Automated lighting consoles have several innovative functions to help the programmer, many of which have become commonplace. One of these is called "fan" or "align." In the simplest terms, this is a tool that mathematically spreads parameter values in even proportions…The best way to describe a fanned out position is to look at your hand with all your fingers placed together. Now spread out your fingers as wide as possible. You have now "fanned out" your fingers. In a similar manner, imagine focusing lights so that they are spread out an even amount from each other. This is your basic fanned-out positioning. As automated lighting became more mainstream, programmers often found themselves positioning fixtures in a fanned orientation. Sometimes it took considerable time to move many fixtures into a perfectly symmetrical, fanned out position. Thanks to some very intelligent console developers, we were blessed with a shortcut function that helps lighting programmers quickly create fanned out positions (and much more).
From "Feeding the Machines" by Brad Schiller, PLSN, Feb. 2010
