USA - Tightrope Media Systems' identity as a leading solutions provider across the broadcast/cable and digital signage industries has propelled year-on-year business growth since its formation as a standalone company in 2001. Looking to further bolster the company's sales and service team to support future growth across both businesses, Tightrope recently promoted five-year company veteran Kelli Smith to director of broadcast sales, and hired Richard Turner as digital signage regional sales manager.
Kelli, based in Raleigh, NC, now manages sales for ZEPLAY, Tightrope's choice for cost-efficient, multichannel instant replay servers; and the company's Cablecast portfolio of server and automation products.
"Tightrope is very well known in the digital signage space and in the l
USA - Community Professional Loudspeakers has announced the appointment of David Prince as director of development engineering. Prince has over two decades of experience designing, modelling and measuring pro-audio loudspeakers and developing them for manufacturing.
He comes to Community from Knowles Electronics where he was product development manager. Previously, Prince held the position of Director of Advanced Development for Tymphany; he was senior research engineer for International Jensen and he spent seven years as an acoustic consultant with Talaske.
He is a past chair of the AES Standards Committee on Loudspeaker Modelling and Measurement, serves on technical committees of the Acoustical Society of America and is a Board of Directors Emeritus member for the loudspeaker industry association, ALMA.
"I am delighted to join Community at this important time in its h
Mexico - SGM has appointed one of Spain's most prominent lighting designers as its new representative in South America.
Ben Diaz takes up the position of area sales manager with immediate effect, in a role that also includes product training on the Continent.
Since 2000, Diaz has been involved in many creative roles within the entertainment industry, including lighting / production design and operation, video programming for media servers, cinematography and technical education.
He has worked in 16 countries as a crew member, including Europe and America, and has a deep and comprehensive understanding of all technical matters relating to show business worldwide.
Ben Diaz has spent the last 10 years touring as a lighting designer, programmer and operator, and creating visual shows for TV.
It was during one such tour - with Latin pop-rock artist Rosana - that he first met
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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.
Denmark - BroaMan's Danish distributor Danmon has been providing broadcast solutions to the country's public service broadcaster TV2 for nearly two decades.
But when last year the company decided to upgrade its SNG OB truck (DNK-47) from SD to HD, the Odense based facility moved its commentator intercom onto a Clear-Com platform and added a BroaMan Mux22 transmission device for signal routing.
This has enabled them to transport multiple data and video signals down a single fibre in the SNG truck, including 6/2 HD-SDI, RS422 and sync network, using Dante as their audio platform.
Explained TV2 workflow specialist (and project manager), Kim Hansen, "For years, the trucks have been a key component in our technical setup for major sporting events (such as Tour de France, Handball World Cup etc.) where it acted not simply as an SNG, but a small OB truck."
This latest u
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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. FIND OUT MORE >>>
Norway - The Fosnavag Cultural Centre is now the latest and largest showcase of Meyer Sound solutions in Norway. With technology covering concert sound reinforcement, cinema, and active acoustics from a Constellation acoustic system, the complex is the premium arts and entertainment destination on the Norwegian coast.
In designing the 490-seat Fosnavag Konserthus, the focal point of the FosnavagCultural Centre, the technology committee had a clear vision to create a high-performance multipurpose space. "We wanted a perfect room for acoustic music and a perfect room for amplified music, but with conventional physical acoustics we couldn't have both," says Bjørn Holum, event manager for the Municipality of Herøy and the lead of the technology committee.
Following his first experience with Constellation in Estonia's Nordea Concert Hall [formerly Nokia Conc
France - ELC Lighting's Buddy has been making waves in Paris, turning one of the world's most famous skylines orange as it helped mobile phone giant Orange celebrate its 20th anniversary. With over 1,800 guests gathered for a reception at a venue a short distance from Orange's building on Parc Des Exposition Porte de Versailles, the event's organisers wanted to illuminate their office tower with the figure 20, visible for all to see in the night sky.
Thierry Bernin, project manager at Impact Evenement, which conducted the event, was brought on board to devise a solution for lighting the windows. He selected Arcaline LED lamps from Aryton and to ensure seamless communications between the lights on different floors, he chose ELC's Buddy.
He explained, "Buddy was recommended to me by Axente who were very enthusiastic about a new product on the market that was very easy to us
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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.
Egypt - Hi-Lights Egypt are using more than 800 fixtures from the PR Lighting catalogue to build the atmosphere on one of the country's most popular TV cookery programmes, The Taste Egypt.
The largest rental company in Egypt, Hi-Lights became involved from the outset, working closely with both SYNC-MEDIA, the production company, and lighting designer Fouad Haddad of Hand Made Image (HMI).
The programme is a worldwide franchise and although the production format had been pre-arranged, according to Hi-Lights Egypt's Hamad Arafa his company had no problem in convincing the LD that PR Lighting fixtures would fulfill all his requirements - particularly after undergoing camera tests to demonstrate colour temperature, CRI etc.
The schedule of equipment deployed on the set - which was built in one of the principle studios of Al Nahar TV - included 80 of PR Lighting's recently
UK - d&b audiotechnik has restructured its UK Sales network, appointing SSE Audio and Wigwam as Sales and Installations Partners for the UK.
With d&b deciding to streamline their UK Sales network, SSE Audio Group, backed by the experience of Wigwam, are seen as ideal partners for the German manufacturer. The new Sales and Installation partnership means SSE and Wigwam are the only suppliers based in England that are able to supply d&b directly to Trade Users across the UK. SSE Audio Group has offices in the north, south and midlands, along with a highly experienced and integrated sales team.
Wigwam Acoustics, part of SSE Audio Group since 2013, has been an established d&b supplier for Hire, Sales and Installations for many years, building up a vast pool of knowledge and experience with the full d&b product range. Since the acquisition SSE has been able, via Wigwam, to provide d
UK - Orbital Sound is staging the first Flare Audio seminar on 20 January, at its dedicated training centre in Brixton, with Flare Audio's Davies Roberts presenting The Path to Better Sound. The seminar will focus on discussing the issues that have affected loudspeaker performance since its invention some 90 years ago, including a detailed technical explanation of the science behind loudspeaker design.
The half day training session is tailored to provide engineers, designers and technicians with an insight into the key issues surrounding loudspeaker technology, including: The hidden distortions inside loudspeakers; The challenges behind achieving total accuracy in loudspeaker design; Loudspeaker behaviour and its lack of predictability; A comparison between the evolution of video picture quality versus loudspeaker sound quality.
UK - Ashly Audio, a division of Jam Industries, based in NY, USA, a manufacturer of high-quality commercial audio signal processors and power amplifiers, has appointed Sound Directions Ltd of Chessington, Surrey as its exclusive distributor for the UK.
A specialist distributor for audio brands in the UK catering to consultants, commercial integrators and systems installers working in AV, theatre, retail and hospitality, Sound Directions was founded by Stanislas Boivin-Champeaux in 1998. The Chessington-based company sees the addition of the Ashly Audio range as integral to its continued growth plans.
"The Ashly Audio range complements our existing partner brands perfectly and with the ne and Pema range of Ashly amplifiers I think we can offer some really serious, high-end, networked commercial contracting solutions"
UK - PLASA is delighted to announce the launch of the UK Trainee Rigger Scheme.
PLASA have developed a way in which those who wish to pursue a career in rigging can identify and record the necessary training and experience. They will also be able to demonstrate their commitment to rigging to potential employers.
The scheme will provide a way of logging experience against specific rigging tasks, building a picture of the trainee's practical rigging development and training undertaken. Over time they will be able to track their development and readiness to register for competence-based assessment at Level 2 of the National Rigging Certificate.
Training providers and trainees will have access to a syllabus of learning and the National Rigging Certificate Handbook. Each trainee will have attended a health and safety course recognised by the National Rigging Advisory Group as des
UK - Organized for the 11th year in a row by global experience agency Jack Morton Worldwide and watched by millions across the globe, lighting design for the Mayor of London's New Year's Eve fireworks extravaganza was created by lighting designers Durham Marenghi and Paul Cook exclusively using wysiwyg lighting design software from CAST Software. The lighting design ensured that the New Year was truly spectacular.
"We were tasked with putting London on the map alongside Sydney Harbour Bridge and Times Square, NYC," explained Marenghi. "The fantastic fireworks by Darryl Fleming at Titanium are what the public recognize but, like all good lighting, our design is subliminal but would be very much missed if not there."
Marenghi and Cook designed a two and one half hour light show in the lead up to and including a 10-minute fireworks spectacular at midnight whic
Nigeria - The Experience, an interdenominational gospel concert organized by The House on the Rock Church, went live again on 5 December (2014) at Tafawa-Balewa Square in Lagos with the theme One God, One Voice.
Convened and hosted by Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the 2014 edition of the world's largest gospel concert brought together some of today's best-known artists such as Donnie McClurkin, Don Moen, Israel Houghton, Chevelle Franklin, Micah Stampley, Midnight Crew, Freke Umoh, Frank Edwards, Sinach, Nathaniel Bassey, Angella Christie, Onos Ariyo and Chioma Jesus, among others.
For the second time, Nigeria-based Cytech World Communication provided a complete audio solution by Italian manufacturer Outline for the event.
The Experience's FOH audio set-up comprised 30 GTO C-12 line-source systems plus two underhung GTO-DF (down-fill) modules, while 16 DBS 18-
UK - Following the introduction of Y-Series loudspeakers from d&b audiotechnik at PLASA Focus Glasgow 2014, The Warehouse Sound Services are delighted to announce two product presentations to offer the opportunity to see and hear this brand new Series of loudspeakers "up close and personal" in Glasgow.
The new Y-Series presents both point source and line array loudspeakers. Steve Jones of d&b GB Education & Application Support explains why this is an event not to be missed: "Y should you come? Because it's the Y-Series. This is a unique opportunity to hear how useful it is. This range of speakers can handle just about any type of job in just about any type of venue; from the smallest gig with a single Y7P or Y10P point source to a large event with a Y8 and Y12 line array."
"First we'll look at how d&b arrived at the Y-Series and then look into the Y7P
USA - The educational seminar programme of PLASA Focus: Orlando will kick off on Tuesday, 17 February at 9am with Light and Theatre - 50 Years of Change. Presented by ElektraLite, speaker Richard Pilbrow will describe and discuss 50 years of revolutionary change that has occurred in stage lighting, theatre technology and theatre architecture, and explore the rich possibilities that lie around the corner.
Immediately following the seminar, Richard Pilbrow will be signing books on the show floor at the Group One booth #408. "High-calibre education is critical to the process of sharing ideas in design and technology, and bringing these kinds of resources to regional events such as PLASA Focus: Orlando are essential for our ever-evolving market," said Tyler Wise of Group One Limited.
Free registration to both the show floor and educational seminars can be obtained
UAE - Al Rashid Events - headed by Taleb Rashid Al Zaabi - is based in Sharjah in the UAE and is a busy and dynamic technical solutions provider throughout the region.
The company supplies lighting, audio, video, staging, draping, etc., to a wide range of clients and projects, and attribute their continuing success at least in part due to investments in premium brand equipment, which saw an early decision to adopt Robe and create an all-Robe lighting rental house.
Taleb has known Elie Battah - general manager of Robe Middle East for many years - in fact before Elie was even involved with Robe. As soon as Elie joined the Robe international team, Taleb started buying the product with great enthusiasm, commencing with the various ColorSpot and Color Wash ranges. This was in around 2007, and he has continued with new purchases year-on-year.
USA - ETC is gearing up for its biennial CUE professional development conference, which will be held in Wisconsin, USA, from 26-28 June 2015. Registration for the conference will open on Monday 19 January, with a special early bird discount offered until Saturday 28 February. ETC will also offer several sponsorships to help offset the cost of the conference, transportation and/or lodging. Sponsorship applications will become available on Monday 19 January.
The CUE conference is a great way for lighting professionals of all skill levels to gain knowledge that can be used in their careers. It also gives students the opportunity to get hands on experience with the technology they'll use when they enter the workforce. At CUE 2015, ETC will offer two special tracks: a Technical Theatre Continuing Education track geared toward students and educators, and a Console Training and Certifi
Germany - Berlin University of the Arts (Universität der Künste Berlin) has built a light installation at the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin together with noted Japanese artist and photographer Yuichiro Tamura. Tamura's Long Exposure of the Lonely Explorer has been integrated into David Chipperfield's installation artwork Sticks and Stones, currently on display at the gallery.
To build the installation, the lighting designer and operator Björn Hermann fitted a Clay Paky Supersharpy to a supporting structure three metres above the ground. With the help of an eps Club Car, the structure was moved on a trailer around the Nationalgalerie at 20-minute intervals. The size of the installation was calculated in such a way that the entire structure could go around the building in a perfect circle to provide uniform light intensity. A 2kW generator provided the power nece
UK - Richard Martin Lighting (RML) regularly supports local community charities and events.
The Questors Theatre is a community theatre in Ealing that has a main auditorium and studio space which is used for staging drama, panto and skills classes.
Last November it was host to Harker Productions version of Club Vertigo. A spectacular dance show with a romantic story, great songs and comedy - it has the style of a West End musical at half the price.
Starring former Strictly Come Dancing's Hanna Haara and other award-winning dancers, street performers and singers, Club Vertigo was a memorable night out, suitable for all ages.
Lighting designer Nigel Lewis of LXDL was on hand to create an energetic and vibrant look to compliment that of the dancing, support by RML. He used Robe Robin 100 LEDBeam, Clay Paky Sharpy and GLP Impressions to enhance the spirit
b>UK - Better known for its use in the studio, the Audient USB AD/DA interface and monitoring system, iD22 has had its first few outings with new owner, bass player Dave Troke - on stage.
"Yes, the iD22 on stage is great," confirms Troke in a recent interview with Audient. "I play a lot of synth bass on pop gigs especially with Professor Green. I run a MacBook Pro with a flash drive, Logic X and a synth plugin called 'Massive' through the iD22, stereo out of the iD22 into a Ridge Farm Gas Cooker valve DI box to warm it all up. It sounds huge!! I love how simple the iD22 is to use, very stable."
Having worked with top acts including The Overtones, Sister Sledge, Bette Midler and Tony Christie, as well as English rapper Professor Green, Troke describes himself as "...very lucky to have worked with such a wide range of artists." Last year saw him adding
UK - FE Live Audio is a young, dynamic audio company from Glasgow headed up by Andrew McMillan and Ryan McIlravey who have been partners in enterprise since their school days. They have recently appointed a new co-director, Andrew Baillie, who, brings with him a wealth of problem solving and system tech expertise. Together they are committed to developing FE Live as a pro-audio company, building on their successes since they first ventured into full sound production with sold out Twin Atlantic shows at the Glasgow Barrowlands in 2012.
McIlravey elaborates on the company's philosophy. "After establishing FE Live as a limited company, we took the decision to invest any profits into purchasing the very best equipment possible. It was clearly apparent that there was a growing demand for quality audio solutions in an industry where audiences are demanding a superior live sound.<