Video and AV

Electrosonic at the 2003 UK AV Awards

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Electrosonic was awarded two top accolades at the recent 2003 UK AV Awards, held in Newport Wales. The company collected both Systems Company of the Year and Service Company of the Year. Electrosonic's submission for Systems Company of the Year included projects ranging in value from £400,000 to £2,000,000, covering applications from visitor centres to meeting facilities, with customers including production designers, consultants, and design and build clients. Developments within the solutions division of Electrosonic included use of distribution systems for communications content, remote monitoring of AV devices and events, and the programming of complex multiple media control systems.

The panel of independent judges included users, industry authorities, producers and market researchers. Judges commented: "Electrosonic's commitment to staff, process and engineering

The three directors of the R&B Group - Richard Narcross, Antony Crerar and Barry Fox.

Events company stages its own expansion

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - One of the North-East's leading audio-visual and event production company, The R&B Group, has announced a string of new contract wins on the strength of its commitment to make Newcastle and Gateshead the events capital of Europe.

Newcastle Quayside-based The R&B Group has a staff of 15 and offers a complete technical solution for presentations, events or shows using the most progressive technical equipment available in the industry. Its work takes them across the country and abroad and is synonymous with many household names such the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal College of Nursing, Newcastle Chronicle & Journal Ltd, Northern Arts and the eye-catching launch of Gateshead's Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.

The company's marketing team has just returned from a successful city conference with the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, aimed at attracting London buyers into ho

Gaf-Fire finds favour in Japan

Details: 14 March 2016

UK / Japan - Le Mark's new flame-retardant natural gaffer tape, which won the PLASA Show's 2003 Environmental Impact Award, continues to expand into new export markets. Following its September launch, Gaf-Fire was sampled to one of Japan's most respected lighting distribution companies, Tokyo-based H. Ito, and Le Mark was thrilled to see H. Ito place its first order for the new product in October.

Gaf-Fire has seen seen as a breakthrough tap and an important addition to the company's consumable accessory range. Gaf-Fire not only meets the stringent requirements of BS 5867 Part 2 Type B, but also, as the PLASA award reflects, is manufactured using natural elements and environmentally clean processes. Gaf-Fire was seen as the first matt-black non-burn tape with a clean adhesive to be offered to the arts and entertainment industry.

(Lee Baldock)

Martin Magnum Hazer sets new standards

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Using the same design principles as the already successful ZR 24/7 Hazer from Jem, the Martin Magnum Hazer is a true club hazer giving light shows refraction with ease. The Magnum Hazer incorporates some of the most complex technology behind a simple interface, making it one of the most effective, mid-sized haze solutions available today, say Martin.

With DMX as standard (optional digital remote available soon), the Magnum Hazer comes with an elementary analogue control panel. It also features new technology in the digital calibration of its electronic system - leaving technical adjustments to its on-board software. To ensure an even haze dispersal every time and in any environment, the Magnum Hazer uses a VGA system (variable geometry airflow), adjusting the airflow inclination between 0° and 60°. An Auto-fan mode also adjusts the radial fan's output to achieve a consis

New dealers for Hippotizer

Details: 14 March 2016

UK / International - Digital projection specialist Scene Change has appointed seven new international dealers for its acclaimed Hippotizer digital media server range, following the attention the product attracted at this year's PLASA Show. The new dealers are Stonex (Spain), Wide Angle (Lebanon & UAE), Clearlight Shows (Australia), TMB (UK), TMB (US), Technical Supply (Japan) and Halo Lighting (UK).

All will be offering Hippotizer in all of its versions: Hippotizer Lite (media playback and effects with keyboard control), Hippotizer Pro (playback and effects controlled by a touchscreen), Hippotizer DMX Club (DMX controlled playback emulating an automated light) and Hippotizer DMX Stage (full control of media playback and effects using DMX).

Halo Lighting in the UK has added the Hippotizer range to its hire and sales stocks, and will be offering Hippotizer Pro, Hippotizer DMX Cl

Top-gun Cowboy to call the shots in Palme DJ Showdown

Details: 14 March 2016

Dubai - Dubai-based superstar-of-the-turntables 'Cowboy' is generating more heat in the run-up to the biggest DJ showdown the Middle East has seen - and he's not even competing. Reigning champion Cowboy, who hails from Lebanon, has agreed to sit on the judging panel at the forthcoming PALME 2004 DJ of the Year Competition in Dubai. The DJ promises tough times for contestants, at this stage likely to number more than 200 from all over the world. It was revealed this week that prizes will be worth $40,000 and organizers are spending $100,000 staging the event..

The DJ contest runs in conjunction with the massive PALME expo, the region's first professional sound, light, audio-visual and systems integration exhibition. It was held for the first time earlier this year and organizers say the coming expo, to be held 17-19 February 2004 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, will be

Coca-Cola makes its mark with Lighthouse

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Coca-Cola Great Britain has been flying high in London's Piccadilly Circus for almost 50 years, but the company recently brought its brands to life in a new way with Lighthouse's new LVP1650 LED screen. Measuring 32m wide by 6.6m high at its highest point, the screen comprises 88 standard LVP1650 panels, along with approximately 170 bespoke LVP1650 panels to allow for the curvature of the screen and front access for maintenance.

Coca-Cola used a hand-picked team of British designers and technical experts, who spent over a year working to create one of the biggest and most intelligent signs of its kind and allows The Coca-Cola Company to deliver cutting-edge entertainment to transform the face of the world's most famous billboard. Lighthouse's Simon Taylor explains the strict brief: "There could only be a gap of a 1mm (maximum) between panels ensuring it was completely

<I>Age-Sex-Location</I> to be staged at Riverside Studios

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Age-Sex-Location, Marcus Markou's darkly comic play set in cyberspace, will be staged at the Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, prior to transferring to the West End. Producers Titus Media recently announced that Age-Sex-Location will be staged at the Riverside Studios from 9-28 February, 2004, prior to transferring to the West End - in a theatre will be confirmed nearer the time.

Age-Sex-Location sees internet and virtual reality come alive on stage in a play that for the first time fully realizes the potential of integrating theatre and technology. The production combines, writer Marcus Markou's, entertaining, ingenious and dramatic script with Sven Ortel's state-of-the-art video projection and lighting design, under the direction of award-winning young director Pip Pickering.

Age-Sex-Location has video projection and lighting design by Sven Or

PAI creates MegaMedia Wall

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The PAI Group has recently installed a MegaMedia Wall at Virgin's flagship Oxford Street Megastore, to a design brief from Keane Design's Concept Designer, Tim Merrifield. The brief called for a cost-effective, but innovative audio-visual vehicle for presenting dynamic promotional material to customers entering the store.

PAI manufactured and installed a bespoke 5500mm x 5000mm steel frame onto which nine screens, comprising 42" plasma and 30" high definition LCD units, were incorporated. The whole assembly is designed to automatically rotate towards to the store interior during daylight hours, to avoid light intrusion, and then traverse back to face Oxford Street in the evening to broadcast promotional material to the public outside of normal opening hours.

Divided into four video zones, the nine screens broadcast the same material, but have been designed to op

Pioneer's DVJ-X1 brings familiar functionality to

Revolutionary DVJ-X1 from Pioneer

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Pioneer has introduced the DVJ-X1, which combines the proven Pioneer CD Jog Dial technology with the flexibility and capacity of DVD. With this new system, Pioneer says it is now leading the way towards the creation of a completely original leisure activity and the emergence of a new breed of performer - the DVJ - combining the skills of a DJ and VJ.

With the well-known Pioneer Jog Dial at its centre, the DVJ-X1 looks just like the company's CDJ-1000MK2 CD player, but with the added capacity to playback DVDs as well as CDs. Because it imitates the form and functionality of the CDJ-1000MK2, the DVJ-X1 will be familiar to digital DJs who have used this unit and will allow them to use Pioneer's new unit to manipulate DVD visuals in exactly the same way as they would with music: real-time digital video scratches, loops and instant cues are all possible with the DVJ-X1, while th

SEOS reports strong year-end results for 2002/3

Details: 14 March 2016

UK/USA - SEOS Limited has recently reported its financial results for the twelve months ending 30 June 2003. Despite the continuing general uncertainty in the global economy and continued turbulence in the airline industry, SEOS experienced an improvement in overall performance. Revenues were ahead of expectations at £23.4 million and gross margins improved by 2%. Retained earnings for the year were £0.5 million, after absorbing an exceptional exchange loss of £0.6 million.

Darren Cosshall, financial director, SEOS, said: "Continued emphasis was placed during the past year on improving gross margins, reducing operating costs and increasing profitability. Significant efforts were also made to improve liquidity and working capital. Considerable progress was made in the period and due to the actions already taken we feel well placed for another strong performance in fiscal

Catalyst Version 3 Media Server Debuts

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Catalyst Version 3 Media Server and the DL1 digital lighting fixture are products that combine the functions of automated lighting with digital effects. The new Catalyst Version 3 Media Server and Version 3 software is a substantial upgrade for an existing Catalyst Media Server system. It has been re-written to take advantage of the Apple MAC OS-X.3 Panther and the developments in Open-GL based video cards. The most obvious enhancement is the twin outputs - allowing two, completely independent Catalyst video feeds from one Media Server.

The software has the capability to cross fade between all four layers using the intensity channel. The preview feature allows complete, independent preview of content on a local monitor before sending it to the output device. Video Montage using the four layers allows the programmer to use scaling and positioning functions to create virtual

The new MiPIX intelligent LED pixel blocks from Barco

CT commitment to 'single brand' and further investment

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Creative Technology has marked the relocation to its new 54,000sq.ft facility in Crawley by announcing a 'single brand' service operation, in which the staging services of MCL London, currently operating from within CT's premises, will now be amalgamated and operate under the CT London brand. At the same time the company has committed to a heavy investment in new inventory and technology. The strategic decision to operate as a single entity, addressing the broad span of market sectors covered by the two companies, was confirmed this month by managing director Mark Elliott.

"Being able to centralize all our resources into a single building has enabled us to further develop full service capability to provide a wide range of resources. This includes video, lighting, audio, and staging equipment, together with our ever-increasing range of indoor and outdoor LED screens.&qu

DPI in Taiwan

Details: 14 March 2016

Taiwan - Digital Projection International (DPI), an Emmy Award-winning manufacturer of high-performance projection systems recently announced the world's first commercial installation of its new DC2K digital cinema projector - the cS25 - at the Ambassador Theatre in Taipei, Taiwan.

The installation follows a number of previous installations in Japan by Digital Projection International. However this is the first deployment in Taiwan of Digital Cinema, in the shape of the newly designed DC2K unit. The cS25 is the first commercial projector to utilize the new higher resolution Texas Instruments DC2K DMD, delivering over two million pixels.

The film Master and Commander: the Far Side of the World, by Peter Weir, starring Russell Crowe, will be premiered on 28 November, as the first digital feature ever to be shown in Taiwan. The Press Day at the theatre was scheduled for 21

XL Video gets 'Sexie' with Eddie Izzard

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - XL Video UK recently supplied projection hardware for Eddie Izzard's 'Sexie' DVD shoot, filmed over three nights of performances at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne. The 'Sexie' DVD is part of the ongoing world tour, which kicked off in Australasia in July before storming the US. He tours UK arenas in December.

Izzard, who spent a memorable chunk of his schooldays at two different establishments in Eastbourne, wanted to return to his roots for the DVD recording. XL supplied a 26.5ft wide by 15ft high projection screen - 16:9 ratio - that was fed by a flown pair of doubled Barco R18 projectors. Projections were effectively 'the set', with the space dressed with camouflage netting, so video and lighting were essential for creating mood.

XL's project manager Malcolm Mellows was approached by the show's producer Mick Perrin of Perrin Productions, having been recommended by

Electric Storm Launched

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Large format projection specialists, E//T//C UK, covered the 323ft high Shell Centre on London's South Bank with a projection for the launch of Electric Storm, an innovative light, sound and mist installation staged along the South Bank - between Jubilee Gardens and the Oxo Tower - powered by Shell UK's new 45 metre high wind turbine. It runs until February and is designed to raise public awareness of the advantages of renewable energy.

The launch-night projection featured moving clouds artwork and the text strap-line "Wind Energy - renewable energy". E//T//C was working for media and production company The Bank, who are producing Electric Storm for Shell UK. The 26-storey Shell Centre was covered by eight 6kW PIGI projectors sited 100m away on the edge of Queen's Walkway (the corresponding riverside path), housed in a curtain-sider truck. Six of the projectors co

Avesco takes AIM for future development

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Avesco plc has announced that it will be applying for admission to the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) and cancelling its listing on the UKLA Official List. The Company will also be considering the demerger of its Core Services from its two investments, the 49% holding in Complete Communications and 23.7% holding in Medal Entertainment and Media plc (itself an AIM-listed company). The move to AIM will simplify the ongoing administration and reporting requirements for Avesco as a public company. The lower compliance costs of AIM should enable Avesco to develop its business by acquisition at a substantial saving to the costs it would have incurred as a fully-listed group.

The reason for considering the demerger is that it may enable the Core Services and Investment businesses to develop better their opportunities as separate entities rather than in the single structure, a

LDI reinforces optimism for industry

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Following the success of the PLASA Show in London in September, it began to appear that business was looking up after a tough couple of years; now, with the successful completion of LDI in Orlando, Florida at the weekend, the current of optimism continues to strengthen.

The majority of LDI exhibitors that PLASA Media spoke to at the show expressed their satisfaction with both the quality of visitors and the level of business being done. Exhibitor Michael Bridgman of British Optical, a manufacturer of high quality optical components for the entertainment industry, commented: "It's been very good for us this year - I would say back to the level of business of three years ago."

The 2003 ETS-LDI showcased a number of innovative new products. This year the show's awards were split into two categories - Product of the Year and Debuting Product/Promising Prototype. Th

CT's Kraft at MTV Awards

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - For the 10th annual MTV Europe Music Awards, staged recently in Edinburgh, a massive big top was erected in the Leith area of the city. Featuring live performances by Beyoncé, Pink, The White Stripes, the Black Eyed Peas, Sean Paul, Dido, The Darkness, Missy Elliott and Kraftwerk, the show was watched by an estimated one billion people in 162 territories worldwide.

Working for MTV Networks Europe production manager Sophie Huda and production company Blackout, Creative Technology overcame some complex logistics to provide a large 15mm LED display for the Kraftwerk set. CT sales director Mike Walker, explained: "The particular and unique challenge was to rig three screens with 3x3 modules and attach them to rolling risers. These screens had to be manoeuvred from backstage in between other artist performances, in order to create a single big screen measuring 8.640m wide

Dental school goes digital with iDR

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Scotia UK plc has recently installed a new multimedia teaching facility at The University of Bristol Dental School, using Allen & Heath's DSP iDR system to manage the complex audio requirements. Dr Jeremy Rees from the University's division of Restorative Dentistry visited a recent installation at the University of Leeds Dental School, where he saw the benefits to be gained by upgrading from the old "chalk and talk" facilities to new electronic display systems.

Dr. Rees contracted A-Dec Dental to refit the dental laboratory with workstations containing the tools that a dentist would use on a live patient and "phantom heads", mannequins which the students use to practice "drill and fill" techniques. Each student is equipped with their own 15" flat screen multimedia display to view the tutorial and they can hear commentary from the tutors' r

Elumin8 revolutionizes outdoor media

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Elumin8 switched on the world's largest animated outdoor poster featuring Electroluminescent Lighting (EL) technology in a JC Decaux Airport site at Heathrow Terminal 3. The poster, which measures 13m in length by 2m, was commissioned by the Scottish Development Agency and uses EL technology to powerfully highlight 29 different inventions originating from Scotland. The flat EL lamps light in a random sequence highlighting key words on the poster.

This is one of the world's first outdoor advertisements to incorporate EL technology, and illustrates how EL could revolutionize the outdoor media format and offer extensive creative possibilities for designers. This is the second JC Decaux Airport site to display a poster incorporating EL technology, following the Bombay Sapphire advertisements placed in Gatwick Airport earlier this year.

Paula Oliver, development director at JC

Gefen's new HDTV switching solutions

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Gefen, a developer of computer interconnectivity solutions for professional and personal computer users worldwide, is currently pioneering a full line of DVI and HDTV (High Definition Television) products that enable digital video signals to be split, switched and extended.

Gefen has recently released two new ex-tend-it switchers: the 2x1 HDTV Switcher and the 4x1 HDTV Switcher. Both expand the functionality and compatibility of HD displays by allowing them to access two or four digital video sources - supporting home theatre, multimedia presentation, entertainment, education and similar audio/video applications by streamlining systems behind the scenes.

In operation, they enable one HDTV display to access either two or four digital video sources at any time without unplugging and replugging devices. Installation is simple and requires the user to plug the video sources

Richmond Studios appoints Award Winning DVD author

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The DVD authoring department of Richmond Studios has appointed Mandy Roberts as DVD designer/author. Mandy has scooped a total of four broadcast and media industry awards in South Africa for her multimedia work. As a freelance DV editor and DVD author, she worked extensively with communications, broadcast design and new media development companies in South Africa, followed by work as an editor and multimedia developer for clients including British Airways and KPMG. Her skills embrace DVD authoring as well as conceptual, sound and graphic design and editing.

Holding a Diploma in Film Arts, she was a double finalist in the Loerie Awards for her work on BA's 21st Century Travel CD-ROM and Everite's Building Products DVD, and won the 2001 Business Day Award for Panasonic SA's website.

Richmond Studios' DVD department specializes in high-quality music releases, a

Entec on The Beautiful South

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Entec is supplying lighting for the Beautiful South Gaze tour, which is receiving creative treatment from one of the UK's most talented lighting designers, Dave Byars. The tour has been highly acclaimed, with the band getting rave reviews for an energetic and tight set, featuring 'all-the-hits-and-more' Beautiful South 'classics', plus an eclectic selection from the new album and a stonking, funky and jazzed up version of S-Club 7's monster hit Don't Stop.

The lighting and set had to fit into a wide range of venues, from Bridlington Spa Theatre to Manchester Apollo, Shepherd's Bush Empire, etc. Taking the new albums artwork featuring 1950's male bodybuilders as his creative starting point, Byars decided to give the stage an atmospheric retro-cinematic look. This was achieved by defining the space with three trussing arches - a main flown one at the rear, flank

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