Startech Productions

Oxonmoot returns

2011-09-28T10:01:00.000+01:00

Last weekend saw the annual gathering in Oxford to celebrate the life and works of JRR Tolkien, and Startech were there to help.

One of the events during the weekend is a cabaret evening in the Dining Room at Lady Magaret Hall which Startech provided LED lighting for. In previous years the cabaret has been lit by more traditional fixtures, but that has meant laying 50 metres of 63 amp cable to get enough power in to the room. This year Startech worked closely with Mike Percival from Oxonmoot to provide almost a completely LED rig which could be powered from the existing supply in the room.

After the event Mike sent us the following:

Everything went very smoothly indeed. I think the bottom line is that we proved that in fact in a space that size it is perfectly possible to light an event of the nature of ours with 100% LED lights. I did use the source 4s
for two items - but one was laziness (the performer revealed at the last minute they wanted to use more of the acting area than they had told me when I plotted their lights, so it was easier to add in the source 4s than to
re-plot the LED profiles, but they would in fact have been better), and the other I only really included them because they were there!

Finally for now, please say a huge thank you to Chris and especially to Nigel for their help, without which our event wouldn't have gone as well as it did.

New Operations Manager at Startech

2011-09-14T13:18:00.000+01:00

Startech have taken on a new Operations Manager. Simon Wilkinson will be looking after the day to day hires and marketing as well as being the first point of contact for most of our customers.

Simon comes to Startech after spending 5 years as the Stage Manager at the New Theatre in Oxford. He has been actively involved with a number of youth and amateur groups across the county and is looking forward to helping out many similar groups in his new role.

Startech help launch the Land Rover Evoque

2011-09-14T13:06:00.001+01:00

Hartwell launched the new Land Rover Evoque last week and Startech was there to help show off the new 4x4 at it's best.

Startech provided above and below car lighting, to give the cars that extra sparkle, as well as providing large screen to show all the promotional information.

Beverley Bailey from Hartwell Cumnor asked Startech to supply and operate lighting for the launch night and the following test drive day in a marquee near Frilford. Beverley thanked Shanks, Startech's Technical Manager, for his work. "On behalf of Hartwell management and sales team I would like to thank you for your help with the launch of our new vehicle. The lighting was perfect for the occasion and Shanks overcame the problems we had with the generator and distribution box without any hesitation."

A light at the end of the tunnel

2011-08-22T11:42:00.001+01:00

Startech have undertaken a fascinating project installing a temporary lighting system into a railway tunnel to forewarn bats of incoming trains. A series of birdies have been rigged along the length of the tunnel and programmed to light up from the central point out to each end. This is designed to encourage bats to move into less exposed crevices and out of the line of oncoming trains.

This project is taking place in preparation for the new Oxford to London rail link via Bicester, which will involve a more regular and higher speed trains passing through the tunnel beneath Wolvercote roundabout.

Although the lighting design is simple to put in situe, there were a number of teams coordinating their aspects of the install and of course there was the added complication of working on a live railway line and during the night. Startech accepted the challenge and emerged from the train tunnel with sooty smiles.

The trial will take place over the next month to establish whether the lighting will have the desired effect on the bats, in which case a permanent installation will be put in place.

http://tiny.cc/y3i39

Sponsors of the Great Tew Horse Trials

2011-07-19T11:34:00.001+01:00

Startech went for a rainy day out to the Great Tew Horse Trials at which we sponsored a cross country jump.

Vacancy for Audio Visual Engineer

2011-07-08T15:23:00.003+01:00

We look forward to hearing from you!

Big Names at Roehampton Students Union Summer Ball 2011

2011-06-01T11:37:00.000+01:00

Startech supplied audio equipment to the Roehampton Student Union Summer Ball 2011. This included PA and technical support for the main stage which was headlined by ‘The Streets’ and ‘Eliza Doolittle’ along with other acts such as the fabulous ‘Jon Paul Palombo’, the rather lively ‘One’ and the amazing human beatbox act ‘Duke’. Also gracing the main stage was comedian Lee Nelson. Startech provided both equipment and technical support for the DJ stages where ‘Chase and Status’ along with DJ’s from Ministry of Sound shared the stages with the RSU’s resident DJs.

More new lighting - Moving Head LED Wash Lights

2011-05-10T14:14:00.004+01:00

Startech has just purchased a quantity of the Miltec MTM 324 moving head LED wash lights.
£35 each for 2 days, or £70 a week, these units are not only a powerful and versatile fixture, but affordable too.

The LED technology makes these units extremely light; at only 9kg each they can be rigged easily by one person. The also consume less than half the power of a conventional discharge source moving light of a similar output level.

‘Having used the units at a recent production, I found them to be extremely rugged and reliable. The movement was fast and smooth, and the control of the output very precise. They produce a fantastic range of vivid deep colour’s and, due to the addition of the white LEDs (RGBW, as opposed to the traditional RGB) they can be used to provide front light varying from ‘Tungsten’ cold through to CTO warm with fantastic even coverage.

We are also eagerly anticipating the arrival of the MTM 90P moving head LED spot light, and will report back when have had the first opportunity to try it out. However, if they're are as good as we’ve found the wash light to be, using the two together will make for an extremely powerful and versatile rig.’ AV Technician

LED par cans

2011-03-29T10:58:00.000+01:00

We have increased out stock of LED PAR 56 lamps and now supply kits including 4 PAR cans with stands, cables (13amp) and flight case. These can be pre-programmed for stand alone sound to light with built in strobe and macro’s or operated via DMX control. Ideal for lighting live bands.
£25 per day/ £75 per week

Oxford Fashion Week 2011

2011-03-01T10:15:00.001Z

Startech have been announced as Technical Partners of Oxford Fashion Week 2011.

Roy Naraine, Managing Director of Startech Productions Ltd said, “Startech were thrilled to accept the invitation to be Technical Partners of Oxford Fashion Week, Startech have worked closely with Dave Evans to create what will be an impressive visual production complimenting the work of the many designers who will be exhibiting during Oxford Fashion Week.”

Carl Anglim, Executive Producer of Oxford Fashion Week, said "For spectacular shows we need spectacular technical support. Startech is the first technical company we have partnered with in this way and that means in 2011 we are able to deliver a quality of event that will be a league above what spectators have seen in previous years. We are all very excited about this!"

David Evans, Director of Light & Sound for Oxford Fashion Week, said "From the conception of Oxford Fashion Week 2011, through to the countdown days to the first show, Startech have supported us with speedy, reliable and entirely professional service, with fresh ideas and a unique enthusiasm to contribute creatively as well as technically. In my profession I have dealt with too many suppliers to mention, but can safely say I will be returning to Startech time and time again!"

Chinese New Year at the Oxford Town Hall

2011-02-14T15:37:00.000Z

Oxford Chinese Students and Scholars Association celebrated the Chinese New Year at Oxford Town Hall. Startech supplied audio, lighting and AV for this sell out event at which 15 traditional acts took place including Meng Pan playing the erhu.

Panto season's getting underway

2011-01-24T14:02:00.003Z

Hiring out lighting, sound and pyro equipment to Am Dram Societies throughout Oxford and surrounding counties. Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk and Goldilocks to name a few of the performances taking place over the next few weeks.

Used once Samsung 19” Flat Wide Screen HDTV

2011-01-18T10:41:00.004Z

£81.60 (exc. vat)

LE19C450 Features

TV Televisions Type: 19 Inch HD Ready LCD TV
Colour: Rose/Black
Frequency: 50Hz
Resolution: 1388 x 768
Tuner: Integrated Freeview
Speakers: 2x 3W

Connections

HDMI
15-pin D-sub
SCART
Component (YPbPr)
Composite
Headphone Port
PC Audio In
USB 2.0

For further information please contact hire@startechproductions.co.uk

Live and Studio Mics for sale

2011-01-17T10:53:00.001Z

We are currently in the process of upgrading and replacing some of our microphone stock, and therefore we have a selection of second hand live and studio microphones for sale, from manufacturers including AKG, Audio Technica, Sennheiser, Shure and Audix. Whilst these microphones have been used and may not be in the pristine cosmetic condition they are all still fully functional and would suit local bands, DJs and recording studios. If you would like further information on availability and prices please contact martin@startechproductions.co.uk

Flexible LED curtain - Look what Startech got for Christmas!

2011-01-08T12:08:00.004Z

An exciting new addition to Startech, our 4 x 3m LED curtain is now available for hire. The flexibility of the curtain allows displays to be moulded around walls and columns, the curtain is thin and energy efficient. For more details please email hire@startechproductions.co.uk or call 01865 722 522.

Barcelona Conference

2010-12-24T12:54:00.000Z

After taking serious precautions to ensure that the artic’ containing kit travelled safely and in good time to Barcelona through the snow, the day the crew were booked to fly was the day that the Spanish air traffic controllers chose to go on strike. With a day lost for the get in the crew worked for 12 hours immediately upon arrival and again for 17 hours the following day installing four 16’ x 9’ screens and 12k projectors, a 20’ x 24’ stage with dance floor, lighting and sound, and 8 x 3.2m LED curtain. The one and a half day conference was dramatically opened by a dance troop and went on to be delivered in variously styled stages such as game show, storyteller and news broadcast. 220 delegates enjoyed the seamless production of the information being delivered followed by a comparatively relaxed get out.

Josh Ritter UK tour

2010-09-22T15:00:00.013+01:00

Startech recently supplied lighting and sound for the first date of Josh Ritter’s

tour supported by Dawn Landes. Turbosound front of house rig and Tiger monitor rig were installed into the Oxford Town Hall with digital front of house control and analogue monitor control. A mixture of generic and LED lighting was installed furthering the transition to more energy efficient lighting.

Eco Fleet

2010-09-06T14:35:00.001+01:00

Long standing clients ADT and their parent company Tyco have made the environmentally conscientious and economically beneficial decision to update their fleet of cars to those of lesser carbon emissions. Startech assisted Riverview Studios to produce a commercial film introducing the new fleet of Astra Ecoflex vehicles now used by their UK engineers.

Trifle Anyone?

2010-08-27T17:43:00.001+01:00

Oxfords South Parks will be hosting Foodies Festival over bank holiday weekend. Sample dishes from local restaurants and buy fresh produce from Oxfordshire and surrounding counties. Michelin star chefs will be cooking live in the Chefs Theatre.

On top of these delicious delights Matt Dawson is due to make an appearance for the filming of Monster Munchies - a television series celebrating traditional British food by creating them in super size. A Startech stage will be supporting two giant trifles, which apparently originated in our city of dreaming spires. Local teams will battle for recognition of their superior trifle talents.

The wedding season is upon us.

2010-08-23T14:50:00.000+01:00

Startech designed, installed and operated lighting for a wedding at the Oxford Town Hall this weekend. Theatrical lighting was applied to highlight the interior architecture of the building. Source fours were employed to project a custom designed gobo onto the dance floor and to create a starry night effect.

New Mixers!

2010-08-06T09:44:00.000+01:00

Now added to the Startech hire stock Soundcraft EPM 12 and Yamaha MG 24/14 FX mixers.

The emphasis on Soundcraft EPM mixers is on quality build and user-friendly control surface. Close-tolerance components are used for high accuracy and repeatable settings for EQ and gain controls. Professional 48-volt phantom power caters for condenser microphones of all types and the monitor and headphone output work in parallel allowing performers to listen on phones whilst the engineer is able to listen on studio monitors.

Yamaha MG24/14FX are suitable for live sound applications in which a substantial number of sources must be handled efficiently. This model has16 mono inputs and 4 stereo inputs. Microphone levels can be adjusted from -60 dB to +10 dB, while line levels can be adjusted from -34 dB to +10 dB. Channel peak indicators are provided to facilitate optimum level matching.

Green Marketing

2010-07-22T11:44:00.008+01:00

Startech employed beanwave to design an “Excellence All Areas” mailer which was sent to Performing Art departments and Event Organisers at schools, colleges and universities. Whilst promoting the company is important we took into serious consideration the environmental impacts and found alternative methods to ensure that products used were from sustainable sources.

Beanwave sourced branded lanyard straps made from 100% sustainable bamboo fibres (which we have also found softer on the skin). The lanyard holder and 8 page inserts were printed locally by Seacourt on FSC certified recycled paper and using vegetable based inks and waterless offset printing. The polythene envelope used was recycled and recyclable.

The mailer had a great response with many bookings appearing for our basic set up - professional result, lighting and PA kits. It wasn’t long before the lanyards were spotted in action on an event site and more requested!

Commotion Festival

2010-07-16T11:40:00.005+01:00

Startech supplied a stage and supplemented the lighting and sound for Commotion ‘10 in Kingham, near Chipping Norton and our trademark red canopy is visible by satellite! This annual family friendly festival had a great line up with From the Jam headlining on Saturday. The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band performed and will be back in the area for Truck next weekend. The Jericho Tavern had a stage hosting some of Oxfords finest, see their site for upcoming gigs. The Witchwood School of Rock ran song writing workshops which are continuing throughout the summer at various venues.

View Larger Map

The Festival of the Nine Muses

2010-07-13T11:09:00.000+01:00

Startech supplied lighting to The Festival of the Nine Muses hosted in the romantic grounds of Milton Manor House on Saturday. Performances were carried out throughout the day from 10am into the evening, poetry, theatre, music inspired by the nine daughters of Zeus, King of the Gods and Mnemosyne, Goddess of Memory. Headlining the music acts at the first in this series of festivals was English folk rock musician Johnny Flynn. Listen out for this idyllic celebration of Arcadia next year.

ASIMO

2010-07-08T17:20:00.005+01:00

Once again Startech were recruited provide staging and technical production for Honda's robot ASIMO to perform at the opening launch of the Swindon Academy. Specifications for the staging were extremely tight at only 1mm rise/fall over 2m to accommodate this advanced piece of technology. Lighting and audio was supplied to produce a dramatic reveal and exhibition of ASIMO's human like movement and intelligence.

Charlbury Riverside Festival

2010-06-28T14:59:00.000+01:00

Thousands had a beautiful weekend at Riverside 2010. Immaculately organised by Andy Pickard and a team of volunteers, the weather was perfect and the bands were fantastic. The crew are now preparing for Cornbury Festival, which hosts the Riverside Stage. David Murphy made this stop motion film of the main stage construction featuring our very own Startech crew.

Visit the Riverside website for reviews of this years festival.

Charlbury Riverside Festival

2010-06-19T09:40:00.006+01:00

Startech have been out in the sun this week erecting staging for the Riverside Festival. This annual family friendly festival is run by an independent group of volunteers, with support from Charlbury Town Council. Entry is free and music ranges through indie, folk, world and some good old blues. You will hear well recognised Oxfordshire bands such as The Black Hats and Charly Coombes and the New Breed. Some familiar faces are collaborating in The Prohibition Smokers' Club on Sunday and the main stage will be opened by Deer Chicago this afternoon.

Enjoy the festival!

2010-06-07T16:44:00.002+01:00

Startech are supplying technical production for Chiltern Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. This Open Air performance will raise money for The Stroke Association and the Bucks Community Foundation, last years performances raised £10,000 for Thames Hospicecare. There are still tickets available for this weeks performances of arguably Shakespeare's most entertaining play.

Roehampton Summer Ball

2010-05-28T16:29:00.005+01:00

Roehampton Summer Ball 2010 does not appear to be an event for the faint hearted. An entertaining afternoon (hopefully blessed with sunshine), with fairground rides churning stomachs from 1pm, mid afternoon comedy and the essential hog roast. Once the sun goes down fireworks will announce the start of the diverse music line up for which Startech are supplying the PA. Students and their guests will enjoy performaces by Calvin Harris, Scratch Perverts, The Pigeon Detectives and Roehampton Uni's finest. A dedicated few will surely enjoy the sunrise.

Levellers Day

2010-05-17T14:31:00.005+01:00

Startech supplied staging for entertainment acts supporting this years Levellers Day. This is a memorial service held in Burford for soldiers executed by Oliver Cromwell during the Civil War. Levellers was a term given to the soldiers fighting for parliament and who viewed Cromwell as a dictator. 300 Levellers were captured by Cromwell's army and three leaders executed in Burford churchyard.

Since 1975 the closest Saturday to May 17th has become an annual celebration of the Levellers beliefs in democracy and justice. In remembrance of these soldiers music and dancing is performed and discussions are held in Warwick Hall Gardens and flowers are laid in the Church.

Startech have been long term supporters of this well known, popular Cotswold event.

Dragon Boat Day 2010

2010-05-10T11:25:00.004+01:00

The grey weather on Sunday failed to dampen spirits of the 2,000 spectators who gathered for the Annual Dragon Boat Race in Ryegrass Meadow, Abingdon.

This fundraising event organised by the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper is one of the towns largest events and attracted twice as many teams this year than 2009. On top of the 49 races along the Thames the bankside hosted craft stalls, games and live music for which Startech supplied the staging.

Oxford Fashion Week - More Lights!

2010-05-04T10:43:00.005+01:00

Oxford Fashion Week 2010 was launched on Saturday with lighting, sound and AV provided by Startech. A desperate call was received at 7am on opening morning as one of the designers had requested even more elaborate lighting for their part of The Style Show. Despite the short notice, extra lighting was promptly delivered to the Oxford Town Hall. The designers were satisfied, the organisers could breath again and the show was a success. The Fashion Week has evolved from only four runways in 2009 to 11 this year due to such positive feedback and willingness to get involved from designers and fashion enthusiasts. Enjoy the rest of the week!

Oxford Fashion Week 2010 Intro Video from Bryan Drake on Vimeo.

Bring on Oxford Fashion Week

2010-04-29T16:11:00.002+01:00

True to form Startech are up to their eyeballs with local events this month. We hired out equipment to nine different venues during this years record breaking Oxfringe. Initially blooming three years ago as a modest literary festival, oxfringe 2010 took over the city for a fortnight with theatre, music and comedy at every turn.

We're now preparing for a busy bank holiday weekend, particularly with the dawn of Oxford Fashion Week. Kicking off this Saturday the Startech crew will be constructing a catwalk in Oxford Town Hall for the first event of OFW, The Style Show exhibiting high street brands, independant designers and vintage collections.

This is the start-ech!

2010-04-20T10:25:00.003+01:00

This is the start of our Startech blog!

As Oxfordshire's leading audio visual equipment hire company, Startech is renowned for the nationwide hire of professional production equipment for the live event industry. Our reputation is built on delivering superior quality hire equipment and producing an outstanding quality of event productions, both at great value for money.

After 12 years in the live event industry, we've seen a lot, done a lot and look forward to learning a whole load more. Through this blog we aim to keep our customers up to date on the latest equipment, new technology, events and interesting productions, as well as our own news here in Electric Avenue (the Oxford one, not Eddy Grant's!)