Italy - XL Video returned to the gleaming modernity of the MiCo Milano Congressi conference centre in downtown Milan to provide various video solutions including projection and control, cameras / multiple PPU and crew, together with general AV support for the Cisco Live! 2015 event, working for global experience marketing agency, George P. Johnson.

Cisco Live! is the industry's premier education and training event for IT, networking and communications professionals, and XL Video's team was project managed by Nick Askew and Chris Ellis. Their brief included the provision of a diverse selection of AV set-ups to 42 breakout areas, some for up to 300 people.

An impressive main room hosted the plenary sessions and accommodated 3,500 delegates. A primary presentation stage was built in the centre of the room and connected via a runway to a satellite 'demo' stage that was used for pr

Europe - Panasonic has launched a new high brightness, 1-chip DLP projector series which is "the quietest in its class". Aimed at continuous 24-hour operation in public display and signage, as well as rental and staging applications, the DZ780 projectors feature a liquid-cooling system that reduces operating noise to just 30 dB when projecting at full lamp output power.

The dual-lamp projector outputs 7,000 lumens at WUXGA resolution and introduces a host of premium features, normally reserved for flagship large-venue projectors.

Hartmut Kulessa, marketing manager projector products, Panasonic Visual System Solutions, said, "Again in an installation-class projector, we have provided a spec sheet which will set the DZ780 series apart from the competition.

"What is more, the series reduces the total cost of ownership by doubling recommended lamp replacement

USA - After dominating the country music charts with 35 number ones, more than 60 career singles and a dedicated fan base, Alan Jackson has chosen Nashville-based Elite Multimedia Productions (EMP) to handle all lighting, video and LED for his 25th anniversary, Keepin' It Country tour, which is sponsored by Kubota Tractor Corporation.

The tour, which kicked off in early January in Fort Myers, Fla. and continues through the summer, has production needs that vary with the many different types of venues it plays. Lighting and video play a major role in the country icon's production so that audiences feel the camaraderie that is driven home through Jackson's songs.

Account manager Peter Streiff assisted in compiling lighting gear from Vari*Lite, Martin, Clay Paky and PixelFLEX LED video curtains that are all serviced through EMP, and help to creatively deliver those goals p

Germany - Avolites is powering up its latest consoles, dimmers and media servers for possibly the company's biggest ever presence at Prolight + Sound Frankfurt, on stand D40, Level 0, Hall 11.

On stand, visitors can experience the capabilities of Avolites Titan V9, new networking functionality, and display of the revolutionary Autoblend feature of Ai.

Autoblend allows blending of large projection surfaces using multiple projectors. In addition, there is a new Surface Modelling page for the creation of editable 3D sets, and performance is hugely improved, with render engine optimisation offering 50% increased video throughput. Compositing high-resolution background layers with low-resolution foreground layers is also much improved.

In Titan V9, expect to see a multitude of new features, including the amazing new Key Frame Shapes, providing the capability to create spectacular

Germany - Current HD picture signals are demanding and require a high data rate. Transmission distances beyond 10m are therefore often fraught with problems.

With the new HDMI-over-Fibre system from German manufacturer Cardinal, DVM signals with a maximum resolution of 4K x 2K - including RS232 and infrared data - can be transmitted hassle free over distances of up to 300 m via an OM3 multimode line.

The robust and compact housing (known from the DVM- 120 active series) is available in two versions: as stand-alone housing with the dimensions of 68 x 36 x 145 mm, as installation housing to fit into the modular SYSBOXX frame or the 19" SYSPANEL 5XL panel for audio distribution.

The connectors for the power supply, HDMI and IR/ RS232 have been designed as robust HICON all-metal versions and are thus perfectly suitable for the tough use "on the road".

"Our

USA - Working with lighting and set designer, Will Potts, XL Video supplied a package of scenic LED, LED IMAG screens and accompanying camera system for multi-Grammy award winner Sam Smith's US Arena tour.

The sold-out shows, in support of Smith's 'In The Lonely Hour' album, visited venues across the US and Canada during January and February 2015 including The Forum in Los Angeles, and Madison Square Garden in New York.

Will Potts' show design called for a subtle, classy video setup with Sam Smith's band all situated on varying height risers at the rear of the stage. These risers were custom-built for the tour to house XL Video's ROE MC-18T Hybrid LED, mounted into XL's own touring frames.

Will was able to achieve the specific heights and widths he required for the stepped look of the design by XL Video disassembling the standard ROE tiles and repackaging them in a more flex

UK - National tourism agency VisitBritain recently held two distinct trade events in North and Southwest England, both aimed at helping local businesses develop international tourism. The agency turned to event production supplier White Light to provide lighting and projection mapping for both events, using cutting edge technology to complement two unique historic venues in Plymouth and Yorkshire.

Ahead of its Southwest showcase, VisitBritain chose the historic Royal William Yard in Plymouth as the canvas for a special lighting and projection display. The event, held the next day at Bovey Castle, hosted over 100 suppliers from the region matching them with visiting international buyers. White Light was responsible for lighting and AV for the display. Led by Project Manager Phil Gladman, the team created an 18m projection element on the exterior of the Grade I listed building.

UK - Pixel Projects provided immersive retail solutions for the new Google shop within Currys PC World on Tottenham Court Road, London.

The Google shop-in-shop (SIS) officially launched Thursday 12 March and is selling Android phones, Chromebook laptops, and Chromecast TV service whilst offering visitors the opportunity to try out various interactive AV installations.

To provide a key focal point for the shop, AV integrator Pixel Projects installed a Portal (formally Liquid Galaxy) with software development partners End Point. The large scale panoramic display provides users with a truly immersive experience. Shop visitors can use a joystick mechanism to dive into any point of the earth, land or sea via Google maps.

For budding artists Pixel Projects also installed the Google Doodle wall, in close partnership with Deeplocal. The wall features a digital spray can, allowing us

South Africa - Cuono Biviano, the owner of VuePix and also the managing director of the Australian based ULA Group visited DWR Distribution recently.

DWR Distribution is the official distributors of VuePix in South Africa. On his visit Cuono Biviano was able to meet up rental companies MGG Productions, Multi-Media Events, Fogtech, Black Motion and In Harmony Productions.

VuePix screens are becoming the centrepiece of events and the high-resolution screens are built to impress. "It's adding a new dimension to events and for DWR, it's not only about offering our clients a good product, but having the back up from Cuono and his team. That's what really makes the difference," commented Duncan Riley of DWR. " Needless to say, once Cuono's feet touched African soil, we were in for a treat with a lot of laughter and good times in the mix."

"It was an absolu

Spain - Every year tens of thousands of visitors visit the GSMA Mobile World Congress, widely considered the "must-attend" event in the mobile industry calendar. To ensure all of the news from across the show is shared daily, the GSMA created Mobile World Live TV (MWL TV).

For the 2015 show, MWL TV executive producer Jacquie Luscombe contacted XL Video project manager, Nick Askew, to be part of a competitive bid for the studio setup for MWL TV. Prior to joining XL Video, Nick had worked with the client for the previous four years.

For this year's event XL supplied a package that included HD cameras, onsite production studio, HD recordings and media servers, as well as LED truck screens for the exterior of the Fira Gran Via venue.

Mobile World Live TV was operational throughout the four-day show and included interviews, keynotes, press conferences, studio discussion

UK - London-based technical solutions company Realtime Environment Systems (RES) has supplied Ai media servers and tech know-how to All Time Low's major Wembley show.

The pop punksters' first UK arena headliner One Night in London with All Time Low sold out in a matter of weeks. RES was brought on board by Video Design and the band's camera director Richard Shipman to supply two Ai S4 Media Servers as well as set up lighting designer Jeff Maker's Avolites Sapphire Touch lighting console to trigger media and effects from the Ai.

"We spent two days programming and re-encoding the media to ensure Jeff had a wide range of control over the Ai S4 Media Server from his Avolites console," says RES managing director Mark Calvert.

"The server played back a 1920 x 512 AIM super stream media and Ai effects library without the need for time code as the show was mixe

UK - Specialist asset finance company Medialease has expanded its sales force with the appointment of long term industry professional, Stuart Fenwick, who has held management roles in the European production technology industry for over 20 years and is a familiar face to manufacturers, rental companies and end users alike.

With broadcast, live event and AV technology continuing to evolve at a remarkable pace, Medialease's specialist asset finance services are in more demand than ever to ensure that service providers and rental companies have the most up-to-date equipment. But the company also services a much wider customer base, all of whom need sound advice and dedicated, individual service - which is why Stuart was the standout candidate.

"Stuart's combination of experience, industry knowledge and being a well-known face ideally place him to provide the kind of service

USA - Sunny Sweeney's duet with Will Hoge of My Bed addresses the heartache at the end of a failed marriage while bringing the memory of classic country days like a George Jones and Tammy Wynette duet. The Parnelli Award-winning FLEXCurve LED tiles from PixelFLEX gives the boldness and contrast needed to shoot a music video for the song off the country songstress' new album, Provoked.

The video is a two-scene set up, with Sweeney and Hoge performing on a white bed against a stark, black background. The idea for the chorus was to have a complete opposite, almost oxymoronic feel to the forlorn meaning of the song. Sweeney and Hoge sing into a vintage microphone while the FLEXCurve blasts imagery of blissful wedding days and happier times.

Music video director Michael Poncé worked with PixelFLEX project manager Mark McIntosh to design the scenes to convey a d

USA - A new contemporary live entertainment venue, Livewire, opened recently in Scottsdale, Arizona, outfitted with a large, professional lighting and video system from Elation Professional supplied by Elation dealer Fyxx Entertainment.

Located in the heart of Scottsdale's Entertainment District, Livewire is Arizona's newest premier concert and performance space, playing host to a spectrum of national touring acts (Jeff Bridges, The English Beat, Boyz II Men) and up-and-coming local bands all supported by state-of-the-art sound, lighting and production.

Designed from the ground up for live music, the 14,000sq.ft venue occupies the same location that iconic Scottsdale nightclub Axis/Radius did for 16 years. Les Corieri, owner of Evening Entertainment Group, shut down the club last summer to make way for the 1,100-guest live entertainment destination.

Adrian de Pamphilis, owne

UK - Le Maitre is supporting Punchdrunk Enrichment in Against Captain's Orders: A Journey into the Uncharted - an adventure on the high seas of maritime history at the National Maritime Museum.

In an exclusive first for the museum industry, the National Maritime Museum is collaborating with Punchdrunk Enrichment to take six to 12-year olds and their families on the adventure of a lifetime. Against Captain's Orders combines the National Maritime Museum's wealth of maritime history and artefacts with Punchdrunk Enrichment's innovative practice and commitment to creating captivating, educational experiences.

The immersive theatrical experience will be further enhanced with Le Maitre's four MVS haze units along with a G300 and Freezefog Pro atmospheric low smoke system. The haze units are positioned in four rooms throughout the show, with one haze unit and the low sm

USA / Sweden - NEP Group Inc. (NEP) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Mediatec Group (Mediatec) from the current owners. Financial terms were not disclosed. This transaction will bring one of Europe's largest outside broadcast and video display solutions providers into NEP's growing worldwide network of brands.

NEP is a leading worldwide provider of outsourced solutions to the broadcast and live event industries, offering technical services for outside broadcast, studio production, video display, host broadcasting and post production. Headquartered in in the United States, NEP has offices in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Dubai and Australia. The acquisition of Mediatec will expand its reach across Europe, and add greatly to their worldwide pool of resources.

"Mediatec is truly a leader in the broadcast and live events industries in Europe, and we are

USA - At the 2015 NAB Show, Renewed Vision will evolve the storytelling and production capabilities of ProPresenter for broadcast studios, sports venues and live corporate, worship and entertainment events, with an array of new tools and features that amplify the way live production teams present dynamic, high-quality content.

Like previous-generation versions, ProPresenter 6 is, at its core, a cross-platform (Mac and Windows) lyric, slide, and media presentation package. It merges dynamic multiscreen software with off-the-shelf computer hardware to make high-quality live productions simple and affordable. In a typical application, operators control a presentation on one screen, while dynamically affecting the visuals and lyrics experienced by audiences on one or more additional screens. Outputs are always live, allowing operators to edit one presentation as audiences view anoth

UK - AV technology pioneer Peerless-AV has appointed Stuart Robson-Frisby as director of business development for EMEA. Leveraging over 10 years' industry experience in business negotiation, channel and end user sales management, Stuart will be responsible for helping to identify and secure new business opportunities in key vertical sectors throughout EMEA territories.

"Peerless-AV is on an exciting journey as it grows from a successful mounts company to also becoming a recognised global player in Emerging Technology solutions," said Stuart. "It's an ideal time to join the team, enabling me to apply my communication, negotiation and relationship building skills to help drive new leads through our partner base."

Stuart comes to Peerless-AV from ViewSonic Europe where he held the role of European product marketing manager. Prior to that, he worked at Samsung

China - Barco was once again engaged as stage lighting supplier for the recent Spring Festival Gala hosted by state-run broadcast channel China Central Television (CCTV). On 19 February, the eve of the Chinese Lunar Year of the Sheep, Barco helped to put the show in the spotlight with a spectacular visual feast.

As an integral part of China's Lunar New Year celebrations, the Spring Festival Gala is broadcast annually on the eve of the Chinese New Year, when millions of Chinese viewers tune in for festive programmes set against remarkable backdrops.

Mr. Sha Xiaolan, a renowned lighting design director in China, was in charge of the show's visualization component. He previously directed the lighting design for a number of celebrated events, such as the Beijing Olympic Games 2008 and Nanjing Youth Olympic Games 2014, and his work on the gala was equally stunning.

Adhering to th

UK - The physical traces of Jersey's wartime occupation remain like battle scars on the island's landscape; concrete defences, bunkers, fortifications and a kilometre of underground tunnels. What is less visible is the story of how they came to be built. Until now. Jersey firms The Observatory and Delta have just completed an immersive installation within Jersey War Tunnels to communicate the important historical significance of this story in an innovative way.

The tunnel's unique environment disorients the senses and allows visitors to be fully immersed in the storytelling and sound design. The bespoke soundscape has been composed to amplify the effect, reinforcing the impact of the storytelling with frequencies used to evoke fear, anticipation and heighten engagement. Ben Hickingbotham, Creative Director of The Observatory said: 'It certainly captures people's minds as they wa

UK - Boston-based lighting designer Jeff Maker has utilised Avolites' Sapphire Touch consoles to control 'epic' looks, both pre-programmed and on the fly, for All Time Low's recent UK arena tour.

Co-headlining with You Me At Six, the American pop punks played such major venues as the Manchester Phones 4u Arena, and London's O2 and Wembley Arena.

Maker specified a powerful rig which included Clay Paky Mythos, Showline SL NITRO 510C and Robe BMFL fixtures, all controlled by an Avolites Sapphire Touch, alongside a second Sapphire Touch as backup.

Maker also used two Avolites Sapphire Touch consoles on the Wembley show. For the 'enhanced' Wembley performance, Maker worked with Video Design, RES and the band's camera director Richard Shipman to specify two Avolites Ai S4 media servers, with the second Sapphire Touch triggering media and effects from the S4.

"I've been usin

Germany - Panasonic will present a 3D video mapping, on a scale model of the Bucharest Palace of Parliament, at Prolight+Sound 2015 in Frankfurt.

Using the newly launched DZ21K Evo series and the all new PT-DZ780, Panasonic will recreate a 3D video mapping projection used to celebrate the 555th anniversary of Bucharest, on the façade of Ceausescu's People's Palace.

The DZ21K2 Evo maintains the 20,000 lumens brightness of the original DZ21K, but features extended lamp life, lower operating noise, improved image clarity and connection, thanks to DIGITAL LINKTM compatibility and two 3G-SDI inputs.

"The projection mapping we'll have on our stand, delivered by our new flagship projector is incredibly impressive. It illustrates perfectly how scalable our projection solutions for rental and staging are," said Jan Markus Jahn, European director of visual system solutions

Australia - The original Australian Outback Spectacular was the first show of its kind in Australia and the newest production High Country Legends takes the exciting evening dinner show to a new level.

In the new multi-million dollar production, guests experience a captivating journey to the snow peaked mountains of the high country where enchanted whispers and legendary yarns come alive.

"High Country Legends will be the most breathtaking arena show ever produced under the Australian Outback Spectacular roof," says Shane Phillips, Australian Outback Spectacular general manager. "The bravery, beauty and courage of the greatest Australian stories never told are brought to life through the biggest display of special effects ever implemented."

With lighting upgrades to be made, Clint Dulieu, lighting and technology supervisor for Village Roadshow Theme Parks

UK - Specialist widescreen projection was one of several video elements supplied by west Midlands based Central Presentations Ltd. (CPL) to show producers Inteva Productions for an annual sales conference staged at Telford International Centre.

It was the eighth year that CPL has worked on this impressive event for utility supplier Telecom Plus which has grown year-on-year and now accommodates over 8000 guests across two days. CPL also supplied HD cameras / PPU and crew to the main auditorium / plenary sessions, with Lee Gruszeckyj leading the team.

As in previous years, they worked closely with Inteva and their production manager Jeff Whiteley who imagined the overall design concept and stage layout.

The event has expanded along with the business and commercial success of Telecom Plus, and with that, the associated production values have also steadily increased. This year's

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