Automated lighting programming encompasses a vast amount of processes and routines, but actually the entire practice can be broken down into four segments. Each of these segments is very complex on its own, and all four are required for any lighting programming project. Programmers do not have to master each of these areas, but they certainly need to have a good understanding and be proficient in each. All automated lighting programming projects require work in the following areas: Patching, Preparation, Parameters, and Playback…There is one other “P” word that is equally important: Protect. It is not only the programmer’s job to enter the data into the desk, but also to save and protect this data so that it is never lost
— From “Feeding the Machines” by Brad Schiller, PLSN, June 2014
