UK - Hippotizer has introduced HippoDoctor - a component which identifies and reports current and potential software issues and generates detailed logs resulting in much faster problem resolution and subsequent dissemination of known issues, says the company.

HippoDoctor is a stand-alone application which can be run outside Hippotizer and is also beneficial on the rare occasions that software issues prevent Hippotizer from running. The user can make changes to the configuration without running either the Hippotizer or ZooKeeper applications.

It is also able to troubleshoot common operating system, networking and even non Green Hippo related issues which are often time consuming and laborious for customers and Green Hippo staff alike when providing support.

Features include: full reporting of software and OS related issues; compilation of logs and compression into Zip format

UK - Ross Ashton's The Projection Studio has moved to a new purpose built office in Greenwich, East London.The office is adjacent to Greenwich mainline railway station and well placed for easy access to central London and London City Airport.

The new details are: The Projection Studio, 13 Tarves Way, Greenwich, London SE10 9JP; Tel: +44 (0) 20 8293 4270.

The new space features substantial office, administration and meeting facilities as well as an artwork production studio for both video and PIGI slide/film projections, together with a visualisation suite to demonstrate ideas and evolving projects to clients and other interested parties.

Steve Larkins continues to work alongside Ashton as graphics manager, and upcoming work includes the Edinburgh Tattoo and several high profile projects for various illuminated cities.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Isle of Wight-based Big Screen Media, specialists in indoor and outdoor large format LED and digital display solutions, were commissioned by luxury department store Harrods, to supply and install LED screens as part of the store's January to February window displays.

Big Screen Media specialise in providing effective digital display solutions by offering a wide range of high quality LED and digital signage displays and equipment to suit all applications. Recently, the company won a prestigious contract with Harrods of Knightsbridge to supply and install several large LED screens as part of the store's iconic window displays for January and February.

Sarah Southgate, Harrods head of window design, commented: "Harrods is at the forefront of luxury and innovation in window display and design. Our latest displays have incorporated advanced LED technology, and in doing th

USA - With vented side panels and a heavy duty caster base listed among standard items offered with every Installer's Choice ETN Series rack listed within the Liberty AV catalogue, the product group can be tailor-made to the different specifications of any application by selecting from a host of accessories designed to give better organization to AV components, says the company.

With static load ratings of 12,250 pounds, ETN racks are available in six different heights (18RU, 21RU, 27RU, 35RU, 40RU, and 44RU), depths of 20 and 25 inches, and a width of 22 inches.

A pair of ground studs are located within the caster base, all necessary mounting hardware is included, and two removable electrical plates reside in the back to accommodate electrical wiring.

A full line of accessories offered for use with the ETN Series includes top and side panels, front and rear doors, cooling f

Spain - El Hormiguero and Tonterías las justas, two of the leading programmes on Cuatro, the Spanish TV channel, produced by 7 y Acción, have installed Christie MicroTiles videowalls in their respective sets. Both of them are using 54 MicroTiles in a layout of 9x6, measuring 3.6 x 1.8m. The videowalls were installed by Videoreport, a company belonging to the audiovisual group Vértice 360, and a Christie partner in Spain.

El Hormiguero is a wacky TV chat show peppered with gags, interviews and goofy scientific experiments, presented by Pablo Motos assisted by puppets Trancas and Barrancas. Broadcast Monday to Friday, this primetime show has won many awards, including an Onda for the Best Entertainment Show. With around 260,000 followers, it is also the most popular TV programme on Tuenti, Spain's number one social network.

Meanwhile, Tonterías

UAE - Dubai-based Al Laith Event Services devised a lateral and highly inventive motion control solution for tracking two 30m sections of Lighthouse L7 LED screen across a distance of 140m for the Opening Ceremony of the 2011 IDEX (International Defence) Exhibition. The exhibition was at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), and Al Laith's client was the OC show producers, RedFilo Events from Abu Dhabi with its headquarters based in Singapore.

The challenge was that the tracking system had to be able to withstand 104km per hour down-currents from helicopters hovering just 40m above - not exactly an everyday requirement, and one that rendered most of the known entertainment automation systems inappropriate.

The 38 minute OC, staged right outside ADNEC, was an epic all-action show of spectacular proportions, conceived and directed by RedFilo's MD Pach Ang, assisted b

UK - The new PixelSmart from PixelRange has been snapped up for use on Saturday night prime time entertainment show and charity fundraiser, Let's Dance for Comic Relief - the show where famous faces perform some of the world's most well-known dance routines.

Lighting designer Steve Nolan and associate Tim Routledge had previously debuted the PixelSmart on the Royal Variety Performance. Nolan comments, "We loved them on Royal Variety and they're really good point sources because you can generate different shapes with them. It just gives you a little more versatility and movement in the background."

Routledge notes, "We're using them a lot more on this show than on RVP. They're in most of the show and they're great eye candy for us to give us some sparkle. As this is Comic Relief we've made them into rotating red noses, using red with the cold

South Africa - Gearhouse South Africa's Cape Town branch supplied specialist LED and AV display technology to four different installations at the Design Indaba 2011 exhibition, which was staged at the Cape Town international Convention Centre (CTICC) and included the Design Indaba Conference and Young Designers Simulcast.

Since 1995, the Design Indaba Conference has invited the world's top creative minds to address professionals from the creative, corporate and educational sectors.

The first installation was a striking countdown clock made out of Lighthouse L16 LED panels mounted in a custom frame, all supplied by Gearhouse together with the motor that flew it from the ceiling. It was positioned outside Auditorium 2 of the Conference. The client supplied a laptop and the relevant software to run on the display, and the clock ticked away continuously for the 72 hours of the con

USA - Intelix LLC, US manufacturer of audio/video equipment and software, has relocated to a larger, modern facility. Effective immediately, Intelix's new address is: 8001 Terrace Ave, Suite 201, Middleton, WI 53562.

"Our previous location stymied growth," says Maggie Ellison, Intelix human relations manager. "We continue to add staff and we anticipate growing our employee base by at least 15% in the next six months. Our new facility will allow for growth for years to come."

The new Intelix campus provides almost 300% more square footage than the previous location, including improved suites for sales, marketing, engineering, and applications. A larger manufacturing floor and warehouse will help Intelix supply their growth curve.

"Sales were up 41% in 2010," says Cameron Smith, national sales and marketing director at Intelix, "and we had a

UK - Videowall and large format display specialist PSCo has signed the deal with Panasonic to distribute its flagship 152" plasma, billed as the largest flat screen in the world.

The 152" Panasonic Plasma is a full HD display boasting 4K by 2K resolution and active 3D technology. First unveiled in 2010, the first screen to be available in the UK is ordered and will be delivered to PSCo in June.

Stuart Holmes, managing director or PSCo comments, "The 152" Plasma is at the forefront of display technology in terms of picture quality and 3D capability. PSCo will be working closely with Panasonic to provide the specialist transport, service and accessory packages to bring this product to market."

The 152" Plasma is currently available with either a bespoke pedestal stand or the 'Screenlifter' lifting device enabling the screen to be wheeled into posi

UK - XL Events supplied video and visual production - including camera and PPU system, projection, playback and crew - for The Big Bang, a 2500 seater live performance space run in the ICC at London's ExCel Centre alongside the UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair.

The raison d'Ωtre for the whole event was to encourage young people to engage with the invention, fun and vast potentials of science. The ICC element was production managed for M4 Entertainment by Nigel Mousley and project managed by XL's Bill Hughes.

Over the three days, hour-long special versions of two high profile different TV science shows were showcased in the ICC - Sky 1's Brainiac, and the BBC's Bang Goes The Theory each with two shows a day.

This was followed on the Friday evening by the national finals of the CREST Awards (managed by the British Science Association) and the Young Engi

UAE - Christie has announce its participation at PALME 2011 (Dubai International Exhibition Centre, Dubai - 26 - 28 April 2011), showcasing the latest products from across its diverse business groups, including dynamic signage, rental staging and control rooms amongst others.

Nitro Solutions, the new Christie motorised moving yokes range, will make its debut at PALME this year. The modular series can provide up to 20,000 ANSI lumens of video projection, creating high brightness imagery on any surface from anywhere. Christie Nitro Solutions now offer three motorised yoke options: a dual-arm yoke for larger video projectors ranging from 12,000 to 20,000 ANSI lumens, and a single-arm yoke for projectors ranging from 5,700 to 15,000 ANSI lumens.

The modular approach of Christie Nitro Solutions expands the effectiveness of the moving yoke platform by allowing the user to deploy the

UK - Visionpoint Technologies, the AV arm of Flipside Group, has installed two dnp new wide angle 100in high contrast screens at BSkyB's Sky flagship store, situated in London's Westfield Shopping Centre. These were supplied by the manufacturer's UK distributors, Paradigm Audio Visual.

Although the Centre only opened in 2008, Sky was aware that its digital signage hardware looked under-specified due to the high ambient light afforded by the Centre's glass roof. Sky were keen to remedy this so they could best showcase their high-definition television content. In addition, by the start of 2010 Sky were also ready to launch a permanent demonstration of their new 'Sky 3D' product ahead of the launch of their 3D channel in October 2010.

Visionpoint was commissioned to review all aspects of the hardware utilised on the stand and recommend latest technologies to maximise Sky's invest

UK - Following a sustained period of growth, as well as taking on new staff, DBpixelhouse, the creative arm of IT and AV rental company DB Systems, has moved into bigger offices.

DBpixelhouse was set up by DB Systems in 2009, to supply design agencies, exhibitors and event organisers with content, including software, animation, graphics and videos, which can be shown on a variety of display systems, from touch screens, LCD video walls, plasma screens, through to Apple iPads and laptops.

Alastair Reece, head of DBpixelhouse, said, "This is an exciting time for the business. We're taking on more and more work and have also have recently expanded our team so we needed a larger office that would cater to our demands in the short to medium term. It's also a much more creative space, so we look forward to yet more fresh, innovative ideas soon.

"DBpixelhouse is an importa

UAE - Display manufacturer Prysm will showcase its scalable and eco-friendly videowall product at PALME Middle East in Dubai this April.

Having recently announced that it is now shipping its production model of the TD1 tile, featuring Laser Phosphor Display technology worldwide, PALME visitors will have the chance to view Prysm's display technology.

At the core of the Prysm Laser Phosphor Display (LPD) platform is the TD1, a seamless 25" tile, which has now begun shipping worldwide. LPD uses solid-state lasers to deliver "brilliant image quality for even the fastest action video content", while using up to 75 percent less power than traditional backlit or projection technology-based products.

Since Prysm's display solution uses less power, generates less heat and has no consumables to monitor or replace, infrastructure costs related to space planning and air c

USA - Intelix has recently announced its new Intelitec training programme designed for AV industry professionals. Designed for specifiers, installers and resellers, Intelitec provides the fundamentals of AV technology and the best integration practices, says the company.

"Technology and applications are increasingly complex," says Brad Weisbrod, Intelix lead technical trainer. "Intelitec provides an excellent foundation on emerging technology and how to leverage it quickly, effectively, and profitably."

Each seminar is available online in webinar format or onsite upon request. Upon completion, Intelitec counts toward the industry's leading accreditation programmes.

Topics include: Distributed HDMI technology; Installing HDMI technology; Active audio-visual extension technology; Passive audio-visual extension technology; Designing for Digital Signage; Inst

Germany - At Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt, Midiator will present a preview of the upcoming V2.0 of the VisionOS, the core of the Vision Pro console. This new version will incorporate many new features developed in close collaboration with end-users and will be a major upgrade of the software as introduced at last year's PLASA show. The 2.0 features give users the option to create complex shows ranging from live 'busking' widget interfaces to a complete programmed timeline show, in which the focus remains on the Awarded gesture-based interface environment.

The preview of this new version will include a new unified cue engine where cues can consist of up to 1000 devices and their variables, a grab 'n store functionality whereby settings on external devices can be stored with the press of one button and a new state engine which give users full real-time feedback of activity of the c

UK - Jands has announced that its entire range of Vista consoles are now shipping with version 2 of the software. After three years of intense development, extensive testing and finally, use on several major shows and events by beta-testers worldwide - including the opening ceremony of Turku, Finland as joint European Capital of Culture in 2011; the Fifth Gear Live Action Arena at the Autosport International 2011 show in Birmingham, UK; and the BURDA event at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE - the software is now factory-standard with new Vista consoles and available as a free upgrade to existing users.

Jands recently demonstrated the Vista v2 (code named 'Byron') at the 2010 PLASA and LDI trade shows, generating a huge amount of interest in the new capabilities the software brings to the revolutionary Vista console.

The Vista v2 will receive its official launch

UK - The latest addition to the LSi Online website - home of PLASA Media's daily news service, LSi magazine archives and other resources - is the LSi Online Video Hub.

A database-driven resource for videos from across the industry, the LSi Video Hub aims to become a one-stop location for LSi Online's 20,000+ global audience to source and view industry-related video content. Visitors to the site can search by category, tag and keyword to refine their searches.

Beginning with almost 100 videos, the site will grow as more companies put their video content directly in front of LSi's regular online audience. With more than 20,000 regular users making an average of 240,000 page requests at LSi Online each month, and a wide-ranging global appeal, LSi Online is ideally placed to present video resources for product training, demo

USA - Liberty AV Solutions has named Tony Carr as its new Southwestern territory manager. An accomplished industry veteran who comes to the post from Samsung Electronics, Carr will assist in directing Liberty's sales efforts in Southern California, Arizona, Southern Nevada, and Hawaii.

Reporting directly to Liberty's director of Western regional sales David Ellis, Carr will work hand-in-hand with the company's independent manufacturer's reps to serve customers throughout his territory. As the latest addition to an overall sales force reorganization that began last year, he will be supported by a team of inside sales associates that brings an even broader base of specialized knowledge and resources to those in the field.

"Customers have an inherent right to expect high levels of service," Carr states. "To that end, it's great to be a part of the Liberty sales tea

UK - Modern-day AV support combines with 10 centuries of history in new galleries at the Museum of the Order of St. John, where AV hardware installed by Electrosonic helps visitors interpret exhibits and learn about the Order's story.

The London-based museum is located in the circa 1500 St. John Gate entrance of the English headquarters of the crusading Knights Hospitallers. It traces the Order's origin in 11th century Jerusalem and its rich history interwoven with such figures as Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Suleiman the Magnificent, William Shakespeare, William Hogarth and Dr. Samuel Johnson. The museum also brings visitors up to date with the Order's two leading charities: St. John Ambulance and the St. John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem.

A recent £3.7m redevelopment showcases the museum's rich and diverse collections of paintings, furniture, silver, metalwork and armour, cer

USA - The Christie L2K1000 and L2K1500 digital projectors were introduced at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in Las Vegas. The Christie L2K1000 targets users demanding HD and HD+ resolution for medium to large venues including government facilities, houses of worship, and higher education multi-purpose rooms and auditoriums, while the Christie L2K1500 addresses rental stagers requiring 15,000 ANSI lumens and HD+ resolution with an affordable price. Both projectors are engineered with Christie 4DColor technology.

"The Christie L2K1000 provides full HD and HD+ resolution; perfect for HD content such as high resolution CAD files, while HD+ resolution and picture-by-picture provides brilliant images and true collaboration in widescreen videoconferencing," said Frank Anzures, business products product manager, Christie. "This is crucial because cust

Europe - Recovering from the recession in 2008/9 to achieve its best ever performance in 2010, Creative Technology has invested heavily in both people and equipment and re-established its position as the premier high end AV specialist in the UK and Europe, says the company.

In response to changing market requirements in their core AV business in the Netherlands, CT's sister company, JVR recently announced a significant restructuring resulting in the formation of new trading division, CT Holland.

Based in Roosendaal, CT Holland is supported by Creative Technology's operations in London and Germany and is led by Jeroen Jongenelen heading a core team comprising Jeroen Boere, Willem Battes and Marion Cormaux.

JVR will continue to service the full service corporate and broadcast markets from Roosendaal and the two businesses will proceed to support and assist one another.

The i

UK - Saville Audio Visual provided the staging, production and AV facilities for the inaugural Masquerade Ball, a spectacular charity event in aid of the KiDs of Bolton.

The charity was set up by Premiership footballer Kevin Davies, team captain of Bolton Wanderers, aimed at youngsters under the age of 18 living in and around the Bolton area. His wish is to help local children develop skills, confidence, self-esteem and discipline by creating opportunities that otherwise would not be available to them.

This was their first major fundraising event since gaining Charity status only weeks beforehand and was staged in the Premier Suite of De Vere Venues Whites hotel at the Reebok Stadium. The charity and the event is backed by some very prominent Boltonians, some of whom were lending their talents on the night. The evening was headlined by McFly and supported by Britain'

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