MA Lighting Releases grandMA2 Software Version 3.3.4.1

Happy Labor Day USA!  While North America takes a three day weekend to celebrate the unofficial end of the summer season, the Germans in Paderborn have been hard at work fixing bugs and releasing the latest software version to the industry leading lighting control system, the grandMA 2.

Towards the beginning of the summer, MA Lighting launched the long awaited software version 3.3.2.2.  That version brought many new features such as an enhanced PSR, (Partial Show Read) system, fixture offsets and a number of brilliant advances to the system. In this latest version, (3.3.4.1), MA Lighting fixed a number of bugs as well as added a few additional features that users and operators have been asking for.

Halfway through the summer, Op Chris Lose posted an image similar to this one on the left throwing the MA Lighting Facebook group into a tizzy. If you carefully examined his image, you quickly realized it was a hoax and modified in Photoshop. Op Benoit Baillard confirmed this morning upon the release of 3.3.4.1 that changing the appearance, or color of executors is now a real feature and not a cleaver hoax as Mr. Lose is prone to too.

As with any new software release, MA Lighting and A.C.T Lighting, the US Distributor of MA Lighting highly encourage users to download and test the latest software before operating a show with the latest software. Be sure to download and read through the entire Software Release Notes for 3.3.4.1 to learn about the latest features and to understand which bugs and fixes have been implemented. You can download the console, onPC, VPU and all of the assorted grandMA2 software version for 3.3.4.1 here.

Vectorworks Adds 3D Printing Plugin From 3YOURMIND

How would you like to take that 3D widget you designed in Vectorworks and bring it into the real world? Now you can with the help of 3YOURMIND and their plugin that they have created for Vectorworks 2016. Of course, you need a 3D printer to go along with it.

More from the Press Release:

After concluding a second financing round in which Dr. Hans J. Langer, founder and CEO of EOS GmbH positioned himself as the new lead investor of the company in December 2015, Berlin-based 3YOURMIND GmbH continues to develop new 3D printing plugins for CAD programs. The latest addition: Vectorworks 2016, a line of 2D and 3D software developed by Vectorworks, Inc. that helps designers to communicate effectively and bring their visions to life while keeping building information modeling (BIM) at the heart of the design process.

With this new plugin, Vectorworks 2016 users can check, analyze and repair their 3D file to optimize it for 3D printing. With one click on the 3D printing extension inside Vectorworks, the file is uploaded to the 3YOURMIND comparison tool, where it can be scaled and previewed in different 3D printing materials available. Finally, users can instantly compare prices for their 3D model and order it online.

“We’re thrilled to have teamed up with 3YOURMIND to offer this free plugin to our user community,” said Jim Wilson, user experience manager at Vectorworks. “Now, users are just one click away from uploading their 3D files via this plugin to services that cater to all their 3D printing needs, where a wide range of materials are available to choose from and where secure file transfer with SSL is guaranteed.”

Learn more about 3YOURMIND’s plugin for Vectorworks software here and explore Vectorworks’ partner products here. The new plugin can be easily installed at either site.

About 3YOURMIND

3YOURMIND offers intelligent 3D printing solutions for industry and architecture. Their comparison tool on 3yourmind.com presents a convenient way of ordering a 3D printed model of a prototype online. Users can upload their 3D file, which is automatically repaired to achieve a better 3D print result. Afterwards, the user can compare prices of various 3D printing services, and choose from different materials. 3YOURMIND gathers DAX-30 groups and 3D printing suppliers as their clients and partners.

VEZÉR: A Timeline Based Software For Control & Automation

It is a scary thought, but how would you like to control EVERYTHING from a single application? Vezér enables control and synchronization of any MIDI, OSC or DMX enabled environments – realtime video softwares, lighting rigs, etc. – through the use of timeline based automation.

MIDI

MIDI type Tracks in Vezér allows sending of MIDI signals to any MIDI targets like realtime-video apps, lighting desk or even sound equipment. Vezér can also record incoming MIDI messages in realtime.

OSC

With OSC Tracks in Vezér you can send various types of messages to destinations even on a network. OSC Tracks are also available to send multiple values and you can even group the same types together to be sent as a single message. Vezér also provides a helpful OSC Preset system. Vezér can record incoming OSC messages too, in realtime.

Audio

Vezér supports playback of audio files in various format, even by extracting audio from video, as well as route the sound to a specific mono or stereo output. Besides that the application also let you convert the peak of the audio file to convert pretty easily and even with filtering applied.

DMX/Art-Net

The Art-Net Value and Art-Net Color Type Tracks in Vezér allows you to send DMX signals over Ethernet to multiple universes and control lighting rigs and other DMX capable environments, moreover recording of DMX data on a single universe is also supported.

Learn more about Vezér at www.imimot.com/vezer

MA Lighting Releases grandMA2 Console Software 2.5.3 [6.6]

MA Lighting announced the release of version 2.5.3 [6.6[ of the grandMA 2 console software. Important note: Since the release of version 2.3 and the introduction of divorced values and effect values, older show files may not be 100% compatible with the new version of the software.

Main Features of 2.5.3 [6.6]:

• Sheet Masks
• The sheet masking has been revised and extended. The Feature Mask from previous versions has been improved and can be found by setting the right hand side of the new sheet mask options to: Show if in Saved Attributes, then pressing the ‘Define Mask’ button to choose what features or attributes to display.
• Filter
• Store filter, At filter, Circular Copy filter and link defined filter have been merged together to one attribute filter and can be stored and recalled by the filter pool. The filter pool is a global pool used by all users.
• There are a ton of new features with regards to filters
• grandMA Show Converter
• Users can convert grandMA series 1 show files to grandMA series 2
• grandMA Show Converter will convert only show data.
• There are some other limitations when converting show files.
• Fixed Bugs and improved Functionality
• There are three pages of bug fixes

In addition upgrades to the series 2 consoles, MA has also updated features for the MA VPU, grandMA 3d and grandMA series 1 consoles. You can read all of the release notes and download the software update from MA’s website, www.malighting.com. As with all software updates from MA, this is a free download.

Capture Sweden Releases Student Edition of Visualiser Software

Capture Sweden starts off 2012 by releasing the popular 3D visualiser Capture Polar in a new package for lighting students. The so called Student Edition of Capture Polar is a limited version of Capture, but it’s free! Sales manager Lasse Berg explains – “The demo version of Capture has been downloaded by more than 30 000 people during the past fifteen years. We have received a lot of requests for a working version for students, and as we always listen to our users we have now created the Capture Polar Student Edition.”

The Capture Polar Student Edition comes with limitations in paperwork functionality, library content and the number of universes available for visualisation. Library director Vangelis Manolis adds – “These twenty popular fixtures have been carefully selected among the 4000+ fixtures of our detailed database. We are confident that they are sufficient for any student to build and enjoy a complete show.”

All other features from the Basic Edition of Capture, including the rich number of console connectivity options and availability on both Windows and Mac OS X have been retained. It is available publically for download from Capture Sweden’s website. Development manager Lars Wernlund concludes – “Finally the availability of a user friendly visualizer for students to learn lighting and study console programming is no longer a question of money or access to The Pirate Bay.”

ETC Releases New Beta Software – PixelToy

ETC Recently announced the release of some new software that one of their awesome developers came up with for their internal “Innovation Quest” called pixelToy.  The software  creates dynamic pixel mapped content in real time. Basically, pixel mapping without stock content.  The goal was to create an intuitive, touch-screen-friendly interface.  The entire application has no text and everything is drag-n-drop.  It outputs both video (for projectors) and streaming ACN.  All of the effects are rendered in OpenGL and gives everything an organic feel.  The best part is that all of the effects are plugins loaded when the application starts.  Included is documentation and many samples of code for anyone to write their own plugins.

pixelToy is only available on the PC… for the moment. The software is free and is BETA.  ETC is looking for users to try it out and report back what they think.  You can learn more and download pixelToy from ETC’s wikipages.

Nemetschek Releases Vectorworks 2012

Wow, I am just a bit behind.  PLASA took a whole lot out of me! Almost two weeks later and I am still recovering!  While over in London, Nemetschek announced their latest version of Vectorworks, version 2012.  Side note, I love the version numbering as of late guys!

Version 2012 brings updates to their entire line of titles, Vectorworks Designer, Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, Fundamentals and Renderworks. The enhancements found in the Vectorworks 2012 products will save designers time and increase their productivity. The software’s interface allows users to easily conceptualize their designs, while innovative, flexible tools let them document their plans and easily collaborate with best-in-class open BIM workflows.

Here is a quick run down of some of the new features found in 2012.

• Enhanced 3D modeling: The software now examines the model under the cursor and sets the working plane automatically, removing the general need for users to manually set working planes.
• Improved Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities: The new stories feature allows design layers to be dynamically and vertically referenced to named story elevations. Story-aware objects like walls, columns, slabs and stairs can span across stories and update with story elevation changes.
• Integration of building and site: Vectorworks 2012 software marries building and site design and is the first package to combine a complete BIM modeler with extensive Geographic Information System (GIS) capabilities (available in the Vectorworks Architect, Landmark and Designer applications).
• Best integrated renderer: Improvements to the Renderworks rendering application include the introduction of Renderworks Styles, which can be re-used and shared among team members. In addition, users will enjoy significantly improved OpenGL shadows and better solar animations with the new Heliodon object.
• More than 100 performance and usability improvements: This release addresses user requests such as a new 2D X-ray fills mode, faster viewport navigation, new custom color options for backgrounds, faster access to frequently used settings, coincident selection, streamlined polyline arc editing, offset improvements, improved wheel zooming and others. This version also offers designers the ability to generate hidden lines between intersecting geometry and, in the Design Series products, to modify objects by record value.
• New features in the Vectorworks Landmark and Spotlight applications: This version of the Vectorworks Landmark program includes improved stake objects with better visual representation and data information on the drawing, better control over hardscape creation, a new option to convert between boundary and path configurations and the ability to specify different pattern sizes for grid and running pavers. The Vectorworks 2012 Spotlight application features a more intuitive way to focus instruments, as well as a new soft goods object that enables the creation of curtain, border and pipe-and-drape assemblies.

To learn more about Vectorworks 2012, visit Nemetschek’s website at www.vectorworks.net.

MA Lighting Release grandMA2 Software Version 2.4.1[6.6]

MA Lighting has announced the release of version 2.4.1 [6.6], just a few short weeks after announcing the release of 2.4.0 at PLASA.  Looking over the change log, it looks like a bunch of bugs were fixed.  No new software functions were added to this release.

There is an important notice for grandMA2 consoles out, more from MA Lighting:

We are sorry to inform you that due to an issue with the initial BIOS, we ask grandMA2 owners of the following consoles to get in touch with their distributor or MA directly.

• gMA2 full-size S/N 240 -325
• gMA2 light S/N 555 – 793
• gMA2 ultra-light S/N 250 – 369

If you are in the states, contact A.C.T. Lighting for more information if your desk falls into those serial numbers. You can visit MA Lighting’s support page to download version 2.4.1 [6.6] for your desk.

 

Martin Announces P3 System Controller Avilable in PC Version

Martin Professional’s P3 System Controller for LED video screen processing is now available in a PC-based version. The P3-PC is an inexpensive yet full-featured software-only version that can control up to 20,000 pixels using the Ethernet port of the PC it is running on. This addition to the Martin family of P3 System Controllers packs three functions into a single software package:

• A PC-based P3 System Controller for smaller Martin LED video setups containing up to 20000 pixels (P3-PC License on Martin One-Key™ required).
• An offline editor for the P3-100 and P3-200 System Controllers to preprogram setups anywhere on your own PC or laptop. Save and copy shows to the P3-100/200 using a USB stick (no license required; free-of-charge).
• A tool to address/test/upload firmware LED video setups on site before the P3-100/200 arrives on location (no license required; free-of-charge).
• The P3-PC software can be downloaded for free from the Martin Professional website. Media playback is performed by the PC itself using any media player application including Quicktime, Windows Media Player or VLC (Media playback requires an inexpensive Martin One-Key license.)

P3 System Controllers feature scaling and de-interlacing with a minimum of latency, unrestricted mapping of any screen element, real-time control of all screen parameters including brightness and mapping, robust video data distribution via Gigabit Ethernet, and an intuitive user interface. The P3-100 and P3-200 allow full integration with lighting control via DMX512. Users can treat LED screens like lighting instruments with direct cue-by-cue control of brightness, image rotation and position, color temperature and more.  For applications requiring integration with motion control, the P3-100 and P3-200 also work with the Kinesys K2 motion control system to automatically adapt LED panel positioning in real time.

For more information, visit www.martin.com.

New on the Mac App Store – DMX Assistant

Earlier this month, a new app became available in the Mac App Store, DMX Assistant. Slowly we will start to see more and more lighting software titles become available through the Mac App Store.  The first couple are from start ups and individuals developing Mac programs for us to benefit from.

DMX Assistant is a tool to send and receive DMX via ArtNet, designed to make it really easy to understand what’s happening. You can set DMX values to output to any of the 256 ArtNet universes, separated into ‘Scenes’ (submasters) if you wish. All the ArtNet universes being broadcast around your network are visible in the scene list, so you can inspect what your lighting console or other device is sending, and to HTP merge into a new universe for output.

DMX Assistant had four ways of viewing DMX values:

• Light-Up Faders
• Grid View
• Histogram
• LED Array View

Other Features:

• ArtNet Input
• ArtNet Output
• HTP Merging
• Dark Interface

Douglas Heriot is the developer of DMX Assistant.  You can learn more about the Mac App by visiting his website at www.douglasheriot.com. Head over to the Mac App Store on your Mac and learn more about DMX Assistant. You can purchase a copy for $24.99 USD.

MA Lighting Releases grandMA V2.3[6.6]

MA Lighting has published the software release version [2.3][6.6]. MA has integrated a lot of very useful new features into this release that enhance the performance of the grandMA2 even more.

As this release offers so many new and powerful features especially regarding effects we kindly ask you to read the following paragraph as well as the release notes very carefully before updating to the new software version.

Important!
–  Updating to this release version 2.3 of grandMA2 the values and effect values are divorced! Therefore older showfiles might not be 100% compatible. Therefore please check your showfile with the new version before using it live!

–  If you would like to update your dimMA system from any version below 6.x please contact your MA-dealer or MA directly for any update information. Should you be using grandMA2 in connection to our dimMA solutions, please get in touch with us, since a console update will now require an MA NDP update and vice versa. We are happy to assist you.

–  The current versions of grandMA2 onPC and grandMA 3D require minimum Windows XP with Service Pack 3. Furthermore the latest version of Microsoft’s Net. Framework (4.0) will be installed on your computer, if not already installed.

Please note that the connection of external touch screens is now possible, therefore we have published our hardware recommendations in our support area too.

The new software version can be downloaded here. Please read the release notes too!

High End Systems Releases Wholehog Software v3.2.0

All you Hog fans, get your download on and prepare your jump drives for some software goodness.  High End Systems, a Barco Company, has just released the latest version of the Wholehog software, version 3.2.0.  Here is more from High End Systems:

High End Systems, a Barco company, is pleased to announce the release of version 3.2.0 software for the Wholehog operating system.  This software provides many enhancements and improvements to the popular platform, which includes the Wholehog 3, Road Hog Full Boar, Road Hog and Hog iPC consoles as well as Hog 3PC software.

The eagerly awaited v3.2.0 software’s main highlights include Network Tracking and Failover, Color Coding, Keystroke Macros and more. The new features – requested by programmers – have passed extensive industry testing for stability and reliability.

“We are pleased to release v3.2.0 with a multitude of new features,” stated Robbie Bruce, High End Systems Director of Software Development.  “This version not only adds features, but also strengthens our core system and allows us to develop at a faster pace.  We included many under-the-hood enhancements that will aid in future software development.”

Additional features included in v3.2.0 include USB saving for Wholehog 3 consoles, selective show merging, fixture schedule search, direct value entries and improved GUI throughout.  With such a large number of enhancements, High End Systems again called on their loyal beta testers to ensure the software met the needs of the customers.

“Version 3.2.0 represents another huge leap forward in the software’s lifecycle. There is almost too much to digest here all at once. I’m sure many users will share my appreciation for many of the enhancements,” said Ross Williams, renowned UK lighting programmer and designer.  Williams has been an active beta tester through many versions of Wholehog software.

Version 3.2.0 also marks the first software version that is no longer compatible with the discontinued DP2000.  Users are advised to take advantage of a trade in offer towards the purchase of a DP8000, which is available through July 31, 2011.

Version 3.2.0 software, release notes, and an updated manual are now available free of charge at www.flyingpig.com.