Franklinscott57
Member
In the past few years, I have heard a great deal about mobile computers being an option for show control. Using programs such as Light-Jockey or High End's Hog3PC on a laptop, patched into one's dimming system and lighting fixtures.
Most lighting companies now provide Windows compatible software, which emulates the Operating System of their most popular consoles. Looking into such possibilities, I have spent a great deal of time downloading such programs from every vendor of which I could think (GrandMA, 3PC, ETC, Chamsys, ect.). Using these as emulators, enable to gain a better understanding of each machine's abilities and kinks, has been invaluable while using my home desktop. Now I am certain that I want to use such programs in real-time, to control live lights and other show components. I know that this is possible through the use of DMX to USB widgets/nodes, but I am not entirely sure as to how. As I have already said, I have only used these programs as mere emulators on a desktop so far.
I would expect that the computer would need a high buffer rate and overall good processing abilities enable to control lights live, during a show. As my desktop sometimes slows noticeably when only running the software for emulation/programming purposes. But, I could be wrong.
I pose two questions for CB:
How would I go about setting up a laptop as a console replacement?
AND
What would be a recommended laptop for such a task?
Thanks in advance, to any CB member who can help me out here.
Most lighting companies now provide Windows compatible software, which emulates the Operating System of their most popular consoles. Looking into such possibilities, I have spent a great deal of time downloading such programs from every vendor of which I could think (GrandMA, 3PC, ETC, Chamsys, ect.). Using these as emulators, enable to gain a better understanding of each machine's abilities and kinks, has been invaluable while using my home desktop. Now I am certain that I want to use such programs in real-time, to control live lights and other show components. I know that this is possible through the use of DMX to USB widgets/nodes, but I am not entirely sure as to how. As I have already said, I have only used these programs as mere emulators on a desktop so far.
I would expect that the computer would need a high buffer rate and overall good processing abilities enable to control lights live, during a show. As my desktop sometimes slows noticeably when only running the software for emulation/programming purposes. But, I could be wrong.
I pose two questions for CB:
How would I go about setting up a laptop as a console replacement?
AND
What would be a recommended laptop for such a task?
Thanks in advance, to any CB member who can help me out here.