VenueMagic Show Control Software V3 now open for Beta Testing

Posted by vmadmin on June 23, 2015 in All News, Updates

VenueMagic Show Control Software UK Logo  V3

VenueMagic™ Show Control Software Version 3.0 Now Available as 90-day Beta Trial

VenueMagic Show Control Software V3.0 is now available as a public 90-day BETA trial. This trial is fully functional for all users within the 90 day period. To receive the link to download the new V3 Beta please contact us. Please note we do not advise using the V3 Beta on live projects – It is still in Beta an undergoing bug fixes from the Beta testers – Please continue to use 2.6.xx for live projects until V3 is fully released.

Following this 90-day trial, existing VenueMagic SC+ 2.6 customers will have the option to upgrade at a discounted price. Any customers who have purchased 2.6 licenses after 1st January 2015 will be grandfathered into this version at no additional charge.

New features include:

  • New Dark Theme.  Many of the VenueMagic screens have been redesigned to provide a more modern look and feel.
  • Timeline Page Tabs let you divide your timeline into multiple pages to make it easier to program timelines with a large number of tracks.  Pages can overlap so that the same tracks appear on different pages.  Play back one page at a time or all of them at once.
  •  Collapsible Tracks allow you to show individual timeline tracks at different heights, depending on the level of detail you wish to see.  When fully collapsed, a track shows a minimal amount of information, allowing more tracks to be displayed on the screen at once.
  • Group Tracks let you combine multiple timeline tracks into a single group track so that the tracks are only visible when the group is expanded.
  • Audio Mix-down provides the ability to mixdown all of the audio tracks in a timeline to a single audio file.  Includes auto-attenuation feature to prevent saturation and clipping.
  • Record DMX with Time code.  The DMX record feature no allows you to use and external time base while recording.  Includes SMPTE (over serial), ProCommander PHX (over UDP), ProCommander LTC (UDP) and MIDI time code.
  •  New VenueMagic Plug-in Framework allows more flexibility for interfacing with hardware such as slider consoles, timeline shuttle controls, etc…  Plug-ins also add “specialized” features to VenueMagic including automatic channel and timeline setup.  Plug-ins will be announced as they become available.
  • Enhanced DMX recording features and data capture improvements.
  • Stability and performance enhancements.
  • Control.ini external reference now available for all Weigl devices for advanced scripting via the Weigl ASCII protocol.

To receive the link to download the new VenueMagic Show Control Software V3 Beta please contact us. Please note we do not advise using the V3 Beta on live projects – It is still in Beta an undergoing bug fixes from the Beta testers – Please continue to use 2.6.xx for live projects until V3 is fully released.

VenueMagic V3 to be released

Posted by vmadmin on April 21, 2015 in All News, Updates

At the International Attractions and Amusement Park Industry (IAAPA) tradeshow  VenueMagic™ 3.0 release was announced.

VenueMagic V3 screen shotThe VenueMagic™ Show Control Software has become the industry’s best kept secret for themed show design, programming and playback. By combining all of the aspects into a single easy to understand timeline based interface at an affordable price, VenueMagic™ is the first show control software to break out of the hardware centric model to allow programmers and designers to work independent of the chosen hardware solution.

VenueMagic™ 3.0 will feature a completely redesigned interface based on customer feedback and usability studies. Programming tracks can be collapsed and grouped together to make on screen presentation and use easier. This will allow show programmers and designers to have more tracks on screen at the same time and logically group them into sets which can be shown as needed. The new interface also sports a  more modern flat design, updated icons and colors which reduce eye fatigue while programming and overall screen brightness during performance playback.

Another important feature for the Attraction and Amusement Park market is the new audio mixdown feature which will allow for VenueMagic™ to mixdown the audio for output to hardware common in the install market. Previously the audio had to be mixed and output using a separate audio package prior to hardware upload even though VenueMagic™ has always supported the ability to do multi-channel audio mixing and distribution internally for live programming and playback.

Scripting capabilities made their debut in the VenueMagic™ 2.6 release of the software and have supported a number of custom processes over the last year in a variety of markets. The 3.0 release will feature general scripts which will support a wide range of products generally available in the marketplace. Scripts for specific hardware such as the Mackie Universal Control and and Weigl ProCommander are planned with more on the way. Scripts can be licensed separately to allow users at every price point to enjoy the additional features.

Additional feature information will be forthcoming with a planned general availability release date announced soon.

Venue Magic 2.6 Officially Released!!!

Posted by vmadmin on January 23, 2014 in All News, Updates

venuemagic show control website logoNew Features in VenueMagic 2.6

Important Note: Because of significant improvements made in VenueMagic 2.6, the old “Check for Updates” function will no longer work with older versions of VenueMagic.  You must download and install VenueMagic from links below.

VenueMagic 2.6 Express
VenueMagic 2.6 Classic
VenueMagic 2.6 DMX+AV
VenueMagic 2.6 DMX2+AV
VenueMagic 2.6 SC+
VenueMagic 2.6 SC2+

New Features:

Scripts

Scripts are plug-ins that add features and capabilities to VenueMagic. Scripts may include:

• Macros for automatically configuring a project or timeline.

• Interfaces to hardware provided by other manufacturers.

• Special real-time playback effects.

• Keys to unlock additional VenueMagic features.

• Special customized functions.

Future versions of VenueMagic will allow users to create their own scripts using a built editor. For now, scripts are available for download only from the VenueMagic website.  More information on this will follow.

 

Monitor DMX Output Window

DMX output may now be monitored in a row-column format similar to the Monitor DMX Input window. The DMX Output Window also includes a new command line interface for DMX control.  DMX Command Interface allow you to Control DMX output manually using a simple command interface. Ideal for setup and debugging of DMX fixtures arrangements.

 

Precision Playback

The new Precision Playback Mode allows you to control lighting with a much higher degree of precision (30 fps +/- 2 ms).

(Not available in VenueMagic Express or Classic).

 

Audio Device Setup

The Audio tab of the Setup Devices window now allows more flexibility and features for setting up multi-audio outputs (not available in VenueMagic Express or Classic).

 

New DMX Devices Supported

VenueMagic has added support for the following DMX devices (not available in VenueMagic Express):

• Enttec USB Pro Mk2 (DMX only, MIDI not currently supported).

• DMXKing ultraDMX Pro (Note DMX2+AV or SC2+ editions required for 2-universe support).

 

Changes to Adjust Envelope Window

The Adjust Envelope Window now includes the additional settings: 

• Gain center – specifies a center point for raising and lowering gain.

• Smoothing filter now allows separate settings for rising and falling edges of envelope waveform.

Also added was the ability to import and export presets for sharing with other projects.

 

Cue List Column Settings

You can now specify which time columns are displayed in the Cue List window, as well as the format for the time (Secs, Mins:Secs, Hours:Mins:Secs, SMPTE and Measure/Beat.

 

Follow Merge Type

The new Follow merge type lets you setup an output channel to shadow another output channel.

 

Improved Lamp Chaser Time Scaling

An additional time scaling parameter was added to Lamp chasers to provide more flexibility when using the Beat Tapper to control chaser speed.

 

Edge Snap Override

Temporarily override the clip edge snap feature by holding down SHIFT key while dragging clips.

 

Override Merge Mode

The Override merge mode is now available in track channel settings. This allows a track to completely take over an output channel during playback rather than merge it with other tracks.

 

No Trigger Events

Events in the Event Table now have a “no trigger” mode that can be used for events that are only activated by an Event Table Event.

 

Track Lock Security

Greater security flexibility was added to the track locking feature, including:

• Track passwords.

• Optionally allow sliding/sizing or property/envelope editing in locked tracks.

 

Foreground Playback Levels

Increased number of foreground playback levels from 10 to 20.

 

Custom Chasers Stored in Project

You are no longer required to copy the VMLib.dat file when moving a project to a different computer in order to keep custom chasers. A duplicate of custom chaser sequences is now saved in the project file.

 

Additional Fixes

• Fixed freezing of timeline videos played by playlist.

• Fixed incorrect DMX input addresses in Select External control window.

• Serial devices can now output (but not input) [$00] character.

• Fixed problems associated with deleting and modifying variable table variables.

• Fixed “jerkiness” problem with real-time recording of multiple (>1) channels into level control.

• Lamp Calibration Reset button now sets Ease in/out to 100 rather than zero.

• Fixed Telnet server login problem.

• Fixed 2-Universe Artnet problem in DMX2+AV and SC2+.

• Various crashes and lockups.

Important Note: Because of significant improvements made in VenueMagic 2.6, the old “Check for Updates” function will no longer work with older versions of VenueMagic.  You must download and install VenueMagic from links below.

VenueMagic 2.6 Express
VenueMagic 2.6 Classic
VenueMagic 2.6 DMX+AV
VenueMagic 2.6 DMX2+AV
VenueMagic 2.6 SC+
VenueMagic 2.6 SC2+

VenueMagic adds Device Virtualization – Swap Fixtures faster and easier

Posted by vmadmin on October 20, 2013 in All News, Updates

device_virtualization_small

 

 

 

 

 

VenueMagic adds Device Virtualization to its Classic, DMX+AV, and SC+ versions making swapping fixtures faster and easier.

Device Virtualization allows a specific device’s behavior and actions to be applied to a different device, allowing easier programming of different hardware and quicker swapping of problematic hardware.
Lighting professionals and enthusiasts are quick to discover how useful this is: “When I had programmed Parvati’s show YIN: Yoga In The Nightclub based on one kind of 4-channel RGB dimmer and then had to use a different 4-channel RGB dimmer I thought I would have to reprogram all the lighting cues” explains VenueMagic user Rishi Gerald. “But with VenueMagic, all I had to do was add the new device, select ‘Remap’ and the wizard remapped everything without a problem.”
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The wizard which Gerald refers to is Device Virtualization, which asks the VenueMagic user if the device routed should behave as the device outlined in the timeline. Before Device Virtualization, a lighting engineer would have to completely reprogram the new device, often times an impossibility if the change occurs too close to show-time.
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Similarly, mobile lighting engineers and performing artists can now use a venue’s lighting hardware rather than bring their own and can quickly incorporate that venue’s devices into their programmed show.
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“Along with VenueMagic’s DMX Matrix, Device Virtualization is a way we have made once complicated DMX and Lighting programming easier and faster,” says Don Nolan, CEO of ESG-VenueMagic. “We are constantly striving to improve Show Control’s capabilities while also making it more accessible.”

New Website Design goes live

Posted by vmadmin on October 04, 2012 in All News, Shows, Updates

venuemagic show control fave icon

Today sees the launch of the new look website and retail site.

Hopefully there aren’t any broken links or missing pages but if you do spot any or the website page isn’t displaying as it should please contact us!

3D Visualizer Capture Polar now Compatible with Venue Magic

Posted by vmadmin on September 06, 2012 in All News, Updates

Capturepolar logo

Venue Magic Show Control has announced the addition of Capture Polar 3D visualizer integration to their VenueMagic Show Control software platform. Adding to VenueMagic’s already comprehensive Show Control solution, Capture Polar 3D visualizer integration allows VenueMagic users to incorporate Capture Polar show design software directly with VenueMagic, further streamlining and centralizing show control.

Capture Polar brings the ability to create real-time shadows, volumetric beams, realistic color mixing and HDR mapping with your lighting equipment giving live performers, visual artists, haunted houses, production houses, museums, houses of worship and a variety of other lighting applications a powerful lighting visualization tool with VenueMagic’s ability to synchronize audio, video and lighting control.

VenueMagic interfaces with Capture Polar 3D Visualizer via Ethernet, allowing users to run Capture Polar on the same computer or another computer connected via a network or crossover cable. Once connected, VenueMagic gives users several tools and features designed to help simplify the process of using Capture Polar to visually display VenueMagic playback.

“VenueMagic strives to make controlling audio, visual, and lighting synchronization and control easier yet also more powerful,” explains Barry Seiden, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of VenueMagic. “With Capture Polar 3D visualizer integration, VenueMagic incorporates advanced lighting design using the acclaimed Capture Polar lighting visualization software directly into VenueMagic’s centralized workflow and hardware management.”

VenueMagic supports interfacing to the Capture Polar 3D Visualizer versions 2.8.11 and above. The Capture Polar visualizer is not included with VenueMagic and must be purchased separately (http://www.capturesweden.com).

New Features – Teleprompter/Lyrics display – 4 new Chaser Effects – DMX Recording and YAK Functionality Released

Posted by vmadmin on April 15, 2012 in All News, Updates

A new version of VenueMagic was released this past weekend.

This release contains a brand new Teleprompter and Lyric feature. This feature was added for those bands and performers who need to have the script or song lyrics in front of them as they perform. The lyric editor also fully supports importing Lyric(.lrc) files. This Teleprompter feature is available in DMX+AV, and SC+.

Some additional features added in recent releases:

4 new “Special Chaser effects” – Bargraph, Comet, Flare, and Ping Pong – Rather than vary lamp levels over time, Special Chaser effects depend upon an “input level” to control the effect using an envelope or external control.In SC+, you can use Virtual Fixtures and envelope profiles to do some amazing effects with a minimum amount of effort.

DMX Recording – You now have the ability to trigger recording on an individual clip through various methods. You can now setup the recording based on your channel routing setup. Record one universe of DMX Data straight to disk (SC+ only). This will allow real time capture of DMX data from another console or application and put it into a format VenueMagic can easily use.

Professional YAK functionality – For the fledgling (and Pro) Animatronic programmers out there, SC+ now has the ability to save and import profiles. Profiles can be created from an Audio clip or a VenueMagic Track and imported as a clip into another track. Search the in-program help for “editing recorded data” for more information.

We have also changed the appearance settings to be more Black and Blue instead of Green and Teal. In order to get the new look you will need to delete the rmap1.vrm file from your “My Documents\VenueMagic\Application Data” folder. This file contains the customized color settings so if you have made any changes to the “Appearance Settings” you will need to remake those after you delete the file.

Virtual DJ Plugin now works on Venue Magic Classic

Posted by vmadmin on November 28, 2011 in All News, Updates

VirtualDJ logo     venuemagic show control fave icon

 

 

After a lot of hard work by the programming team the VenueMagic Virtual DJ Plugin will shortly be released and working with Venue Magic Classic.

This opens up the doorway for people looking to continue to play video and audio through Virtual DJ but control all their DMX lighting using Venue Magic but from within Virtual DJ.

The Venue Magic Virtual DJ plug in can be downloaded from the Virtual DJ website here http://www.virtualdj.com/addons/13707/VenueMagicVDJ_Plugin.html

The Following Versions of Venue Magic are compatible with the Virtual DJ Plug in:

  • Venue Magic Classic
  • Venue Magic DMX+AV
  • Venue Magic SC+

Virtual DJ Plugin Released

Posted by vmadmin on August 09, 2011 in All News, Updates

VirtualDJ logo     venuemagic show control fave icon

 

 

The new VenueMagic VirtualDJ DMX Lighting and Show Control Plugin has now been released.

This plugin allows you to control VenueMagic’s Beat Tapper and run VenueMagic Timelines from within VirtualDJ. No longer do you need to keep swapping between 2 different software packages to be able to run lighting and Audio.

This plugin will be available for use with the new release of VenueMagic DMX+AV and VenueMagic SC+. The version required is currently in BETA and has an expected release date of August 31st, 2011.

Venue Magic SC+ Released

Posted by vmadmin on August 03, 2011 in All News, Updates

venuemagic show control fave icon

VenueMagic 2.5 SC+ has now been released bringing a whole new dimension to total Show Control.

Now the everyday show control software user will have the additional high end tools and features used by the professionals in an everyday user format. The VenueMagic 2.5 SC+ release opens innovative doors for increased diversity to show control marketplace customers.

Below are just a few of the numerous new control features now available in the VenueMagic 2.5 SC+ software.

  • Multi-universe
  • Virtual DJ Lighting Control Plugin
  • External Synching to midi clock/ltc & SMPTE
  • Logic control – once all conditions have been met or satisfied the corresponding event is triggered. For example: Animatronics
  • Real-time recording of show in progress including DMX, midi and more
  • Graphical editing of recorded DMX data
  • Ethernet ability to Sync multiple copies of VenueMagic
  • TELNET Server
  • 100’s of built in macros and chasers
  • Controls fireworks
  • Replace broken fixtures on the fly, automatically maps replacement fixture regardless of manufacturer
  • Control motorized sliders with ability to group
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