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Star Hire (Event Services) has added a new safety feature to its award-winning VerTech staging system. From now on all of the company’s 20m span and 25m span roofs will be fitted as standard with fall-arrest safety nets.

The new net system is a result of the experience gained on Star Rigging’s successful installation of similar permanent nets on the grid at Wembley Arena. These nets are the preferred choice of the HSE, as a net installation is the only ‘passive’ system that does not require a positive action by workers to remain safe, and the nets also allow for self-rescue in the event of a fall.

The nets meet all relevant British Standards, being fully fire retardant, with a mesh size suitable to pass chain hooks through. Satisfactory installation at each event will be an additional item added to Star Hire’s inspection and hand-over documentation and t

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Professional projection specialist, Christie Digital Systems, has introduced three new projectors in its new VIVID LX class of multimedia projectors, designed for a broad range of corporate to educational applications.

The VIVID LX35 is a high-quality multimedia projector providing a rich blend of presentation, integration and AV rental capabilities. The VIVID LX26 is the first high-quality multimedia projector that provides a great fixed installation solution and portability, whilst the VIVID LX20 is a high-quality multimedia projector delivering outstanding presentation performance in a compact and lightweight package. All three projectors are perfect for fixed installations, yet portable enough to move from room to room on a corporate or educational campus.

(Ruth Rossington)

City Theatrical - Banner - July 2025

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Symetrix has recently signed an affiliation agreement with Peak Audio Inc (a division of Cirrus Logic) that would permit the incorporation of CobraNet technology into current and future Symetrix products, such as the SymNet Audio Matrix hardware system. CobraNet is fast becoming the standard for digital audio and control signal distribution over 100MBit Ethernet cable. The SymNet Designer 1.1 unit integrates this efficient protocol into the SymNet system.

"CobraNet is a forward-thinking technology that falls right in line with the Symetrix commitment to innovation," noted Jim Latimer, director of sales. "Our customers will benefit from CobraNet's improved efficiency and lower cabling costs. With CobraNet, our customers will be able to easily design and assemble sophisticated systems with SymNet's user interface.

(Ruth Rossington)

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Tascam has added a new mid-market MiniDisc recorder/player to its range. The MD-350 builds on Tascam’s success in the market with its 300 series MD recorder/players, offering professional standards of audio interconnectivity, as well as improved sound quality, with high resolution ADA conversion and ATRAC version 4.5 compression.

This extensively equipped MD recorder provides for advances in performance and ease of operation in numerous professional sound applications, but particularly in broadcast sound, sound installation and sound design and FX roles. A new MDLP (MiniDisc Long Play) function, providing a 320-minute record or playback time, is included in no less that four record/playback modes, offering stereo, mono and 2x and 4x operation. Both balanced XLR and unbalanced phone analogue I/Os are provided, featuring 20-bit AD and DA conversion, for improved signal resolution.

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Following the successful launch of the Dynaglide winches in December, Hall Stage has launched a new range of Grid and General Purpose Pulleys. With safe working loads of up to 500kg, the Dynaline pulleys use a new composite, lubricated nylon sheave design and profile. The range features three diameters - 100mm, 150mm and 200mm - suitable for most stage applications and operations.

All units have shielded ball bearing sets for silent running and the new design allows a customer or specifier to pick any sheave combination with any fixing option. The Dynaline range is available from stock in any of the three sizes, with a safe working load of up to 500kg in the 200mm units - with any sheave/fittings combination.

(Ruth Rossington)

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RCI Custom has signed a significant development and maintenance contract with software provider Stardraw.com to create a new, web-based tool for the design and production of custom control and connection panels. PanelBuilder will be hosted on the RCI Custom website and allows registered users to design, specify and purchase custom panels.

Managing director of Stardraw, David Snipp, explained the background to the deal: "RCI had long been aware of the capabilities of applications like Stardraw Audio, but it was a trade show conversation that made them realise Stardraw.com could develop an affordable custom solution. PanelBuilder is based on proven techniques seen in Stardraw applications for years, but it exploits leading-edge software and internet technology."

PanelBuilder is resident on the web server and works from within a browser, so there’s nothing to download or

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Sennheiser's interpretive Guideport System has had its first North American use at Mexico's El Rey Mayan Educational Theme Park. Centered on one of the Yucatan Peninsula's most interesting archeological sites, the site features actors portraying scenes from daily Mayan life, providing glimpses of religion, science, craft, trade, and palace life. El Rey also features a spectacular light and sound show every evening set against the backdrop of the Mayan ruins.

The Sennheiser Guideport System brings state-of-the-art interpretive technology to El Rey, providing personalized information to each visitor. Operating from a centrally-located PC, the Guideport System tracks each visitor through remote sensors and plays location-specific recordings through a wireless headphone system. Users can select the language and level of expertise to match their own and are free to experience the exhibits i

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At the recent Pro Light & Sound exhibition in Frankfurt, the leading lighting distributor Lightpower announced the launch of a new gel-string manufacturing service in Germany, which the company is operating under licence from Rosco, under the brand name ‘Major’. The service, which is the first of its kind in Germany, will provide gel-strings for all types and sizes of scroller, not just Rainbow (for whom Lightpower is exclusive worldwide distributor) and will also utilise gels from the ranges of both Lee Filters and Rosco.

(Lee Baldock)

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Data communications company Pathway Connectivity has announced the creation of a new industry partnership, the Pathport Alliance. The alliance is made up of major lighting control manufacturers that have undertaken to implement the Pathport Protocol in their products.

"This alliance extends the power and flexibility of Pathport to a variety of respected lighting control platforms. Users will be able to connect these controls directly to a Pathport network," explained Graham Likeness, Pathway’s vice-president of sales and marketing, "providing users with a system for patching, merging, prioritizing and distributing up to 64 universes of DMX."

The Pathport Alliance is currently comprised of Entertainment Technology, Flying Pig Systems, Interactive Technologies, High End Systems, MA Lighting and Pathway Connectivity. Launched at LDI 2000 in Las Vegas, Pathport

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BSS Audio has released a new processor for the expanding install market, aimed particularly at integrated system solutions. The ProSys PS-8810 is a fixed-path digital processor, with eight inputs and ten outputs that each has a dedicated processing path which includes EQ filters, gates, compressors, auto-mixers and delays, as well as other processing objects.

With its fixed-path design, system installers need only configure the routing matrix and decide which of the processing objects will be utilized. Once these are established, the set-ups may be stored as presets and recalled via the PC, contact closure or the 8810’s own internal events scheduler. All functions of the PS-8810 are set-up and controlled from a PC running IQ-WIN software, the control suite that can control a variety of types of audio equipment.

The real strength of this new DSP, however, is that it is the firs

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ARRI recently awarded a portable lighting kit - consisting of the Junior range of Fresnel spotlights - to a lucky competition winner, after he entered a ‘business card’ draw on the company’s stand at the Video Forum Exhibition earlier this year.

Richard Hookings, a freelance lighting cameraman commented: "I was so surprised to actually win as I was dubious that these things are ever genuine. This kit will nicely complement my existing lighting kit, and being so compact, it will be ideal for situations when I’m working on my own and need to transport my kit around single-handedly." ARRI displayed two new kit formats at Video Forum - both suitable for 3-point lighting arrangements. The first contained two 650W Junior Fresnels and an 800W ARRIlite which offers flexibility and control, whilst the second contained two 300W Junior fresnels and a Junior 150W

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Martin Professional introduced the Maxxyz lighting control system at last week’s SIB International exhibition in Rimini. One of the main product highlights of the exhibition, Maxxyz boasts a comprehensive range of cutting-edge features and attractive, modular design, with an intuitive operating system, easy programmability and customizable characteristics. The desk’s built-in 3D visualizer with real-time Preview mode gives full real-time preview of shows, allowing the user to create new ones without interrupting the running show. Maxxyz offers Ethernet capability (10/100 Mbit) for DMX universes and multiple console linking, remote access via a laptop/PC or Internet network, plus a link for automatic Internet updates, programming modification, service and support, and more.

Two complete Pentium III-based computer systems communicate with each other through COM+ technology. T

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BSS Audio have taken a major leap in the expansion of their acclaimed Soundweb programmable DSP system with the introduction of new matrix switchers, capable of routing multiple video sources to several zones, all controlled within a Soundweb system.

While stand-alone video switchers are used in many systems alongside Soundweb, the integration of the control of the video sources has relied upon custom programming between the two systems’ RS-232 ports. Such systems are typically found in theme bars and restaurants (such as sports or music bars), corporate boardrooms and visitor attractions. The SW9016 8x4 Matrix Switcher features eight broadcast-quality composite video inputs (on BNC connectors), which can accept CBVS or SVideo signals of NTSC or PAL standard. These can be matrixed to four output zones (again on BNC connectors). Alongside the video inputs, 16 balanced audio inputs

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Yamaha's PM1D large-format digital mixing console and the newly introduced DM2000 took top honours at the recent MIPA (Musikmesse International Press Awards) held at this year’s Frankfurt Music Messe.

Over 300 representatives of manufacturers and distributors of musical instruments and pro audio equipment from around the world gathered at the third annual MIPA awards to see honours awarded in over 40 categories. The awards are designed to acknowledge the best products of the previous year and are nominated by editors representing over 50 music and pro audio magazine titles worldwide. The PM1D was awarded first place in the high end mixing desk for top events category beating off competition from the ATI paragon and the Midas Legend whilst the critically acclaimed new DM2000 took top honours in the mixing desk high end section.

(Ruth Rossington)

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For Verdi's larger-than-life opera Attila, staged at the Royal Opera House recently, it was necessary to add to the number of staging modules that make up the raked stage. Maltbury was approached to supply units of its strongest demountable staging system, Steeldeck 7.5, and these now form part of the repertory stage sets stored at the Royal Opera House on stage trucks.

When the Royal Opera House underwent its refurbishment one radical change was to the way the sets are constructed. Instead of repeatedly building, dismantling and re-building each show in the repertoire, sets are now built just once directly onto massive stage trucks, where they remain. At the touch of a button the automated trucks can be moved on stage, into storage or into a rehearsal room backstage making turnarounds between repertory production quicker and easier.

Head of the technical department at the Roy

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Marantz Professional has launched the CDR300 - the world’s first CD recording system designed for stand-alone portable recording. The table-top design combines ease of use, typical of traditional analogue recording machines, with the sonic quality, convenience and flexibility of CD-RW multi-session recordings. The CDR300 is ideal for recording live onto blank CD-R (write once) or CDR-RW (rewriteable) discs, using either the internal microphone or external XLR (with 48V phantom power) and 1/4" mic/line inputs for stereo recording. Universal SP/DIF digital inputs and outputs allow direct connection between digital devices (such as DAT, MiniDisc and other CD recorders), while internal speaker and headphone output provide for easy monitoring of input and playback signals.

Switchable automatic record level and limiter features on the CDR300 easily accommodate use in unpredictable

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The Art-Net Alliance is a key industry group made up of major lighting control manufacturers, intended to promote the widespread adoption of the Art-Net Ethernet Standard. Artistic Licence reports that the Art-Net Alliance continues to expand and now includes AC Lighting Ltd, AC Lighting Inc, ADB, MA Lighting, Doug Fleenor Design, ELC Lighting, Electronics Diversified, Enttec, Goddard Design Co, I-Light Group, IES, Medalion, Media Motion, SandNet, Touchlight Systems Ltd, Zero 88 and Artistic Licence.

"Art-Net is the only public domain Ethernet Standard in the marketplace - that’s the reason the Art-Net Alliance is growing at such a rate. We regularly receive emails congratulating us for the decision to put Art-Net into the public domain," said Wayne Howell of Artistic Licence. "The aspect I find most pleasing is that we see both large and small companies supporting

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Allen & Heath has introduced a package of new products and options for its flagship ML series of live sound VCA consoles. These include a 24-channel version of the ML4000, the option to order ML5000 consoles with eight dual stereo channels and a Syslink kit for the ML3000, allowing two mixers to be linked in a master/slave system.

Visitors to the Musikmesse were the first to see the new ML4000-24, a 24-channel version of the ML4000. This latest addition to the series was developed in response to frequent requests from customers who needed extensive control and output facilities for conferencing and installation work, but who did not want a large footprint console with lots of inputs. The ML4000-24 can be connected to up to two 24 channel sidecar units, a prospect which has been warmly greeted by PA rental companies looking for maximum flexibility in their hire stock.

Prospective cust

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Allen & Heath used the recent Musikmesse trade show to showcase an esoteric rotary mixer concept, which goes by the working title of Xone:V6. Although the exact specification of the final design is still not complete, the company has set out a clear mission statement for the product: to provide the best audio quality of any club mixer, past or present.

Xone series designer Andy Rigby-Jones has been researching and testing the very best components available for this project, including thermionic valves and VU meters based on an original 1950s design. The emphasis on quality means that a single rotary fader for the Xone:V6 will cost as much as some complete entry-level mixers. Rigby-Jones commented: "I wanted to give visitors to the Musikmesse a chance to see where the company is going on this project and to tell me what changes they would like to see between the prototype and the f

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QSC Audio has introduced the new DSP-4 digital signal processor, which offers two channels of independent DSP and attaches to the back of most 2-channel DataPort-equipped QSC amplifiers - without occupying any additional rack space. Capitalizing on the success of the DSP-3, the second-generation DSP-4 provides a number of enhancements as well as incorporating balanced XLR connectors. These improvements include enhanced A/D and D/A converters for superior signal-to-noise performance and upgraded software that significantly increases the unit’s operational characteristics.

With its new A/D and D/A converters, the DSP-4’s boasts an improved noise floor. These new converters provide an unweighted dynamic range of >106dB (20Hz - 20kHz) for a 4V input sensitivity. Software refinements to the DSP-4 (which will also retrofit the DSP-3 and DSP-30) include the addition of a true powe

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Milos SRO, Milos America and Milos UK have jointly announced the introduction of their latest range of cell aluminium clamps. The company’s comprehensive range of QuickTruss systems has been further enhanced with the introduction of a range of high-quality extruded theatrical clamps and couplers to suit standard 48mm-51mm (2") and 32mm (1.25" tube sizes.

Glen Brown, Milos UK sales & marketing director reported: "The addition of the clamps and couplers range to our extensive portfolio of products enables us to supply a comprehensive package of trussing and rigging equipment to all our customers. Our products’ quality is endorsed with TUV standards approvals and safety certifications." Brown adds that this will be the first of several new product introductions and developments to be announced during 2002, which visitors to the PLASA Show will get to see i

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A new distribution agreement between Le Mark Group and Link srl or Rome was finalized during the recent SIB Exhibition in Rimini. As a result of the agreement, Link will distribute Le Mark's Magtape range of gaffer tape, as well as its award-winning Slipway cable cover tape.

Link is internationally recognized for its range of high quality products, which includes its own Eurocable and LK Connector ranges, both extensively used within the audio, video and lighting sectors. "We are all extremely pleased with the new agreement," said Le Mark's Stuart Gibbons. "Both companies have excellent reputations and have shown sustained growth within the industry."

(Ruth Rossington)

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A portable sound level meter from Hampshire firm Testo has provided a simple solution to PA volume problems at Reading FC's home ground - the Madejski Stadium. At the start of the 2001/2002 football season, Reading FC received complaints from supporters regarding the PA system in certain parts of the ground. While some supporters commented on the excessive volume, others complained that it could not be heard.

The Club decided to acquire a reliable and accurate sound meter so that operations manager Jeff Adams could measure the volume in specific areas of the stadium and balance the sound levels uniformly. Portability, accuracy and ease of use were essential requirements, all met by the testo 815.This is a compact hand-held sound level meter, weighing just 170g. It features an attachable microphone to avoid measurement errors, digital noise suppression to ensure accuracy and easy calibr

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BBE Sound Inc has introduced BBE ViVa, a new virtual 3D surround technology that has been integrated with the company’s BBE High Definition Sound. The result, according to the company, is authentic three-dimensional surround sound. Whereas ordinary 3D surround effects often tear the stereo image down the middle, resulting in centrally staged audio material such as dialogue becoming fuzzy or even disappearing, ViVa has the ability to maintain proper sound stage imaging, and provide crystal clear solo vocals and movie dialogue throughout the process.

ViVa will be available in both analogue and digital formats, while ViVa+ sees the addition of the proprietary BBE Mach3Bass enhancement system. Other suitable applications for ViVa include personal stereos (with or without headphones), domestic sound systems and in-car audio. ViVa will be offered to BBE licensees in the consumer elec

  1. Audio-Technica introduces Artist Elite series
  2. New Chroma-Q Gobo Rotators from A.C. Lighting
  3. Zero get ready to Mambo
  4. VEGA buys D-PAC AS-2 self-powered subwoofers
  5. Chameleon’s Salisbury gain
  6. Le Mark offers 20,000 dpi resolution glass gobo service
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