Tech Topics
The Joys of Interconnectivity
Posted on Friday, May 17th, 2013
Written by: Brad Schiller
Automated lighting programming often encompasses more than adjusting intensities and moving lights around a stage. Quite often, we find ourselves in circumstances that require intense planning, understanding and interconnectivity of lighting elements.
Whether programming a concert, corporate event, television show or any other production, there are always opportunities to expand the playback capacities through advanced programming. The automated lighting programmer must be able to understand the needs of the production as well as the capabilities of the console in order to create the required interconnectivity of lighting playbacks.
To read the full article click here http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/42-feeding-the-machines/11098-the-joys-of-interconnectivity.html
Lighting for Video – The Evolution of Cool
Posted on Tuesday, April 30th, 2013
Written by Paul Berliner
The history of lighting dates back to a distant time when there wasn’t any artificial lighting at all. In fact, in the early days, some film studios were designed with a rotating open roof to allow the maximum amount of natural light to fill the stage. Film companies moved to Hollywood in droves, where natural light was plentiful. Inevitably, directors wanted to film in the evenings, and they had the audacity to want a little “visual mood” in their scenes. Thankfully, along came Thomas Edison, followed closely by Mr. Mole, Mr. Richardson, and the Kliegl Brothers. Suddenly, the “electric” lighting industry was born.
Read the full article at: http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/26-video-world/10895-lighting-for-video-the-evolution-of-cool.html
Set in a Bag
Posted on Tuesday, April 9th, 2013
Written by: Nook Schoenfeld
Each year I get a few calls from bands looking for a set or lighting design for their tour. It’s always an exciting process as I let my imagination run for a few days before I start putting pencil to paper. Last month, I got a call from a booking agent looking to hook me up with one of her new acts. So I contacted the management company and they emailed me a response. “Before we chat, take a listen to this music and let us know if this is something you would be interested in.” Nobody has ever approached me in this manner before. I had not thought I heard the band’s name previously.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/35-ld-at-large/10888-set-in-a-bag.html
Smooth Moves
Posted on Tuesday, March 12th, 2013
Written by: Brad Schiller
Automated lighting fixtures are extremely sophisticated, to the point that some people even refer to them as “intelligent.” While the fixtures are packed full of very smart features, they actually require a human with a bit of knowledge to operate them properly. This is very true when it comes to controlling the movement of pan/tilt or other features. Fixtures and consoles provide a multitude of methods to ensure that these movements are either perfectly smooth or extremely quick. A thorough understanding of the various options is imperative for any automated lighting programmer.
Read the full article at: http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/42-feeding-the-machines/10731-smooth-moves.html
The Next Generation of Media Servers
Posted on Thursday, December 6th, 2012
Written by: Vickie Claiborne
From the early days of DMX-controlled media servers, something has been missing. Missing, that is, until recently. Two of the more recently launched media servers (the Ai media server from Avolites and the d3 media server from d3 Technologies) take video control into the next generation by adding the missing link: real-time video visualization.
That’s right, media server programmers can now pre-visualize video clips, effects and how the full stage looks in real time with the video playing.
Still not sure what this means? Think WYSIWYG or ESPVision for video — but on steroids.
Read the full article at: http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/39-video-digerati/10134-the-next-generation-of-media-servers.html
The Quickest Path, and Other Nifty Colour Tricks
Posted on Tuesday, November 27th, 2012
By Brad Schiller
Automated lighting manufacturers create some amazing products that we programmers are fortunate to get to operate. Quite often, their software developers will implement features that are essential to enhance the lighting experience. It is extremely important that automated lighting programmers are aware of and understand the features that are included within each fixture. Armed with this knowledge, you can achieve the best possible use of the products that you are programming and therefore create the best lighting achievable too.
Read the full article here: http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/42-feeding-the-machines/10130-the-quickest-path-and-other-nifty-color-tricks.html
Lighting Console Developments
Posted on Tuesday, November 20th, 2012
by Michael S. Eddy
Whether you are programming the lighting to playback looks at the touch of a button, running complex, multi-cued presentations, or running the lighting manually with faders, the choice of console can help or hinder your plans. Lighting consoles are the brains of the lighting system, and whether you are a lighting designer who will operate their own lighting design for services and programs or you’re the person tasked with programming and operating the lighting for a guest designer, you will be spending a lot of time with this tool. You will want to take a good look at the features and functions of various consoles, know how those functions might benefit or perhaps slow down cueing, and then decide what console will work for your needs and style of lighting control.
Read the full article at: http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/article/lighting_console_developments
The Secret World of LED Colour
Posted on Thursday, October 25th, 2012
Written by: Brad Schiller
The popularity of LED lighting has certainly taken ahold of our industry, and nearly every production now incorporates some form of LED-source products. Many wash lights are being replaced with LED fixtures, and now even LED ellipsoidals and automated spots are beginning to emerge from the major manufacturers. All these products generally operate very similarly to other automated luminaires, however there are important color differences that must be considered by an automated lighting programmer.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/42-feeding-the-machines/9995-the-secret-world-of-led-color.html
The Lighting Archive gets another full plot
Posted on Monday, October 22nd, 2012
The full paperwork for the 1953 Broadway production of “Wonderful Town” has now been added to the valuable on-line collection of lighting history at The Lighting Archive.
This site is well worth a visit to see original paperwork for major US shows dating as far back as the 1930s.
It includes designs from, Ken Billington, Nicola Cernovitch, Peggy Clark, Gilbert Hemsley and the legendary Jean Rosenthal.
There are even more historical Broadway lighting design documents, from designers including Tharon Musser, Thomas Skelton, Jules Fisher and Richard Nelson in the New York Public Library’s Theatrical Lighting Database
Dealing with Loss
Posted on Thursday, October 11th, 2012
Written by: Brad Schiller
This month, I am writing to all of you about a serious situation in our industry. Every production inevitably ends up suffering from this serious condition at some point in preproduction, or even after the show opens. It is time that we all work together as professionals to help reduce further occurrences of this terrible state of affairs. As I am sure most of you reading this are aware, all too often, cues and looks get programmed and never used.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/42-feeding-the-machines/9830-dealing-with-loss.html
…And Then There’s the Other Guy
Posted on Tuesday, September 18th, 2012
Written by: Nook Schoenfeld
Last month, I wrote about the benefits of working with some small lighting companies. But this article is dedicated to the shoddy lighting vendors out there. They will promise you the world and an abundance of fabulous gear. But as soon as you get to the gig, it doesn’t take long to realize some salesman/owner of a little company has bent you over a barrel. I’m like an elephant. I don’t forget these people.
Read the full article at: http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/35-ld-at-large/9828-and-then-theres-the-other-guy.html
How to Meet Hot Fixtures
Posted on Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
Written by: Brad Schiller
Welcome to the newest service in the lighting industry: meet-hot-fixtures.com. It is very important for automated lighting programmers to get to know and fully understand the lighting fixtures they will work with. Our on-line guide (reprinted here) will assist you in your daily interactions with new fixtures. Often, programmers can be at a loss as to how to fully function with new fixtures, and it is essential that you learn the traits that will assist you with your programming. We have broken down the relationship process into several easy steps.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/42-feeding-the-machines/9645-how-to-meet-hot-fixtures.html
Bringing LEDs Into Focus
Posted on Tuesday, July 31st, 2012
by Michael S. Eddy
No doubt, LEDs are all the rage. With lower prices, higher power and improving quality, it’s tempting to consider them viable for every application. Yet trouble-shooting, maintenance and debate over color temperature can complicate matters. Our panel of experts weigh in with advice.
As the use of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) has grown for theatrical lighting applications, most of the fixtures offered have been PAR and floods with red, green, and blue (RGB) LEDs ganged up for washes of color. Today there are some good white-light LED options available as well, and in the past two years manufacturers have been tackling the goal of producing a profile fixture with an LED light engine. While some refer to profile fixtures as ellipsoidals, they technically aren’t since they don’t use an elliptical reflector. They use shutters and a lens system for beam control so they are referred to as a profile. There is now a range of profiles with LED light engines from a selection of manufacturers that offer beam control with shutters and the ability to add gobos for pattern projection. Manufacturers also are producing Fresnels powered by LEDs that have spot-to-flood control-and the barndoors can actually shape the beam.
Read the full review at: http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/article/bringing_leds_into_focus
Time to Get Organized
Posted on Monday, June 18th, 2012
Written by: Brad Schiller
The other day I was watching an episode of The Simpsons and Homer was hanging out at home. He was at a loss as to what to do, so he grabbed the label maker and stuck labels on every item in the kitchen. He was very thorough to the point that each egg had a label that simply said “egg.” While this type of organizational skill is a bit over-the-top, automated lighting programmers need to be very organized and label as much as they can within their show file. Good organizational skills lead to faster programming and easier to understand console layouts.
Read the full article at: http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/42-feeding-the-machines/9337-time-to-get-organized.html
Automated Lighting: The Latest Developments
Posted on Tuesday, May 29th, 2012
Church Production talks to seven leading manufacturers about the latest developments, and what the future may hold.
by Michael S. Eddy
It is hard not to notice that automated lighting is being used more widely these days in a variety of house of worship (HOW) applications. As new and more efficient light source technologies, along with new fixture designs, bring down the size and cost for automated lights, many churches are looking at the versatility of such fixtures. One of the more significant advances is that light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are being paired with fixture designs that offer better throws and output for wash lights and now even for spot light applications. Lamp manufacturers are also making advances in reducing the power draws for more traditional discharge source technology while maintaining—or even improving—output.
Read the full article at: http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/article/automated_lighting
The Rainmaker
Posted on Tuesday, May 15th, 2012
By Brad Schiller
Very early in my career, I saw a cool effect on a TV show that I just had to emulate. There were dancers on a stage and a lighting effect that created what looked like large, random raindrops hitting the stage. The look, created with large number of fixtures, presented a fantastic new look for automated lighting. I felt compelled to figure out how it was made, and to program something similar the next opportunity I had. It was a great example of how, by watching other shows, you can be inspired by the creativity of others while gaining insights into what is possible through programming.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/42-feeding-the-machines/9152-the-rainmaker.html
Merging DMX
Posted on Friday, March 30th, 2012
Written by: Vickie Claiborne
Recently, I took on the task of incorporating DMX merging into my lighting control system. “Why?” you may be asking. Aside from that question (I asked myself this too, along the way), I also thought of a few other questions that programmers and LDs might ask themselves about merging DMX. For example, “What does DMX merge mean?” “How do you combine two sources of control into one stream?” “Do you get something usable?” “What gear is necessary to set up a system for merging multiple sources of DMX?”
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/39-video-digerati/8848-merging-dmx.html
An LD and His iPad
Posted on Thursday, March 22nd, 2012
Written by: Nook Schoenfeld
My wife was concerned that our three-year-old wants to spend all his time with the iPad. Then I mentioned that someone told me the first word spoken by his 18-month-old daughter most mornings is “iPad.” I don’t know right from wrong when it comes to kids and mobile devices. But I do know that if we are playing with a toy and I get an important business call, I can hand my child the iPad and he will stop whining immediately.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/35-ld-at-large/8843-an-ld-and-his-ipad.html
Watch Where You Point That Thing!
Posted on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
Automated lighting programmers have many tasks they must perform when programming any type of production. One of the most common tasks is positioning (or focusing) the fixtures. The exact angle and aim of the fixture must be dialed in to ensure the proper areas of the stage are lit or that the aerial effects look good. There are many techniques and tools to assist the focusing process and it is important that programmers understand the differences.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/42-feeding-the-machines/8697-watch-where-you-point-that-thing.html
Concert Touring 101
Posted on Wednesday, January 4th, 2012
I have just finished programming another big rock show, and it got me to thinking about the common programming elements that are present in all concert tours. Even with different musical genres and unique production requirements, there are some essential processes that every automated lighting programmer should be aware of. The layout of the show, use of flash keys and palette usage are very important parts of the concert touring experience.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/42-feeding-the-machines/8390-concert-touring-101.html
Good Fixtures for Pixel-Mapping
Posted on Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
So you’ve decided to incorporate a bit of pixel mapping into your show (either that or you’ve bought a media server and just want to know how to use that extra feature tucked away in the advanced menu). Instantly you will ask yourself, “What kind of lighting fixture would be good to use?” And that’s when it starts — the quest to find an LED fixture that lets you map video to each and every pixel on its front panel. How easy is that? Well, let’s take a look.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/39-video-digerati/8265-good-fixtures-for-pixel-mapping.html
Dr DMX on DMX Cables
Posted on Monday, December 5th, 2011
Under the alias Dr DMX, electronics engineer Doug Fleenor has prepared a couple of quite watchable and most informative video tutorials on the subject of DMX 512 cabling. These YouTube videos address the most common questions about DMX cabling and data transmission. Even if you know the answers already, Doug’s explanations are clear and simple, and may help you to explain the answers to others.
Warning: Like most clever tech people Doug has a really lame sense of humour, which he unfortunately uses in attempt to make his presentations more entertaining.
He fails dismally. One and a half stars.
Hitting the Sweet Spot
Posted on Saturday, November 5th, 2011
Written by: Nook Schoenfeld
A spotlight does just what its name says it will do. Light a spot in a crowd to draw attention to it. A light shone on one person in a crowd will make them stand out, but so will a “key” light on stage. The difference is that a spotlight uses an operator to follow the performer around as he struts about on stage, keeping him illuminated as the intended focal point of the audience. The history of the spotlight can be traced back to 1550, when an Italian named Sebastiano Serlio used a brightly-polished barber’s basin (reflector) placed behind a torch to reflect the light through a bottle (lens) on the other side of the flame.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/35-ld-at-large/8070-hitting-the-sweet-spot.html
Krafting MACROni & Cheese
Posted on Thursday, October 20th, 2011
By Brad Schiller
Automated lighting consoles provide the programmer with a multitude of tools to help create and playback lighting for a show. Some of the most powerful features are commonly known as “macros.” These automated time-savers can help programmers simplify repeated tasks, create shortcuts and even add functionality to their show files. Although each console system uses different terminology and procedures, there are two basic types of macros: triggers and recorded. As always, refer to your console’s user manual to determine exactly what is available and how to use the features on your desk.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/42-feeding-the-machines/8076-krafting-macroni-a-cheese.html
Stand Alone and Take Control!
Posted on Thursday, September 29th, 2011
Written by: Brad SchillerAn automated lighting programmer has many tools too choose from when deciding how to control fixtures. Most applications require the use of a lighting console or computer-based software with specialized hardware. However, many lighting manufacturers understand that there are situations where no controller is required. For these situations, they have implemented “pre-set” or “stand-alone” control directly within the fixtures. This allows you to program information and have the light be its own controller. With further master/slave functionality or audio control, a complex show can be run without requiring a DMX controller. Why Go Controller-Free?
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/current-issue/42-feeding-the-machines/7963-stand-alone-and-take-control.html