Blogs

When you bring power into a tent and the equipment is within arm's reach of the metal parts of the tent, then they should be… Read More »Supplying Power to Tents

On Facebook, everyone has a "wall" where people can post stuff ranging from a simple hello to a heated diatribe defacing your opinion. All of… Read More »Getting Off the Wall on Facebook

Recently I commissioned a renovation project for Northern High School in Durham, N.C. The district had chosen to accept the option to use LED fixtures… Read More »LED Fixtures Point to Digital Future

By now, you've probably heard the term "pixel map," and you're likely aware that a common way to apply an image to an LED display… Read More »No Media Server Required

Many consoles utilize a DMX based library system instead of a generic library.  This means that data is always programmed and stored as DMX values… Read More »Copy Palette (Preset) Data First, THEN the Cue Data

Is a 1kW generator always a 1kW generator? I can give you a generator and a load with a matching (or slightly lower) kilowattage and… Read More »Use kVA for Portable Generator Power Load Estimates, Not kW

Lighting Designers are often overbooked and can't be at two gigs at the same time. In these cases they require the support of an assistant… Read More »Assistant Lighting Directors Shouldn’t ASS-U-ME

Ours is an industry whose actions become news and whose stars become leaders. We are in a position, like it or not, to lead by… Read More »No Simple Set of “Green” Answers

I have limited experience with moving-mirror fixtures, so I asked Marty Postma, lighting and video director for Alice in Chains, to explain how the Cyberlight… Read More »Moving Mirrors and Infrared Transmitters

Travel can be unpredictable, and you should be prepared for delays and cancellations.  Many productions don't want extra hotel and travel expenses, so they are… Read More »Travel Tips

Over the years, I've come to realize that talent isn't always enough to get you by in life. You might be a gifted designer, but… Read More »The Art of the Schmooze