Italy - Over eighty solid-state FHD Media Players and 10 Wings Engine media servers were deployed in over seven pavilions at Milan Expo 2015.

Leading Technologies SRL, working with several main contractors supplied AV Stumpfl Wings Engine Install and FHD Media Players as core multimedia technology throughout Palazzo Italia, Italy and Iran Pavilions at the Milan EXPO 2015.

Marco Porro, managing director at Leading Technologies srl reports, "All AV Stumpfl products are easy to install and have powerful management and show control capabilities, which makes them the most reliable and functional multimedia technology out there."

"With the talent of Leading Technologies srl and their integration partners, our multimedia and control technology can be found in what we believe are the most eye catching, emotive uses of technology for story telling that the world has ev

UK - PLASA (the Professional Lighting and Sound Association) has outlined its current position in the wake of various recent changes, and asked for Members' feedback on its next steps as it moves forward into a new phase of its existence.

Speaking at a meeting for PLASA Members held during the PLASA Show, John Simpson, PLASA Governing Body chairman and chairman of the White Light Group of companies, said, "Without doubt our major issue this year has been that of diminishing profit, which has led to a critical cash-flow problem for the organisation.

"We have taken action in implementing cost-cutting measures across many parts of PLASA, including reduction in staff, putting the Eastbourne office up for sale and a substantial restructure of the organisation. We have overcome the immediate cash flow problems for 2015, but will be limited in services we can provide during

USA - Chauvet Professional created a lot of buzz at LDI, drawing healthy crowds eager to see a collection of breakthrough products that included a five-colour LED ellipsoidal, as well as a single source RGBW IP65-rated wash and a new touring version of its popular ÉPIX Series.

"We were very pleased with the widespread interest shown in our products," said Berenice Chauvet, vice president of Chauvet. "I think the response we experienced at LDI this year speaks to the diversity of our product line."

Among the new products attracting attention was the ÉPIX Tour Series, 20mm bars and strips with RGB SMD LEDs that were built for life on the road and engineered to deliver dynamic looks with or without pixel mapping.

Another LDI success for Chauvet Professional was the Ovation E-910FC, a new five-Color RGBA+Lime LED ellipsoidal. Bringing a new leve

USA - This past weekend, Production Resource Group, L.L.C. (PRG) took home two big wins on Saturday night while exhibiting at LDI 2015 in Las Vegas, NV.

Following an enthusiastic response and non-stop crowds in the PRG booth all Friday and Saturday, the LDI team was awarded the LDI Best Debuting Product - Staging and Rigging for the new PRG GroundControl Followspot System. Presented at the LDI Awards event on the show floor and accepted by PRG product manager for Luminaires Chris Conti, who thanked PRG's Technology Development team, based in Dallas. He also thanked the industry colleagues who contributed feedback during development, especially Lighting Designer Bob Barnhart and the Full Flood team for their inspiration towards developing this revolutionary product.

The PRG GroundControl Followspot System allows the spot operator to be in a remote location up to 2,000' away whi

USA - At LDI, ETC presented a cheque for $27,405.58 to Behind the Scenes, which reflected ongoing proceeds from sales of ETC's iRFR and aRFR (Radio Focus Remote) application for iOS and Android devices.

On presenting the cheque, David Lincecum, vice president of marketing, commented, "When we started this, we never imagined that the sale of this app could produce over $233,000 for such a great cause. An important part of the ETC culture is being of service to each other, especially in times of need. We are very humbled by the large impact this small app has produced for the members of our community who have needed a little help."

Rick Rudolph, chair of Behind the Scenes, responded, "We are as amazed as ETC at what this app, developed by Chris Mizerak and Anders Ekvall, has been able to do for our colleagues in need who are so often in deseperate situations due t

USA - Focusrite has announced the launch of a new product in its popular RedNet range of Dante audio-over-IP products: the RedNet AM2 stereo audio monitoring unit. The new product is being shown on Booth 218 at the AES 139th Convention in New York, October 29 - November 1, 2015.

RedNet AM2 is a Dante-compatible stereo monitoring unit combining headphone and line outputs for flexible monitoring of signals sourced from the Dante network. RedNet AM2 features a 1/4" front-panel headphone socket plus a pair of balanced line outputs with male XLR connectors mounted on the rear panel, which may be used for loudspeaker monitoring and other applications.

The headphone output delivers significant audio output power, sufficient to drive even high-impedance headphones at substantial levels. RedNet AM2, fitted with non-slip feet, is designed to either sit securely on a flat surface or

USA - In a ceremony at the Las Vegas Convention Centrelast week during the LDI 2015 tradeshow, Live Design recognised the new ProPlex EZ-LAN Unity 20 with an LDI 2015 Best Debuting Product of the Year Award.

ProPlex's EZ-LAN makes managing today's complex show networking easier and accessible for everyone. These simple to operate yet powerful managed Gigabit Ethernet switches distribute up to four discrete networks - e.g. lighting, audio, content, server, console, communications, etc. - quickly, effortlessly, and simultaneously. Users untrained in the complexities of managed networking can easily isolate networks and access and change VLAN assignments with one button.

"Managed Ethernet switches are very complicated to use," explains TMB product specialist, Ashley Simper. "The ability to distribute up to four discrete networks with a single button makes life easi

France / China - Astera's wireless range will feature at the JTSE exhibition in Paris on 24 and 25 November. Stands 102 and 103 will be occupied by Astera's French dealer, La-BS. Accompanying La-BS will be Astera's R&D director, Simon Canins, who will be available for technical questions about Astera's complex control system, and also for demonstrations.

Commenting on the exhibition, Sebastian Bückle, sales & marketing director at Astera, said, "It is really great to be exhibiting for the first time at the JTSE tradeshow. Astera is growing every year and this is the latest chapter in our success. In 2015, we attended a record nine exhibitions, and 2016 looks to increase yet again."

Immediately after the JTSE, from 26-29 November, Astera's wireless range will be shown at the CISD Chinese Stage Design Exhibition in Beijing. Astera's dealer for China, Beijing Etch, wil

UK - On Thursday, 12 November 2015, at the Annual Music Industries Association Awards Ceremony held in London, JHS & Co Ltd Chairman, John Hornby Skewes, was presented by the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd. has been a member company of the USA trade Association, NAMM, since the 1970's. This honour follows a previous Lifetime Achievement Award made to John Skewes by the British Association, MIA, in 2005.

This year JHS & Co. Ltd. achieved 50 years in business. The company was started in 1965 by John and Madge Skewes, and by hard work, perseverance and business skills, they have built the family owned company into one of the largest independent suppliers of musical merchandise and pro audio equipment in the UK.

(Jim Evans)

Germany - Stage|Set|Scenery made a big impression with its successful launch in 2015 in Berlin. Now, the international trade fair and conference for event technology is due to go into its second round. From 20 to 22 June 2017 Stage|Set|Scenery will once again be gathering everyone who is important for a successful production. They represent planning, architecture, film, event services, stage, lighting, sound, video and media technology, make-up, costume and stage-set design, acoustics, studio, exhibition and museum technology.

Already, the first changes affecting the next event have been decided upon. The show will be moving to Halls 19 to 23 and the Palais am Funkturm on the northern section of the exhibition grounds (ExpoCenter City), thus providing trade visitors with a better overview and ensuring they need only travel short distances. The choice of new venue makes it possib

France - Organisers of the Paris-based trade show JTSE have announced that the exhibition will take place next week as planned, despite the recent terror attacks on the city.

A statement reads: "We want to express our affection to all the families of victims. The International Show JTSE 2015 will take place as planned in Paris on 24 and 25 November 2015 in the Dock Pullman. As Organisers of the show we trust our visitors and our exhibitors for the best running of this event. We are all together!"

(LSi Online)

UK - The Aurora Group, the global manufacturer of energy saving, smart LED lighting solutions, is unveiling its new catalogue, Lighting 2016 Edition 1, to coincide with the opening morning of LuxLive 2015 this week.

The catalogue reveals the new products that Aurora will be releasing in the new year, and demonstrates how the company intends to deliver 'Value Beyond Illumination' in 2016 and beyond. For the first time, the catalogue represents the entire Aurora Group branded portfolio, including the recently rebranded retail lighting specialists, Microlights - with over 30 years' experience in assisting customers enhance their retail sales through lighting.

The 2016 catalogue presents Aurora Group's combined expertise and products under one holistic brand, as Richard Sells, group managing director, explains, "With a consolidated approach we can offer a complete rang

UK - Robe continued its support of lighting designer Yaron Abulafia's book, The Art of Light on Stage - Lighting in Contemporary Theatre published by Routledge, with a UK launch at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London.

Around 100 people rocked up to the event which took place in the foyer space of the Linbury Studio Theatre at the Royal Opera House, preceding the evening's three provocative performances staged by the Leeds-based Phoenix Dance Theatre, which were lit by Yaron.

Yaron was delighted with the turnout and interest in the book, which received its world premiere at the 2015 Prague Quadrennial in June, also supported by Robe.

The book presentation followed a similar format to that of the PQ, with a three-way conversation between Yaron and Nick Moran, senior lecturer in lighting for live performance, BA Theatre Practice course team at London's Centra

UK - PLASA Focus Glasgow 2016 returns to the SECC with another distinguished seminar programme that will deliver two days of free pro audio and lighting presentations discussing the latest technologies for the live entertainment technology industry.

Thought provoking speakers include Grant Anderson, the Scottish Lighting Designer, in collaboration with lighting, AV and sound specialists Black Light who designed the popular Botanic Nights - 2015, a unique night-time experience. Grant Anderson explains how the light installation evoked an emotive reaction from the audience.

Anderson comments: "In Scotland, it's often said that you can experience four seasons in one day. Visitors to Botanics Lights have been able to experience four seasons in just one night. It made perfect sense to me to combine nature and light with seasonal changes as the three are inextri

Italy - With 18 months to go until Showlight 2017 takes place in Florence, the first exhibitors have already confirmed their attendance.

Arri, German Light Products (GLP), Hawthorn and Robe are the first to sign up for the much-anticipated lighting quadrennial, scheduled for 20-23 May 2017, with several other companies already lined up to join them.

This is the tenth fixture for Showlight which has grown in popularity since it first appeared in London's Barbican in 1981.

"Showlight is always a memorable fixture in Hawthorn's exhibition calendar, not only because it provides a great oversight of the very latest in lighting ideas, with time for everyone to attend presentations and digest ideas, but also gives an opportunity to network with industry colleagues old and new," says Hawthorn' s managing director, Martin Hawthorn.

Mark Ravenhill, president of GLP Ger

USA - Clair Global, TAIT Towers and Rock Lititz are sponsoring The Event Safety Alliance's Event Safety Summit which takes place 1-3 December 2015 at Rock Lititz Studio.

The Event Safety Alliance provides relevant and practical learning opportunities to event industry professionals. Clair Global, TAIT Towers, Rock Lititz, and guests, such as, Load Cell Rental, are all trailblazers in the live entertainment industry. To have them collaborating and innovating under the roof of Rock Lititz Studio in Lititz, PA is unprecedented. It is also exactly why Rock Lititz was created.

"We at Clair Global are looking forward to welcoming The 2015 ESA Safety Summit to Rock Lititz. Safety is first and foremost in our training program as well as our daily operations. To set aside several days to examine best practices and evaluate resources is an investment in our employees, clients and

UK - Creative producer Artichoke has revealed the scale of London's first Lumiere light festival, 14-17 January 2016.

More than 20 pioneering international artists have been commissioned to transform buildings and streets of the capital for the first Lumiere London festival, free event that will take place over four winter evenings.

Designed to chase away the January blues and show the city in a new light, this major new festival will feature installations for some of the city's most iconic buildings and locations on a grand scale. Lumiere London will explore London's urban landscape and architecture from Leicester Square to Piccadilly, St James's, Carnaby Street and Oxford Circus in London's West End, to the German Gymnasium and Granary Square at King's Cross.

Aimed at Londoners and visitors to the capital at what is traditionally one of the quietest times of the year Lu

UK - The second edition of PLASA Focus Glasgow 2016 held at the SECC will see 50% more exhibitors than the inaugural show in 2014. With new exhibitors recently announced including Bose, Hawthorn, Adlib and UK Rigging, PLASA Focus Glasgow promises to deliver innovative solutions to the Scottish market.

Visitor highlights include the chance to discover new and exciting products from over 60 brands in professional audio, AV, lighting, staging and rigging not to mention two days of free seminars and live demos. Industry leaders exhibiting at the show will include both manufacturers and distributors including big names such as Robe, RCF, Chauvet, Elation, Avolites, ETC, TMB and many more.

The recent announcement from VisitScotland shows intent to grow the events market in Scotland. The investment in a new ten-year 'collaborative strategy' to develop Scotland's 3.5 billion events

USA - The Behind the Scenes Happy Hour, hosted by PLASA, took place on Thursday, 22 October, from 6pm-8pm at the Westgate Las Vegas. Over 400 guests attended the event, and were able to network, relax and let loose before the start of LDI. Due to the generosity of the sponsors and attendees, PLASA was able to donate over $18,000 to the Behind the Scenes charity.

Event co-chair Steven Way of ALPS commented, "We were very pleased with the success of this event in achieving its two primary goals, creating a comfortable networking experience for our industry professionals and supporting Behind the Scenes. We look forward seeing everyone at next year's Happy Hour event prior to LDI."

A big thank you goes out to all of the sponsors of the Behind the Scenes Happy Hour: Executive: Altman Lighting; Platinum: 4Wall Entertainment, IATSE, Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc., Ultratec

The Netherlands - d&b audiotechnik will be showing visitors at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2016 how to install its worldwide reputation for mobile systems in any fixed application. From 9-12 February d&b will be resident at stand 7-C175 and demo room E103, where members of the team will introduce the products and software, setting new standards in permanent spaces.

The show is an opportunity to see firsthand why d&b is a name trusted by engineers and integrators alike. From churches to stadiums, learn how each component of a d&b system is tightly specified, precisely aligned and carefully integrated, for maximum efficiency and optimum performance. And because d&b installation loudspeakers are designed to fit discreetly, it's a chance to see why sonic excellence doesn't have to mean visual compromise.

On the stand, specialist advisors and video screens will guide visitors

The Netherlands - For the first time at ISE, Calibre will move their tradeshow booth to hall 11 of the Amsterdam RAI.

"We're focusing on working with the larger LED and live entertainment companies and this is where they are located," says Tim Brooksbank, chairman at Calibre.

Calibre will launch several new products in the HQUltra line of 4K compatible ultra-fast switching, scaling and scanconvertors. HQUltra promises input channel switching in under 0.25 seconds.

The HQView625 presentation switcher is now shipping and is suitable for entertainment, visitor attractions, live events and corporate installations requiring scaling of 4K video content.

Also making their global debut will be the HQView630 and 670 events scaler-switchers and LEDView720, 725, 730 and 770 LED scaler-switchers which will be shown alongside the HQView320, 325 and LEDView530 switcher-sca

UK - Ambersphere Solutions will be running free training sessions on the dot2, MA Lighting's new console designed for smaller and mid-sized projects and venues, during PLASA Focus Glasgow at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC).

The sessions will take place in the Morar and Ness rooms at the SECC on Wednesday 20th January 2016 at 11am, 2pm and 4:30pm and on Thursday 21st January 2016 at 10am and 1pm. Upon completion of the 90 minute session participants will be well on the way to running their first show on the dot2 lighting console.

The 90-minute intro sessions will cover all the basic operational features of the dot2 console including an overview of the whole dot2 product range, before diving into controlling fixtures, creating pre-sets and cue lists. Building chases, creating and using effects, managing speed and time, and a host of other features will als

Spain - Amate Audio has enhanced and extended its premium performance Xcellence series of point source professional speaker cabinets, providing dedicated concert sound and club sound versions of models in the range.

The Xcellence series now comprises discrete concert sound and club sound ranges - branded Xcellence Touring and Xcellence Disco respectively; with models designated by a T or D suffix. The Xcellence Touring models are all self-powered with onboard DSP and network control features, while Xcellence Disco models are passive, featuring new "club orientated" styling and water repellent finish (for poolside installations in the Mediterranean, middle eastern and Asian markets), with standard black and grey colour scheme (custom colours schemes on request).

As well as the introduction of brand new models featuring revolutionary new drivers, the entire series ha

The Netherlands - With immersive audio and audio over IP (AoIP) set to be key talking points at ISE 2016, visitors to the Merging Technologies Stand 7-C160 will have an opportunity to experience a solution that "signals the future of audio in fixed installations".

This solution combines Merging Technologies' newly released Ovation 6 with Genelec's pre-production RAVENNA/AES67 powered 4420 model, in an 18 speaker array which delivers an unparalleled, high quality immersive experience.

"Immersive audio and AoIP are the spotlight and interest is really picking up amongst systems integrators, comments Chris Hollebone, sales and marketing manager of Merging Technologies. "For that reason we've created an installation that demonstrates how these two trends can combine in a powerful, captivating way. We're delighted to partner with Genelec on this, their reputat

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