Business News
Lightmoves Group & Lots of Watts Australia
Posted on Thursday, February 14th, 2013
The Lightmoves Group of companies, which includes Lightmoves, Resolution X, Balanced Technology and Browns Precision Welding, is pleased to announce that they have successfully completed the acquisition of the stock, assets, and hire assets of Lots of Watts (LOW), and is now trading as Lots of Watts Australia. Operating from the existing LOW premises at 22 South St Rydalmere, many of the existing staff has joined this exciting new company.
Speaking after the acquisition was completed, Sales Director of LOWA and Managing Director of Lightmoves Braham Ciddor said “We are excited that we have been able to successfully conclude this acquisition, as Lots of Watts has been a company that we have always considered as being an organisation with a very similar pedigree, ethics and expertise to our own. To have the opportunity to harness LOW’s expertise and position in the NSW market along with the Lightmoves Group range of skills, technical expertise and product ranges is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we are grateful to have.
“Our aim is to learn the mechanics of what made LOW tick, see what its customers want and need, then see how we can improve on it. With time we will introduce new products and markets but essentially the key ingredients of professional and retail hire, sales, installation and service will not change. We look forward to working with the excellent team and loyal customers as we inject new energy into what is already a great company.”
Lots of Watts Australia can still provide the same range of products and services that they have always been known for, but can now provide an expanded range thanks to the relationship with the Lightmoves Group of companies.
Contact details remain the same, but stay tuned for some exciting announcements .
Lots of Watts Australia
22 South Street, Rydalmere N S W Australia 2116
Tel: (02) 9638 0302 Fax: (02) 9638 0331
www.lotsofwatts.com.au
LSC and Lumen Radio
Posted on Monday, February 11th, 2013
LSC Lighting Systems is pleased to announce the addition of the highly acclaimed range of wireless DMX and RDM products from Swedish manufacturer Lumen Radio to compliment their range of lighting control, dimming, power and data distribution products.
Lumen Radio is leading the wireless transformation within the lighting industry by consistently being first to introduce new and ground breaking technology. In 2009 and 2011 Lumen Radio won awards for technical achievements and today their CRMX technology is recognised as the most advanced and reliable brand in the marketplace.
All devices operate in the 2.4 GHz band, feature a link range of up to 1,000 metres, use 128 bit encryption for data security and Automated Cognitive Coexistence that adapts frequency hopping patterns based on the surrounding environment to ensure DMX fidelity as well as error checking to maintain the integrity of received DMX frames.
Four CRMX models are Ethernet equipped and can input or output Art Net I, II & 3, E1.31 Streaming ACN, Pathport, ETCNet 2&3, Strand ShowNet and Color Kinetics KiNet 1&2 protocols thus eliminating an extra protocol conversion and associated hardware along the way. All RDM models are also supported by SuperNova – Lumen Radio’s free RDM controller.
The Lumen Radio range of DMX and RDM/DMX transmitters and receivers are complimented by the LSC MDR 5-way DMX models MDRR/L and MDRT/L data splitters, and RDM/DMX models MDRR/RL and MDRT/RL data splitters, all fitted with wireless receiver cards to provide five (5) ports of DMX512 data.
www.lumenradio.com
www.lsclighting.com
Eclipse choose a winning combination of MA Lighting and ShowLED
Posted on Tuesday, January 29th, 2013
Canberra’s Eclipse Lighting & Sound has purchased a MA Lighting MA onPC command wing to join their MA Classic ultra-light and NSP. The MA onPC command wing paves the way for mobile use of the highly flexible and powerful grandMA2 control system. In combination with the free of charge grandMA2 onPC software, the MA onPC command wing is a portable 2,048 parameter control solution that can be used nearly in any location – and all for an affordable price.
“We were very keen to acquire an MA2 product and the MA onPC command wing is a very cost effective way to do so,” commented Chris Neale, managing director of Eclipse. “However we will purchase a full console in the near future.”
Eclipse do a lot of musical theatre work and consequently Chris favours the MA onPC command wings extra control of effects.
“I really like the improved MIB capabilities of the MA2,” he added. “The ability to individually select what can move and when is much more powerful that the MA1 series. The inbuilt macros are also very powerful as is the FX engine which allows a lot more flexibility in transitions. I particularly like how you can start and stop components of an effect.”
Eclipse lighting technician Phil Goodwin agrees adding that he really likes the ability to fade parametres individually.
“The wing has been great and is really easy to use especially as the layout is the same as the actual consoles,” said Phil. “In fact the learning curve was almost non-existent. The programming section is nearly identical to the main consoles, with four encoders directly above for ease of use with any PC. It’s excellent for corporate gigs as it’s such a small package and thus unobtrusive. I love the cue list ability of the MA2 platform – it gives you so much more control.”
The MA onPC command wing features six faders with three control buttons each, as well as another row of six executor buttons in addition to the main A/B crossfade main playback faders and go buttons. The software supports touchscreen PCs or external monitors.
Chris Neale is also delighted with his new ShowLED classic star cloth which he says has been turning heads with its bright vibrant look.
“We have received many comments that it is just simply the best star cloth ever seen,” he remarked. “The simplicity of a star cloth doesn’t allow for much to be said, but the wow factor of this star cloth is very high. I have seen star cloths with dull lights but these are just so vibrant. It does beautiful slow fades, as well as fast chases.
“If anyone was thinking about buying a star cloth, I would totally recommend this one.”
Pictured is the MA Lighting MA onPC command wing and ShowLED star cloth on Oh What A Night!, a musical tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons performed at Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre.
New VuePix screen delivered to Total Event Services in Darwin
Posted on Thursday, January 24th, 2013
Total Event Services – the major Australian production company based in Darwin, has recently invested in new release LED Video Technology. The latest and greatest visual delight to take up residence in Australia’s Top End is a Vuepix E Series LED mesh Display system. With approx. 60 panels of E series in their Hire and event inventory the Vuepix buzz has reached The Northern Territory.
With over 30 years of history and servicing the events and theming industry across the Northern Territory, from Darwin to the most distant areas of inland Australia, TES pays special attention when it comes to bringing the new equipment into their inventory.
Working on both indoor and outdoor events in these parts of Australia, you need to consider the weather conditions of extreme humidity, heat and torrential rain as well as challenging transport, so durability and reliability are high on the list of your expectations when it comes to decide which brand and technology is the best for your business.
Colin West, managing director of Total Event Services, comments: “When purchasing large volumes of capital equipment such as VuePix LED screens you need more than just a price. You need reliable, consistency of the product, service, back-up, a supplier who cares and most of all to be there for tomorrow … ULA 10 out of 10, you can’t get much better!”
John Buchanan from ULA Group was there to hand over the screen and provide the staff training on the Video Screen. He comments: “I was able to have the Total Event guys setting up and operating the screen very fast. They were impressed with how the system fits together and the small amount of time it takes to build a big LED wall. The screen system also allows the designs to be non standard so the staff are given greater flexibility with stage design and screen positioning in sets.”
The VuePix E Series screens are designed with easy assembly and servicing features – all parts of the system can be installed and serviced with no tools required. Equipped with a specially designed angling system (with five angle options), E series panels enable users to build horizontal or vertical curved displays, in either convex or concave directions. Outputting a high brightness level with excellent color uniformity, E Series panels deliver brilliant visual performance for both indoor and outdoor applications.
The VuePix screen has already proven to be the right choice for the number of events the company has been working on – from small productions for local communities, corporate hotel group events to international conferences and exhibitions.
grandMA2 light in control at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Posted on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre has taken delivery of a MA Lighting grandMA2 light console which will become the venue’s main, large show lighting console.
“It was time we upgraded and the grandMA2 is an awesome console,” remarked Brian Nash, AV & Production Services Manager.
Michael Hughes, senior lighting operator at the BCEC, took delight in taking the grandMA2 out for its inaugural run and he was thrilled with its performance.
“I’ve used the classic grandMA light for many years but the grandMA2 light is great,” he said. “I found the transaction between the grandMA Classic and the grandMA2 very easy. After a few hours on the new board I knew I was going to be confident using it for the first time on one of our larger shows for the year.”
The grandMA2 light is the perfect tool to control all kinds of lighting genres like conventionals, moving lights, LEDs, video and media and supplies an intuitive and fast control of all connected fixtures and channels. The grandMA2 light can handle an almost infinite number of presets, cues, pages, sequences and effects.
“I really like the layout of it: a screen that’s stacked vertically, flat faders and the keyboard being inbuilt,” added Michael. “It’s just way more comfortable to sit at and very easy to use.”
The grandMA2 light has 4,096 parameters, 15 motorized executor faders and two touchscreens available.
“I like the executor buttons which I use a lot because many of the shows at the BCEC require quick access,” said Michael. “For the same reason, I like that the cross fade across all the palettes is adjustable really easily. It’s great that everything is customisable and easy to change.”
www.malighting.com
Australian Distributor: Show Technology www.showtech.com.au
LX Productions increases LED inventory
Posted on Monday, December 24th, 2012
To keep up with demand LX Productions have added 8 x Martin MAC 101s, 16 x LED Fusion Bars, 2 x Studio Due LED 600 Outdoor floods, 36 x pro shop 3w Leds, 4 x Pro Shop Outdoor 15 watt LED floods, and over 360 metres of Decolight Outdoor rated LED budlight to stock ranging from warm white to multi-coloured.
The gear had a very busy December fulfilling everything from lighting Christmas trees, Outdoor concerts, Corporate Events, and of course in its spare time was competitively hired out to various production companies to keep them going as well.
Clearlight adds LSC LX600 Clarity consoles to hire department
Posted on Friday, December 21st, 2012
Clearlight Shows have added the new LSC LX600 Clarity console to their hire department inventory.
Two LX600 consoles will be used to control the lighting for this year’s Channel 9 Melbourne Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer music bowl.
Clearlight Shows will be running console training nights in early 2013 so to register for a place contact John McKissock john@clearlight.com.au.
Harman International acquires Martin Professional A/S
Posted on Thursday, December 20th, 2012
Schouw & Co., parent company of Martin Professional, has entered into an agreement with the global ‘infotainment’ and audio company Harman International Industries to sell Martin to Harman. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in Q1 2013.
Through this new combination of two worldwide industry leaders, Harman and Martin believe that their comprehensive offering of audio, lighting and video solutions for the live stage and events, as well as permanent venues and installations, will ‘provide new, exciting opportunities and will take customer satisfaction to even higher levels’.
This transaction will create a one-stop-shop for the professional entertainment market. Adding Martin to Harman’s USD $4.4 billion organization and combining two of the largest R&D budgets in the audio and entertainment lighting industry will enable the companies to grow and improve the lighting and video product offering to the benefit of all existing and new customers, says a company statement.
The companies are confident that not only will they cement their respective positions in their industries, but will also make their customers ‘more successful by providing new, innovative and improved products, services and solutions in the future’.
Blake Augsburger, executive vice-president and president of the Harman Professional Division, is looking forward to welcoming Martin to Harman and states: “Martin product lines are an excellent complement to our professional audio business. After the transaction closes, we will be able to offer a full line-up of audio, lighting and video solutions for the live stage as well as permanent venues and installations.”
Christian Engsted, CEO of Martin Professional commented: “We very much look forward to exploring the mutual benefits this change in ownership offers and continuing to develop our business relationship with our customers and partners across the globe.”
Martin Professional will continue as an independent business unit within the Harman Professional Division, with the existing points of contact.
MA2 consoles in control at The Arts Centre Gold Coast
Posted on Wednesday, December 19th, 2012
The Arts Centre Gold Coast has been home to a couple of MA Lighting grandMA2 lite consoles for quite a while now resulting in some very satisfied lighting technicians!
One console resides in the venue’s showroom whilst the other sits in the theatre and Alex Fox, Senior Lighting Technician (pictured) at the venue, has been a long time MA user.
“I’ve used the MA Classic Full size for the last few years, have mastered it and can create awesome lighting shows within a very small space of time,” he said. “However, the MA2 has some great new effects options over the MA Classic. I don’t find building the effects easier on the fly, but the fact that effect can be applied over individual lamps on the fly is great.
“The soft keys of the console are great, since my console is positioned immediately behind the rear row of the audience. It was annoying pressing buttons on the MA Classic as I thought the audience would get frustrated at the constant button clicks.”
Alex reports that he finds the console speed far quicker and easier to work with.
“It was always an inconvenience with saving on the MA Classic having to hold for about 10-20 seconds for it to save,” he said. “As I do many back-to-back one day shows, I need a fast console to operate where I can grab everything quickly,” he remarked. “I need to plot shows with about forty dance items, where each item has multiple looks and usually try to “wow” the audience.We don’t have time to stop the rehearsal time for me to plot things, so it is vital that within the 3-4minute song, I’ve created a few looks and some stabs if necessary.
Alex also favours the larger screens on the MA2 which make it easier for him to get much more information, palettes and controls into one window.
“Having all commands of the console able to be entered as syntax makes programming the console endless,” he added. “I can create a sequence that controls other sequences and other desk functions all from entering syntax to the command line.”
Lighting technician Anthony Lee is also delighted with the MA2 consoles.
“They’re a great console,” he said. “I like the coloured screens and the general layout of the console is much better than the previous series.
The MA2 consoles were supplied by Brisbane Sound Group.
BCEC chooses over eighty Martin MAC LED fixtures for new extension
Posted on Friday, December 14th, 2012
As the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre has expanded, so has its inventory of Martin MAC fixtures. The BCEC has had a well used stock of Martin MAC250 profiles, MAC500 profiles, MAC600 washes, MAC700 profiles and MAC700 washes for quite some time but with the new five level expansion on Grey Street, additional new fixtures were required.
“Every year we upgrade and it made sense to go with LED fixtures for the new area,” said Brian Nash, AV & Production Services Manager. “In fact we’re moving to LED where ever we can for all the usual reasons – power consumption, lamp life, heat emission etc. We decided upon 20 x Martin MAC350 Entour LED profiles, 40 x Martin MAC101 LED washes and 20 x Martin MAC301 LED washes.”
The MAC101’s are used primarily for table washing in the Boulevard Room but their flexibility delivers creative scope to the lighting team.
“Obviously you can use them for room looks too, so when you walk into the venue they’re moving around and then they move to the table spots,” explained Brian. “They are a great little unit and they’ve performed excellently. In fact, we discovered that they are a lot punchier than we thought they would be so we purchased another eight (on top of the original forty) for use on satellite stages. They’re particularly useful in difficult locations as they can easily clamp on and give us some great looks. They really are very useful.”
The Martin MAC301’s are used as washes for the auditoriums and also the Boulevard Room whilst the Martin MAC350 Entours are used for the stage areas.
“The MAC350 Entours have been really good and are punchy for what they are,” commented Brian. “We have two tiered auditoriums and that is where they are used.”
Pictured is the recent QGC Christmas Party which utilised all of the Martin MAC LED fixtures and Michael Hughes, senior lighting operator at the BCEC, was amazed with all of them!
“I was taken aback by the brightness of the MAC101’s especially for such a small unit,” he remarked. “They were also light, easy and quick to use. The MAC301’s are also very bright and I enjoyed the zoom in them. The MAC350 Entours are very intense and I was surprised at what size room I can get away with using them in especially as they’re a LED profile.”
High Noon’s perfect stayer – the Martin M1
Posted on Tuesday, December 4th, 2012
Queensland’s High Noon Productions has added a pure thoroughbred to their stable of winners in the form of a Martin M1 console.
“We were looking for a controller that we could enter in the Caulfield Cup distance and again looked to the European breeding,” explained Dyke Dunning, managing director. “The M1 was the obvious choice having other stayers in the stable with the sire Martin. Plenty of sliders to go the distance and four DMX to take on the big fields.
“Its simplistic layout makes it easy to train over 2048 meters and with its big heart, it goes all day. With the touch screen conveniently located, it was easy to go winkers off, blinkers on with just a finger touch.”
The bright blue track ball ensures that it is visual in the back straight when going three wide around the rest of the field. The length of its stride and its sectionals stood up to the other stayers from the UK and USA.
And according to Dyke when it comes to reliability, the M1 has just notched up its 20th win in a row, just short of Black Caviar’s impressive record.
“It has never played up in the truck or at the barriers and is always the first to jump out and take up a position on the FOH rails whilst staying close to the pace setters,” he added. “It’s big heart ensures that when you give it a bit of chase whip, it responds from the field with lighting fast BPMs.”
Other notable jockeys , namely Frankie Dettori Calvi, have also unloaded on the European stayer. Just last spring in a Weight for Age over 2048 DMX meters, the M1, ridden by Dettori Calvi was asked to respond up the straight, and did so leaving the field in its wake, winning by four and a half MAC700 lengths.
Trainer, Dyke Dunning , stated that M1 will go to the shed for a spell in February before embarking on the Autumn / Winter carnival season.
Dyke Dunning also stated that there is high interest in when M1 is going to stud and what the service fee will be.
“Let’s activate that cue when he gets to a mature age, not as a yearling. After all, it hasn’t won a Melbourne Cup yet, but it will and possibly better Makybe Diva’s record!”
Photographed is High Noon’s Josh Sondergeld and James Tabin with the MI and High Noon van
Martin MAC Viper Sales Hit 5,000 and Counting
Posted on Monday, December 3rd, 2012
With comments such as “I’ve found my 1,200W replacement,” “The Viper gets my vote,” and “This changes everything,” according to the company lighting professionals the world over have taken to Martin Professional’s new 1,000W lighting profile.
The fact that the MAC Viper Profile was awarded an Award for Innovation at the recent PLASA trade show, where it was hailed as “a new benchmark for automated lighting spots,” helped its success. Now, Martin reports sales figures topping 5,000 units sold to date since September.
“The Viper was fast out of the blocks as our biggest pre-sale success ever and the demand and its superiority in its class even surprised ourselves,” says Martin Professional CEO Christian Engsted.
“This is quite an achievement as we didn’t officially launch the Viper until PLASA in September,” he continues. “Seldom has a new lighting fixture established itself so quickly as a ‘go to’ product in the touring industry like the Viper has. It’s broad application makes it the weapon of choice be it in television, theatre, or touring. We really nailed it on this and it’s success fits right in with the impressive turn around of the company, which is also reflected in our newly released Q3 numbers.”
The list of Viper references already extends from big name tours like Muse, Coldplay, Paul McCartney, Linkin Park, and The Killers, to numerous West End theatres and high profile TV shows, and special events across the world. The MAC Viper features an exceptional feature set and highly efficient optical system that outperforms other profile fixtures in the 800-1,200W range.
www.martin.com
Australian Distributor: Show Technology www.showtech.com.au
Dimatec makes major investment in Philips Selecon LED luminaires
Posted on Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
The French distribution company Dimatec has made a substantial investment in a range of Philips Selecon LED luminaires.
Dimatec, which distributes and imports the world’s leading lighting equipment brands to service Film, Television, Events and Architectural applications, has purchased a considerable palette of luminaires from the Philips Selecon PL range and Studio Panel LED luminaires.
Olivier Bordini of Dimatec says the company made the investment in order to “stay ahead of the game as LED lighting technology progresses.”
Dimatec is known to many of France’s most respected and recognised cinematographers. The company distinguishes itself at the forefront of both art and technology through its work on both French and international productions and its work has been recognised throughout the industry.
Bordini praised the Philips Entertainment Group for developing the Philips Selecon brand over the last decade into a renowned specialist for live performance lighting technology, and says that he is particularly impressed that Selecon can build 100% of its products in-house.
The Philips Selecon models currently in stock at Dimatec include: the Philips Selecon PLCYC1 LED Luminaire, the Philips Selecon PLFRESNEL-1 LED and the Philips Selecon Studio Panel LED Luminaire.
“The PLCYC1 LED delivers a smooth even beam that seamlessly blends intense washes of colour on cycloramas up to 5m high,” comments Bordini. “They use LED source technology combined with a properly shaped asymmetrical reflector to deliver consistent light distribution. In addition performance does not have to be compromised with vertical or horizontal spreader lenses.”
Equally the Philips Selecon PLFRESNEL-1 provides a revolutionary breakthrough in display lighting. It is the first light source that delivers full control of the beam colour composition regardless of intensity. Drawing on technology and specific insight, nurtured and developed within the Philips Entertainment group, this LED luminaire meets the everyday challenges of illuminating the world’s museums, art galleries and stages.
Bob Roos, Philips Entertainment key account manager for Scandinavia, Benelux, France, Spain and Portugal says: “The PLFRESNEL-1 LED is proving itself to lighting directors and designers as a lighting instrument that extends the creative possibilities with light while significantly reducing the impact of our activities on the environment.”
Finally Dimatec has also invested in the Philips Selecon Studio Panel, a compact lightweight LED luminaire designed for both studio and location use. “Units feature tunable white colour temperature control from 3000K to 6000K,” explains Bordini. “This makes it ideal for a wide range of lighting applications. Requiring just 50 watts, the unit will operate on AC or DC voltage. The battery power input is designed to allow location operation using industry standard batteries, while a range of holographic diffusers provide beam angle control with minimal light loss is also available.”
Roos concludes: “Philips Selecon PL and LED range of luminaires is increasingly finding themselves in the rigs and on the riders for film and television productions. Their compact size, relatively high output, excellent and reliable colour rendering make them ideal and very flexible tools for the busy lighting director. Not only that they are intuitive to use, easy to programme and simple to maintain. We are delighted to see Dimatec make such a substantial investment in Selecon.”
Stage Technologies’ Australian double
Posted on Tuesday, November 27th, 2012
Stage Technologies has increased its Australian rentals presence substantially with two major projects. Saturday’s official opening of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney marks Stage Technologies’ second rental in Australia in as many months. The company also provided an automation system on Legally Blonde, currently playing at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre.
Having automated the shows in London’s West End and on tour, Stage Technologies has designed rental automation systems that allow both productions to repeat the magic for Australian audiences.
Before landing in Oz, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ran at the London Palladium from April 2002 to September 2005, and was followed by tours in the UK and internationally. Stage Technologies designed a sophisticated automation and control system to cover everything from simple scenery moves and performer flying to the state-of-the-art flying car. The Stage Technologies system was adapted several times to take the show on the road for a large tour and a more compact road version.
While the West End version of Chitty used an Acrobat to control the show’s automation effects, for the Sydney production this has been replaced by the more compact Illusionist console. While the original required four Quin control racks, Sydney can rely on two AU:tours flight cased control systems. Powering the flying car are four servo motors, while three BigTow Classic winches run the floor tracks. For plotting the flight of the car, the rentals team is using eChameleon software.
The Sydney production of Legally Blonde, currently running at the city’s Lyric Theatre, features a revised version of the same Stage Technologies automation and control system used during the show’s three year run in the West End. For Australia the Stage Technologies Sydney-based project management team upgraded the show to its eChameleon software as well as providing three Maxis ID motion control cabinets (MCCs) totalling 18 axes. The Stage Technologies equipment also included a mixture of floor tracks, counterweight assist winches, and tracking scenery winches.
Working in conjunction with the Adelaide Festival Centre workshop, Stage Technologies also provided the control for a stage lift and automated door.
Stage Technologies senior projects manager (Rentals) Peter Quinlan said “We’re really proud to be asked to provide the automation again for these two successful shows. They’re a great addition to our operation in Australia and the region.”
Praise for the Clay Paky Sharpy from Riverview Church
Posted on Friday, November 16th, 2012
Nathaniel Brown, lighting designer for Riverview Church in Perth, has taken ownership of four Clay Paky Sharpy moving beam lights and he couldn’t be happier!
“They’re very, very nice,” he enthused. “I really like that they are a powerful light with not a lot of draw so I can fit them into my creaking old electrical grid!”
During a church service the lighting tends not to be overly dramatic or too rock’n’roll looking as it is necessary to see the artists and speakers clearly. Nathaniel was looking for a fixture that could cut through all of the other lighting and he certainly found one in the Sharpy!
“They are so bright!” he exclaimed. “I was pleasantly surprised by the versatility of the beam; obviously they do tight, thin and long and that’s why I bought them, but they also flare out really well. You can still fan out with some interesting beam designs and spin the gobo. They really are more than just a tight beam.”
Clay Paky Sharpy is a 189W moving head with an unprecedented brightness usually achievable only with far greater wattages. Tipping the scales at just 16 kg, Sharpy produces a perfectly parallel, laser-like beam with an incredible output of 5,100 footcandles at 65 feet. It is also groundbreaking in the purity of its beam, which is sharply defined and free of any halo or discoloration around the edges. It offers an interchangeable colour wheel with 14 fixed colours and an interchangeable gobo wheel with 17 fixed gobos, allowing users to change the shape of the beam and create an array of spectacular mid-air effects.
“The Sharpys are also very fast and very, very responsive,” added Nathaniel. “I don’t wave them about really fast like you would in a rock show but they are very snappy and responsive when required. They also move really smoothly in a slow speed with absolutely no jerking which means I can do lots of thirty-second movements.”
Clearlight Shows’ MAC Vipers Strike Out
Posted on Monday, November 12th, 2012
Melbourne’s Clearlight Shows has added eight Martin MAC Viper Profiles to their hire stock. The Martin MAC Viper is the newest generation of moving head profile and houses a 1000-watt high-output lamp. It is compact, light and versatile with deep saturated colours and a fantastic range of new vibrant gobos. Clearlight Shows has no doubt that they will be in great demand!
Tom Willis, a freelance lighting designer who works closely with Clearlight as his preferred supplier, was the first lucky person to use their Vipers on a speech night held at Melbourne Town Hall.
“It was a great opportunity to see them perform in a large space,” he commented. “The output on them is extraordinary, they are very bright. I only needed four of them to wash the entire back wall of the space. They were zoomed right out with colours and gobos yet still read very strongly. The standard gobos supplied are a good mix that covers all the bases.
“The MAC Vipers were very impressive. They are a very quick unit in fact the zoom is extraordinarily quick. Overall, they are a strong solid moving light.”
Tom states that he can see the MAC Viper becoming an industry standard in the way that the MAC700 has been a strong staple in hire inventories worldwide.
“As a multi-purpose standard they will be fantastic,” he said. “Just the light output alone will make them so useful in many applications. You will be able to use fewer fixtures to achieve the same result when it comes to projection or zoom them right down to get some strong big beam effects – they are very versatile.”
Martin M1 a clear favourite at Osmond Electronics
Posted on Thursday, November 8th, 2012
The lighting guys at Adelaide’s Osmond Electronics have been putting their Martin M1 console through some rigorous testing over the past few months and they can’t find one negative thing to say about this mighty performer!
“The Martin M1 has been a fantastic addition to our Production, Cross Hire and Dry Hire equipment stock and has quickly replaced our Hog 1000 with its ease of use,” commented Andrew Gough, Osmonds’ Lighting Manager. ”The console is an amazing all-rounder desk able to cope with small dry hire shows to full theatre and rock shows.”
Andrew particularly likes the ease of being able to change any of the faders / execute buttons to a cue list, override, inhibitor or submaster.
“And when it comes to going into a venue with no brand fixtures you can’t beat the onboard fixture creator and editor,” he added. “Most of our operators are now opting for the M1 over other consoles. We are looking forward to adding more of this fantastic console and the M2go in the very near future.”
The photo shows Osmonds Electronics’ M1 at a show they did with Pro Show Productions at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
The lighting guys at Adelaide’s Osmond Electronics have been putting their Martin M1 console through some rigorous testing over the past few months and they can’t find one negative thing to say about this mighty performer!
“The Martin M1 has been a fantastic addition to our Production, Cross Hire and Dry Hire equipment stock and has quickly replaced our Hog 1000 with its ease of use,” commented Andrew Gough, Osmonds’ Lighting Manager. ”The console is an amazing all-rounder desk able to cope with small dry hire shows to full theatre and rock shows.”
Andrew particularly likes the ease of being able to change any of the faders / execute buttons to a cue list, override, inhibitor or submaster.
“And when it comes to going into a venue with no brand fixtures you can’t beat the onboard fixture creator and editor,” he added. “Most of our operators are now opting for the M1 over other consoles. We are looking forward to adding more of this fantastic console and the M2go in the very near future.”
The photo shows Osmonds Electronics’ M1 at a show they did with Pro Show Productions at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
Jands HPC12 Dimmer Racks are a valuable learning tool for NIDA
Posted on Wednesday, November 7th, 2012
The National Institute of Dramatic Art has taken delivery of Jands HPC12 dimmer racks to be utilised in their new atrium performance space.
“We needed dimmers that had a “rock and roll” approach to allow for quick and easy setups,” explained Adrian Wright, Lighting Supervisor at NIDA. “This is especially good as a learning tool for our students as they also get an understanding of the use of the Jands Power Distribution System and mains cables.”
The HPC12 continues the Jands tradition of building rugged and reliable dimmers and provides an innovative solution for all dimming and power control needs. With AirGap™ technology, it integrates both dimming and high current full-on and full-off contactor type elements on each channel to deliver true, any load performance.
“Having already purchased the HPX dimmers for one of our larger venues, the purchase of the HPC dimmer racks were a very good choice on value for money, the ease of operation and most importantly the reliability,” added Adrian.
Whilst Adrian admits that he has only used the HPC dimmers once as a true distribution system for moving light fixtures, he was very impressed at how easy it was to switch them.
The HPC12 provides all the features you expect from a top end product. Current control algorithms reduce the instance of circuit breaker drop out due to cold lamp inrush, while dual speed controlled fans, extremely high performance mains filtering and a soft over-temperature cut-out ensure maximum duty cycle and performance.
Request for Tender in Queensland
Posted on Monday, October 22nd, 2012
OK, so this one is a bit out of the usual for an ALIA news item, but it may be worthwhile pursuing if you operate in Queensland.
Our company works with Sports Clubs, Schools and Non-profit organisations, in sourcing funds for various projects.
I am currently preparing Grant Applications for 5 lighting projects located in Yandina, Laidley and Brisbane metro, and I need the names of 3 Queensland Companies, that would be prepared to tender for this work.Kind regards,
Kerry McLean. – 0421 665 688
Community Services Division
Metro Group Australia
Email – kerry@metrogroupaust.com.au
Marquee Nightclub makes a few changes
Posted on Friday, October 19th, 2012
Part of The Star’s $870 million redevelopment, Marquee Sydney opened with much fanfare in March but a few months down the track and there have already been a few technical changes instigated by production manager Adam Ward.
Adam Ward is managing director of Full Throttle Entertainment which specializes in the technical operation of high end nightclubs. Full Throttle began in Las Veags in 1999 before opening an Australian office last October.
Adam decided to change the Marquee’s lighting controller a Martin M1 console to a MA2 lite console, a platform he has had much experience with.
“The M1 is a great console and is extremely capable but we were getting to the point where we needed more touch screen access as we operate the lighting in a very hands-on manner as opposed to running a chase or cuelist and just letting it play,” he explained. “We like to play the lights along with the music and the MA gives us more instantaneous access. You can have one touch screen set up just for lights and another set up for video only; more instantaneous access to the features we want.”
The grandMA2 light has 4,096 parameters, 15 motorized executor faders and two touchscreens available. All further features and controls are identical to those on the grandMA2 full-size. The grandMA2 light is the perfect tool to control all kinds of lighting genres like conventionals, moving lights, LEDs, video and media and supplies an intuitive and fast control of all connected fixtures and channels. The grandMA2 light can handle an almost infinite number of presets, cues, pages, sequences and effects.
Also new to the venue is the GLP Volkslicht Zoom fixture which combines the best technology features with the footprint and weight of a small and unobtrusive fixture.
“There were not many wash fixtures over the dance floor, mainly profile fixtures and I thought we needed to add the washes to the mix,” commented Adam. “The GLP fixtures are great. Currently we have them as a moveable fixture in the venue so they’re not hung from the same place all the time. By moving them around the venue we are always updating the look.”
Being small and light means the GLP Volkslicht Zoom has immense speed with the pan and tilt moving at incredibly fast speeds, almost enough to match the solid state LED’s themselves.
“They are amazing for their price point as they give you a zoom-able wash so you can do a wide angle shot or narrow your beam; makes a really good punch or accent effect,” he added. “You can use zoom as a punch effect from wide beam to narrow beam and it looks really cool in time to the music.”
The GLP Volkslicht Zoom has a motorized zoom, changing its beam size from 10 to 26 degrees, whilst maintaining a strong output. The Volkslicht Zoom uses 60 Luxeon Rebel LED’s in an RGB configuration to give a broad mixing palette of colours from its primary saturates, through to the more subtle pastel shades.
Light+Design Magazine – make sure you’re subscribed
Posted on Friday, October 19th, 2012
Light+Design the industry’s newest and brightest magazine finally offers an independent and informed perspective on lighting in Australia.
Light+Design covers the full spectrum of Lighting: design, technologies, control and management. It brings together all of the disciplines and technologies involved in the lighting process, from design concept to long-term operation and maintenance. L+D’s content focuses on light sources, luminaires, power and control systems and lighting design by looking at the technologies, tools and practices underlying lighting. Whether you manufacture, install, specify, consult about, program, sell, design, engineer, operate, maintain or simply have a fascination for lighting, Light+Design will keep you informed and delighted.
The first issue is in production and coming out very soon, so if you would like to receive a free copy in your mailbox, fill in the subscription form on the web site at www.lightdesign.net.au.
grandMA2 light for Cairellie
Posted on Tuesday, October 16th, 2012
Technical production company Cairellie has taken delivery of an MA Lighting grandMA2 light console to add to their fleet of classic grandMA consoles.
“Recently we’ve been finding that more and more lighting designers are asking for the MA2 console rather than the classic console,” commented Dave Gleig of Cairellie. “So really it is the industry driving the decision to purchase an MA2. Plus now that all of our staff has got their heads around how the console and platform works, it’s becoming more and more of a useful tool for us as well.”
Dave’s staff reports that the MA2 is very user friendly and even though there are many differences between the two models, it is an easy platform to cross over to if you know how to use the older console.
“They haven’t completely redesigned the console rather just changed a few things,” he added. “It’s similar to what Apple has done with their iPads and iPhones. The guys really like the new user interface, especially the way the macro system works, The grandMA2 light is a perfect size: It gives me all the features I need and plenty of workable space.
Other features favoured by the Cairellie crew include the way the grandMA2 deals with presets, the fact that channels can be tracked right through the show, and the auto-update facility, whereby any cue change is updated immediately across a network.
“It’s also very fast,” Dave remarked. “The guys like the touch control and bump buttons as well as having access to more DMX universes on the grandMA2 light.”
The photos show the grandMA2 in action at The Big Exo Day held at Parramatta Park. Lighting designer and operator was Jonathan Lucas who always specifies the grandMA2 as his primary choice of console.
“It’s the only console of choice for him, it’s a must-have,” commented Dave.
ETC Distributes City Theatrical SHoW DMX
Posted on Friday, October 12th, 2012
City Theatrical has announced a partnership with Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC) in which ETC will distribute City Theatrical’s full line of SHoW DMX Neo wireless DMX control products, allowing ETC’s customers around the world easy access to wireless DMX for entertainment and architectural lighting applications.
SHoW DMX Neo wireless DMX systems are useful in a wide range of lighting applications such as schools, civic auditoriums, houses of worship, cruise ships, museums, exterior architectural applications, and anywhere else DMX data is needed but the cost or difficulty of installing data cable is high. In some venues, such as historic buildings, wireless DMX is the only way to get DMX data to new high tech LED lighting equipment that requires DMX at the location of the fixture.
City Theatrical has been involved in the development of wireless DMX for over a decade and SHoW DMX products are found on many Broadway and West End shows and tours, as well as on major music tours such as the U2 360 Degree tour, major events such as the Summer Olympics in London, and permanent architectural installations.
The SHoW DMX Neo family offers a range of wireless DMX solutions from the simple plug and play SHoW DMX SHoW Baby to the professional grade SHoW DMX Neo and the outdoor SHoW DMX Vero and Vero Net.
SHoW DMX Neo features high data fidelity and fast 7ms latency, ensuring that wired and wireless DMX sources will appear exactly the same. All SHoW DMX Neo products feature the ability to optimize control of output power, full or limited bandwidth broadcast, and the ability to broadcast less than the full DMX packet to shrink the radio footprint.
For the users who do not want to manually optimize their broadcast, SHoW DMX Neo products also have Neo Adaptive Mode that will select only open radio channels to broadcast on with no user intervention needed. All SHoW DMX Neo products will also “heal” lost data packets.
www.etcconnect.com
Australian Distributor: Jands www.jands.com.au
ETC Gio The Perfect Fit For City Recital Hall
Posted on Wednesday, October 10th, 2012
The City Recital Hall Angel Place is a purpose built concert venue situated in the heart of Sydney with the capacity for 1230 guests seated over three tiers of raked seating. This world class concert venue acoustically designed for fine music and spoken word, has an elegant beauty, intimate layout and professional technical services creating a perfect combination for annual general meetings, conferences, meetings and special events.
The time had come to replace their lighting console with a more technically advanced model especially as the venue recently acquired some moving lights.
After a thorough research of the market, Technical Manager Cally Bartley found herself drawn to the ETC range of lighting control consoles.
“I was interested in the Eos and Ion consoles but I was told there was a new console coming out that sits between them and would be ideal,” she commented. “ETC has a fabulous reputation in the lighting fraternity and in conversation with other technical managers I discovered many were taking on the Eos family. There’s a reason why so many have taken up this product.”
The ETC Gio consoles delivers Cally with the power of an Eos lighting system but in a smaller console, sized just right for her budget and space.
The Gio console was made to simplify complex lighting work – with innovative features like backlit buttons (to make working in the dark much easier on the programmer’s eyes) and the power of Eos software. Gio includes two integral, articulating multi-touch displays and supports up to three external displays, all of which can also be multi-touch.
“My technicians are certainly excited by group functions and the ability to map the faders,” reported Cally. “At the same time we purchased some moving head lights so they are learning about the capabilities of moving lights and the ETC Gio has made that a straightforward process.”
Robert Juliat Launches New Web Site
Posted on Monday, October 8th, 2012
Robert Juliat is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned company website which presents a contemporary look, complete with new navigational tools. It features enhanced resources in a user-friendly format and gives greater emphasis to Robert Juliat’s prestigious range of lighting products. Detailed descriptions of the product ranges are included, along with new product pictures and a revamped menu system to provide better functionality.
In addition, a newly enhanced ‘Contacts’ section affords visitors the ability to find the nearest dealer quickly and easily.
“This new website reflects the thinking and efforts of the Robert Juliat team as well as our commitment to being open and accessible to our customers”, says Robert Juliat CEO, François Juliat. “Packed with high quality images, news and product information, all of which will be constantly updated, the new website aims to make the Robert Juliat’s extensive resources more attractive and accessible to a global audience”.
Designed and manufactured in France, Robert Juliat’s high end lighting equipment enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide, and includes followspots, profiles, PCs, Fresnels and new LED fixtures. A comprehensive range of Robert Juliat lighting solutions can be seen by visiting the new website at
www.robertjuliat.com