business news
Business News Headlines
23/05/2012
Dirty Rigger Lands in New York City
27/04/2012
ETBOOKS now available as EBOOKS!
24/04/2012
Amber Announces Key Distributor Appointments
20/02/2012
Milos Launches New Website
06/02/2012
Giant Snowball Causes ETNOW Delays!
26/01/2012
Atomic Joins Adamson's Project Energia
24/01/2012
First US Dirty Rigger Dealer Announced
Dirty Rigger Lands in New York City
Expendables and production equipment outfitters Wits End are the latest to join the Dirty Rigger retail and distribution team.
With 10,000 sq. ft. of distribution space spread across two NYC locations, Wits End offer an outstanding step forward in Dirty Rigger's expansion into the US market.
Wits End’s CEO Keith Guliner says: “The products that we were finding here in the US for gloves and accessories were just not up to par. We have carried numerous brands over the last ten years and to our surprise, the products were either very expensive and we had a hard time selling them, or the product was just not cutting it in its quality. When we saw Dirty Rigger gloves, tool pouches and accessories for the first time … well … the products stood up and spoke on their own! The product is pure quality, and they are priced right. I believe that the Dirty Rigger brand will be a product line that we can count on as a quality product, and that Dirty Rigger as a company will stand behind its products.”
Le Mark's export manager Matt Every says: "Wits End are a fantastic team, totally welcoming on my last US dealer tour and seemed so enthusiastic to give the promotion of the Dirty Rigger gloves and accessories range their all. Really impressed!"
In picture: Wits End's president Keith Guliner and general manager Meisha Klint.
23rd 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
Visom Digital Becomes API Distributor in Brazil
API (Automated Processes, Inc.) continues to expand into South America with the appointment of Visom Digital as Brazil’s exclusive API distributor.
Visom Digital has served the community for over 25 years with peerless audio mixing, mastering and recording services as well as top-of-the-line equipment sales and service. Visom Digital’s mission is to develop innovative recording techniques. In that spirit, Visom owner and founder, Carlos de Andrade (pictured), jumped at the opportunity to represent API products.
“For most distributors a line like API is a gem to be catered to with great consideration of its tradition,” declared de Andrade. “For Visom, API is not a brand. It is a passion and a bit of our history. We will not just sell API. We will evangelise and educate our clients on the ownership of an important part of audio history in a time where exceptional music found its match and made it to eternity.”
Visom’s repertoire of clients includes EMI, Universal, Warner Music Group, Paris Films, Sony DADC, Joao Bosco, Rita Lee, Maria Bethania, Ney Matogrosso and Ritchie Outravez.
30th April 2012
Ampetronic Partners with Listen Technologies to ‘Loop America’
Ampetronic, the world’s largest manufacturer of hearing loop systems has announced a new partnership with Listen Technologies, the United States’ leading assistive listening provider.
As the global market leader in hearing loop systems, Ampetronic’s partnership with Listen Technologies will bring high quality hearing loop solutions and unrivalled support across the USA for the first time. The partnership will give Listen Technologies a full portfolio of assistive listening solutions, in addition to their class leading Infra-Red and FM products.
Hearing loops make sound accessible to people with hearing aids in public and private environments. A loop system transmits an audio signal directly to an enabled hearing aid eliminating the need for an external receiver. Hard of hearing individuals and organisations have been driving the recent growth in interest in the technology in the USA, recognising the unique benefits it can bring to them, for example through the Hearing Loss Association of America and American Academy of Audiology’s ‘Get in the Hearing Loop’ campaign. With a loop system, the hearing aid user no longer needs to feel discriminated against, not having to request, locate or wear additional receivers. In addition the sound received by the end user makes use of the hearing aid to tailor the sound to the individual’s specific hearing, which can improve their overall experience significantly.
Hearing loops can be installed in a variety of environments, from larger venues such as theatres, conference facilities, and houses of worship to smaller one-on-one communication settings such as ticket counters and meeting rooms. Loop solutions can also benefit those that need hearing assistance in taxi cabs, trains, and buses, where no other technology solution can give an equivalent benefit.
The alliance between these two major industry players shows the degree to which this ‘old’ technology is being newly adopted in the USA right now, and marks a step change towards provision of professional high quality hearing assistance, as found in other parts of the world.
Commenting on the partnership, Julian Pieters, Ampetronic managing director said: “We are thrilled to partner with Listen Technologies, a company that shares our strong commitment to improving the lives of hard of hearing people. Listen understands the need to deliver a complete assistive listening solution in the Americas, and are excited about the unique role that loop technology plays in improving hearing access. Our partnership will make professional quality loop solutions available across the breadth of the USA for the first time.”
“The data that is available on the hearing loss population is staggering,” said Russell Gentner, Listen Technologies President. “One out of eight US citizens (12 years and older) have bilateral hearing loss – that is 52 million Americans. This growing hearing loss community wants to engage in a full rich experience in a public setting and not be concerned with whether or not the solution they need is available. The beauty of this partnership is that Listen can be impartial when it comes to the technology for assistive listening and focus on delivering the best solution to meet the needs of our customers and of the hard of hearing people we aim to help.”
30th April 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
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
Apex’s Global Reach Extends Further with Appointment of Canadian Distributor
The reputation of Apex Audio’s processors continues to spread on a truly global scale, with an ever-increasing number of customers appreciating the audio and component quality that are the hallmarks of the company’s products. Already represented in over 30 countries, to that list is now added Canada, with the appointment of Gerr Audio.
Gerr Audio is one of the country’s most respected distributors of professional audio equipment, having been established nearly 30 years ago in Brockville, Ontario. The company is highly selective about the brands it distributes, giving its customers the confidence that they are only getting the best.
“Apex is well-established as a manufacturer of the highest quality signal processors,” says Gerr Audio president Bob Snelgrove.
“The Intelli-X2 processors set a new benchmark for quality in the live entertainment industry and now the new Intelli-Z2 series is bringing that quality to the installed audio market. We are very pleased that we can now supply Apex’s level of quality to the Canadian market.”
17th April 2012
Eight New US Distributors in Two Months for Le Mark
Following the outstanding response from Le Mark's recent LDI exhibition, export manager Matt Every returned to even more success on his follow up visit to the States this month. Set to gain eight new distributors in the little over two months with more imminently expected, the US is a rapidly growing market for Le Mark's export team.
"From first stop at the Total Structures training and event day in L.A. through to the final visit in NYC, the welcome I received was far beyond my expectations. All our distributors have been working so effectively to promote our range and have provided excellent feedback for our U.S. research and development team. The combination of LDI and my return visit has created a huge leap in our attempts to make Le Mark Group and our range of products better known in the US. It's been our Dirty Rigger gloves & accessories and MagTape professional gaffer tapes which have proved the most successful, there is clearly huge demand for these products in the States. Working with our new dealers with more set to coming along side, it's going to be a busy year ahead," says Le Mark's Matt Every.
In picture: Adrian Forbes-Black from Total Structures and Matt Every from Le Mark Group.
3rd 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
TechnoPro Celebrates its 10th Anniversary by Partnering with High End Systems
High End Systems has announced the appointment of TechnoPro LLC as its exclusive Middle East distribution partner. TechnoPro will provide sales, support, service and training for High End Systems’ full range of Wholehog lighting consoles, automated and digital lighting products.
"We are planning for this year to launch a series of training seminars on the Wholehoog series consoles, the Axon Media Server, and the new Technospot and intellaspot fixtures," said TechnoPro CEO Nabil Bourgeili. "Our goal is to help professionals and to create more certified technicians in the region as well as assisting customers to understand the finest details of High End Systems technologies."
TechnoPro celebrated this year its 10th Anniversary of professional accomplishments in the world of audio, visual, lighting and technical events production.
"We have High End System products in stock in our UAE warehouses to provide fast delivery and technical support to our valuable clients. Technospot, intellasopt, SHowbeam 2.5, Wholehog consoles and the DL.3 Digital Light are available in stock for immediate delivery."
"Introducing new lighting fixtures from HES is one of TechnoPro’s goals for 2012 as well as to expand the growing family of HES products in the region," said Chris Ferrante, High End Systems regional sales manager. "We are excited to enter into this partnership as TechnoPro celebrates their 10 year anniversary."
TechnoPro llc, is a Dubai based technical events production company and professional equipment distributor with a branch in Qatar and a strong presence in the Gulf Region. In its 10 years of service in event production, the company has produced many successful high-profile events from national celebrations, international sporting events, concerts, festivals, corporate events, fashion shows, international exhibitions, weddings, and fixed installations.
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."
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
Dirty Rigger Announce Distribution Deal with Canada's Largest Production Supplier
Canada's oldest and largest provider of professional production equipment and expertise, William F White International Inc. have become official distributors for the full Dirty Rigger gloves and accessories range.
With six offices across Canada, their industry knowledge and high company profile is a great addition to the Dirty Rigger distribution network which is rapidly expanding across the whole of North America.
National expendables manager Vicki Brown says: "The Dirty Rigger products are well made, innovative and useful and as they are made especially to meet the unique requirements of our market. They will certainly be a perfect addition to our existing line-up of sales products and expendable goods."
Dirty Rigger's product manager Steve Marshall says: "To have Whites see the quality and durability of our range and be so keen to work with us is fantastic. I'm really looking forward to hearing their customers' response to our specialist Cold Condition glove in mid-winter. They are definitely going to be an exciting company to work with in the future."
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
MDG Becomes Anolis Distribution Partner for Canadian Market
The second valuable agreement of 2012 has taken place for MDG which has been appointed Canadian distribution partner for the entire Anolis range of energy-saving architectural lighting products.
Anolis, the architectural division of Robe Lighting for whom MDG has recently become exclusive Canadian distributor, provides LED lighting solutions for indoor and outdoor architectural applications, including buildings, bridges, spaces and public arts. âThe timing was impeccable,â says MDG president Martin Michaud. âItâs not everyday we get a superior quality product like Anolis and itâs a challenge we canât wait to take on.â
John Saunders, sales director at Anolis, is very happy with the new appointment. "As part of the continuing expansion program of the Anolis brand we are delighted to bring MDG on board,â he says. âWe believe the strength of MDG's own brand combined with their reputation for quality, reliability and excellent service will be the perfect complement for the Anolis range, which itself is known for all these attributes. MDG's extensive local knowledge of the Canadian market is exactly what Anolis needs in order to further expand our brand.
"During discussions with MDG it was clear there was an excellent understanding of Anolis products and how they will fit into the various market sectors. With many projects already targeted, I am sure this will be the beginning of successful partnership."
In picture: Somerset House in London, by day and by night - lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe; fixtures by Anolis
photos: David Morrell
17th 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
Production Resource Group (PRG) Acquires Paskal Lighting
Production Resource Group, L.L.C. (PRG), headquartered in New York, has announced that it has acquired Paskal Lighting, a US-based lighting, grip and expendables company.
Founded in 1988, Paskal Lighting has served the motion picture and television industries for over 20 years, with one of the largest inventories of lighting and grip equipment, as well as a fleet of production vehicles capable of accommodating any size production throughout the United States.
Paskal Lighting will operate under its own brand name, as a full member company of the PRG group, with Evan Green continuing in his role as president. “Paskal will continue to service our long time loyal customers as we always have, and will now have the additional support and strength of the PRG organization to further achieve our goals,” Green commented.
“The acquisition of Paskal Lighting brings us a like-minded company dedicated to customer service and solution-based technologies,” said Scott Hansen, president and CEO, Corporate & Trade Show, TV & Film, North America. “Paskal’s expert production teams will add significant depth to our Film and Television division. Both companies will continue to provide the cutting-edge technology and expert support that today’s filmmakers and broadcasters demand.”
“Evan and his staff at Paskal are highly regarded in the industry and we are very pleased to welcome them to the PRG family,” added Jere Harris, PRG Chairman and CEO.
6th February 2012
MDG Appointed Exclusive Canadian Distributor of Robe Lighting
MDG has joined the Robe Lighting family of partners. The company has assumed responsibility for Robe sales activity across Canada, promoting and supporting the full range of Robe products including its HMI, tungsten and LED motorized spots, wash and PC spotlights, the famous Digital Series and its range of lighting effects. All Robe architainment products, including the LED series, also fall within MDG’s new remit.
Martin Michaud, president and CEO of MDG, states: "Our team is thoroughly delighted and thrilled to start promoting Robe in our country. MDG’s philosophy of delivering personalized care and dedicated service to every single customer, combined with our portfolio of professional, top-of-the-line products meant the choice of Robe was easy. We had been on the lookout for a lighting product that would complement the prestigious array we already carry in Canada and Robe fits perfectly into that role.”
Robe chose MDG as its exclusive Canadian distributor for a number of important reasons: "Although Robe is one of largest moving light manufacturers in the world, and Canada an indispensable part of the North American market, it has been a difficult one for Robe to tackle over the last couple of years,” says general manager/CEO of Robe Lighting, Josef Valchář. “The market has its own identity, and only a distributor who understands it well, will be able to do a good job. MDG are not only manufacturers themselves – which helps them understand the thinking of another manufacturer – but, through their commitment to quality with their own range of products, they have the right philosophy and the right connections to the right target group.
“Sometimes you have to wait until you find a perfect match, and I think we have now arrived at that point. I am very excited about this partnership and I think it will make a lot of difference."
In addition to MDG’s professional credentials, Robe sales director, Harry von den Stemmen, notes that the intercompany relationship forms an important factor for future success. “Ours is a well-prepared, new approach to the Canadian market and a perfect match. During the evaluation period, the companies and individuals got to know each other and established an incredibly good atmosphere of mutual understanding and common perception. Our business is a ‘people business’ and good relationships are fundamental. With MDG as a distributor, Robe will enjoy a bright future in Canada and finally get the recognition and acceptance it deserves."
In picture: Robe sales director, Harry von den Stemmen and general manager/CEO of Robe Lighting, Josef Valchář with president and CEO of MDG, Martin Michaud and sales director, Thierry Pouliot.
3rd 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
Atomic Joins Adamson's Project Energia
Adamson Systems Engineering has announced the addition of Atomic Professional Audio to the growing list of Energia beta partners. The Rutland, Vermont based sound company is no stranger to the Adamson family with Y-axis systems in their inventory dating back to 2002. Their inventory also includes T21, SpekTrix, Metrix, SX18 and M series. Atomic has provided Adamson PA for such tours as Linkin Park, John Fogerty, Jay Z, Il Divo, Third Eye Blind.
Brock Adamson, CEO of Adamson Systems Engineering comments: "Atomic Professional Audio is the type of company we have always enjoyed working with. They started out with a modest sized system, always aiming for high quality and service standards. Atomic now carries a significant inventory of Adamson speakers. Kevin Margolin has managed and grown Atomic into a force in their region."
The new Energia system was delivered in January and the Atomic team expects to have it on the road before the end of the month. Atomic Professional Audio's President, Kevin Margolin stated: "Our Y-Axis speakers have been fantastic and as always, Adamson puts audio quality first. The E15 is better in every way. It's truly stunning! We are very excited to be a beta partner."
In picture: Mark Trepanier, George Perone, Vic Hess, Kristin Margolin, Kevin Margolin and Mike Alcorn.
26th January 2012
New Metric Halo Website Delivers a Clean, Intuitive User Experience
Metric Halo has completely revamped its website, bringing the crystalline clarity of modern design and functionality to its online presence. The new site, www.mhsecure.com (which is also accessible at the old address, www.mhlabs.com) offers users well-organised access to product information, product support, purchasing, and user-community wikis & list-serves. It is simple and intuitive to navigate and will make obtaining relevant information at any stage of Metric Halo engagement (casually-curious, committed purchaser, dispassionate user, obsessive enthusiast, etc.) straightforward. The new site launched in synchrony with Metric Halo’s move from New York to Florida, giving the company new homes in both planes of existence.
25th January 2012
First US Dirty Rigger Dealer Announced
Following unprecedented interest at the recent LDI Exhibition in Florida, Dirty Rigger gloves and cccessories are now available for the first time in the USA.
Minneapolis based Monkey Wrench Productions have taken stock of the entire DR range, including the brand new Kevlar Protector glove and the compact tool pouch.
Dirty Rigger’s export manager Matt Every says: “I couldn’t be happier to announce Monkey Wrench as the first US stockist for Dirty Rigger, there’s been so much interest in the USA from individuals and businesses it’s great to now have somewhere to direct them. The DR range is produced using some of the most innovative materials in the world, designed from scratch by a team who use gloves and tool pouches day after day. With the new items expected for release in 2012, the USA rigging world really has something to get excited about.”
24th January 2012
L-Acoustics K1 and V-DOSC Systems Stolen from Procolor
In the early morning hours of December 8th, 2011, L-Acoustics systems provider Procolor of Guadalajara, Mexico had an entire 53-foot semi truck and trailer of equipment stolen at the conclusion of a Britney Spears concert in Mexico City.
The missing trailer contained 24 L-Acoustics K1 and 18 V-DOSC line source elements, 12 K1-SB low-frequency extension enclosures and 48 SB-218 subwoofers, among other items. Serial numbers are available upon request.
Any knowledge as to the existence and/or whereabouts of this equipment should be shared with L-Acoustics, Procolor or local law enforcement authorities. Product returns or submissions of information may be made anonymously.
For further details, please contact Paul Freudenberg, L-Acoustics business development manager - Americas, at paul.freudenberg@l-acoustics.com, or Javier Barba, owner and general director of Procolor, at contacto@procolor.com.mx.
“Although the circumstances are very unfortunate and part of a regrettably endemic issue here in Mexico, we are thankful to the good authorities that are attempting to help us resolve this situation,” says Procolor’s Javier Barba. “In the meantime, we will continue to focus on providing the best possible concert production services for our clients.”
Despite the theft, Procolor still has a considerable inventory of L-Acoustics gear left and is carrying on with business as usual. The company will soon be taking a K1 system out on Maná’s continuing Drama y Luz tour to Venezuela, Colombia, Santo Domingo, Mexico and the US. Additional Procolor tours in the next two months include Ricardo Arjona, Selena Gomez’s Mexican tour, and three shows with Marc Antony and Alejandro Fernandez.
L-Acoustics’ Paul Freudenberg adds; “Procolor is the first and only K1 owner in Mexico and we are shocked and saddened that they have been victims of this crime. We hope to assist them in recovering their equipment and would urge other sound companies and audio professionals to carefully be on the lookout for the stolen items.”
