Video and AV

ECT adds to POPscreen range

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - ECT continues to expand its POPscreen range and says that high quality images are produced with them, thanks to the manufacturing process which employs casting techniques rather than extrusion. With the aid of chemical enhancements ECT has developed a screen that "maintains the high quality of quartz crystal screens at a price that reflects the economies of scale production".

The methods used in the manufacture are critical in the performance levels that can be enjoyed. The casting process ensures the quartz crystal diffusion particles are poured into the liquid acrylic before polymerisation, and settle to a very fine layer within the thickness of the acrylic sheet. This process creates a fine image-capture plane, so that images projected onto the screens are of high quality and have a very wide angle of viewing. Another distinct advantage of the POP screen, conti

Lighthouse donates screens for 'Arts for Life'

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Lighthouse Technologies, a leading developer, manufacturer and global supplier of state-of-the-art large scale LED video screens, is donating the use of 112 large screen displays for this weekend's 'Art for Life East Hampton' event organized by the RUSH Philanthropic Arts Foundation. Taking place in East Hampton, NY, at the estate of Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, the July 30 gala fund-raising event will benefit more than 70 youth arts organizations in New York City and Palm Beach County, Florida.

Lighthouse LED screens are part of a unique display configuration designed by LED artist Teddy Lo. The display - totaling over 108sq.ft - will be used in the staging for various performances taking place at the event. Lo will debut a new LED visual display presentation produced specifically for the event and will exhibit his latest LED concept piece, Traffika.

The Light

XL provides LED Screens for Duran Duran

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - XL Touring Video provided equipment for Duran Duran on several legs of their tour. The Azusa, CA touring video company provided a Chromatek 15mm LED on the first leg, which Production and Lighting Designer, Alex Reardon arranged in 5 columns behind the band. The summer leg was equipped with 60 Custom XL MiPix Modules. Touring on behalf of XL was LED Technicians Frank Van de Cayzeele and Oliver Derynck.

Says John Wiseman, president of XL Touring Video: "Alex did something unique that we don't see in touring that often. Each leg of the tour he did a different video configuration and design. Most recent was MiPix and an all low-resolution show. Duran Duran has always been a cutting-edge band and is continuing to be so visually with Alex's innovation. Each leg of the tour had a new and interesting look which was refreshing."

(Lee Baldock)

Questmark: videoconferencing for NHS

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Long Eaton-based Questmark Ltd has been awarded a three-year framework agreement by the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA) for the supply of video-conferencing systems and services. The agreement covers any part of the NHS including Care and Hospital Trusts, GP surgeries and the Medical Research Council together with other Public Sector organizations in Central and Local Government, suppliers providing services on behalf of the NHS, and other public bodies.

The NHS says that video-conferencing is playing an increasingly important role in its management and administration, enabling faster decision-making and more personal contact between staff. At the same time, it is reducing travel costs and ensuring better utilisation of staff time. The use of video-conferencing in the NHS is extensive and represents some of the best utilised networks in the UK for this technology.

Barco's MiPix (left) and MiSphere – showing on the XL Video stand at PLASA.

XL Video at PLASA 2005

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - XL Video exhibits at PLASA for the first time this year, aiming to introduce the company to the business and live event communications sector of the AV industry, and demonstrate the potential for crossover of equipment from concert touring - the market with which XL is most commonly associated.

XL Video is the UK and Europe's largest and busiest touring video rental company, supplying expert technicians and equipment to rock 'n' roll, concert touring and festival productions. XL Video works across all sectors of the business, leisure and entertainment industry as well as the above, including special events, theatre productions, public arts projects, product launches, corporate presentations and parties. With operations in England, Belgium, Germany, plus the East and West coasts of America, XL Video is an international group, investing in the best practitioners in the busine

ICIA/Infocomm joins Entech 2006

Details: 14 March 2016

Australia / USA - The International Communications Industries Association Inc (ICIA/InfoComm), the premier trade association for the audiovisual industry worldwide, is pleased to announce its participation at Entech 2006 (Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre February 13 - 15 2006).

ICIA/InfoComm will offer a one-day program consisting of four 90-minute seminars featuring AV design, display, signal management and presentation support for end users. The seminars are being presented by InfoComm Academy's instructors at Entech. A breakfast meeting of the newly created ICIA Australia and New Zealand Member Council will precede the seminars. In addition, ICIA will host a booth on the exhibition floor.

"ICIA is delighted to participate at Entech next year," said Terry Friesenborg, CTS, senior vice-president for international development of ICIA. "Demand has dramatical

CT gives electric video for Oasis tour

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Avesco plc's Creative Technology fulfilled the screen requirements for the recent stadium section of a tour by Oasis. The company positioned four Barco D-Lite 7 LED screens at the rear of the stage, controlled by a Kinesys tracking system with slow start/slow finish actuators that allowed them to move in the vertical plane, to fly in and out of the set during the show. Two further 8.1m x 5.4m D-Lite 7 screens, were positioned left and right on the stage wings to provide straightforward IMAG footage.

SDI feeds from a front of house PPU were routed into a central matrix, allowing any of the feeds to be switched into any of the screens at any time. This meant that if an input feed dropped out, there was the means to send a good feed to another screen without a break in video footage. The combination of stage and IMAG screens allowed video director Dick Carruthers and his compa

Arcstream spins propellerplasma

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The propellerplasma. rotating video display, which spins on its Z axis, just like a propeller, is available exclusively from Arcstream AV, which holds distribution rights for the UK & Ireland and the Middle East. A number of screens can be used simultaneously, with seamless sequencing from one screen to another, says Arcstream. The effect is intensified when several propellers are synchronized. A whole range of display configurations are possible if more than one propeller is employed. The type, direction and duration of the rotation can be set according to requirements. The display receives wireless video signal and power supply, which means permanent rotation in both directions is possible.

(Jim Evans)

E//T//C UK Tattoos Edinburgh

Details: 14 March 2016

UK -Large format projection specialist E//T//C UK is supplying spectacular projections for the 2005 Edinburgh Military Tattoo. It's the first time this visual medium has successfully been incorporated into this world famous event. E//T//C UK's Ross Ashton states, "It was an honour to be asked to design for the Edinburgh tattoo. It's a world class event with a global reputation, and I hope that I have added a new element to the already existing excellent mix."

This year, the special theme of the Tattoo is the bicentennial commemoration of the Battle of Trafalgar, and Jameson thought all the elements were in place to integrate projection into his show.

Ashton was asked to storyboard a 10 minute projection show narrative and design artwork to be beamed onto the Castle battlements and Gatehouse for the Battle of Trafalgar sequence. The 60 metre wide by 30 metre tall pict

10 reasons to visit the PLASA Show

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - With little more than two weeks to go until PLASA 2005 opens its doors, here are 10 reasons why you can't afford to miss out on this year's Show - taking place between Sunday 11 and Wednesday 14 September at Earls Court, London:

1. You'll see lots of new ideas - over 1,000 new products will be launched, and the best of these will be featured in the Innovation Gallery.
2. You'll see all the major international brands and manufacturers from around the globe.
3. You'll find more new companies exhibiting this year than ever before.
4. You'll hear about numerous new industry initiatives.
5. You'll find out what others are spending their money on and why.
6. You'll get to talk to lots of different people, many of them potential customers.
7. You'll take back knowledge to your workplace.
8. All the major industry trade associations will be there to offe

Feel the Vibe at PLASA 2005

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - DJs keen to see all the latest DJ technologies should head to this year's PLASA Show, which runs for four full-on days at Earls Court 1 in London, from 11-14 September. Both show floors will be packed with the hottest DJ gear - everything from the smartest decks to top-of-the-range mixers.

Denon, Numark, Pioneer, Stanton and Vestax will be just some of the big-name brands at the Show, and a key part of the 300-strong line up of exhibitors showcasing current trends in lighting, sound, AV and multimedia technologies.

DJ Sunday, sponsored by iDJ magazine, will get the show off to a flying start with numerous events, giveaways and on-stand demos by leading DJs. In the DJ Lounge (at the back of the hall), visitors can watch the winners of iDJ Magazine's monthly Raw Talent competition and there will also be an opportunity to take the first steps into music production with a Tal

Blitz Board appointment

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Blitz Charter Group has appointed Neil Gordon as group finance director. Blitz Charter Group was founded in 2004 when it acquired the businesses of Blitz Communications and Charter Broadcast. Neil Gordon's appointment completes the structure of the Board of Directors of the Group.

With over 25 years in financial management and control, Gordon gained his professional accountancy qualifications at Ernst & Young and has worked internationally with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Michael Breen, CEO of Blitz Charter Group, comments: "Neil's financial and corporate strategy skills will enhance the company's credibility with our shareholders and funders and increase business opportunities. We look forward to benefiting from his professional expertise."

(Jim Evans)

Green Hippo and Scenechange merge

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Scenechange and Green Hippo have merged to form Green Hippo Ltd. Until recently digital media specialists Scenechange had been working as the exclusive worldwide distributors of the Hippotizer media server.

James Heron, director of Green Hippo comments, "It became more and more apparent over the last year or so that the combination of Green Hippo and Scene Change as a force for furthering the Hippotizer has really been a meeting of like minded enthusiasts. For Hippotizer to continue going from strength to strength, the merging of the two companies was the only sensible option."

He continues: "We now have the team we always wanted under one roof and this puts us in a strong position to develop, evolve and support our media server range."

As part of the merger, the two companies have completed a move into larger premises. Nigel Sadler, formerly technic

Projection glass from Pro Display

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Following the success of Pro Display's LCD Projection Glass Technology, the company has developed a new LCD projection film which can be applied to any existing glass or Plexiglas.

"A revolutionary new product which will transform the world of visual display and advertising", according to the company, this film consists of a liquid crystal polymer which can change its visual appearance when an electrical current is activated. The edge of the film has an electrical contact strip which transforms the film from clear (transparent) to frosted (translucent) using a simple On/Off switch.

When the film is in its translucent or frosted state, images can be projected onto the glass creating a high definition digital display screen (up to UXGA resolution). Other applications for the LCD Film include privacy and security.

(Jim Evans)

Projected Image Digital at PLASA

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - PID has enjoyed a busy year including moving to bigger premises in west London and launching a new web-site along with supplying digital media products like Catalyst, Pixel MAD and Versa TUBE to various live entertainment sectors. The company's client base is also diversifying into architectural installations for both retail and commercial projects.

At PLASA 2005 PID will feature Element Labs' Versa TILE and Versa TUBE products from their ever-increasing range of LED-based video input display technology. These will be controlled from a Pixel MAD system which allows the playback of low-res video across LED or DMX fixtures.

The latest Catalyst software will be displayed, running on both Apple Powerbook and G5 platforms illustrating the many cost-effective options now available for this video-optimised digital media system.

PID will also highlight the latest D-Tek products

HES illuminates Armstrong celebration

Details: 14 March 2016

France - While Lance Armstrong was making history on the world's stage for his seventh Tour de France win, another stage was being set up for his victory and retirement party. High End Systems digital lighting products and a Wholehog 3 console helped set the celebratory scene for the cyclist and the Discovery Channel cycling team at The Ritz Paris.

Capital Sports & Entertainment (CSE) hosted the post-awards party. The main party room in the hotel's indoor swimming area accommodated 700-plus guests by adding a custom dance floor over the pool. Four ballrooms upstairs were also used.

Rudiger Haeming of Arcus supplied technical support and 4 High End Systems DL1s, 4 Catalyst Pro media servers and a Wholehog 3 console. French event producers Adelie Evenements and STe Displays provided additional lighting, audio and video equipment plus local crew.

The party's visual elements cen

Charles Salter & Associates used Symetrix' SymNet as the core for the San Luis Obispo Government Center.

SymNet in San Luis Obispo government centre

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - The government of San Luis Obispo County, California recently moved into its new administration building. The move was the culmination of more than five years of designing and building a facility tailored to its specific and varying needs.

The slow pace of design and construction was a reflection of the desire to get everything correct. This was particularly evident in the increasingly vital area of audio/visual and information technology, according to Joey D'Angelo, principal consultant with Charles M. Salter Associates, Inc., the San Francisco-based consulting firm who designed the facility's A/V system.

The design specification went through several incarnations, but one element recommended by D'Angelo at the outset remained on the list: SymNet Audio Matrix from Symetrix. "Much of the project's architecture and A/V system design changed over the years, but the rec

Beat the queues at PLASA!

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - In order to make full use of your days at the PLASA show, the show's organizers are encouraging visitors to 'check in' early. The doors to the exhibition will be open from 9am every morning and you will be invited to go up to the Top Deck to collect your show catalogue, and have a cup of coffee at one of the outlets around the PLASA stand while planning you day, prior to the show's official opening at 10am.

Please note: due to the current security situation, there will be full bag checks as you enter the show and all visitors are being asked for their co-operation. In the meantime, to help you plan, don't forget to check out the show website - see address below - for all the up-to-date news in the final run-up to the show.

Tori Amos at Royce Hall, UCLA

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - A solo tour by Tori Amos is not what immediately comes to mind when thinking about a high technology production, but then again, Tori is anything but predictable. On this month-long tour of US theatres in support of her latest album, The Beekeeper, she performed over 90 different songs - a challenge for all concerned.

"I program, on average, three new songs every afternoon," sighs Dan Boland, Tori's long-time lighting director and, for the last few years, lighting designer. "It keeps the afternoons very interesting." Each night, Boland receives the ever changing set list minutes before Tori takes to the stage. Even then, the set can change midway through a show. Boland, however, incorporates this unpredictability into his design, and this was a key factor is his decision to use video.

"Every time that it's just Tori and a piano on stage, she can

XL supplies Coldplay's Twisted Logic Tour

Details: 14 March 2016

Canada - XL Touring Video's Des Fallon from the company's London office and John Wiseman from the Los Angeles office worked together as the video contractor for Coldplay's Twisted Logic Tour 2005. Video content consists of two of the new Barco SLM R12 Plus Performer projectors, a Sony 5 camera system, and a Lighthouse LED screen provided by Pete's T.V.

Production design was conceived by Bryan Leitch, Hangman and Coldplay. Touring on behalf of XL Video is Andy Bramley as video director/creative consultant, Alan Yates as video crew chief, Mark Antonuik as camera man, Jimmy Johnston as projectionist/camera perator and Mark Wilkinson as camera operator. Tour production is under the management of Mark Ward and tour management is Andy Franks. The North American leg of the tour began 2 August in Toronto and wraps up on 9 September in Bristow,Va.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

CT supply giant LED screen array

Details: 14 March 2016

The World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne - the highlight of which was the Pope's visit on the Marienfeld - was an exceptional event, equipped by CT Creative Technology Germany, the international supplier for audio-visual media technology, with a gigantic array of LED screens, LED trucks and the latest production and broadcast technology. CT Germany together with XL Video as supplied more than 1,200sq.m of LED screens and mobile LED trucks, which were used in and around the city.

For the Pope's visit on 20-21 August, 20 modular LED large screens and 12 mobile LED trucks were set up and technically supported by CT and XL. Each modular LED screen measured more than 40sq.m and the mobile trucks were equipped with LED screens which with a size between 25 and 40sq.m. About one million of pilgrims met on the former open-cast mining area of more than 2.5sq.km. They were able to experience live the

XL Video makes PLASA début

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - XL Video is exhibiting at PLASA for the first time, aiming to introduce the company to the business and live event communications sector of the AV industry, as well as demonstrating the potential for crossover of equipment from concert touring with which XL is most commonly associated.

The UK and Europe's largest touring video rental company, XL Video works across all sectors of the business, leisure and entertainment industry and has bases in England, Belgium, Germany and America.

XL PLASA the company is showcasing a selection of key products - including the latest exotic LED screen technology from Barco and Lighthouse Technologies, and Soft-LED drapery from Mainlight Industries.

XL will illustrate how video equipment and techniques from the world of rock 'n' roll and concert touring are crossing over into theatre, conferences and other live events.

New products incl

PLASA 2005 opens with DJ treats

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The 2005 PLASA Show opened its doors at 10 o'clock this morning, and the crowds streamed in to the show floor, which looks better and brighter than ever. Sunday at PLASA is DJ day, of course, and the annual Gemini DJ competition will once again prove a big draw for budding mix artists, with the contest taking place in the DJ lounge at the rear of the hall, and the final taking place at 4.30pm. There's plenty more going on as part of DJ Sunday, supported by iDJ magazine, offering all kinds of opportunities to learn about the art and practice of DJing.

Appropriately for DJ Sunday, seminars today include a session on Digital Turntablism and Mixing, chaired by David Eserin, editor of the Technoscan section of DJ Magazine, the session features world-renowned DJs Chris Liebing and Jonathan Lisle, and Eitan Zilkha of Sapphires. Following the session, Jonathan Lisle will be perform

PLASA Awards for Innovation

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The winners of the PLASA Awards for Innovation were announced last night during a well-attended awards ceremony hosted by PLASA CEO Matthew Griffiths on the main show floor at Earls Court. The Awards, which focus on the best design and development work going on across the industry, came at the end of a day that reaffirmed PLASA's reputation as a forging ground for future innovations.

The Awards, which are judged by a panel of professionals, attracted 66 nominations, leading to eight technical awards and an additional award for environmental impact.

The winning products were:

Artistic Licence's Visual Patch is going to prove the ultimate time saver for converged lighting and video applications. It creates an on-screen geographic map of two or three-dimensional pixel array, whilst automatically also assigning DMX512 start addresses. Described by the judges as anot

Page 173 of 320

Video and AV

Latest Issue. . .