Turntable turned off: Technics nixxed

Even the sort of wedding dj who pretends that they're Fatboy Slim seems to have stopped using turntables in favour of digital decks, so it's perhaps no surprise that Panasonic have announced they're ceasing production of Technics turntables.

The big question: If DJs now turn up with all their choons on a memory stick, what has taken the place of 'carrying one of the big plastic boxes of records' as the time-honoured way of sneaking into the venue without paying?

Ampobit: Ted Weber

Ted Weber, amp and loudspeaker king, has died.

Weber trained as an electrician and shaped his skills while in the US Army. On his return to civilian life he tried to find a role in local bands, but soon realised his greatest contribution would be to help those bands by making amps and loudspeakers. A hobby quickly became a job, and a job became a company - once which has thrived for fourteen years and currently employs 10 people; one which provides equipment for a large number of - mainly - country artists.

Weber was 58; he had been sick for some time.