Video and AV

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20 December 2024

UK - A heartwarming Christmas story told through projection-mapped animations in the run-up to Christmas is being driven by tvONE's Green Hippo brand of Hippotizer Media Servers onto the façade of The Queens Hotel in Leeds.

The animation, To Leeds, With Love, is brought to the city by LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District). It is a reimagining of The 12 Days of Christmas song, featuring a cheeky gingerbread man who is on a mission to decorate the hotel for a festive party.

Two Hippotizer Karst+ MK2 Media Servers are powering video onto the front of the historic hotel via seven Panasonic projectors – five RQ50K, one RQ25K, and one RZ21K, with one other RQ50K backup being stored off-site in the event of a hardware issue. They are positioned in two 7.5m tall towers constructed in Leeds City Square, in front of the hotel buil

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19 December 2024

Finland - The rock-band sound of Finnish favourites Apulanta met the sweeping strings of the Sinfonia Lahti for a series of special concerts recently – with a stage-wide, wraparound LED backdrop powered by tvONE's Green Hippo brand of Hippotizer Media Servers.

Taking place at the city of Tampere’s 15,000-capacity Nokia Arena, the two-night extravaganza drew fans of Apulanta – one of Finland’s most popular groups – to experience the fusion of rock and symphony. New-kid-on-the-block Avantrum Visuals designed and delivered the visual elements of the show, including stage, lighting, video design and live camera feed storyboarding, and lighting programming and operation.

“At the very early stages, when designing the looks for each song, we were already imagining how we could utilise Hippotizer’s possibilities to deliver something special for

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18 December 2024

USA - Trilogy Studios in Fort Worth, the largest cinematic volume in Texas, is a 30,000sq.ft facility with three advanced stages: a main stage, a car-processing stage for automotive shoots and a commercial stage.

During the design phase, Trilogy Studios collaborated with specialist integrators Optic8, and lead engineer Roman Schoissengeier-Nagel, to bring to life a complex virtual production infrastructure. Stage Precision's SP software was chosen for its ability to deliver seamless, scalable, and unified data management across all three stages, equipping Trilogy Studios with the tools needed to offer clients an innovative and adaptable virtual production environment.

"The focus was on creating a unified control solution across all three stages," explains lead engineer Roman Schoissengeier-Nagel. "Each stage required high-precision camera tracking an

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17 December 2024

Europe - The Showlight Student Sponsorship deadline is approaching. Applications close on Friday 31 January 2025. The scheme is open to students and recent graduates of lighting for the performing arts, events, broadcast, film and architecture.

Successful applicants enjoy free-of-charge entry to Showlight 2025, with access to the full Programme of Papers, admission to the exhibition of major lighting equipment manufacturers, networking opportunities during the daily breaks and lunch, as well as a place at one of the Company Dinners on the Tuesday evening and the Conference Dinner on Wednesday evening. Around 30 places are available but spaces are filling up fast.

Former Showlight student participant and presenter of Sweeney Todd – A Site Specific Experience, Amy Mae Smith, comments: “Showlight is an inspiring few days where you

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17 December 2024

Europe - Garbage’s latest European tour was the band's first headline tour for five years. The huge dynamic shifts in their music were matched by intense stage lighting and graphics displayed on large-scale, high-resolution LED screens, delivered by independent video technology company, 80six. 80six deployed a combination of ROE Visual LED screens powered by Brompton LED processing to ensure a suitable display of the band's visuals.

The client's primary requirement was to produce a solution that would keep up with the visual complexity of the show and have the highest accuracy. High-quality LED equipment was crucial, providing a flexible, creative visual backdrop, powerfully enhancing the creativity of the performance and immersing the audience in the emotion of Garbage's music.

80six provided a 12m by 7.2m ROE Carbon 5.7 LED screen for the two are

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17 December 2024

France - Val Thorens' renowned nightclub, Malaysia, has undergone a €2.5m transformation to become Malaysia 2.0, all thanks to a video installation overhaul featuring Smode’s real-time compositing and media server platform.

Perched at an altitude of 2,310m, The Malaysia club, established by Jean-Pierre Roux in 1985, is open seven days a week for the entire winter season. Dubbed the biggest dance floor in the Alps, it attracts around 700,000 people per season, hosting over 2,000 partygoers every night for live concerts and DJ sets. After almost four decades, the venue needed a ‘facelift’ to create an identity using digital art to stand out in the après-ski scene.

The transformation of Malaysia, spearheaded by the integrator Kinesik, involved developing a complete 3D model of the club to simulate the layout of the LED screens and the flow of v

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16 December 2024

Spain - Italian digital artist Quayola’s Creative Keynote presentation on 5 February at 15.30 will give ISE visitors insights into his projects, including the mesmerising Arborescent projection mapping experience on Casa Batlló, which takes place on 1 and 2 February as the next edition of ISE kicks off in Barcelona.

Celebrated for his pioneering fusion of technology and art, Quayola will also present his artwork Promenade on Tuesday, 4 February at 18.30, on the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via’s award-winning south access welcome screen, providing both the citizens of Barcelona and ISE visitors with another chance to witness his creative talents in action.

“In Arborescent, I aimed to identify, catalogue, and digitally reconstruct a variety of tree species. I am interested in studying their growth systems and understanding

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16 December 2024

UK - This autumn saw Cube Studio once again push the limits of storytelling and creative technology, creating beyond the ordinary to bring South Asian director Arvind Jay’s latest sci-fi short, Afterglow, to life. Using Cube Studio’s Virtual Production stage in Berkshire and powered by Brompton Technology’s advanced LED processing, Jay was able to craft an immersive space environment essential to the film’s vision.

Afterglow is a deeply personal project for Jay, a Singapore-born director now residing in the UK. The film mirrors his concerns about leaving a legacy, both in his work and his family life. “My parents worked hard to send me to the UK,” Jay explains, “and I want them to understand and appreciate my work.”

The production prioritised diversity and inclusion, with 100% of the cast and 70% of the crew coming f

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13 December 2024

Spain - Alfalite announced the launch of its new Matix AlfaCOB & AlfaMIP technology for high-resolution and high-brightness applications during its 2024 partner meeting. The event, held at the company’s factory in Huelva, Spain, welcomed nearly 90 partners from around the world.

“It is an honour to introduce Matix to the market,” said Jesús Cabrera, CEO of Alfalite. “This is a remarkable achievement by our engineering team, who have used cutting-edge components to endow these LED panels with unique electronic and mechanical features. This innovation sets a new standard in image quality, marking a milestone in the LED display technology sector.”

The Matix AlfaCOB & AlfaMIP process involves encapsulating the LED module entirely with multiple layers of advanced protective and optical materials, covering the PCB surface with flip-chip-

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12 December 2024

Japan - Kadokawa Daiei Studio Co, a video and film production studio based in Tokyo, has unveiled its new facility, No.C Stage. This virtual production studio now features Brompton 4K Tessera SX40 LED processors and Tessera XD 10G distribution units powering Sony Crystal LED VERONA, marking a significant investment in advanced LED display technology.

These enhancements are designed to elevate the studio’s capabilities in in-camera visual effects (VFX), enabling the creation of immersive, high-quality virtual environments for films, commercials, and other creative projects.

Kadokawa Daiei Studio, part of the Kadakawa Group, has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, blending cutting-edge technology with traditional art production expertise. The studio is set to install a Sony Crystal LED Verona LED wall, measuring 15m wide by five metres

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09 December 2024

UK - Video rental company Universal Pixels (UP) wraps for Christmas on the back of shows with Idles, Massive Attack, and Nile Rodgers & CHIC at M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool, plus the alt star-studded Mark Lanegan 60 – A Celebration, and Kelsea Ballerini, both at London’s Roundhouse.

In its eighth year, UP brought the big picture to an array of video projects in 2024, celebrated turns/tours from the likes of Black Keys, Chemical Brothers, Depeche Mode, Green Day, and Thom Yorke/The Smile.

Across the same 12 months, Universal Pixels’ staff numbers are up by a third and more than £2m has gone into new kit, the biggest annual spend in UP history.

Founder/commercial director at Universal Pixels, Phil Mercer, comments: “It’s been an incredible year. Again. Teaming up with outstanding creatives, delivering, designin

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06 December 2024

USA - Christie is unveiling two new products at LDI: Spyder-S Series, with five variants for multi-screen windowing processing for live events, broadcast, and sports venues; and Mastering Gateway for seamless HD, 4K, and 8K video distribution over IP networks for post-production, live events, and broadcast.

Both products will be on display in the Christie booth, #1125 where attendees are invited to meet with the Christie Broadcast and Professional Video Group to learn more.

“We're excited to introduce Spyder-S Series and Mastering Gateway at LDI, raising the performance bar for multi-screen windowing systems, compositing, and the exchange of video, audio, and metadata over IP networks,” says Clark Williams, executive vice-president, Broadcast and Professional Video Group, Christie. “The unparalleled flexibility and scalability that these soluti

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05 December 2024

UK - Sunbelt Rentals UK & Ireland has announced the acquisition of the businesses JL Lighting Limited, JL Live Limited and Digiset Limited (together the JLL Group), specialists in technical broadcast and production solutions.

With the addition of the JLL Group, Sunbelt Rentals is broadening its capabilities to offer a wider range of equipment, specialist knowledge and solutions for the film and TV, broadcast and events industries.

Founded in 2009, the JLL Group is a UK-based production and equipment rental partner known for its expertise in delivering technical production across a variety of sectors, including corporate events, conferences, live events and film and TV productions.

Additionally, this acquisition will bring a team of technical production specialists into Sunbelt Rentals’ Film and TV division. They will be based out of the

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05 December 2024

Argentina - Zactrack has announced Stage Tech as its new distribution partner for Argentina and Uruguay.

Stephan Saremba, managing director of Zactrack International, comments: “We are thrilled to join forces with Stage Tech on the mission of bringing automated tracking technology to Argentina and Uruguay. We are looking forward to working with their dedicated and recently grown team, which will allow us to strengthen relationships with existing Zactrack users in the region as well as to expand into new markets.”

Antonio Agra, managing director of Stage Tech, adds: “We thank Zactrack for the trust placed in Stage Tech and the opportunity to be part of the company´s global network. With our industry experienced team, we’ll be allowed to collaborate and achieve excellent results in our professional markets with Zactrack automated follow system

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04 December 2024

UK/USA - Brompton Technology has announced Thor AV to its Panel Manufacturer Partner Programme as a blue partner. With over two decades of experience in the audiovisual industry and a history of delivering hundreds of successful installations across churches, concert venues, virtual production studios, and corporate lobbies in the US, Thor has built a strong reputation.

Thor now joins a network of partners, including ROE Visual, INFiLED, Absen, and Pixreal, as part of Brompton’s expanding Panel Manufacturer Partner Programme. Launched earlier this year, the initiative aims to strengthen collaboration with leading LED panel manufacturers. It recognises manufacturers who integrate Brompton’s Tessera LED processing into their standard product offerings, fostering closer partnerships while maintaining Brompton’s commitment to working with any manu

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04 December 2024

UAE - Audiovisual solutions provider mediaPro has expanded its INFiLED fleet, adding 2,000 sq.m of ARmk2 screens to its inventory, raising its stock from 150 sq.m of INFiLED DB1.5 M4 panels, acquired last year.

mediaPro has been delivering AV technology and solutions to the entertainment industry since 2004. Initially drawn to INFiLED for its vibrant and high-performance screens, the company has worked with the global manufacturer of high-end LED display solutions for two years.

“We first initiated a purchase of INFiLED’s 1.5mm panels, and then progressed to the purchase of a higher volume of the ARmk2 range,” states Neeraj Pola, video technical director at mediaPro. “The increased size of our order reflects our demand for higher-volume solutions.” He also highlights that this substantial purchase will support mediaPro’s continued work on

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04 December 2024

USA - Audinate Group has announced the availability of a significant update to Dante Controller. The application has long been a reliable tool for IT and AV managers to route signals, monitor latency and diagnose network issues, and this update provides a modern look to match the power of the underlying functionality.

Audinate integrated valuable feedback from the enthusiastic community of Dante users to create this update. The open and easy-to-use routing matrix and entirely new graphic design make it more pleasing for users who spend their valuable time with the application. Responses from early previews of the application show that these changes are overwhelmingly appreciated.

“This release addresses the most commonly requested feature of Dante Controller – that it can’t easily be used in a dimly lit room,” says Laurence Crew, senior produ

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03 December 2024

Middle East - Procom Middle East has been appointed exclusive Zactrack distribution partner in the GCC and Lebanon.

Stephan Saremba, managing director of Zactrack International comments: “We are excited about joining forces with Procom and we are looking forward to this partnership. Both companies have a clear focus on providing high-quality products, excellent customer service and solutions to address customer needs in the various markets we are active in.

“With the commitment and expertise of Procom we are aiming to strengthen relationships with existing Zactrack users as well as expand into new markets. We are thrilled to welcome Procom to the Zactrack family and jointly grow the Middle East market with Zactrack solutions.”

"We have seen the demand for tracking solutions precede the product offerings available, and we are happy to ma

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03 December 2024

Europe - After production rehearsals in Copenhagen’s Royal Arena, Kygo kicked off his current European tour with four dates in Denmark, Sweden and Norway before heading into central and southern Europe.

“We’ve just finished a run through his home market in Scandinavia and it pretty much sold out,” said production manager Joel Stanley. “Kygo has developed musically as a performer, though remained rooted in his own personality; he’s much the same person he was ten years ago. That's a strength.” That said, the tour is tinged with a certain sadness, as Stanley explains.

“Neg Earth is providing the lights, the production design is by Rob Sinclair with Lorcam Clarke running the show. Solotech is providing PA with Kygo’s long-time FOH engineer Eds John at the faders. For video providers Video Design it has proved a very poignant start. The

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03 December 2024

USA - Optic8 and Trilogy Studios have opened a virtual production facility in Dallas, Texas, powered by Brompton Technology’s Tessera SX40 LED processors and Absen’s high-performance LED screens.

This facility comprises three advanced production stages: a main cinematic volume designed for film and TV, a specialised car process stage, and a smaller stage tailored for commercials and music videos.

Optic8 and Trilogy Studios have been very pleased with the Brompton lineup. “We test and re-test so many products out there, and we bring those results to our clients,” says Dan Kretz, Optic8 founder. “Trilogy Studios was impressed with everything from the ease of use, the customisation capabilities and colour accuracy, to the ability to do Genlock and multi-camera virtual production shoots – Trilogy Studios was very excited to go with Brompton.

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28 November 2024

Europe - UB40 recently completed their eight-city UK leg of the Red Red Wine tour, which ended 23 November at Belfast’s SSE Arena. Lighting designer Martin Dudley, owner of Martin’s Lights, is bringing the band closer to the audience through some adroit fixture placement, and the inspired use of Chauvet Professional.

“The Strike 4s are on the front truss as good old-fashioned crowd blinders, and the Rogue R2X washes are in three sets of four fixtures on the floor, one set behind each band riser,” detailed Dudley. “As everyone knows, there’s a lot of crowd participation in a UB40 show, so the blinders help the audience become part of things, in addition to helping the band see who they are singing to.

“On this tour, the Rogue washes do a lot of traditional ACL-style looks from the floor. Of course, with the Rogues, we’re able

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27 November 2024

UK - RecodeXR provides turnkey services from its virtual production studio in Manchester. With over two decades of expertise, it creates world-class game engine and VFX-based content for clients like ITV, Sky, Netflix, Manchester City FC and various advertising agencies. Its advanced LED volume, powered by Brompton Technology LED processing, is what makes this possible.

RecodeXR was co-founded by technical director Gareth Turner and virtual production director Paul McHugh, who are passionate about producing high-fidelity visuals. “We can do anything from real-time content creation, a fully serviced virtual production shoot, through to world-class visual effects and post-production. Being a full-service virtual production facility means we can offer an efficient and agile, integrated service to suit our clients’ production requirements,” McHugh notes.

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27 November 2024

UK - INFiLED has announced the expansion of its UK and Ireland team with the appointment of a new vice-president of sales, Nick Shaw, and a sales manager Lee Holland. This growth is in line with INFiLED’s commitment to expand the UK and Ireland market and build its relationships with potential and existing clients and stakeholders.

Nick Shaw, the newly appointed vice-president of sales, brings a wealth of knowledge with his previously held senior roles in sales, business development and operational delivery at companies including Roe Visual, Samsung, NEC and Prysm.

“I was immediately attracted to INFiLED because of its business ethos, and the camaraderie I experienced throughout the interview process. It made the decision to run the UK business easy,” says Shaw. “Given my background in establishing and growing UK operations for similar compan

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26 November 2024

USA - LED Studio is set to unveil its latest outdoor rental display innovation, the Vista Series, at DSE 2024 in Las Vegas next month. Visitors to Booth 3135 will be among the first to explore Vista’s advanced features, including ultra-high refresh rates, ‘exceptional’ contrast, and a modular design that enables fast and flexible installation.

The Vista Series offers a variety of pixel pitch options, ranging from P0.9 to P2.5, ensuring tailored options for a diverse array of outdoor applications and viewing distances. With a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, 99.8% DCI-P3 colour gamut, and 4,000 nits brightness, the Vista Series ensures visuals are vibrant, true-to-life and impactful. Its high refresh rates of up to 7,680Hz deliver fluid and seamless visuals, ideal for dynamic content.

Built to last, the Vista Series boasts a 100,000-hour lifetime and IP