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.

Opus Moves into Israel with TopAudio

Opus Technologies, the leading manufacturer of multi-room entertainment and control systems, has announced the appointment of TopAudio as its exclusive distributor in Israel.

Opus offers end users a seamless touch screen experience with total smart-home integration possibilities at highly accessible price points. An extraordinary capability to integrate with the world's hottest technology from Apple and Microsoft as well as media servers lighting, security and HVAC systems make Opus a uniquely attractive proposition.

"Finding like-minded and custom-focused regional partners who share our passion to deliver the ultimate customer experience every-time is key to the success of our International business expansion," commented Opus Technologies international business development manager, David Vukovich. "We are delighted to announce our affiliation with TopAudio, a truly exceptional company with a dominant market position, technical competence and extensive range of complementary brands and products."

According to Yossi Gol, Top Audio's executive vice president: "Opus is a rising star in the custom installation business, specializing in automation control solutions for multi-room audio video systems including unique In-wall-mounted, colour touch screen technologies. Opus has developed a groundbreaking technology known as "Opus Hot-Spot" which provides customers with both simple and intuitive operation, uncompromising quality and well-proven reliability. Another great gain from distributing Opus systems in Israel is its price, which is affordable for many of us who in the past could not afford products and technologies of this standard."

In picture: Yossi Gol of TopAudio (left) with Opus Technologies' David Vukovich.

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.

Goboland Middle East Opens in the UAE

April 2009 saw celebrations for the opening of Goboland Middle East MFZE. Based in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, this new branch of the popular Belgian gobo manufacturers has been established to serve the burgeoning Middle Eastern market and the demand for its high quality gobo services across the busy architectural sector.

"The Middle Eastern market has been expanding exponentially in the past few years," explains Goboland managing director, Ivo Dielen. "The volume of business this has created for us has necessitated the opening of a branch ‘on the ground', so to speak, so we can bring a more customer-facing service to our new clients here in the Middle East.

"The projection of gobo images onto the exterior of buildings is a powerful advertising tool which has become a tour de force here. The number of projects and advertising ventures which incorporate gobo projection has seen the demand for our expertise - including keystoning of images and distance calculations - rocket. We are very keen to develop this further and have great expectations for our new venture."

Goboland Middle East MFZE can be contact at:   

GOBOLAND Middle East MFZE

RAK Media City

Ras Al Khaimah

UAE
Tel +971 7 2434580

Fax +971 7 2434581

J&C Joel Raise the Curtain in Dubai

J&C Joel used the recent PALME Middle East show to announce the introduction of J & C Joel UAE. The new office is in association with IBS Décor and provides a perfect partner to their event management and production company. Dubai maintains the lead in hosting the grandest events in the Middle East, and having a J&C Joel branch in Dubai means more expertise and reliability as well as greater cost effectiveness.

"The PALME show provided the perfect opportunity to launch J&C Joel," says CEO James Wheelwright. "The launch was a great success and we were very pleased with the response. The show allowed us to showcase our products and the new office reinforces our commitment to the region."

J & C Joel Limited is acknowledged as one of the world's leading theatrical drape and stage machinery manufacturers. With over 50 years' experience in the manufacture of specialist fabrics, they have the ultimate range of flame-retardant fabrics for the entertainment industry, thus providing safety and quality in its products. J&C Joel's experience extends to all areas of entertainment including amateur and professional theatre, film and television studios, cinemas, civic and school halls, nightclubs, events and arenas.

"J & C Joel is aware of the fact that our clients expect products of the highest quality. We strive to be sensitive to our clients' needs and to produce the impossible," says Scott Davis founder of IBS Décor.

J&C Joel's CEO James Wheelwright echoed Scott sentiments: "We are committed to delivering exceptional service and supplying the highest quality of products. This new partnership only enhances this by providing a faster and more efficient service than we currently have done to the region over the last 10 years."

J&C Joel UAE is situated in the industrial location of Al Quoz, in western Dubai. Here, clients can experience a well laid out warehouse with a new drapery production facility, including a wide variety of supplies and fully trained tailors. An extensive range of fabrics will be stocked including wide width scenic canvas, wool serge, standard and heavyweight velour's, sharkstooth gauzes, filled cloth - plus numerous other fabrics to suit the region. All J&C Joel products comply with European fire and safety standards.

"We look forward to a prosperous venture in the Middle East. This enforces our commitment to be the leader in flame retardant theatrical fabrics, drapes and stage machinery," James Wheelwright concluded.

uaesales@jcjoel.com

www.jcjoel.com

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

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

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.

Lighthouse Announces New Central European and Middle East Structure

Lighthouse Technologies Ltd has announced the implementation of a new corporate structure for Continental Europe and the Middle East (CEME) regions under the leadership of its current Southern European director, Roberto Segato.

The geographical scope of the new set up comprises the current Southern Europe remit, which includes Russia and the Middle East, as well as the former Western and Central European region.

To ensure that Lighthouse customers continue to receive the local service for which the company has become renowned, a new German office has been opened in Munich, headed up by new team member, Massimo Dolce. Giulia Kabakova has also joined Segato's team as sales executive for Russia and the CIS regions to ensure that these areas can instantly benefit from this new arrangement.

"This move is designed to unify Lighthouse's European operation and help consolidate the company's position as the leading provider of high performance, flexible LED display solutions in the Continental Europe and Middle East regions," explains Segato. "It will maximise our available resources and offer a better service to our customers, whilst enabling Lighthouse to expand its network and develop opportunities in new and emerging markets."

"Lighthouse continually looks at ways of improving its service to its clients," adds Lighthouse's general manager, Peter Chan. "We saw that there was a need to provide additional resources for the CEME region, which has many growing and emerging markets.

"Our commitment to this area includes giving our customers easy access our resources. Therefore, the new CEME team has been set up to ensure that both sales and technical backup are always accessible. Additionally, due to our team's multilingual abilities, more often than not these can be provided in our customers' native language, which we see as an vital service."

Roberto Segato, director of CEME region has over 13 years experience in the giant screen industry. He has an intimate knowledge of the industry, having joined Lighthouse shortly after the company's launch in 2000 with the previous five years spent at Sony Jumbotron. Segato is sales director for Spain, Portugal, Greece and The Netherlands and is in overall charge of the CEME team.

Massimo Dolce, sales director for Central and Eastern Europe and Italy is a new addition to the Lighthouse team, but has been associated with the company on a consultancy basis since the beginning of 2008. He brings 15 years of screen experience to the company, having worked for Rohde & Schwarz in Asia, Middle East and Latin America and spent 10 years with Sony Broadcast and Professional in Latin America and Europe. In charge of Lighthouse's new central Europe base in Munich, he is instrumental in supporting the entire CEME team.

Alessio Giagnoni, sales manager for Central and Eastern Europe and Italy has been part of the Lighthouse sales team since 2004. He has been instrumental in introducing the Lighthouse brand to territories such as Turkey and Africa and has worked on major sales to the Azerbaijan government and City's Nişantaşi, Turkey's most prestigious shopping centre, amongst others.  

Andrea Greguoldo, sales manager for the Middle East and Turkey worked for a number of years as an IT consultant, Greguoldo brings his experience to bear at Lighthouse's CEME office, where he has worked as part of the sales team since March last year.

In addition, Janez Zigon is sales manager for North East Europe and Federico Segato and Guilia Kabakova are sales executives in charge of new business development, and Russia and the CIS region respectively.                  

Olaf Mineo, technical manager and Matteo Serone, technician has almost a decade of experience working within the LED screen industry. Before joining Lighthouse at the beginning of 2005, he worked for Italian rental company Event Management. Serone, meanwhile, joined the Lighthouse team in March 2008 following a period at Italian yacht dealer, Sinomarine, in China.

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.

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.

Lab.gruppen Acquires Dolby Lake Processor Technology and Lake Brand

Lab.gruppen has announced its acquisition of the Lake trademarks and the exclusive rights for use of Dolby Lake Processor (DLP) technology for both touring and permanent sound reinforcement markets, from Dolby Laboratories, Inc.

The technology currently referred to as "DLP technology" as used in the PLM Series will, in the future, be called ‘Lake technology or Lake Processing'. The Dolby Lake Controller (DLC) PLM Edition software will be forthwith known as ‘Lake Controller software' as new versions of the software are expected to be compatible with both the stand alone DLPs as well as the PLM Series products.

Lake technology is used in several successful products including the original Lake products, Mesa Quad EQ and Contour; the Dolby Lake Processor from Dolby Laboratories and the PLM Series Powered Loudspeaker Management systems. Specifically, this agreement allows Lab.gruppen to further develop the Lake Controller software and firmware and to utilize the Lake brand name and allied technologies in Lab.gruppen-branded and stand-alone products for use in the Touring and Permanent Sound Reinforcement markets as demands dictate. Lab.gruppen has secured exclusive access to the source code and algorithms for these markets that are at the heart of the DLP and PLM and this will allow the company to create further generations of the programs for use with existing Dolby Lake Processors and with the company's PLM Series of Powered Loudspeaker Management systems.

"This is a significant step for our company," stated Tomas Lilja, managing director at Lab.gruppen. "Having the exclusive rights to the Lake technology in these markets allows Lab.gruppen to continue developing the Lake software and firmware for use in our own products and all the thousands of DLPs out there. We are sure the market will be happy to hear that.

"Lab.gruppen is extremely pleased to have acquired the very well respected Lake brand name," continues Lilja. "We see this as very important to the future growth of Lab.gruppen. Although the Lake brand will be developed separately from Lab.gruppen, the technology will have its own life within our organization. Lake technology will form the backbone of all future iterations of our unique Powered Loudspeaker Management systems. We are also very aware of the demand for stand-alone processing and assessing this market is high on our agenda. We are hoping that, through our support of the existing DLP user base - with software updates and new features - and via the increasing number of PLM customers, we can swiftly research new product development possibilities."

"Over the last few years Lab.gruppen has been a trusted partner of Dolby and we have recognized their commitment to supporting the live sound industry," said John Carey, vice president, worldwide sales, products and services, Dolby Laboratories. "As we pass the live sound torch to Lab.gruppen we are confident that they will continue to innovate and evolve the technology and brand many have grown to love in this industry."

In picture:Carl Rohdell, project manager; Håkan Gustafsson, product engineering manager;  Tomas Lilja, CEO; Emil Tirén, software engineer and Klas Dalbjörn, product research manager played important roles in the Lake acquisition and technology transfer.

Gearsource Europe Agreement with Christie Digital

GearSource Europe has announced its appointment as the official Christie Digital Partner to sell their B stock products in the EMEA region.

Said Garry Nelsson: "GearSource Europe has quickly established itself as the premier web site for industry insiders wishing to buy or sell pre-owned lighting, sound, staging and video equipment. The association with Christie will enable us to offer even more video related products to our many users in the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa."

Dale Miller, vice president EMEA, Christie explains: "Our business in the region has expanded dramatically over the last three years. As a direct result we have needed to enlarge our demonstration fleet to meet the opportunities we have to develop new business. The agreement with GearSource Europe will allow Christie to refresh its demo fleet more frequently and improve our customer presentations by showcasing the very latest product improvements."

Christie, a global leader in the manufacture of visual solutions for business, entertainment and industry, is often considered the "professional's choice", offering one of the widest selection of display technologies.

GearSource Europe along with US-based GearSource, collectively, are the world's largest e-seller in used and B-stock production gear, becoming the prime site for anyone looking to buy or sell professional lighting, sound, staging and video gear.

www.gearsourceeurope.com

Osram Enters Joint Venture with LED System and Solution Specialist Traxon Technologies

Osram is strengthening its portfolio in the field of professional LED lighting systems and solutions by setting up a joint venture with Traxon Technologies Ltd., Hong Kong. The new company, in which Osram has the majority shareholding, is one of the leading providers in the fast-growing market for LED technology in the field of architectural, hospitality and shop lighting. The company employs around 135 people and reported sales of around 17 million Euros in fiscal 2008. The company is operating globally in Asia, Europe and North America. The parties have agreed to keep the purchase price undisclosed and the transaction is subject to the approval of the responsible cartel authorities.

"This new joint venture will make Osram one of the leading providers of LED lighting solutions. The benefits of this partnership are very clear: We intend to create an integrated offering across the entire LED spectrum which will be marketed through the joint worldwide partner- and sales network," explains Osram CEO Martin Goetzeler. "The joint venture will also act as a powerful driving force for the continuing innovative development of Osram's components business."

"With clear focus on the customers needs this Joint Venture will be the choice for LED projects, systems and solutions. We will continue to build on our partnerships around the world to make it happen," says Nicolai Wiest, CEO of Traxon.

The joint venture will bring the combined know-how of Osram and the both Traxon Technologies companies Traxon and e:cue Lighting Controls to offer customers integrated LED lighting solutions. Traxon not only offers a leading technology portfolio, it also has outstanding contacts in worldwide project business to architects and lighting designers. The range of light management and control software offered by e:cue plus Traxon's focus on LED system and solution business are an important

addition to Osram's product portfolio.

Operating under the new name "Traxon Technologies - An Osram Company" the joint venture will continue to operate from its head office in Hong Kong while Traxon's research and development activities will remain in Paderborn, Germany, and Hong Kong.

RMS: a Successful Year in 2008

RMS (Rental Management Systems), the leading software for rental company, is about to end a very successful year. With over 40 new installations, sales of the latest RMS25 have been beyond expectations. Also, more and more existing users opted for an expansion of their existing system.

The demand of users for new features in the software resulted in a entirely new designed multisites-module, which will be installed in Denmark in December. Five locations of a major AV-hire company will be linked together using SQL-servers and internet/VPN connections.

Another new development is the use of RFID-tags. RMS will be incorporating RFID in a new project, together with a mayor Belgium rental company. The new software will allow them better overview of the exact items going out and returning.

RMS (Rental Management Systems) has been involved in planning and calculation software since 1987. The company was the first to develop vertical software for the AV- and entertainment industry.

www.rmsplanning.com

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