture by 300 pieces, and to make an initial investment in 100 pieces of the new impression Spot One, GLP's new high powered RGB LED Spot fixture. With this new investment, the total inventory of GLP moving lights at AED Rent will be in the region of 2,000 fixtures.

Glenn Roggeman, CEO of AED Rent commented, "The demand that we have seen for the GLP impression range, and particularly the RZ 120 has been incredible and so investing in more was a simple decision for us. We have found the entire GLP r

USA - Austin City Limits Live, a live-music venue that hosts the long-running Austin City Limits television show as well as 60-100 concerts and other live events annually, has taken delivery of three Robert Juliat Victor 1159 1800W followspots. The fixtures, which were supplied by Texas Scenic, made their debut at the gala opening of the new venue.

Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theatre is a $40m, 2700 + person capacity venue on three levels. It offers in-house sound and a video control studio as well as a 40 automated head lighting package with innovative optics, and digital consoles plus a conventional lighting package for TV.

"The Robert Juliat Victors are dedicated primarily to our concerts," says Billy Heaslip. "As production manager, I knew that we'd be doing TV lighting beyond live concerts and I wanted an instrument with a excellent even fie

Australia - The Sydney office of national audiovisual group Scene Change has purchased a ClearCom Tempest wireless talkback system. After evaluating many different systems, Sydney director Vicken Hekimian chose the Tempest system for its clarity and reliability.

"A lot of our clients are show producers who are very particular about the quality of the show call," he said. "When it comes down to a vital cue, you don't want even the slightest chance of interference. They trust Clearcom systems as it means they go into a show feeling more comfortable, knowing that they're always in control.

"We've had great feedback on the Tempest, it's one of those products that just tells your client that you're prepared to invest a bit more for ultimate dependability."

(Jim Evans)

USA - EAW is expanding the capabilities of its Application Support Group (ASG) by appointing Jerrold Stevens to the position of director, EAW Application Support Group (ASG), effective mid-May 2011. The announcement was made by Jeff Rocha, EAW vice president and general manager, and further underscores EAW's commitment to customer support, education and the ongoing development of market-driven products.

The director of application support is the worldwide technical liaison between EAW's customers and their sales and product development organizations. This role includes direct oversight and management of the ASG resources that are located throughout the world. In this position, Stevens will lead, refine and further develop the pre- and post-sale contribution of EAW to system design, support and optimization and will reinvigorate the role that education plays in the growth of the

Sweden - Göteborgs Stadsteater has recently added a TiMax SoundHub-R32 delay-matrix processor to the sound reinforcement system for its main auditorium, with a TiMax Tracker (TT) performer tracking system. The project was overseen by head sound engineer at the theatre, Jorgen Eriksson, and the complete system is designed primarily to improve the vocal intelligibility when the on-stage actors use lapel microphones.

TiMax SoundHub controls zone level, EQ and matrixed delay for the main FOH system comprised of seven d&b Q1s distributed around a central d&b Q10 hoisted across the proscenium, supported by two L Acoustic MTD115s and a further two L Acoustics MTD112s providing side-fill back and front.

A total of 24 Tannoy 8" speakers act as delay-fills to the upper and lower house and to the balcony, with fill by three EAW JF50S enclosures. Two 2 d&b J-subs and two L Acoustic

UK - Britain's longest continuously-running game show, Question of Sport, is back for another series.

After the final whistle was blown on the filming of all sports at BBC London Television Centre, Richard Martin Lighting (RML) continues to support lighting designer Roger Williams on the show which is now filmed at its new home ground - MediaCityUK.

Located at Salford Quays, Peel Media's bespoke community features one of the biggest HD studio developments in Europe. MediaCityUK has been designed around the specific needs of the media and creative industries with the vision to become a 'world class hub for innovation and content creation'.

The show's lighting specification comprised of Stage Colour 300, Alpha Wash 575, VL1000TS and Alpha Spot 575 HPE.

(Jim Evans)

UK - One of the nation's most watched TV shows, ITV's Push The Button, hosted by Ant & Dec, chose Le Mark's StudioTak self-adhesive flooring for decoration on set.

The ease of use and flexibility of Le Mark's StudioTak Studio Vinyl offered the right combination for a seamless floor covering. Used in various places around the stage and set, StudioTak supports the stunning high gloss finish of the existing stage floor, giving a shimmer and almost water-like, gloss effect.

(Jim Evans)

UK - A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) continues its commitment to supporting local motor racing talent by becoming a premier sponsor for the Jack Goff Racing team for the second year running in the ELF Renault Clio Cup with Michelin.

Making a successful debut last year and finding his feet in one of the closest-fought motor racing contests in the UK, Goff is this year poised to challenge for the championship with his characteristic enthusiasm and determination.

The ELF Renault Clio Cup with Michelin series - known for its nail-biting, wheel-to-wheel finishes - is the UK's premier one-make saloon-car championship, featuring a 16 race season which runs from 2nd / 3rd April through to October.

In addition to AC-ET, other leading technology companies from the professional entertainment world join the Jack Goff Racing sponsorship roster, including Avolites, HSL Group, J&C

Germany - At Prolight + Sound 2011, Harman Professional announced the introduction of its HiQnet Performance Manager software, a user interface that facilitates the design of touring and live performance venue sound reinforcement systems. Designed especially for touring and theatrical sound engineering, HiQnet Performance Manager is an application-specific iteration of the HiQnet System Architect 2 connectivity and control software application for professional-grade audio system integration.

"In touring, time is money and Performance Manager dramatically streamlines the system design, setup and tuning process, allowing the JBL VerTec System Engineer to achieve a higher level of performance with more consistent results on a daily basis from venue-to-venue", said Paul Bauman, director of tour sound product application and application engineering, JBL Professional.

HiQn

Germany - DPA Microphones has officially launched its new modular series of microphones at Prolight & Sound 2011.

The Reference Standard mics take DPA's Standard and Compact ranges a step further, building on the company's reputation for clear, transparent and precise sound and improving on the classic mics. The new range offers increased flexibility, sound quality and cost-effectiveness; the best just got better, claims the company.

The Reference Standard 4000 Series builds and improves on DPA's Compact and Standard 4006, 4011, 4015 and 4017 mics, making a wide selection of capsules available at different price points and performance demands. Three new preamplifiers improve on previous designs: the MMP-A ultra transparent transformerless preamp with active drive for impedance balancing, the MMP-B preamp with low cut and high boost filters and the 45mm compact MMP-C preamp wit

Germany - Harman's Crown Audio announced at ProLight+Sound the addition of the 'Powered By Crown' iPad/iPhone App, designed to provide users with enhanced control and configuration of its amplifiers. The new application can be deployed to control and monitor amplifiers by setting the basic control panels on an amplifier or handle a complete setup through Harman HiQnet System Architect.

The new application benefits both touring professionals and integrators as it can be used to control numerous lines of Crown amplifiers including I-Tech, I-Tech HD, CTs, and Macro Tech I Series amplifiers, says the company. Users can instantly connect by plugging their amplifiers into a wireless router. The app can be deployed on two, four and eight channel amplifiers. Users can now create a custom control panel in HiQnet System Architect, save it and directly import it onto the app using iTunes.

Germany - XLNT CyberMotion, billed as the world's first fully integrated motion control system, was launched yesterday at ProLight+Sound by XLNT Advanced Technologies. The system is designed not only to change the philosophy of motion control but to open the horizons of stage engineering to a new world of creative possibilities, says the company.

XLNT CyberMotion offers a complete range of motion products designed specifically for the entertainment industry. Developed by XLNT Advanced Technologies, SIL3 certified technology was used to create a series of intercompatible road-ready products for shows and cost efficient global touring.

Intelligent, variable speed chain hoists, winches, trolley beams and other motion control mechanics, instantly add movement and velocity to permanent installations, multi-purpose venues, concert touring and theatre, TV or event productions of any

Germany - The A.C. Entertainment Technologies stand at ProLight & Sound 2011 is showcasing a selection of leading lighting technologies.

Exclusively distributed in Europe and the Middle East by AC-ET, the show sees the official launch of the new Jands Vista v2 software.

There is also a preview of the new Chroma-Q Studio Force Daylight white and Variable white LED lighting fixtures.

Utilising the same core technologies as the Color Force range, the new Chroma-Q Studio Force LED fixtures are equally at home for broadcast, film and TV lighting applications as they are in any other application normally utilising daylight or tungsten fixtures.

The range consists of the Studio Force D (Daylight white 6,000K CCT) and Studio Force V (Variable white 2,900K - 6,000K CCT) fixtures. Both products are available in a choice of 48" and 72" battens and a 12" multi-purpose v

Germany - Christie's ProLight+Sound stand is split into two zones. The first is showcasing the Christie MicroTiles as well as a two-channel edge blend with two Christie WU12K-M managed by Christie Spyder X20 and 42 Controls S.P.O.C. The second is providing a complete lighting show with video animations created and piloted by renowned international lighting designer Bruno Corsini.

Christie Nitro Solutions, the modular series of motorised moving yokes, can provide up to 20,000 ANSI lumens of video projection, creating high brightness imagery on any surface, from anywhere. With the optional Xenon or LED lighting heads, the system can produce up to 50,000 lumens of lighting. Nitro Solutions can be installed at ground level or rigged to a truss, and are ideal for building projection, architectural lighting and cityscapes and live events such as concerts and theatre presentations.

S

Germany - L-Acoustics announced version 1.8 of its 3D Simulation software Soundvision. at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt this week.

New features of version 1.8 include updated data product library including the new architectural series (KARAi, SB18i) and new KARA-MINIBU and MINIBUEX Bumpers. These are in addition to the features implemented in the previous version of the software. An upgrade package for existing users is available www.l-acoustics.com.

Exclusively dedicated to L-Acoustics sound systems, Soundvision provides real-time mapping in coverage and delay modes; user-friendly 3D graphical interface; modular multiple window display; temporal mapping for time delay optimization and subwoofer mechanical data; free downloadable database of Soundvision venues for all users.

(Jim Evans)

Germany - At ProLight + Sound, Proel Group is presenting the new Compact Series, further expanding its product range. Sagitter is also using the occasion to launch its new website.

The Compact range includes four models - Arrow Compact 300 Beam and Arrow Compact 700 Beam, featuring a patented motorized beam focus, alongside Arrow Compact 300 Spot and Arrow Compact 700 Spot.

The low noise level of the fixtures and the high quality of their light emission combined with an electronic ballast, demonstrate Sagitter's attention to an increasingly demanding market, says the company.

Finally, ProLight + Sound marks the debut of two new products in the Sagitter LED range - two ArtLed colour changers featuring IP55 outdoor protection rating will be added to the line, alongside the Mantis moving head.

(Jim Evans)

Germany - KRK Systems, a member of the Stanton Group of companies introduced a full line of accessories for its KNS Series (KNS8400 and KNS6400) of professional headphones at Musikmesse 2011. With several different extension, replacement and travel cables, as well as ear cushion replacements and connectors, the new KNS Series provides the user with customised options to accommodate a wide range of monitoring applications.

"Our KNS-8400 and KNS-6400 headphones, which we introduced earlier this year at the NAMM Show, have been recognised for their ability to provide an incredibly natural frequency response that delivers a precise listening experience to the recording and performing artist, engineer or audiophile," says Timothy Dorwart, CEO of KRK Systems.

"Anticipating the individual needs of users, we have been in development of a range of accessories that augmen

Germany - ETC has launched Selador Desire LED luminaires, Source Four Fresnel, and outdoor Source Four XT which are all featured on a new website at www.layersoflight.com.

ETC product marketing manager David Lincecum says,"ETC has proven that we are the manufacturer to trust when it comes to both tungsten and LED sources. The new Source Four and Selador fixtures were designed with the user experience in mind. We talked to professionals in the field and designed the fixtures to meet their needs and simplify their work, while still producing spectacular light."

The Desire line offers three different PAR-shaped chassis: the bright D40 with 40 LED emitters; the super-bright D60 with 60 emitters and the D40XT that is rated for exterior use.

The luminaires feature Selador's x7 Color System, which uses balanced blends of up to seven different shades of LED emitters to pro

UK - Orbital Sound has expanded its project and support team with two new appointments. Carl Rutherford has joined as project manager, while Lucy Jenkins is the new face on the rental desk.

Rutherford's background includes the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage, and general manager of the National Youth Music Theatre. As part of Orbital's expanding project management team, he will be responsible for managing a wide portfolio, across the spectrum of entertainment industry events.

Director of Theatrical Operations, Luke Hyde comments, "Orbital's reputation is based on being able to translate the challenging mix of client requirements, locations and timescales into focused, well co-ordinated implementations. We are delighted to welcome Carl on board as a valued team member, capable of delivering the first-rate planning and integration skills needed to ensure the smooth runnin

UK - Modern-day AV support combines with 10 centuries of history in new galleries at the Museum of the Order of St. John, where AV hardware installed by Electrosonic helps visitors interpret exhibits and learn about the Order's story.

The London-based museum is located in the circa 1500 St. John Gate entrance of the English headquarters of the crusading Knights Hospitallers. It traces the Order's origin in 11th century Jerusalem and its rich history interwoven with such figures as Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Suleiman the Magnificent, William Shakespeare, William Hogarth and Dr. Samuel Johnson. The museum also brings visitors up to date with the Order's two leading charities: St. John Ambulance and the St. John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem.

A recent £3.7m redevelopment showcases the museum's rich and diverse collections of paintings, furniture, silver, metalwork and armour, cer

Germany - Beyerdynamic is celebrating the debut of its new Touring Gear live microphone series at Prolight+Sound 2011.

Touring Gear represents "a whole new chapter in microphone innovation for beyerdynamic". There are four categories in the TG (Touring Gear) series of live microphones TG30, TG50, TG70 and TG90. The TG series includes (V) Vocal, (H) Headset, (L) Lavalier, (D) Drum and (I) Instrument microphones and all models feature beyerdynamic's new Sound Channelling Technology.

The TG 30 series is billed as the perfect introduction into the world of beyerdynamic - an entry level series that can produce large beyerdynamic sound within a small budget.

The TG 50 series covers all applications related to the stage - from vocals, instruments and drums to headsets and lavalier microphones.

The TG 70 series microphones feature advanced technical characteristics and h

Qatar - By the end of 2010, Qatar realised the Emir's vision for a liquefied natural gas production capacity of 77m tonnes per annum. In order to celebrate this achievement, Qatar Petroleum, Qatargas and RasGas produced one of the biggest events ever seen in the country.

As part of the main show MTFX were commissioned to design and construct a series of water effects in a 4m deep pool. These effects comprised a large circular water projection screen which could rise out of the pool to 10m in height; three different size bubbling water effects to create anything from an effervescent fizz to a bubbling cauldron and finally water explosions to simulate a drill head making impact with the water. They were also required to ensure the 1.6m litres of water was kept clean and so it was circulated and filtered using a number of large sand filters.

As there were performers in the water

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