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Give The Gift of Lightwright Touch This Holiday Season

When you read that headline, did you get overly excited? I did too! You may have heard this before, like around LDI that West Side Systems, an iOS developer, has been working with John McKernon, the developer of Lightwright, to create Lightwright Touch for the iPad!

This is where you get super jazzed up…

Lightwright Touch is a companion app to Lightwright 5, and enables viewing and editing of your Lightwright worksheet on a mobile device. With your lighting data literally at your fingertips, you’ll glide through your paperwork using the Lightwright functions you know in the iPad interface you love.

How awesome right? Well, why not give your favorite lighting design/tech the gift of Lightwright Touch this holiday season? Bad news, Lightwright Touch will not be released in time…WAIT, don’t leave yet!!!

As of right now, there is an introductory price of $49.99 USD if you pre-order right now, you pay $39.99. That is a $10 USD savings over the price of the app when it hits the iTunes App Store. Lightwright Touch is expecting to hit the App store early 2011. Might be January 1, might be January 31 or even later, no one knows but West Side Systems. I do have a hint though…. Keep an eye out for an update to Lightwright 5. The release of Lightwright Touch should follow that pretty quick.

If you are giving Lightwright Touch as a gift this holiday season, West Side Systems has a present that you can give your giftee, a hi-res, 8×10 screenshot of Lightwright Touch in action. All you have to do is download it, print it and wrap it up. You LD/techie will love it!

Learn more about Lightwright Touch for the iPad by visiting West Side Systems web site, www.westsidesystems.com. To learn more about pre-ordering Lightwright Touch and saving some greens, visit www.pocketlighting.com.

iOS App: e:cue Action Pad for iOS Devices

Seems like almost every type of lighting controller out there is coming out with an iOS app. And for a good reason too! I don’t think you will EVER miss place this remote! If you do, call it or use Apple’s Find My iPhone/iPad.

e:cue released an iOS app called e:cue Action Pad for iPhone/iPad. If you know anything about e:cue, they create some pretty sophisticated lighting control. The neat thing about e:cue is that the control lives on a centralized serve and then “remote” into the control via applications, e:cue specific hardware devices and now a wireless device like the iPhone/iPad.

The e:cue Action Pad App is actually just a very simple client to the e:cue server, (from what I can tell). All of the layouts and controls are actually designed and held back at the server and then ran on the iOS device for playback and control. Pretty neat concept.

The e:cue Action Pad App is a free download from the iTunes App Store. But, in order for you to start using it in your facility or even home, you need just a couple of more things from e:cue to getting working. Like a server and the control/design software.

Learn more about the e:cue hardware by visiting their web site at www.ecue.com. You can download the e:cue Action Pad App from the iTunes App Store. The App is designed to run both on the iPhone/iPod Touch and the iPad.

iPad App: Remote-Cue for Martin LightJockey

Martin Professional already has the MaxRemote iPhone app for their Maxyz series of consoles. In steps a third party app developer, BLAST Co that developed an iPad app that connects to Martin’s LightJockey PC based lighting controller.

Remote-Cue connects to LightJockey via a WiFI network through Martins LJManager. Just like any iOS remote app for lighting desk control, you get functions for remotely controlling and playback on the iPad.

Some of the functions Remote-Cue offers:

Cue Playback
Sequence Mode
Focuse Mode
MasterControl

Check out the 8 minute demo video that BLAST Co put together showing off the app in action.

Remote-Cue has a hefty price tag for iOS apps at $24.99. But with any app, if it makes our lives easier and make focus/hang go that much easier, $25 is nothing compared to the amount of time saved. You can pick up a copy of Remote-Cue from the iTunes app store. You can learn more about Remote-Cue by visiting BLAST Co’s web site at www.blast-4.com.

Take a look as some screen shots of Remote-Cue.

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MA Lighting Releases grandMA2 remote App for iPhone/iPad

It was only a matter of time that MA Lighting would release a new iOS app for the grandMA2 series of desk. Just like the long awaited Hootsuite for iPad app, MA Lighting recently announced the new a, grandMA2 remote. The app is still FREE, but you do still need to spend just a bit of money on the desk.

Here is a bit more about the app:

The grandMA remote 2.0 can also be easily used in connection with a grandMA onPC (1&2). Because of the bi-directional communication between grandMA and remote control it is also possible to show intensities and positions or attributes of moving lights in real-time.

Features:

Convenient remote control for all important functions of the grandMA range
High distances and safe use with all grandMA consoles
Up to 2 (for grandMA1 even up to 6) remote control units can be used with each console or station
Software is available free of charge
Same software for console compatibility: one system – one operating philosophy
Completely configurable for every application: Theatre, TV, Concert Touring, Entertainment, etc.
Elegant programming and control of moving lights, dimmers, LEDs, effects and media servers
Mature software and hardware

Difference to the former grandMA remote Software: The grandMA remote 2.0 software connects to both grandMA2 series consoles and grandMA1 series consoles. Connectivity to grandMA2 consoles requires grandMA2 Version 2.1 at minimum.

Head over to the iTunes App Store and pick up a copy of the grandMA2 remote app and start using it today. To download the grandMA OnPC 1 or 2, head over to www.malighting.com.

Lighting Handbook App Celebrates One Year By Offering One Day Sale

Andrew Derrington, the App Developer that brought us the Lighting Handbook App informed me that today is the apps one year anniversary of being in the app store. Congratulations Andrew, that is most excellent news! To help celebrate the first anniversary, Andrew is having a one day sale on the Lighting Handbook App. Today and today only, you can save 60% off the original price of the app. Today and today only, you pay just $1.99 USD!

Here is some additional information about the Lighting Handbook App:

Lighting Handbook is a tool for all theatre, corporate and event technicians. It displays information on over 500 moving lights, Dimmers, Conventional fixtures & effects:

Weight
Power Consumption
Data Connection types
Light Output (According to manufactures manual)
Colour wheels/Mixing
Gobo Wheels
How many DMX Channels and in what mode
Beam Size
Lamp type

The current release brought:

Increase in manufacturers to 31!!
Over 500 fixtures/Consoles/Effects.
A redesigned detail view.
2 New settings – Ability to automatically save manuals when viewed and ability to view power consumption in Amps.
iOS4 multitasking support.
Now after you’ve downloaded a manual, the detail page for that fixture will have a small green tick on the manual button, this means you’ve downloaded the manual and that it will load from the device and not from the internet again.
Lighting Links within the general information section provide links to popular web-sites and forums as well as the blog for Lighting Handbook.
Most consoles now also have a quick start guide.
You can add your own manuals via iTunes.

What are you waiting for? Head over the to the iTunes app store and pick up your copy of the Lighting Handbook App for just $1.99 for today only! You can read more about the app on Andrew’s website, www.aderrington.co.uk.

Luminair for iPad v1.1 adds support for MIDI, OSC, and sACN E1.31

That rights everyone… iOS 4.2 is OUT!!! I have been waiting for this for soooo long it is not funny. I think Synthe FX, the developers of Luminair for the iPad/iPhone have been waiting even longer. Here is the latest from Synthe FX and Luminair.

Luminair for iPad has received it’s first major update, which adds support for external MIDI control, OSC (Open Sound Control) protocol, as well as the ability to send DMX over Wi-Fi via the sACN E1.31 protocol.

With external MIDI input, Luminair users can now turn any MIDI controller into an advanced lighting console. With features like easy MIDI learn and full mapping capabilities, users can assign external controls to faders, cue buttons, playback controls and much more. Luminair is compatible with CoreMIDI via Apple’s USB iPad Camera connection Kit, as well as Line 6’s MIDI Mobilizer dock accessory for iOS devices. Alongside the new MIDI features, is the ability to add MIDI Show Control support to Luminair, via an In-App purchase.

Adding support for the OSC (Open Sound Control) protocol opens up an endless number of ways to interact with Luminair. Users now have the ability to create custom user interfaces for controlling Luminair on additional iOS devices, and using other remotes and sensors through the OSC protocol. Multiple remotes can also all be connected at the same time, allowing a team of users to work together in lighting designs and shows.

Users also now have the option of outputting DMX over Wi-Fi using E1.31 (sACN), which is a network based protocol developed by the ESTA Control Protocols Working Group. sACN E1.31 is a great addition to Luminair’s Art-Net support, and makes Luminair compatible with the next generation of network enabled DMX interfaces and lighting consoles.

Notable new features included in Luminair for iPad v1.1:

iOS 4.2 multitasking support
Support for sACN E1.31 DMX output over Wi-Fi
MIDI input w/ full learning and mapping capabilities. Supports Apple’s iPad USB Camera Connection Kit and Line 6’s MIDI Mobilizer dock accessory.
OSC input as a remote control for most app functions (use custom apps like TouchOSC on iOS devices, WiiMotes and other controllers through OSCulator, etc.)
Art-Net node detection and unicasting support
A new built-in shop for In-App purchases
MIDI Show Control (*In-App Purchase)
Password protected CoverFlow view option

Synthe FX has also updated Luminair for iPhone to v2.1, with support for the sACN E1.31 protocol, plus an enhanced Art-Net implementation, and iOS4.2 compatibility. Both updates are available now and free for existing users.

Baxter Controls Releases BCIconsole App on iTunes

You heard about Baxter Controls coming out with an iOS app back at LDI 2009 and again this year at LDI 2010. Just a couple weeks after LDI 2010, Baxter Controls releases BCIConsole on the iTunes App Store.

BCIConsole is a live control application for DMX controlled lighting systems. This easy to use hand held DMX lighting control console gives you a remote patchable control system in the palm of your hand on your iPhone or iPod touch when connected to a BCI Pocket Console DMX NET port.

You have 36 patchable channels of level control. Each channel can be patched to any DMX address. You can patch all 512 DMX addresses and any channel can control from 0 to all 512 addresses. There is also a dimmer and channel check function with the check level selectable by the user.

The BCI Pocket Console DMX NET port allows merging of your existing console data with input from BCIConsole as well as having a DMX pass-through port. Merging is on a highest takes precedence basis.

BCIConsole App offers:

Automatic connection to the Pocket Console DMX NET port
All 512 DMX addresses
36 Patchable Channels
Dimmer and Channel Check with Solo option
Grand Master
Bump Channel to Master
Blackout Button
DMX merge
DMX pass-through
More…

Requires a WiFi connection and the Pocket Console DMX NET port, available from Baxter Controls at www.DMX2go.com, for output to DMX512 fixtures.

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Apollo Design Announces iGobo App for iPhone/iPad/iPod

I spent a bit of time talking to one of my favorite people from Apollo at LDI, Melissa Irk. Melissa mentioned to me that Apollo Design just released it’s iGobo App for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Now you can browse all of Apollo’s stock gobo’s in one place, well, actually two places, the iGobo App and the Moire Gobo App from Wybron. The difference being that the iGobo App is a FREE download.

Here is a bit more about the iGobo App:

Apollo’s iGobo allows everyone involved in the art of lighting design to conveniently view full screen images of the company’s extensive library of standard metal and glass patterns. The Apollo iGobo feature list includes:

2000+ metal, SuperResolution glass,1-color glass, 2-color glass, and ColourScenic gobo designs
Search the gobo library by name, number, or keywords
Compare up to four gobos at a time on the screen
Rotate an image at variable speeds, either clockwise or counterclockwise
Stack two images and rotate the bottom image in either direction
Maintain a favorites list
Email a single gobo or your complete favorites list
More features to come on future versions

Fire up your iTunes App store and download your free copy of iGobo from Apollo Design. Be sure to connect to a WiFi access point when trying to “purchase” and download the iGobo App. At 105mb, AT&T will not let you download it over their data network.

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Zinman Co Announces IYBP Viewer – Loops for Media Servers iOS App

So there I was sitting next to my good friend Michael Zinman, the developer of so many popular lighting apps, at the Phone it in Session at LDI. I am waiting for me turn to say a little bit about the iSquint iPhone App when Michael just causally announces to everyone, “Hey, I have a new app coming out!”

My jaw dropped. After eight iPhone apps, Zinman Co is releasing another app! It isn’t a “Lighting App”, but yet an app for the entertainment production, media server and video worlds.

“In Your Back Pocket”, is a collection of 400 HD loops for LED screens, digital lighting and HD projection; pre-rendered for MAC and PC based media servers. “It’s not a replacement to your existing library, but a resource in your back pocket when you can’t find “that” clip in your existing library,” explains developer Michael S. Zinman.

“We designed every clip to be easily keyed, tiled and colorized painlessly, we’ve also rendered many of these clips to play at a slower speed, as most media servers do a better job speeding clips up,” says Michael Zinman. “Everything about In Your back Pocket will make sense to programmers. To our knowledge, this is the only collection of royalty-free loops that have been designed specifically for media servers, and the programmers who operate them.” All loops are categorized into 14 file folders, sorted by color; making it efficient to scroll through content by following along with the lighting designers color schemes.

In Your back Pocket has pre-rendered the clips in either MAC or PC format so they just have to be ingested into a media server, saving hours of work. The original source files created in Adobe® AfterEffects® are provided for users that want to customize their loops, easily adding their own design styles. Users can modify or re-render any of these projects.

A companion iPhone/iPod touch viewer application is available free on the iTunes App Store. “As a designer in the truck or a programmer looking for a great clip, In Your Back Pocket Viewer is a very efficient way to browse this library, or collaborate with the rest of the design team.” says Michael Zinman.

Media programmers and vendors interested in In Your Back Pocket can download fully rendered sample files from www.loopsformediaservers.com to test with their systems before ordering. Users can download the free iPhone app, IYBP Viewer, from Zinman Software online at www.zinmansoftware.com or directly from the iTunes App Store. For more information, please visit Loops For Media Servers online at www.loopsformediaservers.com.

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FocusTrack’s New ‘Paperwork to Go’ Functionality

Paperwork is increasingly not ‘paperwork’ but virtual paperwork carried on laptops – until actually working in the theatre when real paper printouts have often been the most convenient way to access show information while walking around the stage focusing the rig.

Now FocusTrack, the production lighting documentation system, offers Paperwork To Go – keep your paperwork in electronic form, and carry it with you on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.
With the purchase of one low-priced enabler app ($19.99 for iPhone/iPod, $39.99 for iPad), any of the FocusTrack data files – FocusTrack, containing information about the positions used by the moving lights in the rig, RigTrack, containing all of the information about the rig as a whole and the focus of conventional lights, and Cue List, containing the show cue data from the lighting console, along with all of the focus and cue reference photographs, can be transferred to any of Apple’s portable devices, referred to or edited while on the go, then returned to a main computer – Mac or PC.

“Apple has done a remarkable job of making the portable paperwork tools lighting people have been waiting for – lightweight, easy to carry, long battery life and much easier than paper to read in the dark!” notes FocusTrack’s Rob Halliday. “We’re delighted that FocusTrack can now complete the equation, letting you easily take all of the information about your rig, your moving light focuses and your cues with you wherever you are in the theatre. We think it will be the perfect choice for those moving around the stage re-focusing conventional lights, or for rep rigs where multiple electricians work to re-focus the rig between shows and will now be able to carry accurate, up-to-date focus information with them – even in their pocket if using an iPhone or iPod Touch.”

FocusTrack is the solution for those looking to produce complete, accurate, comprehensive show lighting documentation. FocusTrack can import show information from ETC Eos, MA grandMA and Strand 300/500-series consoles, automatically working out which moving lights are used in which positions, which colours or gobos are actually used, which lights have never been turned on and more. FocusTrack can import the complete patch from the console or other sources including Lightwright, and imports the show cue list from the console. FocusTrack is already in use on a range of shows, including the new US tours of Nine To Five, Spring Awakening and Hair, Billy Elliot worldwide, The Addams Family in New York and more.

Further information about FocusTrack and its Paperwork To Go functionality for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch is available online at www.focustrack.co.uk.

#LDI2010: Sneak Peek at Lightwright Touch for iPad

Yesterday, you saw a sneak peek mention from Andrea about Lightwright on the iPad. You read that correct, LIGHTWRIGHT ON THE iPAD! John McKernon, the developer of Lightwright and Eric Cornwell the developer of iOS apps such as DMXCalc and Power Saver have teamed up together to bring what we have all been asking about, Lightwright on the iPad, Lightwright Touch.

Mr. McKernon was kind enough to take a couple of minutes yesterday to speak about the iPad app on video. Check out the 45 second video Lightwright Touch running on the iPad. The app is still in development and is expected for release either later this year or right at the beginning of 2011. A price has still not been set or hinted at so stay tuned for more info.

#LDI2010: Phone It In Session – I’m on the Panel, SO BE THERE

One of the many benefits of LDI are some of the great sessions that are offered. One of them I just happen to be on the panel, the Phone it In Session. It falls under the LDI Innovation & Technology Conference, Lighting Summit II Track. While I would love to say that the sessions are free, they are not. BUT, is furthering you mind and learning new things about the industry a small price to pay for?

The Phone it In Session is about you guessed it, apps for our mobile devices that make working and living in our industry so much better. I’ll be joining a laundry list of app developers and programing monkeys that have brought us some of the most useful apps out there. Here’s a list of who is on the panel:

The session is from 9am to 10:30am on Sunday in room N120. The official session tag is #LG05 when looking for it on your registration. Make sure to bring you tips, trick, questions and of course wish list to the session. I hope to see some of you there, who knows, I might have something to give out after the session!