South Africa - Rental and production specialist Sound Stylists opened their Durban branch in 2010 to service the growing events, music and entertainment markets in the busy, buzzing cosmopolitan KwaZulu Natal port city, and it's expanded from a satellite operation for the Johannesburg HQ with two staff to a major branch with 11 full time employees, working across all industry sectors.

MD Kevin Glover's intention has been to proactively grow the company's work portfolio on all fronts, providing innovative and imaginative audio, lighting, and staging and AV solutions.

A steady investment in Robe moving lights has featured in the success of the Durban facility as the lighting division has increased its capacity and pushed the proverbial envelope of excellence.

Initially, Durba

UK - Triple E's universal building system, ModTruss, has provided a strong and versatile solution to fly a powerfully bright 18kW Arrimax HMI head in an arc over the stage for the world premiere performances of Morgen und Abend at London's Royal Opera House.

The production team approached Hertfordshire-based 'theatre magicians' Lamp & Pencil to devise a solution for flying the Arrimax HMI head in a moving yoke across the stage to represent the path of the sun.

The vertical movement of the lamp is achieved with the existing flying system at the venues. The horizontal movement is realised with tracks on a frame with a carriage driven by existing point hoists.

The ModTruss sections were combined with Triple E's Unibeam, carriers and other standard components and required very little custom metalwork. Triple E managed the project, designed and built the mechanical elem

The Netherlands - A Meyer Sound team of acousticians will demonstrate the flexibility of the Constellation acoustic system at this year's ISE in Amsterdam. Integrators and design consultants seeking solutions for corporate offices and meeting rooms, university classrooms, and restaurants can demo the product every 30 minutes while asking questions of Meyer Sound's expert staff.

"The acoustics of a space define the critical baseline for sound in any AV installation," says John McMahon, Meyer Sound's vice-president of solutions and strategy. "With Constellation and complementary passive acoustical treatment, the design consultant and systems integrator can precisely define the acoustical character of a space to fully optimize the effect of music performance or voice communication. In addition, Constellation often reduces or even eliminates the need for direct ampli

featured content

ETC Ministar

ETC introduces the High End Systems Ministar, a game-changer in our automated lighting product line. Ministar brings exceptional versatility and performance at an affordable price point; with a compact footprint, punchy output, and a professional feature set, Ministar fits the spec and budget for small to medium-sized venues.

UK - Christie has scored another technical knockout with the introduction of three new Boxer models featuring 2K resolution, 20,000, 25,000 and 30,000 centrelumens.

Now available in multiple software performance configurations, the Christie Boxer Series offers choices based on resolution, brightness and budget requirements. With an upgrade path to higher brightness, resolution and performance capabilities, users pay only for what they need today, with an eye to the future.

"When Christie introduced the first Boxer projector we knew we had created a champion. Engineered, designed and built from the ground-up in our world-class research and development facility, the Christie Boxer is the culmination of years of experience working closely with leading rental stagers and AV professionals to understand their specific needs and expectations," said Mike Garrido, senior pr

The Netherlands - Austrian engineering company, AV Stumpfl will return to ISE 2016 to launch an 8K version of Wings Engine Raw.

The upgraded ultra-high-performance super media server now delivers four streams of full 4K uncompressed content at 60hz plus media overlays, text generation and show control on top. It is designed for media-based installations requiring high-resolution content such as themed attractions, cinematic presentation, theatres, live events, or even planetariums.

Users can utilise a single Wings Engine Raw server to manage content over a virtually unlimited amount of LED screens or to drive a 4 by 4K projection system with soft edge blending, mapping and geometry correction. Alternatively, Wings Engine Raw can be used to blend or overlay multiple parallel HD, 4K, 5K or even 6K streams in real-time. Show start and control is frame accurate and without any d

The Netherlands - At ISE 2016, Hitachi Digital Media Group will showcase an expanded range of high-end installation projection solutions. With large, curved bright projections highlighting the versatility and power of Hitachi's professional offerings, the stand will be the first opportunity in Europe for visitors to see several new products.

Hitachi will show their new LED Phosphor projector family in Europe for the first time. The brand new models on display, LP-WU3500 & LP-WX3500, feature new light source products and will be available from July 2016. This new LED platform features an Ultra Solid engine with High Lumen Density technology targeting 3,500lm and superior Colour Space. Another key benefit is true 20,000 hours System Life, virtually eliminating maintenance as the LED Light Source will never need to be replaced during the projector's lifecycle.

This New LED Phos

USA - Elation Professional has announced the launch of the new ACL 360i, a powerful single-beam moving effect luminaire with the intensity of a tight ACL beam that is designed for quick-moving beam looks, pinspotting, or stunning large motion effects when used in larger configurations. It is the latest and the smallest high-output luminaire in Elation's ACL Series of narrow-beam LED effect lights.

A single 60W RGBW LED combines with an advanced collimator optic lens to produce a dense and uniform 4° colour-changing beam. Frost lens options of 10 and 45 degrees (included) can be employed to soften and spread the beam for colour washing applications.

The ACL 360i is controllable via 3 DMX modes (16/18/20 channels) and the unit is also RDM (Remote Device Management), KlingNet or Art-Net controllable. It comes with a host of standard features like 5-pin DMX In/Out connection

featured content

Strictly FX Highlights

Strictly FX was founded in 1996 by industry veterans Mark Grega and Ted Maccabee. Our expertise and knowledge of the world’s leading pyrotechnic, laser, and flame manufacturers allows us to curate astonishing live events. With over 500+ shows performed a year, there’s good chance you’ve seen some of our work!

The Netherlands - Showlogix, a developer of show and media control software, will be introducing their version 2 which offers a real-time 3D rendering engine, along with a tool to project on complex objects.

Content creation can be entirely separated from the positions of the projectors. Showlogix can use content rendered as unwrapped UV-texture of the 3D model, or also accept any 2D video, images, external inputs or text which will appear non-distorted, using projective texture mapping.

By dragging the projector point, the outputs are calibrated in real-time. Edge-blend masks are automatically calculated.

Optionally, warping and masking can be done manually on each projector to compensate for any model problems.

Interactivity can be added to the 3D projected object by using the built-in tracking module. You can use cameras to detect motion for visualizing mouse & mult

Czech Republic - Robe officially launches its newest and brightest BMFL series luminaire to date - the BMFL WashBeam - today, Wednesday 27 January.

An online launch platform was chosen to reach a global audience of busy industry professionals - empowering them to participate in the experience and excitement via computers and smart-devices wherever they are and whatever they are doing.

Robe's worldwide distribution network can be contacted to arrange full physical demonstrations of the BMFL WashBeam, and the fixture will be showcased at the upcoming Prolight+Sound expo in Frankfurt in April and future trade shows and exhibitions.

Delivering 300,000 Lux at 5m - BMFL WashBeam is the brightest BMFL range fixture to date.

The BMFL WashBeam joins the BMFL Spot and BMFL Blade and BMFL Wash, ensuring that Robe offers the most comprehensive range of high powered, fully optimise

UK - Tape London, situated just off Regent Street in London's Hanover Square, describes itself as, "an exclusive nightclub offering an elegant party experience for an elite, global crowd, attracting influential members of the music industry and music fans alike."

The venue, which opened in Autumn 2015, is a nightclub, recording studio and members lounge that aims to become the "home" of London's music industry. The nightclub offers an elegant and exclusive party experience, with sets from internationally renowned DJs attracting members of the music industry and music lovers. It is a unique, fresh and exciting new concept inspired by Grammy award winning producer Dallas Austin. The 250-capacity nightclub also has a full-sized stage for live performances.

The design brief for SSE Audio Group was to install a high quality audio system throughout the main bar

UK - Unusual Rigging has been highly commended for its efforts in implementing a circular economy in The Circulars 2016 Awards. The Circulars, the world's premier circular economy award programme, offers recognition to individuals and organisations across the world that have made a notable contribution to driving circular economy principles - where growth doesn't depend on the use of scarce natural resources. Unusual Rigging has been shortlisted from thousands of entries to receive the commendation in the 'Ecolab Award for Circular Economy Enterprise'.

Tom Harper, who heads the drive towards a circular economy at Unusual, said: "This is a huge deal for us as we are in our first year of implementing these changes to our business. The past twelve months have seen us become 55% renewably driven, having just received OFGEM status as a generating site for 100% renewable electri

Poland - Nearly 150 Philips Vari-Lite professional luminaires, including one of the latest additions to the product line the VL4000 Spot, have been installed into Torun's brand new multi-functional hub the Jordanki Culture and Congress Centre (or CKK Jordanki).

The 22,000-m2 building, designed by world-renowned Spanish architect Fernando Menis, is the culmination of an intense two-year building project that completed in December 2015. The venue is located in the city's Old Town and boasts a unique aesthetic with cutting-edge technical features.

Hired by Wroclaw-based construction company Intersystem, Philips Entertainment distributor for Poland PS TTeatr supplied and installed 144 Philips Vari-Lite moving heads into the venue's 880-seat concert hall and 300-seat chamber hall. Further Philips Entertainment lighting brands were also installed by PS Teatr, including 32 Philips

UK - With an increase of 26% of floorspace, the second edition of PLASA Focus Glasgow has been hailed a success with 50% more brands showcasing the latest in live entertainment technology and attendees increased by 32% since the inaugural show in 2014.

Cementing itself as the industry's essential meeting place for the region, the show - which opened its doors at the SECC from 20-21 January - offered live product demonstrations, two days of high quality seminar sessions and over 75 brands in an environment ideal for networking and generating business face-to-face. Attracting visitors with a combined spending power of £130m, the development of the show reflects the continued expansion of the industry in the region.

David Steedsy Stevenson from Ward Steedsy Audio, distributor of Funktion-One in Scotland comments: "It's the first time we've had a trade stand at a PLAS

USA - Shure Incorporated announced yesterday with great sadness the passing of their chairman, Rose L. Shure. Mrs. Shure passed away peacefully at her home.

A company statement said, "For more than 60 years, Mrs. Shure has served as an inspiration to all Shure Associates, past and present. She was a role model for Shure's Core Values and basic principles, created by her husband and company founder, Sidney N. Shure, that have guided the company.

"The welfare of Shure and its associates was her highest priority. Business integrity, respect, and fair treatment for all were her motivators. She provided a work environment that inspired creativity, fostered pride in making products of the highest quality, and encouraged all Shure associates to reach their personal potential."

Sandy LaMantia, Shure's Chief Executive Officer stated, "We have had the privilege

UK - CPL provided lighting and video equipment for the TEDxBristol event, UK, one of the ongoing series of locally organised TEDx (Technology, Entertainment Design) global conferences underpinned by the not-for-profit Sapling Foundation. The "ideas worth spreading" programme has an emphasis on technology, design and various other scientific, cultural and academic topics, and is designed to inspire and encourage action and initiative.

TEDxBristol's thought-provoking and fun-filled day of action, motivational speeches and presentations was themed Great Expectations and staged in Colston Hall, pulling a completely sold-out live audience of 1,800 and reaching an impressive estimated 2.7m following online on the day. One of the objectives was to highlight the optimism, energy and can-do approach that are native to the vibrant city of Bristol.

Production manager N

UK - Behind the Scenes UK Golf Day will take place on 13 April at The Drift Golf Course in West Horsley, Surrey. This extremely popular event to raise funds for the charity is almost sold out so register your team now and don't miss out. Teams already signed up include Autograph, Crewsaders, Creative Technology, Delta Sound, Media Lease, Meyer Sound, Shure, Stage Technologies/Tait, White Light, and Wonder Works.

"We have a fantastic day planned based around a very competitive 18-hole team game. Bring your best shots for a day of fun, food, networking, competition and fund raising for the industry's charity. Once the golf is done, we roll into evening with a BBQ, raffles, prizes and the chance to catch up with friends and colleagues. Set in the beautiful surroundings of The Drift Golf Club, this is the only BTS golf day for 2016 so make sure you are registered with your tea

USA - West Palm Beach, Florida's Family Church Downtown, formerly known as First Baptist Church, has replaced its aging centre cluster PA with an L-Acoustics line array system. The new rig comprises a total of 20 Kara(i) enclosures, flown left and right, complemented by three flown SB18 single-18-inch subwoofers per side, with four SB28 dual-18-inch subs positioned below the stage.

According to Allen Peerson, president of Jupiter, Florida-based Peerson Audio, Inc., which supplied and installed the L-Acoustics system, "I think my father did the original system, a single Altec Lansing multi-cell, when they built the church, and we put in the center cluster system over 20 years ago, so it was certainly time for an update.

"The new system uses flown subs, as well as subs underneath the stage, so they have really good low end throughout the building, even the upper balc

Denmark - Combining impressive image quality with easy installation and very attractive economics, the new 100" dnp LaserPanel has made its world debut at the Indoor Soccer Centre (ISCG) in Groningen, in the North of Holland.

The Centre wanted to display live events in its sports café, with the aim of enriching the customer experience and extending the dwell time for visitors. The project's challenges included constant bright artificial lighting, long periods of operation every day and, not least, the need to contribute to a profitable business model.

Consultant John Goedegebuure from JG Enterprises was brought in, and the result was a very productive link-up between ISCG, dnp Partner xScreen Interactive and digital advertising company, CS Digital Media. This led to the world's first dnp LaserPanel solution being installed in a public venue.

Initially, four 50

Denmark - Analog Way has announced a new partnership with Imago Sonas, an AV distributor specialist in Denmark. The company is now distributing Analog Way's solutions to system integrators in Denmark.

Imago Sonas is a leading supplier of audio visual solutions for AV integrators in Denmark. Effective now, Imago Sonas will be in charge of the distribution of Analog Way products for system integration companies in Denmark. The company will specifically distribute Analog Way's LiveCore series, a full range of scalable mixers and seamless switchers for premium integrations.

John De Cet, EMEA sales director at Analog Way comments, "Analog Way has been involved in major Integration projects in Denmark recently. Thanks to our partnership with Imago Sonas, we are looking forward to expanding our presence in Denmark as well as offering more support to our Danish customers."

UK - In November, The Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden staged Morgen und Abend (Morning and Evening), a new commission from Georg Friedrich Haas. Lighting director Giuseppe Di Iorio wanted a large, high output Fresnel fixture to represent the Sun, so he turned to Stage Electrics for help.

Based on a novel by Jon Fosse, the opera tells the story of Johannes, a fisherman who finds himself in conversation with long-dead loved ones, eventually understanding that he is also dead. Co-produced with Deutsche Oper Berlin, the show's design replicated the almost dreamlike images in Johannes' mind. So bringing the harshness of bright sunlight to the opera's monochrome set was key to Giuseppe's lighting design.

As the fixture was representing the sun, it would also have to move over and across the stage during the production. This required the building of a large track

UK - Global flightcase hardware and 19 inch racking manufacturer Penn Elcom has launched Penn Elcom Online, a new all-encompassing online portal offering a comprehensive and convenient sales outlet for over 4000 product lines - http://www.pennelcomonline.com/

This includes the latest innovations from premium 'umbrella' brands, 19 inch rack specialist Pro Audio Stash and LED lighting solutions provider CLD distribution, which have merged with Penn Elcom Online in a dynamic fusion of all three popular and successful marques.

CLD Distribution and Pro Audio Stash joined the Penn Elcom Group in 2014, bringing additional diversity and options to the wide range of quality products.

Penn Elcom Online will consolidate the choice offered by all three brands in one commercial sales outlet, with one of the most extensive selections for flightcase hardware, 19 inch racking systems cab

Latest Issue. . .