Robe - LEADERBOARD - Feb 2025
PLASA Show 2025 - Banner - June-Aug 2025

Lighting

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USA - Color Kinetics Inc recently introduced its Video System Manager an integrated software and hardware solution designed to produce Video With Light in wide-ranging entertainment lighting applications.

Video System Manager addresses the increasingly broad intersection of lighting and video, where the disciplines of architectural and entertainment lighting converge to create dynamic visuals and backdrops for a diverse range of venues, including theatres, tradeshows, casinos, theme parks, concerts, corporate events and exterior facades.

Video System Manager allows video-based, Ethernet control of Color Kinetics' intelligent solid-state lighting systems, facilitating the reproduction of complex effects in a lighting installation. It converts standard live video signals from a variety of media sources, including media servers, DVD players, camcorders, and personal computers, a

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UK - Bandit Lites UK is supplying lighting equipment to Production North for the current Busted arena tour. No rock 'n' roll testaments are left unturned in this show, which is big, bold and Loud in every visual and sonic parameter! The Busted contract is being handled by Lester Cobrin from the UK office. "It was fantastic to be awarded the contract for this tour especially amidst stiff competition" states Cobrin. Cobrin has previously serviced Busted and Production North on the band's 2003 theatre tour and their spring arena tour. Bandit also worked with the same team on the recent McFly theatre tour.

Busted's LD Graham Feast has been with the band since they started. The overall visual equation was a tripartite collaboration between Feast, Peter Barnes, who created the video playback visuals, and production manager Iain Whitehead, who developed the set concept.

The

LSi 40 - Banner - July-Nov 2025

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UK - Polaron plc, (POL.L) ("Polaron", the "Company" or the "Group"), the AIM listed broad-based technology group, announced recently the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Rossula Ltd, the holding company for Lightfactor Sales Ltd and LightProcessor Ltd - two leading UK entertainment products companies. Lightfactor distributes a range of lighting and audio products and LightProcessor manufactures entertainment lighting control equipment. The total consideration of £350,000 is to be satisfied by £250,000 of cash and the balance by the issue of new Polaron shares.

Mick Hannaford, the majority owner of Rossula, will continue to operate as a managing director for entertainment lighting within Polaron's controls division. Revenues for the year ended March 2004 were approximately £2 million. Polaron also announced that trading continues in lin

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USA - As of 1 January 2005 all Strand 500 series control consoles ordered after this date will ship with the latest edition of WYSIWYG Perform Console Edition. Connecting the newest version of WYSIWYG CE to a Strand ShowNet network allows users to match the full capacity of their Strand Console to WYSIWYG for the first time. Users will no longer be limited to 512 DMX addresses and will now be able to display up to 8,000 devices on a 500 series system. Automated lights are consuming DMX addresses at an ever expanding rate and the new WYSIWYG Perform Console Edition frees users to display and control lights up to the capacity of their consoles without additional cost. WYSIWYG Perform CE will also be provided on Strand 300 series Memory 125, 250, 400 and 600 channel desks.

Gil Densham of Cast Lighting has been working closely with Strand Lighting over the years in the WYSIWYG devel

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UK - John Lethbridge, who has been handling sales in the Middle East for Pulsar for the past three years, will be expanding his role within the Pulsar sales team with immediate effect. Lethbridge will be supporting technical sales manager Snowy Johnson and sales manger Jon Petts in the UK, and head of sales and marketing Andy Graves in certain overseas territories, say the company.

Lethbridge, as former managing director of Cerebrum Lighting, became a Pulsar distributor soon after both companies first began trading in 1970, and was also founding president of Celco Inc in Farmingdale, NY. He brings with him a wealth of experience, gained both in the UK and overseas.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Green Hippo and Scene Change, creator and distributor of the acclaimed Hippotizer digital media server range, have announced H-MAP, the Hippotizer Media Access Protocol. H-MAP offers the ability for any lighting console to access information from Hippotizer servers, including clip previews and corresponding DMX control values. A console could therefore show programmers thumbnails of all of the images or movie clips available in a Hippotizer allowing direct, immediate selection. The link between Hippotizer and console is via ethernet, and is dynamic and so can be automatically updated as the Hippotizer's contents change - unlike 'one off' schemes offered by some manufacturers where clips are manually transferred from media server to console.

"Until now, controlling digital media from a lighting console has involved keeping lists of which DMX value corresponds to which

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UK - Software providers Stardraw.com has announced the public availability of a Beta 1 version of its award-winning application Stardraw Control. During the Beta-test period, Stardraw is inviting manufacturers and systems specialists to become test partners in this new project. In return, test partners are asked to provide as much detailed feedback as possible via the dedicated Stardraw Control forum that has been set up especially for this purpose.

Stardraw Control generates standalone, customized control programs, offering a new approach to solving the problem of controlling heterogeneous systems; for too long, systems integrators have been locked into closed architectures wherever system control, monitoring or signal routing has been required. Stardraw Control, by contrast, offers a software-based, unified control framework that can manage any type of addressable equipment fr

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Denmark - Martin Architectural has added a new dimension to its Cyclo range of full colour mixing T5 fluorescent fixtures - directional track mount and surface mount versions. The Cyclo Directional provides a simple dynamic light solution for retail and other commercial applications. Easy to program, and simple to fit, the Cyclo Directional offers an almost endless variety of colour choices say Martin.

The Cyclo Directional uses RGB technology to generate both coloured and white light of variable temperature. Technically this is achieved by combining dimmable T5 fluorescent lamps in the primary colours red (R), green (G) and blue (B) in a process known as additive colour mixing. The patented optical system produces a broad, even wash of ready-mixed colour. Three 54W T5 tubes create the high output necessary to cut through the high ambient light levels typically found in retail

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Europe - LA-based lighting designer Jason Deboer specified eight Martin MAC 550s for the European section of the Maroon 5 tour, which completely sold out as the band's album and singles sales continue to rocket. The 550s are the core of his rig and the basis of most scenes and looks. Four are rigged on the rear truss and four mounted upstage on vertical trussing sections. The rest of the rig otherwise comprises 60 Par cans and 11 strings of ACLs. Deboer created bold, colourful classic rock 'n' roll looks and 'beam technology' for the band's all-action set.

He likes many features of the 550s, including their intensity and power, and the functionality of the animation wheel. "They've been really consistent and reliable as moving fixtures," he says. "The colour wheels have a nice selection of very rich shades and hues and there's also a great selection of gobos.&quo

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USA - Robe Show Lighting's ColorSpot 1200 AT fixtures were integral to LD Tyler Littman's eye-catching design for the 32nd International Emmy Awards Gala, staged at the New York Hilton. Lighting design and consultancy for the high profile event and TV broadcast was provided by Littman's New York based company Sholight, with equipment supplied by See Factor.

This was the first time that Littman has used these Robe moving heads, which were recommended by several people including two of his crew for the Emmys, Ed Duda and Eric Perry: both had worked with the Robe fixtures on Deep Purple's 2004 'Bananas' world tour for LD Louis Ball. Littman specified 18 ColorSpot 1200s - Robe's top-of-the-range fixtures - for the Emmys design, combined with assorted generic fixtures which he programmed and operated via a GrandMA console. Littman was highly impressed with the ColorSpot 1200's perfo

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UK - For the production of the new play Fresh Kills at the Royal Court's Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, designer Ultz created a set featuring a large American truck which had to be pushed on and off stage by the performers. Once on stage it needed the internal lighting to be controlled as part of Trevor Wallace's lighting design for the show.

"In the old days, we would have fed a DMX line into the floor and then up into the truck," commented Johanna Town, the Royal Court's head of lighting. "However, having seen City Theatrical's Wireless Data System at the PLASA Show I wanted to give it a go!"

Town contacted White Light - City Theatrical dealer and it supplied a system consisting of a WDS Transmitter and a WDS Receiver.

"We have created wireless systems in a number of ways for previous productions," comments Dave Isherwood, White Light's hire

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USA - The new Krypto Sync from American DJ, is a compact 4.9mW green laser, designed for smaller users who want the excitement of green laser effects, but don't have the big budgets of large clubs.

The Krypto Sync comes pre-programmed with a whole arsenal of different geometric shapes - just plug it in, and you get continuous variety of visual patterns. Users can create their own custom shapes when the unit is in the manual mode, one of three different operational modes that the Krypto Sync can be run in. The other two modes are sound active and master slave.

In the sound active mode, the Krypto Sync's will automatically move to the beat of the music, and in master slave mode multiple units can be linked together for a synchronized light show across larger areas. The Krypto Sync is fan-cooled and comes with a 4.9mW green laser diode. Compact and lightweight, it measures 8"

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Denmark - A classical music past took Denmark's Uffe Savery and Morten Friis to such prestigious concert venues as the Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House. A present of dance music hasn't done them bad either. Savery and Friis formed the band Safri Duo back in the late 1980s, playing classical music in an unconventional percussionist style. By the late 1990s the band had mixed in pop, techno and trance to their signature drums to form a unique and raw energetic style all their own.

Touring in support of their latest CD, Safri Duo 3.5, the band is using a Kasper Steen-Lange designed Martin MAC rig of 26 MAC 500 profile spots and 12 MAC 600 washlights with six Atomic 3000 strobes and 100 assorted conventional lights. Equipment supplier is Seelite A/S of Denmark. "We had to design a production that would fit in both sports arenas and theatres," com

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UK - This year's BBC's Sports Personality of the Year 2004 awards had a dramatic new environmental set created for them by design and communication company Imagination. Over 600 guests attended the event, which saw gold medallist Kelly Holmes scoop the 2004 Sports Personality of the Year trophy.

Working closely with the BBC executive producer Paul Davies, Imagination was able to create a visually arresting space for the awards, which not only hosted the live television programme but also a pre and post transmission party for over 600 VIP guests.

This year's environmental set included multiple interview staging areas, graphic treatments on the stage and floor as well as lighting and projection design. Imagination has a long-standing relationship with the BBC having worked with them on environmental sets for such programmes as Newsnight and Sports series On-Side

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UK - Strand Lighting announced two new appointments At Strand UK. Peter Sherrington returns after an 18-month leave when he worked on a charity funded project for disadvantaged children. David Catterall European sales said: "I am delighted to announce that Peter has returned to Strand Lighting as sales representative for the East side of the UK. Peter comes back to us with a wealth of experience on Strand products, some great relationships and joins us at a very exciting time."

In Germany Walter Thomsen is also returning to Strand to manage sales in Southern Germany. He will also be responsible for Austria and Switzerland. "Walter has recently worked as a lighting consultant and brings a great deal of lighting knowledge and practice to his new position. Both of these appointments follow on a year of growth for Strand and the whole team looks forward to working wit

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UK - It's not unusual for a lighting company to be supplying equipment to pantomime productions at this time of year. However, Scottish lighting specialist black light has just supplied a panto job with a big difference - it was in Ghana, Africa!

In the UK, audiences are used to pantomimes being staged in drafty halls and chilly theatres. In stark contrast, the International Players production of Cinders (a characteristically loose interpretation of the Cinderella story) was staged at the Ghana International School's outside stage in high temperatures. Although there is a roof over the stage and auditorium, its purpose is to provide shelter in case of tropical storms!

The panto was left high and dry when another UK-based lighting supplier failed to respond to its order. So, with a fairly tight turnaround time for the lighting to be shipped out via sea freight, the Players tur

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USA - Andrew Nikel has joined the City Theatrical sales staff, the company reports. A well-known and well liked lighting industry veteran, Nikel most recently was an account manager at PRG Lighting in North Bergen, New Jersey, and prior to that was an account manager with VLPS in Moonachie, New Jersey. Earlier, he worked as a senior project coordinator with the Fourth Phase Systems Integration Group in North Bergen, and as a rental accounts representative for Production Arts for many years.

Nikel has worked professionally in lighting as a Master Electrician and Technical Director and holds a B.A. from Connecticut College. He will be working closely with the extensive City Theatrical network of lighting distributors as well as with consultants, designers and other lighting professionals to increase awareness and sales of the WDS Wireless Data System, CTI's accessories for Color

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Canada - MDG, the Canada-based manufacturer of high quality fog generators, has appointed Andre Girard to the position of international product advisor responsible for sales and marketing. MDG president Martin Michaud says: "Andre's wealth of experience and philosophy of professionalism is consistent with our own ideals and modus operandi here at MDG. We welcome his input and creativity and it shall be a pleasure working with him to better serve our clientele worldwide."

Andre began his career in the lighting and sound industry in 1986 as a lighting designer for Montreal-based Solotech before progressing into professional lighting distribution across Canada representing such names as MA Lighting and Clay Paky. In 1997 Andre accepted an invitation to move to Germany to work directly with MA Lighting. Responsible for international training and technical support on the g

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UK - Being based in one of the world's most renowned cities for New Year's Eve celebrations does have its down side. Six black light employees - led by projects manager Paul McGreal - found themselves resolutely sober and working hard as 2004 turned over into 2005.

Scotland is legendary for leading the UK's celebrations, with Edinburgh's Hogmanay events as much a municipal highlight as the city's infamous Festival Fringe in August. So it's unsurprising that black light is at the heart of both. As the celebrations take place in the centre of the city, the set up has to be done during the small hours. So the black light team worked overnight on 29 - 30 December to install the equipment, and on 31 December to run it (avoiding drunken revellers wherever possible). They began breaking down at 2am on 1 January, with all safely back at the black light warehouse by 8am that day.

Unlik

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UK - Northern Light announced the appointment of Simon Thomas-Colquhoun as its new regional sales manager. Previously chief electrician at The Criterion Theatre in London's West End, Thomas-Colquhoun joins the company with over 20 years experience in the theatre industry, he has a wide range of experience covering lighting, sound and production for opera, dance, drama and events.

Simon said: ''I am looking forward to what the future brings with Northern Light. I strongly believe that the knowledge I have gained in the past will be a real asset to the company. Whether it's dealing with architects and designers or the poor guy stuck in mid-air on the end of his mobile, my aim is to provide the best possible service at the right price.''

Colin Cuthbert, operations director at Northern Light, added: '' We feel very confident that with Simon's wealth of knowledge and experience he

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Australia - Robe recessed ColorSpot 170 ATs have been installed at Melbas on the Park, a popular landmark restaurant, bar and nightclub in Surfer's Paradise on Australia's Gold Coast. Melbas recently extended and renovated its cocktail bar which is complete with Robe Recessed 170 AT fixtures illuminating the dancefloor.

Robe's Australian distributors ULA supplied these to installers Venue Technologies Australia. ULA has been supplying sound, lighting and AV technology to its clients at Melbas for 20 years. The lighting scheme for the new bar was designed by Mick James and programmed by Luke Hall, who explained that the Robe ColorSpot 170 ATs were chosen for the dancefloor because of the venue's low ceiling height. This needed an extremely neat, tidy and unobtrusive fixture - and they fitted the bill perfectly. The ceiling is painted with cloud effects, so it was vital that the l

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UK - In November, 30,000 runners took to the streets of London for the fourth annual Nike Run London event. This was the first time the 10km run had taken place at night. "We organized a night run as it's something new, a first for the UK," says Nike's Carolyn Small. "The idea also came from the fact that if you like to run, you are more than likely to encounter wet, rain, cold and dark if you are running in the UK. The idea was to replicate conditions like that and also to act as a motivator so people don't stay in and hibernate on their sofas during the winter - to get up and go nocturnal, so to speak."

Making sure all the runners knew exactly where they were was lighting specialist Airstar, which provided its distinctive lighting balloons at each kilometre mark and the finish line. Airstar deployed two of its Crystal lighting balloons at each stage. Sport

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UK - TPA 05 - the Graduate Exhibition and Trade Show of the Technical and Production Arts department of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) will take place on 22-23 March 2005. Once again, Graduating students from the BA Technical and Production Arts course will be showing their work over the past three years in the Academy's Chandler Studio Theatre. Supporting this in the New Athenaeum, the RSAMD's main house, the industry supporters of the course will be showing a large range of production equipment.

Triple E and Black Light have joined the list of course sponsors this year and will exhibiting alongside PRG Europe, Le Mark, Rosco, Rope Assemblies, White Light, Zero 88, Autograph Sales and Hall Stage. Also new to the show will be Lift, Turn, Move and Learn 2B Safe, as well as several industry organizations such as the ABTT, SMA, PSA, PLASA and the ALD, many o

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UK - Bandit Lites is supplying equipment and a crew of five for R.E.M.'s European and UK tour, which kicked off in Lisbon last weekend, continuing the company's long working relationship with the band. Lighting designer Susanne Sasic, one of the most innovative and original contemporary LDs, started working with R.E.M. four years ago. As with all Sasic's shows, the core of the design features several one-off 'specials', created to give the show a series of unique visual elements.

Her imaginative starting point for this tour was 82 panels of 6ft x 2 ft polycarbonate 'Polygal' greenhouse/conservatory glazing material, manufactured by Pentaglass. This is double-walled and has a honeycomb cell structure which both reflects and refracts the light. The panels are lit from front, rear and the floor, creating an upstage wall of textured lighting. The panels are extremely lightweight an

  1. London's Eye on the New Year
  2. Newcastle Performance Academy
  3. Deep Purple goes Bananas!
  4. MPH'04
  5. Deep Purple goes Bananas!
  6. A Texas Xmas . . .
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