MA Lighting Releases grandMA Software v2.0.5

I am having a slight case of deja vu here.  Didn’t MA Lighting just release version 2.0.0 [6.6] just last week? Well I just recived a message that MA Lighting has announced another release, version 2.0.5.

I would love to tell you more about this, but it looks like MA has only updated their support page with the new console software and no change notes about the update. It also looks like the update is only for series 2 desk at this time.  No mention on series 1 desk.

Head over to MA Lighting’s support page to download the new desk software and get your desk up-to-date with version 2.0.5/

MA Lighting Releases grandMA 2 Software Version 1.9.0.6 [6.5]

The gents in Germany are hard at work finalizing the series 2 software for the grandMA 2 series of desk.  MA Lighting just announced the release of version 1.9.0.6 [6.5] of the series 2 software. This means that they are getting closer and closer to releasing version 2.0 which should be the stable version of the software.

That being said, series 2 software is rather stable and pretty functional to run a show, just some things may still not work correctly.  If you own or are planning on getting a grandMA 2 series of desk, until the release of version 2.0, the production ready version of the series 2 software, you can still run the desk in series 1 software.  But give series 2 software a try when you have time, it’s pretty freakin sweet.

You can find the release notes along with all the software for your specific desk and devices over on MA Lighting’s web site, www.malighting.com.

FocusTrack 2.0 Software Announced at USITT

FocusTrack, the Production Lighting Documentation software is set to announce the release of version 2.0 of FocusTrack at USITT today. FocusTrack is a database system designed for keeping track of how lights are used within a show. It offer a complete lighting rig management system for recording every facet of both conventional and automated lighting fixtures, including set-up, dimmer set-up, gobo and color loads in addition to focus.

From your showfile, it can figure out how your show is made: which moving lights are used in which focuses, which scenes they’re used in, which bits of scenery those focuses are for. Which conventional lights, colors, gobos and more are actually used. No more trawling through the off-line editor manually making lists.

It can help you document your focus with digital photography, a precise record, not a written description; FocusTrack will bring up lights in the right positions for you as you photograph them, then import those pictures. No more perching a laptop on one knee while you call up channels on the radio to take their pictures.
In version 2.0, FocusTrack, functionality is extended to include ETC’s Eos, Ion consoles and the MA Lighting, GrandMA consoles.

If you are attending the USITT Stage Expo, make sure to visit the FocusTrack booth, 81.  FocusTrack will be ready for download the week of March 23, 2009.  A full licence of FocusTrack run UK£400 or $580.00.  Visit FocusTrack’s website at www.focustrack.co.uk for more information and screen shots.

Update: GrandMa 2 Lighting Console Almost Ready

We recently wrote a post about information on the GrandMa 2 has been lacking.  Turns out the the new console is up and running.  That being said, the new series 2 software is not.  While the new GrandMa 2 hardware has started to ship to select customers, the console is still running the series 1 operating system as the series 2 operating system is not finalized. Once the series 2 operating system is ready, it will be an easy upgrade for GrandMa 2 users that have recived the new console.  The GrandMa 2 is able to switch between running Series 1 and Series operating systems while the original GrandMa lineup is only able to run Series 1 operating system.

ACT Lighting, the North American distributor of the MA Lighting product line has had the information available for users to learn more about the new console as well as list pricing. Visit ACT Lighting website at www.actlighting.com for more information.

The new GrandMa 2 product line up is as follows:

• Full Size
• Light
• Ultra Light
• NPU (Network Processing Unit)
• Replay Unit
• Fader Wing

To learn more about the features that the GrandMa 2 consoles offer, visit MA Lightings website at www.malighting.com or the dedicated site for the new GrandMa 2 consoles at www.grandma2.de. The GrandMa 2 is expected to be shown at the USITT Stage Expo in Cincinnati this week, but will Series 2 operating system be shown?

GrandMa 2, Where Art Thou?

Around the time of LDI last year, we wrote about MA Lighting releasing their newest version of the GrandMa 2 lighting console.  It has been over six months now and still no word on any sort of release date of the new console.  We have contacted MA Lighting for more information, but alas, we have heard nothing.

MA Lighting will be at the USITT Stage Expo in Cinncinati next week and are expected to have a beta version of the console on hand like they did at LDI.  Might we be expecting a release date and more information at the show?