Lots of Watts give the thumbs up to Wireless Solutions and W-DMX
Recently LSC Lighting Systems announced that they had been appointed as the sole Australian and New Zealand distributor for Wireless Solutions – the wireless DMX solutions company.
At the Entech tradeshow LSC were previewing the ingenious W-DMX products to much acclaim. W-DMX is very different from most other wireless DMX systems, as it is not based on Wi-Fi. Instead it uses its own proprietary format and spreads the data over 200 channels to ensure reliable operation in even the worst possible conditions. One company that decided to trial a system was renowned Sydney-based hire company Lots of Watts.
“Here at Lots of Watts we had tried and tested a few wireless DMX systems over the years without much success,” stated Daniel Monro from Lots of Watts. “That is until we saw the new W-DMX system at Entech. We thought we would give the system a run for its money at Hillsong Church's recent album recording at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.”
Daniel admits that the SEC is a venue in which they had tried many other wireless DMX systems before, with the result being nothing more than grief.
“It would result in us having to run a lead up to the roof to make the system work,” he said. “This time around, with the W-DMX units, we installed the receiver in the roof of the main arena to supply data for all the moving lights covering the audience, with the transmitter sitting at dimmer-land. Once the transmitter was synched up to the receiver (which took less than 10 seconds), the system worked very well with little delay in response time.”
Daniel reports that the system did not miss a beat throughout the rehearsal and show and that it was very easy to set up and run.
“The system worked so well that when we came in each day and powered up the system the units remained synched with each other,” he said. “The Lots of Watts crew was very impressed with the reliability of the system.”
www.lsclighting.com.au

Design Quintessence celebrates 10 years!
One of Australia’s leading truss and staging equipment suppliers, Design Quintessence, has just reached a significant milestone in celebrating their 10 th anniversary in business.
The company has evolved from humble beginnings as a small design consultancy in 1996 which began manufacturing MEC Truss under licence from the UK in 1997. Ten years on DQ is now representing some of the leading brands in the world in Global Truss, VMBTowerlifts and Encore road cases. Managing Director, Ian Wood, reflects on the past ten years, “We started manufacturing MEC Truss in response to what I thought was a real lack of designer friendly truss in Australia. It was a great product for us for a long time. The market has changed a lot in the last few years and so have we. Our current product range has helped us achieve tremendous growth in the last few years. It’s an exciting time for us.”
Apart from turning 10 years old, DQ has experienced a few other changes and other developments in the last few months…
New Website
They launched a brand new website after three months of development. Ian Wood makes a bold statement about the end result, “We believe it is the most comprehensive website for our market in Australia and one of the most comprehensive in the world.” He adds ”Visit dq.com.au and I’m sure you will find it very hard to disagree.”
Relocation
Continued growth has seen DQ’s stock levels increase dramatically so they have moved into a new office and warehouse in Auburn. “It’s a great working environment and our productivity and efficiency have already improved markedly,” says warehouse and production manager, Anthony Pergoliti. High stock levels are proving to be a major benefit for customers as lead times become shorter and shorter. Ian Wood reflects on the industry’s new way of doing business, “One of the changes we have seen in the last few years is the erosion of lead-times. Companies are now able to quote on projects for which they don’t have the gear but they know when the contract is awarded and the job is ready to go, Design Quintessence will have the gear in stock. We currently have more than 1800 truss pieces, 800 road cases and 75 Towerlifts in stock so we’re doing our very best to address everybody’s needs!”
Entech 2006
This year’s Entech exhibition turned out to be a very successful exhibition indeed for Design Quintessence. A simple but eye-catching stand saw the staff run off their feet with enquiries. Ian Wood was ecstatic with the result, “I was very surprised at how successful the exhibition was for us. We have been a part of our clients’ shows over the last ten years and, from our experience, you never know just how worthwhile an exhibition is going to be. For Design Quintessence, Entech was an outstanding success.”
www.dq.com.au

• New LED series of pinspots, PARs, tubes and towers
• New moving heads from Studio Due and Geni
• New MultiPARs from KUPO
• New intelligent effects and scanners from Martin
• New media server software from Arkaos

The PRO SHOP Catalogue and products are currently hitting the streets and will be available very soon from major professional lighting outlets across the country. You can view the new catalogue online now at www.showtech.com.au
For more information contact PRO SHOP segment manager, Darren McLanders;
Telephone: +61 2 9748 1122
Fax: +61 2 9748 1499
E-mail: dmclanders@showtech.com.au
www.showtech.com.au

Show Technology tackle pars of a different kind

The latest Show Technology Golf Day has once again proved that Geoff Ogilvy and Greg Norman have absolutely nothing to worry about when it comes to competition. At Show Technology PGA stands for ‘pathetic golf amateurs’ and when it comes to playing golf, well let’s just say that the attending Show Technology customers and staff are good at lighting!
Ian Pope from LSC Lighting caused a commotion amongst the local wildlife and he is currently head of the National Parks & Wildlife’s Most Wanted list.
“On the 14th hole I hit a lizard - not a birdie or an eagle but a lizard,” admitted Ian. “I teed off just after I got pissed off trying to hit that little white ball. The ball took off from its launching pad like a rocket bound for the heavens. The trajectory was not quite right and the ball swerved to the left, fortunately hitting a tree with a dull thud. Seconds later a two metre lizard fell off the tree trunk to the ground. I received many words of amazement. The lizard got up and climbed back up the same tree. Not to be out done, Jeff Morgan from Lots of Watts took out a duck on the pond. To that mongrel who built the course around an obvious wet area - thank you. There are now more balls swimming than the Aussie swim team.”
At the concluding Awards Ceremony Richard Pacholski (R2) was presented with the EZ Choice Award for his amazing exploding ball. The mental picture isn’t pretty and let’s hope that he’s not thinking of turning his exploding ball episode into a musical.
The Lawrence of Arabia Award for the most sand traps found went to Chris Curran from TMB. His prize of a kids bucket and spade was graciously accepted and he declared his wish for world peace to all. Chris was physically removed from the stage when he threatened to change into his bathing suit.
The Lumberjack Award for the most trees hit was won by both Philby Lewis from Lots of Watts and Paul Nicolaou from Show Tech.
The Aqua Man Award for the most water found was again a shared prize with Carey Leghorn from Lots of Watts, Graeme Hicks from The Production Shop, and Stav Hatzipantelis from Pro Light & Sound Melbourne all proud winners.
Not surprisingly The Bradman Trophy went to Ian Pope from LSC who won a “How to Play Golf” book.
"The location is fantastic and the tranquil setting relaxed us all,” commented Emmanual Ziino, managing director of Show Technology. “This was a great day and judging by the feedback we should have them more often! I think people appreciate being looked after for the day."
Please note that it was the tranquil setting that relaxed everyone and not the copious amounts of beer that was consumed.
“I’m just happy there’s no breath testing when driving these buggies - I’m sure we’re all over .05!” exclaimed Stav Hatzipantelis, Project Manager for Pro Light & Sound.
www.showtech.com.au

ULA Launches New Soundivision Catalogue
The latest edition of ULA’s SoundiVision catalogue, Issue 12, was officially launched 13 th February 2006 at the Entech Exhibition in Sydney. Totaling 52 pages, Soundivision has truly become to be the leading lighting, DJ and accessories catalogue in Australasia.
Logically divided into seven sections, the catalogue covers stage and studio essentials, DJ Lighting, iSolution intelligent lighting, iLED and Traxon LED based lighting, HardCaseCo. roadcases, Technics equipment cases and bags, as well as a comprehensive replacement lamps listing.
The SoundiVision range includes such classics as flower effects, economical DMX controlled moving lights, mirrorballs and parcans. With Acme’s legendary reliability, performance and ease of use, SoundiVision products are the standard to which others aspire.
Building on the success of SoundiVision, ULA introduced the iSolution range in 2004. iSolution is a revolution in easy to use, intelligent lighting. Nominated for a 2004 PLASA award, iSolution is simply plug-n-play. All iSolution lighting fixtures can combine to create engaging light shows simply by linking them together. The range now extends to iMove 250 and iMove 575 fixtures – 250W MSD and 575W MSD based fixed fixtures respectively. These truly affordable full moving yokes make intelligent lighting products accessible to a whole range of applications not previously possible – especially schools and churches.
There are two exciting new effects added to the range in this edition. Duet projects powerful and multi-colored beams,from dual rotating mirror barrels, filling the venue with atmosphere. DynaTwin is an intelligent scanner, literally doubling the effect – a dual intelligent light in one housing, each beam being individually DMX controllable.
Another significant new release is iFollow – a 1200W HMI based followspot with integral control of shutter, dimmer, colour, iris and focus. iFollow was a real hit at Entech, where it was shown for the first time.
The new Soundivision catalogue also contains the expanded range of products from HardCaseCo. The HardCaseCo range now includes Dual 250 and 575W Moving Yoke roadcases, 20” LCD Monitor Case, and a range of 19” rackmount shock proof cases.
SoundiVision products are available from leading retailers throughout Australia and New Zealand. Full information is available at www.soundivision.com.au
Trade enquiries should be directed to Universal Lighting & Audio (ULA) on 1800 648 111 (+61 7 5509 4633)

The Res X Service

For three years, Resolution X has been supplying Channel 7's Deal or No Deal moving light rig. The system consists of over 140 units including Martin MAC2000 washes, MAC700, MAC550, MAC250 Entours, Clay Paky Stage Color 300 and Golden Scan HPE fixtures. It's still the largest television rig in Australia.

With a rig of this size and a very heavy schedule of work, it is imperative to keep the rig well maintained.

Working with Channel 7's in house technicians, Resolution X provides a full turn key service to ensure all logistics and maintenance happens with speed and efficiency. Even during the two week Christmas break our team worked along side channel 7, to remove the rig for a full service and clean, which is a part of our standard service program.

With literally hundreds of moving lights in inventory, the Res X team prides it self on the best service, ensuring an optimum performance from all our fixtures and equipment.

For more information please do not hesitate to contact one our friendly staff to see how we can help you.

www.resolutionx.com.au

Exciting new products to be unveiled by LSC at Entech
LSC are proud to announce the release of many brand new products at Entech 2006 on stand M21 (at the intersection of the two halls). Visit them to see the future of lighting.
New Products at Entech 2006:
1) The new "Project X" 3RU touring dimmer. A new top end touring dimmer with more features than ever seen before on a portable dimmer.
2) The ADB Warp/M - A truly silent (not just "quiet") theatrical profile moving light. We challenge you to hear it working.
3) The W-DMX wireless DMX-512 system using GSM technology for superior performance
4) The new maXim v2 console, with the new version 2.00 software. Control twice the number of moving lights, for no extra cost, plus many other new functions.
5) The new maXim W-DMX option. The world's first lighting console with inbuilt wireless DMX transmitter 
6) The PCLink interface for connection of the new Project X dimmers, e24v2 touring systema and EKO architectural dimmers to a computer network for remote monitoring and fault logging.
7) The new __________ (sorry this last item is too secret to annouce until the show starts :-)
Don't forget to enter LSC's FREE contest to win a $200 Harvey Norman gift voucher. Just ask for details at the stand.
LSC also have a new member of staff starting with them on the first day of the show, so make sure you are amongst the first to meet their new recruit.
www.lsclighting.com.au

LSC maXim goes to the top of the class!
Queensland-based Audio Visual Devices has recently supplied an LSC maXim MP lighting console and two LSC iPAK 12 channel dimmers to Victoria Point High School. AVD’s managing director David Duffy had originally allowed for a Jands Event console and two FP12 dimmer packs until he checked out the LSC maXim. It was then that he realised just how ideal LSC consoles are for school environments.
”The maXim is easy to use and the PatPad, although integrated into the console, is a separate module which I like, “said David. “It’s good the way you can use the maXim as a straight preset console or a scene-style console and advance from there. The maXim allows you to start with something really basic such as one fader per light and you advance from there. This progressive learning makes it ideal for schools. Some of the other consoles on the market require you to master quite a bit before they’ll do anything.
“With its PatPad and other features, I believe that the maXim is a better way to go for teaching students about moving lights in the longer term. They can always rent some moving lights as required and concentrate on learning the basic 2-preset and scene modes first.”
David commented that it is simple to get the maXim up and running in fact almost instantly without reading the manual and let’s face it, most men operate this way.
“That’s my usability test!” laughed David. “I purposely turn gear on and if I can use it without opening the manual then I know it’s not bad.”
David programmed a few simple operations, such as chases, into the maXim to get the school started.
“I showed them how to do a few things such as preset scenes and they got the hang of the console fairly quickly,” added David. “They’ve done a couple of minor productions since then and they’ve had no problems.”
Accompanying the maxim are two LSC iPAK dimmers which David found easy to install and he reports that they have been running well with no problems.
“The price of the maXim and also the dimmer packs was very good,” commented David. “And of course they’re Australian made which is a bonus.”
Photo caption: Students Mitch and Simon get to grips with the maXim console under the direction of Performing Arts HOD John Tucker (not in picture)
www.lsclighting.com.au

Entech Registrations still open
With only 1 week to go till ENTECH opens it's doors to the industry...have you registered to attend? No? We'll it's not too late!
Simply go to www.entech-tradeshow.com to register today!
Held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre from 13-15 February 2006, ENTECH is THE entertainment technology show for the entertainment industry including the latest professional audio, lighting, broadcast, audio visual and staging products, supplies and services.
With over 500 brands and exhibitors on display, live demonstration rooms, a fully equipped auditorium and a new seminar and conference program ENTECH is active, live and bright!
A must see event for all professional entertainment technology users. ENTECH has the solution for everyone including clubs and bars, churches, corporate spaces, venues, broadcasting, recording and all areas in-between. Set to be the biggest International Convention & Conference - not to mention TRADE SHOW - of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, ENTECH 2006 will display the latest high tech sound, broadcast, lighting and audio visual equipment, systems and services.
Join the industry market leaders, associations and publications. See the latest products on display, see what they are planning for the future and learn about what's new in your industry. Attend a conference, meet the key players and experts. Be seen at the biggest industry event of it's kind in Australia.

CLS expand their inventory with MAC700's, a grandMA and some amazing new LED products
As momentum gathers for what's tipped to be a big year for Melbourne-based lighting companies CLS is ready to take on the challenge with a horde of new gear supplied by Show Technology. The company has soundly invested in an MA Lighting grandMA console, sixteen Martin MAC700 and a dozen of the new Pro Shop LED Honeycomb floodlights.
“When it comes to purchasing a console we obviously want something that is in demand so we can rent it and really the grandMA is becoming the standard console for top shows in Australia,” revealed Trevor Lloyd, CLS’s managing director. “It’s keeping my lighting designer Tim Newman happy!”
With the Martin MAC700’s Trevor was canny enough to sit back and see what the market thought of them before making a final decision on whether to purchase any. He soon realised that Martin were on to a winner with this unit.
“Over and over again we heard how reliable they were and so then we didn’t hesitate to purchase some,” he said. “We’re now waiting for the MAC700 wash light which I heard has zoom optics.”
CLS specialise in corporate production and when shown the new Pro Shop LED Honeycomb fixtures they realised this product offered them huge potential.
The LED Honeycomb is a RGB-LED Hi Power Floodlight and a new addition to the PRO SHOP LED Lighting range. The unit uses 72 X 1W RGB LEDs for extra output making it unique in its class. Its attractive aluminium structure and high light output makes it an ideal fixture for use on stage or any venue. It's very suitable for lighting of large surfaces like walls or horizons.
The system provides incredible illumination and flexibility from the LED based fixture. Its built-in controller offers numerous internal effects, which can be controlled by DMX or stand-alone.
“We bought the Honeycomb LED wash lights to use on our corporate shows,” said Trevor. “They’ll be great for lighting a cyc and they are such a reasonable price - about the same price as a four cell cyc light. But with the Honeycomb fixture you don’t have the problem of gels burning out and of course, you can place them close to fabric without worrying about the fabric catching fire. The Honeycomb is also weatherproof which makes it even more versatile.”
Photographed is John Andrews, Hire Manager at CLS, with the new grandMA
www.showtech.com.au

Joining the ALIA committee
If you believe that ALIA could do more for the Lighting Industry or do it better, faster, cheaper or smarter, then you should participate in running the association. If you, or someone that you know, want make a contribution to the future direction of ALIA, you should nominate for a position on the executive committee, ALIA's governing body. Membership of the committee is open to all current members.
At our Annual General Meeting on February 13 th, all committee positions: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and six general committee members, are open for election.
Simply grab a nomination form and send it in to Jeff Morgan, the ALIA Returning Officer before 6pm next Monday.
This is your chance to have an input to the direction of ALIA. Please nominate and vote for those who you think will take the association down the path you want.
Nomination forms and full details of the nomination and voting processes are available from the AGM web page in the Members' section of the ALIA website www.alia.com.au/members/agm
You are a current member of ALIA if :

• You have paid a membership subscription for 2005/2006.
• You are a nominated employee of a company that is a corporate member of ALIA.
• You are a nominated employee of an organization that is a member of ALIA.

Show Technology Six Pack Stubbie Set set to revolutionise lighting industry
At the launch of Show Technology’s Melbourne office last spring the ever vigilant Marcelle Tocchet – Sales Administrator Extraordinaire – noticed that Stuart James, Phaseshift’s Sales & Service Manager, had come well prepared for the night clutching his faithful stubbie holder.
“I said to Marcelle and then to Emmanuel Ziino that Showtech should do a stubby holder as a promo item because a lot of people use stubby holders,” Stuart said.
Always eager to please their clientele and to listen to their needs, the Show Technology R&D department worked countless hours to produce what has to be this years trendiest accessory; the Show Technology Six Pack Stubbie Set. No doubt set to win a coveted PLASA Award for Innovation, this Stubbie Set contains six perfectly constructed and stylishly designed Stubbie holders each branded with the logo of the industry’s hottest lighting manufacturers: Martin, Studio Due, Pulsar, Look Solutions, Kupo, and MA Lighting.
On Christmas morning a gleeful Stewie unwrapped his Show Technology Stubbie Set and his year was made complete.
“It was definitely the best present that Santa could have bought me!” he exclaimed. “I shed tears of joy and I can’t wait to tell Emmanuel about my latest ideas such as the Show Technology Set of Steak Knives and the Show Technology Thigh Master.”
www.showtech.com.au

Melbourne’s Besen Centre celebrate their LSC maXim console
Melbourne ’s Besen Centre has to be one of the Australia’s busiest theatres hosting over 620 shows a year. The venue can seat up to a maximum of 1000 patrons although the venue size can be modified to seat from as little as 360. The venue prides itself on its technical equipment, which is always state of the art, and so naturally all of the dimmers and the lighting consoles come from LSC Lighting.
January 2006 marks three years since the Besen Centre purchased a LSC maXim console and the technical staff are still delighted with its never-failing performance.
“We use the maXim for all of our day to day shows, particularly those that have no rehearsal time, because we can busk so easily with it,” said Brad Alcock, Head Technician. “The operators need to have access to lots of faders so they can get things done on the fly. With most theatre lighting consoles you can’t do that because you’re working with a syntax keyboard rather than individual faders.”
The other important reason why the crew at the Besen Centre favour the maXim is because it’s an Australian product.
“We prefer to buy Australian products if we can,” added Brad. “The maXim has all the features that we need but it is the speed with which we can programme it that is really impressive. The maXim also makes it very easy for us to train new operators – they pick it up so quickly. The maxim has also been very reliable. Like all consoles it occasionally has a software issue but if it does, it resets itself and gets back on with the job.
To be honest – we wouldn’t trade our maXim for the world!”
www.lsclighting.com.au
Source: Media release from LSC Lighting

You Can'na Hand a Man a Granda Mac
With the market so in love with the new Mac 700, Resolution X couldn't help but invest in this amazing fixture and with the second shipment arriving soon, we hope to have the largest stock in Melbourne. Tim Hall comments; "This is probably the last time I will see them for some time. It's not fair, I never to get play with the new toys".
Resolution X would like to take this opportunity to thank Vince at Show Technology for giving up a day or two of his holiday to return to the office and organise the shipping of these fixtures - Sorry Vince!
www.resolutionx.com.au
www.martin.com
Australian Distributor: www.showtech.com.au
Source: Media release from Resolution X Pty Ltd

• Dodgiest DMX network on a show stand.
• Least innovative new model of show.
• Most overseas product experts on a single stand.
• Tackiest swag of show.
• Worst coffee of show.

Martin MAC 700s arrive at Lots Of Watts
Lots of Watts Pty Ltd has had a long relationship with Martin fixtures, so it was a natural progression that they would make an initial purchase of ten Mac 700’s to add to their existing inventory of MAC 250,300, 500, 600 and 2000 series fixtures.
"The Mac 700 will become the work horse for next five or more years. It just has everything that you want in the mid size fixture. Its quick, smooth, quiet, flexible in its gobo arrangements, animation …etc, the list goes on." says Jeff Morgan from LOW. "It has proven to be very reliable in long term shows. Martin has put a lot of thought into this head and they have also maintained the case integrity It comes ready to fit the Mac700 wash."
The MAC 700 is already proving a success for Lots of Watts. Even though they only arrived some days ago, they have already been lined up for shows. . "Showtech have been great. Due to the urgency of our order, within days they were prepped and ready to go. We couldn't have ask for better service."
www.lotsofwatts.com.au
www.martin.com
Australian Distributor: www.showtech.com.au
Source: Media release from Lots of Watts Pty Ltd

ALIA AGM to beheld at Entech Show
To enable the widest possible participation in our Annual General Meeting, which involves the election of the new ALIA committee, we have moved the date of the AGM to synchronize with Entech in Sydney on alternate years. The 2006 AGM will be held at 6:15pm on Monday February 13th, in the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The AGM is very important to ALIA, and at under 45minutes in duration, it's brief enough to allow everyone to attend, before adjourning to the Entech Cocktail Function or on to the various corporate meetings and entertainment.
If you're responsible for organising events on the first night of Entech, please don't forget to give your guests the opportunity to attend the AGM, before kicking off with your own function at a round 7pm.
The AGM will be held at a similar time of year in other cities, on the years when Entech is not on.
Committee nomination forms and deadline information will be published shortly

ALIA Membership Badges available at Entech 2006
Rather than inflict yet another plastic card on your wallet, your new ALIA membership badge takes the form of a finely crafted metal key tag bearing your membership number and recovery information, should your keys get lost. If you're a financial member at the time of Entech (Feb 13-15), you are invited to collect your membership key tag when you come to visit us at the ALIA stand, M45 - at the back of Hall 6 . Corporate and Organization members can have a representative pick up all of their allocated badges. If you can't collect your badge at Entech, you should receive it in the mail after the show.
Artists impression of an ALIA membership badge ->

Hills Production Services purchase Martin MAC700's
Hills Production Services based in Sydney have just added eight Martin MAC700 units to their existing stock of MAC250’s. Paget Blackburn, managing director of HPS, has found the MAC700 to be ideal for his type of production-company.
“The MAC700 is a good mid-range light for the type of work that we do,” he said. “The MAC2000 was too impractical for us - too heavy, too big and too expensive – whereas the MAC700 is ideal.”
Hills Production Services cater for many theatre and dance tours as well as festivals and rock tour that go through the clubs.
“The MAC700 is perfect for medium sized productions,” added Paget. “The feedback I’ve had from the lighting guys that have used them is that they like the gobos, the animation wheel and they particularly like their brightness. They’re also not too big and heavy in fact you can almost get one up onto a truss by yourself. The MAC700 is a very powerful light.”
One of the first productions that Paget used the MAC700’s on was the lighting of the Christmas tree in Sydney’s Martin Place. Despite the fact that the concert took place in the early evening before sunset, the MAC700’s still shone through.
Lighting designer for the event was Mark Hammer who advised Paget to purchase the MAC700’s although Mark is a freelance lighting designer and is not employed by HPS.
“Paget was looking for a fixture that could satisfy several different types of lighting applications,” commented Mark. “He wanted something that was both a wash and spot light and also had some fancy effects they could use for various clients. The MAC700 provides all this; the colour fading function, the animation wheel, it’s light weight and very punchy.”
Mark was extremely impressed by the MAC700’s used in Martin Place.
“Even outdoors they really cut through, showing colour even in daylight,” he reported. “Although we really didn’t use the gobos on this event I’m going to use them soon on the Sydney Festival when I’m lighting The Go-Betweens.“
www.showtech.com.au

Clearlight Shows to distribute Luminex
Clearlight Shows have been appointed as the Australian distributor for Luminex Lighting control equipment which includes a range of DMX and Artnet data distribution products.
The latest product to be released by Luminex is GigaSwitch 8, an unmanaged 8 port 10/100/1000Mbit Ethernet switches. This GigaSwitch enables the network to use most multimedia and imaging applications concurrently with other user applications without creating bottlenecks.
www.luminex.be
www.clearlight.com.au

LSC Expands Worldwide Distribution
Forerunner Technologies Inc has been appointed the exclusive distributor of Australian lighting control manufacturer LSC Lighting Systems in the Philippines. Forerunner Technologies will be responsible for the importation, distribution network and technical support of LSC's lighting control desks, DMX network products and the complete range of portable and installation dimming systems.
Based in Manila, Forerunner Technologies has significant experience in lighting sales, installation and production. CEO Mario Benipayo has been looking to represent a supplier of lighting control systems that covered not only desks but dimmers and associated control items. In LSC he saw a reliable supplier of 25 years. 
“We chose LSC mainly because of the company’s business philosophy,” explained Mario. “When I met Ian Pope at the PALA 2005 Expo he reminded me of this, explaining that LSC made products that you need not necessarily a product that everybody wishes to have. He told me that LSC don’t want to be building the biggest boards but the best boards for the money – and he’s correct. This is what is needed in the Philippine market. We have sold LSC products since 2000 but now we have entered a new and exciting phase; I see a more active supplier just as they see a more active partner in us.”
Mario states that he particularly favours LSC products for their ease of use and the logical layout of the faders and knobs. Mario points out that the easier a product is to use, the more time you have to be creative.
“More time creating the things that can be done, not spending time figuring things out,” he added. “Having a line of controllers and dimmers targeted not only to the pro user but also to the architectural market gives a distributor a bigger market to sell to.”
Mario believes that LSC products will bridge the gap between entry-level products and expensive products. 
”The stepping stone if you will,” he said. “That is if you would want to move higher; the maXim is capable of doing most types of shows in the local scene. The Philippine market has more mid-sized shows where products like the maXim fit very well. Basically you get all the features that you’d like at the right price and, with such a good price, you can also rent it out at a good rate.”
When marketing a product there are four important factors: price, product quality, durability and acceptability. 
“The first three factors are definitely there whilst we are currently building acceptability,” Mario said. “We already have a handful of LSC owners and users but with more work, and strong support from LSC, we intend to create this atmosphere sooner than others may expect.”
Photo: Ian Pope, LSC’s Business Development Manager and Mario Benipayo, CEO of Forerunner Technologies, sign their lives away
www.lsclighting.com.au

Phaseshift invest in Martin MAC700's
Phaseshift Productions of Melbourne have purchased twelve of the new Martin MAC700 moving head fixtures to add to their hire inventory. Since arriving at the premises in October, managing director Lawrie Videky reports that the units have hardly been in the warehouse such is the demand for them. The MAC700’s have been on the theatre show Boulevard Delirium, lighting the Dandy Warhols for Channel V and they were also utilised on the Mercedes Fashion week at Federation Square.
“They’ve also been on a few corporate gigs,” added Lawrie. “What really sold me on the MAC700 was the modularity of the unit which allows easy and quick access for servicing. We can keep a couple of spare modules on hand which is useful when on the road.
“The CMY colour mixing is obviously a great asset and the unit is pretty bright too.”
www.showtech.com.au

Blow Productions launch new website
Blow Productions, run by Richard Grenfell who has had many years of experience in the entertainment and event industries, has launched a new website at www.blowproductions.com.au.
Blow Productions specialise in many areas of the entertainment industry including Lighting Design, Production & Set Design, Inflatable Objects (generic and custom), Drafting & Visualisations and Unusual Services.
The web site covers all of the services on offer by Blow Productions as well as an extensive gallery section.

Pappas Media Services for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games
John Pappas and New York’s The Lighting Design Group today officially announced that Australia’s John Pappas has been appointed to the position of Gaffer for NBC’s broadcast of the 2006 Winter Olympics Games in Torino, Italy.
Based in New York, and headed by Emmy Award winning designer Steve Brill, LDG is the largest broadcast lighting design firm in the USA, with client’s the who’s who of US Television. John and LDG had previously worked together on various large scale broadcasts such as the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, both of which were awarded Emmy Awards for the most ‘Outstanding Technical Team – Studio’. Other notable broadcasts include that of the Death and Funeral of Pope John Paul II in Rome earlier this year.
With the appointment being ‘unofficial’ since February, John has spent a fair bit of time this year prepping the broadcast in Sydney, New York, London and Italy. He will be based in Torino from January for a three month period, coordinating the lighting installation and crew at the International Broadcast Centre. Whilst On Air, he will be responsible for the Primetime Studio, Studio A.
“It is a great to have John back on our team.” LDG Director of Production, Sheryl Warren – Wisniewski said. “His knowledge, skills and understanding of the importance of effective broadcast lighting will assist greatly with the effective management of our studios”.
“Having worked with LDG before and understanding the demands of live television I am extremely happy to accept this position”. John Pappas said. “It is not often that we get to work on projects of this scale or scope and with people of this calibre. It is great to see many of the key crew from Athens return to play a pivotal role in this broadcast. It will be the crew’s positive attitude and work ethic that will make this project a success.”
London-based Australian John Osmond has also been offered a Production Electrician position on the crew.
www.pappasmedia.com.au
www.ldg.com

Top End Sounds in Darwin purchase ShowLED Starcloth
Top End Sound based in Darwin NT is quite an organization headed by Colin West a veteran of the industry. Colin has developed his business in NT covering many areas including the event industry.
Top End annually looks after many prestigious events and to this end Colin is always looking to offer his clients the best. Colin contacted CDA’s managing director Peter Kemp to source the latest in star cloths; he had previously seen the ShowLED brand of cloths in Europe and was very impressed with their quality and unique design.
ShowLED can provide ready-made starcloths in either white and full RGB colour, or the necessary components to make your own or fit them to an existing cloth you have. The LED system is a plug & play system consisting of strings of custom made led bases with Velcro attachment arrangement, compact DMX compatible controller (with built-in programs).
Top End was the first company in Australia to purchase the ShowLED product with a purchase of 2 – 4m x 9m white cloths which he wanted for the Brolga Awards.
The Brolga Awards is the Northern Territory's most prestigious tourism awards for excellence. The Brolga Awards are the first step for Northern Territory tourism businesses in a national awards process.
As you can see from the photos the cloths were a prominent feature of the award night, with everybody commenting on them at the event.
The ShowLED cloths were so well received at this event that Colin immediately contacted Peter and ordered additional 2 – 4m x 9m white cloths so that he could use all 4 cloths on the inaugural Australia Tourism awards.
Top End now has these cloths available from their rental stock.
www.tes.com.au
www.cdaust.com.au

Show Technology opens Melbourne Branch
Click on images to enlarge

Melbourne’s lighting fraternity flocked to the opening of Show Technology’s Melbourne based office last week. The new Melbourne location, which follows a successful Perth office opening in early 2004, will strategically place Show Technology closer to one of Australia’s most important growth markets.
Show Technology Managing Director, Emmanuel Ziino, comments, “The market is as dynamic as ever, and as the market leader we strive to meet its needs. After years of being solely based in Sydney, the opening of our new regional offices give us several benefits - a greater reach, a greater degree of flexibility and speed, and better market feedback for example. But most importantly it gives us an improved level of market contact and allows us to better serve our customers.”
The new Melbourne office will be headed by an experienced industry veteran and Melbourne local, Paul Nicolaou, who brings with him years of know-how in installation, sales and service. Aiding Paul to run the branch will be Steve Terzakis in customer service. In addition to offering Show Technology’s full line of lighting products, the new office will also feature a substantial warehouse full of PRO SHOP products and include comprehensive showroom facilities incorporating the company’s range of professional, PRO SHOP and architectural lighting products.
A merry time was had by all at the opening celebration which was hailed a great success by the strong Show Technology team present. Special guests included Søren Storm, Managing Director of Martin’s Singaporean subsidiary, as well as Martin’s International Stage, Studio and Event Segment Manager, Mark Ravenhill.
The MAC 700, Martin’s latest high performance luminaire in its line of award-winning MAC moving heads, had its official Australian launch at the opening. "The MAC 700 represents a big step forward for Martin in so many technological areas,” comments Mark Ravenhill. “The Australian market is a leading and demanding market, and runs at the forefront of entertainment production technology. The launch of the MAC 700, coinciding with the opening of Show Technology’s new facility in Melbourne, represents another strong move forward in both product and support areas for all of the designers, owners and users of intelligent lighting equipment in Australia, which I am very excited to be a part of.”
Photos from left to right: The Commonwealth Games Opening & Closing Ceremony Crew, Emmanuel and Gina Ziino cut the ribbon and Marcelle Tocchet, Ian Pope, Joe Casamento and Braham Ciddor.
The office is operational now, office hours are 9am to 5.30pm Mon to Fri. Paul can be contacted on 0404 898 333. 
Show Technology - Melbourne office:
Unit 8/339 Williamstown Rd.
Port Melbourne, 3206
03 9681 7511
www.showtech.com.au

Show Technology distributes TMB “ruggedized” cable and cable assemblies
Show Technology is pleased to announce that they have been appointed TMB cable agents for Australia. TMB are well known in America and Europe as the first company – starting over two decades ago – to design and build cables specifically for portable entertainment production. Built with proven processes and materials to precise standards, TMB cables are world renowned for both ease of use and reliability under the most severe conditions.
According to TMB’s Chris Curran, “We are very pleased to be working with Show Technology, bringing TMB’s industry standard cables and assemblies to the Australian and New Zealand markets. TMB’s “ruggedized” technology evolved from the rigors of Rock & Roll concert touring – an industry in which cables must withstand years of hard use on the road. The long-term success of TMB cables in such a demanding industry speaks for itself.”
Show Technology will offer a wide range of TMB cable and cable assemblies, including the high-end ProPlex ® data control cables and ProCable ® multi-conductor cables, ProFibre ® fibre-optic cables; ProAqua ™ UL submersible cables, and durable high-value Dataplex ™ multi-conductor and data cables. Cable can be purchased pre-assembled in various lengths or purchased by the metre. Socapex headers and tails are also available.
"We are very excited to have TMB on board as distribution partners, their products are of a high standard and as such they fit nicely with our existing stable of products, this coupled with a genuine requirement for these cable products in our marketplace ensures their success,” said Emmanuel Ziino, Managing Director Show Technology.
Photo: Emmanuel Ziino, Colin Walters, Tony Davis, Francesco Calvi and Tommy Stephenson on the TMB stand at PALA 05
www.showtech.com.au

dBLux appointed Austrian Distributor for LSC Lighting
There is only one name synominous with sound and lighting in Austria and that is dBLuX. This young, customer-orientated distribution company has recently been appointed the Austrian distributor for LSC Lighting.
Following this appointment, Thorsten Sattler of dBLux visited the LSC Melbourne headquarters to undertake three days of intensive training on the LSC range of lighting equipment.
Thorsten was impressed by the wide range of items available particularly the new products such as the XTC console and the maXim v2. Thorsten was previously selling another competitors brand of console and was very surprised to discover the large number of extra features in the maXim. Even more surprising was the speed at which he learnt to use even the most advanced features. Within the first hour of training he was already creating complex scenes and chases with effects, split times and fans.
As well as learning about products Thorsten saw other valuable assets to his visit.
”It was great to see inside the company and to meet all the people who work there,” said Thorsten. “Now I understand what will happen inside the company when I send my orders through to them. Richie Mickan spent a lot of time with me and he has showed me so much – products, people and anything else I was interested in.
“It was a great start for both of us. I have had the chance to get to know the guys more than I can do over phone. We had many discussions on what we can do together in the future and I am looking forward to a long term partnership.”
Photo: Thorsten Sattler getting to know the LSC products
www.lsclighting.com.au

WAAPA chooses LightFactory & Datagate
When Joseph Mercurio, Lighting Co-ordinator at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, went looking for a cost-effective and professional PC lighting control package, Enttec provided the solution.
WAAPA are one of the leading performing arts teaching facilities in the country, and are always looking to keep up with changes in technology within the arts. With this in mind, Joseph thought the time was right to find a PC based lighting control system that was professional enough for use on serious theatrical productions, whist being economical enough for students to purchase their own systems, should they wish to.
Joseph’s investigations led him to Enttec’s LightFactory Lighting Control Software. LightFactory is a fully featured, professional lighting control software package that has the ability to operate both conventional and moving lights with no compromises. With inbuilt fixture libraries and effects engines, as well as a traditional ‘theatrical-style’ command line interface, LightFactory provides the flexibility required for the huge variety of productions WAAPA’s students encounter.
The ability to download a full demo version for free allows students to familiarise themselves with the software on their own computers, rather than having to crowd around a single machine or traditional console to learn how it operates. The low entry cost is also a huge advantage, with 36 Channel Starter Kits available from $249.00 including hardware and GST, making it possible for young lighting designers to own their own operating system.
Once Joseph had tried the demo software for himself, he realised the combination of features and price made it perfect for WAAPA, and ordered a 1024 channel (2 DMX Universe) license. Always thinking ahead, he chose an Enttec Datagate 8-way DMX/Ethernet node to handle the Ethernet output from LightFactory, giving WAAPA the ability to expand their 2-Universe license at any time, effectively ‘future proofing’ their investment.
As well as being a DMX/Ethernet node, the Datagate is also a DMX splitter and DMX merge unit, which Joseph says “has allowed WAAPA lighting students a perfect tool for investigating DMX data distribution systems and an affordable wireless DMX entry point. The opportunity to run wirelessly from the laptop to a wireless router into the Datagate and then control a mix of conventional and moving lights is a fantastic teaching tool”.
Joseph couldn’t be happier with the results. “It is excellent. The support given to WAAPA from both Balanced Technology and Enttec is a credit to their long term vision for the entertainment industry and education” states Joseph. “WAAPA gratefully acknowledges and appreciates the support from these companies in assisting our goal to provide the most technologically advanced theatre lighting training course in Australia”.
www.balancedtech.com.au

New Venue Database
Stuart Sinclair of Morning Glory Productions has added a new database to his website for the entertainment industry.
"I've always showed up at new venues not knowing what to expect for the loadin as well as knowing what power and other important info I may require," he said. "So I've decided to put together a database of all the venues I walk into so I would have the data available on hand. I started to find the software to be able to utilise this not only for my advantage but everyone else who works in the industry. Over time with not only my travels but if other people submit entries then this database would be a valuable tool for all of us. Promoters and booking companies can also utilise such information. Anyone can access and enter venue information into the database with venue search and complete database export to Excel format available. I'll add many more features as time permits but I believe if we all put a few minutes of time at each venue to gather and add the information then all of us will benefit in the long run. The site is available from my website at www.mgproductions.com.au or directly at www.mgproductions.com.au/venlist and if people have any queries or found some errors that need to be updated they can email me directly at venue@mgproductions.com.au

LSC Lighting celebrate their 25th Birthday
PLASA 2005 coincided with LSC Lighting’s 25 th birthday and it was with great pride that this momentous occasion was celebrated on Stand H11. In true Aussie style, Gary Pritchard and Ian Pope invited visitors to join them for a drink around the BBQ in their 'backyard' on the stand. Souvenirs of Vegemite and Koala Bear key chains were handed out to those willing to embrace other Aussie icons other than LSC products.
Guest of honour was The Honourable Richard Alston, High Commissioner to The United Kingdom, who joined the well-wishers for a slice of birthday cake and a glass of good, old Aussie wine.
Whilst this Australian-themed stand attracted many who wished to congratulate the guys it also attracted unwanted attention from English cricket fans only too happy to ram home their victory to the guys! With true determination Gary, Ian and Richie Mickan weathered the storm.
“It meant even more people on the stand and once there, they couldn’t help but look at our latest innovations,” said Richie, looking on the bright side after a couple of glasses of wine. “PLASA this year was absolutely unbelievable. There was a dramatic increase in the level of interest in LSC Lighting and our products. This was highlighted by the fact that we still had people trying to schedule meetings with us at 4.30pm on the closing day. Finally after 25 years in the industry people are just starting to discover the quality and features of the LSC products."
The past twelve months have been very busy at LSC. The expanded R&D team have been working flat out and the result is no less than five brand new products released at PLASA 2005. Of special interest was the updated maXim lighting console and the new e24 touring dimmer, now fitted with LSCnet technology. In addition, the Xtc controller, which is now shipping, was on show - as nominated for the PLASA 2005 Innovation Award - along with the new ePlate remote control wall stations for the highly successful EKO range of dimmers.
Photo: Gary Pritchard and The Honourable Richard Alston cut the cake
www.lsclighting.com.au

Matrix Productions Celebrates Accreditation
Matrix Productions Australia is a Perth production company established by Darryl Edwards in the late eighties. The company, which provides quality equipment for an ever widening range of events, celebrated its achievement of full Accreditation within the Events industry on Wednesday night. Guests from other Events companies, the Events Industry Association, the corporate sector and educational institutions applauded as Cassandra Brennon, Executive Officer of the Events Industry Association, presented company director Darryl Edwards with the certificate.
The presence of the accreditation tick lets events organisers and clients who use Matrix Productions Australia know that they can have confidence that they are choosing high standards, and a company which is reliable, consistent and professional. Matrix offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of professional lights in Perth, as well as staging , crowd barriers, audio, qualified and experienced staff and a comprehensive service and repair department.
With his history as both a performer and promoter, company director Darryl Edwards understands just how important it is that production companies deliver what they have promised, when they have promised it, and takes pride in his company which focuses on the development of long term partnerships with clients.
The presentation of the Accreditation certificate represented two years of preparation by the company, which prides itself on the high quality of its equipment and a commitment to service. The accreditation program, which is an initiative of the Events Industry Association, takes businesses through a rigorous process of documentation of procedures and demonstration of consistency of practice.
Occupational health and safety, and the increasingly important area of risk management are also examined in the Accreditation program, and companies are audited every six months to ensure their continuing adherence to documented standards and commitment to improvement. Staff at Matrix Productions Australia are fully inducted in safe working practices and are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of clients and audiences.
Darryl Edwards, who also serves on the board of the Events Industry Association, hopes that more companies will take up the challenge of the Accreditation program, which encourages continual improvement and growth in the dynamic Events industry.
www.matrixproductions.com.au

LSC Lighting staff released from bondage
For those of you who did not make it to PLASA but were intrigued by the latest LSC Lighting advertisements we can now reveal why we went to such great lengths to keep our latest product advancements a surprise.
After a number of years in the market place, we decided it was time to update the maXim and extend its features. At PLASA we showed the new look maXim and previewed Version 2 of the software. The new code supports:
· double the number of moving lights
· SYNCOPATED Tap To The Beat (SyncoBeat™).
· Global Chase Speed
· Reload of a single playback
· New Stack Control with GoTo command.
Our new e24v2, a natural evolution of the popular LSC e24 compact touring dimmer system that includes a touch sensitive LCD control panel and networking, caused quite a buzz amongst the throngs of visitors to our stand.
The new DNAnet/R rack mount DMX/Artnet converter which can convert two DMX512 Universes to Ethernet, or vice versa, was well received as was the new ePLATE series of architectural controllers specifically designed to be used with the EKO range of dimming systems but can also be used with the new e24.
And last but not least the XTC , one of the most innovative lighting consoles on the market, was nominated for a PLASA Innovation Award..
You can see why we had to go to extreme measures to keep both Richie and Ian quiet however, thanks to therapy and a lot of moisteriser, they have now recovered and are busy fielding the many enquiries that PLASA has generated.
For more information on these exciting new products, please go to www.lsclighting.com.au