Olavshallen is a multi-purpose venue situated in the north of the city of Trondheim, Norway, close to the river Nidelva.  With a total capacity of 1204 seats on two levels, the venue welcomes a multitude of disciplines including touring theatre, live music, dance and comedy.

GDS distributor for Norway, Elektrik Solutions was approached by the technical team at Olavshallen to supply replacement fittings for the venues ageing auditorium lighting system.  The brief was to supply a reliable, sustainable product that could be easily installed between performances, so as not to disrupt its busy performance schedule.  The existing fittings were downlights and used standard 100W lamps which were proving inefficient and becoming increasingly hard to source.  Petter Nilssen Sales Manager for Elektrik was consulted by the venue and recommended the GDS ArcSystem 1Cell Pro adjustable fittings and wall panel for the job. 

The Olavshallen technical team replaced the existing 100W downlights with 81 ArcSystem 1Cell fittings controlled by the innovative GDS ArcMesh wireless control network.  The fittings, situated underneath the auditorium balcony, utilised the existing wiring infrastructure ensuring a quick and easy installation.  An ArcSystem wireless button panel controller and transmitter were supplied, allowing the house lights to be controlled from anywhere in the theatre in addition to the DMX feed from its existing lighting desk.  

Petter Nilssen, Elektrik commented:-

“ArcSystem was ideal for this job, it was chosen for its ability to dim from 100% to zero, and the fact that it could utilise the existing wiring infrastructure and could be installed in-house quickly and effectively”.

“The installation was completed overnight by the in-house technical team, it was straight-forward, fast and the fittings worked immediately, the hardware and software were installed and communicated without any problem.” 

ArcSystem is a new range of LED auditorium lighting fixturesthat are truly dimmable from 0% to 100% using the wireless ArcMesh protocol for control. This allows the ArcSystem to be retrofitted without the need to rewire the auditorium. The ArcSystem comes in a range of options for both recessed and surface mount, single cell to multi-cell including 1, 4 and 8 Cell options. The optics are available in a range of beam angles including 19deg, 24deg and 37deg. Using high-efficiency optics and LED’s, GDS ArcSystem is able to produce a CRI in excess of 92 with a range of colour temperatures.

The ArcSystem range has been continually praised for its innovative design, flexibility and environmental sustainability. It has won numerous industry awards including, the LDI Best Green Product Award, the ABTT Lighting Product of the Year Award, the Theatres Trust People’s Choice Award for Sustainability, a PLASA Award for Innovation, and the PLASA Sustainability Award.

Chris Patton, GDS International Sales Manager for the Americas met with new and existing customers on the booth at the inaugural PLASA Focus Austin. The first of its kind for PLASA in North America, the show proved to be a resounding success. The new style event took a different approach to previous regional shows, standardising the size of the booths in order to promote fair competition, to allow more companies to exhibit and attract more visitors.
GDS exhibited a number of products at the show including the acclaimed wireless battery operated LED range LiteWare and the award winning ArcSystem LED auditorium fittings.

Chris Patton Commented; -
“The show has been a great platform for us to meet with our regional American customers that do not always have the time to visit the larger industry trade shows such as LDI. Many of the people that dropped by the booth had not previously had an opportunity to see the newer GDS products in the flesh and we had some fantastic feedback about our range particularly with LiteWare Satellite and ArcSystem”

GDS continues its international trade show run at ProLight & Sound in Frankfurt in March and then on to PLASA Focus Leeds and USITT in California. GDS will showcase its entire product portfolio across the events, with products spanning the entertainment technology, architectural, television and corporate markets. Products on show will include the new ArcSystem the world’s first truly dimmable LED, wireless auditorium lighting system, MainsSystem and BluesSystem ‘Industry Standard’ LED Working Lights, CueSystem TCP/IP Cue Light System, SMConsole bespoke Stage Managers desk, its LiteWare range incorporating LiteWare UL ‘the original’ wireless uplighter, HO High output version and the newest addition, Satellite the extendable, focusable version and MOBAL, the multi-functional Socapex fault diagnosis and correction tool.

Richard has been working for UK manufacturer GDS since 2007, when he was taken on as a full-time employee after enjoying work experience with the company. His BTEC apprenticeship in Technical engineering, combined with a workplace NVQ qualification was sponsored by GDS and completed last year.

Currently in the position of Design Engineer, Richard is responsible for the SMConsole stage managers desk and CueSystem show control ranges. Both ranges are being supplied across the world, from London’s West End to Sydney and across the USA. They have been used in prestigious shows including the Michael Jackson Arena tour and Broadway’s Spider-Man.

Matt Lloyd Managing Director GDS commented: -
“We are extremely proud of Richard’s achievements. His hard work and commitment was exceptional throughout his apprenticeship. Richard has become a responsible engineer playing a key role in our most prestigious and technical product lines. In addition to this he is a versatile member of both the engineering and production department. Dealing with our technical products requires great skill and understanding. Richard approaches his work with confidence and demonstrates a considerable degree of knowledge.”

He added: -
“Richard’s wholehearted commitment to his apprenticeship has seen him develop both technically and in an all-round work sense. He has clearly achieved excellent outcomes. The current and future benefits to Richard and GDS are plain to see.”

Since its launch at PLASA in September 2011, LiteWare Satellite has been embraced by the entertainment, events and television markets and has been used on numerous prime-time TV sets as both lighting for the cast and as a prominent feature in the set lighting. Television appearances, in conjunction with Richard Martin Lighting include, The Blue Peter Halloween Special, The National Lottery Awards, An evening with Justin Bieber, The Jonathan Ross Show and The Top of the Pops Christmas Day Special.

Richard Martin Lighting recently committed to a substantial stock holding of LiteWare Satellite and has been instrumental in its TV success.  The Blue Peter Halloween special saw Satellite used outside the studio as both key lights and fill light and also as a decorative part of the lighting.  The Wanted played live at The National Lottery Awards as LiteWare Satellite lit the front of the stage. This added another dimension to the stepped part of the set, the show was live so required the quick set up and strike that Satellite provides.

An Audience with Justin Bieber and The Jonathan Ross Christmas special used Satellite as part of the integral set design.  The LD for an Audience with Justin Bieber, Oli Richards used Liteware Satellite along the rear of the stage with the fittings dotted around the set at different heights creating an amazing effect for Justin and his band.

The Top of the Pops Christmas day special used the versatile fittings as a primary visual effect for several of the sound stages during the show.  Presented by Radio 1 DJ’s Fearne Cotton and Reggie Yates, the hour long Christmas special featured performances from The Wanted, Pixie Lott and Example.  Other acts performing included this year’s X Factor winner, Professor Green, Ed Sheeran, Olly Murs, Rizzle Kicks, The Vaccines, Will Young and Noah and the Whale.

Steve Wells, Operations Manager at Richard Martin Lighting comments on Liteware Satellite: -

“Since RML purchased the Satellites, they have been used in a multitude of ways, showcasing their versatility and innovation. Their simple design, various heads and heights mean they are now a firm favourite with our LD’s and customers”.

LiteWare Satellite is a wireless battery operated LED fitting with an extendable fully adjustable head offering 360º pan and 180º tilt.  The fitting can be instantly modified with the use of an innovative internally wired pole that extends to offer elevation between 1.7m and 2.6m. The poles offer a weather proof quick lock mechanism to insure maximum speed of deployment.  LiteWare Satellite is available in RGB, Warm white or Cool White options and accessories include a metal floor plate for stabilising the unit in full extension.

Based at GDS HQ in Bristol, her role includes supporting the international sales team and providing customer service and support to GDS’s dealer network. Alexa studied language at Cardiff University and went on to teach English in China, she has also worked in administration for a large corporation and gained experience in marketing while at university.

Matt Lloyd, Managing Director GDS commented: -
“We are delighted to have Alexa on-board, she is a bright, enthusiastic member of the team and has already made an impact to the running of the department. Although Alexa’s background is not in the entertainment technology industry she has good administration skills and is already developing relationships with our international client base”.

He added: -
“As we continue our latest phase of development, having the right people in the right positions is a key part of our strategy, Alexa joins GDS at an exciting time and we are looking forward to her positive input”.

The Royal Festival Hall opened in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain and is at the heart of the Southbank Centre.  The RFH welcomes orchestras, operas and contemporary music from around the world. The building is home to the Clore Ballroom, Saison Poetry Library, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and the Hayward Gallery.  From April – September 2011, the Southbank Centre site was transformed for the Festival of Britain 60th Anniversary celebrations, celebrating British talent and creativity with the biggest cross-arts festival South Bank had seen since the original festival in 1951.

After completing a site survey and taking into consideration the long and difficult cable routes on site, coupled with the incredibly solid 1960’s concrete, The GDS Specials team, in consultation with Roger Hennigan developed a solution utilising the existing original infrastructure. The decision was made to remove the compact fluorescent light fittings from the existing fixtures, refurbish the fittings where necessary and install an LED based solution.  The GDS Specials team were able to design a bespoke solution that utilised the existing 1950’s fittings and cables causing minimal impact to the fabric of the building, whilst implementing a 21st century wireless remote control RGB  Lighting solution.  

The GDS Specials team developed a lighting module that could be used in various formats to fit both of the two types of bulkhead fitting already installed at the centre.   The decision was taken to make the LED lighting modules RGB and give them individual addresses to ensure the fitting were truly flexible.  The fittings are controlled via W-DMX, giving Roger and his team control of the entire area and allowing him to program colour fades, sweeps and complete lighting states from the building control system.

Roger Hennigan – Technical Manager, Southbank Centre commented: -

“It was great to work with the GDS team, they immediately understood the brief and quickly developed a practical and flexible solution that now looks great and is very versatile, this was achieved with minimal impact to the fabric of the building and has made long term energy and maintenance savings”.

GDS Specials Team designed, delivered and installed a modular LED panel, which allowed it to retro fit the existing and original light fittings at the Southbank Centre.  The installation included, 24 large rectangular units, each with 5 LED panels, 18 x smaller rectangular units, each with 2 LED panels and 18 x Circular units, each with 2 LED panels.  Each individual unit incorporated a W-DMX wireless DMX receiver and a custom build LED driver / controller.  The panels were designed to retro fit into the building’s existing and original light fixtures.

Over the past few years GDS has achieved phenomenal success in the UK and worldwide, developing a successful worldwide distribution strategy with exclusive partners, whilst still working directly with UK customers. Rapid company growth has resulted in increased demand on the GDS UK sales and support team, therefore it has become necessary for it to appoint a specialised UK dealer network to continue the high level of customer service it has become known for.  A network of established companies including Hawthorns, Northern Light, Stage Electrics and White Light has been specially selected to distribute the GDS product range. 

GDS has experienced a massive increase in the level of customer enquires over the past months, partly due to the success of ArcSystem its new auditoria house light system and the launch of the latest product in the highly popular LiteWare range, LiteWare Satellite.  From 1st January all sales of BluesSystem, ArcSystem, CueSystem, MobalTester and LiteWare will be directed via GDS’s new dealer network. The bespoke SMConsole series of products and projects for the GDSSpecials division will still be available to procure directly from GDS.

Matthew Lloyd, Managing Director GDS commented:

“We are extremely excited to announce our new UK distribution strategy and believe it will reduce lead times and allow GDS customers to continue to receive excellent service and value for money. Each of our four specially selected dealers will carry substantial stock, giving GDS customers immediate access to products and will have specially trained in-house experts to offer additional technical and sales support”.

He added:-

“We would like thank all our customers for their support and continued business and hope they will find this transition a seamless one”.

For more information or to discuss any of the above changes please contact the UK sales team on 0117 3250063.

AED Rent is part of the AED group and is the leading equipment banker for the professionals in the AV industry with subsidiaries across Europe.  With over 31 years’ experience AED Rent carries an extensive portfolio from leading manufactures, ranging from lighting and sound products to video, electricity and accessories, holding extensive stock including over 44 miles of Truss in its Belgium warehouse.  AED Rent delivers leading brands in to the rental market including, L’acoustics, Clay Paky, GLP, Varilite, Yamaha, QSC, Robert Juliat, and Avolites and provides a complete rental solution to the event industry.  

AED Rent committed to an order of two hundred pieces of GDS’s LiteWare HO (High Output) and as part of the agreement AED Distribution was appointed exclusive distributor for GDS in Benelux.  AED Distribution will distribute the entire GDS product portfolio in to the Belgium, Luxemburg and Holland territories.

Andy Duffield, International Sales Manager EMEA at GDS commented: -

“We are delighted to welcome AED on-board as our Benelux distributor and thrilled that they have made GDS LiteWare their choice of LED solution in such a competitive market place.  AED are an industry leader and it is a fantastic opportunity for GDS as a UK manufacturer to be synonymous with the AED brand”.

Hans Vanderheijden, MD of AED Distribution, commented:

“AED Distribution is dedicated to distribute the best brands in the industry.  GDS offers a high quality products with truly innovative technology.  The combination of Equipment Banking to AV professionals only by AED Rent on the one hand, and distribution of the product by AED Distribution on the other hand, has always been a success formula”

Launched in 2010 following the success of LiteWare UL, LiteWare HO is a high output version offering 80Watts of LED power and is twice as bright as LiteWare UL.  Designed to be completely compatible with the existing LiteWare range, the LiteWare HO product is the same footprint as the standard version and is calibrated to deliver colour-matched output.  W-DMX or SHoW DMX controlled this adaptable fitting can be used as a stand-alone unit charged by an individual power-supply, multiple fittings can be charged in LiteWare’s custom 4 or 6 Way charging flightcase.  A floor bracket is also available allowing the fitting to be mounted at any angle for versatility.  LiteWare has successfully sold all over the world and is ideal for applications that require quick and easy installation in a cable free environment

AED Distribution joins GDS established global distribution network, including distributors across Europe, the USA, Australia, Asia and the UK.

GDS ArcSystem is a brand new concept that provides a low energy future proofing solution for auditoria house lighting.  ArcSystem is an LED, fully dimmable fixture with a warm white tungsten colour output designed to emulate a traditional incandescent fitting. It is one of the first LED products to be dimmed to zero without stepping or snapping and utilises a custom dimming curve designed to mimic a tungsten light source.  Each unit is fitted with the unique ArcMesh wireless transceiver for intensity control forming a mesh network matrix amongst multiple fixtures, enabling stability and completely flexible control.  ArcMesh allows installers and specifiers the option to offer a solution for retro fit, without the need to run additional control cabling.  Perhaps the most important factor is the low energy element, given run time and maintenance costs early estimations suggest that ArcSystem will provide a return on investment within 36 months”.

ArcSystem was launched at ABTT this year where it was awarded the Lighting Product of the Year Award and went on to win the Theatres Trust People’s Choice Award for Sustainability, a PLASA Innovation Award  and the first ever PLASA Sustainability Award. 

Chris Patton, International Sales Manager for GDS commented: -

“We are delighted to win such a prestigious award. The whole team at GDS strive to develop products that not only solve long standing technical problems but also make a significant contribution to the future sustainability of our industry. The fact that this has been recognised by our peers really means a lot to us”

The judging panel for the LDI Best Green Product Award commented: -

“The judges of the LDI Best Green Product Award for 2011 (sponsored by Showman Fabricators) recognise that ArcSystem is a real leap forward in industry technology and provides a solution to a long standing problem of not having a sustainable alternative to traditional incandescent auditorium fixtures that provide the same characteristics such as smooth dimming and a good quality of light”. 

They added:-

“Given that this product can have a real and substantial impact for all Theatres, both new and existing, is cost effective, and can significantly reduce the carbon dioxide impact of our entertainment facilities, the judges applaud GDS for their truly innovative product”.