Solotech Supplies Cambourne Village College Leave a reply Solotech has completed an audio and lighting and AV fit out for Cambourne Village College, featuring L-Acoustics audio, Chamsys lighting and Epson projection. Cambourne Village College is an academy school situated on the outskirts of Cambourne in Cambridgeshire. The college has occupied its current site since 2013, boasts a roll of more than 1300 pupils and has plans for further expansion including the opening of a sixth form centre in 2024. Upgrading the Cambourne Village College Theatre Block In 2020 the college secured funding to upgrade its theatre block, a flexible performance space that also serves as a dining hall for pupils over lunchtime. The initial design brief was for a high end audio system, lighting grid with fittings, video projection and drapes throughout. While remaining key to the day to day operation of the school, it needed to transform into a venue that could fulfil a range of uses including theatre shows, cinema and even wedding receptions for both the school and external customers. Cambourne Village College reached out to a number of companies with the initial brief before selecting Solotech as their preferred supplier. From the outset Solotech Business Development Manager Lydia Hawthorne was keen to ensure the College got the maximum return for their available budget. L-Acoustics Audio System Design For audio, Senior Applications and Support Engineer Kyle Durno used modelling software to draw up options from a number of leading manufacturers. The software predicts the maximum Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) the designs can offer as well as ensuring that the coverage is even throughout the room. The team at Cambourne opted for an L-Acoustics system which used the A-10 range of loudspeakers. Three hangs of two L-Acoustics Wide and one L-Acoustics Focus in a Left-Centre-Right configuration with a hang of two KS21 sub woofers flown directly behind the centre hang. A QSC Q-Sys 110F core provides Digital Signal Processing, routing and overall system control. Lighting and a Flexible Truss From engineering drawings and calculations, it was decided that a fixed grid truss was the optimum solution for hanging the loudspeakers, lighting and the drop down projection screen. Integrated within the truss would be the power and DMX infrastructure for the lights as well as the loudspeaker cabling. Curtain track has been installed throughout, allowing the room to be turned from a dining hall to a venue in just a few moments, complete with tabs and wings for theatrical events. Lydia Hawthorne commented on the installation: “This project has been a pleasure to work on from the outset. We took Cambourne’s initial design brief and went through it to ensure they got maximum return on their investment. Not only were we able to supply them with options, but we could demonstrate the advantages of each design.” “The finished solution is a high-end theatre package that is both flexible and easy to operate. When configured for an event you would never know you were in a school dining hall.” Charlie Rayner is Events Manager at Cambourne Village College: “ This project has made such a difference to the hall and we are exceptionally pleased with how it has turned out.. The truss gives us such a flexible solution. Lydia Hawthorne and all the team at Solotech have given so much to the college that will be here for many years. I can’t recommend you enough.” Lydia Hawthorne added, “In all my years in the industry, this ranks as one of my favourites. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with the team at Cambourne and we hope we get the opportunity to work with them again in the future.”
Solotech names Éric Thibault Vice President, Sales, Sales and Systems Integration Division, Canada Leave a reply Montreal, Québec, October 9, 2023 – Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is excited to announce the appointment of Éric Thibault as Vice President, Sales, Sales and Systems Integration Division, Canada. In his new role, Éric will play a pivotal part in driving the continued growth of Solotech within its core markets across Canada, while also spearheading the company’s expansion into new sectors. “My goal is to help solidify Solotech as a market leader across the country and contribute to the team’s success,” says Thibault. “I’m proud to work for a rapidly growing Canadian company. Éric brings with him nearly 25 years of industry experience and 14 years in sales leadership positions, a testament to his exceptional track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets. “Éric Thibault’s appointment as Vice President, Sales, Sales and Systems Integration Division, Canada, represents a significant milestone for Solotech,” says Alexandre Pecqueux, President, Sales and Systems Integration Division, Canada, Solotech. “His extensive experience and deep understanding of the industry will undoubtedly drive our sales team to new heights.” Solotech looks forward to the strategic insights and proven leadership that Éric Thibault will bring to the team. His extensive background in sales, coupled with his dedication to the company’s growth, will undoubtedly contribute to Solotech’s ongoing success. Contact media@solotech.com
5 minutes with… Charlie Marchand, Project Manager, Systems Integration Leave a reply Solotech showcases the talent that underpins its unmatched expertise. We spoke to Charlie Marchand, Project Manager, Systems Integration. Q: Could you describe your typical workday? CM: A typical day is a busy day! I need to make sure everyone’s on the same page and act as the communications contact between our customers and Solotech’s various teams. I’ll have several meetings to review Solotech’s solutions and ensure that the client’s needs and expectations are met, and that everyone understands what’s required. Moreover, I need to pass on information to our teams, find solutions, and ensure they’re implemented. Within a large team, it’s essential for everyone to pitch in; I often put on my boots and deliver equipment myself to make sure our technicians have everything they need on site. Q: How did your career path lead you to Solotech? CM: I came to Solotech with project management experience. Originally, I acquired my skills in the medical equipment manufacturing industry, completely unrelated to AV. This background honed my rigor and sharpened my curiosity. Project management is my passion. Q: What’s the best part of your job? CM: I love being able to break down a major project into distinct, precise parts. I love gathering information and bringing it together, leading a team to deliver the final “big picture”. Q: Is there a favourite project you’ve worked on? CM: My favourite project is currently ongoing: the M.A.A. club. This project has been handled by several people, but I’ve been able to put the pieces together like a jigsaw puzzle. It’s very motivating to see the progress as the months go by and what our team can achieve. Supporting our customers during the roll-out of this project has also been a highlight of this project. This client loves its historic building, and being able to take part in a project like this with a passionate client is one of the best perks of my job. Q: What sets Solotech apart as a workplace? CM: Enthusiasm, creativity, but above all, mutual support. From design to drawings, coordination to warehousing, there’s always someone willing to listen and help. To me, that’s where the Solotech team’s strength lies.
Solotech’s Victoria Hofflin wins L-Acoustics L-ISA Grant Leave a reply Congratulations to Victoria (Vic) Hofflin, Solotech UK’s deputy head of Audio at ABBA Voyage, for being awarded the 2023 L-Acoustics L-ISA grant. L-Acoustics in association with SoundGirls organisation have awarded four grants for courses in the official L-Acoustics Education Program. SoundGirls is a global organisation with a mission to inspire and empower the next generation of women in audio by providing tools, knowledge and support to further their careers. The L-ISA grant provides the funding to sign up for all the applicable L-ISA associated training courses with L-Acoustics. L-ISA is the L-Acoustics immersive audio platform and the training perfects an engineer’s understanding of line source behaviour, optimizing mechanical design and use of electronic settings, as well as allowing them to develop a comprehensive approach to calibration in the entire workflow of a project. “Vic has been a great addition to the team, she joined as a General Swing Technician with a bias in sound and has worked incredibly hard to progress to Deputy Head of Audio.” says Tara Brady, the senior project coordinator at ABBA voyage. “Vic’s commitment to learning and self development is inspiring, I am incredibly proud to have her on my team and part of the Solotech Family.” Vic Hofflin added, “I am a musician at heart and am incredibly passionate about working in the production industry as a female identifying creative and engineer. I not only want a seat at the table, but I want to make the table bigger and more diverse. To me, the only way to do that is to keep on providing opportunities (like these) and to continue educating and inviting new diverse people to be a part of the conversation. It is important to me to continue to engage with, and to learn about new ways of designing, supporting, and managing a system.” Vic is extremely excited about this new opportunity for her to expand her knowledge and claims that it is just the start of her extensive career in specialised immersive audio production. Visit the SoundGirls.org website Discover L-Acoustics Education
frame:work:losangeles Leave a reply Frame:work:losangeles is a conference that brings together professionals in the field of live pixel productions. With multiple speaker sessions and panels, it aims to spotlight those working in these fields and to share insight into industry trends. In 2023, it took place over two days at XR Studios Los Angeles. The conference happened simultaneously in two studios with a live viewing at the Kodak theater to allow for further in-person attendees. Empowering the conference with seamless live streaming solutions As a conference that prioritizes both in-person and virtual participation, frame:work:losangeles sought a comprehensive live streaming solution to bridge the gap between physical and remote attendees. Laura Frank, executive director at frame:work, shared about the importance of live streaming: “The frame:work community is small and spread out internationally. We also keep quite busy, making in-person attendance difficult. The live stream allows us to let our community participate wherever they are, even if it’s a lunch break on the other side of the planet.” Solotech stepped in to cater to the conference’s streaming needs with its LiveSphere streaming platform. With their expertise in live events and cutting-edge technology, Solotech presented an end-to-end webcasting solution that integrated with frame:work’s dynamic agenda. In a collaborative effort, XR Studios managed the audio, video, and lighting equipment, while Solotech visual capture enriched the virtual streaming experience by offering diverse perspectives, enhancing the immersion for online viewers. This partnership resulted in a comprehensive and top-tier event experience for both on-site and remote attendees. AN INTERACTIVE LIVESTREAMING PLATFORM TO REACH VIEWERS WORLDWIDE Solotech ensured that remote attendees experienced the event with unparalleled clarity through their own live-streaming platform, LiveSphere. Participants around the world could select between two different studios to view panels occurring simultaneously, switching between views as they wished. To maintain the interactive nature of the conference, the platform also allowed two-way communication through a live chat, enabling the remote viewers to engage with the speakers. When asked about her favorite part about the experience, Laura Frank mentioned that it was “seeing the chat light up with virtual applause at the end of a session.” Throughout the event, Solotech provided dedicated technical support to troubleshoot any potential issues promptly and ensure a smooth streaming experience. Solotech’s LiveSphere allowed frame:work to personalize its streaming interface, aligning it precisely with the event’s branding. This customization created a consistent visual identity and immersed participants in the unique ambiance of the frame:work conference. LiveSphere also integrated with a third-party ticketing platform, enabling frame:work to host a ticketed event and ensure a smooth and organized registration process. After the conference was over, frame:work could continue reaping the benefits of its collaboration with Solotech. They obtained valuable analytics and insights, with metrics such as viewership trends and geographic distribution of the remote audience. This offered valuable data for future event planning and improvements. Solotech was also able to provide a recording to allow for on-demand viewing of the conference for the audience to revisit presentations and catch up on missed content. “The teams at XR Studios & Solotech have been great partners who care about our mission and delivering tools and a working environment that support our goals.” – Laura Frank, Executive Director, frame:work Overall, the collaboration between frame:work and Solotech proved to be a resounding success, demonstrating the potential of technology to unite physical and virtual realms. Through their innovative live streaming solutions, Solotech and XR Studios empowered the conference to extend its impact and build international communities.
Industry veteran Landon Lovett joins Solotech as Global Market Leader Leave a reply Orlando, United States, October 3, 2023 – Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is excited to announce the appointment of Landon Lovett as Global Market Leader, Sales and Systems Integration Division. Landon’s newly created Global Market Leader position will focus on areas in which he has previously held impactful roles. In his impressive career spanning more than 20 years in senior leadership, he has been a key player in developing business practices, expanding into new markets, and maintaining consultant engagement and major client relationships. “I am thrilled to join this dynamic, growing global organization,” says Landon. “Over the last 45 years, Solotech has built a world-class reputation of AV production and installation. I am extremely excited to come in and maintain that standard of quality and excellence while helping the continued growth of Solotech’s Sales and Systems Integration Division.” Reporting directly to John ‘Jack’ Steinhauer, Vice President, Global Markets, Sales and Systems Integration, Landon’s focus will be on expanding consultant relationships, creating education and government strategy, and working closely with manufacturers to develop Solotech’s approach. “I’ve worked with Landon for many years and have always respected his professionalism and his knowledge of the AV industry,” says Steinhauer. “I’m delighted that he is joining us at Solotech to help accelerate our growth.” Landon’s appointment is consistent with Solotech’s goal of leveraging its world-class expertise and technology and expanding into developing markets. “Landon is yet another important piece of the puzzle that will ensure we achieve our growth ambitions,” states Philip Giffard, Global President of Sales and Systems Integration. “The experience and professionalism he brings to our team are tremendous assets that will greatly benefit our team.” Contact media@solotech.com
Major installation improves efficiency at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital Leave a reply The CIUSSS West-Central Montreal has proudly unveiled a new and improved C4 Command Centre at the Jewish General Hospital. This Centre that grants easily accessible data for staff members was sourced and installed by Solotech’s Systems Integration team. To learn more about this project, read the full news release from the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal here. You can also get a behind-the-scenes look at the new Command Centre via Global News’ video coverage. Source: JGH News (September, 2023), C4 (Command Centre) moves to larger, more spacious quarters Source: Global News (September 26), Behind the scenes look at state-of-the-art hospital command centre in Montreal Contact media@solotech.com
Elevating the audiovisual experience in casino sportsbooks Leave a reply The sports gambling industry has seen immense growth in recent years. According to Statista, the global online sports betting market is projected to reach US$43.55 billion in 2023 and climb to 174.5 million users by 2027. Following the United States’ 2018 Supreme Court decision granting states control over sports gambling regulations, both online and in-person sports gambling has surged in popularity in the US. To investigate further, SVG dove into the investment taking place to improve the client experience in casino sportsbooks. To learn more about this dynamic shift and read about what Solotech’s experts had to say on the subject, read the full SVG article here. Source: SVG (September 20), Tech Focus: Sportsbooks, Part 1 — Broadcast Sports but Bigger, Brighter, Louder Contact media@solotech.com
Martin Carrier named President, Live Productions Canada | Global Media and Entertainment Technologies Leave a reply Montréal, Québec, September 12, 2023 – Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Carrier as President, Live Productions Canada | Global Media and Entertainment Technologies. With his expanded role, Martin will oversee Waveform’s activities in Esports, broadcast, and virtual production worldwide, in addition to his current role in live productions in Canada. “Since joining Solotech earlier this year, Martin has quickly demonstrated his leadership skills while managing our Canadian live productions,” says Martin Tremblay, President and Chief Executive Officer, Solotech. “With his 25 years of experience in gaming, film and technology, I’m confident that in his expanded role, he will build synergies within Solotech and strengthen our activities.” This new appointment aligns with the company’s goal of leveraging its world-class expertise and technology across numerous sectors. Solotech aims to continue serving its clients while meeting the growing and varied needs of a constantly evolving marketplace. “I’m excited about this new role, where I’ll have the chance to contribute to Solotech’s vision by opening new doors via our innovation, exceptional talent, and technological resources,” explains Martin Carrier. “We’ll have access to new, cutting-edge projects thanks to the agility of our many teams and our combined expertise in event solutions and virtual productions.” Contact: media@solotech.com
Bob Leonard Appointed Vice President of Operations, Sales and Systems Integration USA Leave a reply August 31, 2023 – Solotech, a world leader in audiovisual entertainment and technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bob Leonard as the Vice President of Operations, Sales and Systems Integration Division, USA, starting September 5th, 2023. “Solotech Inc. has a strong reputation in the industry and is known for its quality products, services, innovation and commitment to excellence,” says Bob Leonard. “I am excited to join a company that offers an opportunity to create impact, further organizational excellence, and work on cutting-edge projects.” Bob Leonard, an AV industry veteran with over 25 years of experience, will bring forward-thinking solutions based on his expertise in the fields of integration and collaboration, including audiovisual installs for hotels, but also in live event and production. He is a noted strategic, organized, and efficient leader with a demonstrated ability to manage teams through navigating complex business challenges, all whilst consistently delivering on high expectations. In his new role, Bob will be responsible for the day-to-day management, leadership, and the development of his team. He will oversee the US activities to ensure efficient operations and cost-effective systems are upheld, while meeting current and future needs of the organization. Bob will play a key role in Solotech’s continuous improvement and growth vision. “With a history of molding management and advancing team success; Bob is a strong addition to Solotech. We are delighted to have him in Orlando to work closely with our team and deliver successful projects across the US”, notes David Shoemaker, President, Sales and Systems Integration Division, USA. Contact: media@solotech.com
Solotech’s Beverly Theater Project Wins ENR Award Leave a reply Las Vegas, USA, August 22nd, 2023 – Solotech is excited to share that The Beverly Theater has been recognized with a significant award. ENR Southwest’s annual Best Projects competition has selected Las Vegas’ Beverly Theater as best project in the cultural/worship category. In collaboration with Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects and Coherent Design, The Beverly Theater was designed to be more than just a cinema. It opened in 2022, aiming to merge art and entertainment and deliver exceptional experiences to audiences. An integral part of The Beverly Theater’s success is the Meyer Sound’s Constellation acoustic system that Solotech supplied and installed. ENR Southwest’s annual Best Projects competition recognizes exceptional projects in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. Safety, innovation, craft quality, and community or industry benefit were examined by a panel of industry judges to select this year’s winners. This recognition reflects Solotech’s commitment to collaborating with partners and leveraging modern technology to create remarkable experiences that resonate with audiences. Congratulations to the Beverly Theater and all partners for this achievement. Contact media@solotech.com Photo Credit: Meyer Sound, ALTF.com
Immersive Innovation Leave a reply Solotech’s XR Studios Redefining Virtual Production Los Angeles-based XR Studios, a prominent member of the Solotech group, is making waves in the entertainment industry with its cutting-edge immersive technology. PLSN sat down with J.T. Rooney, President of XR studios, to learn more about the leaders of the entertainment production technology space. Renowned for its expertise in crafting Extended Reality (XR) and Augmented Reality (AR) solutions, XR Studios has collaborated with a diverse array of artists and brands, including Katy Perry, Riot Games, Amazon, and more. Their work at the forefront of mixed reality technology spans broadcast, live events, and virtual productions. XR Studios has embraced the evolution of technology, expanding beyond multi-camera broadcasts, pushing boundaries in producing music videos, commercials, and more. As the virtual production landscape evolves, XR Studios remains committed to educating clients and partners about its potential. By demystifying the technology and dispelling misconceptions, they enable meaningful collaborations and unparalleled creative exploration. With an eye on the future, XR Studios are excited about the integration of real-time content creation tools and the rapid advancements of AI, which are poised to reshape the industry. Read the full article and learn more about how XR Studios is revolutionizing production technology by clicking here. Source: PLSN (August 11), XR Studios Contact media@solotech.com
