UK - Internationally respected lighting designer Richard Pilbrow has called the annual Knight of Illumination Awards "the most valuable gift to the entire lighting profession".

British-born Pilbrow, who now lives in America, is joint founder of the Association of British Theatre Technicians, Society of Theatre Consultants, The Society of British Theatre Designers, and the Association of Lighting Designers.

He has won countless awards, including the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award in Lighting Design from the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Association of British Theatre Technicians Technician of the Year (2000), Lighting Designer of the Year by Lighting Dimensions Magazine (2005), The Wally Russell Foundation Wally Russell Lifetime Achievement Award (2008), and was honoured at last year's Knight of Illumination Awards with a Lifetime Achieveme

USA / Denmark - Phish lighting designer Chris Kuroda (Aerosmith, The Black Crowes, R. Kelly) has a couple of associations to Denmark. One is that he happened to be in Copenhagen on that June day in 1992 when Denmark won the UEFA European Football Championship.

Another is the fact that he is an admirer of Martin Professional lighting gear and has used Martin's 1500-watt MAC III Profile on Phish shows since 2009 - the second Phish tour using the fixture having wrapped up in December.

"It's the perfect fixture for Phish," says Kuroda, who has been with the band for so long - 24 years - that he is considered the fifth member of the group. "Upstaging pointed us to the MAC III Profile and it was a good decision. Brad Haynes at Martin has also been incredibly helpful."

Kuroda has 45 MAC III Profiles placed liberally across the set and uses them for different pur

UK - Newly launched entertainment technology installation company Push the Button Ltd has installed a new ETC dimming and control system into London's famous Royal Court Theatre, with no disruption to the venues busy programme of shows and events.

Push the Button - or PTB - came onto the scene in January 2012 with a mission to provide "an intelligent and sympathetic technical approach to all of its projects and clients". With an inaugural job at what the New York Times calls 'the most important theatre in Europe', PTBs managing director Nick Ewins and his team certainly didn't waste any time making their mark.

Matt Drury, head of lighting for The Royal Court concurs: "The Royal Court receives and considers an extraordinary quantity of new work and each year presents an ambitious programme across its two venues. It's therefore of paramount importance to us that o

Germany - Aside from its range of lighting equipment for theatre, opera and corporate event markets, Robert Juliat will be previewing two new profile ranges at Prolight + Sound 2012 in readiness for their launch later in the year.

On the stand will be the Lancelot 4000W HTI stadium effects projector, the successful 1800W MSR Victor followspot and, just to show that LED has not completely replaced tungsten, the Cink 325LF 2000W tungsten Fresnel which adds the 'traditional touch' to any lighting design. And, one year after the first occasion, the Robert Juliat stand will be lit using the low power, high output, award-winning Aledin fixtures.

After successfully introducing the first framing spotlight with integrated LED light engine in 2010, Robert Juliat is now previewing two innovative ranges of profile spots that combine excellent dimming with homogenous projection quality.

Germany - In the new ilumo range of LED Spotlights the way in which the colour engine handles colour palettes has solved the old problem of intermediate colour being outputted by the LED Fixture during the fade when changing between colours, says Lumonic.

Lumonic, based in Manchester UK, believe they may well be the first company to offer the professional lighting engineer a virtually 'seamless fade' when moving from colour to colour.

This technological breakthrough affords a new level of control and creativity, says the company.

The ilumo ZOOM LED Spot is now in production and will be featured at ProLight+Sound on the Sonoss Stand F45, Hall 9.

(Jim Evans)

Germany - ArKaos will bring two new innovations at this year's Prolight+Sound - the ArKaos Hub, an intelligent network monitor software for media servers running MediaMaster Pro and a new revolutionary Video Mapping Software making its first public appearance at the show.

ArKaos Hub is an application specifically designed to monitor the state of multiple servers running MediaMaster in Fixture Mode. It can also send configurable commands to any video switchers connected to Ethernet using a TCP/IP address.

However, ArKaos Hub's key function is as a real-time backup system that gives instantaneous protection against server failure.

Currently, a backup system requires two servers running ArKaos MediaMaster simultaneously with the same set of visuals and receiving the same DMX commands to produce the same video stream. Any failure of a server necessitates a physical rewiring of t

Sweden - LumenRadio reports that all Robe's Robin 1200 LEDWash product will come with the award-winning CRMX technology as standard.

Robe's track record as a constant innovator also influenced their choice of a wireless technology partner. Not only did they demand the most reliable and best performing wireless system, but their R&D team also wanted to the stretch the envelope by finding a partner that was at the forefront of developing such emerging technologies as RDM (Remote Device Management), RDM over Art-Net and Streaming ACN. An exclusive development program with LumenRadio based on a customized version of the CRMX technology platform became the obvious choice.

"We have collaborated with Robe for over two years and the partnership was a natural step for both companies. The Robin fixtures have truly established themselves as market leading products in their category.

Germany - Version 2.14 is the next major release of the powerful LED control software MADRIX. The update includes four new prime features as well as various other improvements. All of which users can get for free. MADRIX 2.14 is now available for download at www.madrix.com and will be officially introduced at Prolight+Sound this week ( booth A08 in Hall 11.0)

SCE Graph - Showtime, a new stock effect has been added to the built-in graphics and render engine. "The possibilities of this effect alone and in combination with other effects are simply staggering," says the company."Users can expect dozens of customizable options to create stunning new visuals. Graphs never looked so good."

CITP is a widely-known way of communication between media servers and lighting desks or visualizers. When supported by the device, users can now use CITP v1.0 to display preview

UK - The nominees for the 2012 Olivier Awards, which reward achievement in London theatre over the last 12 months, were announced on 15 March at a presentation broadcast live online for the first time. Entertainment lighting specialist White Light, lighting supplier to many of the nominated shows, would like to congratulate all of the nominees -in particular those in the Best Lighting Design category.

This year's nominated lighting designers are Howard Harrison for Anna Christie at the Donmar Warehouse, Bruno Poet for Frankenstein at the National Theatre, and Hugh Vanstone, who received two nominations - for Ghost The Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre and Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre.

Vanstone's nomination was one of the 10 received by Matilda, the show receiving a nomination in every category for which it was eligible, inclu

Germany - LumenRadio will once again showcase the latest product innovations at Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt this week. In Hall 11.0, stand A61 (part of the LMP lounge), the latest releases of the award winning products CRMX Nova and CRMX SuperNova will be displayed and available for demonstration. Also, the new LumenRadio spring 2012 product catalogue will be released with product updates, new installations and new partnerships. Prolight+Sound will also be the first exhibition to feature the new stand featuring typical Swedish elements.

Updated and improved CRMX Nova products and CRMX SuperNova 2.1 brings full CRMX Unity integration for both wireless and wired RDM, DMX and Ethernet merging capabilities and enhanced RDM functionality as well as an improved user interface and stability. The already impressive list of supported Ethernet protocols grows even longer with the latest a

USA - Elation Professional has unveiled its new Platinum Wash ZFX Pro RGBW moving head wash.

Equipped with 19 x 10-watt OSRAM Quad-Color RGBW LEDs, the Platinum Wash ZFX Pro has a total 190-watt LED engine, yet its powerful output rivals a 700-watt wash discharge fixture in brightness. This extreme power, combined with the unit's compact size, makes it an ideal fixture for touring, concerts, theatrical productions - even on the largest stages, says the company.

The Platinum Wash ZFX Pro features a wide-range, high speed 9° - 21° beam angle motorized zoom (17° - 43° field angle), which gives it the flexibility of narrow beam or wide coverage. Another innovative feature is the addition of "FX" -- Chase/Zone effects, which are rings of LED array controllable zones, making the Platinum Wash ZFX Pro a much more high-energy visual effect than the typical wa

Jamaica - John Dacosta is fortunate enough to have been the lighting designer for the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival for the past five years. Not a bad place to spend a late January. For this year's festival, a kick-off celebration as Jamaica celebrates 50 years of independence, Dacosta turned to the design ease of Martin Professional EC-10 LED video panels.

"It was a simple choice to use the EC-10," he states. "I had used the EC-20 panels for last year's show and loved it. When I was presented with the option to use the EC-10, I jumped at it."

A large EC-10 wall upstage centre provided a stunning backdrop while graphics spilled onto surrounding columns of Martin LC Series LED video panels with MAC 101 LED wash lights mounted under each. Dacosta also had EC-10 panels mounted around FOH for IMAG.

"It worked out great. I love the look of the video, th

Denmark - Lighting designer Benjamin la Cour has been using his own Jands Vista T2 lighting console, running the next generation Vista v2 software, on a busy schedule which includes the Musical Silkeborg's production of the Victor Hugo classic, Les Misérables.

Benjamin decided to invest in his own console as he feels that programming shows himself allows him to get the most out of his creative designs. To achieve this he needed to have a desk that he could easily get to know 'inside out'.

To ensure he was making the right choice, Benjamin trialled three major brands of console for one month each. At the end of the period his decision was very clear - Jands Vista.

"I learnt the Vista T2 with incredible ease" he states, "I really love the interface, it makes programming exceptionally fast and enjoyable!"

Benjamin has been running Jands' next

Germany - Entertainment lighting specialist White Light will be showcasing lighting solutions from their exclusive product line at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt this week on stand A61 in Hall 9.0.

On display will be the White Light Family of products, which will include those from i-Pix, Core Lighting, Prism Projection, Interactive Technologies, Galaxia and CITC FX.

On show from i-Pix will be the Satellite Mk. II. Building upon the success of its highly successful predecessor, the Mk. II Satellite has been completely redesigned. Eight 10 watt high powered RGB and daylight white light engines provide a high light output, whilst saving energy. It is capable of fitting within a 1' square truss for truss toning, or as a wash device. The newest products in the i-Line range will also be on show, featuring linear battens whose configurations include 6x40 watt and 12x40 RGB & White LE

Germany - City Theatrical will be demonstrating their SHoW DMX Neo and SHoW DMX SHoW Baby products at Prolight + Sound Frankfurt (Hall 9, stand C61) this week - and giving away a free pair of the LDI Award Winning SHoW Babys to a lucky visitor

These two products are the latest innovations in City Theatrical's 10 years of wireless DMX development and manufacturing. City Theatrical's SHoW DMX is the wireless DMX of choice for lighting professionals on Broadway and West End shows, permanent entertainment installations, architectural landmarks, and major music tours such as the U2 360 Degree Tour.

SHoW DMX Neo has advanced Ethernet gateway functions including dual Ethernet ports and accepts multiple show protocols such as sACN, Art-Net, and KiNet.

SHoW DMX SHoW Baby takes the same wireless DMX radio and puts it into a small, inexpensive, simple to operate package. Each box is a

USA/Singapore - High End Systems has announced the addition of Jamie Boey as a regional sales Manager for APAC. Boey comes to High End Systems after spending the last two years working as an area sales manager for Robert Juliat where he established and managed the sales activities in Asia regions. In his new role at High End Systems, he is responsible for sales within territories throughout Asia and the South Pacific.

Boey says, "I'm delighted and extremely excited about being part of High End Systems family. HES is always perceived as an innovation company with quality lighting worldwide. I'm passionate about the future of Digital Lighting along with the automated product road map and the continued development of Wholehog consoles."

"The Asia markets are a key segment for the entertainment lighting industry," said Bill Morris, CEO of High End Systems. &quo

Norway - Philips Selecon has appointed AVAB CAC as its authorised dealer for Norway. With offices in Oslo, Bergen and Lillehammer, AVAB CAC is a single source provider of stages, audio lighting, image and rigging solutions to the entertainment industry.

Already an exclusive distributor for Philips Vari-Lite, AVAB CAC will now offer the complete range of products from Philips Selecon, backed by its skilled sales and technical personnel.

AVAB CAC provides services to customers working in theatre, TV, live production, exhibitions, events, architects, sports arenas and concert halls throughout Scandinavia.

Kristian Heder CEO for AVAB CAC says, "We're thrilled to be working with the Philips Selecon range again. After the successes we experienced with these products through the 90's and 00's, it is a pleasure for us to re-launch Selecon as a complementing brand in the AVAB CA

MTV Awards - Frankfurt will host this year's MTV Europe Music Awards. It will be the second time the ceremony has been broadcast from the city since 2001. The event will be aired live from the city's Festhalle on Sunday 11 November. Belfast in Northern Ireland staged the event in 2011 with performances from the likes of Justin Bieber, Coldplay and Lady Gaga, with Selena Gomez hosting the ceremony.

Olivier Awards - Lyricist Tim Rice is to be honoured for his outstanding contribution to musical theatre at this year's Olivier Awards. Rice, who penned the lyrics to shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita and collaborated with Elton John on The Lion King, will be given the Olivier Special Award at the event, on 15 April 15 at the Royal Opera House. The nominations for this year's ceremony, which will be hosted by Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton, w

UK - PG Stage has worked for over 30 years designing, supplying and installing performance facilities and equipment in venues across the UK. Their most recent project, in association with LCC Lighting and Sony Broadcast, was for Middlesex University who were in need of a flexible and dynamic television studio for their Film, Media and TV students to work in.

There were various demands to fulfil for the television studio. The first requirement was that it needed to maximise the floor space available, which was 150sq.m. It also needed to allow for the quick and easy set-up and de-rig of studio lighting.

PG Stage used their team of professional technicians to design and produce technical drawings which were then used to define a specification for the University and, as a result, PG Stage designed power distribution and DMX systems to fully meet the University's needs.

PG Stag

Germany - Wireless Solution Sweden is showing both new products and some innovative advancements to their product range during Prolight + Sound this week.

The company has been working on a completely new software platform since October 2011 that is prepared for future hardware functions as well as many new features and updated functions. The W-DMX G4S software platform includes:

A much improved adaptive frequency hopping algorithm that improves the plug and play use in crowded radio spectrum situations and better avoids interference from Wi-Fi, DECT Phones, Intercom and more.

A new Invisi-Wire MK2 with support for wireless software updates, which in the future will make it possible to perform wireless software updates to all your receivers, with an easy connection to your transmitters with all receivers updated at the same time.

Data-Safe MK2 is much improved that now supp

Belgium - ARRI Lighting Solutions and ADB-TTV Technologies have entered into a cross marketing agreement "with the double objective of exploiting the synergies between their product ranges and exploring opportunities for rationalising their product spectrum".

In the field of lighting, ARRI's strengths lie primarily in TV studio and location lighting systems, while those of ADB are in stage lighting. The agreement makes provision for each party to source from the other those complementary products needed when bidding for specific lighting projects. Beyond this, each party will retain its total commercial independence.

Sigrid Müller, managing director of ARRI Lighting Solutions and Christian Léonard, CEO of ADB-TTV Technologies, jointly stated, "We strongly believe that this agreement will be a win-win deal, strengthening each party's competitive position

UK - The Kaiser Chiefs are back on the road again with a hard-working four week sold-out UK tour just behind them.

Lighting designer Richard Larkum has worked with the band for the last seven years, since the release of their seminal debut album Employment in 2005, and this time he is using Robe's Robin 600 LEDWash fixtures as part of a Kaiser Chiefs lighting rig for the first time.

Larkum describes the tour as "Classic old school" in terms of the 21 dates being run almost back-to-back, taking in the more intimate atmosphere of the theatre and concert halls circuit with a few more off-beat venues. It's been very successful and great fun.

The look and feel of the lighting for this leg was based on the slightly retro guise of 1990's lighting rigs, and getting 'back to basics ' in terms of producing lots of big beamy looks and plenty of movement, flashing and s

UK - White Light has spent the winter helping lighting designer Phil Supple bring light to the dark winter nights at forests around the UK as part of Culture Creative's Electric Forest project. This saw lighting transform the Bedgebury Pinetum & Forest in Kent during October, High Lodge at Thetford Forest in Suffolk during December and the Moors Valley Country Park & Forest in Dorset this February.

The Electric Forest was born out of the Northumberland Lights project with which White Light was closely involved some years ago. Lighting designer Phil Supple explains, "In the winter of 2007, the Northumberland Lights production team staged an illuminated night-time walk through the beautiful landscaped woodland of The Cragside Estate's Victorian Pinetum.

"Ideas for a technologically and creatively enhanced forest experience were further developed in 2008 on the shores o

UK - Richard Martin Lighting (RML) has recently purchased 24 Robe Robin 600 LEDWash fixtures which debut on the comedy series Live At The Electric which will be aired on BBC3, and hosted by Russell Kane.

Chris Kempton designed the show (supported by RML) which featured a variety of Alpha Spot 700's, VL1000TS's, Alpha Wash 300's and VL2000 Wash's alongside the new Robin's.

"Arranged in three concentric rings these Robe Robin LEDs offer great possibilities for creating stunning colour and pattern audience blinding effects as well as for providing comprehensive perfectly even wash coverage, says RML's long-term technician, Shaun Burnett.

(Jim Evans)

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