The island of Sri Lanka is probably one of the last places onewould expect to find global stars as diverse as Billy Ocean and Olivia NewtonJohn performing—and local production company, Universal Sound fielding atop-spec HARMAN’s JBL VERTEC®line array system.

It takes something completely different to make a digital audio console stand out from the crowd these days, but Harman’s Soundcraft has done exactly that with the launch of the Soundcraft® Si Performer range of mixers, which, thanks to the integrated DMX functionality, adds lighting control options to an already impressive and powerful audio feature set.

Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark, Martin Professional is a world leader in the creation of dynamic lighting solutions for the entertainment, architectural, and commercial sectors. Martin also offers a range of advanced lighting controllers and media servers, as well as a complete line of smoke machines as a complement to intelligent lighting. The company operates the industry’s most complete and capable distributor network with local partners in nearly 100 countries.

The Dave Matthews Band is back on the road this summer with a North American tour preceding the release of their album, “Away From The World,” due out in September. Accompanying the band are 2 x grandMA2 full-size, 1 x grandMA2 light, 2 x MA NSP (Network Signal Processor) and 2 x MA NPU (Network Processing Unit).

With deep country roots, all connected through similar upbringings in Arkansas, Edens Edge is an up-and-coming modern country trio currently touring as the opening act on the Farmers Insurance “Changed Tour,” headlined by Rascal Flatts.  With an active set, intricate instrumental backings and an extremely high energy level, Edens Edge relies on HARMAN’s AKG C520 L head-worn microphone for quality, clear and reliable sound.

Sonifex show the new CM-CU1 Commentator Unit  on stand 8.E61 at IBC this year.The CM-CU1 is one of the new additions to the Sonifex range of commentary products offering the same high quality and robust specification as the CM-CU21, with a feature set tailored to single commentator applications.

As a result of what some might regard as a fool-hardy wager over dinner at last year’s Vision Charity Ball in London, well known senior broadcast industry executive, Richard Scott, is set to climb into his lycra shorts and cycle to Amsterdam this year. Scott, whose day job sees him heading up global sales and service operations for Harris Broadcast Communications is one of a team of 13 cyclists that will take part in the IBC2IBC Charity Cycle Challenge.

KIT digital, Inc. announced that its Broadcast System Integration business (formerly Megahertz Broadcast Systems) has delivered the first high-definition outside broadcast (OB) production trailer to Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad, Malaysia’s and Southeast Asia’s leading media entertainment group. The trailer has been designed to cover live sport and entertainment production throughout Malaysia.

The German broadcast systems integrator BFE announced today that Doha-based Al Dawri & Al Kass Sports Channelhas selected BFE as integrator for the realization of 3 HD Studios at their new TV Production Center at Aspire Sport City in Doha, Qatar.

LiveU, a pioneer of portable video-over-cellular solutions, and NewTek, a worldwide leader in portable live production, will demonstrate their integrated live video streaming and production solution in a live studio at IBC2012, RAI Amsterdam (Stand 14.365). The Next Web, the international technology, news, business and culture publication, will produce the live broadcast, bringing the latest news from the IBC show to its worldwide online audience.

Lighting Designer Michael Veerkamp recently specified Chroma-Q™Color Force Compact™ fixtures and Color Force 48™ LED battens to light the first series of “Are You Normal America?” (AYNA), a lively new TV games show currently being aired in the US on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

The Padcaster LLC has announced its namesake product, The Padcaster, and accompanying Lenscaster add-on are officially shipping. Designed for video journalists, videographers, DSLR shooters and more, the brand new Padcaster transforms an iPad into an on-the-go production studio, providing an easy and professional way for users to create stunning videos on the iPad, from storyboarding and shooting to editing and sharing. Since it was introduced to the film and production world at NAB 2012 in Las Vegas this past April, The Padcaster has already received rave reviews.

The Tiffen Company, a leading manufacturer and distributor of award-winning accessories for the still imaging, video, motion picture and broadcast markets, is pleased to announce that the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) chose to supply the 4,000 Official Press Photographers covering the London 2012 Olympic Games with Tiffen’s highly popular Domke PhoTOGS Vests.

In a move that strengthens the company’s sales presence in the live sound for broadcast and theatre communities, HARMAN’s Studer has appointed Rob Hughes to the position of Market Sales Manager. In this position, Hughes will be responsible for sales of Studer products throughout the EMEA sales region.

Integrated Microwave Technologies, LLC (IMT), a Business Unit within the Vitec Group’s Videocom Division, and a leader in advanced digital microwave systems serving the Broadcast, Sports & Entertainment markets, continues its commitment to the Latin American market with the appointment of Elizeu (Eli) Moraes as regional sales director.