UK - Stage Electrics has announced a series of training courses aimed at raising standards in health and safety across the entertainment industry. The courses will take place at Northbrook College in Worthing, Sussex (21 and 22 March) and at The Point in Eastleigh, Hampshire (23 and 24 March).

On 21 March in Worthing, the courses begin with the day-long Basic Health & Safety - The Entertainment Environment. The cost of this course is £150 +VAT per person. The following day's course will be Pyrotechnics Safety Awareness, and will cost £120+VAT per person.

The Pyrotechnics Safety Awareness course will be repeated on 23 March at The Point in Eastleigh, at the same price, and will be followed on 24 March by Electricity at Work - The Entertainment Environment, priced at £150 +VAT per person. Anyone wishing to book both courses at either venue can do s

USA - The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) is pleased to announce that the League of American Theatres and Producers (the League) has accepted a seat on the ETCP Council. The League is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League's 500-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in over 140 North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theatre industry.

The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) is a new industry-wide program that is bringing together an unprecedented group of industry organizations, businesses and individuals to create a program of rigorous assessments for professional technicians.

Seth Popper, Director of Labor Relations, will serve as the League's principal representative to the Council. "As an organization committe

UK - Le Mark has created a range of heat, solvent and tamper-resistant identification labels/nameplates for industrial tooling manufacturer, Perkins Engines. The requirement was to develop and manufacture a label which would remain in place at all times and clearly identify the company's products. A Japanese pressure-sensitive self-adhesive system unique to the UK (SSS 5585) which forms an incredibly strong bond once cured, was selected. A combination process of screen-printing and steel etching was required to ensue durability to meet the Perkins specification.

Over 12 months of testing, evaluations were carried out with extreme temperatures, vibration, oils and solvents. These extensive tests showed LeMark's product, to be able to produce the best solution, and therefore winning the contract, amidst fierce opposition within the industry market.Le Mark's sales director Linda G

USA - The International Communications Industries Association, Inc. (ICIA) and PLASA Media, Inc., have announced that PLASA Media's magazine, Lighting&Sound America, will sponsor the Lighting and Staging Pavilion at ICIA's upcoming InfoComm trade show, 4 - 11 June, 2005, in Las Vegas.

With over 25,000 attendees and more than 700 exhibitors expected, InfoComm is the annual international marketplace for rental and staging companies, systems integrators, design consultants, production studios, video professionals, dealers, independent representatives, and buyers from more than 15 vertical markets.

"Lighting and staging technologies are vital to the systems approach that visitors look for at InfoComm," said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., ICIA executive director. "Our partnership with PLASA Media is designed to round out the broad array of products and services at th

UK - Music business hopefuls are being offered the chance of some business mentoring from a teaching team including Stevie Wonder's UK manager. Keith Harris is a well-respected figure in the music industry with 30 years of managing and promoting some of the world's biggest acts.

The former head of promotions for Motown UK, he has chaired leading industry bodies including the Manager's Forum, and is on first name terms with the key players from the industry and government. For the last 10 years he has taught on the commercial music degree at the University of Westminster. He's offering the chance of some personal coaching to anyone who comes onto a short course for people wanting to launch a business in the music industry.

The Music Business Course is run in association with local enterprise agency, Harrow in Business. Keith is one of the tutors on the course, along with studio

UK - Kramer Electronics UK Ltd recently announced that it is expanding its cable business. The new and expanded cable line-up complements the Kramer hardware.

"Anyone who buys a Kramer product will need cables, and Kramer is committed to providing the best possible one stop shopping solution for our customers," said Paul Robertson, product manager for Cabling and Adapter Products. "By expanding the line-up and actively focusing on this segment of our business, we will be making system solutions easier for all of our existing customers, and gaining customers who want the great combination of quality and value that Kramer can offer."

The new line features three categories: Bulk Cables, Cable Assemblies, Connectors and Termination Accessories. In the Bulk Cable category, Kramer has increased its product from two varieties to eight, including single-coax, dua

UK - Qudos System 3 is a brand new product and concept in Compliance and Risk Management software, offering users a 'One Stop Solution' for the enterprise. Qudos System 3 seamlessly integrates with SQL database, giving organizations a management system where meeting minutes, risk assessments, customer surveys, audits and action plans provide continuity and improve productivity.

Distributed by Avanquest UK, experts in business process management solutions and compliance, Qudos offers a viable, cost effective solution to quality managers, compliance managers and CEO's in a wide range of business areas from health to manufacturing. Qudos System 3 provides the infrastructure to run any compliance or business management system - for ISO 9001 Quality, ISO 14001 Environment, Occupational Health and Safety and various legal and regulatory compliance arrangements. Its flexible design all

UK - The Royal Lifeboat College, overlooking the sea at Poole, Dorset, was recently opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II. Electrical systems for the college were handled by Faber Maunsell, who specified Futronix PFX systems to control all lighting in the auditorium, restaurant and bar. The auditorium can be partitioned into two completely separate rooms, with different lighting controls and 20 scene settings available for each area. Auditorium lighting is mainly LV downlights, with two rows of fluorescent fittings adjacent to the corridor area, all controlled by two PFX1210 panels located in the service area and triggered from SP4 switch panels in each zone and in the corridor.

Adjacent to the auditorium a circular glass structure resembling a lighthouse lantern houses a restaurant on the ground floor and a bar directly above, both affording superb views of the seascape. The restaur

Czech Republic - The 11th Prague Quadrennial, international competitive exhibition of scenography and theatre architecture, will celebrate its 40th year of existence in 2007. The Prague Quadrennial is organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and realized by the Theatre Institute in Prague. Theatre professional Arnold Aronson (USA) has been appointed to the role of General Commissioner of the PQ 07.

PQ 07 will again create three basic competitive sections: the Section of National Exhibitions, the Section of Architecture and Technology, and the Student Section - Scenofest, which will be organized together with OISTAT (International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians). Countries have until June 30, 2005 to announce the name of the National Curator who will be the guarantor of the artistic and organizational aspects of the national ex

UK / USA - Software provider Stardraw.com has announced that latest application, Stardraw Control, won an Innovation in Technology award on the occasion of its worldwide launch at NSCA 2005. This is the second major trophy for Stardraw Control, which has already been honoured with a PLASA Award for Innovation at its preview at London's PLASA show in September last year.

Stardraw's marketing director, Rob Robinson, explains the key features of Stardraw Control that set it apart from other control solutions. "Stardraw Control generates stand-alone, customized control programs that can manage any type of addressable equipment from any manufacturer using any protocol over any communications infrastructure. Instead of being locked into closed architectures wherever system control, monitoring or signal routing has been required, Stardraw Control offers systems integrators an op

UK - 5 Star, the Cambridgeshire-based flightcase manufacturer, recently supplied the 1000th 'Eurotrucker' road trunk to Blitz Communication. Blitz specializes in audio-visual equipment rental and AV services and has one of the UK's largest equipment warehouses for the hire of video projectors, sound equipment, display technology, stage sets and lighting. 5 Star has been a prime supplier of flightcases to Blitz for over two years, and in that time has manufactured a wide variety of case styles and specifications for different departments within the company, including audio-visual, sound and multimedia equipment.

Blitz Communication has headquarters in Elstree, as well as a branch in Manchester. The company uses the popular 'Eurotrucker' general purpose road trunk extensivley for cables and accessories. To commemorate the 1000th unit supplied to Blitz, 5 Star produced a 'Eurotru

UK - PLASA 2005, Europe's definitive exhibition for professionals and decision-makers within the entertainment, event, corporate, architectural and installation industries, takes place at London's Earls Court from Sunday September 11 to Wednesday September 14 2005.

This annual event attracts visitors from all over the world and is run by people from within the industry - and the 2005 show promises to deliver precisely what the market requires - information, ideas and a strong forum for doing real business.

Over 300 companies are committed to making PLASA 2005 a solutions-led event: between them they will roll out over 1,000 new products and services designed to push existing technical and creative possibilities a stage further.

Both show floors will be packed with new ideas in audio, lighting, AV, rigging, system integration, engineering and effects: visitors will get to

Germany - Outline will be holding a Press launch during this week's ProLight + Sound in Frankfurt to announce its latest products for 2005. These include a new monitor designed using the HARD principle, and Globe Sub - a universal self powered sub bass.

The Italian manufacturer will also We shall also be announcing its Compass (compact polar adjustable sound system). "This 'line source loudspeaker' takes the line array technology quantum leaps forward," says Outline. Compass has a fully adjustable horn flare which is manoeuvred via servos contained within the cabinet and controlled via software. Dispersion can be calculated and adjusted between 60 and 180 degrees in the horizontal and between 0 and 15 degrees in the vertical. Flying hardware will also be mechanically adjustable via computer controlled servos. Compass will see its physical launch at PLASA 2005 in L

USA - The Entertainment Technician Certification Programme (ETCP) Council has announced that the rigging candidate handbook and application forms are now available. The first ETCP rigging examinations (arena and theatre) will be held in November 2005 in conjunction with the ETS-LDI trade show. Candidate information, including eligibility requirements and application forms, are available on the ETCP website.

"All experienced riggers are invited to take the industry's first rigging certification exam," says an ETCP spokesman. "The rigging certifications are designed for highly experienced riggers. Qualified riggers can apply for either one or both exams. Individuals must meet eligibility requirements to apply for the exam(s).

"The content for the examinations is based on a job analysis performed by twenty-four subject matter experts under the guidance of a pr

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) will launch its annual Summer School 2005 at the A.C. Lighting North Trade Show being held at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds on April 26 & 27.

ABTT Summer School 2005 is being held at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry. Four Awards are being offered: In addition to its successful Bronze for Stage Technicians, this year sees the launch of a Silver Award for Stage Technicians, a Silver Award for Sound Technicians and a Silver Award for Stage Electricians. For the first time, these Awards will have full accreditation from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama, making the ABTT Awards the first accredited courses for technical and production practitioners in theatre.

The Bronze Award is five intensive days taking the following subjects: Electrical Fundamentals, Portable Appliance Testing, K

USA - Compulite Systems has renewed its presence in the US with the establishment of Compulite USA, a wholly owned subsidiary. "This is a key stage in the implementation of the company's growth strategy, and overall mission." says Ohad Ashery, Compulite's VP of marketing and business development.

"Naturally, we see huge potential in the North American market", Ashery continues, "Compulite has always been known for it's outstanding responsiveness to customers, and the new subsidiary will enhance our ability not only to sell, but also to provide follow-up services such as training and support to our valued customers in the US.

"We also expect to gain first-hand knowledge of the specific needs of the North American market, that will be quickly translated into new products, supplementing our established product lines."

Located in Wallingford, C

Liechtenstein - Neutrik is extending the popular D-chassis line with USB and FireWire receptacles. The new NAUSB and NA1394-6 will be shown for the first time in the UK at Sounds Expo, London, this month.

"Digital signal transmission is becoming more and more important in the Pro Audio world. With these digital connectors, Neutrik eases the integration of digital tools in the sound studio environment, offering convenient connections of any hardware using any of the two standard Bus technologies," says Neutrik's marketing director Norbert Nachbauer.

"The chassis of the USB and the FireWire connector fits to the D-panel cut-out established by Neutrik, which is universally accepted throughput the Pro Audio market. This makes the upgrading of existing consoles and panels remarkably simple - unscrew a no-longer required S-chassis connector and replace it with a NAUSB

Germany - For a form of entertainment so steeped in tradition, many theatrical productions nowadays employ a vast array of cutting-edge technology. But should theatre stick with 'traditional' production values or are moving lights, moving sets and moving sound becoming a necessity? These are questions that will be considered by lighting designer Ken Billington in his keynote address at Showlight 2005.

Lighting technology is also at the heart of Were you right?, a session where David Taylor will ask Richard Pilbrow (both of Theatre Projects Consultants) about some of his early prophesies for the future of stage lighting. Although Pilbrow is renowned as a theatre designer and producer, the chairman of Theatre Projects was a pioneer of modern stage lighting. His 1970 book Stage Lighting became a standard reference work.

These two papers are part of a wider pr

USA - High-end wireless technology manufacturer Lectrosonics is introducing what it claims to be the world's smallest professional audio wireless transmitter.

Scheduled to be unveiled at NAB 2005 in Las Vegas, SM (Super Mini), this transmitter is said to delivering 107dB signal-to-noise ratio and flat frequency response to 20kHz. Lectrosonics' Digital Hybrid Wireless technology uses both 24-bit digital audio and analogue FM signal transmission methods to encode a digital signal into a robust analogue format for transmission over a UHF FM carrier.

The SM's receiver captures the signal and DSP circuitry recreates the original digital audio. Says Lectrosonics, "This unique system represents the best of both wireless worlds: exceptional digital audio qualitycombined with the spectrum efficiency and long range of highly-optimised FM wireless systems."

Larry Fisher, Lect

Slovakia - Slovakian Superstar is the country's first series of the Pop Idol roll-out, and has captured the nation's popular imagination, with up to 1.8 million TV viewers (out of a population of approx. 5.5 million), a highly enthusiastic public, and 3,678 original applicants, whittled down to the 11 most talented finalists.

Superstar is broadcast live each Friday night from the National Tennis Centre arena in Slovakian capital, Bratislava, staged in front of 1,500 highly vocal fans. STV has put 2.6 million Euros into producing the series, making it the country's largest TV project to date, and very much a matter of National pride. The live show tickets are allocated as give-aways for various competitions and about half via the show's main sponsors, including Nestlé.

Naturally, production values are right at the top of the agenda, with STV seeking the best technical and crea

USA - On Wednesday, 13 April 2005, two draft rigging standards were posted on the ESTA website for public review. BSR E1.4, Entertainment Technology-Manual Counterweight Rigging Systems, and BSR E1.21, Entertainment Technology - Temporary Ground-Supported Overhead Structures Used to Cover the Stage Areas and Support Equipment in the Production of Outdoor Entertainment Events, will be available on the ESTA website until the end of the day, midnight GMT, on 28 June 2005. They can be accessed at http://www.esta.org/tsp/documents/public_review_docs.php.

BSR E1.4, Entertainment Technology-Manual Counterweight Rigging Systems, describes the design and construction of manually powered counterweight rigging systems. The primary purpose of the standard is to enhance the safety of these system, which

USA - Mike Wood Consulting LLC has announced the addition of a free subscription service to its web-based database of entertainment technology patents. This database has been running for over a year and is updated weekly with US Patents relating to entertainment technology, with a particular emphasis on lighting patents.

After signing up to the free information service on the newly re-designed website, users will be automatically e-mailed whenever new US patents are issued that are interesting or relevant to the entertainment technology community. Subscribers will receive an e-mail from the system at most once a week and can cancel their subscription at any time. The e-mail will contain brief descriptions of the newly issued patents and links to allow direct downloading of full pdf files.

The patent database is fully searchable and currently contains over 500 US patents includ

UK / Sri Lanka - When the devastating effects of the tsunami struck the countries around the Indian Ocean over the Christmas period, the services offered by the entertainment production industry weren't those that were immediately required as part of the disaster recovery effort. Three months on, however, as the countries work to return to normality, the UK lighting industry has been able to offer assistance to colleagues working in Sri Lanka.

Production manager Alison Ritchie heard about the damage caused to the lighting, sound and staging equipment stock of her friend Thushan Dias of Mahinda Dias Engineers. MDS has supplied lighting sound and staging services in Sri Lanka for more than 50 years, and Ritchie knew Dias having worked with him when Shared Experience toured to Colombo in the 90s. After the tsunami, she contacted him to check that he was OK, and heard that though he

USA - Color Kinetics Incorporated announced on April 22 that the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts has granted its motion for summary judgment regarding three of Super Vision's claims: interference with prospective business relationships, trade disparagement and defamation.

Colour Kinetics' statement added: "By granting summary judgment for Color Kinetics on these three Super Vision claims, the Court determined that no reasonable jury could find for Super Vision on its claims of interference with prospective business relationships, trade disparagement or defamation and, therefore, no trial need be held on those issues. Furthermore, arguments regarding summary judgment motions with respect to patent validity, enforceability and infringement are expected to be heard by the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts in May 2005.

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