Australia - LSC has announced the release of the QX1 USB-DMX Decoder designed specifically for use with its Clarity lighting and media control software. The QX1 falls into the same family as its bigger brothers the QX2 and QX4 and is aimed at smaller shows or venues where only a single universe of DMX512 is required or where cost is the major consideration.

Engineered to fit into a five-pin XLR style DMX inline connector, the QX1 provides a 450mm cable with a USB style A connector at the opposite end. The QX1 connects directly to a standard computer or laptop (PC or Mac) via a USB port where it will be automatically detected by the LSC Clarity software and appear as a possible output device on Clarity's Patch Window.

The QX1 provide a single DMX512-A and RDM compliant output and where other manufacturers often charge more for RDM compatible devices, RDM capability is built dir

UK/Sweden - Cooper Controls has partnered with Sweden's LumenRadio and the collaboration got off to a flying start with CRMX wireless technology being integrated into Zero 88's latest generation of ZeroWire product range.

CRMX offers functionality such as Automated Cognitive Coexistence, error correction and data fidelity, 5 ms synchronized latency, encryption, 500-1000m line-of-sight range as well as RDM (Remote Device Management). Zero 88 users are already used to bi-directional RDM communication within the extensive product range and Cooper Controls state that their RDM rollout is almost complete. Full remote configuration and monitoring of RDM-enabled devices including dimmers and lighting fixtures can now be performed using ZeroWire.

"Partnering with LumenRadio was an obvious decision for Cooper Controls. We wanted the most reliable and advanced wireless functionalit

France - Innovason has unveiled the latest incarnation of its successful Eclipse digital mixing console, Eclipse GT. Sporting a new look and an optimized feature set for exactly the same price as its predecessor, Eclipse GT sets a new standard for engineers in terms of what they can expect from - and achieve with - a compact mixing console, says the company.

The look of the Eclipse GT has changed considerably with the integration of a few practical features like a side rail to facilitate moving and carrying, as well as some sophisticated aesthetic touches like the red LEDs in the side-cheeks (which may be switched off if necessary) and the signature Innovason red trackball reflecting the new company image that was first revealed at PL+S last year.

Another major change is the 'feel' of the console from an operator's point of view. All of the knobs and faders have been especiall

China - Martin Manufacturing Zhuhai Ltd, Martin Professional's production facility in China, has fully developed and implemented the ISO 14001 environmental management system and received its ISO 14001 certification.

The ISO 14001 environmental management standards address minimizing negative environmental impact while monitoring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and other environmentally oriented requirements.

With the ISO 14001 certification, Martin's Chinese facility, which is already ISO 9001 certified, has met additional requirements pertaining to management reviews, audits, corrective/preventive action, and document control. Additionally, ISO 14001 encompasses: Improvements beyond current environmental impact standards; Implementation of an environmental policy and action plan, and maintaining high standards in the work environment

"We have in fact bee

Czech Republic - L-Acoustics has announced the appointment of two new K1/Kudo rental network agents in the Czech Republic, T-Servis and High Lite Touring. Both companies, who already own substantial V-DOSC and dV-DOSC WST line source systems, have each added a K1/Kudo system and K1-SB subwoofers to their inventories.

The addition of these K1/Kudo systems to the Czech market emphasises the importance of the live sound reinforcement segment in this deceivingly small territory. The Czech Republic has a very strong musical tradition, and holds a large number of large-scale music events and open air festivals annually. Furthermore, its Central European location means that most European tours pass the Czech Republic.

Dan Krcmar, director of L-Acoustics' distributor for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Pro Music, comments, "We are excited to see two of our clients investing in t

By Design Day - Although 23 April has passed, it's not too late to support By Design Day 2011, which raises money for Light Relief in the UK and Behind the Scenes in the US and Canada. Some of the industry's top designers pledged that day's royalties to the two charities while others are choosing to make a straightforward donation. By Design Day is being championed this year by an illustrious group of international designers from a number of design disciplines including Neil Austin, Ken Billington, Paule Constable, Jonathan Deans, Rick Fisher, Howard Harrison, Scott Lehrer, Tony Meola, Scott Pask, Ken Posner, Jennifer Tipton, and Hugh Vanstone.

Royalties have been pledged from shows on stages all over the world including Hamlet and Moonlight (Jon Clark); Warhorse, Clybourne Park, and Les Mis 25th Anniversary Tour (Constable); La Cage Aux Fo

UK - A chance conversation 21 years ago led to the invention of the now ubiquitous

Le Mark PAL Road Case label. As with most inventions, the demand came first when the question was put by west London-based SPS to Le Mark's MD Stuart Gibbons: "Can you build be a road case label that I can write on over & over again and will stick like . . . a limpet to a blanket and never fall off?"

Along with screen printing colleague Kevin Isaac, Stuart Gibbons created the first ever Plastic Adhesive Laminate (PAL) Road Case label under the then (but now forgotten) Roadie Label name.

Le Mark has chosen to produce a 21st anniversary celebration version of their original Roadie Label - this time, however, with a glowing photo luminious background bearing the slogan: "Light in a Dark Place".

Le Mark have agreed to support Stage Hand as their 2011/12 season charity and wil

UAE - Eighteen leading local technical and production contractors will supply equipment, crew, services and technical expertise free for a concert taking place in Dubai on 27 April 2011, at the Aviation Club in Garhoud, which will be in support of Peace One Day.

UB40's Ali Campbell and a full ten piece band will be topping the bill on 27 April, and this will be followed by two further evenings of action-packed shows including a host of local artists.

The main concert sponsors are Al Laith Event Services, Creative Technology, Delta Sound, EFM Event Logistics and Neumann & Mueller.

Staging, roofing, FOH, barriers and production village cabins will be provided by Al Laith Event Services; lighting and rigging by Neumann & Mueller; sound by Delta; LED screens, projection and cameras by CT, with logistical support from freighting experts, EFM Event Logistics.

A further 13 local

USA - Stage Technologies Las Vegas has announced the latest schedule of its popular three-day training course - An introduction to automation and the eChameleon suite. The first session dates are 1-3 August inclusive, with dates for last-quarter training sessions to be announced later in the year. This course is aimed at programmers and operators as well as professionals from other disciplines interested in learning the features of eChameleon software.

Utilising Stage Technologies control interfaces, delegates will be given an opportunity to get hands on with eChameleon and learn some of the current techniques and principles used to plot and run some of the biggest shows in the world. eChameleon is the common software platform across all Stage Technologies control consoles, offering unrivalled ease of use, power and flexibility.

The three-day course will cover the funda

UK - Delegates from the National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural have just returned from two days in Leeds' Royal Armouries. They were attending the annual Focus event run by Skills Academy Industry Member PLASA.

This free exhibition of some of the most up-to-date lighting and sound technology in the world provided an excellent opportunity to explore the knowledge and skills required to make a career in technical theatre and live music. It was attended by students, young people and the generally interested - as well as industry professionals.

Also exhibiting were Skills Academy Industry Members Stage Technologies, White Light, BECTU (the Media & Entertainment Union) and the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT). During the course of the two-day event, the Skills Academy also welcomed two new technical service provider Industry Members: the Production Service

Qatar - The partnership between Qatar and AVtech tech has been getting stronger as Doha is emerging as a major venue for international sport events. Qatar hosted the 2011 AFC Asian Cup finals from January 7 to 29 this year. It was the 15th time the tournament has been held and the second time it has been hosted by Qatar.

Since the 15th Asian Games, Doha 2006, AVtech has been providing all broadcast, AV solutions for sports venues and games. So when it came to the AFC Asian cup, AVtech was the obvious choice.

AVtech is a leading supplier of high-end audio, video, broadcast and lighting equipment from the some of the most reputable manufacturers in the world. The company is well known for designing leading-edge live performance systems and projects with superb performance-ready systems in the field of sound, lighting, video and multimedia applications.

For ACF, AVtech, along w

USA - The next PLASA Control Protocols Plugfest will take place 22-24 July at the DFW Marriott Solana in Westlake, Texas. The event brings colleagues and competitors together to further the industry by testing the limits of control protocols and working out the bugs they encounter. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Plugfest began in January 2009 as part of the ESTA (now PLASA) Technical Standards Programme by members of various Control Protocols Task Groups represent a variety of manufacturers. Twice a year, when they are all in the same place at the same time, they bring controllers, lights, analyzers, and various other tools and devices, and connect them all through a network to look for and resolve problems. People attend from all around the world in an effort to improve their products.

Plugfest was originally created to support the Remote Device Management protocol (ANSI E1.2

USA - The Entertainment Technician Certification Programme (ETCP) Council is has announced an addition to the Employer and Labor Provider Recognition Programes: ETCP Recognised Contractor. This programme has been initiated to recognise organisations who utilise ETCP Recognized Employers and/or ETCP Certified Technicians on projects and job sites. This designation would be appropriate for designers, integrators, producers, and production companies. It would also be applicable for venues such as performing arts centres, arenas, museums, theme parks, and houses of worship.

Many organisations find ETCP Recognition and the ETCP logo to be effective marketing tools. ETCP Recognised Contractors may utilise the special ETCP Recognized logo which identifies them as a 'Contractor of ETCP Certified Technicians'. These logos may be used on company letterhead, on a website, and in advertisin

USA - Peavey Electronics Corporation, one of the world's largest manufacturers of musical instruments and professional sound equipment, has initiated multiple actions against Behringer for various intellectual property issues, including patent infringement, false marking, trademark infringement and unfair competition.

The Behringer-related entities currently involved in these suits include Music Group Services LU SARL - a corporation currently located on Mauritius; Music Group Services US, Inc - a Washington state corporation; Behringer International GmbH - a German corporation; Behringer Holdings (PTE) Ltd - a Singapore company; Red Chip Company Ltd - a British Virgin Islands corporation; Behringer USA Inc - a Washington state corporation, and Behringer Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH - a German corporation.

Peavey filed a lawsuit in 2009 against Behringer in US District Court i

Fraud Busters - Two of the biggest live event organisers in the UK have agreed to a police idea to protect people from fraudulent ticket websites. Festival Republic and Live Nation will send out tickets as soon as possible, rather than waiting, sometimes for six months, until just before performances. Police say the delay makes it difficult to prove fake sites did not have the tickets to sell in the first place. The National Fraud Authority says £168m is lost annually through ticket scams.

Genuine ticket sellers claim the delay in sending out tickets is meant to limit the time counterfeiters have to copy the originals. But an unintended consequence of this has allowed tens of thousands of people over the past five years to buy tickets from fraudulent websites, without realising the tickets will not arrive at all until it is too late, according to BBC Radio 4's You and Y

UK - PLASA's forthcoming European AGM and Members Lunch is expected to attract a strong turnout on the back of a significant 12 months for the organization.

It's just a year since members of PLASA voted overwhelmingly to merge with leading North American trade association ESTA, and on the 1 January this year, the two formally came together under the PLASA name, creating one of the largest membership organizations in the industry with over 1100 members worldwide.

Though still in its early stages, the merger has already greatly strengthened PLASA and given it a new profile in the industry, reinforced by a new PLASA logo and brand identity. The first phase of a new PLASA website has gone live and the first meetings of the new Regional Boards and over-arching Governing Body have also taken place. New services and research projects have been introduced, and the teams are currently

UAE - Gerriets, the German producer of fabrics, projection screens and stage technique has announced the formation of its latest operation - Gerriets Stage Equipment (FZE) with industrial and trading license in the Middle East region.

"Due to increasing demand for high quality entertainment based products and services, Gerriets decided to form Gerriets Stage Equipment (FZE)," says the manufacturer. "With the formation of this company, we will be able to fulfil the regional needs of our clients much more efficiently, directly from our UAE facility.

"We are pleased to announce that Mr. Axel Beisenwenger will be the managing director of Gerriets Stage Equipment (FZE). Mr. Beisenwenger offers years of experience, knowledge and contacts in the theatre and event markets within the UAE."

Gerriets has a number of new products scheduled and has also published

UK - After nearly five years at Mondiale Publishing, TPi editor Rachel Esson has left to try her hand at PR & Marketing with Yorkshire's newly re-branded rehearsal and production facility LS-Live.

Rachel will be co-ordinating all aspects of PR and marketing for the company, based at the South Kirkby headquarters initially and then working remotely from London. She commented: "I'm very sad to leave TPi but equally excited to be taking on a new challenge at LS-Live. It's a new role and there will be lots to get my teeth into considering it has undergone a dramatic transformation with new on-site bedrooms, dressing rooms, studios and green room.

"There's also the new industry-led training facility Backstage Academy and its short courses and foundation degree in Live Events Production to promote, along with the boost to LS-Live's hire stock of a new range of outdoor stag

UK - Content production provider, Bracken Media has teamed up with industry PR and new-media specialist Stephanie Dell of Sound Marketing to form partnership in the emerging micro film market.

Mark Bracken and Stephanie Dell have over 35 years combined experience in the professional audio and lighting industry and have worked together in various roles over the past two decades. The pair announced the launch of their new partnership at this year's PLASA Focus show, whilst working on their first commercial projects together.

Bracken Media produces professional video content including, training videos, talking heads, digital press releases, corporate and promotional videos for use on YouTube, social networking sites and websites. Sound Marketing specialises in new-media and traditional marketing communications, from PR, copy-writing and media communications to social media servic

UK - XL Events installed two large LED screens in London's Trafalgar Square to facilitate one of the main public viewing areas for live TV transmission of the UK's royal wedding between Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

XL was working for marketing and event producers Jack Morton Worldwide, who co-ordinated four similar format/concept sites across London for the wedding. An estimated 1m people lined the streets to catch some of the action, which was broadcast worldwide to a global audience of approximately 2bn. It was the most important UK Royal event for 30 years.

The screens were both made up from Lighthouse R7 panels and were positioned around Nelson's Column. One measured 80sq.m and faced the National Gallery, and the other was 40sq.m, facing eastward pointing down the Strand. Both were rigged on special screen support 'goal post' structures.

A stage was also built

USA - Intelix has recently partnered with Shawn McLoughlin, who joins the company as a senior account manager. In this capacity, McLoughlin will manage and develop Intelix's growing customer base.

"Shawn is a welcome addition to our team," states Cameron Smith, national sales and marketing director. "His wealth of industry experience and aggressive sales philosophy make him an ideal part of our team."

A long time veteran of the audio-visual industry, McLoughlin most recently served as the sales manager for a major industry distributor. Previous experience includes audio-visual system design and installation.

(Jim Evans)

Csaption: Shawn McLoughlin

France - Digital mixing console manufacturer, Innovason, has announced the appointment of Alexandre Liagre to the role of sales manager for Innovason's domestic market in France. Alex, who is based in Paris, takes over from the highly respected Philippe Guillo who returns to manage and run his own rental company, Koroll Sonorisation, but nevertheless remains a strong ambassador for the brand.

According to Innovason's international sales director, Marcel Babazadeh, Alex is an ideal fit for Innovason in France. "He is trained as both a salesman and a sound engineer, so in terms of profile, we couldn't ask for much better! Furthermore, he is one of the new generation of sound engineers for whom digital technology is as natural as breathing, and so again, ideally suited to represent Innovason who have always been at the forefront of pioneering digital console technology. I'm lo

USA - Nominations opened 3 May 2011 for PLASA's fourth annual Rock Our World Awards, which recognise groundbreaking achievement by PLASA Members. Designed to acknowledge the genius of both the creator of technology and the designers or integrators who apply it, these awards were originated by ESTA and continue as a worldwide programme under PLASA.

Contestants for the 2010 awards showcased a wide variety of achievements, from the simplest problem solver to complex uses of technology that extended the boundaries of entertainment technology. Project nominations showcased everything from innovative new products, to unusual applications, to massive events that highlighted the collaborative nature of our industry.

Anyone may nominate a PLASA member for the awards. If you've seen something that's blown your mind in the last year, now is your chance to tell the world. It could be a pi

Classical Record - A record number of BBC Proms tickets have been sold within the first 12 hours of being made available, the corporation has announced. More than 85,000 were shifted - up by 7% compared with last year - and 376 tickets were sold every minute in the first hour. The series of classical music concerts take place from 15 July at London's Royal Albert Hall.

All the seated tickets for Gustavo Dudamel and the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra sold out within three hours. Verdi's Requiem and Havergal Brian's gargantuan the Gothic Symphony have also all gone. However, up to 1,400 extra tickets are released on the day of each concert. Proms director Roger Wright said, "We're delighted that so many people have been able to get their tickets successfully and look forward to welcoming them to the Proms this summer."

Musical Chairs - Warner Music has been bo

Latest Issue. . .

Save
Cookies user preferences
We use cookies to ensure you to get the best experience on our website. If you decline the use of cookies, this website may not function as expected.
Accept all
Decline all
Analytics
Tools used to analyze the data to measure the effectiveness of a website and to understand how it works.
Google Analytics
Accept
Decline
Advertisement
If you accept, the ads on the page will be adapted to your preferences.
Google Ad
Accept
Decline