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Lawo console is France's next Rising Star

Details: 14 March 2016

France - Rising Star is the latest reality TV singing competition to take France by storm. Currently aired live every Thursday night on M6, France's most profitable private national TV channel, the show is derived from an Israeli concept where it was a massive success. In contrast to other TV singing competitions which feature a panel of celebrity judges, Rising Star features a panel of celebrity experts who offer opinions and commentary, but candidates rely almost exclusively on viewer votes in real time via a free smartphone app to determine whether or not they achieve the next stage.

From a technical point of view, the show breaks new ground. The same is true backstage where Euro Media, the European leader in the provision of broadcast services who are responsible

The Swings Both Ways Tour ended 28 September with a final show in Sydney (photo: Ralph Larman © Farrell Music)

Martin MAC Quantum swings both ways

Details: 14 March 2016

World - It was all about glitz and glam in Robbie Williams' Swings Both Ways Tour, which started in May and ended in September. The stage design was theatrical in every possible way. The lighting design, by Mark Cunniffe, proved the perfect accompaniment to an inspired stage design and features a substantial rig by Martin Professional, which was also the first major outing for lighting supplier Neg Earth's new stock of MAC Quantum Wash.

Martin Professional spoke to lighting designer Mark Cunniffe, Neg Earth MD Dave Ridgway and project manager Caroline Beverley to hear about the lighting design process and their experiences working with MAC Quantum for this major production.

Cunniffe worked closely with set designer, Ric Lipson from Stufish. Based on Lipson's initial stage design concept, Cunniffe designed the lighting. He also provided suggestions for additional stage e

MA Lighting exhibited with UK distributor Ambersphere at PLASA 2014.

MA Lighting reports success of grandMA2 V3.0 at PLASA 2014

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - MA's latest software release, version 3.0, received the most attention and praise at the recent PLASA exhibition in London. It provides users with a suite of integrated tools to control and visualise lighting and video. The MA VPU 3.0 software for example, now offers a single SD output for free, streaming CITP 3D visualisation and seamless integration of unique features like auto backup, blind-mode and preview programming. Advanced grandMA2 features like Message Centre and inbuilt network stability tests are also incorporated, along with intelligent colour control and true 3D XYZ control with integrated support for external position tracking systems (PosiStageNet-Protocol).

Glyn O'Donoghue, MA Lighting's managing director, commented on MA's very successful trade show presence: "PLASA was again an ideal platform to show what's new from MA. Located on the stylishly desig

The introduction of the NEO lighting control console marks a new chapter in the evolution of control from Philips Strand Lighting

Philips Entertainment Symphony of Light set for LDI

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - At LDI 2014, in Booth 2115, Philips Entertainment will be showcasing the award-winning products from Philips Selecon, Showline, Philips Strand Lighting and Philips Vari-Lite through The Symphony of Light. Starting at 11am each day, "The Symphony of Light" will feature the electronic violin styling of Elizabeth Bacher, and will fully demonstrate the power of the complete lighting and controls package from Philips Entertainment.

"This year, our booth has been designed for both full lighting demonstrations and hands-on opportunities as well," said Pete Borchetta Philips Strand Lighting product manager. "To give our visitors a completely immersive experience, the booth has been split into a number of different areas. First, there is the main stage for our Symphony of Light performances. Next, we have two separate demo areas featuring our

Panasonic re-enters large panel market

Details: 14 March 2016

Europe - Panasonic is set to launch its first 4K professional large display, when a 98" LED LCD starts shipping this month (November), with an 84" model released in January. The new displays offer extended operation in harsh conditions as well as providing bright, crisp, ultra-high resolution images.

The LQ70 series, capable of 24/7 operation, features a protective glass panel on the front of the display, and an aluminium cabinet. With high-impact and vibration resistance, they allow for safe, reliable use in places like transportation hubs and shopping centres where they are at risk of being knocked.

Portrait orientation is also possible without an uneven effect on the screen. This, alongside its durability, makes it ideal in rental applications where it is frequently transported and installed.

Panasonic marketing manager, Enrique Robledo said, "The LQ70 seri

ABTT chairman wins special achievement award

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Louise Jeffreys, the Barbican's Director of Arts and ABTT Chairman, was honoured along with her Barbican colleague Toni Racklin, the venue's Head of Theatre, at the Empty Space... Peter Brook Awards 2014. Together they accepted the Peter Brook Special Achievement Award for turning the Barbican Theatre into the most important international arts centre in London for foreign companies.

Louise Jeffreys, Director of Arts at the Barbican said: "I am absolutely thrilled that Toni Racklin and I have been presented with the Peter Brook Special Achievement Award.

"At the Barbican we are committed to bringing the very best international theatre companies to London, as well as providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work, so we are delighted that our work has been recognised with this very special honour at the 25th anniversary of the Empty Space Awards.

PRG at the '25 Years After the Fall of the Wall' Celebration

Details: 14 March 2016

Germany - Production Resource Group Germany (PRG) lent its expertise to the "25 Years after the Fall of the Wall" ceremony in Berlin on 9 November. The global event services provider was commissioned by mediapool Event Services GmbH to handle the lighting for the central event of the festivities at the Brandenburg Gate. Tens of thousands of guests populated the square in front of the Gate, the symbol of the division of Germany, to witness a stage show featuring emotional speeches by the likes of Federal President Joachim Gauck and performances by top German musicians.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors had come to Berlin on 9 November to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with luminaries from politics, business and society. Champions of reunification including former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and former Polish trade union leader Lech Wal

One of Ambion's first deployments of the new Coda equipment was at the Schloss Wilhelmstal Open Air festival in Kassel

Ambion invests heavily in Coda equipment

Details: 14 March 2016

Germany - With headquarters in Kassel and branches in Hamburg, Berlin and Frankfurt, Ambion GmbH is one of Germany's leading technical event providers. The company has been using Coda Audio systems for several years and recently made another major investment in its products, via German distributor Audiovation GmbH.

The previous experience that Ambion's Jesko Purmann and Michael 'Miwe' Wengerter had with Coda systems meant they were already convinced of the sound and manufacturing quality, rigging flexibility and simple operation of even the largest Coda systems. So when the company introduced its new Linus amplification and control platform at this year's ProLight+Sound, Ambion approached Audiovation about making a further major investment in Coda technology, to utilize the benefits of the new Linus platform.

"Ambion wanted to significantly expand its inventory of Coda lo

Craig Burross was most recently national sales manager at Barco/High End Systems.

Robe names Burross as US regional sales manager

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Czech Republic-based lighting manufacturer Robe Lighting has appointed Craig Burross as regional sales manager of the Western United States, effective 17 November 2014. Burross, based in Austin, Texas, was most recently with Barco/High End Systems as the national sales manager for North America.

Due to customer demand and increased popularity, Robe Lighting is expanding its reach in the US under CEO Bob Schacherl. This is one of several strategic steps the company is making to provide Robe clients with better sales support and enhanced customer service.

"About a year ago Bob Schacherl and I were speaking and I said, it would be great to work with you again," said Burross. "Along with Bob, I have also known Harry von den Stemmen for many years as well. I've always had the utmost respect for both Harry and Josef and their collective accomplishments globally

David Ferreira was previously a UK sales executive for Martin Audio

Pioneer Pro Audio expands team

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - David Ferreira has joined Pioneer Pro Audio as technical sales specialist, adding to the growing team responsible for sales and installation of the brand's sound systems for clubs, bars and restaurants. David brings with him seven years of pro audio experience, most recently as UK sales executive for Martin Audio. Prior to that he worked at Loud Technologies as European service supervisor and technical support specialist.

"It's an exciting time to be joining Pioneer Pro Audio," says David. "With Pioneer DJ's legacy of innovation and Pioneer/TAD's heritage in speakers, I'm looking forward to helping to develop and expand the Pioneer Pro Audio brand."

Alex Barrand, Pioneer Pro Audio manager comments, "We're delighted to have David on board. His experience and understanding of the pro audio market will be invaluable in taking our versatile sound syst

The new firmware provides more than 100 significant performance enhancements

Midas releases PRO Series firmware update

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Midas has announced the G2.5 firmware release for the PRO Series digital live performance consoles and select DL15x and DL25x fixed-format I/O devices. The new firmware adds an array of new features, and provides more than 100 significant performance enhancements.

New features included in the comprehensive upgrade include: Solo Follow Select on the PRO1; the ability to disable automation buttons on the control surface; user can now turn bulkhead fans off and restart automatically; the ability to flatten the GEQ from the surface; 48k capability for DL15x and DL25x Series I/O devices plus compatibility with ver. 2.09, or higher M32 console firmware. Support has also been added for the DL155 and DL231, and the user can now update all I/O via AES50 on all consoles. A recovery system is now available for all PRO Series consoles and the "patching" page can be locked to

Directed by Rebecca Taichman, The Oldest Boy is scheduled to run until 28 December

Masque Sound package for The Oldest Boy

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - When playwright Sarah Ruhl's latest play, The Oldest Boy, made its debut at Lincoln Centre Theater's Mitzi E. Newhouse Theatre, sound designer Darron L West once again turned to Masque Sound, a leading theatrical sound reinforcement, installation and design company, to supply a custom audio equipment package for the much-anticipated production.

Designing the sound system for The Oldest Boy posed its own set of challenges; the first of which was the design of the stage itself. "The stage is a really beautiful, wooden formal circle in the middle of the theatre, and in designing the sound I wanted to be able to create layers from the centre out," says West. "We placed an enormous amount of speakers in the theatre to accomplish this, which gave us the added ability of being able to move the majority of the sounds around the room with ease. It was a

Two of 1+1 Media‘s OB vans which have been converted to full HD facilities

DirectOut supplies 1+1 Media Group in Ukraine

Details: 14 March 2016

Ukraine - 1+1 Media Group is one of the largest media conglomerates in Ukraine. It is comprised of eight Ukrainian TV channels and also includes a fully-fledged production company. 1+1 Media recently installed an ANDIAMO.XT AES/MADI converter and two powerful M.1k2 MADI routing systems from DirectOut as the audio core in their new eight-floor TV Centre, plus a number of ANDIAMO.XT AES/MADI converters in two of their OB vans which have been converted to full HD facilities.

"This is the first time we have worked with DirectOut, and they couldn't have been more helpful," affirmed Aleksey Marko, head of procurement for 1+1 Media. "It's rather a long story and of course our political situation has not helped matters, but the short version is, that having purchased an Evertz video router for the new TV centre, we needed a solution to be able to combine all of our audio

Midstream Ridge Primary school is situated in between Johannesburg and Pretoria.

DWR provides for Midstream Ridge School

Details: 14 March 2016

South Africa - Midstream Ridge Primary, situated in Midstream Estate, between Centurion and Midrand, opened its doors on January 2014. Amongst a frenzy of excited children and enthusiastic teachers, the smell of fresh paint and cement still lingering in the air, the official inaugural ceremony took place in the newly kitted out school hall on 8 August.

Consultant Pieter-Jan Kapp - better known as Kappie - from PJK, created a technically sound and user-friendly venue that would do credit to any school in the country. For the lighting in the school hall he specified Philips Strand dimming, Philips Selecon Acclaim and Rama fixtures, a Philips Strand 250ML console, six Robe 250 AT Spots and a few faithful Longman LED Pars. DWR Distribution supplied this equipment, as well as a stage curtain track manufactured by Rob Young.

Kappie has had the opportunity of working on numerous inst

Solotech Las Vegas deployed K1/K2 for the recent Route 91 Harvest festival

L-Acoustics joins Route 91 Harvest festival

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - MGM Resorts International and Live Nation teamed up this fall to produce the inaugural Route 91 Harvest country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip over October's first weekend. Staged on a huge lot across the famed boulevard from MGM's Luxor, the three-day event featured some of the biggest names in country music, including nightly headliners Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and Jason Aldean, plus more than two dozen other classic artists and fast-rising newcomers.

Route 91 Harvest was a big show, but true to Las Vegas' larger-than-life philosophy, it was only one of four huge music fests held there within a single month's time. The iHeart Radio festival (21 September) saw pop stars Iggy Azalea, Neon Trees, 5 Seconds of Summer and Fences take the stage; on 27 September the first iteration of the Boulevard Brew Fest brought rockers Kings of Leon, Young the Giant and Kongos

The Elation Pixel Bar 40 LED strip lights create a 360-degree immersive experience (photo: ASK Media)

Marquee Nightclub upgrades with Pixel Bars

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Marquee Nightclub is consistently one of the highest grossing nightclubs in Las Vegas and one of the hottest and most luxurious nightclubs around. Located in the heart of the Strip, Marquee underwent a major LED lighting system upgrade recently with LD Steve Lieberman, owner of SJ Lighting, using over 1,100 new Elation Pixel Bar 40 LED strip lights to create a 360-degree immersive experience.

SJ Lighting received praise as theatrical lighting design consultants for the original design at Marquee when the club debuted in 2010 and were called on again to give the club a fresh makeover. "Any venue in an A market needs to update technologies to stay competitive because they play such a strong supporting role in creating the atmosphere," Steve Lieberman states. "At Marquee, we wanted to create a new design that would carry them through the next several years, som

The SL Nitro strobes feature six zones of control offering a much appreciated element of flexibility

Showline parties with Katy B

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Katy B embarked on a major UK tour that saw lighting designer Tom Campbell make dramatic use of Philips Showline SL Nitro 510C LED strobes to blend her signature dubstep/garage sound with his nightclub-evoking lighting theme.

Campbell, who was touring a floor package and augmenting his design with venue house rigs, was looking for fixtures that could bring more than one strong look to his design: "I wanted a really clubby vibe with lots of opportunity for strong, colorful high-contrast moments," explains Campbell. "I'm using the SL NITRO 510C strobes as block colour strobing and super-bright backlight wash effects. Both looks deliver a really striking feel."

The SL Nitro 510C strobes, supplied by lighting hire operation Siyan Ltd, feature six zones of control offering Campbell a much appreciated element of flexibility.

"They're incredibly bright

Artist's impression of the Walt Disney Theatre.

Major performing arts centre opens in Orlando

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - With this week's opening of the Dr. Phillips Centre for the Performing Arts, Orlando is now the home to a world-class performing arts centre that will attract patrons from across the region, serve as a home for community arts groups, provide a nexus for arts education, and contribute even further to the city's reputation as a tourist mecca.

The 330,000sq.ft building was a collaboration between Theatre Projects, Barton Myers (design architect), HKS Architects (executive architect) and Baker Barrios (associate architect). It was a project nearly three decades in the making.

Theatre Projects first began planning an arts centre for Orlando in 1985 when city officials hired them to determine whether the city could support such a facility. At the time, it was decided that the city could not accommodate the performing arts centre, but a re-evaluation 10 years later found the ci

PLASA Focus events provide excellent regional networking and learning opportunities.

PLASA Focus Glasgow shaping up for a winning debut

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - With new exhibitors and new speakers being announced every week, there will be plenty for visitors to see at the Glasgow SECC for the inaugural PLASA Focus Glasgow event, which takes place on 2-3 December 2014.

New exhibitors announced this week include Adlib Audio and HDPro Audio, Orbital Sound and FBT Audio UK, who will join the all-star list of exhibitors already at the show - including Robe, Ambersphere, White Light, Avolites, Chauvet, AED, Sennheiser, Bosch, NL Productions, JHS ProAudio, Warehouse Sound, LMC Audio, Polar Audio, Black Light, Trusslite, Total Solutions Group, UK Rigging, TMB and many more.

PLASA's Professional Development Programme will deliver two days of presentations, technical demonstrations and panel discussions, all designed to help visitors build their industry knowledge and improve their skill set. This year's programme focusses on the hot topi

Monitor engineer Travis Walat, with the iLive T-112 surface

iLive monitors Joss Stone Total World Tour

Details: 14 March 2016

World - Monitor engineer Travis Walat recently completed the European and North American legs of the Joss Stone Total World tour with an Allen & Heath iLive T-112 Surface and a 48 input / 24 output iDR-48 MixRack.

The ultimate aim of the tour is for the 26 year old soul singer-songwriter to play a show in every country on the planet, so with performances widely spread across the globe the audio crew was travelling light. To ensure that the band's monitors were consistent wherever in the world they were, Walat looked for a mixing solution that offered full functionality in a compact footprint, finally settling on the iLive system after trying it out in rehearsals.

Twenty-one shows and 18 countries later, Walat enthused: "The iLive is an excellent sounding desk. Several band members commented on how nice things sounded, and it is also lightweight, compact and powerful, with

Left: Tuomo Tolonen of Shure Distribution UK at a previous Wireless Mastered Event

Shure Academy goes wireless at RADA

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The Shure Academy European Audio Network has announced the fourth Wireless Mastered workshop of 2014, to be held at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in Central London on 24 November. Presented by Tuomo Tolonen, Shure Distribution UK's Pro Audio Group manager and RF specialist, the session will take place in the Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre at RADA between 9.30am and 3pm, with a break for light refreshments.

As with the previous highly successful Wireless Mastered sessions, this masterclass is aimed at all event production staff, and anyone that regularly uses wireless technology. The session covers all aspects of RF technology and wireless microphone operation, including discussions of the changing availability of RF spectrum use for live events.

Shure wireless technology will be used as a practical reference, including PSM900/PSM1000 in-ear monitoring, UHF-R, ULX-D a

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