Video and AV

Lighthouse's solution for Dutch estate agent

Details: 14 March 2016

The Netherlands - Just over a year ago, Dutch systems integrator Hecla Professional Audio and Video specialists met with real estate agent Flipse to advise it on how to get the biggest impact when advertising the company's selection of properties for sale. Now, it has an eye-catching Lighthouse Technologies' LED video screen installed on the side of its building in Dronten, Holland.

"Flipse was looking at using a digital screen to offer its clients a variety of services," explains Hecla's marketing and sales director Jos den Hartog. "There were several options - magazines, photographs in the shop window, etc - but they were looking for new and exciting ideas that would create the maximum possible impact."

Hecla advised Flipse that if it was to achieve the constant attention it wanted, an LED video screen was the ideal solution and should show not only the r

iLight shows compact touch screen at CEDIA

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - A new compact colour touch screen has been introduced by iLight for their intelligent lighting control systems. Launched at CEDIA Expo 2005 UK, the unit has a 3.5" backlit LCD screen, giving it a discreet presence and enabling it to fit in a standard double gang backbox. Easy to use, the screen is software configurable, enabling the controls to be custom designed for the precise requirements of the user. Building plans, photos and 3D graphics can be incorporated in the display to enable simple fingertip selection of lighting scenes, as well as providing control of other integrated systems such as audio, security, heating and blinds.

Also introduced by iLight at CEDIA is the new iCAN/RS232 serial interface. This system integration node allows third party equipment to be controlled from an iLight iCAN network via their RS232 serial ports and allows the iCAN network to be

Massteknik's screens for Tivoli Gardens

Details: 14 March 2016

Sweden - Swedish AV specialist Massteknik's recently-purchased Lighthouse R16 16mm pixel pitch LED video screens have been installed into Copenhagen's famous Tivoli Gardens for its summer season of concerts. From April to the end of September, Tivoli is using the two 5x5 panel screens, measuring 5.1x3.8m and controlled by Lighthouse LVC88 processors, to show live footage of the concerts interspersed with video clips.

Massteknik's Claes Winberg says: "We purchased the R16 screens because they have excellent resolution, picture quality and the weight of the panels makes them easy to install for this type of application. Of course the price is always important and they offer a very good return on investment.

"Also, because Massteknik isn't running the screen - Tivoli is handling that in-house - they must be easy to use. The Lighthouse screens fulfil all the necessary cr

Hi-Def LCD projector in PSL's fleet

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The world's first high-definition LCD projector has been added to the rental fleet of PSL. The event supplier has purchased the 5500 ANSI lumens Sanyo PLV-HD10, further consolidating a long relationship between the two companies. "This is the first LCD HD product to the market anywhere in the world, and PSL will be one of only two hire companies in the UK to have it in their fleet," declared Sanyo's Crispin Piney. "We understand that PSL see this is as opening up a huge range of opportunities - the cost benefits over triple-chip DLP are enormous."

PSL MD Gary Davis responded: "We have been considering this move for a while and it's the first of a number of similar projectors we anticipate purchasing. Owning our own HD10 enables us to fill another niche in the marketplace."

He added, "Many of our customers are already requesting hi-def fo

PSL with Razorlight

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - While Coldplay was wowing the Saturday night crowds on Glastonbury's main stage, headlining on The Other Stage were Razorlight. The unlisted opening act of last year have enjoyed a meteoric rise in the last 12 months, and to create the environment in which they could showcase a number of new songs, PSL extended the concept it devised for the band on their spring tour to create a 'living room' feel, working to a set design by LD Matt Dowden.

"We augmented the projection and threw images onto a white filled cloth surrounded by 25ft side screens to create a splayed 'box' effect," said PSL's head of music, Pod Bluman. "It was a very theatrical feel, using blocks of red and blue colour washes, and still photographic imagery.

PSL mounted two Barco ELM R12 12,000 ANSI lumen projectors off the front truss, with two further R12's wheeled in on rolling risers to addr

Fog Screen Interactive at PLASA

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Fog Screen, the first walk-through projection screen is to be displayed at PLASA for the first time. FogScreen is the only way to project sharp images into the air. The company will also present its newest sensation, FogScreen Interative, which allows users to employ their bare hands as a mouse, with air as the touchscreen. This new product was released in Infocomm in June and has received much attention from the broader media such as The Discovery Channel, Nature -magazine, Popular Science and The New York Times.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Arcstream makes a big splash

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Arcstream AV recently introduced the poolSystem for which it has secured exclusive distribution in the UK, Ireland, and the Middle East. The poolSystem is an interactive floor projection system, which creates visual surprises in a 'pool' - of water, leaves, grass or anything else you care to name. As people walk through the pool of water it ripples, complete with realistic sound and if there are fish in the water, the shoal will turn and swim away. Other effects include being able to kick a pile of fallen leaves to reveal the grass underneath - or a company logo etc.

The poolSystem software offers a combination of movement registration and image presentation in real time. Special programming generates simultaneous changes in the projection in direct relationship to the movements recorded. Content, effects and interaction can be programmed to suit the occasion, and it offers

The Public Video Screening Licence 2005

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - A new licence which permits the use of movies to be shown in public to either private groups or the general public is now available. Videos and DVDs purchased or rented from retail outlets are for personal use only and unless specifically authorized, movies cannot be shown to the public or private group audiences, as this would be a breach of copyright.

With the launch of PVSL, Filmbank say it has made screening films in public easier and more cost effective for all businesses within this industry. For one annual fee, the PVS Licence will enable users to purchase VHS tapes and DVDs from retail outlets to screen within their outlet all year around. A separate PVSL is required for each location where movies are to be played. All VHS tapes and DVDs will need to be purchased or rented from legitimate UK retailers. This licence precludes any charging or promotion. Full Terms and

Unitek V9 supports Coldplay

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Spectators high up on the stadium steps of the Crystal Palace Athletics Stadium were able to see the performance of Coldplay - thanks to the high-resolution LED display produced from a pair of 6m x 4m Unitek V9 screens, positioned at the PA wings.

The 17.5mm pixel pitch media displays were provided by rental company Laser Grafix, whose project manager Arran Hopkins confirmed that the displays had been specifically chosen by the band's video director, Alan Yates, following their performance at the Brit Awards. The screens took their feeds from a camera/hothead PPU, with further live video and visual effects generated later during the show from a pair of RADlites.

But while the Unitek display had to operate 80% of the show in high brightness conditions (reinforcing the images of two support bands during daylight hours), its other attribute, suggests Hopkins, is its lightwei

Avolites integrates Coldplay's Lighting and Video

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Coldplay's lighting designer Nick Whitehouse and show designer Bryan Leitch specified a Diamond 4 Vision console to control all lighting, video and visual effects for the current Coldplay Twisted Logic world tour which is now in full swing on its summer UK and European outdoor leg.

Rental company Siyan in partnership with Dutch company Flashlight is supplying all lighting equipment and Siyan ordered the two brand new consoles for the occasion. Whitehouse, who is also operating, says: "The D4 is my console of choice now - I use it for all my work, it's a massive step forward for integrated lighting and video control but retains all Avo's trademark hands-on features."

The D4 is running eight universes of DMX to lighting and assorted video sources triggered via the new Radical Lighting NG1 high definition digital media server. Avolites worked closely with Wh

Lighthouse on track in Monaco

Details: 14 March 2016

Hong Kong - Lighthouse LED video screens featured strongly at the recent Monaco Grand Prix. The demand for giant screens within Formula One has steadily increased and this year saw three more added to Monaco's already substantial compliment.

The action on the track was relayed by a number of strategically positioned screens supplied to the Automobile Club de Monaco by French audiovisual company Lumison, allowing race-goers a clear view of Kimi Raikkonen's convincing win for McLaren-Mercedes.

Two Lighthouse 20mm pixel pitch LED screens, one of 120 and one of 16 panels were placed 30m above ground level on the roof of the Hotel Palace - the larger of the two screens for spectators viewing from the port and the smaller for VIPs viewing from the terrace of the hotel Hermitage, with a 16 panel screen placed, as in previous years, at the swimming pool.

A further two 16-panel 20mm

Flexible Media Centre opens

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The PAI Group (PAIG) has completed the design, specification and installation of full sound, lighting and AV system at the Media Centre Arts Hall, University of Wales in Lampeter. The project included the supply of a full live stage sound system, stage lighting and video equipment to the Arts Hall adjacent to the Media Centre.

The project required flexible and easy to use systems to enable the students to stage a variety of performances from fashion shows to live concerts and stage shows, plus conferences and media presentations.

The PAIG team, led by project manager Steve Timlin chose Logic System loudspeakers, for their ruggedness, quality and cost-effectiveness. They reconditioned and re-used the college's existing cabinets for side fills. The system is powered by QSC amplifiers, and the FOH desk is an Allen & Heath GL3300.

"It was also important to give the stu

NG1 Server on Coldplay duty

Details: 14 March 2016

World - Radical Lighting's new NG1 digital media server is making its debut on Coldplay's Twisted Logic world tour. The NG1 was specified by show director Bryan Leitch and lighting designer Nick Whitehouse who collaboratively devised the show that is already receiving rave reviews.

Along with the rest of the lighting equipment, the NG1 is being supplied by leading rental company Siyan. It is Coldplay's second world tour with Siyan. The last became a two-year marathon stint throughout 2003 to 2004, with Radical Lighting's RADlite media server at the core of the show.

Leitch and Whitehouse chose the NG1 this time around after their very positive experience with RADlite. "Using the latest product from Radical was a logical progression," says Whitehouse. "We also wanted to do something really big with video." Video images are beamed onto an upstage scre

CT opens shop in Las Vegas

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Creative Technology has opened CT Las Vegas. Herb Brandt, former CT Los Angeles senior production manager heads up the new operation as general manager. Spearheading the CTLV sales effort is sales executive Virginia Groshans who has moved to CT from AVW/TELAV where she held the position of sales manager, exhibit programmes national sales group. She is responsible for developing new corporate, exhibit, convention and entertainment clients for CT, both nationally and in the Las Vegas region.

"We have long been providing our clients travelling to Las Vegas with a/v staging solutions, so it is really a natural progression that we have an operation here to better service them," says Herb Brandt. "CT Las Vegas offers clients all the advantages of a national staging company including a vast inventory of high-end equipment and skilled sales and technical staff, alon

Left to right: Peter Grant, PSCo Account Manager; Stuart Holmes, PSCo Director; Karën Davis, PSCo account manager; Geoff Turner, ICIA regional manager; Andrew Robbins, PSCo hire administration; Paul Wilson, PSCo technical installations.

PSCo get Gold

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - PSCo has become the first UK trade hire company to be awarded Gold status as a Certified Audio Visual Solutions Provider (CAVSP).

This accolade is awarded to those companies that can boast 75% of their technical sales and customer service personnel are 'Certified Technical Specialist' (CTS) qualified. The CTS credential is for audio visual professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and comprehension of the science and technology used in communications including audio, video, display and systems.

The company can now boast that 80% of its sales and 100% of its technical staff are CTS qualified, with more currently going through the process, ensuring that they now have an advanced knowledge of the AV industry and are able to apply these skills to new technologies and applications as they develop.

PSCo's investment in bringing new and technologically advanced AV products

E//T//C UK Remembers WW2

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - E//T//C UK successfully projected onto Buckingham Palace for the Final Government Commemorations of World War 2, marking 60 years since the end of the war.

E//T//C UK was working for event producers, Unusual Services, who's end client was the Ministry of Defence (MOD). E//T//C UK's Ross Ashton worked closely with the project's creative director Sheelagh Barnard to produce the show.

The projections - Images from The Archives - a five year chronological photo album of the war years - were beamed onto the Palace for the five nights running up to the weekend of celebratory events. The photomontage praised the courage of citizens and military alike throughout the War years.

E//T//C UK has projected onto the Palace before. The first time was for the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002; also working with Unusual Services and the first time this had been done legitimately.E//

XL video for Sun Dance

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - XL Video is supplying video equipment to the acclaimed Patti Boulaye's Sun Dance production, currently running at The Hackney Empire.

An international cast of 36 dancers, singers and musicians led by Boulaye celebrate the vibrant music, colour and life of Africa in a stunning display of ceremonial dances, rituals and initiation ceremonies, all played to the hypnotic throb of the African drum.

Projection plays a major part in the show's visuals. The resulting project is the product of seven years of planning and creative evolution. Patti Boulaye herself originally approached XL Video's theatre and arts specialist Malcolm Mellows early in the production process, to discuss how the visuals she had in mind would work onstage in an AV context. Mellows came up with some technical solutions, and XL then worked with show production manager Ben Arkell to realize Boulaye's v

PSL follows the English cricket season

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - London-based event services company PSL is putting the battle for The Ashes and all the other top matches of this year's cricket season into sharp focus, supplying the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) with giant LED screens for use inside the cricket venues across the country. The PSL package also includes a fully-equipped outside broadcast unit, with full vision mixing facilities on board.

The Lighthouse LED screens are travelling all over the UK, leap-frogging one another to meet the tightly-packed match schedule. Each screen, 6.84m x 9.14m, is mounted on a bespoke-design goalpost-type structure, which is wrapped in the corporate branding of main match sponsors, NatWest or Npower.

These 16mm pitch LED displays, configured in a 4:3 aspect ratio, are the highest resolution screens ever to tour with the international cricket matches in the UK. PSL project manager Mark

David Hyslop joins XL's west coast office

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - XL Touring Video is pleased to announce the appointment of David Hyslop as Operations Manager of their west coast facility. Hyslop is a 24-year veteran of the television production industries, and comes to XL Video with experience in all aspects of sales and operations activities. XL's general manager Valdis Dauksts commented: "It's wonderful to be able to expand our existing team's capabilities with David's industry knowledge and experience. We look forward to working with David, and in turn, offering our existing and new customers an even higher range of service."

Hyslop added he's thrilled to join the XL Touring Video family. "Today's LED technology allows creative designers to instantly change an environment; that's very exciting," he says. "To work with the individuals at the cutting-edge of this technology is a fantastic opportunity."

Lighthouse - new appointments

Details: 14 March 2016

Hong Kong/UK - Lighthouse Technologies continues to expand both its reach and commitment to the European LED display market with the promotion of Simon Taylor to Northern Europe sales manager and the appointment of Theo van Beek to director - business development Europe, say the company.

Having achieved Lighthouse's Sales Person of the Year award for 2004, Taylor's position is set to further strengthen Lighthouse's market position in Northern Europe and is the next step in the company's regional focus, which follows on from the inception of the Western and Central Europe and Southern Europe offices at the end of 2004.

"There's a great opportunity to build on our current business in Northern Europe," comments Taylor. "With installations such as the new Samsung sign next to Coca Cola in Piccadilly Circus and the huge amount of rental business that Lighthous

Ha'Penny Bridge

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - XL Video supplied cinematographer and visual designer Jon Driscoll with digital projection, Catalyst digital media servers and DL1 moving head projection for the musical, Ha'penny Bridge, which played a six week run at Dublin's The Point.

Kassan Productions originally produced the Irish/English love story and five years on and it returned to Cork Opera House for a technical preview period before moving to the larger venue in Dublin.

With a miniscule amount of rear projection depth, the original production made inventive use of projection for the main scenic and location elements, dispensing with the need for excessive amounts of backcloths and scenery. Back then Driscoll used Pani large format projectors and slide changers combined with an arsenal of traditional VSFX projectors and luminaires with animation effects.

This time he decided on a combination of high p

E//T//C helps Portsmouth Remember

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Large format projection specialists E//T//C UK - fresh from its dramatic projections onto Buckingham Palace last week for the 60th and final MOD Commemorations of World War 2 - also beamed giant images onto Portsmouth Guildhall for Portsmouth Remembers - a one-off evening of images, words and song staged in Guildhall Square to commemorate the ending of hostilities in 1945.

The Portsmouth Guildhall, home to Portsmouth City Council, was opened in 1890. It was bombed to a shell in 1941, and reopened after extensive rebuilding in 1959. Measuring approximately 60m wide by 40m tall, E/T/C UK's projections stretched across the entire front fascia of the white stone structure.

E//T//C UK was approached by Heather Todd from the Council's Arts Services Department, who was aware of their work on Buckingham Palace. She thought that projection would be the ideal medium to produ

Harkness Hall screen at RAH event

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Production company Flux Events have promoted and production managed a dramatic evening of music and film at London's Royal Albert Hall using a 13.2m x 10m Harkness Hall screen. Staged as part of the VE Day 60th Anniversary celebrations, a performance of Shostakovitch's Leningrad Symphony written in 1942 at the beginning of Nazi siege of the city, was performed by the St Petersburg Academic Symphony Orchestra conducted by the composer's son, Maxim.

A seventy two minute film by Russian director Georgy Paradzhanov which was inspired by author-designer Sergai Davitiaya and the official Russian information agency, Novosti, cleverly used newsreel and contemporary images to mirror the haunting themes of the music. Projection was by two Barco projectors running overlaid images.

Another Harkness Hall screen, measuring 14.8m by 9.5m featured in an earlier Flux Events open air produ

Avi Systems selects Symnet convention center

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - After a devastating fire, the Hilton Garden Inn/Thelma Keller Convention Center complex in Effingham, Illinois, has re-opened with a renewed emphasis on attracting event-related business.

AVI Systems, St Louis, Missouri, handled the extensive audio-visual work for the complex and selected the Symetrix SymNet modular audio mixing, routing and digital processing system as a core technology for managing the complexities of its design.

Michael McNeil, who helped design and install the system, says: "SymNet was virtually the only product on the market with the ability to discretely and intelligently perform multiple tasks," McNeil says. "It's the core of the whole system design."

Four 8x8 SymNet units, two Break-In 12 boxes and two CobraNet units handle the mixing, processing and routing of audio to the convention center ballroom area, which can be parti

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