business news

Wybron Launches Redesigned Web Site

An easy-to-navigate graphical interface highlights the redesigned Wybron Web site, launched Wednesday, June 24.

"With detailed information and photos for every model of each product, the redesigned site should make it easier for customers to find exactly what they need," said Wybron President Keny Whitright.

"We're really passionate about color here at Wybron, so it makes sense for our Web site to reflect that, with lots of colorful photos and graphics," Whitright said.

The redesigned site also offers some new features, including an online chat program that allows customers to connect instantly with a Wybron customer service representative.

The site also will soon feature tutorials for Wybron's products, giving a detailed look at how to use each one - something that should prove beneficial for lighting novices and experts alike.

Visit the redesigned site at www.wybron.com 

LOUD Unifies Engineering and Product Management into Two Market-Focused Groups

LOUD Technologies Inc. has announced the unification of its previously separate engineering, brand management and product management functions and the creation of two market-focused teams: the Pro Audio Group and the Music Gear Group.

"Loud has some of the industry's most admired brands, a brilliant collection of multi-disciplined engineers and truly customer-focused product management teams, explained Rodney Olson, Loud CEO. "By unifying these disciplines around our core brands and the markets they serve, we will markedly increase our technical innovation and speed the delivery of the next round of products that leave our customers smiling - and our competitors reeling."

Jeffrey Cox, VP of the Pro Audio Group, will manage the EAW and Martin Audio brands and their market positioning, product strategy and product development efforts. Jeffrey's group will include the Whitinsville, USA EAW Engineering team headed by Jeff Rocha, who will also take on EAW product management responsibilty; the High Wycombe, UK-based Martin Audio Engineering team headed by Jason Baird; and the Victoria, Canada-based Pro Audio Software/Hardware Development Group headed by Chris Jubien.

John Boudreau, VP of the Music Gear Group ("MG"), and his team will develop the next wave of Mackie, Ampeg, Blackheart, Alvarez and Crate products.

John's group will include the Woodinville, WA-based Engineering team lead by Nathan O'Neill; the Woodinville, WA-based Industrial Design team headed by Kimberly Van Horn; Greg Young, Mackie brand director; and Pyotr Belov, director of instrumentaAmps.

While the two Groups will focus on the brands in their immediate purview, they will share core technology where it makes sense for LOUD's benefit. The new Mackie HD High-Definition Powered speakers are a good example of this collaboration and the leveraging of EAW Engineering expertise to create an innovative, proquality Mackie loudspeaker design that's already turning heads in the marketplace.

"I am confident Jeffrey, John and their teams will add the creative spark and entrepreneurial spirit that will take LOUD to the next level of growth," concluded Olson.

G-LEC Acquired by German Light Products

Following speculation regarding the future of G-LEC, the leading innovator of transparent LED video, GLP German Light Products GmbH has announced its acquisition of all assets of the G-LEC business, with immediate effect.

Formed in 2001, G-LEC provides leading edge systems and solutions to the entertainment and architectural markets and enjoys a world class following. In acquiring the business, GLP has ensured the continuity of the innovative and pioneering technology for which G-LEC is renowned, while the association of the two companies echoes the converging use of lighting and video technologies.

G-LEC, now a fully owned subsidiary of GLP, has discontinued all rental activity and will focus on selling the G-LEC product range through the company's existing offices, as well as new sales channels. All owners of G-LEC products, whether for sales or rental, will continue to receive the same high level of service and support, from the same G-LEC staff, as before.

Founder of G-LEC, Lars Wolf, said: "I am delighted that the future of G-LEC and its staff has been safeguarded and that it will continue to develop newproducts to meet the growing need for visual solutions."

Kasper Gissel, director of GLP - the creator of impression moving head LED - said: "The acquisition covers all assets of G-LEC's business, including its full portfolio of intellectual property. This is a perfect match for GLP and part of our long term business strategy to supply innovative solutions to both the lighting and visual effects markets. Bringing the G-LEC product range under the umbrella of GLP enables us to increase manufacturing

efficiencies and bring product pricing to an even more competitive level, without compromising any aspects of product quality."

In picture: the G-LEC team with Lars Wolf second from right in front row.

Prolyte Products Group Appoints New Management

Prolyte has announced the appointment of Gert Felten as managing director of the Prolyte

Products Group. This appointment is the final step in the gradual transition of the company's management team after the participation of the GIMV investment group in 2007.

Fokko Smeding, founder and shareholder of Prolyte, will stay active within the company, offering the management his professional vision and plans for the future. "Being able to put daily operations in capable hands, leaves me room to do what I'm best at," states

Fokko Smeding, "My involvement with Prolyte will remain significant, laying out plans for the future holds a big challenge for me, all the more because this business is a thrill to work in."

Gert Felten was able to experience the many facets of Prolyte in his previous position as production manager and can rely on the support and knowledge of the management team and shareholders.

As part of the planned transition process Prolyte has also appointed Hans Kiewiet as commercial director. Following an international career in sales and operational management, Hans joined Prolyte in October 2008 to head-up the, further unchanged, sales and marketing team.

In picture: the Prolyte management team of Erica Helmus (controller), Hans Kiewiet (commercial director), Gert Felten (managing director) and Douwe van der Leeuw (manager P&O)

Martin Professional A/S and Lighting Science Group Sign Distribution Agreement

Lighting Science Group Corporation (Lighting Science) and Martin Professional A/S have announced a distribution agreement that will give Martin access to Lighting Science's X16 DOTZ LED strings for global distribution. The X16 DOTZ LED string has been well-received in the market since its introduction and will be marketed under the name FlexDOT in Martin's line of LED video products. FlexDOT has already been used in multiple projects across the lighting market.

FlexDOT is a string of super bright (RGB) LEDs designed for a variety of dynamic lighting applications including video and other entertainment displays. Leveraging the DMX512 lighting control protocol, each LED capsule on the string produces a wide color palette of millions of hues. This allows the user to create a personalized interactive experience through color control, special effects and animation of each light point. The FlexDOT has up to 30-frames-per-second speed, which is ideal for fast-moving video applications.

"The FlexDOT is a unique and promising addition to our growing line of creative LED video products," said Christian Engsted, CEO of Martin Professional. "The market will be excited by the FlexDOT's versatility and we look forward to working with Lighting Science to incorporate the FlexDOT family into our product offering."

Based on solid-state LED technology, the solution is energy efficient and can last up to 50,000 hours, allowing customers to install and forget about maintenance for up to 15 years. The flexible, lightweight strands can be molded into nearly any shape, to provide designers unlimited options to enhance exterior and interior spaces.

"These bright, colorful, blazingly fast light strands are already a designer's favorite for intelligent décor, both indoors and outdoors," said Govi Rao, Lighting Science's chairman and chief executive officer. "Together with Martin, we intend to make the FlexDOT product available to leading designers and builders around the world."

Martin Professional E-Shop Opens for Business

Martin Professional has opened a convenient online shop for purchasing Martin lighting and smoke products and more. The new Martin E-Shop provides 24/7 access to Martin Professional products from one easy location.

The Martin E-Shop is initially available to all Martin Professional distributors, as well as the Scandinavian and UK markets, but will soon be made available in the USA, Germany, France and Italy.

The E-Shop is simple to use with a shopper-friendly purchasing process, familiar Martin web design, secure payment system, and direct delivery. Also available via the website are product accessories, spare parts, swag and more, making the Martin E-Shop a one-stop shop for everything Martin.

Users can thoroughly research products via a comprehensive Product Resource Center, as well as view pricing information and product availability. Other features include account management, access to exclusive E-Shop campaigns and more.

The first step is to register as a user by emailing eshop@martin.com to request a username and password. Then click into eshop.martin.com and experience a new and effortless way to shop for Martin gear.

Announcing the 2009 Behind the Scenes Holiday Cards

The ESTA Foundation has announced the 2009 Behind the Scenes Holiday Cards created by some of the industry's most talented designers. Four fabulous designs are offered this year.

Scenic designer Douglas Schmidt has created an elegant stage waiting to be brought to life by dancing snowflakes, while colleague Beowulf Boritt's card is a challenge for theatre lovers, filled with props to identify from some of the many shows he has designed.

Talented young photographer Andrew Hefter is back for a third year with a card featuring the ghostlight as a beacon of hope against a brilliant night sky. Tim Hunter Design have used a large canvas with the Behind the Scenes ghostlight to remind us that the holidays are the time to care for each other and for those less fortunate.

There are several ordering options. Meeting the minimum order of just 250 cards, you can personalize your card with a company logo and a custom message. Packages of 10 cards are available with a standard greeting. The third option is an electronic version of any of the cards that can be sent via email in the form of a jpg, gif or pdf.

Orders for holiday cards will be taken until September 30, 2009 and will be shipped to arrive in late November. All proceeds will benefit The ESTA Foundation's Behind the Scenes program.

To view the card designs and order online, visit http://www.estafoundation.org/bts/holidaycards2009.htm . For more information, please contact Ryan Swearingen at 212-244-1421 or holidaycard09@estafoundation.org.

Behind the Scenes is an initiative of The ESTA Foundation that provides financial assistance to entertainment technology professionals who are seriously ill or injured. Funds may be used for medical expenses, funeral expenses, or basic living expenses such as mortgage, rent, utilities, food, transportation, and childcare.

For more information about Behind the Scenes, to donate, or to apply for a grant, visit www.estafoundation.org/bts.htm.

W-DMXTM Investigates Wireless DMX Fraud

Wireless Solution Sweden AB has launched investigations against copycat companies worldwide using the same title as both the company and its well-known W-DMX brand of wireless DMX technology.

Niclas Arvidsson, CEO of Wireless Solution explains: "This has been a problem for a while, but it is getting worse. For example, there is an Italian company using the name ‘wireless solution' on their website and printed in their catalogues, while the legal and registered company name has nothing to do with this. There is also a Chinese manufacturer selling OEM products with both ‘W_DMX' and ‘W-DMX' but are not in any sort of partnership with W-DMX made in Sweden by Wireless Solution Sweden AB. These examples represent blatant trademark infringement."

Arvidsson continues: "For OEM companies who support this theft of brand names we will start to take action in Europe and America. We have people investigating several of these cases now. To consumers we just advise people to work with reputable companies such as Wireless Solution Sweden AB to ensure you get the real deal."

"We've worked very hard to brand the Wireless Solution name, in addition to W-DMX and the ‘Made in Sweden' mark. To see companies using names that we own is worrisome - that the name will suffer by being associated with inferior products that we don't manufacture and have no quality control over."

W-DMX by Wireless Solution Sweden AB has become the world standard for wireless DMX, winning awards on both sides of the Atlantic. W-DMX "outshone the rest" in an independent test (Lighting & Sound International).  Specified with perfect results in high-profile lighting projects everywhere, W-DMX has been used for lighting the Pyramids of Giza; Céline Dion's Taking Chances Tour; Times Square in New York City; the 2008 Nobel Prize Banquet; the world's largest Ferris wheel, the Singapore Flyer; and many more.

In picture: A W-DMX copy purchased in China.

SGM Technology for Lighting Becomes Part of RCF Group

RCF Group has finalised an agreement to purchase 51% of SGM Technology for Lighting S.p.A. SGM is one of the leading companies in the entertainment and architectural lighting industry with more than 30 years of experience. The Company has a proven track record of success and counts on many prestigious references around the world.

RCF Group is one of the key players in the Pro Audio business worldwide and it is currently formed by the companies RCF and AEB (which owns the brand dB Technologies). Each brand is characterized by innovative new products and continuous investments in technology.

Gabriele Giorgi, managing director of SGM, said: "It is a great opportunity for us to become one of the companies of the RCF Group. Over the years we have built a very dedicated team and, together with our worldwide distribution partners, we have significantly expanded our international sales. Looking ahead we felt it was time to structure our company for a more demanding market and, being part of larger group, will provide SGM with immediate access to additional technical and financial resources. This will represent an important step forward to consolidate our leadership position, increase SGM brand visibility and assist our team in achieving future goals. An opportunity to better meet the future challenges while maintaining our company identity and historical values."

Arturo Vicari, managing director of the RCF Group added: "We are extremely pleased that Gabriele and his team are joining our Group. Their dedication and passion has driven the constant success of SGM in these years. The companies in our Group have the same level of passion and dedication and we immediately found a perfect understanding between us, sharing a common vision for the future. We also share the same commitment towards high quality solutions, constant innovation and long term business relationships. SGM will continue to be focused on its existing business model, developing its own products, defining its sales and marketing strategies while benefiting at the same time from additional synergies and resources. We are very pleased to welcome SGM in the RCF Group."

www.sgm.it

Kling & Freitag Sign New Korean Distributor

At the recent ProLight + Sound event in Frankfurt Kusan Acoustic co. Ltd took over the exclusive distribution for Kling & Freitag in Korea.

Kusan´ s long term experience in professional audio and their well established dealer network is widely known by both rental and installation companies.

"We are looking forward to offer our customers the best sounding audio solutions in the market. That´s why Kling & Freitag is first choice and the Sequenza 10 has already become a trademark in the house of worship market," stated Mr. Ki- Man Kim, managing director of Kusan Acoustics.

The Koba Show from the 26th to the 29th May will be the first major event where Kusan will show Kling & Freitag´s latest techology.

"Kusan Acoustic´s focus on technical excellence in professional audio impressed me! A passionate sales team is prepared to serve the needs of audio pros in various market segments all over the country. We are glad to strengthen Kling & Freitag´ s position in Asia by teaming up with Kusan Acoustic!" said Jürgen Freitag.

In picture: Jürgen Freitag, CEO of Kling & Freitag with Ki-Man Kim, managing director of Kusan Acoustics.

Philips Acquires Selecon

Royal Philips has announced that it has acquired New Zealand-based Selecon, a prominent global designer, manufacturer and distributor of professional theatrical and architectural lighting fixtures. Under the terms of the agreement, Philips will acquire the business assets of Selecon New Zealand Limited, Selecon UK Limited, Selecon North America LLC and Aureol Lighting Limited. No financial details on the transaction were disclosed.

"Selecon's highly acclaimed luminaires for the theatrical and architectural markets will further strengthen the breadth of solutions Philips can offer to important professional customers such as performing arts centres, convention centres, hotels and churches," said Rudy Provoost, chief executive of Philips' lighting sector. "Today we are further strengthening the product portfolio of our globally leading entertainment lighting business, building on the foundation provided by the acquisition of Genlyte in 2008."

Selecon has become part of the Entertainment Group within the Philips Professional Luminaires business, which also encompasses the Vari-Lite and Strand Lighting business operations. The acquisition of Selecon follows the acquisition of Italy-based Ilti Luce Srl, one of the leading LED design companies in Europe for architectural indoor lighting just over a month ago, and is the second such announcement in the Pacific region in as many weeks following last week's acquisition of Australia-based lighting company Dynalite.

Chroma-Q Sets its Sights on the Web

To celebrate the launch of the new Chroma-Q Color Block 2 LED fixture and the growing success of the award-winning lighting brand worldwide, www.chroma-q.com has been launched. Dealers and end users are provided with easy access to a dedicated online portal for the very latest Chroma-Q product news, user applications, support and reseller information. For up to the minute product information, extensive application case studies and testimonials from a diverse range of clients including lighting designers, technicians, venues, rental and production companies, visit www.chroma-q.com. Furthermore, the new website provides access to full 360° product views, high resolution colour photos, brochures, detailed technical specification sheets, manuals and exploded diagrams.

The Chroma-Q brand has been setting new standards in professional lighting products and accessories for many years and is renowned for delivering high levels of performance and reliability at an affordable price. Whether it be for theatres, concert tours, films, TV, tradeshows, corporate events or fixed installations, Chroma-Q products are designed for a wide range of entertainment and architectural lighting applications. The line-up provides an extensive choice of creative LED lighting fixtures, traditional lighting accessories as well as control and data distribution solutions.

The www.chroma-q.com website is easy to navigate, giving access to dedicated sections on all Chroma-Q products in just a few clicks. For more information on the Chroma-Q range, visit www.chroma-q.com

Blue Microphones Now Distributed by TC Electronic in Europe, China and Japan

TC Electronic is adding another quality, key player in the audio world to its distribution portfolio. Blue Microphones is a bespoke microphone company that manufactures a range of products that looks as good as it sounds. They also lead the way with cutting-edge design and technological innovation in the field of recording. The microphones encompass a wide variety of recording needs from studio to live applications, from Rock and Pop to Jazz and Classical and everything in between.

Blue Microphones designs and manufactures its own capsules, which are individually built and tuned by hand. There are no integrated circuits and the solid state and tube microphone amplifiers are based on a Class A, fully discrete circuit, employing a custom microphone transformer built and wound to Blue specifications. This process results in the unique sound quality that is the trademark of Blue, a sound quality that has won Blue Microphones many high profile users around the world.

The company's range of microphones includes the award-winning Kiwi, Dragonfly and Woodpecker mics. The Bottle, however, is Blue's highest achievement in terms of quality and innovation, a flagship recording tool that combines low noise and superb transient response integrated with a system of eight optional interchangeable capsules - called Bottle Caps - that make this one of the most versatile and desirable microphones on the market. Finally, Blue Microphones also produce a range of preamps and other accessories, including pop shields and cables.

Philips Acquires Dynalite

Royal Philips Electronics has announced the purchase of lighting control developer Dynalite. The Australian company has become part of the Lighting Electronics business within the Philips Lighting Sector.

With offices in Australia, the UK, China and Dubai, Dynalite has grown steadily in prominence since its formation in 1989. Last year saw the company post a double-digit profit margin and sales growth. The combination of Dynalite and Philips is estimated to represent a total market value of approximately €2 billion.
Rudy Provoost, chief executive of Philips' Lighting Sector, commented: "Sophisticated lighting control systems can provide our customers with significant cost and energy savings. A variety of lighting control methods present a solution to suit any setting, ensuring that energy is not consumed unnecessarily, while providing the user with complete flexibility and control over their environment. As such, the acquisition of Dynalite enables us to further strengthen our offering of integral energy management solutions to major corporations, property developers and hotel groups.
"Having a prominent lighting controls business will help us to further capitalise on the growing demand for energy-saving solutions. This is fuelled by trends towards net zero CO2 buildings and the accelerating global switch to green energy-saving solutions, partly enforced by increasing government legislation."

LOUD Technologies Restores Significant EAW and Mackie Production Capacity

LOUD Technologies Inc. has announced it restored production in March for a number of significant EAW and Mackie product lines that were impacted when one of the company's contract manufacturers ceased operations in late 2008.

Specifically, the company resumed mass production on all SKUs of the EAW AX, JF and NTL series in March. Production also began on a portion of the Mackie VLZ3 series in March, with the balance of the series entering full production in April.

"We've made incredible progress in restoring supplies in just three short months," commented Jim Stewart, chief operating officer at LOUD. "In the process, we've added significant capacity and sophistication to our supply chain that will support the next phase in the Company's growth."

In January, 2009, LOUD restored production for the EAW KF and SB loudspeakers at a company-owned facility, as well as resumed production on Mackie HRmk2 and MR studio monitors at another of the company's contract manufacturing partners.

Wybron Opens Online Store

Wybron customers can shop for colour changers, luminaires, gelstrings, and more anytime day or night with the lighting manufacturer's new online store.

Launched on 19th March, the online store at www.wybron.com sells Wybron's Coloram IT, CXI IT, and Forerunner color changers; Nexera LX CMY dichroic color-mixing luminaires; gelstrings; and accessories such as power supplies, mounting brackets, and cable.

The full line of Wybron products, including such items as the Eclipse mechanical dowser and the Transition fiber optic illuminator, will only be available through the company's distributors or the company's internal sales team.

"We expect that most people will continue to buy Wybron products through dealers," said CEO Keny Whitright. "The store just gives customers and end users another way to research some of our best-selling products from their computers."

Products online will be sold at full retail price and must be paid for with a credit card.

Any Wybron product listed in the online store, as well Wybron's complete line of products, will be available through the company's worldwide dealer network. To find a dealer near you, visit www.wybron.com/dealers

W-DMX Boosts R&D with 60 Years of Experience

Wireless Solution Sweden AB has added three individuals with over 60 years of collective experience to beef up the Research and Development of W-DMX. With these additions, they have committed to an investment in the future.

"We're very excited to add these talented individuals to the R&D team," says Niclas Arvidsson, CEO of Wireless Solution. "Between the current economic situation and the wide attention to sustainability and carbon footprint, this is absolutely the best time for us to make W-DMX even better. It saves money and the Earth, so we feel an obligation to research better and more efficient ways to achieve perfect results, rather than just cross our fingers and hope for the best.

"Wireless Solution has always been the market leader in wireless DMX technology," Arvidsson continues. "With this new investment we are ensuring that we will continue to offer the best product available and always develop the latest technology and keep the number one position."
Mats Jonsson is the new CTO for Wireless Solution, with 25 years' experience in software development for major manufacturers of infrastructure equipment. Jonsson will be project manager for W-DMX, responsible for software design.

Kjell Johanesson is a new radio engineer with 20 years' experience from Ericsson, the number one provider of mobile phones and GSM Networks, which were the technologies that formed the basis of W-DMX when the company formed in 2004.
Willhelm Alhgreen is responsible for hardware design and will work together with Mats and Kjell to continue the development of new products that will make Wireless Solution the market leader for wireless lighting solutions in entertainment, architectural and OEM applications.

Rising Opportunities

Prolyte has announced the official launch of a new sales office Japan. The combined Prolyte and Doughty sales office is a branch of Prolyte Asia Pacific.

Despite global economic unfavourable circumstances, PAP sees a strategic opportunity to expand its presence in Asia and venture into the world's second largest economy.

PAP is committed to supplying high quality products and support to its customers. The Tokyo based office is equipped with a warehouse that stocks a broad range of Prolyte and Doughty products, which enables PAP to gain competitive edge when delivering the products within a shorter lead-time.

Mutsuo Osawa is appointed as managing director for Prolyte Doughty Japan Incorporation (PDJ).

Osawa brings a wealth of experience from both the entertainment and the advertising industry, having worked for Theatre Engineering Co Ltd and headed many international campaigns, ranging from changing corporate/brand image to launching of new product for company giants like Fujitsu, Canon and Nissan.

In order to provide maximum service to their customers and users, a Japanese website as well as a translation of the main Prolyte brochures in the Japanese language are in progress.

 

Rhino Sound is Korea's New Sound Rental Resource

At the end of 2007 the rental company Rhino Sound was founded by director Sungwon Park and general manager Chang Gyn Choi. After several years of freelance work, these two sound engineers wanted to establish themselves with their own company. The Rhino Sound crew is made up of experienced technical specialists who have been on the Korean scene for years. Director Sungwon Park, especially, has had lengthy experience in the rental and broadcast business. Among his credits is his work as monitor engineer for Korean superstar Cho Young Phil.

A mutually beneficial coincidence brought Rhino Sound and HK Audio together. As a result of earlier projects, the principals of Rhino Sound were already on good terms with Midi & Graphics, HK Audio's Korean distribution partner. While Rhino Sound was looking for a "New Sound for Korea," Midi & Graphics was searching at the same time for a demo-partner for HK Audio Concert Sound systems, i.e. a rental company that could demonstrate Cohedra and ConTour Series systems for Midi & Graphics.

One conversation led to another, and toward the end of 2007 the crew from Rhino Sound paid a visit to HK Audio headquarters in St.Wendel, where they went through comprehensive product training and participated in thorough system tests. Rhino Sound thereupon decided to work together with Midi & Graphics, and has been the HK Audio demo-partner in Korea ever since.

Rhino Sound director Sungwon Park states: "We are very happy with HK Audio equipment. It is quality made in Germany with excellent value for the money. And the naturalness of the sound is especially impressive. The huge success of the first few gigs that we've already had in the Korean market-such as equipping the Cho Young Phil tour with ConTour Series monitors, or the GrandMint Festival and the gig with Lim Jae Bum in the Olympic Hall-have confirmed for us that we made the right decision."

2008 was a very successful year for Rhino Sound. The company was involved with a great number of projects. For example, for top Korean star Cho Young Phil's tour, Rhino Sound provided complete stage monitoring, with over thirty ConTour Series CT 112, CT 115 and CT 108 cabinets. On Rhino Sound's recommendation, the traveling company "Total Korea" also invested in their own ConTour Series monitors. Rhino Sound outfitted the concert of another Korean superstar, Lim Jae Bum, in the Olympic Hall in Seoul with HK AUDIO equipment as well. COHEDRA served as the main PA, ConTour Array as sidefills, and ConTour Series cabinets were used as the stage monitors.

At the GrandMint Festival, Rhino Sound deployed a Cohedra system with 20 CDR 208 mid/high units and 32 CDR 210 subwoofers for the Forest Garden Stage. At the Incheon Grand Park World City Festival, Rhino Sound also used a Cohedra system.

Kang Sun Mo, managing director of Korean HK Audio distributor Midi & Graphics, has enjoyed their collaboration with Rhino Sound: "With their wealth of experience, we are happy to have the Rhino Sound crew on board carrying out our professional product demonstrations and helping us boost HK Audio's brand image throughout Korea."

SmartAV Announces New Asia presence to Promote Tango

Sydney-based Smart AV, designers and manufacturers of the latest Smart Console Tango, are now expanding their business in Asia. Tango was launched in July 2008 and having previously focused on sales in US and Europe, SmartAV are keen to promote Tango across Asia Pacific, and have now set up a sales and marketing office in Singapore.

Tango is the most intuitive workstation controller available and distributors in the region are already excited by it following demos at NAMM last month, and with its competitive price Tango should be well received in cost sensitive Asia.

Says David Hannay of SmartAV: "We are excited about the opportunities Asia presents and so setting up this venture in Singapore is really important to us. Following NAMM, the initial response to Tango has been extremely positive. For budget conscious buyers who need a professional system, Tango is very good value for money. Its large scale mixing and editing capabilities combined with its patented ARC Technology make it a unique tool for post-production or music recording and composition."

Ken Tovich, based in Singapore and driving sales and marketing in the region is buoyed by the customer response: "Tango is a powerful control surface with extensive features and capabilities unique to Tango. Users will notice improvements in their workflow and a great visual overview of multiple channel settings. It is an unbeatable production tool that professional and home users across Asia are going to love.

"We are now in the process of appointing distributors in key countries across Asia including Indonesia, India, Singapore, and showcasing Tango at key exhibitions and tradeshows across the region," adds Tovich.

In picture: David Hannay and Ken Tovich

DPA Launches New Website

DPA has launched a new website. It retains the large amount of information and resources from the previous site, including the Microphone University, which provides useful information about microphone design, interfacing, stereo and surround techniques and recording in general, as well as product information, user stories and distributor info.

Additionally, the site has undergone a complete redesign, bringing it up-to-date and consistent with DPA's corporate branding, advertising and trade show visuals. Graphics are bolder and improved, and the site features new product photography throughout.

"We wanted to make our website even more user friendly, with a good search function, easy navigation and well-organised content," says Anne Berggrein, head of marketing at DPA. "We've made better use of the images, upgraded the search engine and included an on-the-fly product sheet generator and flash catalogue page flip. We'll be continuously improving the site with new features to constantly improve the user experience, including a more in-depth product guide to help users choose the most suitable mic, samples of recordings, and application videos."

DPA Microphones also has a new page on Facebook where it will be posting news, info, photos and videos.

Cadac Purchased by Soundking Group of China

A formal announcement has been made by Mr Xianggui Wang, president and founder of the Soundking Group Company Limited of Ningbo, China, to confirm that it has acquired the assets, trademark and intellectual property of Cadac Electronics plc with immediate effect. Under the ownership of Soundking Group, all 25 Cadac employees are being retained, with R&D and production continuing to be based in the UK.

The purchase forms a key part of Soundking Group's ongoing strategic investment plan, as Mr Wang explains: "I am personally delighted that I have been able to bring the world-famous Cadac brand and its outstanding products into the Soundking Group. I am also extremely happy that we have been able to retain all Cadac employees and to protect their jobs in this time of economic uncertainty. The Cadac R&D team will form the European core of Soundking Group's global R&D effort, enabling us to draw on Cadac's high level of expertise in analogue and digital audio and translate this into new products across the Group."

Bob Thomas has been appointed as general manager of the new operating company, Cadac Holdings Limited, and comments: "The last few months have been a difficult time for all of us - for our employees, our customers and our suppliers. Now that we have got through this period, the future looks extremely bright, and we will be working quickly to re-establish Cadac in its core markets. Soundking Group is investing $6m in Cadac and in new product development, highlighting its commitment and belief in the market opportunity presented by our top quality global brand. For Cadac, the great news is that now we have the Soundking Group's financial backing, we will be able to accelerate that programme and in particular, put the S-Digital console back on schedule. Our digital R&D team is 100% focused on starting production in the summer of 2009 - it's a great start to the year! On a personal note, I am delighted that we have been able to retain all our staff and that manufacturing of Cadac consoles will remain in the UK - an appropriate factor in this, Cadac's 40th year. With the Soundking Group's financial strength, new access to the fast-growing pro-audio market in China and the support of our existing customers and distributors, we are looking forward to a period of major sales growth."

Cadac reports a strong forward order book, including analogue desks destined for Russia, Germany, Korea and China within the next few weeks. The company is also focusing on staging a strong presence at this year's Prolight + Sound show in Frankfurt, taking place in early April.

The Soundking Group Company Limited has been established for more than 20 years, and is headquartered in Ningbo, close to Shanghai. One of China's leading audio manufacturers, Soundking Group has an extensive range of innovative, market-leading products and was a major supplier for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.

Outline's Newly Appointed Chinese Distributor

Italian pro audio manufacturer Outline has appointed Shoushan system integration Ltd as its sole distributor for China, Hong Kong and Macao, with effect from 1st January 2009.

Since its foundation, Shoushan system integration Ltd, headquartered in Guangzhou Panyu, has been committed to the professional audio field, and has gradually developed a comprehensive range of professional equipment sales, engineering design, installation and commissioning, after-sales services, as befit an integrated corporate structure.

The key market areas Shoushan system integration targets are venues, theatres, radio and television broadcasters, multi-function halls, meeting, conference and exhibition centres, theme parks, airport terminals and mobile applications. Its business scope includes: full responsibility for internationally renowned audio equipment products, including mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao branding, sales, after-sales and technical support.

This enables the firm to provide professional sound reinforcement system design, installation, commissioning and training facilities, as well as support for dealers and integrators participating in domestic large/medium-sized audio engineering projects, from system design to equipment purchase, installation and commissioning etc. thus ensuring all-round support.

The company's CEO Mr. Tempo has been committed to China's audio industry for many years, holding key sales positions with top Chinese and International brands since 1991.

Shoushan system integration has always been committed to bringing foreign professional audio sound reinforcement products and technology to China, also ensuring services combining Chinese and western sound reinforcement technology.

The company considers it a great honour to become part of a world-renowned brand: Outline, "a company that in Shoushan's opinion ensures ‘the supremacy of credibility', as the firm has a corporate approach enabling it to build on Outline's reputation, thus furthering its work in the avant-garde of the professional audio field."

First Australian Midas PRO6 Sold to Osmond Electronics of Adelaide

Bosch Security Systems Australia has sold the country's first Midas PRO6 Live Audio System to Osmond Electronics. This follows a tradition of firsts for Adelaide-based company, which also bought the first Midas XL3 and XL200 consoles in the country during the nineties.

Osmond specified their PRO6 with the DL431 Input splitter and DL451 I/O box usually supplied with the XL8. The DL431 will allow a total of five output splits from a single input with dual variable gain pre-amps providing both digital and analogue splits, with an additional transformer isolated analogue output as the fifth split. Increased functionality will also be provided by the DL451 I/O box by way of remote inputs and outputs for the system, in addition to the DL451 I/O cards fitted into the PRO6 surface. Each DL451 box and the PRO6 surface contain three module slots that allow input and output modules to be changed and moved around within the system.

The Osmond PRO6 will join an existing inventory of Midas analogue consoles including XL200, XL3, Heritage 3000, Venice and Verona consoles as well as a large collection of Klark Teknik outboard.

In picture:  Osmond operations manager Kostas Psorakis and production manager Mike Longmire with their new Midas PRO6.

Chauvet Launches New Web Site

Hollywood, FL-based Chauvet recently launched a completely redesigned and enhanced web site with a fresh, edgy appearance, a user-friendly format and expanded content.

"The updated and fresh site reflects our commitment to stay innovative and ahead of the curve as a leader in professional lighting," said CEO Albert Chauvet.

The new site, at www.chauvetlighting.com, is visually more appealing and easier to navigate, yet provides more user-oriented information and expanded product information.

Notable changes include a search engine, a product Quick Find, a dealer locator and the addition of tabs that lead visitors to specific product ranges suited for the particulars of the different markets Chauvet  targets: club/DJ, production and architectural. Such differentiation is crucial because Chauvet caters to a wide range of users, from mobile DJs to touring LDs and architectural installers, under one single brand name.

"We felt it was imperative to segment our products in ways that would minimize the time our diverse clients spend researching and finding products relevant to a particular application," Chauvet said.

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