Spain - XL Video, working with Live Nation Spain, supplied LED, cameras and PPU for the inaugural Ibiza 123 festival.

Ibiza 123 is the first music festival to be held on the island, and played host to a diverse line-up of artists featuring global superstars Sting, Elton John and Lenny Kravitz; live performances from chart stars Labrinth and Tinie Tempah; plus sets from DJs including Tiesto, Fatboy Slim, Chase & Status, Luciano, and David Guetta!

For the three-day festival, held on the San Antonio coast, XL Video was asked to provide an LED package which would highlight not only the first 123 Festival but also herald the first ever full music festival in Ibiza.

To achieve this XL Video specified an LED backdrop measuring 16m wide by 9m high, made from Pixled's F-30. F-30 was selected due to its suitability for outdoor use.

Three circular LED displays of decreasing size were

UK - UK-based video and AV specialist Central Presentations (CPL) continues its investment in premium brand technology and is one of the first UK rental companies to take delivery of the latest Yamaha CL5 digital mixing console.

CPL already has a large stock of Yamaha LS9 and other desks. One reason the CL5 was chosen is that it runs on the same operating principals as these, so all their engineers who are used to working with Yamaha digital consoles will be able to use the CL5 immediately, and quickly familiarise themselves with its many advanced features.

The CL5 system was supplied to CPL by the Birmingham office of LMC Audio Systems.

CPL managing director Matthew Boyse explains that they were keen to be among the first AV rental operations in the UK able to offer their clients all of the benefits offered by the new CL series.

"The compact size and weight for 72 ch

Australia - AV company Scene Change has purchased a Jands Vista S1 console to accompany their existing Jands Vista I3 console.

"We've been more than happy with our Vista I3 and it made sense to purchase another console that was already in line with what we were using," commented Jordan Renouf from Scene Change. "By adding the Vista S1 we've gained more functionality and because it is the same software as the Vista I3, the ease of usability for the guys has been very simple."

Renouf states that the surface of the Vista S1 is particularly good with a good number of playback handles for such a small surface.

"Again, it has a similar surface to the Vista I3," he added. "The Vista is such an intuitive console - easy to use and quick. Because of this intuitive design it's very quick to patch and program and have a show up and running quickly. Als

UK - Following their debut in the London 2012 Opening Ceremony, the 'pixels' and Crystal's animations immersed the audience in a celebration of British music at last night's Closing Ceremony.

Danny Boyle said: "Every Olympic ceremony aims for a major technical breakthrough. Our remarkable audience pixels have opened up amazing new images, effects and spectacle, but most of all they have enabled our live stadium audience to be part of the ceremony in a way that's never been possible before."

Directed by Kim Gavin, the Closing Ceremony assembled stars of the British music scene from 1967 to 2012 performing their biggest hits. Working closely with Gavin's creative team, Crystal created 27 animated sequences, totalling the length of a feature length film to accompany the songs that brought Britain's musical heritage to life.

Over 10,000 pixels wide, the animations requ

UK - ArKaos, creators of an acclaimed range of media servers and VJ software, will be showing the new Stage media server and MediaMaster Pro 3.0 software at this year's PLASA Show.

MediaMaster Pro 3.0 is the latest version of the software that powers ArKaos' complete range of media servers, and which can also be used to turn any powerful computer - Mac or PC - into a fully-fledged media server capable of running live or programmed HD video shows.

"A key feature of MediaMaster Pro 3.0 is the ArKaos Video Mapper extension, which allows easy mapping and masking of video onto irregularly shaped surfaces, whether that be an unusually shaped screen or an entire building. The Mapping Editor provides a fast, intuitive user interface complete with undo/redo implementation, making creating even the most complex maps a breeze," says the company.

"The ArKaos Stage media s

USA - Andy C played the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas on 8 June as part of his latest US tour.

As a technical person himself, Andy C wanted to provide a live audio visual experience showcasing what is possible when you "merge the leading technologies from sound and video into one system and hand the controls over to the number one drum and bass DJ in the world".

The Alive tour produced by Made Up Ltd brought in Picture Works who specified Green Hippo's Hippotizers.

"The Hippotizer was the only media sever capable of creating the complete multimedia, fully interactive, audio visual performance that Andy C required," says Jon McMullan, project manager, Made Up Lld.

The DJ booth took inspiration from the Alive logo which was one of the main features. This 8 x 4m structure made up the face with one GrassHopper containing 10GB of HD Media and 20,000 l

UK - A number of important additions to the London edition of the PLASA Professional Development Programme have been announced. The 80 free-to-attend sessions form the backbone of the 2012 edition of the PLASA Show, which takes place on Sunday 9 - Wednesday 12 September, live at Earls Court in London. From the creative minds of world-renowned LDs and sound engineers, to the visionaries of tomorrow's technology, the PLASA Professional Development Programme is the largest free knowledge sharing event of its kind.

"The new style programme forms a roadmap for the next twelve months in theatre, live concert and touring, live events and installed environments. PLASA 2012 continues to be the place where pace setters converge to share expertise and ideas, and we are delighted by the concentration of talent coming to London this September, it is simply phenomenal. Anyone wishing to

UK - Avolites and Avolites Media (Hall 1, booths F18 and G15) are set to launch three new products and new Titan Operating system at PLASA 2012. It will see Avolites Ltd presenting the launch of the Titan One virtual console and Titan Version 6, while Avolites Media will showcase the Ai Infinity Media Servers and launch the ground breaking Sapphire Media console.

Known for their professional and friendly approach, the team from Avolites will be on hand to offer individual demonstrations and detailed technical information about the fully comprehensive visual control range.

Avolites Titan V6 not only offers support of Titan-Net distributed DMX but also a host of new features such as the ability of Assignable Global and Individual Rate Masters to enable over-ride of BPM and Times, Auto-legend for Colours, Gobos and Video Clips as well as to hand draw into your Pixel Mapper with A

UK - Following three successful years at XL Video in the US where he oversaw the Los Angeles office, Phil Mercer has returned to his native UK to take up the role of group head of concert touring.

Mercer's brief is to develop the Concert Touring division of XL Video globally, by working with XL's offices in the US and mainland Europe to provide artists with a seamless touring solution across multiple continents.

"I'm hugely excited by my new role within XL Video," says Marcer, "and the responsibility that comes with keeping us visionary in our approach to the industry; in terms of providing cutting edge display technology, high skilled crew, efficient packaging and unequalled service.

"With live show revenues increasingly replacing CD sales as the main income stream for most touring artists, this places equal importance on high production standards and va

UK - Green Hippo will demonstrate "that the industry's easiest media server has just got easier". Previewing a host of new and innovative features on their PLASA stand, Hippotizer has been given a functionality and user interface makeover, allowing operators to create and programme with improved simplicity and ease.

Following on from a year of expansion in staff and premises Green Hippo Ltd are pleased to focus on making one of the world's favourite media servers simpler, improving work-flow and production times, says the company.

And once you've experienced the product come and meet the team that makes all this possible on stand 1-G6 at Earls Court, London.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Nearly New AV, a company which concentrates on the buying and selling of used audio-visual equipment, is exhibiting at PLASA on stand 1F35, giving production, AV rental and installation companies the chance to find out more about the service.

The company offers a new service to the live event and permanent AV installation industry, buying and selling used AV equipment. The company provides a platform for all to access a large array of used audio-visual equipment available in the industry. Equipment is available at much reduced rates, giving rental companies the chance to supplement their fleets with popular products and also installation companies the opportunity to sell older generation screens and upgrade previous installations when new models are released.

Stuart Johnson, business manager, comments, "We are looking forward to exhibiting and also meeting more of th

UK - International screen specialist displayLED has launched a new generation of the flexible LED tile, digiFLEX. The new digiFLEX is a more robust version of displayLED's previous award winning flexible screen, upgraded to be production friendly in concert touring environments while simultaneously providing camera friendly imagery in television studios. The product also opens up creative and dramatic opportunities for architectural applications and for creating stunning displays for the conference and exhibition market.

"The new digiFLEX is a rugged, rental-friendly product with robust connections and handling for touring use," says Tom Mudd, displayLED's technical manager. "With a magnetic installation system, digiFLEX is extremely easy to use, allowing any metal surface to be covered with this LED video skin. If you can make the shape in steel we can cover it i

UK - On Friday the 27 of July the London 2012 Olympic Games were officially opened with a spectacular Opening Ceremony which took place in the Olympic Stadium located at the London 2012 Olympic Park. Prior to the parade of more than 200 competing nations, visitors seated in the vast stadium, which has an 80,000 person capacity, along with millions of television viewers worldwide were witnesses to 'Isles of Wonder'. A spectacular show unfolded that reflected the key themes and priorities of the London 2012 Games, based on sport, inspiration, youth and urban transformation. 'Isles of Wonder' was a Ceremony 'for everyone' that celebrated the contributions the UK has made to the world through innovation and revolution, as well as the creativity and exuberance of British people.

The show was backed up by a host of staging technologies using latest audio visual equipment. Panasonic, a

UK - XL Events, working with Premier PR, supplied LED for the London premiere of Total Recall starring Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel.

Premier PR designed a 'red carpet' experience which complemented the futuristic look of the movie. To achieve the right look, Premier called on the expertise of XL project manager, Mark Rooney, to specify and supply the LED.

Pixled's versatile FX-11 LED was chosen due to its high brightness, and suitability for outdoor use - a must given the unpredictable British weather.

In total 150 tiles of FX-11 LED were used. 128 tiles formed the Total Recall stage backdrop where the movie's stars appeared for the fans and paparazzi in Leicester Square, and were interviewed by Alex Zane.

A further 22 tiles of FX-11 were used to front the booth for the DJ who played as the stars arrived.

XL Events' Mark Rooney comments,

UK - On the eve of PLASA 2012, PLASA has announced a new home and dateline for the PLASA Show in 2013. The UK's only international event for entertainment and installation technology will take place at ExCeL London from 6-9 October 2013.

"After 21 years at Earls Court & Olympia, the time is now right for the PLASA Show to leave its current home," said PLASA CEO Matthew Griffiths. "We have hugely ambitious plans for the future of the event, and the state-of-the-art facilities at ExCeL support this vision. ExCeL is a cutting-edge, purpose-built exhibition venue with the infrastructure to attract international markets; the world-class facilities are the perfect match for PLASA's planned investment in content and growth, and an exciting prospect for our technology markets worldwide."

The move represents a major opportunity for the PLASA Show to expand its inter

USA - Bring Elvis to life - That was the main video projection mission for Pete's Big TVs for the Elvis 35th anniversary concert, 16 August at the FedEx Forum in Memphis. The event was a fan favourite at the end of Elvis Week, a weeklong celebration of The King and on the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death in 1977.

Pete's Big TVs has worked on many past Elvis in concert tours and anniversary shows - again with producer Stig Edgren Productions.

This year, Pete's Big TVs supplied 324 panels of the new digiLED MC7 high resolution video tiles to comprise all video screens in the show. The MC7 emit no radio frequency interference, making them a popular rental item in Pete's Big TVs' inventory.

The panels were split up into four screens. A screen over the stage displayed the show's EP 35 logo and IMAG. Of the three screens on the upstage, measuring 18ft tall,

Spain - Continuing their work with The Shop Ibiza, XL Video are supplying LED screens for Paradise at DC10 every Thursday throughout the 2012 season.

Paradise, presented by Hot Creations, is one of the coolest club nights on the island and includes a residency by Hot Creations label owner, Jamie Jones, along with guest appearances from some of the best names in electronic music, including DJ Harvey, Soul Clap and Damian Lazarus.

XL Video is supplying a backdrop for the DJ booth constructed from Martin LC 2140 transparent LED, to complement the look of this unique club night.

This residency, along with other shows and events in Ibiza this summer including the International Music Summit, and Ibiza 123, reinforces XL Video's commitment to working with electronic dance music artists and clubs to help enhance their performances with the creative use of video technology.

Chile - Stampede Presentation Products, Inc. recently helped Lumina Motion construct a stunning 10,000sq.ft video display on the facade of a round building in Santiago, Chile by providing the ideal equipment and precise development insight needed.

The AV team at Lumina Motion was tasked with creating an exciting and memorable product launch for Nokia's new Lumia 800 smartphone, and they succeeded by "working with Stampede to utilise the best technology, share industry know-how and ensure patient attention to every technical detail."

According to Lumina Motion owner Gonzalo de la Barra: "We at Lumina Motion know that when you're producing a live event, everything has to be perfect. Stampede knows this too, which is why they recommended the eight Christie Full HD projectors and Geffen Fiber Optic cables to produce over 10,000 square feet of HD video display with p

Spain - The Congress Palace (Ciudad de Oviedo), which has opened in the heart of Spain's Asturian capital, has already become a new symbol for its spectacular architecture.

Designed by Valencia-born architect Santiago Calatrava, this visually stunning exhibition and convention centre has left its own indelible footprint on the local landscape.

Set on three floors, and elliptical in shape, the 15,530sq.m Congress Palace consists of several different function room and exhibition spaces - but without doubt the most spectacular is the main auditorium. This unusually shaped 2500m2 hall has a seating capacity of 2,144 seats, with a height of 45.16m up to the dome.

With the complex geometry (and high reverberation time) of the room, the choice of sound system was critical - and after an extensive study of electro-acoustic systems the decision was taken to specify an OmniLine® m

UK - Ross Ashton's The Projection Studio once again entertained the sold-out crowds at Edinburgh Castle with stunning projected visuals for the spectacular 2012 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The show action featuring a cast of nearly 1000 performers took place on the Esplanade down below the Castle walls in the centre of the Tattoo's new, purpose-built state-of-the-art amphitheatre, which includes a special climate controlled projection room.

The Tattoo's chief executive and producer for the second year running was Brigadier David Allfrey, a big fan of large format projections, and this year's event theme was HM Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee and the year of Creative Scotland.

Creative Scotland included specific sections of the show and dances celebrating iconic items of Scottish culture like tweed and whiskey, plus the industrial revolution. All these and more gave As

UK - d3, the integrated production toolkit for video production professionals, will introduce its software only version, d3 Designer, to the UK press and public on stand 1-G46 during PLASA 2012.

The new d3 Designer is a software only solution that has all the powerful features of d3 but with the outputs water marked. Made especially for show creators; content designers; projectionists; project managers and other video production professionals, d3 Designer is the most advanced integrated production platform in the market. Created to design and simulate your show from concept design to delivery.

Shows created on d3 Designer are transferable to both 2U and 4U d3 production systems.

d3's real-time stage simulator also allows for pre-vis of moving screens and props, giving you full control of your show - on the train, or the plane, or even in your hotel, says the company.

(Jim

South Africa - A two day Protocol Training course was hosted at DWR Distribution in Strijdom Park, Randburg on 3 and 4 September.

This year, Nick Britz from DWR has taken Training under his wing and is running with sessions that will benefit technicians and interested parties in the industry.

The Protocol Training covers everything from the basic DMX 512, RMD, Artnet, Ethernet and Wireless Networking. It includes fault-finding techniques, addressing fixtures, monitoring units in the rig, configuring networks and the ins and outs of some of the most commonly used protocols.

September will be a busy time at DWR Distribution, and other courses include the Avolites Titan 6 Training on the 10 and 11 September and Robe Training on the 17 & 18 September.

(Jim Evans)

UK - At the end of an unrivalled summer of success, PLASA 2012 opens its doors for the very last time at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre on Sunday 9 September and with pre-registration figures already way ahead of last years, it's time to celebrate!

As PLASA announce a new home for the PLASA Show, the final event at Earls Court promises to be a glorious celebration of the industry's involvement in the Diamond Jubilee and London 2012 Olympics. The Olympics Uncovered sector of the Professional Development Programme is close to a sell-out and joining Backstage at the London 2012 Ceremonies will be Making it all Possible! presented by Riedel Communications; Landscape Video, a seminar from Tait dedicated to those transforming LED panels that turn stadiums into vast video screens and Scott Burges from Creative Technology delivering From a Wobbly House to the

UK - Building on the ever-converging technologies of lighting and video, Blitz has seized the opportunity to greatly expand its offering to clients through a £320,000 investment in new lighting stock and the recruitment of a full- time lighting designer.

Blitz welcomed Simon Brockwell to its team at the beginning of August as a full-time lighting designer. He has a wealth of experience as a freelance engineer, having graduated from Rose Bruford. Brockwell is developing Blitz's lighting design and project management offering so it can offer a more bespoke service to both direct clients and freelance designers. As a trained operator, he is experienced with a range of lighting consoles and media servers, and is helping Blitz further integrate its video and lighting departments.

To enhance the pre-production and visualisation offering, Blitz has installed a new WYSIWYG studi

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