The non-profit trade association ESTA is the steward for the entertainment services and technology industry in North America, setting technical standards and protocols. One of ESTA’s initiatives, the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) created a program that provides rigorous assessments for professional riggers and entertainment electricians.

Once certified, technicians maintain their standing by accumulating 40 renewal credits or retaking the ETCP exam every five years. At least ten of these renewal credits must include training or professional development. Now, electrical and rigging courses are available through ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.), the first lighting manufacturer whose electrical training program has qualified as an ETCP Recognized Training Program for continuing education credit.

On January 11th of this year, the ETCP Certification Council announced that ETC’s application had been approved, confirming ETC as the first lighting manufacturer, and one of a handful of rigging manufacturers, to have courses recognized by ETCP.

For more information, visit ESTA ETCP webpage at etcp.esta.org.

ETC Training to Become First ETCP-Recognized Electrical Training Program is a post from: iSquint.net

Designlab Wisconsin, in association with St. Norbert College will be hosting a Green Theatre Products Showcase at the Abbot-Pennings Hall of Fine Arts on March 23, 2010 from 3-8 PM.  Representatives from Rosco, ETC, Martin, Strong, Altman, Prism Projection, Color Kinetics and more will be on hand to discuss and demonstrate products that can help you make your theatre more environmentally friendly.  Products on hand will include scenic paints and coatings, LED fixtures, HID follow spots and more.  A representative from Wisconsin Focus on Energy will be on hand to discuss potential energy efficiency rebates available for replacing inefficient incandescent and halogen sources with LED products.

RSVPs are appreciated at tickets.snc.edu.  You can learn more about the event by visiting Design Lab’s web site at www.dlabwi.com.

Green Theatre Showcase at St. Norbert College By DesignLab is a post from: iSquint.net

During the day, get hands-on time with two grandMA 2 Full Size consoles, the MA Lighting VPU media server, the iPix BB7 LED Beamlight and the rechargeable GDS LiteWare RGB LED Uplighter.

The event on February 11th runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm in Main Light Industries’ shop. You can RSVP by emailing John DiEleuterio at john@mainlight.com.

More Information

Main Light to Host Manufacturer Day February 11th is a post from: iSquint.net

Back in April 2009, Zero 88 announced the release of their flag ship lighting desk, the ORB. Ever since then, the ORB desk has been slowly making its way into the U.S. market. It was first shown state-side at LDI in Orlando, Florida last fall. That’s where I was first introduced to the ORB. Since then I’ve been waiting for the ORB to grace my door step to review.

Overview

So what’s the ORB lighting desk? The ORB is a theatrical-style playback console with a twist. Not only can the desk run just as we’d expect in the theatrical world, but also in the live event world where multiple playbacks are a requirement for busking a show. What’s interesting to note is that the ORB desk shares the same operating system as its brother, the Leap Frog console series, also from Zero 88. As a result, crossing between the two desks is simple and easy—other then the differences in the layout of the desks, of course.

Hardware Overview

Looking at the ORB desk, it seems like a monster in comparison to other types of desks with similar capabilities. Measuring in at 201mm X 1000mm, and 462mm deep, don’t let the size of the desk frighten you. The console has a wealth of control and functionality that might not be available on comparable desks. Since the desk is larger then some others, you might think that the desk emits higher decibels of sound since it requires fans to cool the electronics. But, when in operation, the console is actually rather quite because of a large fan hidden deeper within the desk. Since the fan is larger, it doesn’t need to spin as quick as smaller fans, thus less noise.

A nice feature of the ORB desk is its memory, or hard drive. Rather then using a spinning hard drive, Zero 88 used a solid state hard drive to contain the operating system of the ORB desk. Here’s the crazy, yet amazing thing: the hard drive is only 512 megabytes in size! Since ZerOS, the operating system that the ORB desk uses, is based on Linux, Zero 88 removed all the “bloat,” or unused portions of the Linux OS to give a smaller, more streamlined OS, thus requiring a smaller hard drive (only 30 megabytes in size), much less than Windows-based operating systems and desk.

Since the ORB desk is a computer in the simplest terms, the backside of the console will look very similar to that of almost any desktop PC on the market. The ORB has 2 VGA monitor outs along with 4 USB ports for connecting peripherals such as USB keyboards, mice and storage devices. There is also an ethernet port (RJ45) for connecting the ORB desk to a lighting network that uses Art-Net, Zero Wire DMX, LightConverse, Capture, WYSIWYG, and also for a PDA remote.

The back of the desk also includes ports that we lighting people are accustomed to seeing on the back of a desk: four five-pin DMX ports, a MIDI in/thru ports, and a three-pin littlelite port. Something else that the ORB includes is a DMX input port that you typically don’t find on many consoles.
Looking at the front of the ORB, you’ll quickly find that it is laid out very similar to what we would expect a lighting desk to look like. The encoders and parameter selection buttons, along with the grandmaster and blackout buttons, can be found on the right hand side. Directly below the encoders and the grandmaster, Zero 88 included a trackball on the console that can operate as a mouse, or as pan and tilt parameters of a selected range of moving lights.

In the center of the desk are the selection and programming keys. Off to the left-hand side of the desk are ten sliders that can operate in multiple forms, from playbacks and submasters to individual channels. Since there are only ten physical playbacks, Zero 88 gives you 100 pages of playbacks to run multiple playbacks at once. If you are finding that ten physical sliders are not enough to run off the submasters, the ORB can expand by simply adding any two-scene present console to the ORB via the DMX input and setting up the submasters via the setup menu. If cue stacks are your flavor of choice for the playbacks, you have the ability to place 1,000 cues on one stack. Spread that across ten sliders and 100 pages, the ORB offers 1 million cues. That may seem like overkill, but you never know what you’ll need. The ORB challenges you to write that many cues, rather than limit you at the start. As I stated in the fifth episode of the iSquint Podcast, if you take full advantage of the cue count on the ORB, please be sure to send me the show file, I would love to see that show.

In addition to the standard keys of a lighting desk, Zero 88 added smaller LCD screens on the backboard of the ORB desk to give a heads-up display of what’s going on with the console. This leaves the two attached monitors for the live, programmer, and cue list windows.

Directly beneath the center section of LCDs on the backboard is something quite unique to the ORB, the UDK, or User Defined Keys. These 20 pages of ten buttons, or 200 UDK’s can be almost anything you want.  Anything from screen layouts and channel selections to palettes—anything you can think of. I found that putting screen layouts and some of my heavily used groups of lights there made programming quick and easy.

When you first walk up to the ORB desk, you quickly notice that the desk was designed by programmers, for programmers. The desk has a built-in wrist rest which is made from industrial grade suede. As any programmer will attest, the wrist rest is a wonderful addition and really makes a difference in keeping your hands and wrist supported for long programming sessions.

Programming and Syntax

Patching your rig on the ORB desk is quite simple and easy to understand. While the ORB only allows four universes of DMX or 2048 DMX properties, Zero 88 gives you 2,000 channels to patch those addresses. Since there are four universes of DMX, there is less of a chance you’ll run out of space for patching a medium-sized rig with conventionals, and assortments of movers and color mixers.

What impressed me about the patching section of the ORB is the fixture library. Zero 88 has created their own library of fixtures, and it is very impressive. I had no trouble finding the correct fixture profile I was looking for. That being said, new fixtures are always being developed and need a profile to operate on the desk. Zero 88 mentioned that they are constantly building and adding new fixture profiles for the desk and will make them available for free on their website.

Programming and selecting channels and fixtures on the ORB desk is pretty straightforward. Like most consoles on the market, the ORB desk operates with one channel operating the entire fixture.  That fixture can be anything from a single DMX parameter device like a dimmer, or a multi-parted device, like a moving light. All of the non-intensity parameters are controlled through three encoders on the right-hand side of the desk.

Selecting a channel or range of channels is easy enough as the ORB desk speaks just as I do—plain English. Give me [1] [at] [full]. Simple enough, right? Since the desk is a command line desk, an [enter] key command is required on almost all of the commands on the desk. Another nice feature of the ORB is what is right above the command line. As you start to enter key commands into the desk, the ORB tells you what keys or action commands are available based on what you entered. So if you key in [1] [at], the next available commands are populated above the command line such as the number one through nine and full or out. This is very useful for beginners and novices alike to help learn the key commands.

Overall, I picked up on the ORB relatively quickly—it’s based on programming and syntax and I am already familiar with and use to from other desks that I have worked on. After locating and figuring out specific functions and key commands, I had a show patch, pre-programmed and ready for cueing in no time.

Conclusion

Zero88 designed the ORB desk to fit a specific part of the lighting desk market that has been left vacant after some lighting desk manufacturers retired certain consoles due to various reasons. Strand 520i, ETC Express and even Hog users will find comfort in the ORB as the desk has similar look and feel in certain views, syntax, and operation. Then of course, Zero 88 added their own functions and feel to the desk that will come natural after just a few hours on the desk.

The ORB desk is primed and ready to take on the small to medium-sized rig market prefered by many schools, colleges, universities, places of worship, community theatres and live events. Are those the only markets the ORB can handle? Certainly not. While the desk is limited to only four universes of DMX, the 2048 DMX address is quite a lot and may be enough for most applications the ORB is designed for.

With the launch of the ORB desk back in April 2009, Zero 88 has been listening to users and programmers to improve the desk, as well as its core OS to meet user requirements. They are constantly tracking the industry and adding features to strengthen the desk. In addition, Zero 88 provides support for the ORB via their website, www.zero88.com and on the ORB’s own website, www.orbdesk.com. Both sites feature ways to contact tech support, training videos, quick tips, and a user support forum to ask questions. From the ORB’s website, you can download the free offline editor to pre-program your show and your love affair with the desk. You can even follow the ORB desk on Twitter @ORBdesk for quick tips and lesser-known desk commands to help make programming the ORB quicker and easier.

Overall, the ORB is a great desk with a lot of utility. If you are looking for total control in a complete package, this is a viable option for your space.

Thanks to Zero 88 and Peter Kirkup, the product manager for Zero 88 for providing me with the ORB desk for this review. For more information about the ORB, visit www.zero88.com.

 

Review: ORB Lighting Desk from Zero 88 is a post from: iSquint.net

Model elements can be easily reconfigured through Vectorworks’® familiar Object Info Palette include dimensions (depth, width, and height), structure (legs, fixed frame, and folding), castor and rail inclusion, and structure color. Also, the different elements making up the models are fully textured and the Staging ToolSet tools can automatically place their different parts in separate Vectorworks® Classes, allowing users to take advantage of Vectorworks’® ability to control texture assignment by-Class.

Key features include:

• Deck shapes can be basic rectangular or round – or, can follow odd curves and angles – and can be modified on-the-fly.
• Sizes can easily be changed.
• Different riser/stage and step structures can be defined.
• Castors can be included.
• Rails can be added in different formats.
• Different hardware “profile” shapes can be assigned.
• The different elements making up the models are fully textured.
• The Staging ToolSet tools can automatically place their different parts in separate Classes, allowing users to take advantage of Vectorworks’ ability to control texture assignment by-Class.
• Height text can easily be displayed in drawings.

Before you consider buying the Staging ToolSet, please be sure to check your version of Vectorworks as the ToolSet only works with version 12.5 or higher for both Windows and Mac. For more information or to purchase your copy of Staging ToolSet for $25, visit Landru Design’s web site at www.landrudesign.com.

Landru Design Announces New Vectorwork Plug-in: Staging ToolSet is a post from: iSquint.net

More from the Press Release:

Cynthia L. Barber, President and CEO of BMI Supply, has announced the promotion of Steve Roudebush to the position of Vice President of Sales, Marketing, & Development.  In his new position, Roudebush will continue directing sales for New York State, in addition to coordinating overall sales efforts for BMI Supply and BMI Supply South.

“I am excited to have Steve in this key role as BMI Supply continues its steady growth.  Steve will work hard to support BMI Supply’s longstanding traditions of excellent customer service, broad product offerings, and industry expertise” noted Barber.

“We have a fantastic team of pros that takes great pride in helping customers produce wonderful theatre and events.  I am eager to help craft the next chapter in our company’s history” commented Roudebush.

Cynthia L. Barber is the wife of the late founder of BMI Supply, Robert S. Barber, who passed away earlier this year.

Steve Roudebush, New VP of Sales for BMI Supply is a post from: iSquint.net

FIELD TEMPLATE is proud to introduce the updated 1⁄2″ STRIPLIGHT PLACEMAT. Fresh off the grill, this template sizzles with the latest technology. Along with the latest ETC Source 4 MultiPARs, it’s got all the latest LED’s: Selador, Color Kinetics, and the Altman Spectra-Cyc. The 1⁄2″ Placemat also has today’s freshest standards; the Aurora, Econo-Cyc, and Sky-Cyc, as well as PAR-56, PAR-38, R40, and MR-16. There are section cutouts for every fixture type, as well as three sets of circuitry symbols, two-fer dots, and a scenery bumper. This potent parcel of plastic will be available for the USITT convention in Kansas City.

Yee-haw Buckaroos!

If you are not attending the USITT convention at the end of March or cannot wait till then to get your hands on the Striplight Placemat, visit Field Templates website at www.fieldtemplate.com.

Field Template Releases New 1/2″ Striplight Placemat is a post from: iSquint.net

There are there beam spreads available at 15, 23 and 32 degrees as well as 2700k, 3100k and 4100k color temperatures.

Other Features include a three piece spinning set that allows full accessory rotation that locks in place. A rugged steel self-locking yoke, and internal accessory ring that can hold up to four accessories is also included.

For more information on the Time Square LED1738, visit their website at www.tslight.com.

Time Square Lighting Announces Architectural LED Fixture is a post from: iSquint.net

More from the Press Release:

The KLS-800 is comprised out of four individual, flat and separately directional spots with seven Tricolor-LED-chips (TCL) each. Every TCL-chip is fitted with three LEDs having a rated power output of 1W each. Advantages of this multichip-technology enable a substantially more homogeneous color mixture than is possible with individually installed LEDs. By the way, the loss of light output through the integrated converging lens is negligible. The compact light set accommodates 28 TCL-chips, each having a 3 Watt power output. The achieved light output is comparable to a conventional spot-bar comprised of four PAR-56 in various colors.

The compact set really lives up to its name: the total weight of the LED KLS-800 including bar, TV pin, and the complete cabling is round about 9 kilograms and can be transported comfortably by a single person in the included carrier bag. Thanks to the low weight and the completely pre-fitted bar, installation is simple, even for the not so technically inclined. This makes the LED KLS-800 especially attractive for solo entertainers and other small performing groups with own equipment as well as for technical service providers with mobile discos and rentals.

Control can be carried out either via the optionally available foot switch with long connection cable or via any standard DMX-controller. The compact light set occupies 15 DMX channels. The Eurolite DMX LED Operator 4 is a specially developed controller, with which all functions can be easily accessed. This enables comprehensive use of the system without the tedious familiarization with the subject matter.

A further benefit of the LED KLS-800 is the very low power consumption, which lies at about 160 Watts. Hereby, as well as the minimal heat emission of the LEDs, it encourages use of the compact sets even in the smallest locations, without having the performer or the public to work up a sweat. Moreover, in contrast to its conventional prototypes, the LED KLS-800 does not promote annoying interference in the sound system, in case light and sound need to share an electrical circuit at an event location with limited power supplies.

To learn more about the Eurolites KLS-800 LED fixture, visit their website at www.eurolites.de, and yes, there is an English version of the site.

Eurolite Introduces LED KLS-800 is a post from: iSquint.net

Hands down this is a great book.  I’ve personally met Mr. Shelley and he always has a smile on his face and a good story to tell, along with his trademark  ”lime green cap.” Though his vast lighting expertise is apparent, Mr. Shelley carries his wonderful sense of humor and storytelling throughout, making this edition both entertaining—and educational.

Layout of the Book

As an aspiring lighting designer, have you ever wondered what it’s like to design a Broadway-style show? Imagine being able to look over the shoulder of a professional lighting designer to see how he accomplishes his vision and design from start to finish.  That is how Mr. Shelley has written the book.  He first starts off with the basics of lighting: covering the layout of a theatre, stage directions, electricity, lighting instruments, and production staff.  Why start there?  The book assumes that this is your first venture into lighting and gives a quick overview of these topics to help you understand their use and role later on in the book.

After that, it’s all business.  Beginning with the research of the show, first production meetings, organizing your paperwork, and of course, starting the design process—getting to “the hang,” focus, previews, opening night and finally, archiving all of your work.  Mr. Shelley goes into great detail about each step of the process and provides some great insight and advice along the way with sidebars “Shelley’s Soapbox,” “Tales from the Road,” along with other helpful tidbits like “Shelley’s Notes,” “Sneaky Tips,” and my favorite, “Shelley’s Golden Rule.”and particularly in the “Shelley’s Soapbox” and “Tales from the Road” sidebars. Together, they give the readers a first hand glimpse into the real world of stage lighting.

Throughout the book, Mr. Shelley provides examples of his paperwork and drafting style to help the reader understand the subject matter at hand. This being the second edition of the book, Mr. Shelley has included over 60 new topics ranging from creating and negotiating contracts to working with other designers and production staff members through out the design process.

Targeted Audience

Mr. Shelley has packed his book with information and advice that anyone in the entertainment industry could use. But who did he write to book for?  I believe that any aspiring lighting designer or technician will find this book quite useful. The book is not only a guide to help layout and design a show but it’s also a quick technical reference tool.  Mr. Shelley mentions in the the introduction of the book that he himself uses his book time and time again to help remember important steps and processes in order to deliver a cost-effective, timely, and dazzling lighting design. Seasoned lighting design veterans can relate and use the book just as Mr. Shelley does.  And, not only to help remember processes but to learn new and different methods as well.

Conclusion

For $49.95 from Focal Press’s website, (www.focalpress.com), Mr. Shelley’s latest edition of A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting is a must-read for new or up-and-coming lighting designers and technicians. Seasoned lighting designers will find Mr. Shelley’s book quite useful, as well, for learning different methods or refining their own design methods.

Thank you Mr. Shelley and Focal Press for providing me with a copy of A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting for this review.

 

Review: A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting, Second Edition is a post from: iSquint.net