An introduction to the Compulite Vector lighting control, a guest article by UK Vector trainer Joe Bleasdale. If you don’t really know much about the Vector, a favourite in control for TV lighting, read on. [...more]
Our guest is international LD, Paul Smith as he shares his dream of a revolution in lighting control and asks if we aren’t stuck in a timewarp of cue stacks and faders. Should we continue to use a style of control that hasn’t changed for the best part of 20 years, or is there a [...] [...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]
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]
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]
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 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]
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]
On Stage Lighting publishes original articles, tutorials and information about stage lighting techniques, modern equipment and best practice - all written by lighting industry professionals. The website has a lot of information on stage lighting for beginners, along with contemporary topics in the lighting world.
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