business news

New UAE Distribution Partnership for Outline

In the year of the birth of the United Arab Emirates in 1971 was also born a rising star – The Al Shirawi Group of Companies, a group that comprises 45 companies with diverse interest, which carry expertise in the fields of electronics, engineering, printing, trading, construction, air-conditioning and many more. Oasis Enterprises, the electronics wing of the group, was established in 1982 for the distribution and retail of consumer electronic products, a category that a nascent nation offered ample opportunities of growth and fulfilment of a better lifestyle.

In the myriad opportunities that presented itself in a country that harboured a burning ambition to succeed, regardless of the challenges a competitive world threw up, the professional projects division (PPD) was established to exploit avenues of business hitherto unexplored beyond the ambit of consumer electronics.

The division comprises four sub-divisions of professional electronics and lighting which span the spectrum of turnkey services in installation and commercial distribution. Broadcast, lighting, professional AV and CCTV/PA, make PPD the undisputed leader in its field of operation. It carries this distinction with the admiration deservedly achieved from over five thousand projects it has executed in the UAE, GCC and Mid-east region, partnering with global brands that are themselves leaders in their respective fields of expertise.

The winner takes it all and winning is a habit with the division. It has been an envious recipient of many awards the industry confers and to name a few are the Sound and Stage Awards in 2008, nominated for the ‘Best New Projection/Display Technology of the Year’ for Element Labs Helix LED Video Screens. ‘Distributor of the Year’ award for dimming systems and turnover by ETC, again in 2008. ‘Best Academic Installation’ for Sharjah University College of Fine Arts by Digital Studio Awards 2009 and ‘Lighting Installation Project of the Year’ for Dubai Aquarium, Dubai Mall by Sound and Stage Awards 2009.

The GM of the professional projects division, Basel As Aref feels that the leader seeks a leader and that’s what made us extend a hand of partnership with Outline, the Italian manufacturer of high-end loudspeaker systems for the concert and installation industry. Outline’s expertise is reflected in the brilliance of its design and engineering and its exhaustive list of industry patents applied for since 1989 bare testimony to its acoustic talents, mirrored in the quality and performance of their products.

In the meantime, Mr. Giorgio Biffi, CEO of Outline, is extremely proud and satisfied to have its product's range been selected by the professional and strong team of Oasis Enterprises to be distributed and specified in the Arabic Peninsula, as it's rewarding and recognising the overall quality and performances of Outline product's series to bring it to further success.

The UAE now has another reason to make a ‘song and dance’ about, with products from Outline powering the frontline and making waves on the headlines.

In picture: Milad Abboud (pre-sales support technical manager), Basel Al Aref (general manager - professional project division) and Outline's CEO Giorgio Biffi.

24th May 2012

Amber International Unveils Corporate Website

Amber International, the recently launched residential CI distribution business, has gone live with its corporate website, www.amber-international.com, which allows users access to company news, distributor details, product information and technical support, via clear, user-friendly navigation.

"As a new company, we wanted to create a comprehensive website which is precise and easily accessible" comments Stuart Tickle, managing director. "Our customers are from various countries within the EMEAA region, so it is essential that the site provides information that is easily understood by everyone. We have designed the website as a helpful sales tool for our client base, and it highlights our expertise and professionalism."

From the homepage, you can select to view a company overview, the latest news, information on becoming a distributor and entry into the dealer login zone. The user-friendly homepage is headed up with sliders, demonstrating the all the latest products from Kinetik Labs, URC, TruAudio and Planet Waves. By clicking on the particular area of interest, users can drill down to locate product brochures, images and manuals.

Qualified distributors have access to a login page which provides the latest pricing, training, presentations and artwork files of advertisements, brochures and mailings. This allows Amber distributors to translate and customise the files for their own market. The website mirrors Amber’s friendly demeanour with a ‘Who is who’ page, providing details of key contacts within the business. Direct phone numbers and email addresses are also included.

An easy to access contact section is accessible from all pages and provides full details for general, distribution and technical enquiries.

15th May 2012

SGM and TechnoPro Sign Major Distribution Agreement

SGM Lighting and Middle East-based giants, TechnoPro, have agreed a new distribution deal that takes the relationship which the two companies have enjoyed for many years to a new level.

SGM CEO Peter Johansen and TechnoPro founder and chief executive Nabil Bourgeili confirmed an agreement to extend the brand’s territorial representation far beyond the UAE, during the PALME Middle East show in Dubai this month.

Under the new ownership of Danish entrepreneur Johansen, the former Italian lighting company is now focusing exclusively on LED fixtures. In fact the launch of next generation LED effects into the Middle East market formed a dynamic component of TechnoPro’s massive 1000 sq metre display at PALME — making them easily the largest single exhibitor at the show.

Said Peter Johansen: “We are delighted to be partnering again with Nabil, as TechnoPro looks to move further into LED technology and the architectural market. We recognise that Dubai is a vital hub for reaching not only the Middle East but beyond, and with bases in Dubai and Qatar, TechnoPro is without doubt the predominant player in the region.”

Nabil Bourgeili responded: “We have enjoyed a successful relationship with SGM for a number of years but this will bring us much closer to the brand. We will provide fully-supported distribution in Central Asia and the Near East, including Turkey, Kazakhstan and parts of the old USSR, as well as North and Central Africa. As the largest production company in the Middle East we are well qualified to do this.”

He continued: “What excites us about SGM’s new portfolio is that some of these products are completely unique, which will find application not only in the entertainment market but in the architectural world, including daily activity environments such as shopping malls and attraction parks.

“I have a lot of respect for the direction SGM is now taking with its products, and am very excited by the potential that this offers.”

In picture: Nabil Bourgeili and Peter Johansen celebrate the new distribution arrangement at PALME Middle East in Dubai.

15th May 2012

Rebrand Establishes MGC Lighting as International Distributor

Established international lighting distributor, MGC Lamps has announced a new name and a new identity. As from Tuesday May 8, the business which operates in over 90 countries Worldwide became MGC Lighting Group.

"MGC Lighting Group better reflects the market areas we operate in and reinforces that we are the lighting distributor of choice for our customers," managing director James Greig commented. "We have worked hard over the last 30 years to establish a good reputation. Although the old name has served us well, we needed a facelift to reflect that we are a large modern company with global coverage, a loyal customer base, and a team that possess technical knowledge that is second to none in our industry."

MGC Lighting Group was conceived after a six month process that involved the whole team working at its three offices in the UK, Germany and Spain. Workshops were held to consult with staff and a voting system was used to select the final logo. Under the MGC Lighting Group banner will be eight divisional brands specific to the specialist lighting areas and markets the company works in. These are: MGC Cinema, MGC Purification, MGC Medical, MGC Stage & Studio, MGC LED, MGC International, MGC Lamps, and MGC OEM.

As well as the new name and brand, there is also a new web site for the company:

www.mgc-lighting.com not only gives visitors up to minute advice on lighting products to suit all types of specification, but also provides advice and comment from individuals within the MGC team on industry trends.

"The launch of the new MGC Lighting Group brand is just the start of the journey however and places us on course to take full advantage of any future business opportunities whether they are in the UK, Europe and Worldwide," James concluded.

In picture: the MGC Lighting Group senior management team of John Revell, Jeff Sawyer, James Greig, Steve Claydon and David Jackson.

10th May 2012

Christie Moves Middle East Base to Dubai Silicon Oasis

Exactly five years after setting up a base in Dubai, Christie has relocated its Middle East offices and showroom to the prestigious Dubai Silicon Oasis integrated technology park.

The new purpose-built facility at GulfView provides a showcase for the company’s market leading products and incorporates training, state of the art demonstration rooms and warehousing on an enlarged footprint.

Formally opened with a press day on April 30 as a precursor to an Open House week, customers will be afforded an opportunity to see the latest product offerings and experience Christie’s wide ranging capabilities in different market segments, which have brought them so much success in the Middle East.

Features will include warped and blended Mirage 3D projection onto curved screen (with content delivered from a Vista Spyder), as well as simulated control room environments, MicroTiles applications and training (demonstrated in a 9 x 4 array), 4K cinema projection and new Roadster J series, LCD and single chip DLP projectors.

Simon Smith, Christie EMEA senior sales director, said: “After five years of successful brand development in the Middle East, it was time for Christie to move to a brand new purpose-built office. We exceeded our capacity at our former Dubai airport free zone office and we are looking forward to welcoming our partners and clients in this brand new facility. They will be able to benefit from our showroom displaying Christie’s latest technologies and products, as well as staging live demos, commercial meetings, training courses and a space dedicated to technical services.”

In picture: the Christie Dubai team.

2nd May 2012

ETBOOKS now available as EBOOKS!

All Entertainment Technology Press books are now available in Kindle format as well as remaining purchasable as a well-established library of paperbacks.

Subjects covered include lighting, sound, staging and stage engineering, rigging and trussing, design and build, theatre history and biographical works.

The Kindle versions of ET books are available to purchase through Amazon at

www.etbooks.co.uk/kindle

27th April 2012

Amber Announces Key Distributor Appointments

Amber International, the residential CI distribution business for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, created by the owners of BMB Electronics BV and AWE Europe Ltd, has announced the first wave of sub-distributor appointments to represent its URC, TruAudio, PlanetWaves and Kinetik Labs brands in key market territories.

Excel in Italy, Avero in Ukraine and TR Electronic Services in Israel will act as sub-distributors for Amber International’s URC control brand. QVinta will be Amber’s partner in Russia for TruAudio whilst in Italy, Definitive Audio will represent the Planet Waves brand. These appointments build on the existing representation provided by AWE Europe and BMB for URC and Kinetik Labs products in the UK and the Netherlands, respectively.

"The brands that Amber represents demand individual treatment, so it is not a case of a one size distributor fits all," says Willem Bok, co-owner of Amber International. "What both Amber and our brands do share is a requirement for committed partners who are well respected, committed and can provide a high level of service to dealers in their respective countries. For URC in particular, a high level of technical and training support is essential to capitalise on the market opportunity."

Amber International is looking to build on this growing sub-distribution network, and is actively seeking residential CI distribution partners across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Interested companies can contact Amber’s Sales Manager Mark van Zonvia sales@amber-international.com.

Amber International is a separate trading entity which has taken over the international sales, marketing and technical support within EMEAA (Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia) and beyond of key CI brands URC, TruAudio, Planet Waves and Kinetik Labs. The company is headquartered in a superb purpose built 3160 sq/m (34,000sq/ft) facility in Veen, The Netherlands and shares warehousing and logistics facilities with BMB.

In picture: Darren (Electronic Architects – South Africa), Doug (VP URC), Mark van Zon – Piotr Jagodinzki (Imagine Vision – Poland) and Ian (Electronic Architects – South Africa).

24th April 2012

Amber International – the New Name in Distribution

This year’s Integrated Systems Europe event marked the launch of Amber International, a brand new residential CI distribution business, created by the owners of BMB Electronics BV and AWE Europe Ltd and built on the respective strengths of these two businesses.

This new company is a separate trading entity which has taken over the international sales, marketing and technical support within EMEAA (Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia) and beyond of key CI brands URC,TruAudio and Planet Waves. Amber International has also been appointed to represent the Kinetik Labs brand across EMEAA. Willem Bok, owner of BMB, is a co-owner of the new venture with AWE’s Managing Director, Stuart Tickle. The company is headquartered in a superb purpose built 3160 sq/m (34,000 sq/ft) facility in Veen, The Netherlands and shares warehousing and logistics facilities with BMB, under the leadership of Stuart Tickle. While the co-operation will be beneficial to all, both BMB and AWE remain fully independent territorial distributors for their respective brands, with no direct impact on the markets they serve in Benelux and the UK.

“Amber International is immediately positioned as a leading force in international distribution of high quality CI products,” says Amber’s managing director, Stuart Tickle. “Retaining the strengths of BMB’s existing relationships, resources and presence in international markets, Amber also draws on AWE’s significant sales, marketing and technical expertise which is proven to develop business for leading brands in the UK. This collaboration presents a clear direction and strategy for the brands it represents, which will enable Amber to build awareness and significantly increase sales.”

He adds: “We are 100% clear in the focus of our business, and committed to its success. Amber is set to become a beacon in the industry, renowned for the quality of products and services it provides.”

Amber’s team will comprise its own dedicated personnel as well as drawing on experience from within BMB and AWE. As Amber’s International Sales Manager, Mark van Zon now has a clear portfolio of brands to represent and will build upon the business and relationships he has already established whilst representing the brands over the past year.

 

5th April 2012

W-DMX Gains New OEM Partners and Distributors at Prolight + Sound

Wireless Solution Sweden AB had one of its most successful Prolight + Sound shows in Frankfurt, Germany, showing both new products and some innovative advancements to their product range while signing new OEM partners and distributors.

Wireless Solution added to their growing OEM partners with the additions of Robert Juliat, Studio Due, and Ape Labs. Details of products offered with W-DMX will be released soon.

The company also appointed Acoustic & Lighting system as distributor for Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Eugene Yeo, MD for Acoustic & Lighting said, “W-DMX for is a the number one brand for wireless DMX, plus it’s important for us to keep our brands harmonious as we also work with Clay Paky and PR Lighting that already use W-DMX inside their products.”

Wireless Solution now has over 40 OEM partners and an ever-expanding network of distributors worldwide, making it the most accessible wireless DMX product available. This growth is a reflection of the company’s dedication to clients and end-users to provide the most technologically advanced system on the market.

At Prolight + Sound, the latest G4S W-DMX was on display. The company has been working since October 2011on a completely new software platform with the lowest latency in the market under 5ms, available for a software update on all existing Micro F-1, BlackBox, WhiteBox and ProBox units already shipped via the USB Dongle. It is prepared for future hardware functions as well as many new features and updated functions.

The W-DMX G4S software platform includes an improved adaptive frequency hopping algorithm that improves the plug and play use in crowded radio spectrum situations and better avoids interference from Wi-Fi, DECT Phones, Intercom and more; a new Invisi-Wire MK2 with support for wireless software updates, which in the future will make it possible to perform wireless software updates to all your receivers, with an easy connection to your transmitters with all receivers updated at the same time; improved Data-Safe MK2 that now supports up to 4 times redundancy of all the wireless data with a new watchdog function that ensures all receivers will have the highest fidelity; and new RDM MK2 software with custom made features for W-DMX as well as all standard RDM commands. Fast discovery and support up to 128 RDM Responders and more.

In addition, the new W-DMX Slot In makes it very easy to retrofit products for the market and is available for both transmitters and receivers. It is appropriate for products that only want to offer a wireless option on products without a big investment.

Also on display were the improved BlackBox MK2 and the flagship product, W-DMX ProBox F-2500, both with substantial upgrades.

Niclas Arvidsson, CEO of Wireless Solution says: “The feedback we got at Prolight+Sound proved that we are listening to our users’ wishes and delivering the best product on the market. We’re also very excited that W-DMX will now be offered in products from such prestigious brands like Robert Juliat, Studio Due and Ape Labs. It’s becoming easier every day to have a completely cohesive wireless system.”

2nd April 2012

Frankfurt more than Doubles SGM’s Wildest Expectations

After four gruelling days of constant stand activity, Peter Johansen, managing director of the newly independent SGM A/S, declared: “Looking at the sales figures, Prolight+Sound has more than doubled our wildest expectations.”

Describing the four days of PL+S as “exhausting but 100% positive”, the Danish entrepreneur said: “I have been attending trade shows since the late 1980s — including all the years we were building Martin Professional — but I have never experienced a reaction like this.”

SGM launched no fewer than 19 LED-based products within their surreal, minimalist White Room, which was constantly buzzing with activity. Running in parallel were back-to-back distributor meetings designed to redraw their global distribution landscape.

“We set out a clear, point-by-point strategy that all SGM resellers need to comply with — and this will determine who will represent the brand around the world,” Peter Johansen continued.

As for the theatre, plinth-mounted under a 300-piece 3D LED rod ceiling, were a series of new LED colour changers, washes, floods, spots, strobes, decorative and architectural effects whose form factor was unrecognisable from conventional heads. These beautifully styled fixtures are aimed at a raft of market segments including clubbing/DJ, retail, rental/TV, architectural and theatre.

SGM’s manifesto is unequivocal: their unique portfolio will contain no ‘me too’ products and promises to propel the industry into a new age; within two years it will be entirely LED based.

“The era of moving heads has gone and it was really encouraging for most of the distributors to hear me say that,” continued Peter. “The big problem is that each lighting company has 20-25 moving heads and they are bringing out five to ten more every year which is scaring the pro guys. Our focus is on the future products and accommodating the wishes from the rental companies.

“We will have three LED moving heads maximum, and that message was very well received. The Spot, Wash and Beam will become our workhorses.”

While SGM’s game-changing strobes — the X-5 white strobe and XC-5 colour — are now in production, along with the P-5 powerful wash light, LED balls and TLD-612 pixel driver, it was the ingenious Six Pack that created the biggest wow factor.

This unique pixel array is based on the popular blinder — but by replacing the traditional halogen with RGBA LED source and combining six outputs of powerful 50W colour mixing with built-in electronics, and individual DMX control over each lamp, it allows the creative LD to paint light canvasses displaying animated text or programmed patterns. The housing itself is trapezoidal-shaped so that multiples can be hung in vertical or horizontal matrixes or clustered into an array.

“We didn't receive a single negative comment,” said Peter Johansen. “Although it was designed as a rental company product night clubs loved its multiple beams and one club designer wanted to motorise it in the way that Peter Wynne Willson and Tony Gottelier used to do with their rigs.”

Reaction to the white strobe was equally positive. “This was because we were able to show the pixelation,” he added. “No-one has seen anything like it before.”

The overview from the market was clear. As one distributor put it: “Peter Johansen is back, big-time.”

In picture: Peter Johansen in The White Room; the SGM ‘showroom’ for the 19 new LED products launched.

30th March 2012

ARRI Lighting Solutions and ADB-TTV Technologies Announce Cross-Marketing Agreement

ARRI Lighting Solutions and ADB-TTV Technologies have entered into a cross marketing agreement with the double objective of exploiting the synergies between their product ranges and exploring opportunities for rationalising their product spectrum.

In the field of lighting, ARRI’s strengths lie primarily in TV studio and location lighting systems, while those of ADB are in stage lighting. The agreement makes provision for each party to source from the other those complementary products needed when bidding for specific lighting projects. Beyond this, each party will retain its total commercial independence.

Sigrid Müller, managing director of ARRI Lighting Solutions and Christian Léonard, CEO of ADB-TTV Technologies, jointly stated: "We strongly believe that this agreement will be a win-win deal, strengthening each party’s competitive position and proving beneficial to our customers, thanks to a more homogeneous product offering that marries the best of two worlds."

www.adblighting.com

20th March 2012

HHB Communications Releases Biggest Ever Annual Catalogue

Broadcast and pro audio technology specialists HHB Communications has announced the release of the HHB 2012 Catalogue, its biggest ever annual catalogue with information on over 2,000 professional audio products and editorial features from industry leading experts.

Produced for over three decades, the HHB Catalogue is a comprehensive guide to the latest pro audio technology for the broadcast, education, music recording, OB, post, radio, television and video games markets. The HHB 2012 Catalogue is the biggest edition yet, featuring information on products for file-based workflow, MADI, audio over IP, HD, loudness, Pro Tools, storage, and many more professional applications. Detailed descriptions, specifications, pictures and pricing for all available items are included.

The HHB Catalogue is also a trusted technical reference source due to its original editorial features written by an extremely high calibre of industry experts. This year's contributors include 2012 Olympics sound designer Dennis Baxter, who discusses best practices for capturing surround sound audio during sporting events, TC Electronic's Thomas Lund on the measuring and monitoring of loudness, Sound on Sound technical editor Hugh Robjohns on the latest video and audio network formats, and many more.

HHB managing director Ian Jones comments: "The HHB 2012 Catalogue is the biggest and best we have ever produced and a must-have for any pro audio professional. We have worked very hard to make this edition as complete as possible as we continue to grow our partnerships with leading brands whilst adding new products to make our portfolio the most comprehensive in the world."

The HHB 2012 Catalogue is also available in a convenient and searchable form online.

21st February 2012

Milos Launches New Website

Leading European trussing manufacturer Milos has announced the launch of a brand new corporate website: www.milosgroup.com.

This features a cool, contemporary design and a fresh new, intuitive user-interface, slickly optimised for fast, straightforward navigation by product, market sector and application.

A number of unique features have been developed to ensure that Milos clients and users have access to a powerful, constantly updated online portal, containing a wealth of information to make purchasing or planning for upcoming projects and investments quick and simple.

These include

• Expanded Photo and Design Galleries to help inspire the creative process and illustrate the many possibilities using the dynamic product ranges
• A full set of high quality instructional videos – arranged by product – are available for download
• Complete product specifications, catalogues and CAD blocks are available for instant download in convenient formats
• Detailed showcases of recent Milos projects

A new Shopping List feature soon to be activated will dispatch the customer’s ‘Shopping List’ directly to one of Milos’ sales consultants to streamline and prioritise the ordering process. This is designed for the ultimate convenience of Milos’ customers from wherever they happen to be at the time, giving instant access to Milos’ renowned service and fast turnarounds.

The website will include all details on Milos’s comprehensive range of aluminium trussing products including QuickTruss, xStages, temporary roofing systems and rigging towers, ground and video screen supports, plus the numerous accessories including corner and angle blocks, cell clamps, etc.

A New Products section will highlight the latest innovations from the Milos design team, currently including :

•  T12, an inventive new modular trussing system – with LED lightsources integrated into the structural tube profiles to create backlit displays, luminescent counters or special spaces contoured with light.
• xTruss – an intelligent line of accessories compatible with all QuickTruss systems, which allow the simple mounting of a diverse selection of materials – visibly or invisibly, horizontally or vertically – sustainably and effectively. Brackets, clamps, fabric profiles, and panel clips offer clever, simple solutions to increase the versatility and aesthetic appeal of QuickTruss.
• Ramps – robustly constructed, and ideal for all markets and structural projects
• Crowd barriers

The company’s Facebook, Twitter and You Tube channels can also be accessed through the site.

20th February 2012

Peter Johansen Acquires SGM Lighting from RCF Group

RCF Group has announced the sale of SGM, its lighting division, to a consortium headed by Danish entrepreneur Peter Johansen (pictured) with effect from February 1st 2012.

The new company, SGM A/S, which replaces the former SGM Technology for Lighting spa, will be headquartered in Aabyhøj, near Aarhus, and will concentrate exclusively on developing LED solutions, while continuing to support SGM’s current catalogue of discharge lighting.

For Peter Johansen, the man who originally founded Martin Professional, and who joined SGM in late 2010 as R&D director, the buyout provides the opportunity to spearhead his own company again, dedicated to LED development in the entertainment and architectural segments.

For RCF Group, by divesting themselves of the lighting interest they purchased in April 2009, the company can focus on its core audio brand, and build on the start to a year that has already seen sales grow by nearly 50% on the equivalent period last year.

Peter Johansen said the decision was entirely amicable and suits both parties. He added: “I am delighted to be back as an independent operator, as I have always worked better this way.”

However, the two companies will not be making a total split. RCF will continue to represent SGM in Italy while their sister company, dBTechnologies will distribute their products in Germany. The two companies will also exhibit side by side at Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt following the successful formula established last year.

As the major shareholder in SGM A/S, Peter Johansen is joined by the LED specialists from his Danish R&D team and the existing SGM sales force. In the new set-up, R&D, admin and after-sales will be based in Denmark, with manufacturing plants in Italy, Thailand and China, and warehousing in Holland.

“The reason I’m so enthusiastic is that having had the opportunity to take over an existing brand name, and been given a free hand to develop it, we remain committed to establishing SGM as one of the absolute leading brands within the industry,” he said. “I want us to be seen as the LED company of the future.”

By the time Prolight+Sound opens on March 21st, SGM A/S anticipates having as many as 17 new LED products to showcase.

The new contact details for the company are: SGM A/S, Soeren Frichs Vej 51-53, DK - 8230 Aabyhoej, Denmark telephone +45 7020 7400.

 

7th February 2012

Giant Snowball Causes ETNOW Delays!

Regular users of www.etnow.com may have noticed the somewhat tardy arrival of this morning's ET news stories.

This delay was caused by the mysterious appearance of a very large snowball right in the entrance of the Cambridge Media Group's car park. Staff were unable to reach their desks until the snowball had been broken up and shovelled aside to allow access to the premises!

6th February 2012

TEAC Announces Strategic Alliance with Onkyo Corporation

As part of its corporate goal to enhance shareholder value and meet the demands of a changing marketplace, TEAC Corporation, the global electronics manufacturer, has announced a strategic alliance with Onkyo Corporation, a worldwide leader in consumer audio. The alliance between Onkyo and TEAC is particularly synergistic in that both companies share a commitment to excellence and a passion for engineering, designing and manufacturing products that deliver value and exceed customer’s expectations.

Through this strategic alliance TEAC and Onkyo will acquire shares of each other’s stock. The companies are exploring ways to share manufacturing facilities, logistic centers and research and development resources. TEAC president, Yuji Hanabusa stated that strategic alliance of Onkyo and TEAC will make both companies more competitive in an ever changing market. Onkyo president, Munenori Otsuki, stated that the alliance with TEAC offers unique opportunities to both companies to leverage each other’s considerable strengths to provide innovative life changing products to its customers.

30th January 2012

LumenRadio AB, TMB and City Theatrical, Inc. Settle Litigation

LumenRadio AB, TMB and City Theatrical, Inc. have entered into a Confidential Settlement Agreement that settles all current litigation between the Parties and resolves all of the claims and counterclaims that the Parties asserted against one another.

As part of the Settlement Agreement, LumenRadio AB has obtained a license from City Theatrical, Inc. to United States Patent No. 7,432,803 (the ‘803 Patent) and all patents in the ‘803 Patent family that covers all LumenRadio wireless lighting control products that have been sold in the past and that are currently being sold, including those sold to LumenRadio’s OEM customers

13th January 2012

RMS Introduces RMSAnywhere, online Planning Software for Rental Companies

RMS has introduced RMSAnywhere, a new online planning software system for rental companies. RMSAnywhere allows for easy, safe access over the internet to all data needed for planning and calculating equipment, crew and transports.

With the introduction of RMSAnywhere RMS fulfills the wish of many customers to get a full insight in the state of their company at any moment, from any location. This not only gives peace of mind, but also allows for taking the right decisions at the right moment.

Users can start easily with RMSAnywhere, without any investments. RMSAnywhere supports

Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox and Safari. This also allows Mac-users to use the software without any problems.

RMSAnywhere basic is available for a fixed monthly fee, which includes support, updates and safe hosting.

www.rmsanywhere.com

14th November 2011

Midas Distributor of the Year NMK Goes from Strength to Strength in UAE

Dubai-based NMK Electronics, Midas Distributor of the Year and distributor of Midas and Klark Teknik products in the United Arab Emirates, has seen a surge in sales on the back of a year-long programme of training and support initiatives. This culminated in last month’s bi-annual Midas Academy event held at the inaugural InfoComm Middle East and Africa (IFMEA) trade show.

NMK has long supported clients with one-to-one training and demo sessions at its headquarters or on location. But the Academy event, launched two years ago, allows for a number of pro audio professionals to compare multiple Midas offerings in one space. 

“The Middle East is a unique market where there is real demand for the latest technology but a limited number of professionals with the relevant experience,” explain NMK’s business development manager Chicco Hiranandani. “One of our core strengths is our team of knowledgeable technical sales people, plus the only Certified Midas digital systems engineer in the Middle East, to ensure our clients get the best out of these phenomenal sound systems.” 

This year’s Midas Academy NMK present the all new PRO2 and PRO2C systems, the latest additions to the firmly-established Midas PRO Series of digital systems. NMK also demoed the top-of-the-range XL8 with its enhanced I/O capacity plus a range of Midas digital snakes and Klark Teknik DN network bridges which offer even greater flexibility of digital systems deployment. Midas VeniceF and VeniceF-16R analogue consoles were also presented.

NMK’s committed and pro-active market presence, which has also included attendance at PALME and CABSAT every year since their inception, has paid dividends. Recent sales include a PRO6 which joins the XL8, Heritage 3000 and Klark Teknik equipment already on site at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, in the Dubai World Trade Centre, which caters for events ranging from weddings to corporate conferences and concerts.  PRO6s have also been delivered to Qatar’s National Theatre in Doha, The Pavillion in Nicosia, Cyprus, and the Raha Theature, Abu Dhabi UAE. In the rental sector, Sound on Stage, which specialises in large concerts by leading Arabic artists, has upgraded its PRO6 to a PRO9 to benefit from the 80 channel count, courtesy of NMK’s dedicated service centre.

The secret of NMK’s success?  “We do not see Midas products as merely an item with a margin on top,” explains Hiranandani. “We admire what the name stands for in the market and we share that enthusiasm with our clients. With the new PRO2 and PRO2C systems, plus the investments made by Uli Behringer in Midas and Klark Teknik, NMK is fired up to take market share from the competition and most importantly introduce audio professionals to the legendary warm Midas sound.” 

In picture: NMK’s Chicco Hiranandani (left) with Dubai World Trade Centre audio staff.

www.midasconsoles.com

 

9th November 2011

Iconic Klark Teknik Brand Targets New Markets

Klark Teknik has announced a major new investment in people, brand and research and development. The rebirth of Klark Teknik, enabled by parent corporation the Music Group, will see KT recruiting key personnel in marketing, research and development, as well as customer support and manufacturing.

The classic brand has ambitious plans to enter new market sectors with a raft of new high-quality products, including high-performance, feature-enhanced amplifiers and loudspeakers, specialist audio mixers and studio monitors, professional DJ mixers, USB and FireWire audio interfaces, as well as further developing and expanding its core expertise in signal processing and digital audio networking.

“For some time, Klark Teknik has existed in the shadow of the Midas brand,” says MKT’s VP of customer support, Jonathan Chitty. “The time has come to put the brand on the same level footing as Midas with a large range of innovate and exciting new products. The future for Klark Teknik is looking extremely bright and will re-energise everyone’s perception of the brand. A key component will be the recruitment of a dedicated KT Brand Manager, and talented design engineers in the UK. We are right now actively seeking the right people.”

 

7th November 2011

First Light for Alderamin Group

Alderamin Group, the international lighting projects specialist, made a stylish and successful industry debut at PLASA 2011. The centrally located stand — with its minimalist white space and dramatic LED overhead feature — proved irresistible to many, significantly raising the Group’s profile and generating considerable sales activity.

Comprised of industry veterans Artistic Licence Engineering, Artistic Licence Integration and Ptarmigan Integration, along with the newly formed technical sales company Ten Thousand Things, Alderamin Group achieves a synergy that was very much in evidence at the show.

Alderamin Group co-owners, Wayne Howell and Simon Fraser, explain: "Artistic Licence Engineering is our technical powerhouse, developing profitable standalone products, but also serving the project needs of the Group’s Integration companies," says Howell.

Fraser continues: "Ten Thousand Things also feeds into our projects sector, supplying the everyday items needed on site. It also has a strong individual role, acting as regional distributor in Hong Kong and Macau for Green Hippo and City Theatrical. PLASA provided us with an ideal forum in which to strengthen these links and explore new opportunities."

On the products side, most obvious to the casual onlooker at the show was the stand’s 3D central LED feature, a spectacular arrangement of Artistic Licence Engineering’s new Multichrome Tube linear fixture. Behind the scenes, the complex programming and visualization was driven by Colour-Tramp, the company’s powerful and recently upgraded controller.

"Colour-Tramp is an example of a product that has evolved massively through project interaction," explains Howell. "It now supports Art-Net 3, the hot-off-the-press version of our free Ethernet protocol that can handle over 32,000 Universes."

Simon Fraser takes up the thread: "To put this into perspective, we have recently completed a 250 Universe installation in Asia. That is already at - or beyond - the limit of many of the Ethernet protocols in common use today. Data demands are soaring, and we have to stay ahead of the game."

Demonstrating its forward-thinking credentials, the Group also used PLASA 2011 to showcase two particularly ingenious new products. Art-Convert is an iPhone app designed to aid site engineers with tricky decimal-hex channel conversions. And Multi-Play, the new lighting show record-playback unit from Artistic Licence Engineering, offers remarkable functionality and flexibility with its multiple protocol support.

In picture: the Alderamin stand at PLASA 2011.

26th September 2011

Star Events Group Ltd in the Middle East

Star Events Group Ltd has announced a new phase in its development plan which gives it a base in the Middle East for the first time. Working with Dubai based Quickfix Scaffolding Solutions (QFS) as the local partner, the new venture will see the world class Star Seating grandstand system available from this October throughout the Middle East.

Meeting the latest European standards for both space and safety, the air-insulated seats are particularly suited to very hot (and very cold) climates. To provide client flexibility, the same high quality tip up seats can also be installed without any fixings on any flat surface.

The new venture will be headed locally by Quickfix MD Simon Wills who has over 30 years’ experience in the scaffolding industry throughout the world. Simon comments: "This new alliance will enable us to meet the needs of our existing clients who require a safety conscious company to fulfil their requirements. Combining forces in this way can only make our events industry service across the Middle East much stronger. We’re looking forward to the challenges ahead."

Adding to the comfort levels of grandstand users, the unique new 20-20 Grandstand Roof system is also being introduced to the Middle East market, only six months after being introduced to critical acclaim at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in the UK. Capable of covering 20 rows of seats with only one upright every 20m, the roof features 100% reflection of light and UV, is totally waterproof and can fly large amounts of sound and lighting equipment as well.

"We are always looking for ways to expand our operation overseas and having already established operations in China, Italy, Spain and New Zealand, the Middle East was an obvious new territory," says Star Events Group’s sales director, Jane Russen. "There is a clear synergy between our two companies and our client base, so when the opportunity to combine our knowledge, experience and equipment presented itself, it seemed a win-win all round."

6th September 2011

AC-ET Gets Social with its Customers on Facebook and Twitter

A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) Ltd has launched a new social media initiative to enable the company to network with its customer base - including providing immediate updates on breaking news stories, product launches, training sessions, tradeshow-related activities and open day events.

Customers can now follow AC-ET on the Facebook and Twitter social networks, enabling them to stay in touch via a medium which fits in with their increasingly busy lifestyles, as well as those of tomorrow’s industry newcomers.

Says AC-ET: "We understand that many of our customers 'live and breathe' their industry commitments 24/7, so social media is the perfect platform to hold a dialogue with them as they stay constantly ‘online’ throughout the day for work as well as play."

The new services will further personalise the level of service offered by AC-ET’s specialist product divisions and enable customers to provide valuable feedback on new products and services launched by the company.

The Facebook and Twitter pages will soon be complemented by a new AC-ET YouTube channel, so the company can provide easily accessible video footage of its products and services, including demos and tradeshow activities.

Follow A.C. Entertainment Technologies now via: www.facebook.com/ACEntertainmentTechnologies and www.twitter.com/acenttech / @ACEntTech on Twitter.

26th August 2011

Wenger Corporation Acquires J.R. Clancy

It has been announced that the Wenger Corporation, based in Owatonna, MN has signed an agreement to acquire J.R. Clancy, Inc. based in Syracuse, NY. "This is exciting news for employees and business partners of both companies," says a press statement. It continues: "The Wenger Corporation and J.R. Clancy are long standing privately owned businesses with shared values, dedicated and loyal employees, great brands, strong heritages, and great reputations in the market place."

8th August 2011

Unusual Rigging Launches New Website

Northampton based rigging specialists Unusual Rigging has officially launched its new website. The interactive site provides clients, prospects and potential employees with extensive new features, higher quality content and complete information on services, news and events. The improved navigation, access to content and rich media additions, such as videos of installations, will aid users in making the most informed decisions about their options.

Since its founding in 1983 Unusual Rigging has grown to become one of the largest specialist rigging organisations in the entertainment technology industry, serving projects and clients nationwide. The new website is designed to inform clients and prospects in a straightforward manner, with concise content, SEO-rich text and stunning photography.

Unusual now employs some 80 staff, with a 4.75 acre facility that incorporates the company’s offices, warehouse and manufacturing. Managing Director, Alan Jacobi, comments: "The new website represents Unusual’s commitment to exceptional customer service and performance. It takes you behind the scenes and is a great tool enabling everyone to see the full extent of our strength, size and experience as one of the best rigging companies in the industry."

For the first time, the website provides an opportunity to browse through a selection of the many products available for hire or purchase. Visit www.unusual.co.uk for your first look.

In picture: and aerial shot of the Unusual facility; Unusual Rigging CAD office.

4th August 2011

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