UK - A team from Saville Audio Visual branches across the UK, supported by a host of AV manufactures has raised £10,000 for children's charity Rainbow House.

The team took part in the BUPA Great Manchester 10k Run to raise cash for The Legacy Rainbow House which specialises in providing services for children with brain injuries, disabilities and life limiting conditions such as cerebral palsy.

The Saville effort was coordinated by group installation manager Colin Etchells and supported by manufacturers and suppliers including Anders & Kern, AMX, Audio Visual Material, CIE, POLARaudio and Sennheiser, who all took part in the run.

The Rainbow House Charity is close to the hearts of all the Saville employees. Christian Spragg gave up his job at Saville AV to look after his daughter when he tragically lost his wife hours after daughter Illaria was born. Illaria was later d

USA - Video is breathing new life into the fortunes of a 30-year-old Washington State lighting/staging company. Earlier this year, lighting industry veteran Mark Steneide (Steneide Illumination) added the capability to install video walls at music concerts and shows, using EVLED 1024SMD panels from Elation Professional.

The demand for this service has proven so hot that Steneide has since spun it into a separate company, NW Video Wall, which was chosen to provide the video screen for the California leg of Bad Company frontman Paul Rodgers' solo tour.

It all began as a measure to cope with the economic downturn, said Steneide. "I was trying to figure out how to pump up business during this recession, and for a while now I'd been seeing how lighting and video are merging. You look at everything from TV awards shows to concert tours, and all you see are LED video walls. So I

For 2010, Projecta is introducing Da-Plex, a rigid rear projection acrylic screen offering high resolution diffusive reflection for permanent installations.

Da-Plex features a microscopic thin diffusion coating which is permanently bonded to the acrylic substrate and cannot peel off like laminated film or vinyl based diffusion screens. Diffusion coatings ensure uniformity and a wide viewing angle, suitable for today's high output digital projectors. Da-Plex is available in standard sizes up to 251cm high and 427cm wide and has a gain of 1.0 with a full viewing angle of 70 degrees. Larger sizes and custom formats are available upon request.

Projecta offers two frame types that not only protect the screen but also ensure a speedy installation and professional finish, says the company. The Standard factory installed frame is a functional design and streamlines installation. The Self Tri

USA - Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 tour brings together the artist's urban edge, innovative video technology and live camera content creation that keeps screens director Drew Findley and video director Dirk Sanders on top of their game.

The city skyline video wall set, designed by UVA's Matt Clark, offers multiple video surfaces to create compelling imagery throughout the show but the real technical magic is in the complex video system. Sanders and Findley take full advantage of the capabilities afforded them by combining the Control Freak Encore DMX Bridge system with the PRG Mbox EXtreme v3 media server. Production Resource Group (PRG) provided a five-server system for the tour which has played arenas and stadiums around the around the world.

Sanders, who manages all the live camera feeds from backstage, explained the flow of the video system. "I am responsible for the ca

UK/USA - Magenta Research and True Colours are to co-host a day of training seminars launching the new Voyager Series to systems integrators, installers, resellers and end users in the UK Pro-AV, broadcasting and digital signage markets. The seminars will take place at The Runnymead Hotel in Egham on Monday 26 July.

Magenta's president and CEO Bob Michaels will be attending the event and will deliver an introductory note. Rob Muddiman, Magenta's European sales and marketing manager, will present the Voyager Fibre Optic Signal Distribution Platform to delegates.

"With the high frequency of change in connection types and the ever increasing integration of HDCP protected content into AV installations, the unprecedented functionality, flexibility, performance and cost of the Voyager series truly makes it the future of AV extension and matrix switching," says Muddiman.

UK - Media Powerhouse, one of London's leading AV rental services companies, announced that Simon Ireland will head its sets and staging division. Ireland who joined the company last year from Scenicplus has worked in scenic construction since 1986, bringing a wealth of expertise to help drive Media Powerhouse's comprehensive AV rental service solution.Michael Breen, Chief Executive Officer at Media Powerhouse comments: "Simon's expertise is second to none when it comes to sets and staging so we feel privileged to have him on board. His appointment also supports our customer focused ethos at Media Powerhouse. We provide our clients with a solution that includes not only the latest in equipment but also the very best in industry expertise."At Media Powerhouse, Ireland will have a dedicated 5000 sq ft workshop based at Elstree Film Studios with the resources to showcase th

Switzerland - SpinetiX has announced a new business relationship with Texas Instruments (TI), the silicon manufacturer, supporting SpinetiX technology as its reference designer for digital signage solutions.

SpinetiX currently uses Texas Instruments' DaVinci video processors in its dedicated digital signage appliance, the HMP100 Hyper Media Player. The processor performs real-time video decoding and high-definition scene composition, enabling customers to meet the requirements of changing standards in video codecs and provide software updates and new features to field-deployed units.

Now the two companies are taking their partnership further, with TI's ready-to-incorporate SpinetiX technology into its microprocessor chips for third-party LCD panels and projectors, tailored to digital signage applications.

"We want our chips to enable manufacturers to produce a product t

USA - When Scott Scovill of Moo TV was deciding which manufacturer's LED panels to use to create the video screen for Brad Paisley's 2010 Summer Tour, he turned to the country superstar himself to help make the final call. Scovill had narrowed the choice down to three LED panel models - two with a 20mm pixel pitch, and one with a higher-resolution 18mm - all of which he had been "putting through the paces" in the office of his Nashville video production company for weeks beforehand.

"It always helps if you have the artist in on the final decision," said Scovill. "So I brought Brad in, and as soon as he walked into the room he pointed at one of the screens and said, 'That's the 18.' I told him, 'No, that's the Elation 20mm.'" Paisley thus confirmed the decision that Scovill had arrived at after extensive testing - to go with the Elation Professional

UK - Paul and Sarah Clarke, who run The Great Football Giveaway hosted an event in June to celebrate and thank all their volunteers, friends and donors for their continued support in their goal of delivering footballs and netballs directly into the hands of children from some of the poorest and most rural areas in Africa. Stage Electrics provided a complete technical solution for this outdoor event, which took place at their home in Wiltshire.

Stage Electrics supplied a 3m x 1.7m (12 panels) high performance LED screen to display the England vs. America World Cup football game via a live Sky feed, with the match sound being provided through an L'Acoustics PA system, controlled by a Yamaha LS9.

A 4m x 3m stage and lighting for the live band was also be supplied by Stage Electrics, as well as illuminating the marquee and the picturesque grounds with warm mood lighting, re

Sweden - An Air Traffic Control training centre in Malmö has taken delivery of a new simulation system - specified and installed by Micro Nav, using rear projection systems and bespoke engineering from Paradigm AV in the UK.

The contract was awarded by Entry Point North (EPN) - an international Air Traffic Management Academy approved by the Civil Aviation Authorities in Scandinavia.

Although Micro Nav had not previously worked with Paradigm they were keen to collaborate when the right project came along. "We considered using other suppliers for this contract," says project manager Jackie Friberg, "but after meeting with various different companies, we opted to work in partnership with Paradigm for the delivery of these two large towers."

The requirement from EPN was that the display solution should be "at least as good" as the existing systems,

UK - In the heart of London's Buckingham Palace, The Projection Studio created a video show, featuring much archival World War 1 and 2 footage charting the history of The Not Forgotten Association.

The Not Forgotten Association was formed in 1920 to provide entertainment, recreation and leisure to the serving wounded and ex-Service men and women with disabilities. As part of its 90th Anniversary celebrations it organised a summer concert for 450 serving personnel and veterans in the Ballroom by kind permission of Her Majesty the Queen.

In the early planning stages for the event, the small team within the Charity decided that telling the 90 year story of The Not Forgotten was to be the format and, if possible, wanted projections within the Ballroom to enhance the various acts making up the concert. Major Sir Michael Parker, who has a long-standing relationship with the Charity

UK - PZ Cussons, the multi-national consumer goods company, has relocated from its base in Stockport to a new 40,000sq.ft headquarters on the Manchester Business Park.

The company was looking to create an impressive entrance to the new flagship site, which boasts an imposing atrium. This has been provided with the first European installation of Christie's MicroTiles media display.

The installation was carried out by Lancashire-based Pure Audio Visual under the supervision of divisional director Alan Marshall.

"As the atrium was glazed on two sides this presented a conundrum," said Marshall. "Initially we considered projectors - but then I had a meeting with Joe Graziano, [Christie's market development manager for MicroTiles ] and he told me about this new product."

Ged Bithell, PZ Cussons' head of IT international and Chris Colesell, head of IT UK, atte

Italy/Norway - Aethra.net and Videoworks AS a company with headquarters in Oslo, Norway, holding an OEM agreement with Sony Japan for Europe, have signed an agreement of exclusive distribution for the territory of Italy.

"We are extremely proud of this agreement which will further strengthen the position of Aethra.net and its partners in the Italian market," said Luigi Astoirii MD of aethra.net. "The distribution of Videoworks videoconferencing products based on Sony technology creates an absolutely different value proposition in the market."

Along with the products , Aethra.net will be able to render a number of converged services including multi-video conferencing in hosted and managed modes and

webcasting, audio conferencing, room design and installation.

"Adding Aethra.net as a partner for Videoworks brings great value with their deep knowledge

USA - Barco reports that NVIDIA will be utilising a wide range of Barco solutions to present its breakthrough graphics technologies at the world's largest show dedicated to the Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) industry, SIGGRAPH, which takes place in Los Angeles this week. This will be the first time NVIDIA has built a 100% digital booth, eliminating all printed signage.

NVIDIA will present its latest technology for visualization professionals in an expansive and dramatic booth, featuring its 'Quadro Digital Theatre that will showcase presentations from guest speakers as well as company officials.

The dynamic stage will employ four of Barco's LED-lit, rear-projection video walls, the OL-721, a 70" display cube in a 2x2 format. On either side of the stage, two LCD 56" displays will be mounted in a portrait configuration to create a unique and compelling backdrop for i

UK - With a number of operations spread around the Home Counties and the Capital itself and a 28 year history in event production under their belts, AVC Productions is always eager to introduce the latest technology to their clients.

Specialising in the corporate sector, they have produced more than 200,000 events since starting out in 1981. The company has evolved with the demands of its clients, offering a complete portfolio of event services.

For many years the company has turned to Christie as one of its principle suppliers of projection technology. Most recently, they took delivery of Christie multi award winning MicroTiles digital displays.

AVC's Head of Technical Services, Phill Pearce, ordered 55 of the modules after seeing them for the first time at February's ISE Show in Amsterdam.

"We have been a Christie partner for at least 15 years, but their major prese

UK - AC-ET's Video division recently supplied event production company Onebigstar with an InnovaLED display system to provide the video effects backdrop for this year's Glastonbudget music festival in Leicestershire.

Glastonbudget is one of Europe's largest tribute band and new acts music festivals. The event is directly linked with charity Soar Valley Music Centre, which over the years has trained thousands of young people from all backgrounds and given them a route into the industry.

Now in its seventh year, the 2010 festival featured over 130 acts across three days billed as Britpop V USA, Bands of the 80s and International Superstars. Artists included Atomic Blondie, Blings of Leon, Blurb, Coldplace, Dubpeche Mode, Duran The Tribute, Four Fighters, Green Date, Guns 2 Roses, Mercury, Oasish, One Step Behind, Re:Verve, Status of Quo, Stereotonics and The Jam'd.

Oneb

UK - As a parting legacy, retiring head teacher at Farnham Heath End comprehensive school in Surrey, David Hoggins, has presented new incumbent Nick Phillips with a progress technology wing which is light years ahead of anything generally found in the state school sector.

Costing just over £500,000 to develop (with the aid of judicious management of their capital budget and a £100,000 local authority grant), the aptly named 21C technology block took a year to build, and fulfills the Head's dream of providing "complete immersion in an environment where the children can interact wirelessly on any level."

The facility features GestureTek GroundFX interactive floor projection system and GestureTek Screen Xtreme, installed by Digital Vision AV. GroundFX integrates interactive 2D and 3D visuals with sound, thus enhancing the interactive feature and further imme

UK - The first details of this year's extended PLASA 2010 Education & Learning Programme have been unveiled by organisers PLASA Events. The acclaimed programme of free seminars and masterclasses includes top international speakers on industry projects and technologies, sustainability, AV and systems integration and much more.

The Gottelier Masterclass will be presented, as is now established tradition, by last year's Gottelier Award winner - Alex Cooper from Midas Klark Teknik. Entitled Don't Just measure: Listen, the Masterclass will be an appreciation of the power of human perception and spatial awareness, and how they relate to audio - in particular, the fact that just because a piece of audio gear measures correctly does not necessarily mean it sounds good.

InfoComm International will host a seminar theatre dedicated to AV & Systems Integration. Topics over the dedi

USA - Barco reports that Multimedia Farms, also doing business as LED Display Rentals, has acquired its C11 LED indoor/outdoor display for use in the company's LED rental and staging business. The deal was signed at this year's InfoComm 2010, held in Las Vegas in June.

Bruce Neff, a founder and vice president of Multimedia Farms comments, "We're excited about all the new Barco products and the C11 is the perfect indoor/outdoor solution for our business. When I tell a customer that I have Barco, there's no explanation needed when it comes to image quality, it's second to none and everyone knows it."

Multimedia Farms purchased a large number of C11 tiles, enough to construct several screens and provide the flexibility to meet a variety of customer needs. Originally established as a mobile LED display supplier, the company is now going into 'inside work' offering built-

China - LED display solutions provider Lighthouse Technologies was among the winners announced at the recent 2010 Outstanding (Top Ten) LED Display Application Projects Contest awards presentation ceremony held by Shanghai Committee of Science and Technology. Lighthouse won for its massive American Airlines Centre Display Project.

For this project, Lighthouse installed 25 LED screens of differing shapes, pixel pitches and functions at the American Airlines Centre, covering an area of more than 8,700sq.ft. As one of the top NBA facilities, the American Airlines Centre is a combination of tradition and state-of-the-art technology. The newly installed Lighthouse screens have increased the video display capacity of the facility by 300 percent.

The contest involved simultaneous demonstrations in magazines and on websites, followed by three elimination rounds and an evaluatio

Canada -Ross Video has announced the appointment of Nigel Spratling into product marketing where he will focus on the marketing of Ross Video's production switcher product lines.

Spratling has held senior positions at Snell & Wilcox, NVISION, ADC Telecommunications, and Sigma Electronics. He was responsible for creating the NAB-HD pavilion, has served as chair of the NAB Exhibitor's board, and has acted as a marketing and technology consultant for the organisation

"We are excited to have Nigel join our team here at Ross," said David Ross, CEO, Ross Video. "A well respected industry veteran, Nigel possesses a depth of industry experience, enthusiasm and creativity that we know will benefit our flagship Vision and CrossOver production switchers and significantly contribute to Ross continuing to deliver compelling product experiences to our customers."

(Jim

USA - New York-based All Mobile Video (AMV) recently purchased a Studer Vista 8 console for its new Epic 3D mobile production truck. The Vista 8 is fully 7.1 surround sound capable, with 72 faders and up to 250 inputs. The Epic truck was first used on 21 July 21 for a 3D and 2D taping of Sheryl Crow in concert at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City.

The Epic truck features a large audio room which, in addition to the Vista 8 console's in-truck I/O complement, includes Studer stageboxes with up to 96 additional inputs.

This is the fifth Vista 8 that AMV has purchased for its mobile productions trucks. "AMV is one of the earliest and largest companies in the US to commit heavily to the Studer Vista 8," says Lee Blanco of AMV. "The advantages the Vista 8 offers are considerable and when the time came to choose a digital console for our new Epic truck, the Vista

USA - Chaos Visual Productions is video contractor for Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker's 2010, North American Mojo Tour, which his promoting the band's album of the same name. The tour kicked off in Raliegh, NC in May and will cover the US and Canada through the summer.

Chaos worked with Petty's long-time lighting designer, Jim Lenahan, to come up with six 8mm Winvision walls, which flew on a downstage, curved truss, that gently embraced the band. There is also a Sony Camera package of four D50 cameras and five BRC 300 robo cams, all switch through three Encore processors, using a Control Freak Interface.

"After working with Jim for many years, I expected this design would be top notch, and he didn't disappoint," says Chaos' president, John Wiseman.

(Jim Evans)

UK - After eight years with Pro Audio Asia and Pro Audio Middle East magazines, industry journalist Tim Goodyer has established an open-agenda international blog for the pro audio and A/V communities - Fast-and-Wide.com.

In addition to relaying the latest pro audio news, and providing access to a selection of technical papers and instructional videos, Fast-and-Wide enables visitors to comment on items, as well as follow through social media including Twitter and YouTube.

With wide-ranging news of international business and equipment announcements, and supporting services in place, Fast-and-Wide will soon host a discussion forum for industry issues and developments.

"I aim to encourage a free exchange of ideas, information and concerns, with the best interests of our industry in mind," Goodyer says. "With the global economy, 'green' initiatives, c

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