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Here you can find all the news relating to Sound Leisure. News items are listed chronologically and official press releases can additionally be downloaded in the right hand menu.
If you would like any further information regarding press releases or news items you can contact us by clicking here. |
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Witness the Venue Hub at this years EAG show.
At this years EAG Sound Leisure and Soundnet will once again display a quality and diverse range of digital jukeboxes and music solutions.
Sound Leisure will unveil a major new development in digital jukebox technology at this year’s EAG show on stand 350.
The company has spent the past 12 months reinventing the concept of a modern jukebox, by looking at developments from other business sectors to draw influences and shape the product.
Sound’s Chris Black commented “In the past decade the consumer market has made giant leaps forward with the development of compact portable music players, video streaming and on-demand services. The innovative use of technology, attention to design and quality of service has all increased exponentially resulting in the customer expecting a higher quality experience.
“When these factors are combined with the effect of the massive changes we’re seeing taking place throughout the pub sector, SL has taken the view that we need to offer something completely different in order to excite the brands and customers.
The new solution is provisionally titled V-Hub (short for Venue Hub) and uses the jukebox kiosk as a central point for music, promotions, information and social networking within a venue. The software features a HD touch screen display with touch scrolling selection and drop box, bringing the interface controls inline with many modern interactive systems.
The V-Hub will join other innovations from Sound Leisure (which has the widest range of digital jukeboxes in the world) including the innovative entry-level Sound Pod, which is performing extremely well and which will be on the stand in a wide range of colours.
In addition, visitors will see the exceptional Milestones in Music Unlimited, which not only offers on-demand downloads giving the Unlimited access to an amazing 2.5million tracks – but also offers pub quizzes, bingo and a multitude of other extras. MIM technology truly is the entertainment hub of any venue, able to maximise revenues and customer loyalty by offering the freshest content and most intuitive user interface. For specialist sites, there is the Rock Box, which has enjoyed huge success in music-led venues such as student pubs.
Another first at EAG will be the debut appearance of SL Kids – the division of Sound Leisure dedicated to creating innovative products for toddlers. Products from the retail division will also be on display including a range of flat panel speakers, amplifiers and screens. Finally, there will be a range of children’s games including the novelty game Ol’ McDonald, Postman Pat and Arachnid’s latest offering; Knock Off. This game has received high acclaim in the US shows and this will be its debut in the UK.
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Chris Black with Phil Boulton from RLMS and Ol' McDonald
Ol' Mc Donald makes a triumphant return!
After 12 years Sound Leisure has revived one of its best-loved and highest-earning novelty redemption pieces – Ol’ Mc Donald.
The game made a triumphant return at the recent Preview show, where it attracted a huge amount of attention, resulting in many orders being taken and an exclusive agreement being signed with RLMS Sales, to sell the game along with Sound Leisure.
The Sound Leisure team initially developed Ol’ McDonald in the early 90’s for the Whitbread Charlie Chalk concept, which was the first branded children’s play facility to be developed for UK pubs. The game was a great success and was also sited in arcades, motorway services and FECs in the UK and abroad.
Ol’ McDonald is available as a capsule vendor and a ticket vendor. The aim of the game is to catch the falling eggs that are being laid by the hen at the top of the playfield. The player steers the farmer at the bottom of the playfield from side to side to catch as many eggs as possible. If the allotted number of eggs are caught, the player wins a prize. The comic scenario and fast and furious gameplay ensures plenty of laughs for players of all ages |
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OL McDONALD HAD A COMEBACK
Sound Leisure has revived one of its best-loved and highest-earning novelty redemption pieces – Ol’ Mc Donald – after 12 years.
The game made a triumphant return at the recent Preview show, where it attracted a huge amount of attention, resulting in many orders being taken and an exclusive agreement being signed with RLMS Sales, to sell the game along with Sound Leisure.
The Sound Leisure team initially developed Ol’ McDonald in the early 90’s for the Whitbread Charlie Chalk concept, which was the first branded children’s play facility to be developed for UK pubs. The game was a great success and was also sited in arcades, motorway services and FECs in the UK and abroad.
“Over the past 12 months we have had a plethora of customers contact us regarding the Ol McDonald and request that we make a new version,” says Sound Leisure’s Chris Black. “It seems that this simple product has won the hearts of many a child and operator over the years and due to these requests we felt that the time was now right to re introduce the machine.
“We are extremely happy that RLMS sales will partner this product with us and feel that between the two companies we have an exciting product for the New Year. Orders are currently being taken and deliveries will begin in January, although we are now quoting February delivery times due to the initial response.”
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TECHNICALLY A SOUND SUCCESS
Sound Leisure welcomed almost 60 delegates to its premises last week for its two Technical Training days. They were given a tour of the factory and spent time in front of the latest products with trained Sound Leisure personnel in order to fully understand the features and capabilities of Sound’s wide range of jukeboxes.
“We have spent two solid days training customers new and old on our products. Each day we had four separate courses running that covered products from 2000 to present day and the feedback has been superb,” says Managing Director Chris Black.
“Although it meant a day out of their normal routines for the companies that attended these sessions they have invested the time to teach their staff about our products, which in turn will result in their staff being more efficient and productive on site,” he adds.
Sound Leisure intends to hold more of technical training courses in the early part of 2010 and would encourage any operators that did not take part in this exercise to sign up. Over the 31 years that Sound Leisure has been manufacturing, it has trained more jukebox engineers than any other manufacturer.
“Training is something we strongly believe in,” concluded Chris Black. “The aim of the technical training sessions is to provide training to bench and service engineers as well as to Business Development Managers who can sometimes be overlooked. It has given them valuable time to go through the products and technologies with trained Sound Leisure personnel,” he adds.
Soundnet – Sound Leisure’s music supply partner – was also on hand over the course of the TTA sessions to explain the importance of profiling and what they can offer to the operator.
Anyone who would like to take advantage of this free training in future sessions should contact any of the Sound Leisure or Soundnet sales teams on:
sales@soundleisure.com |
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SOUND LEISURE OPENS IT'S DOORS FOR TECHNICAL TRAINING.
Sound Leisure is throwing open its doors in October for two days of technical training and awareness (TTA). The Sound Leisure factory, based in Leeds, will host the open days on October 21/22 and customers are invited to take a tour of the premises and spend time in front of the latest products with trained Sound Leisure personnel.
“Over the 31 years that we have been manufacturing Jukeboxes in the UK, Sound Leisure has probably trained more engineers than any other manufacturer in our industry. It is something we strongly believe in,” says Managing Director Chris Black.
“The aim of the TTA sessions is to provide training to bench and service engineers as well as to Business Development Managers and collectors who can sometimes be overlooked. It will give them valuable time to go through the products and technologies with trained Sound Leisure personnel,”
Courses will run simultaneously throughout both days with the aim of making Sound Leisure customers more aware of what the products can do, which in turn should make them more confident and professional when they go back out into the field to represent their own company.
Anyone who attends the courses will also be able to talk to the teams that design, manufacture and support Sound Leisure products. “Basically we want people to take a day out and visit us, ask questions and leave better informed as to what Sound Leisure and our products offer,” says Chris Black.
Soundnet will also be available over the course of the TTA sessions to explain the importance of profiling and what they can offer to the operator. Anyone who would like to take advantage of this free training should contact any of the Sound Leisure or Soundnet sales teams. Places are strictly by appointment only.
Contact us HERE |
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TECHNICAL SUPPORT UPDATE:
NEW RVC ANNOUNCEMENT
Please note that the two way slider RVC that Sound Leisure has used in its products since 1980 has now been discontinued.
The new SLE 1071 RVC comes into production this week and features two rotisseries. These new RVC's are fully compatible with all existing equipment. |
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SUPPORT NEWS. POWER TO THE P.C
The latest 5.8a software is now available for your Sound Surfer and RPS audio technology Jukeboxes manufactured from 2001 to present day. This update covers both tower and bookcase P.C's installed with Windows 98 and XP operating systems.
The Sound Surfer range of Jukeboxes was the first mass production digital solution in the U.K. with thousands of these units still being operated, many of which are in excess of 6 years old it is a testament to their quality that we are now offering this update allowing you to continue to operate these machines head to head with many newer products. The update is F.O.C if downloaded via our web page, a charge of £10.00 will be made if you prefer to receive the program on a disc.
In addition to the update a new 10,000 track starter pack has also been created by Soundnet, allowing your older P.Cs, (when loaded in conjunction with the 5.8a update) many of which hold fewer than 3,000 tracks to benefit from the latest 10,000 profiled tracks. During the beta tests this new starter pack has shown a positive increase in the cash in box.
An important point to note is that these 10,000 tracks have been hand picked following data collected from over 300 machines during the past 12 months. As such the machine is capable of out performing machines with many more tracks, most of which have albums loaded that quickly grow the numbers but still have only a minority of tracks that your customers want to play. If you would like to upgrade to the new RPS10,000 starter pack there is a charge of £195 and your P.C will need sending back to Sound Leisure's digitech department. The cost covers the loading of the new starter set, a hard drive and extra memory if required.
Another service that I feel you should be aware of is one that many operators of Sound Leisure Kiosks are benefitting from. The Kiosk cabinet has been manufactured for the past 9 years and when converted to the latest technology offers a superb solution to many sites due to its small footprint. These free standers originally had CRT monitors and Tower P.Cs installed. The Conversion consists of a cabinet re-spray, a new 19" LCD touch screen and either a new MIM, MIM AV or RPS10,000 P.C installing. Prices range from £1595 - £1995 depending on the technology installed.
If you are looking for a particular 2nd hand machine please call the Sound Leisure sales team as we have a constant supply of reconditioned boxes that allow you to operate our premium product at a reduced rate.
We understand that in the present climate the price of a machine can in many cases be the first and only thing that you consider when looking to purchase a new piece of equipment, however we firmly believe that value for money has to be looked at over the whole life of the machine. Sound Leisure's range of digital equipment has the highest residuals of any digital product in the market place and benefits from product support such as the 5.8a software that cannot be matched by any other brand.
Please do not hesitate to contact any of the sales team if you require further information on our range of machines or conversions. The program update/ rps10,000 upgrade can be arranged through either our stores or digitech departments.
Thank you for your continued support.
Chris Black.
To download this latest program update click the CD icon below.
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RPS 10 000 (Sound Surfer) |
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Latest Version = 5.8a (14.3mb Zip File) |
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Installation Guide (pdf file) For RPS 1000 5.8a |
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CHAIN GANG RAISE MONEY FOR TEENAGE CANCER TRUST
On Friday 22nd May six highly trained individuals who were at the peak of their physical fitness following months of training (mainly reading up on the route whilst sat in the pub) set off on the challenge to ride the length of the Leeds Liverpool canal (and a bit extra to ensure we could have a decent pint when we finished) in aid of raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust.
All 6 of us managed to finish the challenge (and get the pint) Other than 4 punctures, a broken chain, 3 crashes, one involving a dog who's tail now sports a great imprint of a mountain bike tyre, one involving a large field of nettles and one involving a drunk in Wigan, plus 2 of the lads requiring a new knee each we all faired rather well.
Friday was an early start and once we had found the canal in Liverpool (well disguised) turned out to be a hard slog. It rained non stop all day (proper wet Lancashire rain) and after 80 odd miles we were all ready for a break. Throughout the day we had to continuously lower our trusty steeds into the canal just to clear the mud off them in an attempt to make the wheels turn again, most of our newly purchased cycle gear became instantly disposable and our planned 4 stop strategy turned into a much needed 6 stop affair!
As the rain faded and the sun shone for the first time in 10 hrs (with a mile to ride) we finally arrived at our Oasis just outside Skipton where we were promptly hosed down in the farm yard by the landlady before we were allowed to even set foot in the barn! never mind in her splendid B&B
Following a few hours lie down and a trip to the local hostelry for refreshments we were able to muster up enough energy to make it to bed and have one of the best nights sleep any of us could remember for a long time.
Saturday was a much better day due to the fact that we soon reached the highest point of the ride, this meant that each time we saw a lock we knew that it was going to be a down hill section rather than uphill (unlike Lancashire), closely followed by entering Yorkshire where the rain stopped (it never rains in Yorkshire) and the boat owners of Skipton were woken up to the screams and general excited calls of 6 grown men who were travelling down hill at a tremendous rate of Knots for the first time in 100+ miles. Following a stop in Skipton (now Known as the Venice of Yorkshire) where we once again found that mankind had not been replaced by sheep and cows we knocked the last 50+ miles off in less than 6 hrs.
All in all it was a hard few days, especially for Mike who was driving the team van, listening to the radio,catching up on his reading and occasionally trying to avoid low bridges and trees down the narrow country lanes. However, we all knew that we were riding for a great cause and that kept us all motivated throughout the long days!
We would all like to say A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED AND HELPED US RAISE OVER £2500 (AND GROWING) for Teenage Cancer Trust.
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TEENAGE CANCER TRUST BIKE RIDE
Late last year Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) approached Sound Leisure and asked whether we would consider co - sponsoring jukeboxes for each of the ten new specialist £2,000,000 units that the charity was aiming to build nationwide. So far we have delivered 4 machines to the charity and intend providing machines to the remaining units as soon as they have been completed. From witnessing first hand what this charity is aiming to achieve we have nominated TCT as our chosen charity for 2009.
At a time when your body is changing, your social life is everything and you’re still trying to figure out who you are, getting cancer can seem like an impossible blow to take. But thanks to Teenage Cancer Trust, thousands of young people are taking it, and coming out fighting.
There’s never a good time to get cancer, but for a teenager the timing seems particularly cruel. Young people can get some of the most rare and aggressive forms of cancer. The emotional upheaval of adolescence can make a cancer diagnosis even harder to cope with.
Every day in the UK, six young people will have to face that diagnosis. Teenage Cancer Trust understands that teenage cancer requires specialist care and in fact, that young people have a much better chance in their fight against cancer if they are treated by teenage cancer experts, in an environment tailored to their needs.
Teenage Cancer Trust builds units in NHS hospitals which improve the quality of life and chances of survival for young people with cancer. But as Teenage Cancer Trust receives no government funding, Teenage Cancer Trust rely on voluntary donations.
Teenage Cancer Trust estimate that with the units currently around the UK, only half of the teenagers diagnosed with cancer now have access to this dedicated, specialist support. Teenage Cancer Trust’s aim is to build enough units so that, by 2012, every single teenager with cancer will be treated on one.
For more information visit
www.teenagecancertrust.org
Registered charity no: 1062559 (England & Wales), SCO39757 (Scotland)
A quote from a recent patient at the newly opened Sheffield TCT unit;
“Stepping from a ward onto the Teenage Cancer Trust Sheffield Unit is like moving from a hospital, into the corridor of a relaxed hotel or a friend’s house – some of the snug doors are open and music filters out, making the atmosphere seem far more youthful, friendly and relaxed. Being treated in this environment helps to break down the barriers and dispel the feeling of isolation – something that is only too apparent on an adult ward. TCT has paid attention to every detail with direct thought for the teenage group. No matter how miserable you feel when you enter the hospital, the smiles of the patients and the feeling of togetherness created by the Unit never fail to brighten the day."
140 MILES : LIVERPOOL TO CASTLEFORD : 22ND/23RD MAY
A group of friends and colleagues have decided to ride the Leeds – Liverpool canal in aid of this charity, on May the 22ND the 140 mile bike ride will start in Liverpool and end in Castleford with the aim of raising funds for TCT.
Any support that you can give will be greatly appreciated, to donate please contact Chris Black at:
chris.black@soundleisure.com |
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THE ROCKBOX!
CRANKING IT UP IN A VENUE NEAR YOU SOON!
Sound Leisure and Soundnet present a world first for pay-to-play music. A Jukebox dedicated completely to Rock music!
The Rock Box is aimed to fill a gap in the market that has been created by the Digital Jukebox revolution. Until now digital music providers have concentrated on the Mass market of pop based music, leaving many venues unable to upgrade to the benefits that digital technology can offer.
The Rock Box puts an end to this, containing 10,000 of the biggest, greatest Rock tracks ever produced. The tracks have been painstakingly handpicked from the many genres of Rock music over the decades and include Metal, Indie, Punk, Alternative and Classic Rock song.
The RockBox will be unveiled at the forthcoming Electrocoin open day on the 10th June in London so watch this space for more details!
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SOUND ADVICE
Over the past 12 months we have been increasingly asked about the Noise at work regulations and how they effect Jukebox operators.
During an era in which issues of Health and safety are increasingly integral to public policy it comes as no surprise to discover that the past 10 years have brought a flurry of European parliamentary directives with implications for audio installations. Widely regarded as a significant milestone in the campaign to eradicate hearing damage sustained in the workplace, the 2003 directive has subsequently been implemented in all EEC member countries.Significantly, it allowed the music and entertainment sectors a two year transitional period in recognition of the fact that - as the UK government Health and Safety Executive (HSE) notes on its website - "music is unusual as it is a noise deliberately created for enjoyment and therefore practical guidelines are necessary to help workers, employers and freelancers protect their hearing and safeguard their careers"
In the UK, the directive was implemented (via the control of noise at work regulations 2005) for the music and entertainment industry in April 2008.
So what does the 2003 directive require employers to do that its 1989 predecessor did not? Firstly it lowers the bar for first action level regarding daily or, if appropriate, weekly exposure from 85Db(A) to 80db(A), at which employers must now assess the risk to workers health, provide them with information and training, and offer access to hearing protection should staff wish to use it.At the second action level of 85dBa employers must implement a programme of noise control measures and, if these are not sufficient to reduce exposure, ensure that suitable hearing protection is worn and health surveillance provided.
As an operator of Jukeboxes the guidelines set out are to protect the staff in the bar, rather than the customers who frequent it and it is the responsibility of the bar owner/management to ensure that the regulation is adhered to.
As an operator it is not our job to rush around every site and check that the volume behind the bar does not exceed 80DB(A), rather to be aware that the directive is in place and offer advice and help to anyone who requests it. Obviously moving forward on new installations the amount of speakers and the positioning of them will play a big part in this. Sound Leisure amplifiers are capable of exceeding the limit, however this depends on the environment that they are installed in and how many speakers are fitted etc.
Sound level testing devices are widely available on the market and Sound Leisure does stock these. If you would like any further advice on this regulation please speak to one of the Sound Leisure team.
The Full Document on Sound Advice can be downloaded here.
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Top image : Chris Haley from Dransfields with Chris Black from Sound Leisure
SOUND LEISURE: RECORD BREAKER
Sound Leisure confirms its position as industry leader with the sale of its 12,000th digital jukebox to Leeds-based operator Dransfields.
“We have come a very long way since we sold our first digital jukebox product 11 years ago,” said Sound Leisure’s Managing Director Chris Black. “At that time, we used amazingly complex technology that updated content via a satellite! There were some detractors that thought they would never catch on, and initially we only sold digital boxes in small numbers alongside our popular CD models.”
The Sound Leisure range of digital products has come a long way in 11 years and sales have snowballed as prices have become more competitive and the technology more reliable and widely recognized. The box that really started the revolution for digital in the UK was the Sound Surfer, launched in 2001. Sound Surfer sold more than any other rival product and remains one of the most successful jukeboxes Sound Leisure has ever developed. Eight years on, and there are still thousands of these units working reliably out in the field. “The ethos behind the Sound Surfer software has continued through out our range of developments over the years,” says Chris Black. “We learned that the most important requirements are profiling the music well, ensuring the machines are reliable and that they are easy to use by the operator and the end user.”
“We are all tremendously proud of reaching our 12,000th box and it seems rather fitting that it has been delivered to one of our local operators that has supported us for many years.”
Chris Haley from Dransfields added, “The Sound Leisure boxes have proven extremely popular with both our staff and our customers. The team at Sound Leisure have done an excellent job over the years both in developing good quality reliable machines and backing them up.” |
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NAVARA IS THE PERFECT FIT
One of the most experienced salesmen in the industry is preparing himself for another tough three days in London this month. But Rob Navara, 72, should be able to handle it – his other job is as a personal trainer and gym instructor, specialising in boxercise and circuit training classes.
Rob is now working just one day a week at Sound Leisure – the company he has been with for the last five years. Before that, he spent 20 years with Rowe International, having made the transition from the vending industry, where he spent another 20 years and owned his own company.
“If I wasn’t working for Sound Leisure I would definitely have retired by now,” admits Rob. “But it is such a great family business and an industry leader. I enjoy keeping my hand in and looking after my customers, who are mostly in the South.”
“I am kept very busy as well with my fitness work – as far as I am concerned, age is just a state of mind. If you keep yourself active, there is no reason why you can’t be teaching classes in your 70s.”
Rob has become a valued member of the Sound Leisure team in the last five years and has long admired the way company founder Alan Black has run the business. “I am very proud to be working for Alan,” he says. “I have always appreciated the way he has run his business. Years ago he stuck his neck out over digital music and he got it right. Other people were clinging to CDs but he was moving the industry forward. I have seen the industry change dramatically during my career. I can honestly say that during my time in coin-op, I have never been bored.”
“My only regret is that Rob couldn’t have been part of the Sound team sooner,” says Alan Black. “He is one of the best salesmen I have ever worked with and a great friend. We are really pleased that we have been able to keep him for a day a week and value the experience he brings to his post. And its good to know that at least one member of the team is up to the challenge of being on their feet for three days in London this month during the IGX show!” |
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Above image shows Deborah Roback, the charity’s Service Development Manager, being presented with a Sound Leisure jukebox by Colin Vernon.
Supporting Teenage Cancer Trust
Sound Leisure are proud to be supporters of Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity devoted to improving the lives of teenagers and young people with cancer. The charity is building 10 specialist units nationwide. Sound Leisure have so far co-sponsored 2 of their classic jukeboxes in the famous St. James hospital in Leeds.
This is part of our ongoing support for this very worthy organisation and we made a conscious decision not to send Christmas cards this year, instead making a donation to the charity. Should any of our customers wish to give their support, please contact us for the charity’s details.
In October, the purpose-built Bexley Wing unit was officially opened by the Duchess of York, and her daughter Eugenie.
For more information about Teenage Cancer Trust you can visit their website at:
www.teenagecancertrust.org |
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Another Donation to Kinderhospice Pallieterbught
SoundLeisure and Dutch distributor The Jukebox Gallery have also teamed up to make a joint donation to the KinderHospice (Childrens hospital) in Pallieterbught Netherlands. The donation of a Sound Leisure manhattan CD jukebox with iPod facility was delivered in early December offering an early christmas present to the children spending the holidays in hospital.
Above: Sound Leisure's Colin Vernon and Jukebox Gallery's Willem Weijburg with the donated Manhattan.
"It was nice meeting you yesterday at the Open House of Pallieterburght. There were a lot of guests but only one who came all the way from Leeds. We appreciate it a lot what you both have done for the kids from Pallieterburght!
Thanks once again!
Lots of greetings,
Rein & Phyllis
Kinderhospice Pallieterbught" |
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Above pic: The NEW Jukebox featuring the NEW MIM Software Version
NEW Website, NEW Jukebox, NEW Technology, Same Quality and Backup!
October 2008
Welcome to the NEW Sound Leisure Website. We hope you like this fresh new look.
Along with the design, the support section has also been updated and now features program downloads to ensure that you can keep your machines updated to the very latest specification. In addition to the software we have also created a guide for the latest Milestones features, "BOXING CLEVER" will help you get the most out of the latest Milestones Software on site.
New Jukebox
During the Preview exhibition, held at Novotel in London Sound Leisure launched the latest machine to include Milestones software. The “JUKEBOX”. This machine is available in RPS10,000, Milestones audio and video formats, the latter being available without any starter pack cost.
The “JUKEBOX” has been designed to
offer the very latest industry leading software at a more competitive price and is available NOW. Featuring Sound Leisure’s brand new book case P.C that has been in development for 12 months this new PC is compatible with all previous Sound Leisure Digital Jukeboxes and offers much more flexibility moving forward than the current model that has now been in production for three years.
New Software
The latest MIM software
(V3.2b) is also now available for Milestones machines. You can download this HERE now via our new SUPPORT SECTION. Along with this update are installation instructions and an end user guide "Boxing Clever" that shows step by step instructions to get the most out of the new Milestones Features.
Alternatively, if you require postal delivery it is possible to order this update via our stores Dept. you can request this by contacting us HERE. If you have a MIM product that is currently being updated via our 3g or broadband service these will have automatically received the program update, however an Engineer will still be required to visit site to enable some of the options and explain how to use them.
V3.2b adds many new features to what is already regarded by many as the Industry leading “Milestones in Music” software. As a company, Sound Leisure has been manufacturing and supporting its products for 30 years and it is 20 years since we first revealed a digital jukebox. As was the case then, we are still totally committed to offer you and your customers the very best products and services available on the market.
Thank you for your continued support of
Sound Leisure products. |
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Above pic: some of the products in Sound's NEW childrens play showroom
IKC and Sound Leisure Join Forces!
June 2008
Sound Leisure is pleased to announce they are now acting as UK distributors for the Dutch retail play equipment specialists Instore Kids Corner (IKC).
The two companies have been working closely together over the past two years with SL completing several product developments for IKC. Current projects include a range of innovative interactive play modules for a key IKC customer with hundreds of retail outlets throughout Europe. The new deal will now see Sound Leisure handle sales of IKC’s full range of indoor retail play equipment with a catalogue of over two hundred products.
Sound’s Mike Black commented “We’ve been working closely with IKC on a number of projects for a couple of years now and the there is good synergy between the two companies. We’ve previewed the new product line to a number of existing customers and have been extremely pleased with the interest expressed.”
Sound Leisure’s retail division (SLR) which has been growing steadily since its launch in 2004, has already provided IKC equipment to a number of its established customers while the parent company also received encouraging interest from its core leisure sector. As pubs look to encourage families back to venues following the smoking ban the new product range is viewed as a cost effective and simple solution.
Black added “Sound Leisure now offers a wide range of products and services and the addition of the IKC distributorship continues the diversification of the company”.
To view Sound Leisure’s range of retail play equipment please visit the IKC web site: www.ikcplay.com |
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Sound Leisure Innovation Minisite!
May 2008
We are celebrating 30 years of jukebox innovation by launching a minisite. Sound Leisure have been instrumental in shaping jukebox technology over the last 30 years. See some of the ways we have done this by visiting the mini site HERE.
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| Above: Managing Director Chris Black, Founder and Chairman Alan Black, Eddie Moss & Special Project Manager Michael Black. |
30 Years of Sound Leisure!
Sound Leisure Celibrates 30 years in Jukebox Manufacturing
Released : Jan 12th 2008
Sound Leisure will be celebrating the past as well as looking to the the future at ATEI 2008. Not only will the company be showing the latest phase of its ground-breaking Milestones In Music technology, it will also be marking three historic milestones.
30th Anniversary Of Sound Leisure. Alan Black and Eddie Moss started Sound Leisure in 1978, exhibiting their first jukebox product at the ATEI show at Olympia only 2 years later. Alan, who celebrates 43 years experience in the industry this year, is now joined by his two sons Chris and Michael. The company remains family owned and employs some of the finest craftsmen and technical minds in the leisure industry.
20th Anniversary Of SL Digital Jukeboxes. August 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of the world"s first demonstration of a commercial digital jukebox by Sound Leisure. The product, named Nimbus, was initially demonstrated to a group of senior trade executives and press at the Cedar Court Hotel in Wakefield and then to a stunned audience at the Novotel Previews at Hammersmith in October 1998. The Nimbus was arguably the catalyst for digital jukeboxes as we know them today.
10TH Anniversary of UK"s first touch screen Video jukebox. In 1998 Sound Leisure went to site with the first Digital Touchscreen jukebox operated in the UK. Developed specifically for Mr Q"s pool venues, the machine was way ahead of its time receiving music updates via satellite and featuring 300 Mpeg Video tracks as standard. This development was the building block for the hugely successful Sound Surfer range of products which continue to operate today on thousands of sites world wide.
Chris Black comments, Sound Leisure has exhibited at the ATEI every year since 1980 and it remains the highlight of the show calendar for us. Once again, we will be pushing forward the boundaries in jukebox technology with our products but we will also find the time to celebrate our fantastic history with our customers and colleagues.
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| Above: Company co-founder Eddie Moss (left) presents Phil with a commemorative watch in appreciation of his ongoing commitment to the company and outstanding contribution to its success over the past 30 years. Well done Phil! |
30 YEARS SERVICE FOR PHIL
Released : Jan 12th 2008
Our congratulations and warmest thanks go to Sound Leisure"s Phil Paterson, who celebrates his thirtieth year with the company in 2008. Phil who was one of the first people to join the company with founder Alan Black, heads SL"s highly respected Research and Development department.
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Have a classic Christmas
Released Dec 12th 2007
Sound leisures range of Classic jukeboxes are always the centre of attention, even more so at traditional party times such as Christmas and New Year when family and friends of all ages gather around the machines to reminisce over the past year.
The units with their warm glow, playing your exact choice of music create the perfect back drop to any party or occasion and over the years become an integral part of the family. The jukebox becomes the hub of the party as it was in its heyday back in the 40's and 50's!
Christmas is traditionally a very busy time for us here at Sound Leisure so if you would like to discuss ordering one of these fantastic machines in time for Christmas you should do it as soon as possible.
You can check out our entire range of Classic Jukeboxes manufactured by Sound Leisure here at:
www.classicjukeboxes.co.uk
Including brand new features such as our Diamond Pack lighting systems, Integrated IPod docking stations and custom glass facilities!
Everyone at Sound Leisure would like to Thank all of our customers new and old for their continued support and wish them a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year.
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THE WIZARD OF OZ
Released October 2007
Sound Leisure has amazed the customers of the Sailor"s Arms Hotel in Pingrup, Western Australia with the quality and sound of its Digital Nostalgia VVS jukebox.
The juke is the first of its kind to be operated in Australia and was purchased from Sound by its Australian distributor Peter Proposch Electronics (www.digital-jukeboxes.com) who supplied it to John Seman at the Sailor"s Arms.
I am absolutely delighted with the machine and my customers are really amazed by it. It not only sounds fantastic but the workmanship that has gone into it is really astounding, commented John. It"s great to know we have the very first one in the whole of Australia.
We are so pleased that John and his customers at the Sailor"s Arms Hotel are happy with their new Nostalgia Jukebox, says Chris Black, Managing Director of Sound Leisure. It looks like it will be the first of many we sell into Australia in association with Peter Proposch who is doing a great job on our behalf.
The Versatile Video System or VVS gives operators the freedom to make video dance to their tune. Want pay-per-play video and audio? That"s no problem with VVS. Or perhaps you want audio and advertising? Or a mixture of both whatever you want, VVS can deliver. And combine this high-end technology with the traditional British craftsmanship of the Nostalgia cabinet and the result is truly magic!
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Sound Leisure Gets Green Honour
ELECTRONICS YORKSHIRE HELPS SOUND LEISURE MEET ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES
Released October 2007
Leeds-based Sound Leisure, makers of the world"s ultimate video jukebox", is the first company to be honoured under a new scheme that helps electronics companies meet increasingly complex requirements to achieve environmentally sound working practices.
The Envirotronix programme, created by Electronics Yorkshire, the region"s electronics industry support organisation, was of immediate relevance to Sound Leisure as they invested in new machinery and processes with the aim of becoming an environmentally responsible manufacturer within 12 months.
Established in 1978, Sound Leisure recently launched their Milestones in Music digital jukebox which carries every top 40 audio track since 1952 and every video featured in the UK top 10 since 1980 a total of 30,000 audio tracks and 5,000 video selections. Carrying the iconic Top of the Pops branding, the new machine joins a wide range of Sound Leisure jukeboxes including models dedicated to Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
Pete Longley, health and safety manager at Sound Leisure, is responsible for the company"s waste management policy. Having attended the Envirotronix launch and an Electronics Yorkshire seminar on handling hazardous substances and waste, he was keen to pilot the programme.
As a major manufacturer in the field of digital leisure and entertainment products we are determined to achieve and maintain best practice and demonstrate compliance with all legislation. Electronics Yorkshire has given us tremendous support in achieving this and we are proud to be the first company in the region to receive the Electronics Yorkshire Envirotronix endorsement." he said.
Sound Leisure embarked on the Envirotronix programme in November 2006 and to mark its successful completion they recently received a special plaque from Electronics Yorkshire. A further 24 companies are currently involved in the programme which is being supported by Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency.
Mr Longley has also established an in-house team to constantly review environmental issues relating to the restriction of use of hazardous substances (RoHS) and the disposal of waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) legislation. In addition, company policy also requires the recycling of all cardboard, plastic and raw materials as well as some parts from returned jukeboxes.
Much of the company"s output is exported and the Envirotronix programme will help ensure that Sound Leisure meets international as well as UK legislation.
Envirotronix programmes are individually tailored to meet the needs of each participating company. It involves a specialist electronics and environment team from Electronics Yorkshire visiting and working with each company to produce a diagnostic appraisal and recommended action plan.
Electronics Yorkshire provides advice on how best to reach the anticipated goals and companies receive an easy-to-follow management manual or roadmap to responsible manufacturing. This introduces a systematic approach to improving existing processes and products and flags-up any modifications a company should make to their enable them to meet current and emerging environmental demands.
Among the many areas covered by the programme are supply chain; disposal; skill levels within the business; batteries; energy-using products (EuP) and use of some chemicals (REACH). The Envirotronix programme also supports practical training courses for individuals and master classes for senior management.
Dave Williams, business development manager at Electronics Yorkshire, said they are delighted with the reception the Envirotronix programme is receiving from the expanding Yorkshire and Humber electronics sector and congratulated Sound Leisure on achieving the award.
The Envirotronix programme is proving a great success in helping companies achieve responsible and environmentally aware manufacturing goals. We"re delighted that Sound Leisure has become the first company in the region to achieve the standards of environmental best practice."
Electronics Yorkshire, based at West Park in Leeds, is a not-for-profit organisation supported by Yorkshire Forward, the Learning and Skills Council and European Union ESF and ERDF.
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| 2006 News Archive. |
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ATEI 2007
Once again it is ATEI time and as usual Sound Leisure have taken this as an opportunity to launch yet more major products and technology. Probably the most exciting is the NEW Milestones in Music AV which not only allows the customer to search from every UK Top 40 release since 1952 but NOW every video featured in the UK Top 10 since 1980 without the need for broadband!
You can also see the BRAND NEW Digitracks II, Music Express II and the Beautiful Digital Nostalgia - touchscreen digital retro jukebox.
We would love to see you at Earls Court over the next few days where we can answer your questions and demonstrate our exceptional range of digital products. Stop by and have a drink and a chat at the SoundLeisure stand which is situated upstairs : Stand number 2330.
ATEI : Earls Court : London 23rd - 25th January 2006
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PREVIEW THE LATEST FROM SOUND
At this years Preview Sound Leisure unveiled the largest range of quality audio and video jukeboxes offered by any manufacturer in the world.
Topping the bill was Sound Leisure"s Milestones in Music (MIM) digital jukebox housed in the branded Top of the Pops cabinet and endorsed by the Official UK Top 40 Company. It features every Top 40 chart hit since 1952. Milestones in Music digital holds in excess of 30,000 tracks internally, without the need for a broadband connection, but can still be fully profiled to suite a site"s requirements.
The fact it offers a huge selection of music is not the full story, its appeal to many locations is down to the unmatched search facility that allows customers to type in ANY date from 1960 onwards and view that week"s Top 40! MIM has shown an average increase in cashbox over existing digital jukeboxes of between 40-60% - even during one of the most difficult trading conditions over the summer.
Another addition to the Sound Leisure range that made its first appearance was the addition of a budget video jukebox, Digitracks which features 1000 profiled WM9 videos, previously only available on the top of the range Browser and Music Express models. The Digitracks video offer incorporates modern styling and the 1000-video starter pack at a budget price.
Existing customers buying a new video jukebox during the show can benefit from a Double Discount as Sound net will slash the price of the fortnightly video update on every new jukebox, matching that reduction on an old subscription one new for one old.
Preview has always been a very important show for Sound Leisure,especially this year as we are riding on a big high due to the performance of the Milestones In Music over the recent summer period, In the twenty years that I have been involved with operating and manufacturing Jukeboxes I have never witnessed income like this machine is generating comments Managing Director Chris Black. This summer Paul Valente from Kent-based Quality Amusements reported a 60% increase in cash taken over his original Digital boxes with Milestones in Music.
As well as Paul's machines here are what some of our other customers are saying about the Sound Leisure Milestones In Music Top Of The Pops branded jukebox.
The Milestones in Music is the best thing to happen to the jukebox industry for a long time. The increase in revenue has been outstanding!
Scott McGillivray
Sims Automatics
Everyone involved with the development of this product deserves a pat on the back, It"s superb.
Alan Cook
Leisure Time, Lancashire
Since Installing the Milestones in Music machines my profits have risen an amazing 60%... This was over a summer period!
Paul Valente : Director
Quality Amusements
We have placed MIM machines on various locations where alternative digital boxes had previously been sited. These sites have reported a considerable uptake in profit.
Bill Simmonds :
F.Simmonds & Sons, Weymouth
We sited our first Milestones in Music machine 6 weeks ago. The site had previously housed a Music On Line. The MIM has DOUBLED the cash taken by the previous box.
Steve Sutherland : Director
Foremost Leisure
"The Top of the Pops Milestone in Music Digital Juke Box is one of only a few products which have returned impressive figures during a period of tough trading. The pure fact that it offers a huge selection of music with a well known brand name is paramount in its appeal to many locations and as a company we will definitely continue to invest in Sound Leisure's best Digital Juke Box to date."
Jason Jarrett : Director
Automatic Machine Services Limited |
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