Four Seasons Hotel Sydney install Martin MX-10 Scanners

Posted on Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

When AV Partners took over managing the audio visual department for Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel on January 1^st 2010 the first thing they set about doing was a total refit of all the audio visual elements.

”We refurbished every meeting and conference room, plus the Grand Ballroom, from an audio visual perspective,” commented Nigel Taylor of AV Partners. “We’ve installed sixty Martin MX-10 scanners into the Grand Ballroom so that we can pin spot tables very easily. The Martin MX-10’s are located within the ceiling so that you can’t actually see the technology rather just a hole in the ceiling. The MX10’s mirror is positioned above that hole so that we can shine its light down onto the table below. It means that the room doesn’t look cluttered with technology and that was always the aim.”

Since installation Nigel reports that the MX10’s have performed admirably and he particularly favours their brightness.

“We can get some really nice effects onto the tables and they have been very, very popular with clients for creating an overall room impact,” he added. “The colours that we can get out of them plus the intensity of the light that we can pull out of them, really adds to the show side of productions. The fact that they’re intelligent and programmable means that you can have different states at different times, what ever sort of event that you’re having they’re very flexible.”

Nigel also states that their usual preference is to run the Martin MX10’s from a MA Lighting grandMA, definitely their console of choice.

www.showtech.com.au

C-Duced by Anolis

Posted on Monday, March 15th, 2010

C-Duce is one of the newest additions to hit Melbourne’s Southbank address, which has been a hotspot for partygoers for many years. Lighting & Sound Design (LSD) were the official AV and lighting installers of this new club, choosing Anolis as the LED light of choice. LSD’s Chris McDowall selected to install 49 Anolis ArcSource6 LED downlight fixtures across the back bar display, in the foyer wa­ter feature, and also along the wall of the VIP lounge area. These are all powered from an Anolis ArcPower 144 and ArcPower 36 driver’s.

This recent award winning product, the e:cue Light Drive Elite, with its simple intuitive interface, was installed to control the lighting. This new touch sensitive controller allows the lighting to be adjusted by a simple scroll of the touch sensitive colour wheel for anything from colour temperature to sequences – all plug and play.

Chris has also limited the range of colours to a few key warm tones that compliment the aesthetics of the venue, however the fixtures are certainly capable of a lot more. Says Chris “There’s ‘LED’ and then there’s LED! These Anolis LEDs are from a European manufacturer – the colours that come out of them are warm colours — not ‘casino’ colours. There are cheap LEDs around, but the reds are very red, and same with the greens, it’s like Christmas tree lighting. When you show clients the differ­ence, they can see how good Anolis products are showing warmth and depth. Anolis makes a big difference. I like using Anolis wherever possible”

On the dance floor LSD installed 4 x iMove 250Spots, 4 x MatrixLEDs and a Centrelight with controller, all from ULA’s SDVpro range. Chris and LSD have seen the transformation of lighting styles for hospitality venues from effects lighting to LEDs. “In the last five years, everything’s gone from mov­ing lights and effects to LEDs, because of what you can do with colour-changing. LEDs are the way of the future because of their low maintenance and long life.”

www.ulagroup.com

Revel in Ravál with Show Technology

Posted on Friday, March 12th, 2010

Ravál, located at the top of the stairs above Sydney’s historic Macquarie Hotel, is a purpose built entertainment venue and cocktail bar designed to house a variety of live entertainment including music, cabaret, burlesque, theatre and comedy.

The intimate size, comfy surrounds and fantastic production make for an entertainment experience unlike any other in Sydney. Its’ small stage needed a compact yet versatile lighting system and Luke Everingham of Everingham Audio delivered with a neat, tidy and cost effective package from Show Technology.

Installed above the lush velvet curtains backing the stage are six Pro Shop LED Strips that colour wash the stage along with six standard Kupo Par56 cans and a Kupo Profile HO has been supplied to be used as a follow spot. The LED Strips feature 252 ultra bright LEDs divided into three segments that can be controlled separately. The unit can also be used as a strobe and the on board dimmer allows accurate electronic control of the light output.

Four of the new and improved Planet One Mark II dimmers are used featuring simple DMX control interface, preset dim levels, dimming limits and switching options, and newly developed software that ensures the dimming curve is as smooth as ever.

A Martin Freekie controller was chosen for its’ easy-to-use features and with its’ ability to control up to twelve fixtures, each with twelve channels – plus a smoke and strobe button you can customize to control two additional DMX units – it was the ideal option for this venue.

www.showtech.com.au

Blue Water Black Magic

Posted on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

The official tribute honouring an iconic New Zealand mariner was officially opened on Saturday 12 December 2009 at Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum located at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. Blue Water Black Magic – A Tribute to Sir Peter Blake provides a world class and engaging museum experience where notions of teamwork, leadership, global thinking and responsibility are explored in simple, interactive ways.   The tribute explores these characteristics as well as profiling many other key players, innovative designers and thinkers in New Zealand’s boating industry.

Centred on NZL32 Black Magic, the boat on which Team New Zealand led by Sir Peter won the America’s Cup in 1995 suspended by its own rigging from the near seven storey high central atrium the exhibition winds up over three levels in a superb Pete Bossley Architects-designed wing of the Museum.

Renowned exhibition designers Workshop e were responsible for the building and installation of the exhibition content specifying only Selecon luminaires for the exhibition lighting: 75 x Selecon Wing Wall Washers with barndoors and UV filters, 202 Aureol BeamSpots with UV filters, 30x Aureol BeamSpots and 46 x tungsten halogen Selecon Display Profiles .

Workshop e director, Az James, who as overall Project Manager for the exhibition, is well placed to comment on how the Selecon luminaires enhanced the exhibition, “I was extremely pleased with the way the selected Selecon fittings worked with the aesthetics of the exhibition and the architecture.  The Selecon Wing Wall Washers, Aureol BeamSpots and BeamShapers worked extremely well with the new Selecon Display Profile units, providing us with the flexibility we needed within such a complex exhibition situation which combined areas of both controlled and uncontrolled natural light.   The colour and form of the luminaires fitted well with the general exhibition spaces, while the black finish of the new SDPs blended flawlessly with the imposing centrepiece – NZL32.
The advice and technical support provided by the Phillips Selecon team was also invaluable throughout the design and installation processes.”

For one of the Workshop e team, this exhibition could not have been a more personal experience.  Sarah-Jane Blake was a teenager when her father was shot and killed by pirates on 6 December 2001 while he was on an environmental exploration trip in South America, monitoring global warming and pollution for the United Nations. Each and every item on display at Blue Water Black Magic is of deep significance to her and she was instrumental in mounting and focusing the lighting for all of them.

“In the huge space that was to be BWBM I spent weeks up and down the ladder arranging the lights. Assembling the lights was very simple as I had never used them before but every step was logical and clear. The lights then fitted into the tracks with ease and could be switched with no hardship to the particular circuit and wattage they had to run on. I am a petite female (slightly lacking in muscle) but did not have a problem when hanging the lights. The three different types of lights we used performed to my high expectations in focusing on different objects and creating various washes of light. In the exhibition which was formed of sculptural objects of many sizes (lots of boats), small objects in acrylic cases and writing and images on wall panels and I found the Selecon Lights could be manipulated easily to lighting all of these,” comments Sarah-Jane.

Philips Selecon is extremely proud to have been involved in this epic acknowledgement for one of New Zealand’s greatest heroes.

www.seleconlight.com

DTS at Edith Cowan University

Posted on Thursday, February 4th, 2010

During the recent refit of the TV Studio at Edith Cowan University in the Perth suburb of Mt Lawley, John Culverhouse of Ashton Admor was asked to put forward a recommendation and solution for the studio. Wanting to use the latest technology he looked to the Perth Hills SVL office for advice on DTS led fixtures and what would be the most suitable solution to be used for the cyclorama lighting.

The DTS Fos33 led fixtures were then chosen and demonstrated to the studio manager who gave them the stamp of approval.

The DTS Fos33 led fixtures offered a number of benefits over the traditional the cyclorama using incandescent lights and this appealed to the studio. The FOS bars offered the ability to have a full range of colours controlled via DMX. This meant no more gels and gels changes offering a saving in labour costs and turnaround time for the studio. Other significant benefits included the low heat emissions, low power consumption reducing the energy consumption of the studio.

A total of five banks of DTS FOS 33’s were supplied and installed with each bank consisting of a wide, medium and narrow lens. This ensured a complete even coverage over the Cyc. Also supplied were five FOS33 tri bracket and a DTS Z1 power supply.

“The result is very pleasing” said John, “I am really impressed with the coverage and ease of use of the FOS 33’s. The support of Hills SVL and Lighthouse Distribution has been great right through the complete process”.

www.lighthousedistribution.com.au

Anolis Performs at QPAC

Posted on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

The Queensland Government has recently invested $34 million dollars to refurbish the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), located in Brisbane’s South Bank.

This is the first major renovation since the opening of QPAC in 1985. The refurbishment has included new seating, the latest in lighting technology and improved acoustics for the 2,000-seat Lyric Theatre and the 1,800-seat Concert Hall, as well as new public spaces such as bars, café’s and foyers.

Anolis was one of the high powered LED lights specified in the Concert Hall, Lyric Theatre and ground level bars, due to its robust finish, high quality and reputation for high performance – not only in Australia but throughout the world. Anolis LED fixtures are known for their long life, low power consumption and low maintenance.

“The choice of LED fixtures provides an overall reduction in power consumption, so for many projects today is an instant ‘first choice’. Add to that the excellent performance and effect that can be quite easily achieved with the Anolis LED solution, and it is not difficult to demonstrate the value proposition – particularly in large venues like QPAC”, says Sales Manager Blair Terrace.

All lighting designs and specifications were by AECOM senior lighting designer, Rick Morrison, in collaboration with QPAC’s Lighting Department “As an example”, Blair continues, “The QPAC Concert Hall can change mood and theme virtually at will, with subtle changes in the colour and intensity of the Anolis ArcLine strips that Rick Morrison has specified. Patrons have a new experience with every production they attend, even before the curtain goes up”.  Rick has made use of Anolis on numerous applications.

Over 50 Anolis Arcline36 Optic RGB strips were installed in the Concert Hall for roof and wall washing, as well as underneath the foyer bars of the Lyric Theatre and Concert Hall giving seamless illumination. Anolis ArcSource 7 Warm White fixtures were installed over the tops of the bar for an even rich and warm glowing effect. In addition, 40 SGM Palco’s were used on the platforms for ceiling and organ lighting.

In total, 14 Anolis Drivers were used, comprising Anolis ArcPower 360 DMX, Anolis ArcPower 144 and Anolis ArcPower 36, to control the fixtures in the Concert Hall. Utilizing high powered Luxeon Emitters, the Anolis Arcline36 Optic RGB strip is designed and made with the highest quality of interchangeable optical systems ensuring that the desired effect can be achieved in the widest range of architectural application possibilities.

QPAC’s Manager – Lighting, Doug Brimblecombe says that the Anolis product has proved to be very reliable and achieved really good outcomes in terms of creating a feel or environment for patrons.

“We had a few strips left over from the project, so I purchased some extra controllers and have started using them in the venues as part of the theatrical equipment. Being such a small footprint they fit into sets well where other products would not. The output is good and although the control is not typical of theatre control, it is easy to use. The most recent example of its use was for the production of Eurobeat – Almost Eurovision under the main stage riser. It was a tight space, but the Anolis strips gave the impression that the stage was floating ,” says Doug.

www.ulagroup.com

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins renovates Ballrooms with Show Technology

Posted on Friday, December 18th, 2009

Award-winning Sofitel Melbourne On Collins now offers extraordinary new venues following the completion of major renovations to its conference spaces on the 1st and 35^th levels, setting a new standard in unparalleled flexibility from one of Melbourne’s largest integrated conference hotels.

Once known as The Terrace, the La Trobe Ballroom has evolved from an open terrace to self-contained ballroom with the addition of a roof and sound proofing for maximum quiet and focus. Striking in its height and elevation, the ‘sky light to black-out’ feature ceiling is as technically impressive as it is spectacular. Centrally controlled via touch pad, presentations remain commanding with automatic audio-visual equipment whilst theming is equally instantaneous with special lighting features. A dedicated kitchen and inbuilt service bar, provides the most efficient catering service with a world class menu. Décor is vibrant, modernistic and slightly retro with colours predominantly neutral to earthy tones with hints of red.

At the end of the first floor promenade in its private position is the Fitzroy Ballroom, formerly The Carillon room. Rich in ambience and design, the room is pillarless for optimal vantage and enhanced capacity and features state of the art capabilities including individual table lighting. The especially designed carpet and wallpaper in colours of deep aubergine with hints of rose gold make this is a room that reflects a refined sense of style, elegance and occasion.

In house audio visual suppliers Audio Visual Dynamics are delighted with their new surrounds and are particularly enthused by their new lighting system in the La Trobe Ballroom which includes thirty-eight Martin MX-10 scanners.

“They’re still the best lighting product on the market for this type of installation,” said Lynton Gellatly, group operations manager. ”They colour the walls, ceiling, floors as well as the tables. They’re bright, punchy, fast and also quiet. They’re a cost effective unit too.”

The ceiling of the La Trobe Ballroom features triangular shapes and it was designed around the MX-10 so that they can be masked from view. A series of trenches through the ceiling hide the MX-10’s as well as the speakers.

”You don’t know that the MX-10’s are there until they start doing their tricks,” remarked Lynton. “The Fitzroy Ballroom was not so extensively refurbished and consequently the MX-10s hang in full view.”

Both the La Trobe Ballroom and the Fitzroy Ballroom utilize a dozen Pro Shop LED par cans each.

”I just needed something to light the dance floors,” said Lynton. “They provide flash and colour in the centre but are reasonably discreet in their appearance. Bang for buck, you can’t beat them.”

An MA Lighting grandMA ultra light was purchased for control in La Trobe whilst a grandMA micro was chosen for the Fitzroy.

”I have a long history with grandMA consoles and I’ve always been a fan of them,” remarked Lynton. “It’s a proven console and is very common so it’s easy to find operators. Basically, there’s been no need to want to change. I also like to keep things fairly uniform supplier wise. Show Technology has always looked after me well as a buyer and I’m a loyal supporter.”

Whilst Lynton specified and designed the lighting system credit must go to Sash Borizovski who installed the gear and made everything happen.

www.showtech.com.au

VuePix™ for C3 Church

Posted on Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

C3 Church is located on the north side of Brisbane and is a part of the C3 Church movement worldwide. C3 Church has close to 3000 members that attend regularly at many services connecting with the local community.

Music & Technical Director Steve Ryan was looking for a new addition to his lighting rig that brought the ‘Wow’ factor. Steve says, “ I took a trip with my sales rep from Brisbane Sound to
the ULA showroom on the Gold Coast to see a demonstration of the VuePix™ P25 LED mesh panels. The wow factor of these LED panels was definitely what we were looking for – they were just amazing and the effects that could be achieved with the software were outstanding! We immediately knew that these were exactly what we wanted”.

Steve said they were tossing up whether to use Plasma Screens scattered across the stage, a projection to the back wall or LED screens. Steve says – “After the demonstration we were sold that day”.

The VuePix™ display is classified as a part of the lighting rig and is used to run graphics through when there are performances on stage. The images projected on the panels whether they be abstract graphics, video footage, still pictures or text – all serve to enhance the atmosphere of a meeting combined with the use of lighting colours and movements.

Everyone’s first impression of the VuePix™ display was – ‘how impressive!’. Steve says “Everyone has loved the new VuePix™ addition to our lighting rig. We have several hundred people, both members of our church and general public hiring our venue using the facilities each week and without fail we have received comments on the ‘awesomeness’ of these LED mesh panels. We are really happy with this investment.”

www.ulagroup.com

MA goes to Deakin University

Posted on Monday, December 7th, 2009

Earlier this year, Deakin University was looking for a lighting control package, a video control package and networking solution to enhance its performance spaces and studio control. MA Lighting and ArKaos were able to supply a simple solution for the lot.

When Lighting Designer Scott Allan is not lighting the stages of theatre world, he can be found leading the Technical Group and managing specialised projects for the Arts Faculty at Deakin University, in Melbourne. Scott has been contracted to the University for the past five years and successfully balances this along side his Lighting Design career.  

During 2009, Scott designed and developed an interactive digital gallery – the Phoenix Gallery – to meet the Faculty’s growing demands of displaying digital art works. This includes most of the final outcomes from the areas of Graphic Design, Animation, Motion Capture, Photography, Film and Television. The Phoenix Gallery is a hybrid exhibition space, where traditional art works can be viewed along side digital screens or projections with ease.  

The University also has five performance spaces each equipped with significant patching, dimming and rigging infrastructure, but relied on localised control. By introducing an advanced MA network, and sectioning off each discrete space as an “MA world”, users can access the same control equipment to control any one space, from any location.

Scott’s experience in MA control goes back to 2001 when he purchased the first grandMA in Australia, installed into a permanent theatrical environment for the Gold Coast Arts Centre. Scott and Russell Jones then continued to expand the Arts Centre’s MA networks and infrastructure.   For Deakin University, Scott designed a wireless control system that leverages off the MA control applications for Wi-Fi using On-PC, iphone and ipod Touch.

The control upgrade was necessary to control the video integration in the art galley and for the large amount of digital scenography used in the live productions by the Dance and Drama departments. The control system comprises an MA Ultra-Light, two two-port nodes, two ArKaos Media Servers, five Mac-Mini’s and a Mac Book Pro. The Phoenix Gallery has LAN switchable 8-in, 8-out video and audio patching that can be sent to 24 locations in the space. There are four permanently installed 50″ LED displays, three pre-wired mobile display-walls and the ability to project images onto any surface, including the three large Barrisol sails which hang overhead.

These can be backlit by LEDs and Scott chose eight Studio Due Archi-LED. Both general lighting and traditional gallery lighting were sourced from Selecon’s Aureol range. Fifty Zoomspots and eighteen Wall Washes hang off three suspended rectangular trusses, which include a custom patching system. ELC panels are set up as remote DMX triggers, providing one-touch solutions for visitors, work light and pre-programmed exhibition scenes and cues.

LSC dimmers power the gallery and the space doubles as the foyer entry for all the performance spaces so Scott continued the theatrical look of the rig with silver truss, black fittings, black roof and white screens.

Equipment for the project was supplied by Lightmoves.

www.showtech.com.au

Polishing the Jewel in the Crown

Posted on Monday, November 16th, 2009

Connections Nightclub gets balls!

Posted on Friday, November 6th, 2009

Perth-based Lux Events recently took delivery of thirty-six Pro Shop LED Balls 500mm with the intention of installing them into Connections Nightclub. However prior to the installation, the LED Balls were given a run for their money at the West Coast Eagles Gala Auction where they were positioned as a tiered chandelier in the middle of the room.

The guys at Lux Events decided that the LED Balls were the perfect thing for temporary or permanent decorative looks at corporate events or dance parties. Utilizing Tri-Colour LED technology, the 500mm sphere is super bright and saturated whilst remaining even across its surface. It features direct DMX and power connection reducing setup times making it perfect for that little bit of colour theming you have to do for the next show of yours. You can even think of it as an innovative piece of signage with the application of some stick on signs, you would have a real head turner.

But the LED Balls were promised to Connections Nightclub and so the events team had to say farewell and wish them well in their new home where they have continued to delight.

”We are running grandMA on PC with a playback wing and the LED balls are pixel-mapped from the grandMA with a MA Node 2,” explained Glen Hunter, Creative Director at Lux Events. “We’ve only just retired the previous control desk – an MA Scancommander! It’s amazing that it’s still going and has served us so well – a real testament to the brand. A matrix arrangement in an inverted pyramid design works in nicely with the LED balls interspersed through a large cluster of mirror-balls.”

www.showtech.com.au

JVG Joins The Society

Posted on Thursday, November 5th, 2009

The Society Bar is the new addition to the hip and funky tapas cocktail bars in Cairns’ CBD. Housing 250 patrons, the lighting designed and installed by JVG Sound & Visual’s North QLD branch – was designed to create a mood change from lunch to after work drinks – to dinner and then late night club atmosphere with a DJ.

47 x Visio LED RGBW/W were installed around the room all controlled by a VPower 600 and E:Cue Butler. Visio Warm White Flexi Tape is used underneath the bar areas for a seamless glowing effect, completing the look.

“This is the first time I have used the new LED architectural range – Visio -  in a venue and I found it was ‘Excellent’ and was very impressed with it when comparing it to the normal LED lights we have previously used. With the Society Bar having a low ceiling, the Visio lighting fixtures created a great lighting show to make the whole room change colour for when the DJ starts playing”, says Scott Miller from JVG.

Everyone has been really impressed with the enhancement of the Society Bar, especially the venue’s owner, Myles Minter. Myles said that the lighting in the Venue was just what he was looking for in light output and especially cost. “Having to work with a light budget – the Visio range of LED fixtures was excellent”, says Scott.

“This Visio product for the price is excellent and I will be using this product definitely again in the future. The colours that it produces are just as good as other LED products on the market but certainly more affordable to a wider range of potential applications. Working with venues and managers that are always changing the rooms around, the Visio lighting range is the most adaptable product JVG uses at this time for architectural lighting effects”, says Scott. 

www.visio.com.au

Auckland Museum Lights Up with Philips LED Technology for its 80th Birthday

Posted on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Philips Lighting is proud to announce its role in the upgrade of  one of New Zealand’s most stunning architectural and cultural landmarks, as Auckland Museum unveils a dramatic lighting transformation for the 80^th birthday celebrations of its building.  The striking installation designed by Light Emotion and specified by New Zealand’s Modus Architectural Lighting utilises Philips’ latest LED technology both inside and outside the Greco-Roman inspired building, as well as display lighting from Philips Selecon – the Museum’s luminaire manufacturer of choice –  throughout the interior.

Sitting atop the Domain, the Auckland Museum has watched the growth of New Zealand’s largest city below, whilst maintaining its relevance as a place of great historical significance.  Symbolising the cultural importance to New Zealand’s past, present and future, the Museum will now take centre-stage in the city’s night sky alight with bold and emotive colour, thanks to Philips’ state-of-the-art programmable and energy efficient LED lighting technology.

“We are illuminating the building, not only to honour its architectural magnificence, but to signify the importance of the Museum’s connection with the city. This iconic building should be seen from all vantage points throughout our city, and we are proud to illuminate it in an economically friendly and beautiful new way,” says Museum Director Dr Vanda Vitali. “We want to mark the building’s 80^th year and honour the War Memorial aspect of the Museum in a truly innovative manner.”

The Museum’s exterior installation utilises Philips ColorGraze® Powercore and ColorBlast® Powercore fixtures to light the neoclassical structure’s façade and columns. Through the use of these small, yet powerful LED lights the Museum can change the exterior’s look and feel simply with the touch of a button, enabling the Museum to enhance its profile on the city skyline and create new colorful illumination experiences for visitors throughout each year. 

“This installation marks the second major landmark that Philips has lit with LED technology in Auckland this year, following the upgrade to SkyCity’s SkyTower,” says Philips Electronics Australia and New Zealand CEO, Harry van Dyk.  “As a company whose heritage in New Zealand spans more than 80 years, and more recently the acquisition of award-winning luminaire manufacturer Selecon, Philips is immensely proud to play a role in transforming Auckland Museum, one of the country’s most important institutions.”

The two-part lighting upgrade also incorporates an interior upgrade, which includes creating a controllable, flexible environment in the Musuem’s foyer with Philips coloured LED technology, as well as the iW and eW Blast®  Powercore and eW Graze®  Powercore, energy efficient bright white LED solutions, enabling the space to be aesthetically changed for special events.

The current interior refurbishment also includes the installation of Philips Selecon’s award-winning Selecon Display Profile* high efficiency 35W metal halide model which combines exceptional light output and power savings with theatrical effect and functionality. Philips Selecon has supplied over 1000 luminaires since the 1990s, enhancing the visitor experience by adding colour, texture, shape and movement, while at the same time protecting and preserving the exhibits for future generations.  

The installation was designed by Light Emotion and specified in part by Modus Architectural Lighting.

www.philips.com

Sharks and Piranhas at Ladylux

Posted on Friday, October 30th, 2009

Sydney’s Lady Lux nightclub has undergone a sexy new transformation thanks to interior designer Thomas Bucich and audio visual supplier Night Works Audio.

Opened in 2003 by Proprietor Scott Bayly the venue ran successfully for five years before closing for complete renovations. The venue has reopened with a new level of sophistication and style; a lush mix of Baroque meets James Bond. New features in the club include a custom designed Piranha tank, custom one off carpet incorporating the Ladylux logo, an exclusive upholstered Absolut members room, state of the art technology and finishes all presented in a lush environment.

The low ceilings in the venue produced a challenge with the installation of the lighting for the dance floor area.

“This was particularly so because the owners were adamant that they wanted moving head fixtures,” said Simon Bell, director of Night Works Audio. “Most traditional moving head fixtures are much too big to use in these circumstances. We decided to use four Studio Due Shark 250 moving yokes for gobo and wash effects on the dance floor. The Sharks are great and really cost efficient too. They’re really powerful for a 250 watt fixture and for the price you get a lot of features such as rotating gobos and rotating prism. The Sharks also have some nice colours in them too and they don’t need a lot of maintenance.”

Simon also chose four Pro Shop LED Strips for the installation. All four fixtures are mounted within the sunken dance floor area yet face towards the bar area. 

“That way clientele at the bar can see them doing cool chases and other effects,” said Simon. “You can have then changing colour as a whole bar or changing them bit by bit.”

www.showtech.com.au

Melbourne Recital Centre Finds Flexibility With ETC

Posted on Thursday, October 15th, 2009

The Melbourne Recital Centre is somewhat of a unique venue, specializing in acoustic performances it is so much more than just another concert hall. Their lighting systems need to be robust and reliable, flexible yet simple.

”We strive for the highest quality in our presentations and try to offer a diverse lighting package to our clients,” remarked Jenny Abbott, lighting technician. “To maintain this high standard the corner stones of our system need to be infallible, powerful and yet simple to use. Since opening in February we have been relying on ETC’s EOS as the founding element in our lighting control network.

“Although the shows staged in our venues are often relatively simple from a lighting perspective we often present a different show every night and the lighting content can vary wildly within the space of a few hours. Due to our swift turnaround of shows there is often only a very small window of opportunity for plotting or making changes. All lighting decisions have to be made quickly and then implemented without disturbing the performer’s rehearsal. The Eos is a very ergonomic desk to use and adapts well to a number of differing plotting styles. The flexibility that the Eos provides means that we can tailor our desk setup to suit our needs specifically.”

The MRC has recently purchased an ETC Ion to compliment its Eos. The purchase of the Ion reflects the need for even greater flexibility; the aim being to be able to use the consoles in a number of configurations depending on the demands of the performances.

The primary function of the Ion is to control the lighting systems in their smaller space; the salon. This space is multipurpose used for concerts, rehearsals, recording and functions. Lighting control needs to be both simple to use and powerful.

“Often the space is used for a number of different events in one evening, for instance we use the space for pre concert talks and then during the first half of the show in the main space we turn the salon around into an interval drinks reception followed by a post concert dinner and function,” said Jenny. “Each event has its own lighting look and we try to create a different ambience in the room especially as some audience members will attend all three events.”

The Ion will also be used as a slave to the Eos in some instances so that, if needed, they can run shows in the EMH from a number of different positions around the venue by networking the two consoles via a Cat5 network.  This gives the ease of programming on a console without having to go to the trouble of repositioning the EOS.

The crew at MRC also benefit from ETC’s Client software which can be used for either off line editing or on line as a means to remotely access the desk and program from an alternative position in situations where it would not be appropriate to use one of the consoles.

“The client software is installed on two of the company laptops and once networked we can plot from anywhere in the building,” Jenny explained. “We often utilize the client software to make small adjustments from the prompt desk while minding rehearsals. This way we can update the show as requests are made by the artists and don’t have to worry about re-plotting at a later stage – it’s immediate.”

The MRC undertakes a number of corporate functions each season which occupy their foyers and the Ion is the perfect console to run these gigs. It’s small foot print means that it can be tucked away conspicuously and yet it’s powerful enough to cope with running a number of movers with little programming effort. Easily accessible effects and fixture selection means that cues can be plotted efficiently and left to run without the operator having to expend lavish amounts of time getting the kind of look required.

“We are exceedingly pleased with our ETC system and the ability to interchange and network elements to afford us the kind of flexibility and sustainability we need to maintain our fast moving program of events,” commented Jenny. “We’ve faced a number of trials and tribulations along the road to getting this venue open and running smoothly and I dare say that the journey is far from over, it is however a great help to have equipment which can be relied upon.”

www.jands.com.au

Martin Manias gives more bang to Morang

Posted on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

The Commercial Hotel in South Morang, Victoria, recently underwent a refurbishment including new lighting and sound in their night club. Nathan Pugh of One Productions didn’t hesitate to recommend Martin lighting for the disco dazzle.

Twelve Martin Mania SCX600 scanners were chosen for their incredible speed, brightness and reasonable pricing. Included are two interchangeable rotating glass gobos and 5 interchangeable rotating metal gobos along with 9 interchangeable colours and a split colour feature for added colour capability. What’s more, an additional 8 metal gobos are included for maximum image flexibility.

” The Mania SCX600 is a really powerful scanner with high quality optics,” said Nathan. “I also installed four Martin Mania EFX500 effects lights which have a great range of effects and patterns. The coverage is great and with smoke, they give a really nice effect

The Mania EFX500 features dazzling graphical looks from a combined colour and gobo wheel cast from a rotating and swiveling mirror drum. Other effects can be achieved through electronic dimming, strobe effects and manual focus. The result is a unique, high powered yet low priced effect light.

”Paul Nicolaou, Show Technology’s Victorian Branch Manager, programmed the Manias so you can get them all syncronized together and it looks amazing,” commented Nathan. “I recommended a Martin LightJockey for control as it’s so easy to set up and is pretty foolproof for the operator. One of the club owners actually does the lighting and he loves it. We’ve set it up so it’s all run through a touch screen computer which is all synchronized to the keyboard. It’s reliable and easy to programme.”

Nathan also installed Giga Strobes, mirror balls, UV effect lights and a Martin Magnum Hazer.

www.showtech.com.au

Telstra Tower Black Mountain

Posted on Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Rising 195 metres above the summit of Black Mountain, the Tower presents 360 degree views of Canberra and the surrounding rural area.

Now the Tower itself has become the view lighting up every night in a colourful display of illumination.

Raine & Horne Commercial Canberra, in conjunction with Telstra, have recently completed the Black Mountain Tower external lighting project using Show Technology’s expertise and their Studio Due ArchiLED lighting fixtures.

An investigation was conducted into alternative lighting methods during 2008 with an emphasis on power saving, reduced maintenance costs and the ability to control the lights by some other method.

Raine & Horne Commercial Canberra approached Affinity Electrical Technologies to better illuminate Black Mountain Tower with the possibility of using colour changing lighting. Their brief to Affinity Electrical included the necessity to significantly reduce the amount of power consumed to illuminate the Tower, the need to reduce the maintenance on the light fittings (due to the difficult access issues), and the ability to change colours for special events. So what perfect product can deliver long lamp life, minimal maintenance, low power consumption and also deliver millions of colours? A small size for easier installation would also be handy as would DMX capability. The answer is the Studio Due ArchiLED. 

The LED’s in the Studio Due ArchiLEDs are so bright and powerful they are ideal for larger colour flood applications such as Black Mountain Tower. The ArchiLEDs are fully IP rated, a necessity for this project, and have everything required such as the LED driver and power transformer on board. Furthermore its stainless steel construction ensures long term reliability in the most harsh of environments.

A Martin LightJockey was chosen for control and set to scheduler; this ensures that the lighting automatically switches on at twilight and then turn offs as a predetermined time.

Photos Veronika Sain

Bankstown District Sports Club’s new Grand Ballroom

Posted on Thursday, September 24th, 2009

Bankstown Sports Club, one of the leading event centres in Sydney’s south-west, has taken its events and banqueting facilities to a new level with the opening of the luxurious Grand Ballroom.

The lighting and sound system is at the forefront of technology and is, without doubt, the most technologically advanced system installed in any function venue in Sydney or indeed Australia. The effects lighting system alone has more automated lights per square metre than any other venue in Sydney. And it is no surprise that it is all Martin!

The lighting and audio-visual consultants Haron Robson were required to provide a lighting system that could satisfy all the requirements of the multiple uses that this facility offers, such as exhibitions, conferences, corporate promotions, weddings, dinners and even major performance by international artists.

To do this they had to design a multi-purpose integrated house and effects lighting system with a sophisticated yet simple to operate control system.

As well as multipurpose general house lighting there is a stunning array of Martin effects lighting that has been designed to work harmoniously with the house lighting with each system working to enhance the performance of the other.

 The Martin effects lighting system comprises six large motorised diamond-shaped trusses (manufactured and supplied by Design Quintessence) surrounding six smaller inner diamond-shaped trusses housing sixty Martin smartMAC, eight Martin MAC250 Entour, and sixteen Martin MX10 Extreme controlled by a grandMA console.

With this comprehensive set up of Martin effects lighting the venue has been given extreme flexibility; tables can be lit with multiple colours and patterns, including logos, the walls and ceiling can be coloured in any colour you desire and multiple rotating gobos patterns can be projected on the walls, the floor and the ceilings.

”The Martin smartMACs have no fans and therefore no noise,” commented Glen Haron, managing director of Haron Robson. “This is imperative for corporate events. This also allows for less maintenance or potential for breakdown. Improved optics, easy gobo change for corporate logos, energy efficient running and a 9,000 hour lamp-life provide endless possibilities for lighting shows to support the various types of activities in the room.”
 The low power draw of the effects lighting and the on/off functions being controlled by the AMX system means that the power is only on when the system is being used, with no stand-by power drain. The improved optics and lamp type of the smartMAC is 40% more efficient than any other equivalent fixture type.

”Working closely with the project manager – Paynter Dixon Constructions – we have help create a venue that was easy for the AV contractor to install and that is now easy for the operator to run,” concluded Glen Haron. “We got this result because we understand the business of venues, building design and electrical technologies – a unique package. At Bankstown Sports the client had a dream, not a nightmare, and we made it so.”

The lighting, rigging and lighting control systems were supplied and expertly installed by Saltec, ‘Saltec have installed a complex lighting system and the end result is hard to fault. It is currently the best Ball room installation project I’ve seen” stated Mark McInnes from Show Technology.

 www.showtech.com.au

Anolis brings the Pier Bar to life

Posted on Friday, September 18th, 2009

click on image to enlarge
  

The Pier Bar & Grill has possibly the most enviable location in Cairns, overlooking the water across the Coral Sea to incoming boats and yachts.
The Pier hospitality is down to earth with a large open deck filling with locals and tourists housing 350 patrons.

 The Pier Bar & Grill made the conscious decision to invest in further cost efficient Anolis LED lighting, to add mood and ambience into the venue, as well as reduce power consumption and maintenance. JVG Sound Lighting & Visual was approached to supply and install the lighting. JVG’s North Queensland Sales Manager Scott Miller along with Pier Bar & Grill Owner John Hassler designed the lighting scheme to suit the venues needs.

A quantity of Anolis ArcSource 6 RGB Warm White fixtures were used above all the mirrors and columns around the venue and around the pool table area, beaming with rich colours setting ambience. Anolis Arclink RGB was used for high output in the feature lamps shades throughout the venue providing a seamless rich glow of colour.

“The patron’s love the results as the room looks over the inlet of Cairns and at night the lighting changes with the setting of the sun which truly sets the room off”, says Scott. All Anolis fixtures were powered by Anolis ArcPower 16×6 and ArcPower 144 LED control drivers, and controlled via an E:Cue Excite +. “The Anolis additions have definitely created a more relaxing atmosphere for people to come in and enjoy a nice ice cold beer and glass of wine whilst watching the sunset”, says Scott.

On the dance floor area Robe ColorSpots 170AT project bright colours and effects on the floor giving a vast array of visual effects. Scott says “John wanted the best in LED lighting, and Anolis was the best choice. With JVG using them in a lot of installs in the past (Consortium Townsville & Cocktails and Dreams on the Gold Coast), I said Anolis was the way to go. The colours that they produce – like the reds and blues are so bright and deep. Overall they are an excellent and reliable fixture. The Robes 170AT were existing fixtures but the light output from them and gobo and colours are amazing!”

Photos by 23Frames

www.ulagroup.com

Gympie’s Victory Church sees the light

Posted on Thursday, September 17th, 2009

click on image to enlarge
  

Johannes Solymosi, all-round technician at Gympie’s Victory Church, can’t stop raving about his latest lighting package from Brisbane Sound Group; Martin SCX700 scanners, Pro Shop LED Strips and a JEM Magnum hazer.

”I sort of know what I wanted,” said Johannes. “I wanted some kind of moving lights and I guessed that scanners were the way to go as we didn’t need too much movement with pan and tilt as it’s basically just keeping the light on the stage. I discussed my requirements with Chris Hayes from Brisbane Sound Group and we decided that six scanners would be ideal for the size of the stage.”

Chris suggested that Johannes opt for the Martin SCX700 scanners especially as their brightness seemed just right for side of the stage.

”I also wanted a well known brand such as Martin to ensure back up service,” added Johannes. “The SCX700’s offer a variety of possibilities like moving pan and tilt macros if you need to do something instantly. We use the scanners in conjunction with the Magnum hazer which works very well in our setting – the beams of the scanners come out very nicely in the haze. Initially I was concerned how this would work in a church and I didn’t plan on getting a fog machine as they’re too thick and too obvious. Chris showed me the Magnum hazer and I found that if it is on the minimum setting there is just enough haze in the air to see the rays but not too much for church-goers. It’s just the right amount and I’m really happy with it.”

The church already owned a few Pro Shop LED Strips but Johannes wanted to purchase enough to fill the entire stage backdrop so now they own sixteen of the popular units.

”We also purchased fourteen PAR56 LED’s for texture on the backdrop and that works well too and gives the back wall extra depth,” he said.

www.showtech.com.au

Martin smartMACs provide Function Flexibility at Dockside

Posted on Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

Dockside & L’Aqua have undergone a complete transformation, with exquisitely decorated interiors designed by award-winning and renowned interior designer Michael McCann of Dreamtime Australia Design.

In the absence of a stark, clinical feel often achieved by some large venues, McCann has created three highly desirable stylish, world-class venues, creating an atmosphere with a competitive edge. All venues offer variable set-up styles, spacious balcony breakout areas and state-of-the art audiovisual facilities, and are poised to welcome the first guests to experience the glamour and luxury in the beautifully redecorated venues.

A beautiful venue needs atmosphere and that can be achieved with clever use of intelligent lighting but no one wants to see big, black fixtures hanging from the ceiling. Fortunately Silas Creel, managing director of the Dockside’s in-house audio visual company Impact AV, knew just the solution: the white smartMAC that blends into it’s setting with ease.

The smartMAC is a 150 watt moving head profile that outperforms many of its 250 watt rivals and offers unprecedented reliability, longer service intervals, total silence and smaller power bills. The smartMAC is an extremely bright profile light and image projector, the most efficient profile luminaire available in its class.

”Another important reason why we chose the smartMAC is because of the low three-metre high ceiling,” remarked Silas. “As the smartMAC comes with a 25 degree lens, you get a nice wide spread despite the short throw.”

Silas was also impressed by the smartMAC’s ability to perform silently without fan noise.

“They are super quiet and as we have forty smartMAC’s – often all on at the same time – just above people’s heads that’s important!” he said. “They are a pricey light but they are well worth the money.

”I also like the gobo set up – the ability to pull a card in and out is quite a handy piece of technology.”

With the smartMAC you change colour filters and gobos easily without tools simply by lifting the dedicated cover – this is a unique, patent pending Martin solution that lets you customize gobos for events, create your own unique mood, or throw your logo or name on any surface.

Silas favours the smartMACs ability to conduct heat away from the head, keeping the front of the luminaire cool and also the fact that it comes with a long-life lamp.

”The smartMAC offers a lot of flexibility from projecting corporate logos around the room to table washes and also it is very effective for doing show performances.”

www.showtech.com.au

The Haymarket Hotel awash with Pro Shop and Pulsar LED’s

Posted on Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

Situated in Sydney’s China Town, the Haymarket Hotel is a refreshing and opulent venue crafted within a heritage listed building that was once a bank.

The main bar on the ground floor features the original bank teller counter to form the framework for the centre piece bar. A light and airy feel embodies this area with beautifully restored marble paneling and six-metre high leadlight, detailed ceilings offset with simple elegant furniture. Dry bars frame the main bar for those wanting a casual gathering space, whilst gorgeously decadent brass bead drapes and bronze mirror ceilings encase intimate alcove booth seating.

Saltec was commissioned to design and install all audio visual components and the highlight of their installation has to be the massive amount of LED lighting used within the venue including an amazing 520 x Pro Shop LED Strips! The LED strips are artfully located within tracks located inside the ornate cornices from where they very slowly scroll through eight chosen colours. So slowly you can imagine having a few drinks and swearing you came into a green venue not a blue one! Only one colour is used at a time reflecting the classic ambience of the interiors. Rather than clashing with the heritage building, the LED lighting actually brings out the character of the building in a successful case of new technology enhancing something old.

“It’s really designed to create a mood not to be flashy,” said Stephen. “Mark McInnes from Show Technology worked very hard with us on this project and must have been on site at least thirty times during the design phase and installation.”

Seven Pulsar ChromaLights are used to highlight beams across the ceiling as well as columns and are programmed to match the main LED colours. A Pulsar ChromaZone controls the ChromaLights whilst eight LED controllers/drivers with power supplies take care of the LED strips.

Attention to detail is carried outside where two Studio Due ArchiLEDs are used to colour wash the back entrance of the hotel. The front entrance needs nothing else as being glass the colourful venue is like a beacon to passing traffic on busy George Street.

One of the wall panels within the Haymarket Hotel has been turned into moving art by the use of MOODTV projected by an Epson G5350 projector chosen because it can shoot off-centre. Combined with the LED lighting the resulting effect is tasteful and interesting yet not distracting.

www.showtech.com.au

Brisbane’s Skyneedle is revived with light

Posted on Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

The Skyneedle, a prominent feature of the Brisbane skyline, was constructed especially for World Expo 88.

The 88 metre tall landmark was earmarked for relocation to Tokyo Disneyland (following the completion of Expo ‘88). However, hairdresser Stefan Ackerie stepped in and purchased the Skyneedle, which was then relocated to the Stefan HQ at South Brisbane. After purchase, Stefan added his firm’s signature rainbow rings logo to the top of the tower with the aid of neon.

However on 4 November 2006, the Skyneedle was fire damaged due to an electrical fault, this incident being the second of its kind after a similar fire had broken out in 1988. Subsequent investigations have found that the fault was most likely caused by bird droppings.

Earlier this year Stefan began action to repair and revitalize the Skyneedle with plans to produce a fabulous light show. He approached Chameleon Touring Systems in Brisbane who in turn asked Adam White, Show Technology’s Queensland Branch Manager, for his expert advice.

After consultation, it was decided that Pro Shop LED Strips and Studio Due ArchiLEDs were the ideal solution. Consequently fifty Pro Shop LED Strips ring the top of the structure and are programmed to run eighteen hours a day. The eight ArchiLEDs are placed above that from where they can light up the sphere on top of the structure. The automated control is by a pair of ELC showStore XLan controllers with the show programmed by a grandMA console.

”There are a few different programs including a couple using just a single colour around the entire top ring,” explained Adam. “From a far distance, say a few kilometers away, you couldn’t really see the finer stuff and it just looked like a coloured blob. So we decided upon a single colour look for about fifteen minutes followed by a rainbow show which looks better to the people closer to it.”

www.showtech.com.au

Studio Due Shark 150’s transform venue

Posted on Monday, August 17th, 2009

The Shelbourne is a hybrid venue comprised of four bars, a courtyard, lounge and the newly refurbished Linq Restaurant on the third level. Following a classy refurbishment, this third level venue has been launched as a stylish corporate lunch spot, known as Linq Bar & Restaurant. It’s an elegant space for networking indeed, with its fashionable brick feature walls, dark carpets, black tables and white couches. And of course there are fabulous harbour views panning over Cockle Bay Wharf, too.

Those familiar with that level pre-makeover won’t recognise the space. Textured walls, dark carpet and leather couches combine to create an immediately more comfortable room which is also available for parties and events in the evening.

Beyond AV were asked to bring the space to life with unparalleled audio and lighting. For when the venue morphs from a chic restaurant into party central, there are two Studio Due Shark 150 moving heads bringing the dance floor to life.

These small fixtures are big on performance and fast. Completely manufactured in light alloy and plastic material, the Shark 150 is ideal for small-medium nightclubs supplying a myriad of colours and effects. A custom made gobo of the Linq Bar & Resaurant logo has been made one for each of the Sharks and these are projected around the room. Two Geni Colour Changers add some more colour whilst an ELC wall mounted 12 button controller supplies an easy control option.

www.showtech.com.au

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Goes Robe

Posted on Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre has increased their moving light inventory investing in Robe ColorSpot 700E AT’s and Robe ColorWash 700E AT’s.

Located riverside at Southbank, The BCEC is a world-class purpose-built venue renowned for its operational and service excellence. The Centre is located in a unique urban cultural and entertainment precinct in the heart of Brisbane’s famous Southbank precinct. With numerous awards, the Centre is officially ranked among the top three convention centres worldwide by the Association Internationale des Palais de Congres (AIPC).

The BCEC has a comprehensive inventory of equipment and range of services, with one of the largest in house production companies in Queensland. When the BCEC was given the ‘go a head’ to purchase the latest technology for their moving light inventory, the choice was easy says Michael Kelly, Lighting Supervisor from the BCEC. “We could see that the popularity of the Robe fixtures in the market – particularly the 700 series – was growing, and they are great value for money.

Michael’s first impression of the Robe ColorSpot 700E AT fixtures – ‘Geez Their Bright!’ Continuing he says “The 700’s are a great design, especially the way the menus are set up on the screen with ease of use. We found the 700’s to be a quiet fixture compared to others and we were impressed with the innovative dual road cases supplied also.”

Left to Right : Robert Fraser, Mathew Burke, Michael Hughes, Michael Kelly, Blair Terrace (ULA Group), Ryan Codner

The technical staff at the BCEC said they have been very impressed with the Robe ColorSpot 700E AT. In particular, the colour wheel and colour mixing with amber and red are quite strong with clean colours produced. The Robe ColorWash 700E AT has a great frost over and above the 200mm Fresnel lens, giving a nice even diffusion of light. The BCEC staff have found that the beam control seem a lot smoother and pronounced, when compared to other fixtures.

The BCEC use these fixtures mostly for event staging. “The Robe fixtures were purchased so we truly had a professional entertainment lighting rig that is versatile, and can be moved around our larger venues such as the Great Hall, Ballroom or Exhibition Halls”, says Michael.

Michael continues, “The level of service and support has been excellent throughout the whole process of our Robe purchase. All enquires have been dealt with in a fast and efficient manner”.

The BCEC’s first event using their complete Robe ColorSpot and Wash 700E AT rig was for the Zig Zag Charity Ball in the Great Hall. At the rear of the stage, there were 8 Robe ColorSpots 700E AT’s – 4 along the rear truss and 4 placed on stage. Further Robe ColorWashes were placed on the FOH Truss to cover the room and for Cyc Wash. “It was amazing the impact of just two lights projecting on a 25mx9m rear Cyc!” says Michael. A circle truss was also positioned in the centre of the room with 700 Washes, along with mirror balls and other moving lights. “During the night the Robe ColorWash 700E AT’s from the circle truss would project on the dance floor during acts making it easily with one wash, when we were use to putting up 4 Fresnel’s to do the same area”, said Michael.

Lighting Operator, Michael Hughes says “The wide zooms, bright output and variable CTO function from the Robe ColorSpot and Wash 700E AT’s will really be a great addition to our rig”.

www.ulagroup.com