Author: Peter Iantorno

What are the main features of Matrox ConvertIP that benefit end users? Matrox ConvertIP is a versatile family of ST 2110/IPMX encoders, decoders, and converters designed to form the backbone of open-standards–based IP video infrastructures. With multiple I/O options – including HDMI, SDI, and HDBaseT – ConvertIP enables users to route and distribute professional-grade video signals over IP networks while continuing to operate their trusted cameras, switchers, monitors, and projectors. ConvertIP’s support for open standards ensures seamless operation across mixed-vendor ecosystems. For rental firms, system integrators, and production crews, this dramatically simplifies deployment, reduces compatibility frustrations, and speeds up system…

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For many years, Esports has been discussed in terms of its vast potential, with ambitious projections and idealistic visions of how this unique platform could be set to revolutionise the way that sports, entertainment, music and technology can combine. While these conversations have historically been framed on the future, the involvement of Saudi Arabia seems to have turbocharged the global growth of Esports, with the Kingdom giving it a prominent position within its Vision 2030 plans. Case in point was the recent Esports World Cup, which saw more than 2,000 players take part in 25 competitions over seven weeks for…

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The Pink Bows Foundation progressed its aim of making events safer, with another positive step towards establishing an international standard. The first courses in the Middle East, in Riyadh and Jeddah, were hosted by ESM Operations, whose own staff were joined by invited attendees from members of The Royal Guard, the Government’s General Entertainment Authority, Onyx Arena, MDLBEAST, F1 Jeddah and Conference Organisers from the World Defence Show. Steve Coleman, Managing Director of ESM Operations, became aware of the introduction of the new Showstop Procedure course, online. When he realised that his former employer and mentor, Dr Mark Hamilton, was…

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Gallowglass Health and Safety recently completed a comprehensive training week across its Middle East division, aimed at preparing teams for a demanding events season. In collaboration with 3DB Event Production, Empro Power, and Pains Fireworks LLC, Gallowglass staff gained hands-on experience with several new technologies and safety systems across all three companies. The initiative is part of a global programme led by Gallowglass Health and Safety, enabling the company’s Safety Advisors across all divisions to enhance their technical knowledge, improve communication, and strengthen collaboration with key partners. “It’s been incredibly valuable to connect with colleagues across regions and align on…

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Dubai-headquartered technical production house Sound On Stage Events recently invested in a new DiGiCo Quantum 326, and the company wasted no time in getting the console out in the field, deploying it for the Echoes of a Golden Era show as part of the Beiteddine Art Festival in July 2025. A loyal DiGiCo user for over 15 years, Sound On Stage Events’ Managing Director and sound engineer Rawad Saad explained his preference for the brand: “Throughout the time that Sound On Stage Events has been using DiGiCo consoles, we’ve experienced the remarkable evolution in both the technology and audio quality,”…

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Linea Research has appointed Audiosure as its exclusive distribution partner for South Africa. The agreement sees the full range of the UK-based manufacturer’s high-performance amplifiers and DSP solutions available from Audiosure, backed by expert support and after-sales service on the ground. “We’re thrilled to bring Linea Research into the Audiosure family,” stated Greg Payne, Director at Audiosure. “Their commitment to cutting-edge innovation, reliability, and sonic excellence aligns perfectly with our mission to provide world-class audio solutions to our partners and clients across Southern Africa.” Linea Research Sales & Marketing Manager, Martin Hildred, added: “Audiosure is an ideal partner for us…

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Mediatech Africa has confirmed that co-owner Simon Robinson has returned full-time as Exhibition Director. With the show set to run from 1-3 July 2026 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit & International Convention Centre, Johannesburg, after a six-year hiatus, Robinson returns to the fray after spending time project-managing large-scale productions and events, and serving as Business Development Manager at one of South Africa’s major AV distributors. “Stepping out of the organiser role for a season let me see the industry from other angles,” Robinson stated. “Running projects on the ground and spending time in distribution gave me a better feel for…

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From groundbreaking music festivals to immersive theatrical performances, at the sharp end of the live events industry, the most memorable experiences are created somewhere in between imagination and execution. With an ever-growing scope for creativity leading to increasing demands on technical production, the onus is on live events professionals to ensure that a project’s technical delivery matches the creative vision. That’s where A Loud Minority (ALM) comes in. “We created ALM to bridge the gap between creative ambition and technical delivery,” explained the company’s founder and Technical Producer, Karl Jenkins. “We ensure that shows are delivered safely, reliably, cost effectively…

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Coca-Cola Arena has long been a flagship indoor venue for Dubai, hosting a variety of live music, comedy, sport and corporate events since it opened in 2019. While the venue has always been busy and popular with promoters and punters alike, it’s no secret that the in-house audio system didn’t quite live up to the high standards of the facilities elsewhere in the venue, resulting in most shows opting to bring in audio from elsewhere. However, this all changed over the summer, as Coca-Cola Arena completed a major upgrade to its audio offering, including the purchase of a brand-new d&b…

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The South African live events industry has had to be patient when it comes to L-Acoustics’ L-ISA technology, with the COVID-19 pandemic putting paid to the efforts of early adopters. However, after a long and bumpy road, event design and production company Multi-Media led the way this summer, rolling out the technology on actor and singer Jonathan Roxmouth’s hugely successful My Favourite Broadway produced by Howard Events. Featuring the newly launched 32-piece Egoli Symphonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Adam Howard, the production proved to be a huge hit, with Johannesburg’s Teatro theatre close to capacity for each performance of the…

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As has been well documented within the pages of TPiMEA, when it comes to size, scale and complexity, there aren’t many events anywhere in the world that can compare with MDLBEAST Soundstorm. While up to now our coverage of the annual mega-festival has focussed primarily on its eye-catching production elements, behind the record-breaking LED screens, dazzling lights, lasers and SFX, there’s an unseen engineering masterpiece that supports the entire operation. The company behind many of these feats of engineering is Robert Bird Group (RBG) – a structural and civil engineering consultancy that lends its expertise to complex projects all over…

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Events of any kind live or die by how successfully each individual element of supply and production comes together to create a product that becomes greater than the sum of its parts. This ethos is one that the team at sound reduction specialist -45dB buys into wholeheartedly. Not content with developing a patented sound reduction product that boasts myriad advantages over existing alternatives, the company is on a mission to ensure that its offerings cater to a wide variety of industry needs, ultimately adding value and improving any event they are deployed on. “As well as offering unrivalled sound reduction…

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