Automated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light in Theatre, Live Performance, Broadcast, and Entertainment [Paperback]

Richard Cadena (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 20, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0240807030 | ISBN-13: 978-0240807034 | Edition: 1

"Automated Lighting-Technology, Applications, and Design" is a comprehensive text covering everything you will need to know as a working or aspiring lighting professional about automated lighting fixtures, systems, how they are used and design issues you will face. It is written in clear, easy-to-understand language but includes enough detailed information that the most experienced technician and engineer will appreciate and benefit from reading. Subjects covered include the history of automated lighting, DC and AC electricity, basic electronics, power supplies, digital electronics, electro-mechanical systems, optical systems (including dichroic filters, reflectors, lenses, and more), lamp technology, lighting effects (including color mixing, glass gobos, and more), data distribution systems, DMX, RDM, and ACN. State-of-the-art automated lighting fixtures in various applications including theatre, television, concert/touring, and permanent installations are discussed and special design issues are addressed.

The text is amply illustrated with drawings and pictures. The newest technology in automated lighting--"digital" lighting or pixel-based automated lighting projection--is also covered in detail. This book is the antithesis of a reference manual or user manual. It is entertaining and educational with lots of graphic illustrations and easy-to-understand concepts. It's the most fun you can have without sitting behind a console.

* Numerous examples and illustrations
* Easy to read with little "tech-talk"
* Contains information on the newest lighting technology
* Minimal amount of math reduces the drudgery!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Automated Lighting features detailed design and operating information on automated light fixtures and systems used in live performances, TV broadcasts, and other entertainment arenas." - Studio Photography, October 2006

"In all this is a throughly recommended book - even as a reference for the more seasoned practitioner. To have such a wealth of information in one place is rare and it would serve well as a course text book for student lighting designers." Lighting and Sound, December 2006

Book Description

This book covers everything you should know as a lighting professional about automated lighting in easy-to-understand language--including how they work, how to use them, and special design issues to consider in order to keep abreast in a highly competitive environment where knowledge is crucial to your success.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 1 edition (September 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240807030
• ISBN-13: 978-0240807034
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,102,866 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Johannes Itten, the Bauhaus art professor, was deeply interested in the use of color in art. In his book, "The Art of Color," he said, "The artists in stained glass used color to create a supramundane, mystical atmosphere which would transport the meditations of the worshipper to a spiritual plane." The modern day lighting designer uses artificial light and color in much the same way to transport the meditations of the concert-goer to another plane.

Understanding how to bridge the gap between lighting technology and art to transcend the mundane is my all-consuming passion. If my background in electrical engineering taught me anything, it's that I don't want to waste any more time than is absolutely necessary reading tech notes and user manuals. For that reason I try to get in touch with my inner clown and let him entertain you while you are unwittingly learning about all things lighting. What I learned from working at High End Systems and Martin Professional is that you can't simultaneously be complacent and successful. I've also learned that you learn more by doing, so for those reasons I like to be immersed in lighting - writing, designing, writing some more, reading, programming, teaching, running a console, going to trade shows, listening, reading more, and - did I say writing?

I could go on about the stuff I've done but I'm more interested in creating a dialogue, an exchange of ideas.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Resource, January 10, 2007

By 

J. Slack (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Automated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light in Theatre, Live Performance, Broadcast, and Entertainment (Paperback)

This book is an outstanding resource for anyone involved with Automated Lighting. It covers a wide range of lighting topics, but each with detail and accuracy. A must for anyone just starting to work with autoamtion (especially repairs), but has some great information for old pros as well. While this book has more for technicians than designers, any automation designer may find most of the content useful.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Save your money, March 4, 2008

By 

Jessica Stacey (usa) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Automated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light in Theatre, Live Performance, Broadcast, and Entertainment (Paperback)

The book is somewhat well written, but it is more of a history and it has very limted info on how to rig or set up a lighting show, has really no info on what to buy or what to get for a light show, has more info on how the writer played a part of the development of some products, I'd say that this is a waste of money, if one is looking for info on setting up a light show

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!, May 1, 2009

By 

Zach Nelson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Automated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light in Theatre, Live Performance, Broadcast, and Entertainment (Paperback)

I remember the first time I saw the VL100's on TV - ClubMTV to be exact. The fascination never ended - eventually I became an LD and actually had some VL's on tour.

This book covers everything. I just wish this came out in 1989 when the industry was taking off!!!