Stage Lighting Software
Many people have a rather limited view of software. They fail to see the wide range of external applications available.. Stage lighting software is an example.
Stage Lighting Software
Software programs are able to do far more than operate computers or generate graphics for computer games. There is a wide range of business applications as well as applications in the areas of art and entertainment that are basically computer controlled, but operate remote and external equipment. One good example of this software function is stage lighting software.
Stage lighting software comes in two different forms. One type of software is used to design the lighting and lighting special effects for performances such as plays or concerts. This type of software simulates the actual stage on the computer screen and allows the designer to plan and preview the lightening before any actual investment in equipment is needed. The simulations can recreate any type of lighting equipment and the program can integrate visual or audio special effects with the lighting changes. The program then previews it on the monitor and allows alterations to be made. Once the lighting scheme is complete and approved, it is time to move on to the next step.
The second group of stage lighting software actually operates the lights and associated equipment. Some of the programs can be operated from a simple laptop computer and be connected to the lighting controls via standard USB or Ethernet connections. The pre-approved and designed program operates automatically needing little more than monitoring by the lighting technicians.
Similar types of programs have been used from everything to coordinating music and fireworks displays and operating large graphic scoreboards at major sporting venues. The basic principles are the same as with the stage lighting software. The program can be designed, altered, timed, and coordinated with one set of design software and then used to operate the actual remote equipment to execute the design.
Many of the elaborate light shows associated with concerts and certain other types of live on stage performances have been made possible by the use of stage lighting software. The computers ability to execute precise commands on cue and according to a pre-ordered timing sequence far exceeds the manual ability of any human technician. It has opened up possibilities that were not even imagined before the advent of computer controlled lighting and effects.
Hardly a day goes by without some new application of software. The ability to control remote displays has opened up new vistas in advertising and entertainment. Stage lighting software is just one example of how this new use of integrated software systems can be used outside the area of simple data processing and storage.