UK - When the BBC wanted to celebrate the completion of its ambitious Your Paintings project - an online catalogue of 212,000 oil paintings in public ownership - Mark Rackstraw, assistant producer of BBC Learning (under whose department it fell), had the idea of simultaneously projecting some of the artworks onto 30 landmark buildings and heritage sites around the UK on the day of the celebration.

The remarkable feat of carrying out this projection - at 5pm on 8 February - was undertaken by Keyteq; and at every site they deployed Christie LX1500's, outputting 15,000 ANSI lumens brightness from an advanced 4-lamp, 3LCD optical engine. The exception was at Norwich Castle where they used two stacked Christie Roadster S+20K (20,000 ANSI lumens) three chip DLP projectors to deli

UK - Opened with a glittering black-tie reception on Thursday 2 May 2013, the new extension to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) showcases a range of the services that Northern Light supplies to venues across the UK.

The opening event featured an impressive entertainment line-up, including top impressionist Jon Culshaw and singer Laura Mvula, both of whom utilised technical equipment provided by Northern Light.

The Northern Light team have been on-site at the venue since July 2012, providing the specialist electrical installation of technical systems for the £80m Lennox Suite project. Northern Light was responsible for designing a building-wide, integrated lighting control system, in addition to the installation of cabling infrastructure and stage lighting, sound and communications systems for the new 2,000sq.m of additional conference and event space.

UK - Capital Sound has been working with operatic pop group Il Divo for 10 years, but for their new Front of House engineer, Davide Lombardi, getting to know the audio rental company on the current Il Divo and Katherine Jenkins tour has been somewhat of a revalation.

Italian-born Lombardi secured the position on Capital's recommendation, after they had experienced his mixing expertise with Will Young during the summer of 2012. They also knew he had classical experience working with Andrea Bocelli, and were certain he would be a good option for Il Divo.

"The guys from Capital came and listened, mentioned my name and I was lucky enough to be chosen," says LOmbardi. "The very first show was BBC Proms in the Park with a live BBC orchestra, which was good experience for me as it was in front of thousands of people."

This was swiftly followed by a three week st

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ETC Halcyon Silent

High End Systems Halcyon Silent builds on ETC’s legacy of fanless automated fixtures by incorporating features from the highly sought-after Halcyon family. Halcyon Silent perfectly balances silent operation with brilliant output of 18,400 lumens and high-impact features. 

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UK - When Chris Lessani and partner Gary MacCulloch took over the former Boho Club in Glasgow's city centre at the end of last year they wasted no time in renaming it The Sanctuary.

In order to stamp a new identity on the popular location, they travelled extensively looking for lighting ideas that would dazzle the dancefloor, and set it apart from other venues in the area. This would form the centrepiece of a significant interior upgrade this spring.

Having seen a particular domed LED lighting effect while in London, they brought in long-standing Aberdeen based installers, Blinding Light, as a specialist contractor to work alongside the general fit-out team.

They were in turn introduced to SGM UK's Ian Kirby and as a result specified no fewer than 730 LD-5 (LED Domes) for use on the club ceiling. Measuring just 80mm in outer diameter, up to 35 domes can be run in a single ch

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New Touring Series by Gravity – Every Scratch Has A Story

When the stage heats up, you need equipment that can keep up without compromise. The Gravity Touring Series has been specifically designed to meet the highest demands – for rental companies, professional musicians, concert organizers, and large event venues. Premium materials, exceptional durability, and impressive longevity make these products stand out. Whether on tour, in constant use, or under the toughest conditions: the Touring Series delivers maximum reliability and performance – every day, on every stage.
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UAE - Nicolas Kyvernitis Electronics Enterprises has recently announced its second series of certified courses to be held during the months of May and June in Dubai. The yearly education series will now go under the new title Academy 2.0 and will be hosted at the new NMK Middle East FZCO office located in Dubai Silicon Oasis. The seminars include brands from Rational Acoustics, Shure/DIS, ClearCom and Midas.

The Rational Acoustics seminar conducted between 4 and 5 June will cover the SMAART software, which is used for sound system measurement, optimization and control. The Shure/DIS seminar conducted between 9 and 10 June will focus on the new wireless products, applications and advanced conference electronics.

Between 23 and 24 June the ClearCom seminar will highlight the wired and wireless communication products. And finally between 25 and 26 May the Midas seminar wil

Sweden - Scandinavia's leading contemporary circus company Cirkus Cirkör from Stockholm have purchased Robe MMX Spots and LEDWash moving lights for their current touring schedule, which presents their latest work, Knitting Peace.

Under the artistic direction of Tilde Björfors, Cirkus Cirkör mixes elements from street theatre, rock videos, theatre, dance and film into its shows. The company tours extensively worldwide and is based in Alby, south of Stockholm.

Lighting is an integral element of Cirkus Cirkör's work. It's used to emphasise the drama, the seat-edge acrobatics and sheer physical power, emotion and aesthetics of the performance.

Lighting for Knitting Peace is designed by Ulf Englund, and the new Robes - five MMX Spots and 16 LEDWash 600s - were specified for this show by him and Cirkus Cirkör's technical producer, Stefan Karlstr&

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AZOR® SP2 IP - Compact IP65 Spot Profile Moving Head

Compact design and IP65 protection for indoor and outdoor applications: the new AZOR® SP2 IP is the ideal solution for open-air events and outdoor theatres that require a powerful, weatherproof lighting system. An optimal partner for lighting designers and event service providers looking for a versatile LED show light in a compact housing.

AZOR® SP2 IP – the next generation of robust, weatherproof, and compact lighting for maximum creative freedom, both indoors and outdoors.

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UK - When acid jazz group, The Brand New Heavies, joined forces with Ruby Turner to bring the curtain down on this year's Gateshead International Jazz Festival at the Sage Gateshead, local service company Nitelites were brought in to fill the 1640-capacity main auditorium with a premier RCF TT+ line array PA system.

Having worked with the venue many times previously Nitelites know how to maximise system coherency in an unusually high building with several tiers, and the active TTL33-A - set in two hangs of 11 elements - provided even coverage for the stalls and both balcony areas, up to a level of 14m.

In addition, Nitelites ground-stacked a further three TTL33-A 's left and right of the stage, to draw the image back down to the nearfield stalls area. But probably the biggest breakthrough was their deployment of a pair each of the new-generation TT1-A and TT2-A , the former wa

UK - Cambridge University's ADC Theatre recently sought a versatile solution for cyc lighting as part of the CUADC's production of Elton John and Tim Rice's musical, Aida. The theatre, the oldest University playhouse in the country, turned to entertainment lighting specialist White Light for advice. White Light's Jonathan Haynes worked with lighting designer Mitchell Clarke to decide on the right solution: the Spectra Cyc 100 - a 100 watt LED cyc fixture from American manufacturer, Altman Lighting.

For the ambitious production, flexibility was key. Clarke needed a fixture that could achieve many different looks on the curved cyclorama, which encapsulated the abstract set. The Spectra Cyc delivered with a complete range of vibrant, smoothly blended colours, thanks to Altman's patented LED lens. Clarke explained, "I couldn't get the variety of colours needed from our e

UK / USA ETC has introduced the Selador Desire D40XTI luminaire. It has the same colour mixing system that Selador luminaires are known for. Using the x7 Color System - which combines up to seven LED colours in one unit - the D40XTI has the most flexible colour rendering possible, says the company.

The D40XTI features the Selador family's professional-quality dimming capabilities. The D40XTI can fade to black smoothly, without the telltale steps demonstrated by other LEDs.

"The D40XTI was designed with the installer in mind," explains Jim Uphoff, ETC fixtures product manager. "It can be set up in minutes with a few simple connections. It has just two cables: one for power and one for both data in and thru. The DMX/RDM cable simply plugs into an included data board, and the power cord can be permanently wired to a junction box."

A tough, rugged luminaire,

UK / EMEA - Martin Professional has announced that industry professional Matt Hallard has joined the Martin EMEA sales organisation as Business Area Manager, Rental. Hallard brings with him a wealth of industry experience having worked as production manager for P&O Cruises Worldwide, as regional sales manager at PRG Distribution and most recently for Philips Vari-Lite as European sales manager.

Hallard's primary duties in the Martin EMEA organisation will focus on developing Martin's Global Alliance Program, as well as handling a number of key accounts. Furthermore, Martin plans to utilize Hallard's deep roots in the industry to strengthen as well as develop new relationships with LDs and important customers Europe-wide.

"Matt is just the kind of industry pro that can support our continued growth within the touring, TV and event segments by using his extensive industry kn

Germany - The Rotmain Centre in Bayreuth is the commercial centre of the city in Franconia famous for its annual Wagner festival: around 80 businesses, shops and cafes make up the sprawling modern shopping mall. In addition to being a great place to shop, the Rotmain Centre is also used for a variety of other events, including concerts, fashion shows and performances of all kinds.

Since recent events had demonstrated that the existing sound reinforcement system was no longer adequate to the increasing demands being placed on it, those responsible decided to invest in a new audio system. For the design, planning and implementation of the new system, they brought in the Bayreuth firm of Schwankl Sound & Service.

In view of the diversity of uses to which it would be put, it was clear from the start that what was needed was a flexible sound reinforcement system: a system capable n

UK - In partnership since 1970, one of the longest in the industry, Phil Brunker and Neil Rice, founding directors and shareholders of Optikinetics Ltd, have recently passed ownership of this world-renowned UK manufacturer to Rob Stitcher. Neil and Phil will continue to serve OPTI as consultants to ensure a smooth transition and customer continuity.

Neil Rice comments: "I am delighted we have found Rob, whose experience in business management will, I'm sure, reenergise and refocus our future. The recent introduction of LED projectors has revitalised that side of our business, whilst Trilite continues to be the de facto brand in the exhibition sector."

OPTI also added that they would like to ensure all customers of their continued support.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Stage Electrics has announced a management buy-out (MBO) of the business from the estate of David Whitehead. The MBO was fully supported and agreed by David Whitehead prior to his stepping down from the role of managing director in May 2012 as a way to position Stage Electrics for future growth and security, the company says. David Whitehead sadly passed away in February 2013 after a courageous fight against cancer.

The new shareholders - Trevor Smallwood, Dan Aldridge, Bob Smith, James Irvine, Anna Western, Adam Blaxill, Adrian Searle and Ian Tregaskis - combine considerable business experience with a strong knowledge of the entertainment technology industry. Under the new ownership structure, Trevor Smallwood will continue as chairman of the board and the company's executive directors remain unchanged.

Dan Aldridge commented: "Stage Electrics is in a solid position

USA - With less than two weeks until the doors open at PLASA Focus: Orlando 2013, taking place at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, on 15-16 May, 2013, exhibitors have been busy releasing details about the products they will have on display at their booths.

Robe Lighting will introduce four new additions to the Robin Series; the Robin Pointe, Robin MiniMe, Robin Cyclone and Robin CycFX. The Robin Pointe is a new dynamic beam, spot and wash fixture which features include a 5 to 20 degree zoom with full focus control, variable frost, two separate prism effects, a rotating and static gobo wheel, and built-in color wheel. The RobinMiniMe is an effects lighting luminaire with the addition of full video output, driven by a 20,000 hour lifetime source. The Robin Cyclone is an innovative effects moving head product that has an integrated fan in the center of the head surrounded by a ri

China - Following a record year for sales in the Asia and Pacific regions, DPA Microphones is consolidating its success by opening a new regional office in Hong Kong.

Headed by Ken Kimura, DPA's general manager for the APAC region, the new office signals DPA's commitment to its partners and customers by acting as a hub for sales, marketing and after-sales service. It will also enable the company to expand its sales network and develop new business channels in market sectors that have yet to discover the benefit of DPA's microphone technology and products.

Kimura, who was previously based in Shanghai, says, "Establishing our new office in Hong Kong makes sound economic and geographic sense. By basing our office here we can significantly expand our reach as well as visibility within the entire region and thereby aim our ambitions much higher."

During the last trading

UK - The specialist AV design, supply and installation company, Marquee Installations, has announced it is changing its name to Marquee AV to better reflect the company's business activities.

Director Mark Brown explained, "With our roots in the famous Marquee brand, our original name was based upon the sound 'installation' business section we had built, however as we grew we also became heavily involved in visual and lighting supply and design.

"Marquee Installations is well known in the industry, to our customers and for the reputation we've established, but we've grown substantially to now operate four divisions each serving different market sectors so feel it is appropriate to change the name of our Marquee Installations business to Marquee AV to better represent our operations. Also, as a great deal of opportunity now comes from the internet and its search facil

USA - Visitors to PLASA Focus Orlando will be the first in the US to get an up-close look at the newest members of Martin Professional's award-winning MAC Viper Family, as well as the first fixtures in Martin's all-new range of affordable effect lights - RUSH.

Join Martin May 15-16 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort Booth 321 to check out these latest Martin innovations, network with industry professionals and enjoy a relaxing chat with Martin personnel.

A host of other Martin lighting products and control solutions will also be on display.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Lost and Sound, a feature-length documentary made by a partially deaf film-maker about music and hearing loss, will be screened as part of Deaf Awareness Week at Cambridge Picture House on Sunday 12 May and Thursday 16 May and Exeter on 13 May. All events will include special Q&As with the director/producer Lindsey Dryden as well as music writer Nick Coleman and Dr David Baguley, Head of Audiology at Cambridge University Hospital, who both appear in the film.

The film follows music critic Coleman, dancer Emily Thornton and pianist Holly Loach over two years, as they rediscover music after deafness strikes. It features a rich musical soundtrack, often manipulated to reveal what deafness sounds like, and insights from top neuroscientists about the human relationship with music. One in six people in the UK will experience hearing loss, and the film asks what would you d

USA - Last month, Cirque du Soleil presented One Night for ONE DROP at the O Theatre, located in the Bellagio on the Las Vegas Strip. The one-night-only production, which combined talent and production expertise from seven other resident productions, was held on World Water Day on 22 March to help raise awareness on the increasing global water crisis.

Audio specialist Sennheiser, which has a longstanding relationship with Cirque du Soleil that extends over two decades, loaned several channels of wireless equipment through its Global Relations team to help ONE DROP realise its creatively and technically ambitious production.

Established by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté, ONE DROP is a non-profit organization whose mission is to 'ensure that water is accessible to all, today and forever'. According to some estimates, nearly one billion people in the

The Netherlands - Alcons Audio ahas nnounced the start of its Launch Partner Programme for the LR24 pro-ribbon line-array system.

Designed specifically for the concert touring and large-scale installation market, and first shown at the Prolight+Sound in 2010, Alcons Audio has now concluded LR24s initial beta phase.

Since then, the Alcons' R&D team has worked very hard to produce what is seen as the holy grail of sound reinforcement: HiFi sound quality at concert sound pressure levels. This has now been achieved.

One of Alcons Audio's strengths is the development of its own acoustics, mid/high frequency transducers, amplified electronics and processing. The pièce de résistance of the LR24 is the newly developed, multiple-patented pro-ribbon transducer for the reproduction of mid and high frequencies.

Philip 'Dr. Phil' de Haan, co-founder and head of Alcons Audio R&D

UK - Flightcase manufacturer 5 Star Cases is sponsoring British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) racing driver Jack Goff.

5 Star join a number of other high profile professional entertainment industry players including Robe, HSL, AC Entertainment Technologies, Green Hippo, J&C Joel and LS Live, who are enthusiastically supporting Goff's first season on the BTCC grid.

Goff is part of Tony Gilham's Team HARD / RCIB Insurance Racing - following his win of the 2012 AirAsia Renault Clio UK Championship.

5 Star's Keith Sykes comments, "It's really exciting to be involved with Jack's rapidly accelerating career. He is highly talented and completely dedicated as well as having a really great personality, and we wish him all the best for a great season ahead.

"Already with two race meetings under our belts it's proved to be a great day out and there is some serious camarad

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