standards news
Standards News Headlines
23/04/2012
ETCP Welcomes Gravitec Systems, Inc. and PRG Institute to Recognized Training Program List
04/10/2011
A Console for Everyone
ETCP Welcomes Gravitec Systems, Inc. and PRG Institute to Recognized Training Program List
ETCP has announced that Gravitec Systems, Inc. and Production Resource Group (PRG) have joined the ranks of elite training opportunities by becoming ETCP Recognized Training Programs. ETCP Certified Technicians who attend these courses will receive full renewal credits.
When it comes to protecting workers at height, Gravitec knows the value of education. Curriculum is designed to prepare workers and empower them to use available equipment and implement systems to protect themselves. Fall protection training provides riggers with the knowledge they need to perform their job safely. Gravitec offers a full range of fall protection and rescue courses, from basic fall hazard awareness to advanced climbing and rescue techniques, designed to address safety issues commonly faced by riggers and entertainment technicians in the field.
Participants enrolled in Gravitec courses will learn how to properly identify, mitigate and control fall hazards in the workplace. The Recognized courses that are available for renewal credits are Authorized Fall Protection Person, Competent Fall Protection Person, Managed Fall Protection Program Administrator, and Qualified Fall Protection Person. To find out more about these courses and for registration information, please visit: http://etcp.plasa.org/cert_recognized/training_programs/rigging_Gravitec.htm
PRG, the world’s leading supplier of entertainment and event technology will host its PRG Institute May 16th through May 18th in Secaucus, NJ. The Institute offers introductory training on the VX76 lighting control consoles, Mbox Extreme media server, Best Boy and Bad Boy Luminaires, and Series 400 Power and Data Distribution System.
This is an ideal opportunity for ETCP Certified Electricians as well as other users to expand their skills and become familiar with PRG’s proprietary products, which have become the choice of top professionals in theatre, film, television, concert touring and global special events. Attendees may register for the three-day session or for individual product training. For more information and a session schedule, please visit http://etcp.plasa.org/cert_recognized/training_programs/electrical_PRG.htm
For more information on having your course ETCP Recognized or becoming an ETCP Recognized Trainer, please contact Meredith Moseley-Bennett at etcp@plasa.org. Interested in becoming ETCP Certified? Candidate information, including eligibility requirements and applications, is available on the ETCP website http://etcp.plasa.org
The ETCP Council members are key leaders drawn from entertainment business, labor, facilities, associations, and academia representing the diversity of the entertainment industry. Membership includes PLASA, Actsafe, AMPTP, Cirque du Soleil/MGM MIRAGE, CITT, Disney Theatrical Productions, IAVM, IATSE, InfoComm, The League, Live Nation, PRG, TEA, and USITT. ETCP is an ESTA initiative created to promote industry safety.
23rd April 2012
Three PLASA Photometrics Standards in Public Review
Three of PLASA’s published photometrics standards are being considered for reaffirmation. The standards are sold by The ESTA Foundation. The public review forms and instructions are available at http://tsp.plasa.org/tsp/documents/public_review_docs.php. Materially affected members of the public are invited to review them. The reviews for all three run until May 1; the last day to comment is April 30.
ANSI E1.9-2007 (R201x), Entertainment Technology - Reporting Photometric Performance Data for Luminaires Used in Entertainment Lighting, defines the minimum photometric data to be presented on documents purporting to accurately describe the photometric performance of stage and studio luminaires used in the live entertainment and performance industries.
ANSI E1.35 - 2007 (R201x), Standard for Lens Quality Measurements for Pattern Projecting Luminaires Intended for Entertainment Use, describes a method for measuring stage and studio luminaire lens quality with particular emphasis on contrast and perceived image quality (sharpness). It also offers a way for presenting these results on a datasheet in a format that is readily understood by a typical end-user and that allows the end-user to directly compare lenses in a meaningful way.
ANSI E1.36 - 2007 (R2012), Model Procedure for Permitting the Use of Tungsten-Halogen Incandescent Lamps and Stage and Studio Luminaires in Vendor Exhibit Booths in Convention and Trade Show Exhibition Halls, is a model set of procedures that can be used by convention center and trade show exhibition hall staff to mitigate the risks perceived to be associated with the use of tungsten-halogen lamps and stage and studio luminaires in convention centers and trade show exhibition halls, and to allow their use in a safe manner.
6th March 2012
One PLASA Control Protocols Standard in Public Review
One draft Control Protocosl Working Group Standard is available for public review at http://tsp.plasa.org/tsp/documents/public_review_docs.php. Materially affected members of the public are invited to review it. The review runs until April 24; the last day to comment is April 23.
BSR E1.37-2 - 201x, Additional Message Sets for ANSI E1.20 (RDM) – Part 2, IPv4 & DNS Configuration Messages, is part 2 of the E1.37 project. It provides additional get/set parameter messages (PIDs) for use with the ANSI E1.20 Remote Device Management protocol. Messages in this document are intended for configuring network interfaces and Domain Name System settings on devices with an IPv4 address.
6th March 2012
Four PLASA Rigging Standards in Public Review
Four draft Rigging Working Group Standards are available at http://tsp.plasa.org/tsp/documents/public_review_docs.php. Materially affected members of the public are invited to review them.
BSR E1.6-2 - 201x, Entertainment Technology — Design, Inspection, and Maintenance of Electric Chain Hoists for the Entertainment Industry, is part of the E1.6 powered entertainment rigging project. This draft standard covers the design, inspection, and maintenance of serially manufactured electric link chain hoists having capacity of 2 tons or less and used in the entertainment industry. This standard does not cover attachment to the load or to the overhead structure. Its review runs until April 24.
BSR E1.6-4 - 201x, Portable Control of Fixed-Speed Electric Chain Hoists in the Entertainment Industry, is a standard for the controls often used to operate chain hoists. Its review runs until March 27.
BSR E1.8 - 201x, Entertainment Technology—Loudspeaker Enclosures Intended for Overhead Suspension—Classification, Manufacture and Structural Testing, is a revision of the existing standard for the structural integrity of loudspeaker enclosures that are suspended overhead. It is designed to ensure that flown speaker enclosures don't break and drop debris. The revisions are intended to simplify the standard and to clarify the requirements. Its review runs until May 1.
BSR E1.39 - 201x, Entertainment Technology – Selection and Use of Personal Fall Arrest Systems on Portable Structures Used in the Entertainment Industry, establishes minimum requirements for the selection and use of personal fall arrest systems on portable structures in the entertainment industry. It also establishes minimum requirements for manufacturers and owners of these structures being used as work platforms. Its review runs until April 24.
5th March 2012
Draft Powered Rigging Standard in Public Review
BSR E1.6-4 - 201x, Portable Control of Fixed-Speed Electric Chain Hoists in the Entertainment Industry, is available for public review on the PLASA website at http://tsp.plasa.org/tsp/documents/public_review_docs.php through March 26. The control systems covered are most often used to control one or more chain hoists being used to fly equipment or scenery in shows or events being done in arenas and convention centers.
For more information, please contact: Karl G. Ruling, PLASA Technical Standards Manager, 630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 609, New York, NY 10036 Tel 1-212-244-1505 karl.ruling@plasa.org.
27th January 2012
L-Acoustics US Sets Training Dates for Kara, Kudo and Soundvision
L-Acoustics US has announced its first two product training sessions for 2012.
The first three-day training is set for February 20 to 22 in Red Hook, NY and will specifically focus on L-Acoustics’ new Kara modular line source system and Soundvision version 1.9.
The second session, hosted in Oxnard, CA exactly one month later from March 20 to 22, will cover the large-format Kudo line source system and Soundvision.
“We’re particularly looking forward to our Kara and Soundvision session in Red Hook as it marks our first official East Coast training,” says L-Acoustics head of US touring support Scott Sugden. “We’ve had a lot of interest in a regional event like this from our eastern customer base and we’re very happy to now make it a reality for them.”
Primarily designed for technicians, mix engineers and sound designers referred by L-Acoustics rental network agents and clients, the first two days of each training will offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and field procedures focusing on operating and optimising either Kara or Kudo in a safe and controlled environment. A third day, which can be attended separately or in conjunction with the Kara/Kudo training, will be dedicated to covering the manufacturer’s Soundvision 3D acoustical modelling software. Upon completion of these seminars, attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
The number of participants for both the Red Hook and Oxnard training sessions is limited to 12 people and priority will be given to L-Acoustics Rental Network agents and system owners.
For additional details on the training seminars and their related costs, click on the Support tab at www.l-acoustics.com or contact training@l-acoustics.com
25th January 2012
Renkus-Heinz Announces 2012 EASE Training Class Schedule
Renkus-Heinz has just announced their EASE Level 1 Training Class schedule for 2012.
Yhe classes, conducted by Renkus-Heinz application engineers Jonas Domkus and Jim Mobley, cover the basics of using EASE 4.3 and EASE JR 4.3, with specific focus on room modeling techniques and basic electro-acoustic analysis. Each three-day session is held at the EASE Learning Lab, located at the Renkus-Heinz headquarters in Foothill Ranch, CA, with classes offered quarterly throughout the year.
All classes are based on EASE 4.3 for Windows. Ownership of and basic familiarity with EASE 4.3 is a prerequisite, and students are encouraged to bring their own laptops. Classes are scheduled on February 20-22, May 14-16, August 20-22 and November 12-14, 2012.
For more information, or to register for the courses, visit http://www.renkus-heinz.com/support/software-support/ease_support/classes/index.html#schedule
4th January 2012
Draft Powered Rigging Standard in Public Review
BSR E1.6-1, one of the several documents that make up the E1.6 project for powered rigging systems in the entertainment industry are available for public review on the PLASA website at http://tsp.plasa.org/tsp/documents/public_review_docs.php
BSR E1.6-1 - 201x, Entertainment Technology – Powered Hoist Systems, deals with powered winches that are not serially manufactured electric chain hoists. These are most often wire rope winches that are installed as part of a powered rigging system. The document is intended to establish requirements for the design, manufacture, inspection, and maintenance of powered hoist systems for lifting and suspending loads in theatres and other places of public assembly. It is in public review through December 19.
24th October 2011
A Console for Everyone
At colleges and universities around the world, technical directors are often faced with the same challenge when it comes to lighting control for their performance season. Using primarily student technicians, the control console must be intuitive enough for a novice programmer, but also must be able to handle the creative needs of seasoned programmer when the production calls for it. Such is the case at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, where technical director Shawn DuBois oversees a full production schedule using student technicians, and who has found a solution to his lighting control challenge at the Arthur Zenkel Music Center with the Light Palette Live control console from Philips Strand Lighting.
"The Arthur Zenkel Music Center is home to the Skidmore College music programs and 90% of the performances we do are acoustic in nature and classically-based," began DuBois. "We have our house rig set up with general stage looks so that we don’t necessarily have to go back and refocus or reprogram the board for each different performance. For these types of shows, we simply need to be able to turn it on and then decide which sub-masters to use based upon how many people are on stage and what they are doing all in a classical white light performance. But occasionally, there will be a jazz or rock performance where we need to be more creative with the lighting and this is where we get to have some fun."
Having been with Skidmore College since the opening of the Arthur Zenkel Music Center, DuBois faces a slightly unique challenge in that his student technicians are music students and not from a theatre program where one would be more familiar with lighting controls. Because of this, DuBois relies heavily on the ease of control offered inside the Light Palette Live.
"It’s the students who primarily run the board during the musical performances and it’s not quite like the theatre department where I would call them theatre electricians or technicians because they’re not quite at that level, but with the Strand console they don’t have to be. The Light Palette Live is extremely intuitive. If the students have any PC experience, which they all do, they can run the console and understand its interface at the Command Line set-up to turn on a light, record a look to a sub-master, or even record a cue. It’s that easy."
Although the majority of the Skidmore College music production schedule consists of classical music performances, the full production season also includes a partnership with Carnegie Hall that provides a semester in residence at Skidmore for students of the Julliard School. Each semester in residence comes with a new a diverse set of performers and many times the premier of a brand new piece. Therefore, never truly knowing what the design needs might be, the lighting control must be expansive and powerful as well. And it is here that DuBois found additional value in the Light Palette Live.
"This summer we purchased some new RGB LED lighting and this was when I looked at the board and said ‘wow, now I get what this is all about’. I basically just told the board I was hooking up some new lights and it auto-assigned them knowing exactly which LED lights they were, it knew how to run them, and that was it, they were on. Very quickly I had full control and could bring up any color under the sun. Strand has done something really phenomenal with this console, this is amazing technology."
While no production facility is complete with only a lighting control console, the Arthur Zenkel Music Center also uses Philips Strand Lighting Leko Lite luminaires to illuminate the performance area and C21 Dimmer Racks to power the lighting system.
"The back wall of the stage is a 30' tall window wall that makes it a fantastically unique space. The outside ‘scenery’ becomes an integral part of the ambiance of the performance where often I will incorporate a leaf break-up wash on stage and side walls to help visually reinforce the idea of the outside, or nature, being part of the performance space. For this and all of our front light, we use the Strand Leko Lite luminaires because they are dependable, easy to maintain, and provide a wonderful white light output."
"For our dimming we have two C21 96-Rack Dimmer Systems with about 140 dimmers total and we haven’t had any problems at all, and isn’t that really what you want to say about a dimmer system. If they are working, then they are doing their job. I have been in situations or facilities where you had to pay close attention to power draw and how you are doing it and when you are doing it, but with the C21 Dimmers I don’t have to because I know we will be fine."
As each production comes to a close and work quickly begins on the next, DuBois stands confident that his lighting system is ready for whatever may come his way and with the Light Palette Live console to control the designs, both he and his students will be able to quickly and creatively display the perfect lighting environment to accentuate the music on stage.
"I started with Strand consoles with the original LightPalette and MiniPalette as the first computerized consoles that I ever worked on, and with the LightPalette Live, Strand has truly created a no limitations console. You can configure it to behave however you need for your particular situation and it’s the ultimate flexibility that really sets it apart from other consoles on the market. This truly is a console for everyone."
Philips Strand Lighting offers the world's most comprehensive and competitive range of luminaires, dimming equipment, control systems and software to answer the creative needs of lighting designers working in theatre, television, film, themed environments and sophisticated architectural applications.
4th October 2011
Three PLASA Electrical Power Standards Available for Public Review
Three draft electrical power standards are available for public review on the PLASA website now through October 17. They are available for free download at http://tsp.plasa.org/tsp/documents/public_review_docs.php The reviews are over and the links to the documents will disappear when October 18 starts.
BSR E1.18-1 - 201x, Standard for the selection, installation, and use of single-conductor portable power feeder cable systems for use at 600 volts nominal or less for the distribution of electrical energy in the entertainment and live-event industries, is part of a project to offer guidance on the selection, installation, and safe use of single-conductor portable power feeder cable systems used in the entertainment and live-event industries. This E1.18-1 part contains the majority of the recommendations, suitable for most common portable power distribution installations in the United States of America.
BSR E1.24 - 201x, Entertainment Technology - Dimensional Requirements for Stage Pin Connectors, is a revised version of the existing ANSI E1.24 – 2006. The standard is being revised to clarify its use as a configuration standard giving the mating requirements for male and female pin connectors, contact set-backs from the front face, and marking requirements. The electrical reliability and flammability requirements for pin connectors would be covered by other standards, such as UL 498, Attachment Plugs and Receptacles. All the proposed changes were accepted during the prior two public reviews, except for problems related to the dimensions in figures 5 and 10, and certain requirements in the normative Pin Connector Chart Notes. Therefore, those two figures and notes have been changed and the three pages containing them are being offered for public review.
BSR E1.32 - 201x, Guide for the Inspection of Entertainment Industry Incandescent Lamp Luminaires, provides guidance in the inspection of stage and studio luminaires used in the entertainment industry to evaluate their safety and any needed maintenance. The information contained in this document is intended to supplement the information contained in manufacturers’ maintenance instructions.
