Originally constructed in the 16th century as a fortress to protect Cork Harbour, Blackrock Castle has undergone numerous transformations. Destroyed by fire in the 19th century, it was rebuilt for the city before entering private hands and becoming variously, a private residence, offices, rowing club HQ and a restaurant. Reacquired by Cork Corporation in 2001, the building was renovated and repurposed as an observatory and museum under a joint venture between the City Council, Cork Institute of Technology, and a private benefactor. Since opening in 2007 as a centre for scientific research, outreach and communication, the observatory, which houses an…
Author: AV News
Carnival Cruise Line has adopted AV Stumpfl’s PIXERA media server platform to power visual content in its on-board entertainment spaces. Four of Carnival’s 29-strong fleet of cruise ships are currently using PIXERA, with more scheduled to come online in the coming months as part of a broader strategy to upgrade and future-proof the cruise line’s video and show-control infrastructure. “We discovered PIXERA is the ideal solution to meet our needs,” explains Grant Kruger, entertainment technical fleet supervisor – lighting for Carnival Cruise Line. “It delivers high-performance video playback, ensuring a consistent and polished show experience that can be reliably repeated…
PPDS has supported the internationally acclaimed Beeld & Geluid museum – home to one of the largest media archives in the world – introducing its ‘zero power’ and advanced colour Philips Tableaux ePaper and welcoming a new era of sustainable displays. Located on Media Park in the Dutch city of Hilversum – a 30 minute drive from central Amsterdam – the spectacular Beeld & Geluid museum – also known as the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision – is one of the country’s most recognisable buildings, with a unique, colourful façade of 2,244 rotatable glass panels that are matched only by the institution’s awe…
With the election of the Labour government, the perennial problem of tinkering with the education system as a political priority has started in earnest. Of the major issues facing the recently reconfigured DES, are the questions of limited budget for investment in new and replacement edtech; the integration of AI into pedagogy; and the increased emphasis on sustainability. But choices still have to be made. Here are our thoughts Education is expensive. In 2025, the UK government allocated approximately £63.7 billion to state-funded schools in England for pupils aged 5 to 16. This represents a significant increase compared to previous…
PPDS has announced the appointment of accomplished AV expert, Emily Pirtle, further strengthening its sales team in North America. Reaffirming PPDS’ uncompromised commitment to delivering best in class support, service and experiences to customers and partners, Emily has accepted the newly created role of Regional Sales Manager for TOLA, encompassing Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas – four key growth markets representing over 3.5 million small businesses and opportunities. With an accomplished career spanning over 20 years, Texarkana based Emily – a certified Math and Intervention Specialist – brings a diverse set of skills and knowledge to the PPDS North America…
System integrator Bansbach Akustik has completed a comprehensive audio update for the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), selecting Powersoft’s Quattrocanali fixed-install amplifier platform to drive a modern, networked conference system designed for ministerial-level sessions and international delegations. Established in 1942, the IICA is an agency of the Inter-American System, an organ of the Organisation of American States (OAS), promoting agricultural development and sustainability in its 34 member states. Bansbach Akustik, which operates in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, is a long-time commercial partner to the IICA and was brought in to manage the upgrade to the agency’s main auditorium,…
LED Studio has revealed the successful test flight of a drone-mounted LED curtain, an ultra-lightweight, ultra-thin and highly transparent mesh display. The trial highlights how airborne LED technology could reshape visual storytelling at events, live shows and cultural landmarks. This emerging format opens new creative possibilities for delivering immersive, sky-based experiences across entertainment, advertising and public engagement. The LED Curtain weighs just 1.2 kilograms per square metre, with a slim mesh construction designed to reduce drone load and support stable flight. Engineered with up to 70% transparency and high wind permeability, the display performs reliably in outdoor, low-altitude conditions, maintaining…
Hotels and hospitality venues are under growing pressure to deliver memorable experiences and highly flexible event spaces. By Paul Midwood, Chief Technology Officer at Solstice AV explains how audio-visual technology is increasingly at the heart of that effort. “AV isn’t a bolt-on anymore,” says Paul Midwood, CTO at Solstice AV. “It’s a core part of the guest experience and a serious revenue driver. Whether it’s an LED wall making a statement in the lobby or wireless collaboration in a meeting room, the right mix of tech can set a hotel apart and keep it ahead of what guests expect.” Large-format…
Epson has announced a new strategic business model designed to make its technology more accessible for large corporate and public sector organisations, while advancing its sustainability commitments. In partnership with BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, a European leader in equipment financing, Epson will introduce a comprehensive leasing programme covering its entire product portfolio. “This is a significant strategic milestone for Epson and will help us better support large scale customer requirements through a more competitive proposition,” says Rob Clark, COO, Epson Europe. “The solution means our customers can access the latest Epson technology without the burden of up-front investment.” The leasing…
ISS, a global workplace experience and facility services company, has signed a seven-year contract with COWI, an engineering and consulting business headquartered in Denmark, to deliver innovative and sustainable integrated facility services. The contract covers 11 countries worldwide. The services will be implemented across 44 COWI-offices and include cleaning, catering, space management, waste management, building maintenance and repairs, technical installations, security and access control, and fleet service management. The contract takes effect in Europe from 1 February 2026 and in the rest of the world from 1 April 2026. Natalie Shaverdian Riise-Knudsen, Executive Vice President and Group CFO, COWI,…