UK – Artistic Licence ran a competition at this year's PLASA London show to advertise one of its new products: an upgrade kit for the Micro-Scope DMX tester, which went on to win the Sustainability Award.
The Micro-Scope upgrade kit is a microprocessor that can be retro-fitted (by the customer) to any previous generation Artistic Licence Micro-Scope product.
Micro-Scope is a rugged DMX512 tester that has been on sale for nearly 30 years. Many thousands of products have been sold, but they do not support RDM as that protocol did not exist when Micro-Scope was invented.
The kit enables any functioning Micro-Scope unit to be brought completely up-to-date with a full suite of DMX512 and, most significantly, RDM test functionality at a low cost and without the need to recycle or discard the existing product.
As Micro-Scope has been on sale for so long, its inventor (Artistic Licence founder, Wayne Howell) thought it would be amusing to see who could bring the oldest unit to the show. Naturally, the prize for the most ancient, battered unit would be a new upgrade kit!
Freelance technician, Ed Jackson of Techno Tarts, was the lucky winner. His Micro-Scope tester, serial number 782, first saw the light of day in 1998.
Delighted with his win, Ed was keen to explain the benefits: "With the new RDM upgrade to my trusty Micro-Scope 3, I can now easily determine if I’m connected to a responsive device, or a piece of wet string. There’s also a new sticker for the front plus new sticky feet for use when navigating choppy waters."
Sweden – Claypaky is proud to announce that its Xtylos Aqua fixture was honoured with the Innovation Award at LLB Expo 2022 in Stockholm. LLB Expo is the largest Nordic meeting place for professionals in audio, lighting, video and AV technology. The fair is held every other year and attracts more than 3,000 visitors; this year it took place at the Stockholm International Fairs exhibition centre.
The coveted Prize for Innovation was awarded to Xtylos Aqua, a small form factor, IP66-rated fixture powered by Claypaky’s proprietary RGB laser source. It offers the same effects and features as the popular original Xtylos while being able to withstand harsh conditions and the elements thanks to its marine-grade C5-M protection.
Since the introduction of the Xtylos fixture Claypaky has been focused on developing pioneering technologies that offer new ways to motivate designers to reach farther to inspire audiences. With the Xtylos Aqua this can now be done outdoors, with confidence, for television, theatre, touring, sporting events and much more.
In awarding the prize, the jury citation remarked upon Claypaky’s ability to “drive innovation to new levels in stage and event lighting.” It said: “Laser technology is in its infancy, but Claypaky has shown that it is involved in pushing innovative development forward to new levels; [Xtylos Aqua] is patented and world-unique with its Additive RGB. In addition to this, Claypaky has created a product that is water- and dustproof, which means it can be used indoors and outdoors without significantly increasing the weight. The product can still be used at TV studios, indoor arenas or large outdoor festivals, which creates good durability and ROI.”
Xtylos Aqua fixtures were used during the LLB Expo’s award ceremonies and enjoy high visibility in Sweden thanks to investment in the product by rental agency Woodlite Sweden AB and the artistry of lighting designer Fredrik Jönsson. Niclas Arvidsson and Interlite, Claypaky’s distributor in Sweden, have been instrumental in promoting the brand in the Nordic region.
UK – There are just a few weeks left to submit entries to the Association for Lighting Production and Design (ALPD) Awards for Excellence for 2022.
The ALPD will again be awarding in three categories: Lighting Design, Production Electrics and Programming, with each of the fantastic prize bundles being tailored to the specific needs of that speciality.
This year, there are three awards being presented as part of the “ALD Awards for Excellence” scheme. They are presented to current students (not just those on vocational theatre courses), Affiliate members of the ALPD, and recent graduates (who graduated no earlier than 2020) even if they are not currently a member, who have demonstrated strong, imaginative and creative lighting designs, detailed production documents or thorough programming files. The three awards are as follows:
The Michael Northen Award This award is sponsored by the Mousetrap Foundation.
The Fred Foster Production Electrician Award This Award is sponsored by ETC and dedicated to the late ETC CEO, Fred Foster.
The WYSIWYG Programmers Award This award is sponsored by WYSIWYG.
The prizes include £500 in cash or vouchers, software and mentoring. All winners will be invited to the annual Lighting Lunch – a Christmas dinner for lighting and production professionals within the live entertainment sector, where they will be presented with their awards. This is a fantastic opportunity to network with designers, chief and production electricians, engineers, programmers and of course suppliers such as Hawthorn, White-Light, AC-Entertainment and PRG XL Video.
All submissions must be received by midnight on the closing date, Monday 31st October.
Further Information, terms and conditions and details of how to apply are available on the ALPD website at: https://www.thealpd.org.uk/training/alpd-awards-2022
Germany – Big news sometimes arrives in small packages. Chauvet Professional will be providing a powerful weather-proof example of that at the company’s LEaT stand (SQ3 – B16) October 18-20 when it showcases the new Maverick Storm 2 BeamWash.
Weighing in at just 52.4lbs. (23.8kg), the powerful IP65 rated fixture packs a powerful (nearly 10,000 lumen) punch in a tidy package to produced brilliant, tight aerial beams. LEaT will mark the first time that this impressive fixture is shown in Germany.
Another groundbreaking fixture making its German debut at the Chauvet Professional stand is the Ovation Rê e E-3 IP, an intensely bright IP65 rated multi-colour ellipsoidal that also has the capability of producing perfectly tunable whites to combine the best of both worlds in a single LED light source.
Visitors are invited to check out these two new compact fixtures that are certain to have a large impact on lighting, as well as other innovative Chauvet Professional products.
Worldwide – Grammy nominated engineer Nick Rives is joining forces with UK loudspeaker manufacturer PMC to deliver a series of seminars in which he will share his extensive knowledge of mixing music in the Dolby Atmos immersive format.
Rives, who was Grammy nominated in the Best R&B Album category for recording Gregory Porter’s album All Rise, is a staff engineer at Capitol Studios in Los Angles. This internationally acclaimed facility has been at the forefront of Dolby Atmos music mixing and has two PMC equipped Atmos mixing studios. Rives undertook his first Dolby Atmos music project in 2017 when he mixed REM’s Automatic For The People. Since then, he has tackled Atmos mixes for artists such as Billie Eilish, Bob Marley, Pearl Jam, James Blake, Eminem, and many more.
During October and November, Rives will visit various locations in Europe and the Far East where invited artists, producers and engineers will be able to hear about his experience of mixing Dolby Atmos music projects. The two-hour seminars will also include input from Maurice Patist, president of PMC USA and head of pro global, who is an expert in Dolby Atmos music mixing. Patist’s passion for Atmos Music has helped position PMC as the monitors of choice for this new format and his numerous credits cover many critically acclaimed Atmos mixes including the biggest selling jazz album of all time, Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue.
Commenting on the tour, Nick Rives says: “I am very excited to share my experiences of working with Atmos Music and bringing it from a cool idea into a worldwide reality. During these seminars we will talk about the philosophy of immersive mixes, share techniques and tools and explain how we interact with artists and A&Rs so that we maintain the artists’ intentions when taking a mix from stereo to Atmos.”
Maurice Patist adds: “Creating best practises for the Atmos mixing process and helping audio professionals improve their skills will ultimately benefit the entire audio industry. I am delighted that an engineer of Nick’s calibre is joining us on this hugely important tour, which will help dispel a lot of the myths around immersive audio mixing and give newcomers to the format the opportunity to learn a great deal in a very short space of time.”
PMC’s Dolby Atmos seminar tour will begin in Holland on 17th October when Rives and Patist will deliver a seminar at Best Studios, hosted by PMC’s distributor Joystick. It will then move to Zurich in Switzerland for two days (19th and 20th October) at distributor MGM’s recently opened PMC-equipped Dolby Atmos demo facility.
On 24th October, the seminar tour will visit PMC’s own demo facility in London, where Rives and Patist will be joined by PMC studio manager Heff Moraes, an acclaimed recording and mix engineer who is a brand ambassador for PMC products and works closely with producers and artists to introduce them to the Dolby Atmos mixing process.
In November, the tour moves to the Far East, first to Sound City Studios in Tokyo, Japan, where the seminars will be hosted by distributor Otaritech, and then to South Korea where the seminars will take place at Music Metro’s Dolby Atmos demo facility in Seoul. The Tokyo dates are 10th and 11th November, while the Seoul dates are 14th and 15th November.
“Mixing music in Dolby Atmos is still a relatively new concept and adopting best practise is vital because it allows audio professionals to avoid making the mistakes others have made,” says PMC’s CEO Jeff Willcocks. “In recent years, PMC has equipped many world-class facilities with immersive audio monitoring systems and now has a significant knowledge base that we are happy to impart. We believe that much can be learned from experts like Nick and Maurice, who have unsurpassed experience of successfully delivering Dolby Atmos music projects.”
For more information about the PMC Dolby Atmos Seminar Tour, please visit www.pmc-speakers.com, or contact the specific PMC distributors taking part who can provide exact timings for each event.
The Netherlands – Allen & Heath is one of the Official Gear Partners for ADE Lab, the Amsterdam Dance Event’s education and talent development platform at ADE 2022.
Taking over the Brakke Grond Cultural Centre in down town Amsterdam from 19 to 22 October, ADE Lab offers up-and-coming artists four days of inspiration and education including masterclasses, workshops and the chance to meet and network with industry professionals and established artists.
Allen & Heath will have several DJ products available for attendees to play with in the Lab Living area including the legendary Xone:92 analogue mixer, the Xone:96 hybrid mixer, and the Xone:K2 MIDI controller. In addition to the Xone range, Allen & Heath will also be showing off the innovative MODEL 1 and MODEL 1.4 analogue performance mixers from PLAYdifferently, co-designed by techno icon Richie Hawtin.
“After a couple of years away we're excited to be returning to Amsterdam this year,” says Al Crombie, DJ product specialist at Allen & Heath. “The Lab Living area is the perfect place to kick back, drop some tunes and enjoy a chilled moment away from the main conference. We're looking forward to meeting the next generation of artists, performers and DJs at ADE Lab and seeing what they can do with our Xone and PLAYdifferently products.”
Find Allen & Heath in the Lab Living space at ADE Lab from 11:00 to 18:00 on 19-22 October 2022.
UK – Get your carving kits out and let your Halloween creativity run wild in the Backup Pumpkin Challenge, which is back for some spooky fun and fundraising this October.
Supported by Collaborative Creations, and now in its fourth year, the competition is open to anyone from the technical entertainment and creative industries. Entrants can use their in-house skills and equipment to enhance their carved pumpkin.
"We’re delighted the industry has got behind it every year.” says Tom Wilkes of Collaborative Creations “We’ve been amazed at what people have come up with over the years and it’s a great way for the industry to raise money for a fantastic charity."
The pumpkins will be judged in the following three categories:
Best Overall Design (judged by panel)
Best Use of Tech (judged by panel)
Most Overall Likes (on Instagram)
Entries have to be posted on Instagram with the hashtag #BackupPumpkinChallenge by 31st October to be eligible. The winners will be announced on 5th November.
For those looking to help fundraise with their entries you can send your #BackupPumpkinChallenge donations to Backup via its website page here.
Long-time Backup supporter Lightpower Collection has generously donated a prize of one of its photographic books to the winner of the 'Best Overall Design'.
All money raised from fundraising will go to Backup, which provides financial support to industry technical professionals working in live events, theatre, TV and film who are seriously ill or who were involved in an accident.
The Backup Pumpkin Challenge is supported by the Association of Lighting Designers and the Association of Sound Designers and new for 2022 industry magazines LSi and TPi.
France - Ayrton is hosting the first ever in-person Entertainment Lighting Sessions for Women in Lighting at the Ayrton head offices in Paris on 20th October 2022. The full-day event promises to be one of inspiration, motivation, networking, personal and professional development and community for women.
Ayrton is an active sponsor of the Women In Lighting (WIL) project which aims to promote the work of women lighting designers and all women who work in lighting, across the entertainment industry by showcasing the skills and capabilities of these talented women, celebrating their achievements and encouraging others to become involved.
Ayrton invites you to come along and enjoy the company of this growing community of women who are all about connecting, collaborating and empowering each other.
The programme for the day looks like this:
10am Introduction from Light Collective and Ayrton
10.30am Keynote Speaker: Yanina Kovalevska
11.30am Keynote Speaker: Briony Berning from Ambersphere Solutions
12.30pm Catered Lunch and Networking
1.30pm Keynote Speaker: Akari-Lisa Ishii from I.C.O.N
2.30pm Keynote Speaker: Cristina Martinez from ACTLD
Four keynote speakers from France, UK, Belgium and Ukraine will be sharing their stories:
Ukrainian Yanina founded rental company PR MUSIC in 2005 which has since developed to include several other companies and projects such as AVEcON – a conference of AV&Entertainment companies, EdIsOn Camp – an informal polytechnic education campus and Stagemart – a distributor and provider of technological solutions for show business. Further expansion came with the formation of a new company in Poland in 2021. Yanina will share the skills that are key to the success of her business.
UK-based Briony spent her formative years in France before returning to the UK to study at the University of Glasgow. She was the first technical apprentice a the National Theatre of Scotland and has worked for Scottish Opera and the National Theatre. Now Key Account Manager with Ayrton’s exclusive UK distributor, Ambersphere Solutions, Briony will share her story of an entire professional work life spent in the performance lighting sector, with specific emphasis on theatre lighting.
Winner of numerous design awards, with offices in Paris and Tokyo, Akari imbues her work with innovative touches of Japanese culture, French spirit and international experiences. Her talk, Narrative Lighting, will focus on the vocabulary and importance of story-telling within successful lighting design.
Born and raised in Venezuela, Cristina is a lighting designer and architect based in Brussels since 2014. She is senior lighting designer and project manager at ACTLD, and also the ambassador for Women in Lighting for Belgium since 2018.
Her talk will give An insight into design processes through different project typologies
More details on the keynote speakers can be found on Ayrton’s social media pages: https://www.facebook.com/209728302396312/posts/5485829191452837/
WIL founders Sharon Stammers and Martin Lupton of Light Collective will both be at the Entertainment Lighting Sessions along with the team from Ayrton. Light Collective is a UK-based lighting consultancy that has worked all over the world. Their creative portfolio of work houses more than architectural lighting design and has grown to encompass many innovative projects which include light art installations, film making, light activism, marketing projects, competitions, curated exhibitions, lighting awards, branding, trade stands and shows, epic parties, pop-up events, guerrilla lighting, community projects and light education.
Registration for in person and online attendance is free of charge. Please reply by clicking on the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.fr/e/wil-entertainment-lighting-sessions-tickets-374146772067
Ayrton looks forward to welcoming you to this inspiring day of networking.
Time: 9.30am – 5pm / Location: 2 Rue de Vitruve, 91140 Villebon-sur-Yvette, France
France – Showlight reminds you that there is still time to submit your suggestions for Papers for the Showlight quadrennial next May.
Showlight takes place from 20-23 May 2023 in Fontainebleau, France, and the Papers Committee is engaged in the process of considering and selecting topics for the famed Papers Programme.
Showlight is looking for the latest news on lighting projects and technology in its second call for papers focusing on recent projects. Have you worked on an incredible installation or a fantastic festival this summer? Has your project achieved its peak? Did your event engage the latest technology? Did your broadcast bowl its audience over? Showlight wants to hear from you!
Showlight aims for variety across topics relevant to all aspects of the lighting industry today. It wants to hear about your experiences, your ambitions, your inspirations, your concerns, your successes and failures. We are not looking for simple product promotion.
Please send a brief summary of the Paper you are proposing, along with a description of the visuals available to papers@showlight.org
You have until 30th November to submit your ideas for consideration. This will allow the Showlight Papers Committee to finalise the programme in good time.
2023 will be the first return of Showlight in six years after the enforced postponement due to the pandemic and it promises to be an exceptional event. Become part of this latest gathering as a speaker, a sponsor or exhibitor, or by attending as a student or delegate. Whichever way you choose, it’s going to be too good to miss!
Ticket sales are due to open in October. Watch the press for further updates or join the Showlight mailing list to be the first to hear.
Want to become an Exhibitor or Sponsor? If you want to be part of the welcome return of this top networking event as a sponsor or exhibitor, contact John Allen at chairman@showlight.org
Sign up to the Showlight Mailing List (www.showlight.org) to keep abreast of all new developments as they happen.
Showlight is grateful to its generous sponsors, without whom it would not be able to present this exciting event: headline sponsor, Robert Juliat, Platinum sponsor, Ayrton, Gold sponsors Eyetidy, Robe, SFL, Silver sponsors ABTT, ACT Entertainment, Altman, CAST, Christie Lites, White Light and Bronze sponsor, PRG. Showlight has LSI as Media Partner and LSA as Media Supporter once more, and the support of PLASA.
UK – Architectural and entertainment LED lighting brand Anolis enjoyed a busy and successful PLASA (Professional Lighting & Sound Association) expo, at the Grand Hall of London’s Olympia earlier this month, where Anolis showed its new Calumma product series for the first time at a UK expo, also highlighting its Eminere and Ambiane products.
Being located on Stand E15, right at the entrance to the exceptionally busy Robe lighting booth, proved a prominent and highly visible position, ideal for getting attention from those who amassed to watch the daily Robe live performance shows, and also easy for its own visitors to find.
Anolis’s business development manager for London and the south east, Ashley Popple commented: “The show generally was very good, and the Calumma range in particular received lots of interest, with some people specifically coming to see it. They were impressed with the features and benefits of Calumma, and once on the stand were able to view Eminere and Ambiane.”
Calumma’s optical design has been carefully crafted and utilises high efficacy single-chip and multi-chip LEDs. The fixtures are available with optional LED colour variants and various beam angles.
A luminaire like the medium-sized Calumma M SC, for example, creates a powerful and rich light output that is perfect for use a spot as well as for accent and flood lighting solutions. As with all Anolis luminaires, the unit is robust and durable to withstand exterior conditions. A special finish is available for extra harsh environments and marine applications, which still benefits from the elegant design.
Calumma fittings can be connected in long in / out daisy-chains via an E-Box and hybrid Plug & Play connections for straightforward, efficient installation.
The efficient Calumma range has a comprehensive choice of beam angles, many accessories, works with multiple control protocols and is a flexible and effective contemporary fixture for all architectural lighting applications.
While PLASA is a favourite for entertainment and production professionals, Ashley reports that there were also plenty of lighting consultants, integrators and even venue and building management end users among this year’s expo population which saw a dramatic increase on 2021.
“PLASA seems popular with those who bridge the gap between architectural and entertainment lighting, much like ourselves,” he observed, adding that many entertainment professionals and companies embraced the world of venue installations during the pandemic when live shows were restricted.
Other sectors included marine specifiers, some of whom were existing Robe customers, plus designers / programmers and other end users from rental companies and semi-permanent installations. All of these were also looking at Anolis.
The three displayed ranges: Calumma, Eminere and Ambiane, are all great crossover products, with Calumma and Eminere for exterior, and Ambiane which is intended for interior use.
Several enquiries came from venues wanting to colour-change their building facades either permanently or semi-permanently, coupled with those related to venue public area and house lighting.
Ashley believes that Robe’s focus on “All Environments” at this year’s show – complete with the associated live show – helped also to bring a focus to Anolis, as many watching the show were already considering investing in IP-rated fixtures.
Theresa Gibson, head of marketing for Robe UK, said: “There was a great buzz around the show compared to last year with increased footfall and high calibre visitors who had a specific interest in our architectural offering. PLASA was the perfect platform to showcase the new Anolis identity and branding with their own stand presence and show marketing for increased awareness within the sector.”
Ashley concluded: “Attendance and visitors were up and we generated some excellent quality leads. Calumma was very well received, and it was definitely a good move being ‘FOH’ on the Robe stand.”
France – PlugFest, the technical event for entertainment lighting interoperability, returns to Lille in France from 7-9 March 2023.
The popular event welcomes manufacturers, developers and technicians from across Europe to test their products and learn about the latest protocols.
PlugFest is an opportunity for participants to collectively test and demonstrate device and system interoperability with the aim of improving reliability, resolving compatibility issues and ultimately improving connectivity between all entertainment lighting and related technologies.
The event’s hosts, Hamish Dumbreck (JESE Ltd), Peter Willis (Howard Eaton Lighting) and Wayne Howell (Artistic Licence) are experts in entertainment lighting control protocols. They will host a full educational programme, diving deep into interoperability challenges affecting the live events industry. Plus, they will be on hand to provide individual support and guidance.
Previous editions of PlugFest have sold out well in advance, welcoming attendees from leading manufacturers such as GLP, Luminex, Highlite International, Robert Juliat, TMB, Claypaky, ChamSys, ETC, Chauvet and Eaton. Those interested in attending in PlugFest 2023 are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
PlugFest takes place in the city of Lille, France which is directly connected to London with the Eurostar and all major European cities via a mainline train station. Furthermore, attendees can take advantage of specially discounted rooms in the hotel that PlugFest takes place in.
PlugFest is organised by PLASA, the lead association for the live entertainment technology industry. For more information please visit: www.plasa.org/plugfest
UAE – Creative Technology brought audio to the limelight last week when it invited HOLOPLOT, the Berlin-based pro audio company to the Middle East to demo the X1 innovative audio technology to its clients, partners and friends at its headquarters in Dubai.
The HOLOPLOT X1 Matrix Array represents an entirely new category of audio technology, winning multiple prestigious international awards and delivering next-level experiences for the performing arts, immersive spaces, conference and event venues along with arena sports and concerts; the X1 opens up new creative possibilities to connect with audiences.
HOLOPLOT delivers a previously impossible level of control over sound and audio reinforcement.
The immersive audio system can be used across a multitude of live events but also in immersive spaces, attractions, visitor centres and museums within the system integrations sector.
Wissam Shaheen, head of audio, comments: “Having such control in horizontal and vertical planes is indeed something we audio geeks only fantasised about not too long ago.
Exceptional sonic control no matter how acoustically challenging an environment is shows how advanced this technology really is. After experiencing the system sounds, they are phenomenal, even in an L/R standard set-up.”
“We are proud to have been the first in the GCC to have demonstrated the revolutionary capabilities of the HOLOPLOT X1. After a very successful Open Day last week at our headquarters in Dubai, the feedback we have received from our valued clients and colleagues has been overwhelming. CTME are very excited for future collaborations and working alongside HOLOPLOT,” said Andy Reardon, managing director Middle East.
"CT Middle East's X1 Open Day was a milestone moment for HOLOPLOT as we debuted the powers of X1 to AV industry professionals in the GCC. The CT Middle East team, their clients and partners showed a genuine appetite for audio innovation, matching too with our ambitions to be best in class. Whether delivering unparalleled coverage and intelligibility in challenging acoustic spaces or unlocking new levels of creative potential, we're confident that with CT Middle East, X1 has an exciting future in the region,” added Ryan Penny, head of sales at HOLOPLOT.
UK – On Saturday 3rd September, a team of entertainment technology industry professionals cycled from SFL in Reading to the Royal Albert Hall in time for PLASA Show in London. The annual ‘BikeFest’ event raises money for industry charities, while nurturing cross-industry camaraderie in a fun and challenging way.
PLASA’s managing director Peter Heath, comments: “BikeFest is all about the people in our industry, many of which have suffered terribly over the last couple of years but who are still absolutely committed to the entertainment technology industry. Through BikeFest, we not only raise funds for an increasingly important cause, we build bridges across the industry, which in turn strengthen the entire live sector.”
A team of approximately 20 cyclists braved the journey this time, representing some of the biggest names in the entertainment technology industry. The team of ‘racing snakes’ covered 80+ miles over the strenuous Surrey Hills. While the affectionately named ‘slugs’ team cycled 40 miles to London, traversing roads, gravel paths and the occasional field.
Unexpected torrential rain added an extra challenge for both teams. Several others joined in for the last leg from Richmond Park. Together they raised nearly £2,000 for the #WeMakeEvents-supported charities, including Backup Tech, with donations still rolling in.
BikeFest London 2022 follows several industry bike rides in recent years coinciding with PLASA Show, which have all raised funds while promoting mental health awareness.
Furthermore, the first Bikefest undertaken in Spain took place earlier this year. The hardy team cycled over 400km from Valencia to Barcelona in Spain, raising funds for industry charities and raising awareness of the importance of the events supply chain. Moreover, BikeFest Spain 2022 marked the notable absence of the ISE trade show.
Building on the same objectives, the next BikeFest will take place in Spain from 27-29 January 2023, leading up to the return of ISE in Barcelona. Once again, the team will take in the beautiful Mediterranean scenery whilst creating new connections and a sense of camaraderie for all those taking part.
Juan Jose Vila from Equipson and #WeMakeEvents Spain adds: “I have always been passionate about cycling as well as the entertainment industry, so when I heard of BikeFest, I knew I had to bring it to Spain. With ISE in Barcelona, it is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of our industry. It’s an amazing journey, so if you’re up for the challenge, I invite you to join us in 2023!”
Find out more about BikeFest: www.wemakeevents.com/bikefest
Data Strategy welcomed the many conversations from new and returning customers at this year’s PLASA Show (4-6 September, Olympia London) where the company demonstrated the industry’s first choice cable and electrical safety workhorse, the QC-Check workstation, as well as some of the QC-Check’s most popular add-on modules, including VeriCal, Power-Check LOLER inspection and SimplyPATS integration software.
Data Strategy MD, Iain Roche, commented: “What really stood out this year was the number of enquiries about cable and RCD testing with the assumption that the provision of electrical (PAT) testing was a given. The knowledge that a simple solution exists to the time-consuming and impractical task of RCD inspections and cable testing has really captured the imagination of temporary power suppliers, in addition to production rental houses. The stand was consistently busy, QC-Check received a great deal of interest as ever and we had many high-quality conversations that we should see realised in the following year.”
Roche added: “The other area of specific interest was bi-directional integration of QC-Check with the company’s hire software. The concept of a seamless exchange of data that avoided any entry duplication was very attractive from a logistical criterion. We recently completed integration with IntelliEvent for two existing customers and this led to the introduction to a new client at PLASA.”
Data Strategy’s QC-Check provides practical safety inspection solutions that allow hire companies, venues, and temporary power suppliers to simply fulfil statutory requirements. Embedded as part of the warehouse process, with integration realised for most equipment hire software, QC-Check ensures cables, electrical appliances and equipment, are always safe to use.
As a networked, multi-user application that controls Out Board’s PAT-4 (single or 3-phase in 16A, 32A and 125A ratings) to deliver PAT, CABLE and RCD testing required by UK and international electrical regulations, QC-Check systems are installed in major film studios, rental companies both large and small (PRG, Creative Technology, Adlib, White Light and Entec), various theatres including the Royal Opera House and the National Theatre, and recently, via Aggreko, into the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where four units were in place to test all cables and power distribution systems ahead of the Games.
In picture: Data Strategy directors, Iain Roche and John Mcmullan on stand at this year's PLASA show.
UK – Claypaky took part in PLASAS 2022, welcoming a large number of industry professionals and practitioners from all over the world at its booth and in the spacious rooms set up in the Henley Suite.
Alberico D’Amato, Claypaky sales director, said: “PLASA was, as ever, a 'must-attend' event for the British market, which has always been one of the most dynamic and proactive in our industry. However, we were positively surprised by the number of customers from other European countries and even from Asia, Australia, America and the Middle East. It is a show with an international dimension!”
Claypaky presented all the products it has recently launched on the market, which stand out for their variety, versatility and unique features. The growing award-winning Xtylos family of laser-source moving heads now includes the Xtylos Aqua, featuring marine-grade C5-M protection, and the Mini Xtylos HPE, which is more energy-efficient than any other beam units made up to now. Claypaky is the only company today able to offer an entire family of laser-engine-based fixtures.
The Volero Batten Aqua is a high-performance IP66 LED moving batten. The Tambora Linear is an advanced line of static LED pixel mapping bars designed for versatile lighting effects and artistic set decoration. The Tambora Flash is the only IP66 hybrid fixture on the market that can act simultaneously as a strobe, wash light and blinder, specifically designed with a modular approach for use in a linear array.
The Sinfonya Profile 600 is a unique, low-noise LED-based unit, conceived and developed exclusively for the theatre market. The Sharpy X Frame is a multifunctional luminaire with all the Sharpy line's best features and incorporates a four-focal plane shutter system in a lightweight, compact unit. The Arolla series features the new Arolla Profile MP and the Arolla Spot MP.
The CloudIO is the first IOT device for moving head fixtures. It opens up a whole world of information, diagnostics and remote assistance.
Alberico D'Amato went on to say: “We have had very favourable feedback from lighting professionals. The market has almost fully reopened after the COVID-19 years. There is great excitement and eagerness, and our lights are there at the forefront to lead the rebirth of our industry!”
Claypaky organised a series of daily workshops to illustrate the features of its products in detail. One was devoted to laser technology in entertainment lighting, with focus on the Xtylos family; another to the next generation of truly advanced lights for theatres, with focus on the Sinfonya Profile and yet another to the new Claypaky effect lines Tambora and Volero, with an exclusive preview of the new, unique LED bar, which will be officially launched in the coming weeks.
UK – Out Board reported a busy PLASA Show (Olympia London – 4-6 September 2022), from the perspective of stand J5. With on-stand interest echoing that which its innovative and award-winning spatial audio and stage tracking products have been receiving throughout the year.
The company unveiled several significant developments to existing products at PLASA this year, including the new TiMax 600-Series Mac and PC software, with significant augmentation to TimeLine and PanSpace object-based spatialisation functionality, as well as UX enhancements.
With stage tracking now such a vital addition to the spatial audio process, visitors to the stand showed significant interest in the enhancements to TiMax TrackerD4, which has steadfastly become the leading management system for real-time immersive audio spatialisation on premium live shows and events. New features for refined error correction filtering, which not only enhance the agility and robustness of the system to meet the growing show control demands for spatial audio, but also for lighting and media control, garnered a great deal of interest, capturing the imagination of visitors.
Out Board’s new smart plug-in for the award-winning TiMax Tracker D4 precision stagetracking system, still in its beta testing phase, was also a hit on stand. The plug in intelligently directs and focuses groups of moving-head light fixtures, and also executes smooth and synchronised handovers between groups of fixtures across multiple tracked objects.
Out Board director, Dave Haydon, commented: “The quality of conversations we’ve had and the interest shown on stand is a positive indicator. With interesting insights into a number of international projects over the three days, we look forward to working with the existing users and those new to the TiMax Spatial Audio and TiMax Tracker D4 systems, that we’ve had the pleasure of speaking with over the three days of the show. It’s fair to say all the additional strength and functionality features we’ve added across our range of solutions were well-received by all.”
In picture: Out Board's Dave Haydon and Robin Whittaker prepare for another busy day at PLASA Show.
UK – Robe celebrated two PLASA Innovation Awards, stunned audiences with its eye-catching “All Environments” live performance show (the only one at the 2022 PLASA expo), launched its new iFORTE high powered IP rated LED moving light in style; introduced its brand new TX1 Posi Profile which was presented live for the first time, showcased several other inventive and cool iSeries products and enjoyed the buzz and vitality of a production industry that’s back to full speed.
PLASA ran for three days in the Great Hall of the Olympia exhibition centre in west London, one of the entertainment capitals of the world.
Robe’s highly relevant live show resonated on multiple levels.
Whilst showing off the durability, water resistance and many creative features of these impressive new market leading ‘iSeries’ products – iBeam 250s and iSpiiders joining the iFORTE as stars of the show – Robe also delivered a strong environmental message, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to sustainability.
“All Environments” is the first of a trilogy of performances that will premiere at leading international trade shows throughout 2022 and 2023. It was conceived, storyboarded, designed and produced by Robe’s talented in-house creative team led by Nathan Wan and Andy Webb with Jordan Tinniswood and Tomáš Kohout.
The six-minute timecoded show involved approximately 100 iSeries fixtures programmed to show off their amazing features in addition to their toughness and proper weather resistance.
A T1 Profile running on a RoboSpot remote follow system was used for keylighting and a large upstage LED video screen assisted with the narrative showing dramatic images and illustrated the close integration of lighting and video in stylish creative shows. The main screen was augmented with LED cladding the stage front for additional signage and messaging content.
This substantial video aesthetic also showed off the sheer brightness of all the Robe iSeries products, and the atmospherics were boosted with the help of MDG theONE fog / hazer and ICE FOG Compack low fog generator products.
A 3,000-litre water tank and a mix of programmable pumps and jets produced a spectacular rain curtain and funky water effects as dancer TJ added freestyle bodywork to the fluidity with a specially choreographed show.
A bespoke soundtrack was infused with voice over statements carefully curated from the work of broadcaster, biologist, natural historian, author, and English ‘national treasure’ Sir David Attenborough and his compelling broadcasts over the years, drawing attention to climate change.
This theming brought a real world contemporary and thought-provoking quality to the show as well as entertaining visitors and ramping up the atmosphere in the Great Hall.
Robe also produced dramatic new VOG presentations – snappy, theatrical and informative complete with their own lighting effects – that captured people’s attention, and visitors were gathering both to listen to these as well as to enjoy and appreciate the “All Environments” show.
The PLASA Innovation Awards are run in association with LSi magazine and honour future-focused technology that improves safety, efficiency and performance through new methods and materials.
Thirty-three products were entered this year whittled down to just seven lucky winners, chosen by a judging panel of 12 independent technical specialists from a diversity of backgrounds.
Robe was thrilled to win the award for its new iFORTE, which was the star of the All Environments show. The judges commented that this luminaire “features genuine innovation to help reduce service intervals and to mitigate failure by introducing precise moisture control” inside an IP65-rated fixture.
Additionally, Robe’s new TX1 PosiProfile received a ‘special commendation’ with judge’s noting that it is a “novel hybrid of moving light and generic fixture” with multiple uses, particularly in restricted space scenarios.
Artistic Licence – newly acquired by Robe in exciting news announced on the eve of the exhibition – won the Sustainability Award for its Micro-Scope Upgrade Kit which breathes new life into a product dating back over 30 years! A simple user-upgrade enables old test equipment to be brought bang up to current standards, thanks to foresight when the product was conceived.
Robe s.r.o. CEO Josef Valchar was delighted!
“Considerable thought and vision went into the development of the iFORTE ensuring that it is a truly market leading and state-of-the-art product in multiple ways, including its ability to be serviced on site without any special tools. For convenience and practicality this will be a big hit with rental companies and technicians,” stated Josef.
The IP rated iFORTE is also virtually identical in size, weight and performance to its non-IP rated counterpart and Josef thinks the trend for IP rated products will only continue as the demand for outdoor events skyrockets.
He added: “We have put serious time and effort into perfecting this initial IP rated product range, and now have a series of game-changing technologies which will benefit all users and investors.”
Other current Robe products on demo in the back section of the booth included the new PAINTE and TetraX – a 360-degree continuous rotation LED bar – plus Robe’s popular LEDBeam 350 and the ABTT Award-winning T11 series, a three-into-one generic lighting solution for theatres and venues.
Launched at the show and also attracting a lot of interest in the constant busy demo area on the booth was Robe’s T11 Profile MFS (Manual Follow Spot) which completes the current T11 range, offering a practical, flexible, fully functional and compact followspot solution.
In addition to hosting the liveliest and one of the most consistently busy booths on the show floor, Robe also ran training sessions in one of the seminar rooms for its award-winning RoboSpot remote controlled follow spot system.
Architectural brand Anolis brought an additional dimension to Robe, with its own booth immediately in front of Robe’s prominent stage.
Anolis’s new Calumma range was showcased for the first time at a UK expo; the product uses high efficacy single-chip LEDs, has a wide range of useful accessories, and works with numerous control protocols. Anolis’ Ambiane and Eminere product ranges were also shown.
Robe’s NRG (Next Robe Generation) students supported and assisted the UK sales team on the stand whilst also enjoying the opportunity to experience the show vibes and some of the seminars. Robe was also joined for the duration of the show by Grainne Earley and Alison O’Shea, students on the Stage Management & Technical Theatre course at The Lir Dublin, and Jack Barlow who is studying Live and Technical Events at Confetti in Nottingham.
Theresa Gibson, Robe UK’s head of marketing, concluded: “This year’s PLASA delivered three uplifting days of busy, high calibre visitors, adding to the excitement and the return of our live exhibition shows, enabling an excellent platform to showcase Robe’s newest products and innovations.
“We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with PLASA as headline sponsor and it was fantastic to see the vast range of educational, inspirational and insightful talks and seminars on offer, delivered by some of the best industry specialists.
“Being recognised at PLASA’s Innovation Awards for the new iFORTE was an event highlight and distinctive accolade for our R&D team who continue to deliver world-class products and industry-leading innovations. The buzz, vibrancy and magic of PLASA London was definitely felt by all attending and is a vital part of what makes this show so special for both exhibitors and visitors!”
UK – At the PLASA Show 2022, held at Olympia London from 4-6 September, Highlite showed numerous products from several of its brands including DAP, Showtec and Infinity. The range included some of its most popular products as well as some impressive new ones that are sure to become a success.
New additions to DAP’s media players include the MP-220BT – a dual media player capable of broadcasting two separate audio feeds simultaneously, and the MP-100DBT – a media player with a DAB+ and FM radio as well as a USB/MP3 player. DAP also introduced its new IP54-rated WMS wall speakers that have been specially designed to be easy to install and position as required. Options include 4 and 6-inch, 16 ohm and 100 V speakers in black and white. A splendid selection of other DAP media players, amplifiers, speakers and PA equipment were also on display.
Showtec’s new products include the Performer Cyc Q6, a cyclorama background wash light, the Performer Profile 700 Q6 ellipsoidal spotlight, the stunning Solaris 5.5 laser projector, and the QubiQ S1000 smoke machine. Popular products like the Performer 2500 Fresnel, the Media Panel 100 CCT and the Cameleon Flood 115 Q4 Tour and Solar FL-280 floodlights were on display too.
An inspiring selection of Infinity products included the new Raccoon P14/4 parcan, which boasts very high brightness and light quality. Other highlights were provided by outstanding models like the TS-300 and TS-260C7 Profile Engines and the TF-260C7 and TF-300 Fresnels. The iW-741 RDM moving wash and the iW-1915 Pixel that can function as a wash or a beam made quite an impression too.
Highlite also showed the new Antari S-600 Yeti snow machine.
UK – This year’s winners of the PLASA Awards for Innovation were announced at the PLASA Show at Olympia London.
The Innovation Awards, run association with LSi magazine, are respected industry-wide for celebrating future-focussed tech that improves safety, efficiency and performance through new methods and materials.
Thirty-three products were entered this year. Seven nominees scooped an Innovation Award, and a Gold Award and a Sustainability Award were also presented. This year’s judging team comprised of 12 independent technical specialists from a wide array of backgrounds, chaired once again by chartered engineer James Eade.
James Eade commented: “It has been great to see big names launching products at what is acknowledged to be the most independent industry awards. It is heartening to see creative engineers in the industry continuing to develop new and innovative products in such numbers.”
The winning products and judges’ comments are listed below:
Minuit Une – IVL Photon: The judges said that the multitude of dazzling effects from this laser light source will bring digital fireworks to productions.
Nicolaudie – Wolfmix W1: The judges said this product delivers a fresh and fun solution for the independent gigging band and DJ market.
PMI Gear – SMOKEGENIE: The judges said that this well-engineered product takes vaping technology and brings it to the stage. It provides three effects from one unit, including haze, low smoke and fog. The judges said that they had never seen a low smoke effect like that before especially out of such a small machine.
Robe Lighting – Robin iFORTE: The judges commented that this luminaire features genuine innovation to help reduce service intervals and to mitigate failure by introducing precise moisture control inside an IP65-rated fixture.
Sauca – Live Light: The judges said that this innovation takes control of your phone and provides the next creative chapter for audience participation.
Shure UK – KSM11: The judges felt this product draws on technology found in other sectors to alleviate common challenges faced by sound engineers by providing an advanced suspension isolation system for 'virtually zero handling noise'.
XM Automation – XMove: The judges felt that this product was deserving of an award for being the first controller to potentially bring industry-wide compatibility to automation.
Each year the judges also have the option to award a Gold Award in recognition outstanding innovation.
Ayrton – Cobra: The judges felt this product demonstrates long-promised laser technology in a useable moving light fixture at a competitive price point, with good energy efficiency.
Each year the judges also have the option to award a Sustainability Award in recognition outstanding innovation.
Artistic Licence – Micro-Scope upgrade kit: The judges remarked how this small assembly breathes new life into a product that dates back over 30 years. A simple user-upgrade enables old test equipment to be brought to current standards, owing to the foresight of the manufacturer when the product was conceived.
In addition to the winners, the judges commended two additional products, which are:
Robe Lighting – TX1 PosiProfile: The judges say this is a novel hybrid of moving light and generic fixture which will have many varied uses, particularly in situations with restricted space.
ROXX – Cluster Blinder: The judges felt this product modernises a classic fixture, featuring LED technology and well-engineered construction.
Following the Innovation Awards, a prestigious Gottelier Award was presented to JB Toby, Technical Director for Avolites. This award, named after Tony Gottelier, recognises individuals or teams of people who have made sustained and significant contributions to the development of entertainment technology.
JB Toby commented: “Receiving this award is something very special indeed. For years I looked up to the other award holders in what they stood for, seed innovative ideas into the industry, and see them grow into beautiful shows. And today the industry has selected me to join that list. I would like to thank PLASA and the industry as a whole for this tremendous honour, and my family for giving me the extra time for innovation to serve this amazingly crazy and creative industry.”
UK – Headline speakers and full programme details have been announced for the Theatres Trust’s Conference 22: Theatres Fit for the Future on 11 October at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith. Conference 22 focuses on creating a lively, engaging and dynamic gathering of professionals to collectively envision a more viable, sustainable and inclusive future for the UK’s theatres, and the people who visit and work in them.
The keynote session will be led by Rob Hopkins, activist, writer and co-founder of the Transition movement, a radically hopeful and community-driven approach to creating societies independent of fossil fuel. Rob will talk about how the power of theatre specifically, and our imaginations more generally, can create the future we want. He will signal how working collectively at the grassroots and across the country, we can meet the challenges of our planetary emergencies, and not just survive but thrive.
A stellar panel of artistic and creative directors including Julie Ellen (Macrobert Arts Centre), Robert Hastie (Sheffield Theatres), Low Kee Hong (The Factory) and Rachel O’Riordan (Lyric Hammersmith), with chair Hannah-Azieb Pool (Bernie Grant Arts Centre) will reflect on the day’s themes of resilience, inclusion, sustainability and place-making.
Across the day, there will be sessions focusing on how theatres are adapting their buildings and their business models, how theatres can be truly inclusive places and on theatres’ role in place-making and Levelling Up. Building on last year’s conference and the Theatre Green Book, there will also be a session looking at how theatres can go even further on improving the sustainability of their buildings and productions.
The conference programme features a wide range of theatres and venues, alongside architects, practitioners, sustainability experts and theatre consultants with panellists representing organisations including property developers Argent, Future City, The Albany London, Brixton House, The Embassy Skegness, Komedia Bath / Brighton, The Lowry Salford, The Sage Gateshead, Theatre Royal Plymouth and Worcester Performing Arts Centre.
The 2022 event aims to shake things up a bit and more actively involve everyone attending (panellists, speakers and delegates) in helping to imagine what theatres fit for the future might look and feel like.
Jon Morgan, Theatres Trust director, says: We are absolutely delighted to have Rob Hopkins opening Conference 22, setting the tone for what will be a positive, energetic day. Theatres Fit for the Future will bring the theatre sector together, to not just talk about the problems we face, but collectively find solutions.
Conference 22: Theatres Fit for the Future is made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors and partners: Platinum Sponsor Bristow Consulting, Gold and Bursary Sponsor Trafalgar Theatres, Gold and Lanyard Sponsor Unusual, Gold Sponsors Charcoalblue, Plann and Theatreplan, Silver Sponsors EM Acoustics, Harlequin, Haworth Tompkins, LW Theatres, Point One Epos, Stage Electrics, Theatre Projects and Triple E, Bronze Sponsors 3LR, Bennetts Associates and Yesplan, Bursary Sponsors Avison Young, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres and Trafalgar Theatres and Technical Sponsor White Light Ltd. Conference partners include ABTT, Community Leisure UK, Creu Cymru, Federation of Scottish Theatre, ITC, Society of London Theatre, Theatre and Dance NI and UK Theatre, and Media Partners Lighting and Sound International and The Stage.
UK – PLASA Show, London’s international event for entertainment technology, will once again open its doors at Olympia London from 4-6 September.
Thousands of professionals from across the live sector are expected to attend the show, coming together to celebrate the industry’s strength and innovation following the pandemic. Tickets are still available for £15, which will increase to £20 on the door.
200+ global brands will sit side by side in Olympia’s Grand Hall, representing the very best of pro audio, lighting, audio-visual, rigging and staging technologies. These include the show’s headline sponsor Robe, as well as fellow lighting brands Chauvet Professional, Claypaky, Ayrton, Avolites, ETC, Elation, GLP, Vari-Lite, Martin, TMB, plus many more. The pro audio sector is well covered, with brands such as d&b audiotechnik, Sennheiser, Yamaha, DiGiCo, Shure, RCF and L-Acoustics. Leading names from AV will be in attendance, such as Epson, ROE Visual and PSCo. And plenty of rigging companies will be there too, including Area Four, Broadweigh, Doughty and Triple E.
A market-leading programme, sponsored by Vectorworks, will run alongside the thriving show floor, with back-to-back sessions in three seminar theatres. Attendees can learn from business leaders, get inspired by accomplished creative freelancers, and get involved in conversational industry panels. Programme highlights include designing Ed Sheeran’s world tour, lighting BMW’s HQ, powering the Commonwealth Games, and live events in the metaverse.
Not only that, the d&b Soundscape Theatre will deliver in-depth seminars and taster sessions on cutting-edge immersive audio, led by d&b audiotechnik, DiGiCo, Klang, ASD and White Light. Upstairs on the Gallery Level, visitors can take advantage of free practical training on the latest lighting consoles and fixtures, courtesy of Chauvet Professional, Claypaky and ChamSys. Plus, AED Audio, RCF UK and KV2 Audio will showcase the power of their latest sound systems in controlled spaces.
A new feature for this year is the Vintage Audio Display, featuring the exact PA system used for Pink Floyd’s ‘Live in Pompeii’. Audio enthusiasts can also check out an original 1970s parabolic speaker dish, as well as several vintage power amps. The owner, Chris Hewitt, will be on hand to discuss his unique collection.
The Innovation Awards, in association with LSi magazine will also run at PLASA Show, celebrating the most impressive products from the past year. Visitors can get up close to all the nominees at the Innovation Gallery, and the winners will be announced during a special ceremony on the Monday evening of the show. This includes the respected Gottelier Award which will be presented to a product developer who has changed the course of the industry throughout their career.
PLASA’s event manager, Sophie Atkinson, says: “This year’s PLASA Show is set to be really special. Not only has the floor plan and programme grown in size since last year, there is a genuine sense of excitement throughout the industry that live events and entertainment are back and more ambitious than ever. This truly is the year to see what’s new and expand your industry contacts.”
PLASA Show will take place at Olympia London from 4-6 September. Tickets are available in advance or on the door. To register for your entry badge and browse the exhibitor list and programme, please visit www.plasashow.com
UK – Le Mark Group will be exhibiting its extensive product range at this year’s PLASA show. Two new Dirty Rigger products will take centre stage: the V3 edition of the long awaited heavy-duty backpack and four-way stretch ladies’ work trousers will both be showcased on Stand E20. Additionally Paper-Tak, a paper-based alternative to generic PVC tape will make its debut. Visitors will also be able to see a selection of Le Mark’s best-selling tapes, labels, flooring and crew wear, with a knowledgeable team on hand to answer any queries.
Speaking ahead of the show, Stuart Gibbons OBE, managing director, Le Mark Group said: “We’re delighted to be returning to the show again this year and we’re really excited to see what people think of the new products we will have on the stand. The Dirty Rigger backpack has been built around industry feedback. It’s comfortable to wear and incorporates a tough, waterproof ‘hard case’ base plus a water-resistant fabric. We really rate this backpack as a product that will safely hold both tools and laptop. Meanwhile, the Dirty Rigger ladies’ work trousers will be modelled by a mannequin on the stand. Featuring a new, durable, four-way stretch fabric, the trousers offer extreme flexibility, durability and comfort.”
With an industry drive to become more sustainable and circular, Le Mark Group is proud to be launching Paper-Tak. Stuart explained: “Our customers are keen to reduce their use of plastics whenever possible. To help them achieve this, we’ve produced Paper-Tak, a tough paper-based tape that can replace traditional PVC tape for a whole host of non-electrical applications. General tasks like colour coding, cable coiling and temporarily securing cables to truss can now be done with a PVC-free, paper-based tape. Furthermore, Paper-Tak is made using 70 percent recycled paper and has a fully recyclable inner core.”
Paper-Tak comes in a range of colours, standard industry widths and lengths. “We’ll have samples available at PLASA, and we’re looking forward to getting more feedback from the visitors to our stand,” added Stuart.
Stuart concluded: “It’s great to be back at PLASA again this year. We exhibited in 2021 when the industry was just beginning to wake from the pandemic and the excitement and camaraderie shared by everyone, really highlights how important a show PLASA is in the trade show calendar. We can’t wait to meet new faces and catch up with some old ones too!”
UK – Artistic Licence is excited to launch railSplit uno, a bidirectional DMX512/RDM isolator and signal booster, with a ‘data fixer’ for dodgy DMX.
The product contains prescient technology that addresses new European Electrical Installation regulations that have recently come into force.
Fittingly, railSplit uno is being entered into the Innovation Awards at this year's PLASA London show. Visitors can see the product in the Awards gallery and at the Artistic Licence stand, D15.
railSplit uno was designed in response to the new European Electrical Installation regulations IEC 60364 (BS 7671). The regulations require Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) to be fitted (including to data lines such as DMX512) for many types of lighting installation.
The existing Artistic Licence product, railSplit extreme, has internal SPDs and so provides a partial solution. However, there are two potential issues:
The new regulations will require installers to cram DMX512 SPDs into ever smaller spaces (e.g. into existing electrical installation boxes).
The SPD needs some way of informing the user if it has been damaged by a protection event.
railSplit uno solves both problems.
It is a combined DMX512/RDM booster, isolator and SPD presented in a DIN-rail unit just 36mm wide.
Surge protection is achieved using a combination of different electronics. Part self-heals after a protection event. The other part is sacrificial and becomes spent after a number of protection events (usually triggered by nearby lightning strikes). The problem with most SPDs is that you have no idea whether they are spent or are still doing their job. That’s where railSplit uno shines.
railSplit uno uses a patent-pending technique to detect when the protection is spent. Once detected, it reports it via a front panel indicator and a tally output that can be linked to a buildings management system. Additionally, it enters ‘limp home’ mode whereby the DMX output is bridged to avoid further damage. At this point, the product is replaced to ensure continued protection to the installation.
Underlining Artistic Licence's commitment to circular lighting, the spent product can be returned for reconditioning.
Optimized for electrically noisy environments
Mains electrocution protection (self-healing) on DMX512 input and output
Surge protection (sacrificial) on all terminals
Fault report tally output for BMS integration
Surface mount or DIN rail mounted
DMX-Fix mode to handle compatibility issues
Do not miss the fun demonstration: Wayne Howell presents – Hands-on RDM & DMX training seminar! You'll learn a hands-on approach to using and troubleshooting RDM and DMX512.
Sunday Sept 4th, Seminar Theatre 1, 13.30 – 14.30. sign up here.
UK – Robe anticipates a busy and vibrant PLASA 2022 with the industry, shows and events back and working at full speed.
It will be the official launch of Robe’s potent and impressive iFORTE moving light, an IP65 version of FORTE, the brand’s current highest-powered TE (Transferable Engine) LED luminaire.
Robe’s expanding i-series of weatherised products includes the iSpiider LED wash beam and iBeam 250 which will join the iFORTE on Stand C20. These fixtures will be integrated into a Robe signature live performance with a specially created light show presented in a purpose-built area together with lots of water!
Other current products will be the new PAINTE and TetraX, a 360-degree continuous rotation LED bar, plus Robe’s popular LEDBeam 350 and the ABTT Award-winning T11 series, a three-into-one generic lighting solution for theatres and venues.
Dedicated demonstration areas will facilitate in-depth product examinations.
Robe’s most powerful iSeries continues to expand with the IP65-rated iFORTE which combines a massive output and multiple effects in a package ready for all outdoor challenges.
Just 1.5kg heavier than the standard FORTE, iFORTE offers all the quality, features, and identical performance of the original luminaire, enabling seamless integration of the two types if desired.
The ingenious ingress protection system allows standard maintenance and preparation procedures – like Transferable Engine exchange and gobo replacement – to be conducted on site and without any additional tools.
The onboard RAINS (Robe Automatic Ingress Neutralisation System) manages humidity, temperature and pressure control, using active monitoring to automatically remove any moisture detected within the fixture, while ongoing monitoring ensures peak performance.
PAINTE is a compact moving light that delivers a quiet, quality profile solution for short to medium throw scenarios in theatrical, television, installation, live or corporate settings. The 14,900-lumen fixture output has a sparkling, clear white light, with boundless colours via the advanced CMY colour mixing system.
iBeam 250 offers everyone’s favourite wash-beam attributes – speed, colour and zoom range, etc – in a package to handle all the challenges of outdoor use and work.
Ideal for festivals, concerts, theatre, and any outdoor events or unpredictable weather scenarios, the iBeam 250 also has all the best features of its massively popular indoor relative, the LEDBeam 150. Ingenious ingress protection is specifically designed and developed to ensure the fixture is completely sealed and IP65 compliant.
TetraX has been developed after the huge success of the Tetra1and Tetra2 products. Added to the TetraX is a dynamic pan movement with extremely high-speed continuous rotation, dramatically increasing the sweep-effect possibilities of the fixture. Each of the nine evenly spaced pixels generates an ultra-tight 4° beam and these combine to produce a bright, defined “sheet” of light. The homogenised beams and smooth 11:1 motorised zoom provide ultra-smooth washes out to 45°.
The punchy LEDBeam 350 delivers a lot of presence and helps create even faster sweeping beam effects and fantastic washes. It features a spectacular 3.8° to 60° zoom range and Robe’s innovative coating technology keeps the lenses clearer and scratch-free.
Further advanced technologies include the Cpulse pulse width modulation control system for removing on-screen camera flicker, making LEDBeam 350s perfect for working with the most advanced UHD camera systems.
The T11 Profile, Fresnel and PC fixtures all feature Robe’s MSL-TE 350W LED Transferable Engine, a multispectral light source generating 16,700 lumens with exceptional output, ensuring colour consistency, control, and responses across an entire Robe T-Series rig.
In one luminaire, the T11 will completely revolutionise the way generic fixtures are used providing all the features, flexibility and performance requested by top lighting designers globally.
With fast-change lenses, an incredible 5 to 50-degree SuperZoom and Robe’s unique TE concept, the T11 saves time and money allowing inventories to be rationalised and fixture usage maximised. T11 is set to become an ‘infrastructural backbone’ of the lighting world.
T11 Profile MFS (manual followspot) will be launched at the show.
This completes the current T11 range, offering a practical, flexible, fully functional and compact followspot solution. Sideways mounting handles are ergonomically designed to allow access to the control buttons on the rear-mounted display panel. Dimmer control is via a dedicated fader mounted on the handles, leaving the operator free to focus on positioning and following the object.
Robe will be hosting RoboSpot ‘Taster Sessions’ illustrating the advantages of its flexible remote follow spot system in Theatre 1 on the exhibition show floor throughout the event.
Architectural lighting brand Anolis will have its own space on Stand E15 adjacent to Robe’s front entrance, with selected products also active in the Robe demo area. This area of the stand is dedicated to highlighting Anolis’ new CalummaTM range – showcased for the first time at a UK expo – alongside their Ambiane and Eminere product ranges. The stand will also be shared with MDG fog generators.
UK – Trade shows are widely regarded as a forum for making and nurturing connections. The ChamSys team will be taking this to heart quite literally at PLASA on stand C-16 staring 4 September, as it expands its popular “Connect” family of products with the world preview of the MagicQ Compact Connect and MagicQ Compact Mini Connect.
The new MagicQ Compact Connect products are PC / MAC / Linux based programming interfaces that offer programmers, operators and LDs a convenient “control-on-the-go” solution. Simply by connecting to a PC or Mac via a USB-C Connector, the user can run up to 64-universe shows on the MagicQ Compact Connect or MagicQ Compact Mini Connect, either of which fits easily within airline carry-on limits.
Sleek and lightweight, the new products feature the same contemporary styling as the MagicQ MQ70 and MQ50 Compact consoles. Both allow access to the powerful MagicQ software package. The MagicQ Compact Connect also features ten playback faders, eight attribute encoders and cue stack control buttons, as well as network and ten scene ports.
In addition to the new Compact Connect products, ChamSys will be showcasing the popular, MagicQ MQ500M Stadium console, which is capable of supporting 256 universes without the need for external processors, as well as the workhorse MagicQ MQ70 Compact Console.
ChamSys consoles won’t be the only ones connecting to visitors at PLASA. The company will also be conducting a series of hands-on training courses on a variety of topics throughout the show at Henley Suite.
Rebbecca Cadd, ChamSys product specialist will be holding sessions on “Introduction to MagicQ,” “Timecode and Audio Timeline,” and “Group Based Programming.” Dan Coombs, the company’s support and service supervisor, will also be presenting an “Introduction to Magic Q” and “Group Based Programming” sessions. Ash Henbrey, ChamSys’ software support and integration supervisor, will conduct a “Group Base Programming” session.
At the end of each day, the ChamSys presenters will be joined by James Harrison, the company’s product and support manager, in a Q&A session. These daily sessions will provide PLASA visitors with an ideal opportunity to connect with the products and information they need to take their shows to the next level.
Anyone interested in learning more about these learning sessions can visit the PLASA Training Link: https://www.plasashow.com/exhibitor-training-and-demos