General

PLASA relaunches Awards for Innovation

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The Product Excellence Awards at the PLASA Show have been a popular feature of the event for many years, highlighting the significance of the show as a focus for new developments for the industry. To reinforce this role, the awards are undergoing an important change for the 2004 event (12-15 September), with the focus being much more on genuine innovation. To reflect this, the feature area will also be redesigned.

This year, the awards will be repositioned as the PLASA Awards for Innovation. The previous assessment criteria, which segmented the nominations into sectors, has been removed so that products will no longer be judged within category lines, but on the grounds of their innovation alone. The judges will be looking for products which advance the industry, demonstrate a new style of thinking, represent a key step forward in safety terms, or improve technical practices

PRG joins ESTA Certification Council

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - The Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) has announced that Production Resource Group (PRG) - one of the world's leading suppliers of entertainment technology equipment and solutions - has accepted a seat on ESTA's Certification Council. PRG provides lighting, projection, audio, video, scenery and labour services for theatrical productions, trade shows, corporate events, sporting events, special events, television and film productions, themed attractions and environments, concert tours and automotive industry events.

The ESTA Certification Council is the governing body, which is managing the development and implementation of the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP), a new industry-wide program, which will grant credentials in specific disciplines to entertainment technicians.

Jere Harris, chairman and CEO, will serve as PRG's princi

South African Roadies on exchange program

Details: 14 March 2016

South Africa - Four Roadies from South Africa will spend two weeks engaged in on-the-job training in Norway this July. The famous Quart Festival, in Norway, will host the four SARA (South African Roadies Association) technicians as part of a technical exchange program (now in it's fourth year) between SARA and the Quart Festival.

SARA raised the necessary sponsorship from MMINO, a South Africa-Norwegian education and music program, to enable young South Africans to spend the 29 June to 13 July 2004 period in Norway. There they will spend an intense 15 days gaining technical training from some of the best in the world, learning the latest methods and techniques in sound, staging, power, lighting and related live music/entertainment industries.

Every year the Board and organizers of the Quart Festival choose one deserving socially responsible role player on a global basis, and d

Avesco announce preliminary results

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Following its demerger from the InvestinMedia Group earlier this year, Avesco plc, the specialist service provider to the corporate presentation, entertainment and broadcast markets, has announced its preliminary results for the year ended 31 March 2004.

In his Chairman's statement, Ian Martin commented that the past twelve months represented the third difficult year in succession for the Group and pointed out that within the period covered by the results, Avesco had only been trading as an independent company for a short time. Also, significant additional costs were incurred to achieve the demerger and Avesco's subsequent listing on the AIM (Alternative Investment Market), together with the provisions required for the reorganization, relocation and restructuring of the demerged company. However, he described the results as, at best, only satisfactory.

Group turnover fro

Randy Green goes to D-Tools

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - D-Tools, a leading system integration software company, has appointed Randy Green, the former vice-president of Stardraw, to its senior management team. Green will head up a new team within D-Tools aimed specifically at the commercial system integrator market.

"We are very pleased about the addition of Randy Green to our team," said Adam Stone, president of D-Tools. "His knowledge of the commercial system integrator's software needs in the United States is second to none, and we look forward to his spearheading our charge into this market."

Green's appointment coincides with a major expansion of D-Tools' proven Si Software into the commercial market. Amongst the newest features being shown at InfoComm, will be a product data library featuring over 140 commercial manufacturers as well as the company's newest add-on, the Business Manager module, used f

PLASA AGM 2004

Details: 14 March 2016

PLASA's mid-June AGM in Wales proved an excellent opportunity for members to learn more about the work of the Association and offer feedback on some of its ongoing initiatives. It also turned out to be one of the best social events of the year for members, and part of the credit for that must go to PLASA insurance providers Allan Chapman & James, who kindly sponsored the pre-dinner drinks.

To find out what else took place during the day, you can read a more detailed report in L&SI. We are now looking at the options for 2005 and will announce details shortly.

Members had an opportunity to ask anything they liked during the open Question & Answer session at the AGM.

Technical Support for Members Moves up a Gear

Details: 14 March 2016

Following a detailed review of its Technical Standards office, and a consultation meeting with members, PLASA has refocused its role and relaunched it as the Technical Resources Office. Key initiatives already in place, or to be introduced shortly, include:

The creation of a PLASA Standardization Programme utilizing PLASA member interaction to develop industry-specific technical standardization (not BSI/European standards), codes of practice and guidance.

Increased availability and accessibility to British Standards, industry codes of practice and guidance documentation.

Databases of testing facilities and other member technical support functions.

An online forum open to all in which the more common problems discussed could be the trigger mechanism for deciding if a subject is a candidate for involvement in the standard or guidance writing process.

Downloadable forms (risk as

PLASA AGM 2004

Details: 14 March 2016

To find out what else took place during the day, you can read a more detailed report on page 38. We are now looking at the options for 2005 and will announce details shortly.

Members had an opportunity to ask anything they liked during the open Question & Answer session at the AGM. Andrew Bishop, Diane Grant and Matthew Griffiths provided the answers.

PLASA AGM communicates role for future

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - 70 members attended PLASA's recent AGM and Association Day, held on Friday 11 June at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales. This was a significant event for the Association, coming at a time when PLASA has reset some of its key objectives and launched a number of major new initiatives.

The first part of the day - the AGM - was opened by chairman Diane Grant, who welcomed members before handing over to vice-chairman Andrew Bishop to present the final accounts for 2003. He highlighted the Association's pre-tax profit of £45,249, despite difficult trading conditions, and covered some of the key investments of the preceding 12 months, including those in member services, training, technical resources and market research. He also addressed the issue of the Association's reserves, informing members of the committee's determination to ensure that there would be investment in

Technical Support for Members Moves up a Gear

Details: 14 March 2016

Increased availability and accessibility to British Standards, industry codes of practice and guidance documentation.

Databases of testing facilities and other member technical support functions.

Downloadable forms (risk as

CEDIA appoints new education facilitator

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association), the trade association representing the fast-growing home automation industry, has announced that Michael Eden is to be its new education facilitator. This new appointment further underlines CEDIA's on-going commitment to delivering the training and educational structure required by the industry it says.

Michael Eden has most recently served as a head teacher at a large secondary school in Surrey. In this role, he was responsible for developing training programmes, as well as teacher induction and assessments. He has also worked with several government departments on training and education related issues.

"Michael brings to this role considerable experience in many areas of education, which will be a great asset to CEDIA in the UK," said Stephen Gough, chairman of CEDIA. "In his previous roles he h

Sound analysis suggests upturn

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - It seems that the UK sound equipment industry is finally turning the corner, according to industry analysts Plimsoll Publishing. The latest Plimsoll Portfolio Analysis -Sound Equipment reveals signs of sustainable improvement in the industry. Some of the most interesting findings taken from the analysis include 23 companies which have seen sales increase by over 15%, 29 companies which have doubled profit and 54 companies which have halved their debts.

David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll Publishing, says: "After the last few years of uncertainty, the UK sound equipment industry is experiencing a positive upswing. I am delighted that many companies are getting it right by addressing the issues that have constrained them for years. Profits are improving, sales are up and debt issues are being resolved."

However, Pattison is quick to point out that n

Obituary: Hugh Laver

Details: 14 March 2016

L&SI has learned of the death of Hugh Laver, on 4 May in Adelaide, Australia. Laver, a well-known figure in the UK's lighting industry, had suffered with Multiple Sclerosis for 15 years.

Simon Corder writes: "In my life there have been a few people of great importance; mentors and teachers who have inspired and taken the time to share their experience. Hugh was my chief at the Bubble Theatre in 1979; we toured London in a big yellow tent. He was a good man who is fondly remembered."

Jon Cadbury of VLPS adds: "Hugh and I had worked together for the Joint Stock Theatre Company, where he always had the clearest view on the right way to service and support theatre and entertainment technology. He was a teacher and an inspiration to everyone who came into contact with him. He will be missed by many people.

"Paul Turner had started Zenith Lighting to service the conce

Faceparty organizes the Big Gay Out

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Big Gay Out - the official Pride Party - staged in Finsbury Park on 3 July was presented by Faceparty, in association with Virgin Mobile. Over 20,000 festival-goers attended the event, where over 160 artists performed live across 11 stages between 1pm and 10.30pm, including Fun Lovin' Criminals, Jamelia, Sugarbabes and Mark Almond on the main Big Mutha stage.

Celebrated as best party organizers in 2002 and 2003 by Mixmag and FHM, Faceparty is famed for its high production levels and decadent parties. In true style, Faceparty's Dave Bamforth inspired the design and concept for Big Gay Out, transforming London's Finsbury Park into a feature-packed wonderland. In addition to 11 stages, beach bars, splash pools, a funfair, jacuzzis, and a teepee village ensured a good time for the party revelers.

Faceparty's executive producer, Martin Heap, coordinated the event, appointing L

ETC unveils HQ with a difference

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Friday 11 June saw 'opening night' of ETC's new corporate headquarters near Madison, Wisconsin. The theatrical terminology was apt, as the lighting company's new $21m building is all about theatre and lighting magic, in a space that rethinks the rules on corporate architecture.

Town Square is the heart of the 250,000sq.ft facility. A theatrical replica of a 1940s city street scene, it's based on Edward Hopper's New York paintings. The centrepiece is the Nighthawks café itself (the company's reception area), while an old-time cinema flashes its neon 'Century' sign, and serves as entrance into ETC's product demonstration and staging area. Across the way, the 'Kelly Insurance Agency' is the company's Human Resources department. Other façades - a bank, an office supply store, a travel agency - crowd around the space of Town Square, overshadowed by an Empire State Building-like skys

PRG and VLPS complete merger

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - PRG and VLPS Lighting Services International have jointly announced the completion of the merger announced last month, which has created the leading equipment and technology company in the entertainment industry. The merger has been approved by VLPS stockholders, and the regulatory review period has expired. As of now, a newly-formed subsidiary of PRG will be merged with and into VLPS, with VLPS becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of PRG. The combined company will operate as PRG Lighting, PRG Audio, PRG Scenic Technologies and Showpay, and will maintain its headquarters in New Windsor, NY.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, VLPS stockholders are to receive $8.32 per share in cash immediately, with up to an additional $.50 per share payable from an escrow account established to pay for any indemnification claims. VLPS shares, heretofore listed on the OTC pink sheets, w

PLASA: final places for Sales Workshop

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - As part of its Professional Development Programme (PDP), PLASA, the Professional Lighting and Sound Association, has organized two half-day sales workshops, to take place in London on 5 August. Presented by Mike Southon, author of the best-selling business book The Beermat Entrepreneur, the focus of the sessions will be on the technical aspects of selling, with opportunities to discuss issues faced by those attending. Due to the popularity of the event, there are now only four places available in the afternoon. The cost to PLASA Members is £40.00. To register email Nicky Greet at the e-mail address below, or call on 01323 410335.

(Lee Baldock)

Stardraw Forums go live

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Software provider Stardraw.com has launched a new online service. Stardraw Forums offer a freely accessible platform on which to exchange ideas, ask questions and share experiences. Forums have been established for all Stardraw products, and each forum is continuously monitored by Stardraw experts to ensure that replies to postings will be timely and accurate.

Stardraw's marketing director Rob Robinson says that Stardraw Forums represent yet another way in which Stardraw users can make their feelings known about the applications they are using, as well as sharing hints and tips with other users. "The web is by far the most important way in which we, as a software company, communicate. We therefore go to great lengths to ensure that our own website is always up-to-date and contains everything the Stardraw community could possibly wish for to make their lives easier, an

Stardraw appoints AudioSales in Austria

Details: 14 March 2016

UK / Austria - Software provider Stardraw.com has appointed leading Austrian pro audio sales, distribution and systems specialist, Audiosales Vertriebs GmbH, as resellers throughout Austria for the entire range of Stardraw's design and documentation software packages.

Located 15km south of Vienna, AudioSales specializes in four areas of business activity: recording and post-production, fixed installations, broadcast, and professional live sound. The company also has an impressive portfolio of brands under exclusive distribution, including Audix microphones, Drawmer and Klark Teknik signal processors, Midas and SSL mixing consoles, Peavey MediaMatrix, Samplitude hard-disk recording, and L-Acoustics and Work loudspeakers.

AudioSales sales manager Reinhard Brummer is pleased to number the Stardraw product range among these brands. "We have a long history in digital recordi

ChainMaster joins PLASA

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - ChainMaster of Eilenburg, one of the world's market leaders in the manufacture of chain hoists and chain-hoist controllers for the stage, has now become a member of the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA). Frank Hartung of ChainMaster commented: "We applied for admission to the Association in order to be able to drive forward the international dialogue with colleagues, customers and users. With its considerable influence, the PLASA represents an attractive platform."

At this year's PLASA show in London, ChainMaster will again be presenting its latest products. The venue for the fair, as in previous years, is the Exhibition Centre in Earls Court. ChainMaster can be found on stand C79.

(Lee Baldock)

Waterproof In-line Ethernet Cable Joiner

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - To complement Bulgin's Buccaneer range of waterproof Ethernet connectors is a new in-line cable joiner providing a robust, economic, sealed connector for in-line network connections. Dust and waterproof to IP68, the tough body houses a RJ45 coupler. Supplied with a choice of three couplers; the PX0777/UTP has an un-shielded (UTP) coupler, the PX0777/STP a shielded (STP) coupler and the PX0777/CAT5ESTP a shielded coupler to Cat5e. This format allows any standard patchcord, RJ45 connectors and most Ethernet cables to be used.

Moulded in a black UL94V-0 rated material the connector is supplied with cable glands to suit cables from 3.5 to 8mm diameter. Designed for easy field termination, the PX0777 offers an effective, low cost cable joining solution for LAN cables in harsh industrial environments.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Showlight 2005 announces first speakers

Details: 14 March 2016

Germany - Three years ago, as Showlight 2001 drew to a close in Edinburgh, members of the organizing committee were left wondering how they were going to better that event. However speakers promised for Showlight 2005 so far include at least three award-winning lighting designers and speakers from Holland, Germany, Australia, North America, Austria and, of course, the UK.

In a slight change of format, Showlight 2005 will feature several discussion groups: lighting education will be reviewed by a panel of students, lecturers and employers under the eye of England's Ian Dow; developments in light sources affecting lighting designers will be discussed by a small panel of senior engineers from the international lamp industry; and a discussion between international lighting designers will be chaired by the inimitable Mark Jonathan, previously with the UK's National Theatre.

Keynote

PLASA to host Control Protocols session

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - PLASA (the Professional Lighting and Sound Association) will host a session titled Managing the installation - Device Interoperability and Control Protocols - A current perspective at this year's PLASA Show (12-15 September 2004, Earls Court, London).

The session will include input from leading players in the development of entertainment industry control protocols - Peter Willis (Howard Eaton Lighting), Wayne Howell (Artistic Licence), Philip Nye (Engineering Arts) and Richard Lawrence (Strand Lighting) - who will present an update on their involvement in the ESTA Control Protocols Working Group and associated task groups, and chair a discussion forum on whether we are all heading in the same direction!

This session is targeted at manufacturers and engineering managers who have the responsibility of making things work together. Participation is by invitation, and l

Charter supplies OB facilities for sports

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Charter, one of the UK's largest broadcast television equipment rental companies, has recently supplied its OB facilities at both Euro 2004 for ITV Sports in Lisbon, and Formula 1 circuits for German broadcaster RTL in Hockenheim. For each event Charter provided equipment including master control and switching centres, production hubs and edit suites.

Steve Jones from Charter says: "We spent over £2 million last year investing in new technologies and in 2004 we plan to invest a further £3m. This substantial investment ensures that our customers, including RTL and ITV Sport, have access to the latest equipment. The bespoke outside broadcast production facilities that we offer can be flown to any part of the world and rigged on-site in order to meet ambitious timescales. With the broadcast and production industry still facing a tough economic climate, we try to ensure

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