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Zzyzx Inc. of Las Vegas has recently released version 2 of their ESP Vision visualization software program designed for programming lighting cues outside of the venue without using a lighting system. With this program, a lighting designer can make beautiful photo realistic renderings that depict what a show will look like, and convert these drawings to a video presentation of the event.
Visualization programs that connect lighting consoles to computers are not new, but the way ESP operates is totally different than other programs. First of all, ESP is not a stand-alone program. It’s not a full-scale CAD program and it does not generate any paperwork other than an excel sheet of the DMX patch for a particular light plot. What ESP has done is original. They have made it possible to import a 3D VectorWorks or 3D Studio Max drawing and turn the lights on.
The most widely used CAD program in the entertainment field is VectorWorks. All the drawings I submit to lighting vendors start in VW, but these drawings don’t depict to the client what the lighting will look like. They just show the structure of the set and the lighting rig. So I always redraw the plot in another visualization program in order to produce renderings with lights on, but that takes a lot of time, and visualization programs are very expensive. ESP fills a need I have had for years: to draw once and use the same drawing for the whole design process.
Version 2 of their software has taken ESP to the next level. They are using DirectX 9, the protocol standard set up by Microsoft for video rendering. The renderings made in ESP appear crisper and less cartoonish than other programs I have used. Color blending of their light beams is done in 16-bit color, enabling true color mixing.
This is the first lighting visualization program to use real-time shadows. They have added transparencies to objects to show how light can project through various fabrics or reflect off of others. At the same time, you can add different effects to any layer including various smoke options ranging from a stage haze, to low hanging CO2 smoke to high density fog.
You can also apply textures to any object. For example, you can make a truss shine like aluminum, or make a set piece look rusty. While many programs do this, they can’t turn on pyrotechnical flame effects or simulate running water. ESP can do realistic explosions and fireworks triggered by cues from a lighting console. And they can manipulate them for color, length of flame and duration of cue.
ESP has the ability to capture live video elements and play them back on a variety of objects. It can project video on a flat surface or on a video LED wall. It has the ability to send video to low-resolution LED curtains as well as to tile effects like the VersaTile from Element Labs. Amazingly enough, this program can even use the DL1, the moving video projector from High End Systems, to move projections around a set. These images and effects can be made into a mini movie. It can capture all the light cues and effects and turn them into an AVI or QuickTime movie file. You could then take this movie file into a program called Final Cut and add music to it.
The way it works is easy. You import a drawing such as a VectorWorks file into ESP and then identify each fixture icon by pointing out, for example, which fixture is a Studio Color and which is a PAR can. The program then knows that every one of these fixtures has the same attributes and DMX protocol. Once the drawing is imported into ESP you can still edit it to add extra fixtures.
You then can import a set or build a simple set from cubes and resizable objects that you can place in different layers. One of the unique new features of V2 is the ability to move set pieces and trusses live, during programming. In the past, you would have to alter a drawing to show different truss configurations or set movements. Now you can watch them live and show your client exactly what you are planning to do at a precise time in the show.
Once you have your plot you have to patch the lighting fixtures, and they must correspond to your lighting console. The software connects your computer to a lighting console in a variety of ways, including a USB connection from a console. It will also read a Sandnet or Artnet from any console, and it will recognize MA Net digital signals from the MA line of consoles. It converts all of these into DMX values to control the lights. If you wish to use a console that only spits out DMX, you need a converter box to interface with your computer. Zzyzx Inc. sells one with two DMX universes (via 5 pin XLR) and one USB output. ESP can run multiple universes of DMX.
ESP contains a great fixture library. They can also update it in 24 hours for new fixtures. Each fixture performs to its specifications as well as limitations. Every strobe rate and gobo rotation speed for each fixture is precise. You are able to adjust the focus on instruments that will accurately display the sharpness of gobos. The zoom is accurate to the degree. Most visualization programs do not take into account the speed of fixtures or their limitations in fast movements or color bumps. The user ends up programming some sequences that may look good on a computer screen, but look different in real life. ESP has taken all of this into consideration. If a light fixture cannot execute a smooth circular effect or a quick gobo snap in real life, it will not execute it in ESP.
Lastly, this product is affordable. It lists for $750 per DMX universe. Most systems can patch 25 movers and 100 conventional fixtures in one universe. You can connect a virtual console to the program and run both of them on the same laptop. I am doing this right now on my MacBook Pro running Windows XP. There is also a reasonable yearly subscription price of $150 per universe, which covers the constant updates of the fixture library, software upgrades and 24 hour customer support. Zzyzx Inc. also sells complete racks with all hardware and software installed.
The bottom line is, this is a product that is good for everyone. All serious lighting design firms should have a copy of this for their presentations. Overbooked designers can spend more time at home and less time on site. Young designers who draw in VectorWorks will value this as the ultimate plug in.
