Taking common lighting complaints of our readers, On Stage Lighting looks at the really vital skills you will need to succeed as a stage lighting professional and finds a surprising place to learn them. We also bust a myth about life on the professional side of the fence. No wobbly buckets, PC console emulators or [...] [...more]
On Stage Lighting returns from two days of too much walking, too much talking and a certain amount of beer to bring you the essential features of the the PLASA London show 2009. We take you to the places on the floor the industry publications don’t reach and look behind the smoke and mirrors. [...more]
A quick look at the past, present and future of user interfaces (UI) in lighting console design with the question “Are we actually doing it right?” [...more]
UK based touring LD Mark Wynn-Edwards takes time for a chat and to tell us why, despite years of being an Avo man, he now owns and uses a Jands Vista. [...more]
Media Servers and Digital Lighting was a quick introduction to “convergence” and the technologies involved in using digital media for stage lighting. Current lighting trends include the use of arrays of fixtures such as RGB LED units to replay images and effects, using Pixel Mapping. This article looks at the basics of pixel mapping and [...] [...more]
In Stage Lighting Maintenance… we looked at improving the performance of your lighting gear and getting the best from what you’ve got. Continuing the “budget lighting” theme, we uncover tricks of the lighting trade when you don’t quite have enough of something– dimmers, lanterns, control channels, chocolate Hobnobs ….(well, maybe not that) [...more]
With financial belts tightening, people are getting reluctant to spend money on new kit. On Stage Lighting looks at getting more out of your existing lighting equipment – lantern maintenance and how to get more 300% light for free. [...more]
On Stage Lighting has a beginner’s guide to media servers, digital lighting and some extra skills that could become vital for future stage lighting technicians. Plus, are us lampies now betrothed to the video department? Or will we never actually get up the aisle? [...more]
While this years PLASA is in full swing, On Stage Lighting samples free beverages and meets up with old chums. Oh, and looks at some lighting equipment in an attempt to turn this years trip to Earl’s Court into an important fact finding mission. [...more]
A guide to the basics of RDM (Remote Device Management) DMX. How it works and what it does. [...more]
Wireless DMX systems are getting affordable. At outdoor concerts this summer, On Stage Lighting gave up “control by wire” and got to test the Zero88 ZeroWire system. This article looks at the features of a cheap WiFi DMX solution. [...more]
An explanation of the “Wide” mode that is found on a range of lighting consoles including budget models. Wide mode is useful because it doubles the number of control channels on a small lighting desk – great when you add some extra kit to your usual lighting rig. [...more]
On Stage Lighting has always liked the ChamSys MagicQ and MagicQ PC, the free PC lighting control software, is the cheapest way to get your hands on a professional console. What makes MagicQ PC so great and why is it worth learning? [...more]
In 2009 it will 10 years since the award winning ETC Source Four PARNel was launched. A interesting “wavy” lens was added to the original S4 PAR casing to produce a hybrid of the traditional PAR can and a stage lighting fresnel. Since then, the PARnel has been popular but hasn’t sent all it’s older [...] [...more]
DMX over Ethernet has been around in stage lighting control for quite a while. The concept of sending DMX512 universes over a network, using Cat5 cable or Wireless, has some advantages but an ethernet to DMX converter has not been cheap. As a new low cost ethernet to DMX gateway enters the market, On Stage [...] [...more]
Away from the “glamourous” world of intelligent stage lighting, the humble manual lighting desk is still the cornerstone of small venue and school lighting control. The Zero88 Jester is actually a rather sophisticated DMX memory lighting controller aimed at a budget market who need control of a small conventional lighting rig. On Stage Lighting recently [...] [...more]
DMX512 is the most common stage lighting control system that can control both intelligent lighting and DMX dimmer systems. A DMX control system is pretty simple and robust and DMX faults are a less common problem in stage lighting, compared to blown lamps etc. If you do have a fault in your DMX chain, it [...] [...more]
A commonly used method of rigging stage lighting, the lighting stand is safe, flexible and can be cheap. Perhaps you looking to buy your first set of lighting stands for your own mobile rig. If so, read on at the On Stage Lighting guide to using and abusing stage lighting stands… [...more]
The LDI 2007 Trade Show and Conference took place in Orlando, USA in November. A stage lighting and production equipment extravaganza, similar the UK’s PLASA show, LDI showcased all that is new and shiny to lighting designers in the US. [...more]
The new Avolites Pearl Tiger lighting control was launched in the UK at PLASA 2007. The price tag brought the idea of owning an Avolites lighting control within reach of a new budget market. On Stage Lighting looks at the features of the Avo Pearl Tiger Moving Light Controller and “the Avolites way” for anyone [...] [...more]
Stage lighting equipment is increasingly cheap to buy. This means that some new lighting equipment, intelligent lighting in particular, is now within reach of your youth group, drama society, school or church hall. The question of “What Intelligent Lighting Should I Buy?” is often asked when the time comes to upgrade your existing lighting rig. [...] [...more]
For years the PAR Can has been the great workhorse of the stage lighting industry, particularly in band/DJ lighting. The 1000w PAR 64 Can is the daddy of the PAR family and PAR 64 lamps (the bulbs that go inside the Can) are available to buy in different beam widths. On Stage Lighting takes a [...] [...more]
Stage lighting control has got complicated. The availability of cheap intelligent lighting fixtures, LED colour mixers and other sophisicated lighting effect has made good DMX lighting control even more necessary. Luckily cheap stage light controllers, in the form of DMX lighting software for PC, are everywhere these days and are available to buy (or download [...] [...more]
LED lighting for stage and theatrical use has never been so cheap to buy. It seem like every major stage lighting manufacturer has dived into the LED lighting fixture market while cheap imported lights mean that even a small band or DJ can get a slice of the RGB colour mixing action. On Stage Lighting [...] [...more]
Another year goes by and the PLASA trade show at London’s Earls Court brings together a world of production lighting and sound equipment to the drooling masses of the laminate ‘n’ Sharpie wearing brigade. The PLASA show is the biggest showcase of the new lighting equipment that allows “lampies” to poke and prod new kit [...] [...more]
If you have any experience of stage lighting you have probably used the DMX512 protocol to control your lighting rig. Apart from being able to control your dimmers, DMX lighting control is at the heart of intelligent lighting, moving lights and accessories. This article explains the basics of a full DMX stage lighting system while [...] [...more]
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