PRG (Production Resource Group) is a leading distributor of high-quality entertainment technology products. With offices around the world including the UK, Europe, China, Japan, and South Africa, PRG boasts a reputation for outstanding service and technical ability, both pre and post sales.  PRG KK represent a host of key brands including Phillips Vari*Lite, Clay Paky and Syncrolite and will distribute the range of GDS products.  

Matt Lloyd, Managing Director at GDS commented: -

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of PRG KK as our exclusive distributor in Japan.  PRG join our rapidly expanding global distribution network as exclusive distributors for the complete portfolio of GDS products.  With their impeccable reputation, affiliation with key brands and established presence in the marketplace PRG KK were the ideal choice of distributor in this territory.  We are looking forward to establishing a long and successful partnership with them”.

Yuji Tanaka, Sales Manager PRG KK commented: -

“In the past,  we have been handling professional automated lighting fixtures such as VARI*LITE,  CLAY PAKY for stages and concerts, so Global Design Solutions’ LiteWare fixture came as a very new concept, almost shocking, to us.  Not only for the fact that it is using LED which is undoubtedly the most trendy light source now, but for totally cordless and wireless operation with good protection against water for outdoor use and most of all its simplicity and convenience the product would offer to the user.

The moment we get to know about this product, we intuitively knew this had the uniqueness that we were looking for, and raised our hands for exclusive distributorship in Japan.

We are very much excited that we can now offer this product to our professional lighting clients as well as explore new sales opportunity to potential users and key people in other fields such as architectural and environmental lighting, event and party producers, theme parks, etc”.  

GDS is a UK Manufacturer based in Bristol with offices in the US.  Since it was formed in 2004 by Richard Cuthbert and Matthew Lloyd, GDS has grown steadily year on year.  In its first six years of trading GDS successfully developed several award-winning product ranges, winning awards for the innovative BluesSystem and MOBAL product ranges, including two ABTT Lighting Product of the Year Awards and two PLASA Innovation Awards. 

PRG KK joins Global Design Solutions already established global distribution network, including distributors across Europe, the USA, Australia, Asia, South Africa, Russia and the UK

For more information or details on GDS distributors visit www.gds.uk.com or email salesuk@gds.uk.com.

GDS will showcase the newest addition to the LiteWare range, LiteWare HO (High Output). Following the success of LiteWare wireless RGB uplighter, launched in 2009, LiteWare HO is a high output version offering 80Watts of LED power. 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.

Also at the show is the new TCP-IP CueSystem a Networked cue light system which launched at ProLight + Sound earlier in the year.  In an industry first, with the ever-increasing trend towards completely networked show control and lighting systems, the TCP-IP CueSystem bridges the gap for stage management environments.

The TCP-IP CueSystem uses the established ergonomic control platform with standard GDS outstations. Output nodes are then used for cue light channel distribution in the field all connected to a single network. Web server configuration from an internet viewer allows for configuration and patching of cue light channels. Storage and playback of cues for running a show can be simply created by taking snapshots of the control platform, or programming the system via the web server.

In addition, RS232 commands can be used to either control individual channels or trigger stored cues for simple connectivity to other show control systems.

Other ranges being exhibited at PLASA 2010 include, the multi-award winning BluesSystem and MainsSystem working lights, MotorControl – a four-way, modular motor control system, The Stage Managers Console and MOBAL, the award winning multi-functional Socapex fault diagnosis and correction tool.

You can visit GDS at PLASA Focus Stand 2-S18

Limassol based ArchiLX, founded by lighting designer Ben M Rogers and technical consultant Nearchos Pittalis, offers a comprehensive design and consultancy service for permanent installation and temporary events. The company also distributes leading lighting brands and offers a complete sales and support service to end-users and production companies alike. ArchiLX carries an extensive portfolio from leading manufactures including Clay Paky, Phillips, ETC and Zero 88.

Ben Rogers, design director and consultant at ArchiLX comments, “Paramount to building our product portfolio has been the directive to deliver first-class creative solutions using the highest quality products. The innovative design of the GDS LiteWare is an immediate attention grabber and the quality of the product really does speak for itself.

“Productions here regularly take place on large outdoor sites with limited power and in order to comply with EU health and safety directives, cable management can inevitably become a serious challenge. The simplicity and reliability of the GDS LiteWare has not only been evident in the event illumination applications but its superb battery life also means that users have plenty of charge left at the end of the night to re-use the LiteWare for working light applications during load-outs.”

Andy Duffield, European sales manager at GDS adds, “We are delighted to have Ben and his team representing GDS in Cyprus, they bring a wealth of experience and technical expertise that really supports the GDS brand well. It is a valuable asset for us to partner a company so well suited in terms of their market activity and product knowledge and we look forward to a successful future.”

(Jim Evans)

UK

The Bristol-based manufacturer started its international trade show run in Frankfurt where it exhibited alongside its German distributor on the Lightpower Village. Showcasing LiteWare HO (High Output), the newest edition to the LiteWare range, GDS received an exceptional response. In addition to its successful product launches the manufacturer signed four new international distributors at the show.

Managing director Matthew Lloyd comments, “The response we received at this year’s ProLight + Sound has surpassed all expectations. The launch of the new LiteWare HO and the new TCP/IP CueSystem were very successful and attracted great interest from both international customers and press.”

The following week saw Scott Vontobel, GDS director of operations (USA) team up with Antonia Collins of the Stage Managers Association for the USITT conference in Kansas City. Working alongside Altman Lighting the GDS team reported “an astonishing success”. Collins joined the GDS team in Kansas to showcase the new TCP/IP CueSystem.

GDS were invited to converse at the USITT seminar for stage-management technology and presented the TCP/IP system to over a 120 stage-management professionals.

Scott Vontobel comments, “We have spent the last 12 months building the GDS brand in the USA and are working closely with internationally renowned theatre brand Altman, pooling our recourses and expertise in sales and on our trade show programme. USITT was an opportunity not only to launch TCP/IP CueSystem, LiteWare HO and BluesSystem Mains to the US market but also to introduce our complete product portfolio to our new sales network.”

See GDS at PLASA Focus on stand – S-A6

(Jim Evans)

GDS will showcase the newest addition to the LiteWare range, LiteWare HO (High Output). Following the success of LiteWare wireless RGB uplighter, launched in 2009, LiteWare HO is a high output version offering 80Watts of LED power. 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.

Also at the show is the new TCP-IP CueSystem a Networked cue light system which launches at ProLight + Sound this week. In an industry first, with the ever-increasing trend towards completely networked show control and lighting systems, the TCP-IP CueSystem bridges the gap for stage management environments.

The TCP-IP CueSystem uses the established ergonomic control platform with standard GDS outstations. Output nodes are then used for cue light channel distribution in the field all connected to a single network. Web server configuration from an internet viewer allows for configuration and patching of cue light channels. Storage and playback of cues for running a show can be simply created by taking snapshots of the control platform, or programming the system via the web server.

In addition, RS232 commands can be used to either control individual channels or trigger stored cues for simple connectivity to other show control systems.

Other ranges being exhibited at PLASA Focus include, the multi-award winning BluesSystem and MainsSystem working lights, MotorControl – a four-way, modular motor control system, The Stage Managers Console and MOBAL, the multi-functional Socapex fault diagnosis and correction tool.

You can visit GDS at PLASA Focus Stand S-A6

(Jim Evans)

www.gds.uk.com

www.plasafocus.com

ABTT is an annual event held at the Royal Horticultural Halls in South West London.  For over 30 years the ABTT Theatre Show has been the only UK event exclusively devoted to promoting the latest technology for theatre and performance buildings as well as theatre productions.  Following its success at ProLight and Sound and PLASA Focus earlier in the year, GDS will again exhibit the newest addition to its product portfolio, the TCP-IP CueSystem an industry first, networked cue light system.  With the ever-increasing trend towards completely networked show control and lighting systems, the TCP-IP CueSystem bridges the gap for stage management environments.

The TCP-IP CueSystem uses the established ergonomic control platform with standard GDS outstations.  Output nodes are then used for cue light channel distribution in the field all connected to a single network.  Web server configuration from an internet viewer allows for configuration and patching of cue light channels.  Storage and playback of cues for running a show can be simply created by taking snapshots of the control platform, or programming the system via the web server.

In addition, RS232 commands can be used to either control individual channels or trigger stored cues for simple connectivity to other show control systems.

Also at the show GDS will showcase MainsSystem.  MainsSystem is a mains voltage version of the award-winning and highly successful BluesSystem.  The LED performance working light range consists of two fittings, MainsBeam and MainsDome, usable throughout the world, with voltage ranging from 80VAC to 240VAC. MainsSystem comes in three colours warm white, cool white and blue.  As with BluesSystem the virtually indestructible, vandal proof fitting, can be mounted directly onto standard UK conduit and is IP67 rated, offering a robust, flexible solution for any working light application.  MainsSystem is suitable for an array of applications from working, emergency and low level lighting to pathway and outdoor applications. 

Other ranges being exhibited include, BluesSystem, LiteWare HO (High Output) a high output version of the highly successful LiteWare range, offering 80Watts of LED power, MotorControl a four-way, modular motor control system, The Stage Managers Console and MOBAL, the multi-functional Socapex fault diagnosis and correction tool.

GDS is a multi-award winning UK Manufacturer with a diverse range of technology-based products.  Based in Bristol with offices in the US, it has six innovative brands in its product portfolio specialising in lighting and control solutions.  

You can visit GDS at ABTT Stand 132. For more information visit www.gds.uk.com or call the UK sales team on 0117 3250063.

PRG Distribution is a leading distributor of high-quality entertainment technology products. With offices around the world, PRG Distribution boasts a reputation for outstanding service and technical ability, both pre and post sales. A dedicated team of regional sales managers and a highly trained team of after-sales service technicians, represent brands including Vari*Lite, Seachanger, Pathway, Lycian and Gekko. PRG Distribution were the ideal choice for GDS to aid expansion of its global distribution network.

Andy Duffield, European Sales Manager at GDS commented: -

“GDS are delighted to welcome PRG on-board, we feel that their already strong global position, reputation and affiliation with key product lines will make for a successful partnership and be of enormous benefit to our brand”.

Agreed between Andy Duffield, European Sales Manager at GDS and David March Divisional Director at PRG Distribution earlier this month, it was confirmed that PRG will exclusively distribute the full range of GDS products in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Iceland, India, Israel, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic, South Africa, Ukraine and non exclusively in Russia.

PRG joins Global Design Solutions already established global distribution network, including distributors across Europe, USA, Australia, Asia and the UK. For more information or details on GDS distributors visit www.gds.uk.com.

GDS is a multi-award winning UK Manufacturer with a diverse range of technology based products. Based in Bristol with offices in the US, it has six innovative brands in its product portfolio specialising in lighting and control solutions. GDS will be exhibiting its full range of products at this year’s ProLight and Sound show at the Messe Frankfurt between 24th and 27th March on Stand D-50, Hall 11.1. For more information or to make an appointment visit www.gds.uk.com or email salesus@gds.uk.com.

This year’s ProLight & Sound show will see award-winning GDS (Global Design Solutions) add a number of new, innovative products to its portfolio, including additions to its highly successful LiteWare and CueSystem ranges.

GDS will showcase the newest addition to the LiteWare range, LiteWare HO (High Output). Following the success of LiteWare wireless RGB uplighter, launched in 2009, LiteWare HO is a high output version offering 80Watts of LED power. 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.

Andy Duffield, European Sales Manager, GDS commented: -

“LiteWare has achieved enormous success since its launch in February 2009, with over 20 of the leading live events companies in the UK holding inventory and many more units sold worldwide. Building on its success we have built an even more powerful unit, which is now double the output with an operational run time of 12 hours. We will launch LiteWare HO at Pro Light & Sound and stock will be available from the end of March”.

Also launching at the show is TCP-IP CueSystem a Networked cue light system. In an industry first, with the ever-increasing trend towards completely networked show control and lighting systems, the TCP-IP CueSystem bridges the gap for stage management environments.

The TCP-IP CueSystem uses the established ergonomic control platform with standard GDS outstations. Output nodes are then used for cue light channel distribution in the field all connected to a single network. Web server configuration from an internet viewer allows for configuration and patching of cue light channels. Storage and playback of cues for running a show can be simply created by taking snapshots of the control platform, or programming the system via the web server.
In addition, RS232 commands can be used to either control individual channels or trigger stored cues for simple connectivity to other show control systems.

Other ranges being exhibited at ProLight & Sound include, the multi-award winning BluesSystem and MainsSystem working lights, MotorControl a four-way, modular motor control system, The Stage Managers Console and MOBAL, the multi-functional Socapex fault diagnosis and correction tool.

GDS is a multi-award winning UK Manufacturer with a diverse range of technology-based products. Based in Bristol with offices in the US, it has six innovative brands in its product portfolio specialising in lighting and control solutions.

You can visit GDS at ProLight & Sound on Stand D-50, Hall 11.1 from the 24th to 27th March, for more information visit www.gds.uk.com or call the UK sales team on 0117 3250063.

UK – PLASA, the leading professional trade body for the live events, entertainment, architectural and installation sectors, has announced the election results for its Executive Committee – the body elected by the membership to work alongside the PLASA organisation in setting its strategic objectives.

Six candidates from across the membership put themselves forward for the four available places, creating an election campaign which generated one of the highest number of votes cast in the organisation’s history.

Joining the Executive for the first time are Duncan Bell of Autograph Sound and Murray Gellatly of Artistic Licence who take seats on the committee following the departure of Adrian Brooks of LiteStructures, who stepped down in December after serving six years, and the death earlier in the year of long-serving committee member David Hopkins OBE.

Existing committee members Ed Pagett of Panalux and Martin Hawthorn of Hawthorn’s both renewed their nominations and return to the committee to serve further three-year terms.

With serving committee member Linda Moore having tendered her resignation to take on the new role of Sales & Marketing Director with PLASA, Matt Lloyd of Global Design Solutions also takes up a position on the Executive.

The Executive work closely with the PLASA team to ensure the continued delivery of a wide-ranging strategy supporting its membership, events, media, technical and skills initiatives: in October 2009, PLASA announced its intention to merge with US-based ESTA, another international trade body, which, if sanctioned by the members, will effectively create a global membership of over 1100 businesses operating under the PLASA name.

On the political front, the organisation continues to campaign on behalf of the sector as Ofcom moves to finalise the details of its Digital Dividend Review – a Government proposal which will see the radio spectrum relied on by the industry either auctioned or reassigned. Having already won key concessions from Ofcom, PLASA continues to work with BEIRG (British Entertainment Industry Radio Group) to protect the industry’s interests and is currently preparing its bid to be the new industry Band Manager.

(Claire Beeson)

www.plasa.org

(19 January 2010)