Eastern Europe / Turkey - Integrated Systems Europe has today announced an intensive schedule of one day events in the autumn, targeted at key emerging countries in Eastern Europe as well as Turkey. ISE is bringing the AV Systems Integration experience to the furthest reaches of Europe where the market offers unlimited opportunities.

The Integrated Systems Europe 2006 Roadshow will visit four key cities over an eight-day period. In an intensive one day programme, it will offer plenary sessions with keynote speakers, supported by up to 15 sponsors who will showcase the latest in AV Systems Integration technologies through a series of presentations and an exhibition. This will offer new and existing customers the chance to discover, learn and do business in a purposeful environment right on their doorstep. The ISE 2006 Roadshow arrives in Eastern Europe on the 30 of October and w

USA - High atop New York's Rockefeller Center is a unique, interactive space that takes the capabilities of intelligent LED lighting to new heights. Conceptualized by Electroland of Los Angeles, the 'Target Interactive Breezeway' is an imaginatively lit passage that connects the Center's top-floor observation decks. Its intention is to engage visitors as they pass through by tracing their movement with intelligently controlled light.

According to Electroland partner Damon Seeley: "Color Kinetics' LED-based fixtures were the only technology that could effectively deliver the full RGB spectrum in a small package, while keeping power consumption to a reasonable level. We required a tried and true product with manufacturer support to do the job on a fast-track basis."

The space comprises a glowing ceiling and walls that are entirely lit by LED systems. Approximately 1,30

Slovakia - Allen & Heath's Slovakian distributor, Rock Centrum, has supplied and installed an audio and video system for a congress hall in a new building for Zilina's regional parliament. Rock Centrum selected a MixWizard 14:4:2 mixer to manage all the audio requirements, and Martin Audio speakers.

The whole project was completed in 30 days, and the new multi-function complex is one of the most modern and technologically-advanced halls in Slovakia, providing technology to enable the running of parliament voting, as well as AV for conferences, including audio recording, and multi-lingual translation into five languages.

The Centre has been used for several main events, including Parliament meetings, voting sessions, multi-lingual conferences, and video conferences. The hall is also rented out for commercial purposes and has hosted companies including Siemens, IBM, and KIA moto

USA - Miami's Dolphin Stadium is arguably one of professional sport's more active venues. Along with regular season rosters for the Miami Dolphins football and Florida Marlins baseball teams and the annual FedEx Orange Bowl, the stadium has played host to the 1997 and 2003 baseball World Series games, three NFL Super Bowls in 1989, 1995 and 1999 (and is scheduled to welcome the match again in 2007 and 2010), and a wide range of concerts by the likes of U2, Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, the Who, and the Three Tenors. On its off days Dolphin Stadium has also seen countless international soccer matches, Monster Truck shows, RV and boat exhibits, circuses, as well as numerous festivals and trade shows. And that's not to mention the odd commercial and feature film.

The 75,000-seat open-air venue shows no sign of slowing down. Part of the continued success of this pr

UK - Lighting Partners has supplied new exterior architectural fixtures for the National Theatre on London's South Bank. The company supplied nine Showtec City Painter 575 units which feature a shutter and zoom facility, coupled with CMY colour mixing and an MSR 575 light source.

The National Theatre's lighting resources manager Alex Murphy said: "We initially tried the unit as we were extremely tight for space. However, when we turned it on and saw the light output and played with the zoom we knew we were on to a winner. We're just trying to find new places around the building to use them now."

David Morgan of Lighting Partners added: "We are delighted to build on our relationship with the National Theatre and to have been able to bring the Showtec product to their attention with an on site demo."

(Lee Baldock)

UK - One of Birmingham's best known nightclubs DV8, has chosen Wharfedale loudspeakers for its new front bar extension, Innov8.

Mark Broadhead, installation manager at local dealers Matthews Electronics, who service many of the local bars, says that the comprehensive Wharfedale range offers so many options, that each venue can have its own tailored Wharfedale-specific sound to reproduce the wide range of background and DJ sound. This was certainly a feature that appealed to DV8 owner, Wayne Toon.

The 900-capacity venue was in a run-down state when he purchased it some four years ago and added it to his 150-strong community pub portfolio in the West Midlands. Recently he decided to commit in the region of £300,000 to developing a bar that would build up the early evening trade.

DV8 itself, which trades with a 6am license, is something of an institution in the city. Whil

UK - The Crystal Bar carries through the Dorchester's themes of luxury, quality and high service standards to late night opening. Opening from the refined calm of the promenade, it offers relaxed drinks and discrete corporate or VIP entertainment. Following successful commissions, CGA Integration was chosen to provide an audio system reflecting the Dorchester signature values through high quality, attention to detail and intuitive operation.

The Crystal Bar is a compact, opulent venue finished to a high degree of craftsmanship. The installation had to fit with the design brief, be invisible and yet provide a dynamic audio range and usage flexibility for many different occasions. Interfacing with the hotel fire alarm and procedures was also essential.

Consultation with the Dorchester identified an extremely varied scope for events and entertainment. Routine opening required bac

USA - Eagle Communication Inc. recently installed two Allen & Heath GL2800 live sound mixing consoles in Second Ebenezer Baptist Church in Detroit. The mixers were selected to manage a large number of inputs, as well as multiple mixes feeding different speaker clusters and locations in the church.

"We chose the Allen & Heath GL2800 because of the great sounding, very quiet mic-preamps, simple mute groups, and easy mixing of live performances. Most importantly, the mixer is user-friendly for church volunteers," says Eagle's technical specialist, Rob Wisnieski. "It is a big improvement over the previous mixer's performance and reliability."

A 56-channel GL2800 is used for the main sound, and a 40-channel GL2800 is used for monitor mixing. Input sources include a live band with keyboards, drums, bass, 10 vocal soloists, eight choir mics, a lapel mic, podium mi

USA - The new JET Nightclub at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas includes a sound reinforcement system featuring EAW Avalon Series loudspeakers, which were specifically designed to meet the high demands of premium nightclub sound.

Within a 15,000sq.ft space, JET is outfitted with high-end entertainment technology in each of its three distinct rooms, which are discretely fed hip-hop, rock and house music. As he's done with numerous cutting-edge club sound designs, John Lyons, president of design/build firm John Lyons Systems, chose to head the JET system with EAW Avalon Series loudspeakers, which he originally co-designed with the EAW engineering team.

In light of unique sonic challenges presented at JET, the two entities again teamed up on a hybrid custom loudspeaker design called the Avalon DCX. Specifically, the DCX marries elements of standard Avalon DC1 and DC2 models with EAW

UK - L-Acoustics UK has supplied its first Powered cabinets for an installation at the Winchester Family Church. Will Bradshaw the group technical director comments: "Due to the internal shape of our Stanmore Lane Church we had always struggled to achieve a clear sound from the live worship band and any singer or Minister on stage. We just couldn't reach all parts of the auditorium clearly with the original PA system. We were already in dialogue with L-Acoustics as they are working on a much bigger project for our main building in the centre of Winchester, so we asked them to solve this particular problem. After viewing the building and with careful consideration, the Solution was to provide a pair of the new L-Acoustics 112P powered speakers mounted high up left and right of the stage. The result was staggering - crystal clear sound in any part of the auditorium, even in the

UK - Creative sound specialists CP Sound were called in by Mike Filpi, owner of Clapham Old Town's newest Italian gastronomy - Mooli - to design and install a sound system for the new establishment.

CP Sound has delivered sound solutions for a variety of top class restaurants up over the last five years, including several flagship venues for the Conran Group and a number of leading independents.

CP's Colin Pattenden previously worked with Filpi on several high profile projects whilst he was a project manager at the Ignite Group (Eclipse Bars, Bouji's, etc). "We stated with a challenging situation" says Pattenden "The restaurant was already built when they decided a proper sound system was vital to the ambience". The CP team therefore undertook the task of installing the system and leaving the venue pristine behind them.

Mooli's is a small main room with a

UK - Leisuretec Distribution will be exhibiting the Blues System, manufactured by Global Design Solutions, at the PLASA Show this year. The Blues System comprises LED fittings and control systems designed for use in front and back-of-house technical areas. Ideal for theatres or performance spaces of all types, the Blues System represents a modern, affordable solution to performance blues, cue-lighting and emergency lighting installations.

The BlueBeam (spot) and BlueDome (flood) LED fittings produce very little heat, and use an integral 0-10V onboard dimmer allowing each fitting to be dimmed to suit the environment. Both products fit onto a standard electrical conduit box, or can be mounted directly onto a conduit back-box for easy integration with existing building infrastructures. BlueBeam and BlueDome can be used for interior and exterior applications and are designed as a lo

UK - Industry innovators Global Design Solutions (GDS), whose Blues System will be on show at PLASA 06 next month (10-13 September, Earls Court, London), have been recognised for their inspirational business ideas and approach, having been selected as winners of the South West Angel and Investor Network (SWAIN) unique business investor opportunity competition.

GDS provides forward-thinking new technical product design and business consultancy services to the entertainment, leisure and associated industries. The company also specialises in bespoke design and installation of high-end integrated control systems, ranging from residential to marine, offering both third party development and working for end clients.

Having impressed the judges and been crowned winners of the competition, GDS were given the opportunity to discuss their business plan over a private lunch to SWAIN dire

UK - The last ever event to be held at the Wembley Conference Centre saw Pearce Hire install the complex PA system for an acoustically challenging and unusual event.

With the continuing development of the Wembley site, the next stage of the regeneration is the pulling down of Wembley Conference Centre after 30 years of holding numerous conferences, seminars and private parties. For the final time, the venue was used by an American composer, Yoav Goren to showcase his work to a selected audience.

Goren who is responsible for creating trailer music for many blockbuster movies including Spiderman, Van Helsing and X-Men, has developed his trailers into full music compositions and was performing them using a 65 piece orchestra, 60 piece choir and full rock band, which included Feeder's drummer (who worked with Aerosmith and Bon Jovi).

Pearce Hire's Andy White headed the team and

UK - The Sound Division Group has added Mews of Mayfair to its bar/restaurant portfolio, adding tailored audio visual packages to each of the four floors in this remarkable £2m conversion.

Located within a historic cobbled courtyard behind London's New Bond Street, two traditional Mews buildings have been beautifully converted into an exclusive restaurant, lounge and cocktail bar by James Robson, formerly of Salt Whisky Bar, and his partner Robert Nearn.

Aimed at a discerning clientele, the two men assembled a top creative team and Sound Division soon appeared on their recommended list.

"Most of the companies I had known from previous projects, and although we hadn't dealt with Sound Division before, I was immediately impressed by their client list," recalls Robson.

From the first site survey undertaken by Sound Division 12 months ago, Sound Division MD Dav

Ireland - "This is a state of the art sound system for people who are serious about what they do," said Dave McDonnell of Dublin based pro-audio company McDonnell Systems. He was referring to the d&b audiotechnik PA system his company had recently installed in one of the latest venues on the Dublin nightlife scene, Radio City at the Isaac Butt Bar.

The recently renovated bar is a Mecca for music lovers and clubbers in the city. It has a variety of bars spread over three floors with 'Radio City' situated in the basement where the d&b system is installed. This is a venue for late night gigs where up and coming bands are showcased.

The system, comprising d&b Qi7s and Qi subwoofers with Ci80s providing delays and E0s serving a number of blind spots, was specified and designed by the Butt Bar's resident sound engineer Andy Colbert in co-operation with Kevin McGing, sound

UK - Sound Leisure Retail (SLR) has completed another high-profile installation at the innovative Xscape mixed-use retail and leisure destination, this time in Braehead. This follows the successful installation of various bubble screens at the Castleford Xscape centre last year. All the Xscape venues in Braehead, Castleford and Milton Keynes feature a 200m real snow slope and extreme sports facilities, as well as cinemas, bowling alleys, restaurants, bars and shops.

Given the unusual layout and leisure offering, Xscape required a creative screen solution and in both Castleford and Braehead, they invested in large 32in 'Bubble' screens from SLR. The Bubbles look particularly eye-catching as they glow brightly in an array of neon colours. Xscape has used the Bubbles to show footage of extreme sports interspersed with in-house Xscape offers, promotions and adverts.

SLR's touch-sc

UK - British Turntable has helped a North West theatre company add an extra dimension to their productions by designing, building and installing a 6m diameter revolving stage at the Theatre Royal in Ramsbottom. The stage, which was supplied with a timber deck and AC drive, was built to a standard design to meet the theatre's needs in as cost-effective way as possible. The installation coincides with the design and installation of telescopic stage extensions for Bury Grammar School, demonstrating the company's ability to provide practical solutions in areas as diverse as educational establishments, commercial and amateur theatres and the events, TV and film industries.

The Theatre Royal, home to Summerseat Players, has an excellent reputation for the quality of its productions. This year's production of Witness for the Prosecution, a courtroom drama that requires scenes to

UK - After a major restoration project by Glasgow City Council, Glasgow's City Halls has re-emerged as a state-of-the-art music complex. Managed and operated by Glasgow Cultural Enterprises (GCE), it is the new permanent base of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Wave Integrated Systems - a division of the Eastlake Group - were chosen by GCE and BBC Scotland to supply and install audio visual solutions to a specific design built around enhancing visitors and audience experience of the Halls' new music and education facilities. Ewen Grimes, Head of Wave Integrated Systems explains the issues that posed a challenge: "The installation requirements were complex, with 16 different areas within City Hall each having its own communication objectives. For example, there are pavement facing areas, which capture the attention of the public passing the building. Then there are recep

Romania - Mondy's Club - a 1,000 capacity nightclub on the Romanian Black Sea coast - has recently reopened after full redesign and refurbishment, which was completed in just 45 days. The venue leads the way in the country in many ways: it hosts the largest bar (12m long), it is the first to install large beds for the comfort of the night revellers and displays not one but two large fishtanks, one as an eye-catching backdrop to the main bar and one as a most unusual flooring to one of the bedded relaxation areas.

Local company 3 Fingers was responsible for the entire design and installation for club owners Calatis. Although all the furniture was custom-made, the walls were purposely kept bare and white to emphasise the vast LED lighting installation. A total of almost 16m of flexible colour changing Tryka LinkLED systems illuminate the main bar fishtank and the second bar front,

USA - Manhattan clubbing is a little more upscale at The Manor, where the approach to nightlife is truly luxurious. Those who are lucky enough to make it inside experience an exclusive environment where proscenium arches, dioramas and dark leather set the scene, and the clean power of a Danley Sound Labs loudspeaker system sets the pace.

According to Steve Petrik, systems designer of D&A (NYC), his decision to design the sound system around eight Danley Sound Labs SH-100 full-range loudspeakers, six SH-50 three-way loudspeakers, and six TH-112 subwoofers, has enabled the 5,000 sq.ft. bi-level Manor to deliver a premium sonic experience to its selective patrons.

"This is one of the best-sounding systems that I've heard in NYC in several years," Petrik states. "It has to be able to handle almost every genre of music, including hip-hop, rock, dance and even jazzier

UK - Northern Light has recently won the tender to install state-of-the-art AV equipment in 12 of the University of Stirling's teaching rooms. Working directly for the main contactor, Hadden Construction, Northern Light's AV team will complete the installation in mid-September 2006.

Stephen Dishon, AV manager at Northern Light, said: "Northern Light has had a long working partnership with the University of Stirling. As well as carrying out this current project, we were previously responsible for kitting out 20 other lecture theatres, including the Pathfoot and Logie, with capacity for 210 and 350 respectively."

This project utilises the most up to date technology. Each teaching room, which can hold up to 50 students or corporate delegates, will be equipped with a data projector, sound system and IR system. These will be controlled via a Crestron system which interfac

UK - Baldwin Boxall's CommuniCare Advance disabled refuge communication system has been installed in one of London's largest universities - London South Bank University. Installed by Trinity Protection Systems, the system comprises 12 networked buildings and is the largest CommuniCare Advance installation to date.

Each of the 12 buildings has its own local control panel, there is also a single point master unit for site-wide control, allowing fire officers/building management to communicate with any refuge area. Due to the nature and size of the project, Baldwin Boxall produced bespoke software to enable the multiple control panels to be networked. One of the key benefits of CommuniCare Advance is that it is linked to the building's fire panel and, therefore, remains 'dormant' whilst not required - avoiding misuse by a building's occupiers - in this case some 20,000 students!

UK - When Manchester's Mint Lounge found they were utilizing their Turbosound speaker system for live performance more than they originally envisaged, they needed a flexible arrangement to help them achieve their goal - and called on Kelco to design and install a quick and easy method of repositioning their TQ loudspeakers for 'live mode' that could be just as easily re-set for dancing.

After an extensive site survey and discussions with the client, Kelco's Dave Kelland proposed a custom fixing arrangement that perfectly fitted the brief. The transition is made by a clever utilization of Turbosound's standard stirrup bracket attached to a superstructure of custom made pre-fabricated steelwork; the innovative solution is interconnected with standard half couplers to further speed up the process, say Kelco.

Mint Lounge is well situated in Manchester's busy Northern Quarter, oper

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