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Picsolve Acquires Maxifoto and its Portfolio of Attractions Including Efteling

London, UK (August 12, 2015) — Picsolve, the leading image capture partner for the leisure and entertainment industry, has today announced its acquisition of Maxifoto International B.V. Netherlands-based Maxifoto is the leader in Northern Europe with more than thirty years’ of customer relationships in ride and event photography, and was the first to install a high-resolution digital ride photo system in the UK.

As market leaders in both the digital and retail dimensions of attractions photography experiences, this acquisition is an important step in accelerating Picsolve’s global expansion and increasing its share across Europe. Acquiring Maxifoto also allows Picsolve to add an impressive eight new sites to its ever-expanding portfolio, including Europe’s 3rd largest park, Efteling. These sites will have Picsolve service an additional footfall of 7.5 million guests per year.

The acquisition welcomes the experienced and passionate Maxifoto employees to the growing Picsolve team. Over the coming months, Picsolve will work directly with all of its new customers to deliver the latest digital solutions to their guests across the region.

Jeff Kelisky, CEO, Picsolve, commented: “The leisure industry is going through a massive transformation where parks and their guests are demanding more from photography in this increasingly digital world. We are incredibly excited about this transaction as it helps us delight millions more guests for our customers in the parks and attractions marketplace. As the demands of ‘tech-savvy’ guests soar, the opportunity to blend Maxifoto’s rich industry knowledge with our expertise in online and digital was an obvious choice.

We look forward to using our combined powerful heritage to enrich and enhance guest experiences across Europe.”

Peter Meininger, Managing Director, Maxifoto International, said: “It makes me proud to know that I’m passing on the Maxifoto legacy to the global leaders in the industry, Picsolve. The acquisition means we can be confident that innovation will remain the number one goal and the resulting technology will be able to satisfy the ever-evolving demands of the modern theme park guest.”

Also commenting on the acquisition, Coen Bertens, Director of Operations, Efteling, said: “The demand for technology that enhances the visitor experience is increasing and it’s vital for European theme parks to recognise how important this can be to their offering. We’re excited to be working with the Picsolve team who have the best digital image capture technology and retail skills in the industry and we are confident that the partnership will a have a very positive effect on both guest satisfaction and revenue to the park.”

Jack Rouse Associates Designing Laughter for the Masses at National Comedy Center

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Albany, NY, USA — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that the new National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York has officially broken ground. The $45 million center celebrates the history of comedy, the craft, and its contributors. To celebrate the start of construction, more than 40 events on groundbreaking weekend (July 30 – August 1) included comedy greats such as Jerry Seinfeld, Melissa Rivers, Regis Philbin, Nick Offerman, Kelly Carlin, the family of Harold Ramis, and many others.

“New York is proud to be home to many legends in entertainment, and building the new National Comedy Center in the hometown of Lucille Ball is a great honor that will bring both visitors and economic growth,” Governor Cuomo said. “This administration and the Regional Economic Development Council is committed to moving Western New York forward, and we’re proud to help fund and host this incredible new attraction.” ‎

The National Comedy Center project includes the renovation of two historic buildings as well as the construction of a new building. It is expected to attract over 114,000 visitors each year and give a $23 million boost to the local economy annually, while also sparking further economic development and helping to improve the economic environment in the region. The National Comedy Center is anticipated to generate 218 jobs and $6.5 million in wages per year in the three counties of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, & Erie.

Flanked by renderings of The National Comedy Center, National Comedy Center Chairman Tom Benson and Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum & Center for Comedy, meet with Jerry Seinfeld in the green room after Seinfeld’s performance at the Jamestown Saving Bank Arena as part of the 2015 Lucy Comedy Fest and the groundbreaking for the National Comedy Center on Saturday, August, First, 2015, in Jamestown, New York. The National Comedy Center, which will be complete next year, is a $40 million national attraction that will celebrate comedy: the craft and its greatest contributors. Info at www.comedycenter.org  (Dan Cappellazzo/AP Images for National Comedy Center)
Chairman Tom Benson, Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum & Center for Comedy, and  Jerry Seinfeld 
(Dan Cappellazzo/AP Images for National Comedy Center)

Project Chairman Tom Benson said, “By virtue of receiving funding from New York State, the National Comedy Center has been formally adopted as part of the State’s long-term, state-wide tourism strategy and we are looking forward to creating a place of laughter and learning for generations to come.”

Journey Gunderson, Executive Director, said, “It’s great to partner with New York State on this project. Jamestown already brings visitors from 37 states to its annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival and with Governor Cuomo’s support we are moving forward with the creation of a national visitor experience in comedy that is sure to receive worldwide attention.”

In December 2014, Governor Cuomo awarded the National Comedy Center project an Economic Development Grant of $1,500,000. With this award, the project became a key part of the long term economic development and tourism strategy for New York State which will allow it to play a partnership role in regional, statewide and national marketing campaigns such as the revitalized I Love NY Program.

Howard Zemsky, President and CEO of Empire State Development said, “The National Comedy Center deserves a standing ovation for showcasing the region, by placing Jamestown on a worldwide stage, and instilling a sense of pride in all of us who love Lucy.”

“NYS Tourism experts and leaders in the comedy industry and are partnering with the nonprofit National Comedy Center, Inc. to place Jamestown on the worldwide stage, and see the National Comedy Center through to reality. This project deserves a standing ovation for boosting the appeal of the region for visitors and instilling a sense of pride in the residents, who will always love their Lucy.”

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Lucie Arnaz said, ““Desi and I are thrilled for and very happy that this is actually coming to fruition so spectacularly. We know that Mom would be completely gobsmacked at the scope of what her Jamestown was doing. And I am sure that she would be especially grateful that her life and career could have been an inspiration for this, the first ever National Comedy Center becoming a reality. It represents everything she wanted and exactly what she hoped would happen.”

Construction will begin in the spring of 2016. Fabrication and installation of the attraction components along with the content acquisition process will follow and a target opening in late spring 2017 has been established.

The 501(c)(3) non-profit National Comedy Center is designed by renowned creative firm Jack Rouse Associates and interactive specialist Local Projects to honor the craft and its legendary contributors with its interactive exhibit experience, celebrate the best of contemporary comedy with its programming, and cultivate the comedic arts with professional development and support for artists. The National Comedy Center represents the expansion of the National Comedy Center, Inc. and fulfills its mission to enrich the world through the healing power of laughter with its commitment to the celebration of the comedic arts.

The National Comedy Center will include:

  • –Reuse and fit out of the wings of the of the historic Jamestown Gateway train station, which recently underwent a $12 million restoration of its center concourse and building envelope.
  • –Renovation of a second building to house nearly an acre of exhibition space.
  • –New construction of a 6,000 square-foot building that will be the entrance to the attraction and feature 2 full height high definition video screens.
  • –When complete, the National Comedy Center will offer approximately 28,000 square feet of attraction space for its patrons to enjoy.

Senator Charles E. Schumer said, “Jamestown has a very rich comedy tradition. It’s only fitting that the birthplace of Lucille Ball becomes a destination for comedy lovers across America. I can’t wait to see this new facility and the energy that it will bring to Chautauqua County. If this year’s current program is any indication, the rich tradition started by Lucy and Desi will flourish in Jamestown for decades to come.”

Congressman Tom Reed said, “I care about the future of this region and because of that, I continue to fight for this project. I visited the site earlier today and am very excited about the impact this will have on Jamestown and our region. It’s expected to bring roughly 200 jobs to the community both directly and indirectly. It’s only fair that we give the people of our region every opportunity succeed and this is another reminder that Jamestown and the Southern Tier are coming back.”

Hologram Comedy Club
Hologram Comedy Club

Senator Catharine Young said, “Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz are already beloved figures around the world. The new National Comedy Center will take that legacy to new heights, celebrating the accomplishments of all those who bring joy and laughter to people as an art. Visitors will pump new life into our region’s economy and this attraction will expand recreational venues for our residents. It’s one of the most exciting projects ever tackled in the Southern Tier.”

Assemblyman Andy Goodell said, “Jamestown takes comedy seriously. We appreciate Governor Cuomo’s support for this important smart growth project that will contribute to the economic revitalization of the region.”

Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan said, “The National Comedy Center is a game changer for Chautauqua County and the Western NY Region. Clearly a National level attraction this wonderful project will bring young and old from far and wide to laugh and enjoy all that our region offers. We are so thankful to our NY State and area Foundation partners who are making this a dream come true. “

Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi said,” I am thrilled that after years of planning and fund raising efforts, this significant new development opportunity for New York’s Pearl City of Jamestown and the entire Western Region has finally reached the point of implementation. Clearly, this unique and major addition to the economy of Southwestern New York is the product of ongoing cooperation and collaboration on numerous fronts, including; the tenacity of the Board of Directors and staff of the National Comedy Center, the generosity of the Gebbie Foundation of Jamestown and Oishei Foundation of Buffalo, the dedicated efforts of the City of Jamestown staff and last but certainly not least, the vision of Governor Cuomo and financial assistance of Empire State Development. As Mayor of this great City, it is my pleasure and honor to thank and congratulate this entire team that has invested the necessary resources, made the sacrifices and undertaken all of the hard work to make this project possible. Now, I’m looking forward to and truly can’t wait for ‘Opening Night’! “

Orlando Visitors Will Soon Be Able to Waste Away at 300 Acre Margaritaville Resort

Orlando, FL, USA (August 12, 2015) — Margaritaville Holdings LLC, and Encore Capital Management announce the development of a Margaritaville Resort community in Orlando. Guests will be transported to paradise and a vacation state of mind through the Margaritaville branded resort that will include a hotel, vacation ownership and vacation homes. Inspired by the lifestyle celebrated in Jimmy Buffett’s iconic songs, the resort will become an oasis for relaxation and fun – that “one particular harbour,” and will offer many experiential opportunities including a “FinCity” arcade, a St. Somewhere Spa, a planetarium and the Son of a Sailor fishing school, paddleboarding and kayaking. Ancillary to the Margaritaville Hotel, Encore is developing its own proprietary brands for food and beverage outlets, which will be owned and operated independently by Encore or its subsidiaries.

“This vacation resort – offering such a variety of lodging options – will make Margaritaville available to everyone looking for a port of paradise in Orlando,” said John Cohlan, CEO of Margaritaville Holdings LLC. “Margaritaville is about escapism, relaxation, and vacation and we are excited to partner with Encore to develop such an exceptional experience.”

The 300-acre community will be located on US Highway 192 near State Road 429 in western Osceola County. The project will include an expansive aquatic amenity and lake with beach area. The community will also feature 170,000 square feet of retail and a regional water park.

“We’re excited to partner with an established lifestyle brand and develop a unique resort offering in this key area of Central Florida,” said Encore co-founder and Managing Principal, Art Falcone. “There is no other lifestyle brand that knows how to vacation like Margaritaville and we look forward to building this destination experience in Orlando.”

Olivier Moser Named Director of Design & Engineering and Mitchell Schuh Upped to Director of Technology at Smart Monkeys

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ABOVE: Olivier Moser

Miami, FL, USA – Smart Monkeys, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Olivier Moser to the new post of Director of Design & Engineering.  The company has also promoted Project Engineer Mitchell Schuh to Director of Technology.

Paris-based Moser comes on board in Miami after serving as Smart Monkeys, Inc.’s representative in Europe; he has had a 20-year career with Disney and specializes in park-wide control and parade systems.  Schuh, who has been with Smart Monkeys, Inc. for five years, will now spearhead technology across the company.

“The theme park market is booming.  All parks want to be more than an aggregation of attractions.  They want to be fully-integrated with park-wide events and parades day and night,” says Stephan Villet, Partner of Smart Monkeys, Inc.  “But theme parks have been doing AV the same way for years.  There are huge opportunities to bring new design and engineering approaches to this market, and we’re delighted that Olivier will be leading our team taking theme parks to the next level.”

“A lot of technical innovations have been brought to attractions in the past decades,” says Moser.  “But if you look at the big picture, theme parks are essentially designed as they were in the 1980s.  Smart Monkeys is at the forefront of a design revolution, and I am looking forward to bringing my own vision of modern design to their very impressive team.”

Moser is known for his expertise in any project where audio, video, lighting and special effects need to be controlled in a smart way by the newest network technologies.

He began his career in the AV industry at the age of 16 working for a theater and creating the technical infrastructure for a related radio station.  He joined the Walt Disney Company four months before the Eurodisney Resort opened in Paris in 1992 and served as AV technician responsible for controlling cutting-edge audio playback and routing through custom, dedicated show-control software.

In the ‘90s Moser became a system designer for the Live Show Design Team and was in charge of the park-wide entertainment control system for the Walt Disney Studios park, which opened in Paris in spring 2001.  It was the first large-scale project in France to use real-time audio through an IP network (Cobranet).

Moser’s work for Disney continued in collaboration with Switzerland-based Merging Technologies writing the specifications for an innovative media server dedicated to live shows.  The Ovation media server was launched in 2010; initially used in Disney’s French properties, it has since been adopted by most theme parks, TV networks and touring companies.

Moser has also worked on several custom projection systems, including rear projection on a water screen for the “Lion King” musical and outdoor 3D mapping of Disney’s castle for the nighttime spectacular marking the 20th anniversary of Disneyland Paris.  The Disney castle featured 12 18,000-lumen projectors.

With a robust knowledge of designing AV and control systems, Moser is a natural fit with Smart Monkeys, Inc.  “Even more important, my experience with park-wide systems is a good match for the company as it focuses on large-scale projects,” he explains.

Mitchell Schuh has already proven to be a “very talented” member of the Smart Monkeys, Inc. team.  “Mitch is tremendous at implementing solutions for new technologies and new ways of design,” Villet says.  “His new role as Director of Technology will give him greater opportunities to investigate the AV and IT side of the business and explore how to improve our designs for the industry.”

Smart Monkeys, Inc. is also growing its project engineering team with new hires to be announced soon.

Silver Dollar City Announces Lineup for Southern Gospel Picnic

Branson, MO, USA (August 10, 2015) — Uplifting music and soul-filled harmonies fill the stages when the chart-topping performers in Southern Gospel music gather for Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic, one of America’s premier Southern Gospel events. The festival features top groups from traditional to contemporary plus newcomers in the genre at the Branson, Missouri theme park, August 27 – September 7.

“Southern Gospel fans will find most of the chart-topping groups here, including Dove award winners and legendary bands,” said festival coordinator D.A. Callaway. “We also look for new artists coming up in this industry, adding new sounds to the rich heritage of Southern Gospel music.” The variety of performers and styles adds depth to the lineup of 64 groups featured during the festival, from The Booth Brothers to emerging artists like The Browders, he said.

Featured performers include Dove Award winners and Grammy nominees Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Isaacs, The Martins, Karen Peck & New River and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. Featured Singing News Fan Award stars include The Booth Brothers, The Hoppers, Legacy Five, and the Triumphant Quartet, 6-time Singing News Male Quartet of the Year. Legendary groups include The Blackwood Brothers Quartet, winners of eight Grammys and five Dove Awards; Gospel Music Hall of Fame Award Winners The Kingsmen and the Gold City Quartet. Fan favorites include The Mark Trammel Quartet and The McKameys. Daytime performances on stages throughout the park are followed by Southern Gospel Nights concerts each evening in the park’s 4,000-seat amphitheater.

A special event for Southern Gospel Picnic will be the Gold City Reunion, with performances by former Gold City Quartet members from their classic early years, featuring Jay Parrack, Jonathan Wilburn, Mark Trammell and Tim Riley.Popular contemporary groups include The Martins, winners of eight Dove Awards, and popular duo Aaron & Amanda Crabb.

Special Sunday worship services are presented with the Hosea Bilyeu Family on August 30, and with pastor and noted humorist Dennis Swanberg on September 6.

The park’s popular House of Chicken and Fixin’s on the Square features double-battered fried chicken, apple butter-glazed chicken, hickory-smoked and barbecue chicken, with favorite “fixin’s” from scalloped potatoes and baked beans to fresh-baked blackberry cobbler.

Southern Gospel Picnic visitors can also enjoy Silver Dollar City’s 40 rides and attractions, including the new Fireman’s Landing, an $8 million development with 10 new family adventures in an all-new area. New for 2015, Fireman’s Landing substantially increases the park’s attractions, adding six family rides and four interactive play zones for kids and families in a highly themed area, saluting the spirit and training activities of community volunteer firefighters.

Throughout the festival, the park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. August 27 – September 7 with extended hours on Saturdays and on Sunday, September 6. Information: 800-831-4FUN or www.silverdollarcity.com.

Featured Aboard the Showboat Branson Belle: Southern Gospel Cruises

Southern Gospel fans can cruise with their favorite artists aboard the Showboat Branson Belle, as Southern Gospel Cruises return, August 30 – September 6. These special noon cruises include inspirational songs by the ship’s Celebrate performers, followed by Southern Gospel artists including: The Talleys on August 30; The Freemanson August 31; The Jim Brady Trio on September 1; The Nelons on September 2; The Taylors on September 3;the Reggie Saddler Family on September 4; Brian Free & Assurance on September 5; and Gordon Mote onSeptember 6.

Each cruise features a three-course meal from the Showboat’s Chef Larry, including slow-simmered beef roast and honey-Dijon glazed chicken topped off with the chef’s own Golden Brittle Lemon-Berry Torte. All meals are prepared onboard in the ship’s galley and served in the three-story atrium dining theater. Specialty dining options include the Paddle Wheel Club Room and Captain’s Row.

The Showboat Branson Belle cruises Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri March 7 through December 31. Information:800-775-BOAT(2628) or www.showboatbransonbelle.com.

InPark Presents the Pavilions of EXPO Milano 2015

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[tab title=”Countries A-M”]

Angola Angola

Argentina Argentina

Austria Austria

Azerbaijan Azerbaijan

Bahrain Bahrain

Belarus Belarus

Belgium Belgium

Brazil Brazil

Chile Chile

China China

Colombia Colombia

Czech Republic Czech Republic

Ecuador Ecuador

Estonia Estonia

France France

Germany Germany

Greece Greece

Holy See Holy See

Hungary Hungary

Indonesia Indonesia

Ireland Ireland

Islamic Republic of Iran Islamic Republic of Iran

Israel Israel

Italy Italy

Japan Japan

Kazakhstan Kazakhstan

Kuwait Kuwait

Lithuania Lithuania

Malaysia Malaysia

Mexico Mexico

Moldova Moldova

Monaco Monaco

Morocco Morocco

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[tab title=”Countries N-Z”]

Nepal Nepal

Netherlands Netherlands

Oman Oman

Poland Poland

Qatar Qatar

Republic of Korea Republic of Korea

Romania Romania

Russian Federation Russian Federation

Slovakia Slovakia

Slovenia Slovenia

Spain Spain

Sudan Sudan

Switzerland Switzerland

Thailand Thailand

Turkey Turkey

Turkmenistan Turkmenistan

United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom United Kingdom

United States of America United States of America

Following photos of USA pavilion courtesy Christian Lachel, BRC Imagination Arts

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Uruguay Uruguay

Vietnam Vietnam

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[tab title=”Clusters”]

Arid Zones - Djibouti, Eritrea, Jordan, Mauritania, Mali, Palestine, Senetal, Somalia Arid Zones – Djibouti, Eritrea, Jordan, Mauritania, Mali, Palestine, Senetal, Somalia

Bio-Mediterraneum - Albania, Algeria, Egypt, Greece, Lebanon, Malta, Montenegro, San Marino, Serbia, Tunisia Bio-Mediterraneum – Albania, Algeria, Egypt, Greece, Lebanon, Malta, Montenegro, San Marino, Serbia, Tunisia

Cereals and Tubers - Bolivia, Congo, Haiti, Mozambique, Togo, Venezuela, Zimbabwe Cereals and Tubers – Bolivia, Congo, Haiti, Mozambique, Togo, Venezuela, Zimbabwe

Cocoa and Chocolate - Cameroon, Cote D'Ivoire, Cuba, Gabon, Ghana, Sao Tome and Principe Cocoa and Chocolate – Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Gabon, Ghana, Sao Tome and Principe

Coffee - Burundi, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Yemen, Timor-Lest Coffee – Burundi, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Yemen, Timor-Lest

Fruits and Legumes - Benin, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guinea, Krygyzstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Zambia Fruits and Legumes – Benin, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guinea, Krygyzstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Zambia

Islands, Sea and Food - Cape Verde, Caribbean Community (Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname), Comoros, Guinea Bissau, Madagascar, Maldives Islands, Sea and Food – Cape Verde, Caribbean Community (Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname), Comoros, Guinea Bissau, Madagascar, Maldives

Rice - Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Sierra Leon Rice – Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Sierra Leon

Spices - Afghanistan, Brunei Darussalam, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu Spices – Afghanistan, Brunei Darussalam, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu

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[tab title=”Intergovernmental Organizations and NGO’s”]

Expo Museum (BIE) Expo Museum (BIE)

Civil Societies Pavilion Civil Societies Pavilion

European Union European Union

KIP International School KIP International School

United Nations United Nations

Veranda Fabbrica of the Milan Duomo Veranda Fabbrica of the Milan Duomo

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[tab title=”Corporate Pavilions”]

China Corporate United China Corporate United

CIBUSeITALIA CIBUSeITALIA

Coca-Cola Coca-Cola

Joomoo Joomoo

New Holland New Holland

Vanke Vanke

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[tab title=”EXPO Thematic Elements”]

Children's Park Children’s Park

Future Food District Future Food District

Lake Arena Lake Arena

Open Air Theatre San Carlo Open Air Theatre San Carlo

Pavilion Zero Pavilion Zero

Tree of Life Tree of Life

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[/Htab]

ETI and Panasonic Introduce Displays with Videro Software Pre-installed

El Segundo, CA – Edwards Technologies, Inc. (ETI), Videro, & Panasonic have announced a new collaboration, introduced at ‎InfoComm 2015 in Orlando, Florida. Videro software will now be pre-installed in Panasonic HD displays allowing for easy, one-touch setup for production, distribution, and control of content and facility through the cloud. These new Videro enabled displays will launch 4th quarter of 2015 and will be available in three sizes, 42″, 49″, and 55″, with 24/7 customer support services via ETI.

Panasonic invited ETI and Videro to showcase this new, ground breaking technology in their booth during the InfoComm trade show, the largest event of its kind in the world. Nearly 40,000 AV industry professionals gather annually to see the latest and greatest in audiovisual technology. Industry decision makers were impressed by the sample software showcased in the booth which highlighted its versatility in managing complex display systems as well as its seamless user interface.

For more information on Videro in action, see InPark’s cover articles on Orbi and Discovery Cube Los Angeles.

Brian Edwards, Founder and Chairman of the Board of ETI, believes that Panasonic’s Videro displays will usher in the start of what he calls “The Internet of Audio Visual”. “This is the future as we witness this transition to cloud-based control of all display technology,” commented Edwards. “The future will be filled with intelligent devices, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this technology in the audiovisual display world.”

For more information on the Internet of Audio Visual, please visit http://edwardstechnologies.com and click on the “Internet of Audio Visual” logo in the menu bar.

Dollywood Launches Into 2016 With First of its Kind Wooden Coaster

Pigeon Forge, TN, USA (August 7, 2015) —Dollywood today announced the addition of Lightning Rod, both the world’s fastest wood coaster and the world’s first launching wood coaster. Set to roll to the starting line in March 2016, Lightning Rod adds another groundbreaking roller coaster to the park’s already impressive portfolio of world-class attractions. The thrilling $22 million ride also marks the single largest attraction investment in The Dollywood Company’s history.

Lightning_Rod_First_Drop

Themed after a tricked out 1950s-era hot rod, Lightning Rod launches riders from zero to 45 mph more than 20 stories up its lift hill to one of the ride’s first airtime moments. At the crest of the hill, riders face twin summit airtime hills before tackling the daring first drop. Lightning Rod races down the 165-foot drop and propels guests along its 3,800-ft. track to a top speed of 73 mph, the fastest speed for a wood coaster in the world.

“Lightning Rod reminds me so much of those colorful cars cruisin’ up and down Main Street in downtown Sevierville back when I was in high school. I remember all those souped up cars; but what I remember most were those good lookin’ boys behind the wheel with those flat top and ducktail haircuts,” Dolly Parton said with a laugh.

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“I’m truly excited about this ride because it will let our guests experience something just as fast as those hot rods I remember,” she continued. “Even better, it’s the fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, so I think we’re going to see a lot of people coming from all over to peel out on the Lightning Rod.”

Located in Dollywood’s Jukebox Junction, Lightning Rod rockets riders around its massive wooden structure on an adrenaline-charged lap through the trees in the hills and valleys surrounding Dollywood. During the ride, guests experience nearly 20 seconds of airtime. The coaster train is comprised of 12 cars, carrying two passengers each, for a total of 24 people per train.

Dollywood’s development team has tapped Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) as the ride manufacturer. RMC is no stranger to out-of-the-box coaster projects, having designed a number of innovative attractions around the world. Lightning Rod employs several unique features including the lift hill launch, twin summit airtime hills, a 90+ degree banked breaking wave turn, a 90+ degree outside banked turn, and a non-inverting half loop.

Lightning Rod puts riders in the driver’s seat of Johnny Rev’s newest hot rod. After months of tinkering, Johnny invites Dollywood guests to step behind the wheel for the first test drive of his flashy new creation. Like any proper hot rod, massive header pipes and an imposing injector scoop peer out from the train’s flamed bodywork.

Lightning_Rod_Twist_and_Shout

Lightning Rod is the newest member of The Dollywood Company’s collection of award-winning attractions. In March 2012, Dollywood opened the $20 million Wild Eagle, the country’s first wing coaster. The company introduced RiverRush, Tennessee’s first and only water coaster, at Dollywood’s Splash Country in 2013. FireChaser Express, the nation’s first dual-launch family coaster, was added at Dollywood in 2014. Dollywood mainstays Thunderhead, consistently among the world’s top five wood coasters, Mystery Mine, Blazing Fury and Tennessee Tornado round out the park’s list of innovative coasters.

Electrosonic Brings the Human Body to Life at Turkey’s Konya Science Center

Los Angeles, CA, USA (August 6, 2015) – Turkey’s Konya Science Center, the country’s first large interactive institution dedicated to informal learning about science and technology, has added a gallery on human health with audio-visual equipment, installation and programming by Electrosonic.

The gallery joins exhibits on basic science, new technology, earth and biosystems, space, and the history and culture of the region. Exhibition work and funding for the science center was overseen by TUBITAK (Turkish Scientific and Technical Researches Institution). The museum is located in the Municipality of Konya, Turkey’s third-largest city.

Maltbie, which creates experiences for museums, visitor centers and specialty projects, hired Electrosonic to provide AV support for the science center’s latest gallery. Electrosonic built all the racks and configured the equipment in the US and sent it to Maltbie’s headquarters in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, which shipped the units to Turkey.

Electrosonic spent about one month at the science center where Levent Komurcu, the exhibit production and maintenance manager, proved to be “of great assistance during the on-site installation portion of the project,” says Electrosonic project manager Tim Wilson. “He assisted us with everything from finding local suppliers to helping with translations” – a must when working on international jobs.

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The new gallery offers a wide range of exhibits designed to inform and engage visitors. Three exhibits, “Cells of Your Body,” “Immune Cell Army” and “Reduce Your Risk,” have game formats played out on Ideum Pro 55 55-inch touch tables, customized by Maltbie and connected by Electrosonic to network control. “Immune Cell Army,” for instance, begins with a slide show about the body’s cells and what they fight, and then offers advice to the player about how to use the cells in his or her arsenal. The touch table launches the game, pitting good cells against harmful cells and keeping score for the player.

“The Anatomical Family” features flat cutouts of a man, woman and child. Three Panasonic short-throw projectors display the skeletal system, nervous system, digestive systems and other internal views onto the body shapes. Visitors use Elo Touch Solutions touchscreen kiosks in front of the exhibit to learn more about the various anatomical systems.

“Our Basic Needs” takes visitors through an interactive aging process. A Microsoft Kinect camera for Windows captures visitors when they walk into the field of view triggering a representation of themselves at various stages of life: a crying baby, a child jumping rope, an adult playing soccer, an elderly person walking with a cane. A Panasonic short-throw projector displays the successive images on a wall as the visitor passes through the camera’s field of view.

BrightSign HD media players drive eight exhibits, including “Blood Vessel Voyager.” A Panasonic short-throw projector displays animations of red blood cells coursing through our arteries onto a screen with a reflective coating on the back. Tannoy speakers playing a heartbeat audio track enhance the sensation of the blood vessels pulsating with life.

Panasonic rear projection also plays a role in “Embryonic Fetal Development,” an exhibit whose hemispheric display surface mimics a womb. Visitors turn a wall-mounted dial to see how images of the embryo grow and change during the gestation process.

The lab area boasts a number of fun, hands-on mechanical exhibits by Maltbie – such as testing reaction time and exploring microscopes – which feature touchscreen instructions supplied by Electrosonic.

Seventeen Dell PCs supply PC-driven content throughout the gallery. One Dell PC powers the final “Healthy Habits Survey” that visitors are invited to take. It stores information and shows visitors how they stack up against other participants; it also enables visitors to receive health-based emails and literature once they get home.

Electrosonic’s Elliot Nyfield, who served as programmer and commissioning engineer on the project, created the custom AMX control system GUI. AMX allows blanket and individual control of all the exhibits in the new gallery.

Blue Telescope created the content for the Human Health gallery.

Thrills and Chills Await This Halloween Season at PortAventura

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PortAventura, Spain (August 6, 2015) — This Fall, PortAventura will lift the lid off the cauldron of terror. On September 26th, the new Halloween season begins. Horror fans of all ages will enjoy the park’s attractions and shows in an eerie atmosphere full of mystery. The great range of spectacular shows and rides will make PortAventura’s Halloween unmissable.

Following last year’s huge success, “Horror Passage” will return to PortAventura with the popular spine-chilling experiential show inspired by the latest film of the famous zombie series “[REC] 4: Apocalypse”. Guests will walk through an inhospitable passage and, while running for their lives, the special effects, petrifying noises and atmospheric scenery will allow visitors the chance to face up to zombies.

If guests feel tough enough, the legendary “Selva de Miedo” outdoor terror walk through the jungle of the Polynesia area will be waiting. Visitors can also try Horror en Penitence”, a macabre and difficult to escape maze in the Far West area.

In the Mexican area, guests will be delighted with a breath-taking show based on the Day of the Dead folklore. Those brave enough to visit Emma’s House restaurant in the Far West zone will have the chance to meet a macabre family whose dishes hide scarily funny surprises.

But there is no doubt visitors of all ages will enjoy the Halloween entertainment offered in every area of the park. Younger visitors will adore the family friendly Sesamo Aventura area that will offer fun activities for children.

Music lovers shouldn’t miss the incredible “Rock Symphony”, a gothic performance of extremely talented dancers and acrobats. The legendary show “Love for Vampires” won’t be forgotten as it tells the story of Alexei, the master of darkness, and his beautiful maidens being hunted by vampires. “Bang Bang Halloween” is another incredible acrobatic show not to be missed.

The Mediterranean area will host the majority of the night-time program, with the “Halloween Parade” bringing to an end the series of daily events each evening. A colorful collection of vehicles will be taking part including an old horse-drawn hearse, a cute pumpkin, a giant skeleton riding a bicycle, and a huge demon. The lake in the area will stage “Horror en el lago,” a spectacular fire display, with fireworks and music featuring a monstrous dragon and the sinister character of Death.