USA - Even by LA standards, the 2014 BET Experience Concert at the Staples Centre was a star-studded affair, with the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige and Grammy winners Maxwell and Jill Scott gracing the stage for three glittering nights.

Visions Lighting of Brea, CA created a lighting design that looked right at home with this on-stage glitz by using a visually powerful combination of video panels, strobes, and moving fixtures, along with some unique "light diamonds" created with 64 Nexus 4x4 LED panels from CHauvet Professional.

"We rigged the Nexus panels in diamond shapes to create a different look and project an image of glamour in keeping with the character of this event," said Todd Roberts of Visions Lighting, which built the lighting and trussing system for the BET concert. "This was a big stage with big stars, so the lighting had to ma

UK - Hastings-based lamp and LED lighting specialist CLD Distribution has taken a major shareholding in bespoke lighting manufacturer Iberian Lighting - also based in Hastings - in a merger that unites CLD's rapid expansion into LED lighting technology with Iberian's experience in the design of specialist commercial and architectural products.

Iberian, this year celebrating 50 years of successful business, is renowned for designing some of the world's largest lampshades and custom feature lighting elements.

CLD has a fast-growing technical department dedicated to the development of LED lighting technologies and producing an increasing range of LED luminaires aimed at a wide range of commercial and industrial applications.

CLD's MD, Rob Platt states, "The merger amalgamates both these specialities. With CLD's strong sales force and Iberian's talented and imaginative crea

The Netherlands - Leading Dutch technical solutions provider Ampco Flashlight Rental has made another major investment in Robe products with the purchase of 55 x CycFX 8 fixtures, which were delivered by Robe's Benelux distributor, Controllux.

Marco de Koff, Ampco Flashlight's operations manager explains how they were impressed by the functionality of the CycFX 8 and the fact that the fixtures are "unique and versatile" and therefore would be ideal to have in their rental stock.

Already several of their clients and various lighting designers are enthusiastically embracing the CycFX 8, and so far, the units have yet to be spotted in the Utrecht based company's warehouse as they have gone from one job to the other in a virtually unbroken sequence.

De Koff likes the zoom feature of the CycFX 8 and the fact that they can be used for cyc and set lighting as well as for

UK - The PLASA Professional Development Programme (PDP) is renowned as a platform for sharing ideas and showcasing industry expertise. This year, the PDP will occupy two spaces at Excel London - the Audio and AV Theatre and the Lighting and Stage Theatre.

The PDP made its debut in 2010. Since then over 300 speakers have taken part in its panels, which have welcomed thousands of attendees. The programme's aim is to test theory, inspire debate and positively impact the different strands of the entertainment technology industry.

The Lighting and Stage Theatre is preparing to welcome a wide range of expertise and talent, from companies like Martin Professional, Theatre Projects, Marshmallow Laser Feast, IQ Magazine, The Backstage Centre and Avolites Media, and from organisations including ABTT and the Association of Lighting Designers.

Leading lighting manufacturer, Martin Profe

UK - Battersea Power Station was the iconic background for part of this year's Totally Thames festival organised by the Thames Festival Trust featuring Carabosse, a French Fire Art company who deliver picturesque installations for audiences and passers-by throughout the world.

Illuminate Design hasworked with the Thames Festival Trust for the past eight years, helping to deliver a variety of events, predominantly the annual Mayor's Thames Festival in London.

This year, Jonathan Bartlett, production manager for the Trust contracted Illuminate Design to provide a complete service for the Fire Garden by Carabosse at the Battersea Power Station. The project brief included Site management, PA, and lighting the famous chimneys.

To tackle the task, Robin Shephard-Blandy, director for Illuminate Design chose the new SGM G-Spot. Robin said, "The G-spot was a perfect solution for

USA - Recently, the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) invited its members to attend the annual North American EtherCAT Plug Fest - held at the North American headquarters of Beckhoff Automation in Savage, Minnesota, USA.

For a period of two days, participants subjected their EtherCAT masters and slaves to rigorous interoperability testing, discussed open questions, and prepared the devices for future marketing. Additionally, the ETG shared exclusive information about prospective EtherCAT device test developments to the members.

The 2014 North American EtherCAT Plug Fest was also highlighted by the location of the two-day event. The Savage, Minnesota facility of Beckhoff Automation LLC also houses the North American EtherCAT Test Centre (ETC), which was accredited by the ETG at the beginning of 2014. The goals of the event were to test EtherCAT devices from the 35 participants fo

UK - In 2013 Le Maitre invested in increasing productivity at its pyrotechnics factory in Peterborough UK, in order to cope with demand. The pyrotechnic manufacturing process is a very labour intensive process and Le Maitre had reached almost full production capacity the year before.

The company therefore researched alternative methods, exploring different industries before subsequently identifying a completely new production process which can output a phenomenal 24,000 to 26,000 units per hour, regardless of diameter, and is now resulting in a terrific increase in capacity.

Moving from the previous moulded stars method to the new format has been far from straightforward. The production process greatly affects how the pyro behaves and the Peterborough team have had to spend a huge amount of time and resource in the careful adjustment of product composition.

Le Maitre confirm

UK - There has been a theatre on the site of Sadler's Wells since 1683. Christian Wallace is the technical manager for this, the sixth incarnation to bear the name of the original proprietor along with a nod to the health giving spring that still lie beneath the theatre. He explains the theatre's current remit: "Sadler's Wells presents all sorts of dance from Britain and from international companies, including tango, hip hop, ballet, flamenco, and contemporary dance. We present high profile and internationally recognised works so we need to provide the best possible equipment, which of course includes our lighting stock."

The current building was opened in 1998 and the majority of the lighting stock is now 16 years old. Wallace freely admits that, despite sustaining a rigorous maintenance programme, it was time to explore the newer, more advanced fixtures now on the ma

South Africa - As the worldwide launch of Robe's new long-throw 1700W BMFL Spot luminaire continues apace across all continents, two South Africa launch events staged in Cape Town and Johannesburg attracted nearly 200 people from multiple industry sectors, including all the major industry players in SA.

The two SA events were organised by Robe's SA distributor DWR, whose team of MD Duncan Riley and director Nic Britz was joined by Robe's sales director Harry von den Stemmen and technical sales manager Ond?ej Hegar. For the first launch event in Cape Town, Robe's CEO Josef Valchar also jetted in.

The Cape Town event took place at the Grandwest Arena, a venue chosen as it was important to demonstrate in a large space so guests could appreciate the power - a staggering 250,000 lux at 5m - and throw capabilities of the BMFL Spot.

A constant stream of visitors all day heard a bri

South Africa - LEDVision (Pty) Ltd, a full-service LED screen supplier, and part of the Gearhouse Group of Companies, has expanded its rental stockholding once again to offer more innovative options to the local live event market.

The company's latest investment in over 100sq.m of Radiant 7mm indoor/outdoor panels gives LEDVision the capacity to build two HD resolution screens of the new product.

This is the first acquisition of this particular LED product for use in the South Africa market and offers not only the most sophisticated lightweight touring frame of any mesh panel to date, but also the option to stack, fly or curve screens, depending on the requirements of the event. These extremely versatile panels can be configured in any format and have the capability to curve at a +/-10% horizontal degree.

The M7 is a black diode 3in1 SMD screen with the highest contrast rati

UK - Next month, Philips Entertainment is set to have one of the biggest and most successful PLASA London shows to date, with the launch of brand new luminaires, exciting demos of the latest additions to its three premier brands, Selecon, Strand Lighting, and Vari-Lite along with its product range Showline, exclusive afternoon-tea-with-a-twist press event, party in a super special venue and celebrations for Strand Lighting's 100th anniversary.

Philips Entertainment will be found on stand L80 at the ExCeL exhibition centre, where members of the Philips team will be chatting to visitors and demo-ing the new products through interactive daily light shows.

The Philips Vari-Lite VL4000 Spot luminaire will be making its first major UK trade show debut. PLASA visitors will be able to get to grips with all its exciting features, including its high-resolution optics, entirely new colou

UK - Le Maitre will be exhibiting at this year's Plasa London show at ExCel.

The HazeMaster, the highest output haze machine on the market along with the G300 smoke machine, MVS hazer and a range of pyro and pyro controllers will be featured on the A.C. Entertainment Technologies stand and the Le Maitre team will be on hand to greet you.

The HazeMaster will be in action on the A.C. Entertainment Technologies lighting stand P41 along with a truss mounted G300 operated by DMX.

The MVS with its unique sweeping projected haze will be located on A.C. Entertainment Technologies partner stand Q46 - Jack Goff.

(Jim Evans)

Denmark - Martin Professional has introduced the JEM Hazer Pro for advanced atmospheric haze effects.

With the introduction of the JEM Hazer Pro, Martin now offers "the most complete range of efficient, reliable and compact professional hazers in the industry". The JEM Hazer Pro includes advanced pump technology, 2.5 L of fluid capacity that provides 10 hours of operation on full output, a user-friendly on-board control panel with preset functionality, and a host of additional new features.

As the newest member of Martin's professional hazer family, the JEM Hazer Pro is built with a lightweight and compact design suitable for theatres, cruise ships, bars, clubs, theme parks and medium to large shows. An innovative high-quality air pump system ensures the small-particle haze disperses evenly and continuously with superior optical clarity and reflectivity, perfect for

USA - The Sayers Club in Las Vegas features a captivating blend of edgy and opulent touches running through its intimate space, from the long golden-lit bar and over-stuffed couches to the strategically hung gothic-inspired drapes. Then there's the distinctive designer cocktails, small plate specialties, and of course the music. Where else can you see name artists like Macy Gray and Florence and the Machine perform in a room that holds only 250 people? Or be treated to a surprise 3 am appearance by Prince?

As exceptional and rare as the original Sayers Club is, however, its owners Micah Otano and Jason Scoppa have been able to recreate their Hollywood magic in Las Vegas with the opening of a new location at the SLS Casino (the former Sahara at the north end of The Strip). The pair even managed to add a dash of extra Vegas visual sizzle to the new Sayers Club with the help of som

Belgium - Belgian commercial TV channel VTM (Vlaamse Televisie Maatschappij) celebrated 25 years of success in a son et lumière spectacular staged on the beach at Nieuwpoort, which was attended by 17,000 people who were dazzled by the visual impact and audacity of the production.

Lighting was designed by Painting With Light's Luc Peumans, who has worked on many music based projects for VTM, and was commissioned to add his own elements of eye-catching magic to the mix.

The 25 minute Great Big Musical Thank You show was directed by Dirk Decloedt and set to a specially composed soundtrack. It featured 250 dancers, a troupe of huge Dundu puppets, a 75m wide by 12m high waterscreen projection surface, dancing fountains and over 2000 pyro cues, all linked together by the vision of scenographer / art director Marcos Viñals Bassols and Peumans' dynamic lighting.

The 'stage'

UK - A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) has announced the appointment of well-known industry figure, Mats Karlsson, in a new international business development role.

Mats has more than 30 years of experience in various roles spanning rental and production, lighting design, sales and product development - and joins the company after some 10 years in LED display development at Barco, Martin Professional, and most recently, VER.

He will be responsible for increasing the market share of AC-ET's exclusive and key brands internationally, including the supply of Chroma-Q, Jands, Prolights and many more marques - from a portfolio of over 200 - to selected territories.

Commenting on his appointment, Mats says, "My association with A.C. goes back almost 30 years, and so to be asked by co-founder David Leggett to come on-board to grow their international business is a real ho

USA - Elation Professional's new high-energy Sniper multi-effect light and laser simulator, which launched recently at the PRO trade show in the UK, is enjoying its touring debut on American rock band A Day to Remember's (ADTR) Parks & Devastation US tour with lighting design by Steve 'Cowboy' Stemac.

ADTR is a passionate band with Steve running 10 of the powerful hybrid effect lights through their paces as specials on the hard-driving show. "We took the band and put them in a national park environment and then, as we do, make it jocular and surreal," Steve states of the show's tongue-in-cheek yet highly entertaining set theme that has each Sniper representing a band member's eye in the set's large Mt. Rushmore-inspired backdrop.

"It's more like a cosmic circus of sorts with lots of sounds and staccato noise. For the eyeballs in our set piece we needed so

Thailand - W-DMX by Wireless Solution Sweden AB is now a hot commodity in Bangkok, Thailand, as one of its premier rental houses, PM Center Co. Ltd. recently invested in 24 units of W-DMX BlackBox F-1, F-2 and R-512 for their rental division.

PM Center has a reputation for offering the most professional equipment in Bangkok and serving premium clients and projects around Thailand. The W-DMX equipment in their stock is used to light up the famous Pattaya sign on the hill overlooking the Pattaya Bay. Mr. Karin of PM Center said, "On the Pattaya sign, W-DMX works very well without any problem."

Wireless Solution delivered the equipment in late August and on Monday 1 September, Wireless Solution representative Ben Darrington was on site at the PM Center office in Bangkok and did in-depth training in using W-DMX technology for longer distances and in situations where the

USA - Lighting Designer Daniel K Boland specified 64 x Robe Robin Pointe moving lights for the much talked about Eminem X Rihanna Monster stadium tour which played six sold-out dates in three key cities across the U.S. - at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and Comerica Park in Detroit.

Boland has worked with Eminem for almost 10 years, so when the show's set design by Bruce Rodgers was approved, he created a lighting plot that would "cover all bases" for both artists.

He already knew what Eminem would like in terms of look and feel, and when it came to lighting Rihanna, he considered many parameters including that she would be accompanied by dancers, all of which would need imaginative and appropriate lighting. Once completed, the lighting design was submitted to management and also approved.

The dramatic set comprised two large angled 50 mm

UK - CLD Distribution, the specialist commercial and architectural LED lamps and lighting distributor, has taken a substantial shareholding in Iberian Lighting.

Iberian Lighting, celebrating its 50th anniversary, designs some of the world's largest lampshades and stylish bespoke feature lighting in the contract sector. They have established an excellent reputation for their creative solutions in large scale bespoke lighting projects with interior designers, specifiers, blue-chip corporates, retailers, hotels, restaurants and also high end residential.

The merger of the two companies whose main commercial premises adjoin each other in Hastings, East Sussex, establishes a significant lighting presence within the larger engineering design and manufacturing group - Penn-Elcom.

"We are really pleased to welcome Iberian Lighting into the family. CLD Distribution's and Iberian

UK - Realtime Environment Systems Ltd - to be known as 'RES' - is a new technical solutions company offering services to help designers, creative agencies and artists "achieve their wildest visual dreams". Mark Calvert and Dave Green have formed RES to provide "technical consultation and project-wide integration of all things visual in stage shows, corporate campaigns and permanent installations". The company will utilise the Ai Media Server - one the world's most powerful media server platforms, manufactured and developed in the UK by Avolites Media Ltd. RES Ltd is a global reseller of the Ai product, and has also been named as the first 'Ai Centre of Excellence'. RES continues to work very closely with the Avolites family, Calvert says.

Together over the past 10 years, Calvert and Green have worked closely with designers, artists and corporate bodies on a b

South Africa - The Playhouse Company in Durban has taken delivery of new lighting equipment, which will be used in the Opera and Drama Theatres within the venue.

The order, supplied by DWR Distribution, included 40 x Robert Juliat 329 H 2KW/2.5Kw Fresnel Spotlights with Barndoors , 60 x Philips Selecon Rama 1kw / 1.2Kw Fresnels complete with Barndoors , 24 x Philips Strand PL1 LED Fresnels complete with Barndoors , one Robert Juliat 2.5k HMI Aramis Followspot and two Robert Juliat MSD 1200W Topaze Followspots complete with GT Stands.

"The fixtures were chosen for the superior lighting output, providing great optics with ease of operation," said Dave Whitehouse of DWR.

The Philips Strand PL1 is ideal for smaller venues and will be used in the Loft, an intimate theatre at The Playhouse, equipped for works of an experimental nature.

Denis Hutchinson, the external co

UK - Robert Juliat will exhibit at PLASA 2014 with its exclusive UK distributor, Ambersphere Solutions, where a new Robert Juliat followspot will be unveiled.

Rumours of a new product from these masters of followspot design have been permeating the industry over the last few months. PLASA 2014 will give visitors the first opportunity to see the new model which has been created to reflect the specific requirements of those working in the touring, live music and large event market - indoors and out.

Designed to complement to Robert Juliat's Grand, Compact & Ultra-Compact ranges, the new followspot is the result of in depth consultation with rental companies and professional followspot operators. Easy to transport, install and maintain, the new model incorporates Robert Juliat's superlative optical and ergonomic qualities into a robust package that beats the rigours of touring. T

UK - The market's newest light sensation - the Elation Sniper - created a buzz when released at the PRO show in mid-September and is now heading to the PLASA show in London (Stand K70) for an encore. Elation Professional will be showing the newly released multi-effect and laser simulator along with a host of other lighting innovations that includes the hybrid Platinum SBX, a 3-in-1 beam, spot, and wash fixture with an innovative, new optical system.

"We are very excited to be returning to London this year, showing exciting new and innovative products. Last year's PLASA show was surprisingly good and we are optimistic that with all the fresh new products we and other manufacturers have come out with recently, customers will make the time to come out to ExCel in East London and see them all in action first hand," says Eric Loader, director of sales, Elation Professional.

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