Australia - Since announcing an exclusive distribution arrangement for Wireless Solutions wireless DMX512 solutions in Australasia last March, LSC Lighting reports that it has been busy answering enquiries about the product. Most recently, Australia's most iconic venue, Sydney Opera House, has chosen a W-DMX system for use with special events.

"We didn't purchase the W-DMX System for the usual shows as we can use our inbuilt Ethernet data distribution system for our standard theatre rigs," explained Phil Dunesky, Sydney Opera House's technical operations manager for the stage lighting department.

"Rather we purchased it to use on our more unusual events, such as foyer-based productions, and for the occasional set pieces that may be run on a revolve, for example, where running cable would be difficult to use. Quite often we have to light functions here at the Ope

UK - Avolites launches its new Pearl Expert. This is a new high performance version of one of the industry's most popular ever consoles. It boasts more submasters more flash buttons, more power and is optimised for use on larger shows and events. Pearl Expert is based on the Pearl 2004 operating system, retaining the accessibility of Avolites Pearl consoles.

Pearl Expert is powered by the new Intel Core Duo Processor giving an exceptionally high speed button response which is particularly useful for 'take over', and busking with timed palettes. An additional five sub master playbacks make a total of 20 ensuring every type of show, and user, has all the playbacks they need, instantly accessible.

New Add and Swop buttons for the top row of faders allow easy placement of fixtures and dimmers, on all 60 preset faders.

The new 'Colour Picker' a feature from the Diamond 4 console,

USA - FiberPlex Inc., makers of the LightViper fibre optic audio transport systems, has announced the appointment of SF Marketing as the exclusive Canadian distributor for its professional audio product line.

Sam Spennacchio, FiberPlex's director of sales and marketing for Pro Audio, says: "I am really thrilled to have SF Marketing as our LightViper distributor in Canada. Sol has assembled an enviable group of people, from sales to technical support to administration. The extent of SF Marketing's capabilities and expertise is truly unique. We look forward to a very long and productive relationship with SF Marketing."

SF Marketing can be telephoned on, Canada 514-780-2070.

(Chris Henry)

UK - Lighting designer Tim Routledge was working to a tight timescale to deliver the goods for a broadcast by S4C, the Welsh TV channel and turned to Hawthorns to make it happen.

"I received a phone call from The Pop Factory Production Company on Monday asking me to provide the lighting for a S4C shoot of the programme Dechrau Canu on the following Wednesday," says Routledge, "I had been working with Hawthorns over the last twelve months so I knew, even though the timescale was tight they would pull out all the stops to help me."

St. Asaph Cathedral, North Wales is the smallest Cathedral in Britain, so with space at a premium Routledge had to design an exacting lighting configuration to achieve the 360 degree lighting effect he required, whilst keeping as much of the lighting out of shot as possible. "Following a swift site visit, and a sketched design

UK - It's been a summer of musicals, and will turn into an autumn of musicals for entertainment lighting supplier White Light. Having already supplied the lighting for the acclaimed new production of Evita, the company is now supplying the lighting for three new musicals and one incoming tour in London and one show in Moscow.

The Palace Theatre in London will house Spamalot, the smash-hit Broadway musical "lovingly ripped off from" the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Lighting designer Hugh Vanstone was nominated for a Tony Award for his work on the Broadway production, and will re-create his design for London; the show is designed by Tim Hatley and directed by Mike Nichols.

Vanstone's rig for the show features a wide range of Vari*Lite equipment, including tungsten and arc VL1000s, VL2500 Washes, 80V VL500s and VL3000Q Spots as well as ETC

UK - Students from Derby University's Events Society launched the university's new bar earlier this year with a weekend of live music. The events society is a student-run technical service with the aim of providing further extra curricular experience for students on live event and other technically-orientated courses at the university.

With this in mind, the society approached several manufacturers to provide new products to give the students hands-on experience with industry products. These came from several manufacturers the main being A.C. Lighting providing Tourwash fixtures and Funktion-One providing there latest RM12 and RM15 monitors for their very first outing. Further equipment was provided by RCH hire to supplement the university's existing stock.

The main sound system comprised two stacks of three Funktion-One 218s and two Resolution 4es with Resolution 2s providing

UK - The University of Plymouth Student Union May Ball was a sell out this year. It took place at Plymouths Guild Hall. All 1400 places were sold and another 200-300 were turned away at the door. Acts for the evening included Trevor Nelson, GLC soundtrack and Maggot, and Steve Edmards.

Dan Quayle, a lighting technician at Stage Electrics, who has over 18 months experience with Martin lights, designed the lighting for the evening. Quayle says: "We went for moving heads as standard to create this effect and from my point of view as a designer nothing can beat Martin lights for ease of use, reliability and visual effect. The optics and amazing visual effects martin products gave us were second to none and helped us achieve our brief with ease."

Quayle used Mac 250+s, Mac 300s, Mac 500s, and Mac 600s along with a pair of Roboscan Pro 918s, which were all supplied by Stag

USA - Color Kinetics Incorporated, an innovator of LED lighting systems and technologies, today announced its results of operations for the second quarter of 2006. Revenues were $15.5 million, an increase of 21% from the $12.9 million reported in the second quarter of 2005. Net income for the second quarter was $1.0 million or $0.05 per fully diluted share prior to non-cash charges of $613,000 associated with the FAS 123R accounting standard. GAAP net income was $425,000 or $0.02 per fully diluted share, compared to $1.0 million or $0.05 per fully diluted share for the second quarter of 2005.

"Our strong second quarter performance reflects continuing worldwide demand for versatile, efficient LED-based alternatives to conventional lighting in many markets - whether for dynamic architectural lighting, visual merchandising, or international concert tours. We have also shown th

UK - At the PLASA Show this year (10-13 September 2006, Earls Court, London) Italian manufacturer Clay Paky will be showing the latest additions to its Alpha line of moving body projectors - which the company says is now the most complete range on the market, boasting 12 different models.

New at PLASA'06 is the Alpha Profile 1200 - a professional beam-shaper which combines the technology of the Alpha projectors with Clay Paky's patented framing system. The Alpha Profile 1200 has a wide-range zoom of 10° - 30°, a "total colour system", 14 gobos, animation effect and a prism. All the effects can be combined with endless varieties of beam shapes and sizes.

Also new at PLASA'06, the Alpha Wash 1200 is the most powerful washlight in the Alpha family. The optical system uses uniform CMY colour mixing which, together with a fixed colour wheel with linear CTO and a C

UK - GSL Power Distribution has been launched by Garry Lodge to offer the entertainment industry in general and rental operations in particular a fresh approach to providing power solutions to suit the different demands of today's venues from large-scale outdoor events to concert halls, theatres and even intimate cabaret settings.

Based on his experience of more than 20 years working with Avolites and some of the largest companies in the lighting industry, Lodge believes that his new GSL Power Distribution company will bring something unique to the event marketplace. "We have developed (and are currently working on) a selection of new products and services that we know the leading rental operations are demanding," he comments. "They want easily customised products that are robust and reliable and GSL Power Distribution will provide practical solutions and developm

USA - The science-fiction television series Stargate Atlantis is utilizing FogScreen in an upcoming episode of its new season. Stargate Atlantis, seen around the world, is about a team of military and scientific explorers who travel to a distant galaxy through the Stargate in search of the lost city of Atlantis. FogScreen is used in episode three of the show's third season, Sateda.

A Finnish invention, FogScreen generates a thin, dry fog that delivers an ideal on-screen look for live events, film and television productions. It enables people to actually walk through an image projected in mid-air. FogScreen uses ordinary water and does not contain any chemicals. "We chose FogScreen for its quality and its proven advanced technical characteristics," explains N. John Smith, executive producer of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. "

UAE - On 15 July, the newest project of Martin Professional Middle East was the opening of the Chanel Studio, located in Harvey Nichols in the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai. This studio is the sixth of its type worldwide after London, Moscow, Tokyo, and Seoul.

Martin offered a solution that provides the whole studio with basic colours used for makeup, which allows shoppers to have the same mood and colour recreated, of candle light, fire light, day light etc...

Fidaa Baddour, the marketing manager of Chanel - UAE says: "The Basic element and the main focus of makeup is lighting. In Chanel we say, 'Chanel Masters the Light'." Baddour continues: "The lighting in the studio is unique, that shows [the] professionalism of makeup depends on light directly. We trust that Martin is able to demonstrate all the colours we need and all [the] applications required."

Th

UK - For the second year running the Canary Wharf Group turned to Hawthorn to assist in their Summer Gala events. With nine days of activities in July, held at Canada Square Park, with both lunchtime and evening performances the gala attracted over 10,000 spectators over the two week period.

The varied programme included: film screenings, a comedy night, an evening of dance, and classical music recitals. Hawthorns were commissioned to provide entrance, stage and garden lighting.

"This years event was an interesting project," said Matt Oscroft the Hawthorn project manager, "with it being our second year working for this event, we realised we had to keep our designs and specifications fresh. This was achieved by using new configurations of Prolyte truss, which allowed us to use the maximum height of the Orbit structure. In addition, as the Clay Paky Alpha Spots we

UK - "Common-Sense is one of those products that you don't need every day, but when you do - it's the only solution!" say Artistic Licence of their new product. As the name suggests, it is a common point for sensors and interfaces in the world of show control and systems integration.

Common Sense provides a wealth of input and output functions including opto-isolated contacts, keypad readers, analogue sensors, real time clock, DMX512, MIDI, MIDI Timecode, RS232 and RS485. A Windows software package, Sense-Edit, is used to configure the relationship between all of the inputs and outputs. This can include up to 350 discrete events such as 'When DMX channel 3 passes 50% send this serial data string'.

Common-Sense has recently been extended to provide even more functionality. The optical inputs can now be combined using Boolean equations to provide even greater triggerin

USA - Prelite NY and Prelite SF often provide support for a variety of events, but recently they each were involved with two large-scale endeavors where time and budget were big factors. Prelite NY's studio space was used to support LD Philip Rosenberg's design for the Broadway Bares fundraising event for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) while Prelite SF provide a Prelite Onsite system to LD John Featherstone to help him realize his design for the Opening Ceremonies for the Gay Games VII in Chicago.

For the second year in a row, Rosenberg lit Broadway Bares. The revue is one of the many Broadway charity events coordinated by BC/EFA and took place at Roseland Ballroom. This year's theme was New York Strip. Rosenberg explained that the show was "a dance concert of 200 actor/dancers that came together under several different choreographers; each number

UK - Following their successful launch earlier this year, Tryka L.E.D. will show for the first time at PLASA its array of new luminaires. The fixtures include the Easy-Link Module 3, Module 6 and Module 12, as well as the powerful IP rated Module 36 for all large interior and exterior installations.

The family of Intelligent Drive Systems (namely the IDS-4 and IDS-12 offering a variety of built-in functions to run up to 144 LEDs) will be completed by the launch at the show of the IDS Wall Control and IDS Wall Control DMX. The two compact units - which can be either recessed or surface mounted - will remotely run up to 32 IDS Drivers by recalling the same functions also available on the Drivers themselves.

Furthermore the IDS Wall Control will offer a master dimmer for dimming all channels, whilst the IDS Wall Control will also offer the added advantage of individually dimming

USA - LED-fitted Colortube EQ offers users the unique possibility of mounting a 32-band, real-time sound frequency visualizer, ideal for any venue where a highly visible and dynamic display is wanted. Each tube can be addressed to respond to one of 32 frequencies, from bass to treble, very much in the pulsating manner of a graphic equalizer on your stereo.

Each tube houses 144 blue, red and green diodes, weighs under 4lbs and is 40-inch long and 3-inch wide. The system features 16 pre-set patterns, chases, colour flows with variation plus blackout.An optional controller, sold separately, allows users to select specific colours, making this ideal for retail, sports and corporate events where brand identification is vital.

The tubes are sold in packs of four. Using just four tubes and selecting the first four addresses would display the four lower frequencies in the band. If you

UK - LED and feature lighting specialists i-Vision has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for Spanish manufacturer Mundocolor. Barcelona-based Mundocolour offers three different lines of lighting equipment, and i-Vision will be taking on the broad-based 'Technical' range of LED fixtures for architectural and decorative illumination.

Mundocolor was looking for a proactive business partner says export manager Dave Simpson: "I was made aware of i-Vision, their work and their products, and soon thought they fitted the bill perfectly." He adds that once they met face-to-face, he was immediately struck with the company's energy and enthusiasm for the industry. I-vision already manufactures its own successful Lumos range of industrial and commercial LED luminaires.

The Mundocolor range - which includes stair nose and step lights, in-grounds, linear LED and neon

France - French phenomenon Johnny Hallyday is currently on tour with a showcase of Vari*Lite fixtures. Influenced by Elvis Presley and the 1950s rock revolution, Hallyday became famous in the 1960s for singing rock 'n' roll in French. Since then he has had a 40-year career in the music industry and is one of France's biggest stars.

Lighting designer Jacques Rouveyrollis is affectionately known as 'The King of Vari*Lite' and has worked with Hallyday for 30 years. Director of the tour is Bernard Schmitt and Jacques' assistant is Nicolas Gilli.

The lighting specification includes 40 VL3000 spots, 35 VL2500 spots, 35 VL2500 washes, 15 VL1000 AS and 30 VL500s. The 'Flashback Tour' is an elaborate theatrical production, with Hallyday singing 25 songs both old and new. The set morphs from a destroyed theatre in to a contemporary scene throughout the show adding to the drama of the pe

UK - Northern Light's recently launched Events division has already been responsible for bringing numerous prestigious events to life, the company reports. Gregor Murray, events manager at Northern Light, said: "The UK events market is ripe for a new player - and Northern Light has the experience and expertise to offer a fresh and innovative approach."

Murray joined Northern Light from his own company, Edinburgh-based Liquid Lighting - and is no stranger to servicing high profile events. Working with venues, event organisers and directly with artists, he has been providing specialist hire services and consultancy for over 15 years.

To date, the Northern Light Events team have provided specialist lighting and sound hire to major events including the After Shock Arena at the Download Festival in Donnington Park, the Duracell Arena at T in the Park, the Braun Arena at t

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

UK - HSL supplied all lighting, rigging and staging for the acclaimed Whiteplane 2 project, a live interactive performance/art installation tour using an atmospheric mix of ambisonic sound and architectural lighting, created by experimental artists Alex Bradley and Charles Poulet.

Whiteplane 2 immerses its audience between two horizontal planes of light, one coming up from below and one coming down from the ceiling above.

The floor and ceiling each contain 30 JTE PixelLine LED fixtures, chosen as one of the few types of lighting that could be made into a smooth and even floor of light and walked over for 12 hours a day whilst emitting virtually no heat.

The audience enter the space and sit, stand or lie between the two planes of light, which change colour and intensity as the piece unfolds. The multilayered physical experience is completed by the 'walls' of sound coming in f

UK - There may have been an absence of Glastonbury Festival this year, but Glastonbury Abbey delivered live music to the south west and pleased the crowds this August, with the help of That's EnTEEtainment production behind the show.

The annual three night extravaganza organised by Michael Eavis partly as a thank you to the people of Glastonbury for their acceptance of the main festival and also to raise funds for Glastonbury Abbey, this year hosted Jools Holland, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Rat Pack, performing to thousands in the beautiful surroundings of the Abbey.

Having been involved with Glastonbury Festival for eight years and Glastonbury Abbey for 11 years, Dick Tee of That's EnTEEtainment was the production manager for the show, overseeing the complete production from build up to break down.

Arriving on site five days prior to the event, Tee and his tea

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)

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