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Lighting

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USA - American DJ is building on the success of its intelligent scanner, the DJ Scan, with the unveiling of the next generation DJ Scan 250. Like its predecessor, the DJ Scan 250 is an affordable, easy-to-use 4-channel DMX scanner, loaded with on-board colours and gobos, that puts an intelligent light show within reach of virtually any mobile or club DJ.

The DJ Scan 250 has a number of improved features: it has a brighter 250W lamp, which makes its seven dichroic colours much more brilliant and intense. Along with its added brightness, DJ Scan 250 features 10 all-new gobo patterns created by the company's graphic designers. "The gobos are our own exclusive proprietary patterns, which no other manufacturer has," said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ group of companies.

Another improved feature on the DJ Scan 250 is an electronic transformer, which ma

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USA - Nexera is Wybron's new family of affordable dichroic CMY colour mixing luminaires expressly designed to complement existing equipment. Nexera washlights and ellipsoidals operate just like the conventional theatrical fixtures already in use, but with the addition of Wybron CMY dichroic colour mixing.

Nexera fixtures are offered with a commonly available 575W compact tungsten source (the preferred source for theatre and television) and provide igh quality light output and beam uniformity. All Nexera fixtures are convection cooled and servo-driven, utilizing no fans for silent operation. The patent-pending Wybron CMY colour mixing module produces a wide colour palette, featuring an exceptional range of control over the most subtle theatrical colours like bastard amber, light pink and no-colour blue, all with seamless transitions between colours. Each unit requires three DMX c

Luminous - Banner - Aug-Oct 2025

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UK - VXCO Lighting Systems Switzerland took its own stand once again at the recent PLASA Show in London. Attracting a great deal of interest on the stand was the company's DMXCreator computer lighting controller, with the latest interface in the range, the DMXCreator 512 Basic, the centre of attention. This product, which was also nominated for a PLASA Award for Product Excellence, has all its electronics built into the XLR connector plug, making it possibly the world's smallest USB-DMX-interface, according to the company. "People were very interested in this new interface," said VXCO's Oleg Kaufmann.

The system is suitable for a wide range of applications, including clubs, discos, concert, touring, rental, exhibitions, theme parks, multimedia and retail display. More information and the full software is available for free at the website below.

(Lee Baldock)

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Germany - The world premiere of Versa Lightguide was provided by CT Creative Technology Germany at the IFA in Berlin and IAA (Frankfurt Auto Show) recently. At IFA, the world's largest consumer electronics show, the revolutionary LED-based tiles featured on the Deutsche Telekom booth, in co-operation with q-bus Mediatekur, while in Frankfurt the Swedish car manufacturer SAAB used Versa Lightguide in the VIP area of its booth in Hall 8. (It should be pointed out that Lightguide is exactly the same product as Element Labs' 'Versa Tile' - the name under which the product was launched at this year's PLASA Show, and collected a Product Excellence Award; CT simply prefers to call it Lightguide.)

The Versa Tile, or Lightguide, modules represent a milestone in electronic design. Edge-lit by LEDs these can be built up to create large ambient displays with dynamic video effects. CT German

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USA - Bandit Lites has once again lent its support to Farm Aid, a benefit concert staged every year since 1985 by John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Willie Nelson to raise both money and awareness about the increasingly dire plight of American farming. Bandit Lites has been a part of Farm Aid for 12 years.

This year the concert line-up was as impressive as ever, and included Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Sheryl Crow, Brooks & Dunn and Trick Pony, Vanessa Carlton, Hootie and the Blowfish, Emmylou Harris, Daniel Lanois, Los Lonely Boys, Aaron Brotherton, Titty Bingo and Billy Bob Thornton.

Using a variety of moving fixtures, lighting designer Michael Dalton was able to create an impressive stage experience for the event. The rig was made up of five main trusses: a circular truss at mid-stage, two serpentine trusses at downstage left and right, and a rec

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UK - Cambridge-based Pulsar launched a range of new LED-based products at the recent PLASA Show. One of the key new products was the company's ChromaDeck system - a joint development between Pulsar and Litestructures, which is a hybrid of the industry-standard Litedeck staging system and the innovative LED ChromaPanel. Now in full production, this new product can be used in either fixed installations or as part of a temporary or touring stage and TV set.

A new software upgrade for the ChromaZone and ChromaBank was also announced. Version 2.0 is available free of charge and enhances the existing software by adding many new functions including the running of two simultaneous chases, a smoothing disable switch (for use with video/graphic systems), master dimmer for the 36 RGB individual channels, progressive smoothing with faster response, even smoother built-in chases, the possib

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Germany - GLP has introduced two new fixtures based on the successful moving lights of the Ypoc series - the Ypoc 250 Basic moving head and the Ypoc 250 Color Basic. In developing these economical luminaires, GLP's developers have taken account of the needs of clubs, discotheques and leading bands.

Each device features an MSD 250/II discharge lamp, which, in combination with the high quality optical system, ensures a high degree of efficiency. The range of head movement for both fixtures is 540° of pan and 280° of tilt. The fixtures are controlled via DMX 512, and the DMX address is shown by a four-digit display on the device. The lamps can be started remotely from the lighting console.

The Ypoc 250 Basic is a spot with a 15° cone angle. An integrated 4.5mW laser diode facilitates the focussing of projections and the 11 dichroic colours (plus white) including 12 half-colou

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UK - Lighting and AV and installation company Metropolis AV & FX is the first UK specifier and installer of the new wireless sound systems from Cardio Theatre. The first EU-approved systems have been supplied to several venues, including LA Fitness venues in Leeds, Tunbridge Wells and Purley. The Meadowside Leisure Centre in Whitley - a high profile independent facility - has also benefited from the new wireless system.

The advantages of wireless cardio vascular sound equipment are numerous. Practical considerations such as trailing wires and messy cables are eliminated, and the clarity and quality of the audio is greatly enhanced. Added to which, the systems are highly reliable and low maintenance - all key considerations for an operator.

The wireless system is also easy to install. Metropolis's sales & marketing manager Neil Solanki explains that clients wanting to upgrade t

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UK - London's Covent Garden was the place to be in September, when the West Piazza was taken over by everyone from buskers to Fame Academy stars. Stage Electrics was asked to provide the staging, sound, lighting and power generation for the series of events running from the 7-13 September.

Stage Electrics' production manager John Radford used the company's Arc Roof system to provide all the key elements required for an event of this type - wide viewing angles and good platform height. Since the events ran during the daytime, the lighting element was minimal, with just eight Sunfloods used to lift the general light and brighten the stage with open white. For the PA system, Radford worked with Stage Electrics' sound designer Glen Beckley to specify a multi-event system with the required wide degree of dispersion. Based around EAW KF850 cabinets, with SB1000 subs, the system was dr

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USA - Lighting & Electronics has expanded its product range with the development of the C-clamp line-up. This new product range includes the PipeDream, Get-A-Grip and HangTuff clamps. All three have a one-piece innovative design that is manufactured from a strong lightweight aluminium alloy. The Get-A-Grip and HangTuff are universal designs rated for loads up to 500 pounds, and are ideal for any fixture-securing application. The HangTuff, unlike other safety clamps during an accident, will not only keep the fixture from falling with its built-in safety cable, but is designed to also keep any broken pieces of the clamp from falling as well. The PipeDream, meanwhile, is designed for those lighter duty situations.

(Ruth Rossington)

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UK - Earlier this year, lighting designer Mark Ridler suffered a devastating road accident that left him paralysed from the waist down. Light Relief, the charity set up to help lighting industry people in emergency situations, recognised Mark's situation and in addition to providing immediate assistance, set up a dedicated bank account so people could be sure that their donations would go straight to Mark and his immediate family. Although he spent over three months in hospital, Mark, who is now in a wheelchair, was determined not to miss PLASA where, on the White Light stand, lighting designer Andrew Bridge presented him with cheques for £3,000 from the charity, and £700 raised specifically for him. White Light had been one of the prime movers in Mark's cause, asking participants of its Open Day in May to contribute to the special fund.

Mark will be putting the bulk of the mo

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UK - Marry Me A Little is musical comprising of cuts from what have often been referred to as Stephen Sondheim's golden period. Craig Lucas and Norman Rene originally penned the show in the 1980s as a review. In August, the Gas Monkey Theatre Company brought the show to the Landor Theatre in North Clapham for a three week run. As a small theatre group, the cast and crew were preparing to perform using the theatre's existing lighting rig, but ETC's Richard Lambert stepped in to help make the show look as good as it sounds.

Lambert was originally asked to design the lighting by Ben Yates, who stars in the show. As part of ETC's outreach programme, Lambert offered a selection of ETC equipment for use on the show. The outreach programme provides equipment, technical skills and design services to performers who would not otherwise have the opportunity to enhance their work wit

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UK - Light Relief, the charity established to support lighting industry people who find themselves in emergency situations, will benefit from the 'open house' that was White Light's 2003 PLASA Show stand. Without a stand of his own this year, Howard Eaton spent most of the show holding court on the White Light stand with its popular bar. Howard did manage to combine work with socialising, since the LED colour changing starcloths which formed the backdrop to the White Light stand were built by Howard Eaton Lighting Limited for drapes specialist Blackout. However, as a thank you for providing him with a base during the show, he has offered a donation to Light Relief.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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Singapore / Thailand - Coemar has confirmed a new strategic alliance in the Far East, which will see Showtec Communications Pte Ltd handling its distribution in Singapore and Thailand.

The platform for a large opening order was provided by the recent Singapore National Day Parade, as Showtec director of sales, Lionel Lee, explained. "We were looking for a new light to replace the Netscan 4k which Steve Neild, lighting designer of NDP 2003 (Singapore's National Day Parade 2003), had specified in his equipment list." Attracted by the combination of brightness and flexibility, the company enquired about Coemar's new Flex range, with the result that Steve Campbell, Coemar sales manager, Far East, issued an invitation to Showtec MD Henry Ang to view the lights at their source - in Italy. Instead, Steve Neild attended - and promptly gave them the green light. "He came b

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UK - September saw two important landmarks in the history of the McKenzie Group (MKG). Not only did MKG open a new Carling Academy in Islington, north London, but the company then headed north to open the Carling Academy in Liverpool. In both instances high specification audio and lighting systems were central to the relaunches.

The Liverpool operation is a development of a former warehouse in Hotham Street. Although it had been converted into a live music venue in the 1990s, it closed again in 2002. As part of its £1m refurbishment, the Carling Academy Liverpool features state-of-the-art technology throughout and a fully flexible capacity of 1,200, enabling it to cater for live gigs, dance events and club nights. The concept emulates the success of MKG's Carling Academy Birmingham, and a secondary, 450-capacity venue - Carling Academy 2 Liverpool - is also housed within the a

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UK - CCT Lighting has announced the appointment of Bill Jones as general manager, following the retirement last month of managing director David Manners. Jones started his career in the industry with CCT lighting 16 years ago. Before re-joining CCT, he worked for Harman UK, Lightfactor Sales and Stage Electrics, in both sales and sales management positions. He returns to CCT with total determination to lead the company in a very changing industry, promoting the company as one of the top manufacturers in the business. His plans for the future include changes to the current pricing policies and development of exciting new products.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Robe UK has completed its first sale of Robe Show Lighting's new ColorSpot 1200 moving light fixture for the UK hire market, with units purchased by Norwich-based Viking Lighting. The deal was completed at PLASA, and followed a highly successful production of Jesus Christ Superstar in Cornwall, for which Viking supplied all production equipment, including a large Robe moving light rig.

The ColorSpot 1200s will go immediately into Viking's hire stock. They are also destined for the Theatre Royal Norwich's pre-panto season, which kicks off in November, for which Viking is supplying a full lighting rig, design and crew. Viking's Ian Leonard explains that the ColorSpot 1200 has been added to Viking's hire stock to complement its existing stock of Robe, and thereby give the company a 'full family' of Robe fixtures.

(Ruth Rossington)

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USA - Eddie Izzard is a rock and roll showman trapped in a stand-up comedian's body. Josh Monroe, lighting designer for Izzard's 2003 Sexie tour, refers to the stage and screen star as a "glam rock" comedian, and the first two minutes of Izzard's show explain why. "Eddie likes to have a rock and roll entrance. It's a very 'David Bowie-like' spectacular every time he enters or exits the stage," Monroe said. "It's basically flash and trash that shows off all of the bells and whistles of the lighting fixtures. There's no high art to it, it just whips the audience into a frenzy and lets them know that Eddie is about to hit the stage."

The show opens with a 90-second sequence that combines the lighting, music and projection, leading up to Izzard's grand entrance. To accomplish the look of controlled chaos, Monroe specified the most powerful Vari*L

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USA - City Theatrical has announced the release of Lightwright 4 - the newest version of John McKernon's paperwork software tool that has become a standard of the entertainment lighting industry.

Lightwright was named one of the 'Products that Changed Our World' by Lighting Dimensions magazine in 2002, and has been used on over 90% of all Broadway shows over the last 10 years. The package gives designers and electricians sophisticated tools for tackling the complicated job of compiling and maintaining lighting paperwork.

New features of Lightwright 4 include up to 30,000 worksheet rows; up to 6,000 purposes, 6,000 positions and 6,000 colours; 62 universes of DMX; 100 moving light libraries per show; stores accessories, weights, symbols and template holder sizes; work notes database including work note, status and category; integrated focus chart database including not

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UK - High production values topped the agenda at Liverpool's 'City of Light 2003' son et lumière spectacular, organized by Liverpool City Council's Special Events Team, and staged in the middle of the lake in Sefton Park, at the heart of the City. The event, project managed by Kirstie Blakeman, production managed by Nick Handford and designed by Lee Forde, consisted of three 25-minute shows per night, enjoyed - free - by over 15,000 people.

At the technical and creative core of City of Light 2003 - an accessible, historical take on Liverpool to celebrate it winning the European Capital of Culture bid for 2008 - was a fabulous 40m wide by 20m high water screen which formed the projection surface for the show, featuring video, laser projections and lighting effects.

A three tiered production platform, designed by site manager Stu Stalker, was built on the concrete foundations

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Romania - When Chuck Drury, a lighting design professor from Wisconsin, took a sabbatical from his post at Beloit College in the USA to teach in Bucharest, Romania, he spent much of his time preparing his 16 students to get to grips with some state-of-the-art equipment donated by ETC. Drury already had a strong relationship with the company's HQ in Middleton, just 50 miles from Beloit College, and his students there take frequent tours of the factory and receive the occasional donated piece of equipment - a world away from the situation in Romania.

Drury took up the post in Bucharest as part of the Fullbright Programme - a scholarship which aims to encourage Americans to live in and understand other countries like Africa, Asia and parts of Europe. While the University of Bucharest is the first institution to teach lighting design in Romania, Drury says it was very difficult to t

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USA - Gamproducts of Los Angeles introduce the new Gam SuperTube. SuperTubes are coloured sleeves for fluorescent lights that come with a two-year warranty. They are available in T5, T8, and T12 sizes. Steve Hoffman, sales manager of Gamproducts said: "SuperTubes are ideal for those lighting situations using high output Fluorescents which contain elevated levels of UV output."

SuperTubes use a double UV barrier system that gives twice the UV protection. Hoffman adds " With the two year non fade warranty, super tubes are the ideal economic solution to the problem of premature fading." SuperTubes pack flat for economical shipping and lengths may be cut with scissors to exact fit. They are available in any of the 138 Gam colours and are also reusable. The GamTube is the only flat folding sleeve for fluorescent lights. SuperTubes take over with their two-year non

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UK - AV rental specialist Blitz created a week-long son et lumière event in the atmospheric setting of Oxford's Oriel College. The show, entitled '1326 And All That', was a specially commissioned narrative of the college's history and featured a dramatic 100ft by 50ft projection onto the façade of Oriel's Front Quadrangle, combined with theatrical lighting effects, narrative voiceover and a cast of characters from the college's past.

Blitz project managed all technical aspects of the 45-minute show, using E//T//C UK to create scroll artwork with historical material from the college's archives. Projection onto the towers, turrets and arched windows of the 360-year old buildings was via two 6k PIGI projectors, each fitted with double rotating scrollers. To achieve the correct projection angle the projectors had to be manoeuvred into a room at the top of a narrow stone spiral sta

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UK - Gobo specialist, Projected Image, has announced the release of its latest catalogue and a new range of metal gobos, now available in an extensive collection of 'standard designs'. The company has expanded its gobo manufacturing facilities to produce metal gobos in-house, in addition to the glass gobos the company already manufactures.

The new catalogue was well received during its preview at PLASA where PI shared a stand with sister company Projected Image Digital, illustrating how gobo projection and digital images can work in tandem. The new catalogue also carries additional helpful information-based sections, including an introduction to Projected Image gobos and information on the basic understanding of metal and glass gobos.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

  1. M.J. Lighting strengthens The Weakest Link
  2. Martin Atomic 3000 DMX strobe gets colourful
  3. Magnificent Melrose Arch
  4. A.C. Lighting appointed exclusive UK distributor for MDG
  5. Fun Lovin' Criminals
  6. Entertainment technology for architectural applications
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