Denmark - The preview release of Martin Professional's new version Maxedia software, Maxedia 4 RC, is now available. Maxedia 4 RC is the latest software update for Martin's Maxedia high performance media server. The final release of Maxedia 4 will take place later in the spring.

The new software features a number of improvements including an entirely new video engine using the latest high-performance professional video codec. The new video engine is optimised to play multiple Full HD 1080p H.264 MPEG-4/AVC MOV&AVI Codec.

Improvements with Maxedia 4 include: support for H.264 MPEG-4/AVC MOV&AVI HD Professional Codec; pixel accurate video output; support for ultra-widescreen; multi-screen keystoning and edge blending; pixel mapping for RGB and CMY fixtures; support for Live HD-SDI capture video input; intuitive user interface; live diagnostic tool; CITP 1.1 protocol remote thumb

UK - Classical vocal group Blake and soprano Natasha Marsh recently brought together their musical talents for a special four week tour of the UK, performing popular classical works, their own hit material and pop arrangements. The tour, universally praised as a captivating and emotional show, ran from 22 March 22 - 9 April.

Lighting and production design was by Mark Cunniffe, who used Martin MAC III Profile, MAC 700 Profile and MAC 700 Wash luminaires to light the memorable series of shows. Known for his detailed attention to artistic requirements, Cunniffe's wealth of experience includes working with artists such as Elton John, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart and Stevie Wonder.

"Steven Howard and Jodi Mitzman from the TCB Group requested a show that contained projected imagery together with lighting to provide an operatic and theatrical mood not normally associated with this

UK - Percussion combo Noise Ensemble are touring with 30 SGM Idea 250 moving lights. These have been newly purchased for the tour by Snap To Black, the tour's supplier of lighting, AV, crew and production management. The purchase was made through SGM's UK distributor Lightfactor Sales.

Lighting has always been an essential element of the show and part of the original concept since its inception at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2004. The latest tour's design is again created by Ben M Rogers - who has been involved with Noise Ensemble since Edinburgh - and is based on bringing edgy, moody multilayered drama to the performance.

For this tour however, Rogers wanted to up the production values and create a new setting and ambiance via the meticulous and well thought-out lighting. The intention with the new moving lights - a substantial rig for a theatre tour of this scale - was also

Australia - LSC Lighting Systems has released the e24V3 Touring dimmer that offers the user a complete dimming and distribution solution. The new e24V3 comes complete with 24 channels of both dimming and HotPower distribution enabling the user to power up to 3000W per channel of lighting, video and special FX all from the one box, says the company.

Retaining all of the smarts of its predecessors, including CCT (current control technology), PTFD (pulse transformer fired dimming) and full LSCnet networking capabilities for both remote monitoring and remote recall of any of the 80 memories, the e24V3 can power a vast array of items directly and even has an in-built fully opto-isolated five-way DMX splitter, making it a real one box-one solution.

For added flexibility, e24V3 can also be fitted with the industry's two most popular wireless DMX systems, W-DMX from Wireless Solutions

Mexico - In a precursor to his current world tour, Sir Elton John played a series of benefit dates in South America and Mexico beneath a Martin MAC rig in support of Buchanan's Forever, a charitable organization that raises money for local community enrichment programmes.

Three intimate shows took place in late January in Caracas, Venezuela; Bogota, Colombia; and Mexico City. Buchanan's Forever, which also featured renowned Latin American musicians, selected Elton John to headline the cause-related musical experience (Jon Bon Jovi headlined the first edition of Buchanan's Forever last year).

The benefit shows followed a series of tour style shows that the artist performed in South America. Unlike the touring shows, which were full Elton John and band performances, the private Buchanan's shows were solo performances - Elton John and his piano.

Lighting designer for Elton John

Lithuania - When White Light and theatre owner ATG announced the phased replacement of the Strand 500-series lighting consoles across ATG's UK venues with ETC's Eos and Ion consoles, the intention was that the 'retiring' lighting consoles would return to White Light to join the company's rental stock and to provide service support and spare parts for the many 500-series consoles still providing good service in venues around the UK.

One of those consoles has now embarked on a whole new chapter of its life - travelling from Milton Keynes to Lithuania where it has joined the Bohemieciai, a new opera company that is part of the Lithuanian Philharmonic Orchestra in Vilnius.

The donation was instigated by lighting designer Peter Mumford, who has lit several shows for the company and decided to try to improve their equipment stock in time for his next show, the musical Sweeney To

UK - Pearce Hire provided power distribution, lighting and audio services to a series of events at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in April for client JA Productions including the high profile launch of its Future Foundations Appeal attended by patron HRH Prince William.

The Future Foundations Appeal aims to raise £8 million which will be used to expand the site's education facility, Veterans Pavilion and central space where major memorial services can be held. These developments are part of an ongoing process to establish a living and lasting UK memorial arboretum. Based in Staffordshire, it will commemorate those who have given their lives in service of their country and society, offering a haven of peace, contemplation and hope.

Owing to the sensitive nature of the event, it was essential that there were no technical faults. Pearce Hire worked to its usual high

UK - It didn't take a great deal of persuasion for the Scenic Solutions team at Stage One to head north to The Scotch Whisky Experience. Working for production company, the Continuum Group, Stage One was invited to the Edinburgh based attraction to provide all of the scenic and exhibition elements for the Experience's new Dark Ride installation.

Craig Hatto, projects director, Continnuum Group, said, "Stage One was the ideal choice. They undertook and immediately understood the inherent complexities in creating an experiential ride, taking immediate ownership of the set elements and integrating with the other specialist contractors. The team were courteous and sensitive to both the client and other contractors needs and with everything combined they made a complex and potentially high risk project appear to be a walk in the park."

Covering a 220m2 area, the ei

USA - Philips Color Kinetics aims to demonstrate new versatility for lighting specifiers by unveiling an extended portfolio of its most popular LED systems at Lightfair in New York.

In response to the design community's wide-ranging needs, the organization will demonstrate how its existing product lines have been broadened to include specific LED colour choices and other attributes. Beginning with several of its flagship solutions, expanded product offerings are now available:

iW Graze Powercore is a sleek, linear fixture designed surface grazing, wall-wash lighting, and signage illumination. Featuring IntelliWhite technology, iW Graze Powercore combines cool and warm white LEDs with digital control technology to offer colour temperatures ranging from 2700K to 6500K.

Combined with the improved operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Powercore technology, and a low-p

Germany - Gerriets reports that it is "highly satisfied" with Prolight&Sound 2009 in Frankfurt, especially because of the positive feedback regarding the new products in the Vario dance floors range.

Gerriets presented the new Vario Brilliance, available in seven high gloss colours, as well as Vario Grip which due to its PU coating and its stain-resistant and anti-skid surface is suitable for application in the event and show sector and is available in 10 different colours.

The new Vario Print attracted interest as a dance floor that can be custom printed with any imaginable individual design.

In the textile sector Gerriets presented the new blackout fabric Eclipse with a blackout degree of 99 % and a width of 320 cm, as well as the acoustically effective Ascona Echo and Clivia Echo, excellent for their exquisite sound absorption properties.

(Jim Evans)

UK - The UK tour of Strictly Come Dancing Live - the arena version of the popular BBC TV series - has all its lighting controlled by a grandMA full-size console for the first time.

The lighting design is by Mark Kenyon and the show was initially programmed by David Bishop during pre-production at Newcastle Arena. Mike Rothwell specified the grandMA and is the operator. He also did the 2008 Strictly Live tour, and this year decided to make the move to grandMA because, "It is such a stable, reliable system." It is the first full tour he's operated on the desk, but he was confident that going with grandMA was the right move, as he'd seen them in action on many other projects.

The lighting rig covers the large dance floor area and is based on five split trusses traversing the floor horizontally, and a central spine running vertically up the space, with anot

USA - On a clear night, the Sovereign Tower in north Atlanta shines brightly in the sky, visible from up to 30 miles away. To achieve such a level of illumination for this luxury office/residential complex (the tallest building constructed in Atlanta in twenty years), CD+M Lighting Design Group chose six Falcon Static Arc 3k xenon fixtures by Alpha One.

CD+M principal Ted Ferreira and associate principal Hilary Wainer shepherded the project for Regent Partners and architect SRSS for over three years. Their work included lighting the building facade, interior lobbies, private resident's club and surrounding grounds. "Our criteria for selecting Falcons to light the façade was two-fold," explains Ted Ferreira. "First, they had to be rated for exterior, long-term use in all weather conditions. Second, we needed a lot of light. Not many products in North America meet

UK - The inaugural PLASA Focus Show in Leeds on April 28-29 was a great success, beating the headiest expectations and the credit crunch. Anticipation had been high since PLASA Events announced the takeover of the event from AC Entertainment Technologies last year. The team had set out to continue the show's compact, user-friendly format while opening it up to the entire industry, broadening the marketing and creating new networking opportunities. By its close, the show had registered a total of 1,398 visitors (pre ABC audit).

Philip Norfolk of MA Lighting, which showed its new MA2 control surfaces, commented: "We've seen an excellent mix of students as well as serious clients, users and operators - a really broad spectrum of visitors. There have been good visitor numbers, high levels of interest and an excellent environment . . . and the time to spend with these people. Fo

UK - If you haven't reserved your delegate place at Showlight 2009, you have only a few days left to do so! And this year's Showlight has so much to offer everyone, whether you work in the theatre, television, architectural, film or event lighting. From Beijing to James Bond, the Grand Mosque to media servers, Showlight 2009 will be truly international and truly educational, say organisers.

With an eclectic mix of lighting designers from all disciplines, suppliers, manufacturers, students and scholars, each Showlight is unique, providing food for the mind, soul - and body! Included in the delegate price of only £180 are refreshments and lunch every day, plus dinner on Sunday and Monday. What more could you ask for? Oh yes - and the visits programme on Monday afternoon, with a backstage look at Glasgow's finest theatres, a visit to Philips' local factory, culture in the for

Czech Republic - Robe's new Robin 300E Spot and Wash moving lights are already in production after their launch at Prolight&Sound, Frankfurt.

The new fixtures are based on the Robe Innovative Technology - a philosophy committed to developing products based on the most inventive available technology. The Robin 300 Series is designed for multiple applications - including theatres, TV studios, churches, medium sized stage shows and live events, plus all types of professional installations.

Both fixtures are the result of extensive communication between Robe and designers, programmers, operators and rental companies operating in all areas of the professional lighting business.

The lightsource for both fixtures is the new Philips MSD Gold 300/2 MiniFastFit lamp with colour rendering index of 75, and with 2.000 hours of lamp life.

Electronic ballasts offer smooth dimming and rea

USA - Since arriving in Stockton, CA in 2005-06, the Thunder hockey team has captured the passion of Central Valley sports fans, leading the ECHL league in attendance for four consecutive seasons. The team plays every game before a packed house at Stockton Arena, a 10,000-seat facility located along the city's downtown waterfront.

This year, the Thunder wanted to light up their home ice with as much excitement as they light up the crowd. So the team's management called on Stockton-based Illuminate Production Services (IPS) to design and install a new lighting rig around the scoreboard and video screens at Stockton Arena.

"Previously, the Thunder had rented a lighting rig each season," said Rick Franke of IPS. "But this wasn't efficient, so they were looking to purchase their own lighting." According to Franke, the team needed lighting that was affordable, e

UK - Northern Light, in conjunction with Just FX and Festival City Theatres Trust, are hosting two pyrotechnic safety awareness and information courses in Scotland during June 2009.

These courses follow on from the success of Northern Light's inaugural lighting and sound masterclass - hosted with ETC, Martin Audio and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama - in February of this year.

The pyro courses will be held on consecutive days on the stage of the King's Theatre in Edinburgh and will cover all aspects of storing and operating pyrotechnic stage effects. Delegates will enjoy demonstrations and practical experience of the different pyro types and their uses, as well as learning how to test the effects, store them and manage them safely. Additional modules will include the law, health and safety and risk assessments.

Gordon Blackburn, hire manager with Northern Light

UK - ETC has appointed London Light Production Services as a console dealer. The move, which means that London Light can now promote, sell and provide training for ETC's range of control desks, including Eos, Ion, Congo and SmartFade, as well as ETC's newest desk, Element, shown for the first time in the UK at PLASA Focus in Leeds.

Sam Crook, director at London Light, says: "We have been given the opportunity to focus on selling what we know best, which suits us well. As lighting designers, fellow director David Buffham and I have worked extensively on ETC Eos and Ion desks, and are able to provide full training and support from a user's point of view."

London Light has already sold an Eos and Ion system to English National Ballet, providing the ballet company's technicians with a demonstration and a day of training at ETC's office in west London before they went on

Germany - For the final of Deutschland sucht den Superstar (DSDS), the German equivalent of the talent show American Idol, which was screened last Saturday on RTL, a number of the impression luminaires from GLP used in the programme were sporting an elegant chrome-look finish.

The lighting design for the show was the responsibility of mo2 design's Manfred Olma and Manuel da Costa. mo2 design has been providing the lighting design for the show since its first season; the season that ended last weekend was in fact DSDS's fifth.

In all, some thirty impression XL luminaires were used in the course of the show; as a special feature for the final, six of them were coated with an elegant chrome finish. In addition to these, sixty-eight impression 90 units were deployed, of which twenty wore the same chrome finish and were mounted on impression Flower stands.

(Jim Evan

UK - Savage Marine, one of the UK's leading suppliers of lighting to the yacht market has halved the energy consumption of its ultra bright interior and exterior downlighters by adopting state of the art 10W LED technology from Marl to replace halogen lights.

According to Jon Freeman, research technician at Savage Marine: "The new 10W LED fittings offer the same warm glow as halogen, and don't have the 'ghosting' effect created by some LED lights - yet they use just half the energy of our halogen products. The LEDs last much longer too - up to 50,000 hours as against 1,000 hours for incandescent lights and 1,500 hours for halogen. That is over five years continuous use."

"Energy consumption is a significant focus for Savage Marine. Marine craft run their lighting from batteries, which are recharged from the engine, in consequence generating CO2 emissions very di

Rehearsal Space - Aspiring British bands are being offered the chance to pursue their musical dreams in new rehearsal spaces opened by the government. The first has been unveiled in Knotty Ash Youth Centre in Liverpool, where The Beatles played in 1962. Others will follow in Bristol, Norfolk, Hastings, St Austell in Cornwall and Washington in Tyne and Wear. A total of 10 new rehearsal spaces are due to open by the end of the year using £500,000 of government money. Locations are also being sought in Manchester, Nottingham and Leicester.

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said they were located in deprived areas that had few other youth facilities. "These fully-equipped spaces will make a big difference for young people who are looking for somewhere to practise, spend time and find an outlet for their creative skills," he said.

The scheme is being co-ordinated by fo

Switzerland - The KKL in Lucerne stages approximately 400 events each year, visited by over 400.000 guests, offering a wide variety of entertainment from classical to pop/rock concerts, plus award ceremonies, product launches and conventions. To replace the 10-year old lighting rig, a new grandMA2 system has been installed, consisting of three grandMA2 light and two grandMA replay-units. This was one of the first grandMA2 theatre installation worldwide.

The new system was installed during a maintenance period at the KKL Luzern in February. The grandMA2 replay units are used as back-up for the grandMA2 light. The third console was bought for mobile productions. All parts of the MA system are connected via the MA-Net2 with 1Gbit/s. The DMX-output is realised via ELC Ethernet-nodes which are triggered via Art-Net.

"Our first impression was fantastic", says head of light

UK - The Barbican Centre in London has recently purchased 16 PixelPar 90s. Technical manager Bob Allen explains, "We first saw the PixelPars in action when a production company brought them in to light an event. We were really impressed with their light output, smooth colour mixing and controllability. They are also engineered to a high standard making them robust - which is important for us as they are continuously in and out of flight-cases being rigged."

The PixelPars are in constant use around the Barbican Centre - lighting receptions, functions, parties and branding for conferences. The diversity of the fixtures creates more of an impact on smaller events and reduces the need for hiring in alternative lighting.

Allen continues: "We mostly use them in standalone mode as it saves on cabling in our reception and function areas, although there are occasions whe

UK - The charity live event for Cancer Research that PLASA's Ron Bonner and L&SI's technical editor James Eade are currently pulling together for 8 August this year is coming along nicely. Known as Vibes from the Vines, the event was last held in 2006 and raised £32,000 for the charity (if you are wondering about the name, the first event was held in a vineyard!). Offers of help from all around the Industry have been already received with companies and personnel being quick to step up to the plate with huge contributions in time and kit.

Ron Bonner says: "There will be some top quality equipment and expertise on show with Steve Williams of Nippy Industries providing the stage, Martin Hawthorn of Hawthorn Theatrical promising the vast array of Clay Paky lighting and Brian Grant agreeing to provide a top-spec PA from Britannia Row. Ric Salzedo at Avolites is agai

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