Germany - Market-leading Finnish media playback experts, Picturall Ltd., are gearing up for a busy Prolight+Sound 2016 in April. The company will be presenting a range of media servers including their flagship Octo server as well as the all-new Duo media server. In addition to their own displays, visitors can also witness Picturall products in action on the Panasonic stand where the Japanese electronics giant has elected to use a Picturall Octo server to run a number of screens.

First launched in 2009, Octo was the first media server in the world to have eight physical dual link DVI outputs, ten optional Full HD inputs and to fully control sixteen Full HD displays. Still going strong at the heart of the Picturall range, the latest incarnation of Octo - as shown at ISE - raises the bar still higher with up to sixteen physical outputs (DP 1.2/HDMI/Dual DVI) and the ability to pl

Saudi Arabia - Held recently in the Saudi Arabian coastal city of Jeddah, the International Book Fair attracted more than 440 international publishers from 25 countries. This significant cultural event saw thousands of visitors attend lectures, seminars, story-telling and poetry sessions, as well as sample new work by young writers over its ten day run.

The event was opened by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal of the Saudi Royal family; greeting the prince for this occasion, and to run throughout the show, was a spectacular projection mapping installation which lit up the entire front of the tented pavilion with calligraphy using Christie Roadie HD+35K and Roadie HD20K projectors.

Measuring 165m wide by 11.5m tall, the installation was the work of BrightStar Events a local event engineering and management company. BrightStar was approached by ACE Creative, the organiser of the show,

Germany - Avolites will be on Booth E80, Hall 3 Level 0, at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt from 5-8 April to exhibit its 'supercharged' Ai R Series of media servers and officially launch the new feature-rich Titan V10 and Ai V9 software.

The much anticipated Titan V10 OS features a wealth of new features. One of the most striking additions is the full 3D visualiser powered by the Capture engine, which allows the user to create and edit shows right inside the Titan interface and lay out fixtures in the space using the console's encoder wheels. V10 also allows the user to view intensity values in one place via the Intensity Grid. This clearly shows levels, source of information, whether increasing or decreasing and tracking information.

Ai V9 features an all-new Audio Engine, a Dynamic Content Page, a new User Interface, and 58 new and updated effects.

The Ai R Series, wh

USA - LED video technology manufacturer PixelFLEX has introduced the FLEXLite NXG, the next generation of their already successful FLEXLite product line. With improved pitch resolution options, higher refresh rates and a new die-cast frame, the FLEXLite NXG now provides designers with even more freedom to push the creativity of their video designs using the multi award-winning PixelFLEX, says the company.

"From the time we first introduced the FLEXLite product line, it has excelled as one of our most successful LED video solutions," said David Venus, PixelFLEX director of marketing. "When we saw that there were opportunities to make the product even stronger, we were excited to continue the evolution of the line into FLEXLite NXG."

With one of the highest resolution displays on the market, the FLEXLite NXG is now available in two sizes (500mm x 500mm and 1000mm x 500mm) to

Germany - The European management team at Creative Technology has been reinforced with the appointment of Dieter E. Gross (MBA) as Business Development Director. He will take on the responsibility for business development and sales for Creative Technology's German operation.

Gross has had many successful years and experience in the industry, most recently as managing director of Gahrens+Battermann (Media Event Solutions) in Bergisch Gladbach. He previously held the position of managing director of the Berlin broadcast and concert production company EuroArts, and prior to that was head of media entertainment agency, E-Media in Berlin, part of the Docdata Group.

Gross comments, "Creative Technology, is a provider of sophisticated and creative technological solutions and works in an industry which is characterised by dynamic, rapid and constant change, and of course, fierce c

UK - At an exclusive screening at London's independent Genesis Cinema in Mile End, Philips Lighting brought one of the world's hottest bands to the silver screen as never seen before.

Philips Lighting, a Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX, PHIA) company and global leader in lighting, hosted the immersive concert event with an exclusive screening of the critically acclaimed Imagine Dragons: Smoke + Mirrors Live concert powered by Philips LightVibes.

Philips LightVibes creates a unique experience for fans in cinemas by adding dynamic, lighting effects and video imagery synced to the on-screen action.

The Imagine Dragons: Smoke + Mirrors Tour features a striking light show. The creative director behind the tour, Moment Factory, supported Philips to create the light show for this exclusive event from the original live performance.

At the screening Philips LightVibes LED med

UK - Calibre's first ever-combined video & audio 4K scaler-switchers are in the form of four new models: HQView620A, HQView625A, HQView630A and HQView670A.

Enabling access to a greater range of applications which can benefit from Calibre HQUltra 4K technology, the new models are designed to reduce the level of equipment in installations, the multi-function units being suitable for lecture theatres, boardrooms, meeting rooms, house of worship and more.

HQUltra uses Calibre's in house developed video processing algorithms to deliver best in class solutions providing a seamless interface between the worlds of HD and 4K. Calibre HQUltraFast is the world's fastest input switching technology that changes inputs in typically 0.25 seconds, or a quarter of a second.

"This new product type brings Calibre technology to the mainstream audio visual market. It includes analogue and

USA - Tim Ottley, lighting director for Asbury United Methodist Church, Tulsa, is a great advocate of ArKaos MediaMaster PRO which he uses on an ArKaos PRO Stadium Server to create his stunning environment projection mapping within the interior of the church.

Following on from the success of the Easter presentation last year, Ottley is already planning more superb visuals to enhance the upcoming Easter celebrations.

"Environmental projection in church is such a leap forward from the more usual form of presentations on a screen or series of screens," says Ottley. "Before we started using projection mapping, we used a centre screen and two white curtains either side to show our visuals, but this looked boxy and square, and gave the congregation a passive experience, rather like watching television.

"But church is not a passive environment. It is a gathering place which b

UK - BroaMan has announced a new version of its Route66 video router, now offering AutoRouter and smart fibre patch bay. This additional functionality is powered by sister brand Optocore, making it suitable not only for Installation (where there are multiple connection points, including mobile devices) but equally for live events or broadcast.

The AutoRouter is compatible with Optocore and DiGiCo fibre loops, creating a redundant 'star' out of the advanced ring topology.

It was developed based on customer's needs, especially in the installation market, where mixed ring/star or star topology is more desirable due to a star based fibre cable layout.

The Route66 AutoRouter automatically finds mobile and remote devices and closes the Optocore loop even when unconnected wall boxes are found. It always switches the links automatically to establish redundancy. New I/O units o

UK - Following a long break from the live scene, The Corrs returned to touring in the UK with arena dates in January 2016. The tour supported the release of their latest album, White Light.

For the tour, Henry McGroggan and Ian Calder contacted PRG XL Video to supply lighting and video, having worked with both teams separately in the past. Both worked with the band's new lighting and video designer, Steven Douglas, to satisfy his design brief.

Steven's design was a multi-layer design which featured a shimmering semi-opaque metallic drape forming the backdrop to an array of Orbis-Fly LED spheres. These were used to great effect throughout the show - starting from a flown position above the stage, and then lowering to create a variety of multi-coloured effects including wave patterns.

"The brief from management was very simple, 'clean and theatrical'," said Steven

USA - Barco, the official projection provider for the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, brings to life several key virtual reality and art installations at the New Frontier exhibition with its large venue projectors and presentation switchers. The world's largest independent film festival also uses Barco digital cinema projectors in all 23 of its movie theatre venues for official screenings.

For more than 30 years, Sundance Institute and its Sundance Film Festival (SFF) have served as a springboard for independent filmmakers. Its New Frontier exhibition showcases innovative installations that explore the expansion of cinema culture and new forms of storytelling in today's rapidly changing media landscape. At this year's Festival, New Frontier delivers an engaging exploration of the intersection of art, film and multimedia technology, relying on Barco projectors and image processing

Belgium - Painting with Light's Luc Peumans energised a creative team to deliver video content for a striking 3D digital set and lighting design for the highly acclaimed Judas TheaterProducties staging of Helene Fourment, a new musical centred around Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens' young muse, which played at the Fakkeltheater, Antwerp, proving a big hit with both critics and the public.

Luc had previously worked with director Martin Michel, and was delighted to collaborate with Judas TheaterProducties whose award-winning work is recognised for its innovation and original style. Painting with Light's Michael Al Far created the video content and Jeroen Opsteyn was associate lighting designer and also programmed the lighting with Luc. All worked very closely with set designer Arno Bremers.

The production had already decided they wanted digital scenery, so needed th

Germany - Creative Technology (CT) has appointed Michael Grabinski as new business development manager for broadcast, event, sport and live entertainment. Grabinski will take responsibility for CT's new office in Berlin-Brandenburg which is located on the Filmpark Babelsberg site in the Babelsberg FX Centre.

Grabinski has had many successful years and experience in the media industry, most recently as business development manager of media event solution provider Gahrens+Battermann in Berlin.

He comments: "I am glad to contribute to the success of Creative Technology and to establish a new local office in Berlin-Brandenburg. I am convinced that CT can continue to expand the company's activities and that we can develop new regional markets with a strong local and personal presence. For Berlin this is especially important as more and more international clients choose Berlin a

Europe - Green Hippo is an official technical event supplier for the 61st Eurovision Song Contest. The 2016 Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Stockholm, Sweden, on 10, 12 and 14 May, 2016.

Green Hippo will be supplying 11, V4 Boreal and 4, V4 Karst Media Servers (including back-ups) for the set. Previous Eurovision song contests in Finland and Sweden have been run by Hippotizer V3 media servers.

In addition to supplying the equipment as an official technical event supplier, Green Hippo will be presenting its servers at the ESC cafe during LLB Trade Show which takes place alongside the show and gives an opportunity to meet potential clients not just from Sweden but around the world. Swedish distributor SSR Beacon will also have a stand and represent Hippotizer products at LLB.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Continuing a long-running relationship with Waltham Services, producer for Autosport International's Live Action Arena, PRG XL Video has supplied a state-of-the-art high brightness projection solution for the 2016 show, held at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre.

Autosport International is a globally renowned trade show, exhibition and performance car show created and managed by Haymarket Exhibitions at the NEC every January.

Alongside appearances by current and former drivers and teams from a variety of motor racing series, one hall of the NEC holds the Live Action Arena, where members of the public can see an array of current and classic racing cars put through their paces by a team of expert drivers.

For more than five years, PRG XL Video has worked with Malcolm Forbes of Waltham Services to provide projection in the Live Action Arena. For the 2016 show, t

UK - London and Dubai-based Maestra Group has announced five key staff appointments at the London office, which was launched in January and is headed by Justin Hammond. This follows a strong start to business by the new UK operation and a major new investment in audio and video technology.

"Equally important to investing in the right kit", comments Justin, "Is getting the right people on-board with the attitude and aspirations needed to run a busy, lively and creative environment dedicated to pushing the envelope in all aspects of live event production."

Emma Perrin is appointed general manager. Her role at Maestra London includes overseeing the busy day-to-day operations of the office and warehouse facility at Royal Arsenal in east London, supporting staff and clients, co-ordinating marketing and promotion and ensuring the company is running harmoniously and efficiently.<

Germany - Visitors to the Christie booth at the Prolight+Sound show in Frankfurt will experience several new solutions for entertainment, integrated systems and content creation from the leader in visual display technology.

Christie continues to supply long-lasting projectors with its HS Series, which tests at 12,500 centre lumens. The 1DLP Christie HS Series - which will be prominently displayed at the booth - is compact and delivers a wide selection of features and connectivity. In Frankfurt, visitors will see the rich and vivid colours generated by a 3x faster colour wheel and the integrated BoldColor Technology that enables the HS Series to produce excellent colours with exceptional reproduction.

Christie is also demonstrating the versatility of the multi award-winning and multi-directional Boxer. The expanded family now includes the new Boxer 2K20, 2K25, and 2K30 all

Benelux - Arkaos PRO has appointed Controllux BV as its new, exclusive distributor for the Benelux countries. The agreement, reached in February 2016, gives Controllux exclusive distribution of the full ArKaos PRO portfolio of professional media servers and software across the Netherlands and Belgium.

Controllux is a leading distributor of professional lighting equipment and handles a large range of well-regarded industry brands from its offices in the Netherlands and Belgium. The company will be responsible for promoting the ArKaos brand across its wide remit of theatre, broadcast, film, entertainment and architectural markets.

"The Controllux portfolio, with all its brands and its disciplines, is a perfect match for the ArKaos PRO products," says Bram de Clerck of Controllux BVBA. "Our team and myself are looking forward to this new challenge and aim to become an interes

Germany - Panasonic will recreate the world's largest-ever projected image at the forthcoming Prolight+Sound 2016 exhibition in Frankfurt.

The highlight of the Panasonic stand will be a reproduction of the Circle of Light festival projection where over 100 Panasonic PT-DZ21K2 projectors created a 19,099m2 image on to a group of Ministry of Defense buildings on the Fruzenskaya Embankment in Moscow.

Hartmut Kulessa, European projector marketing manager at Panasonic, said, "The projection at the Circle of Light festival is a great example of the type of spectacular shows 3D mapping can help create. We look forward to replicating this at Prolight + Sound."

Also being showcased at the exhibition will be the recently launched PT-RZ970 series, the industry's lightest and most compact 1-chip DLPTM 10,000 lumens laser projectors. The three-model series (WUXGA, WXGA, XGA) builds

Germany - ArKaos PRO and High End Systems have announced a new software collaboration which delivers simple, seamless, fast integration of video and lighting control. The two companies have worked in close cooperation to create a new Auto Patch feature which enables any Hog lighting console to take control of an Arkaos media server, quickly and easily, at the press of a single button.

The new Auto Patch feature allows any Hog lighting console to automatically detect and configure itself to any ArKaos media server and its MediaMaster software, so the lighting designer/programmer can patch the media server with just a simple button-press. This means lighting designers can skip the time-consuming configuration of DMX channels and universes, and focus instantly on the creative part of their job.

"High End Systems is the first console manufacturer to forge such an association w

USA - Establishing an identity with young worshippers is essential to the success of church youth conferences. While many conferences rely on colourful on site banners to accomplish this goal, Love Is Red has taken this concept a step further, putting its logo in pixel mapped lights, using the Nexus 4x4 from Chauvet Professional.

The largest Christian youth conference in the Midwest, Love is Red draws thousands of 17- to 29-year-olds from throughout the Great Lakes region for three days of worship, learning sessions, and music from noted Christian bands such as Elevation Worship, which recently reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts with Here As In Heaven. Contributing to the experience at the conference is an engaging lightshow that is anchored by an impressive centre stage logo display created with Nexus 4 x 4 LED panels from Chauvet Professional.

"We wanted a dyna

USA - As many fans are getting their first look at one of country music's hottest performers, Cole Swindell is quickly winning over crowds nationwide on his first headlining tour. The production team needed to create an impactful tour design that would best accentuate the experience of the music. Wanting an expansive gear list that also included HD LED video, the production turned to Nashville-based Elite Multimedia who provided quality lighting and video solutions, along with a custom set cart design as well, all fitting in a single truck for travel.

"On this tour, it really all starts with the music and the artist behind it," began production manager James 'Mo' Butts. "As a passionate songwriter, Cole is also a high-energy performer so we wanted to incorporate quality HD video into the tour design to heighten the experience for this headlining tour. When looking for a tour p

UK - Following on from last year's highly acclaimed event, Letters Live returned to the Freemason's Hall in Central London in mid-March for its second run of shows.

Letters Live celebrates the art of letter-writing, and features a variety of well-known actors, personalities and performers, reading interesting and significant correspondence, both modern, and from history.

This year's shows supported a number of literacy charities and organisations including First Story, as well as providing some much needed profile for Help Refugees UK, which supports people fleeing from conflict in their home countries.

For the show production, PRG XL Video worked with production consultancy NP+Co, and their creative director Nigel Peters, and production manager Kahren Williams, to supply high brightness video projection inside the historic Freemason's Hall.

The intri

UK - PRG XL Video has announced the addition of Emily Gibson as an account manager in its corporate events team.

Emily joins the company from Production Artworks where she has worked since 2011, and brings five years' experience in the field of creative video services to PRG XL Video, having worked in the sector since her graduation from Loughborough University.

During her time at Production Artworks, Emily specialised in creative applications of projection, including projection mapping and bespoke installations for conferences, exhibitions, award ceremonies, and experiential events. She now brings this expertise to PRG XL Video.

"I'm delighted Emily has agreed to join the team," said Guy Vellacott, director corporate group, PRG XL Video. "Emily's knowledge of the creative video market will be a great asset to the team, and help to expand our expertise in experiential

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