Control Systems for Live Entertainment, Third Edition [Paperback]

John Huntington (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240809378 | ISBN-13: 978-0240809373 | Publication Date: August 21, 2007 | Edition: 3

If you are interested in how control systems and computer networks are used in all areas of live entertainment, Control Systems for Live Entertainment is the industry standard reference. With a unique combined focus on computers, networking, art, and practice, this book offers an in-depth examination of control for lighting, lasers, sound, , stage machinery, animatronics, special effects, and pyrotechnics for concerts, theme parks, theatre, themed-retail, cruise ships, museums, special and other events. This new edition also includes:

.expanded emphasis on networking technology and practice
.complete coverage of important new protocols such as ACN and RDM
.completely revised and updated case studies
.a completely reorganized and revised structure


Drawing on his extensive experience in the field and classroom, author John Huntington clearly explains everything that goes on behind the scenes and inside the machines to bring bold visions to life in real-world settings.

* Author's website is a live, updated resource for this audience - visited from control systems technicians in countries around the globe!
* Systems formerly solo are now being networked together and audio and lighting techs need this knowledge
* Loaded with realistic examples that readers love

Editorial Reviews

Review

John Huntington's "Control Systems For Live Entertainment" is the book I reach for whenever I need to understand a communications protocol, whether I'm using it for live entertainment or not. He's done a great job of explaining all the details of communications protocols in a very readable form. Because 'the show must go on.'
John's explanations not only make clear how protocols work, but also why it matters that they work well. I recommend it not only to show control technicians and designers, but also to computer scientists, electrical engineers, interaction designers, and anyone who thinks they understand what network communications is all about. If it's your business to make things talk to teach other, John has something to teach you!

-Tom Igoe, Associate Arts Professor, ITP, Tisch School of the Arts, NYU and author of "Physical Computing: Sensing and Controlling the Physical World with Computers" and "Making Things Talk: Practical Methods for Connecting Physical Objects"



We recommend this book to engineers and students who ask us, "How do I learn how to do what you do?" We also tell our newly hired engineers that they should be conversant with the entire contents of this book because it covers the core knowledge commonly needed in the design of show control systems.
- Glenn Birket, P.E., President, Birket Engineering, Inc., designers of show and ride control systems since 1984

Given the increasing complexity of entertainment systems, today's tech needs access to an abundance of fresh information, and this book provides it in a well-organized, easy-to-digest manner. This is the best book you will find on the subject of entertainment control systems because Huntington not only teaches it but also uses it extensively in the real world. If you're serious about your profession in the entertainment production industry, you'll read this book now.
- Richard Cadena, Author of Automated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light in Theatre, Live Performance, Broadcast, and Entertainment (Focal Press 2006) and editor of PLSN Magazine.

The only definitive text for virtually every aspect of entertainment show control. Required reading for system designers, product designers, and show control technicians of all experience levels.
- Steve Terry, VP Research & Development, Electronic Theatre Controls


...exhaustively researched and clearly written... This is an excellent reference concerning what's going on in audio control as well as what lighting techs, studio heads, and TD's are doing... Suffice to say it will remain a permanent part of my collection.
--Live Sound! International

This book demystifies control systems for entertainment... I have not come across a better single-source reference text on this subject.
--Sounds & Video Contractor

About the Author

A trusted expert in the field of entertainment control, show control, and sound and lighting systems, John Huntington has worked with major companies and venues throughout the industry including The Metropolitan Opera, Radio City Music Hall, Production Arts Lighting, Associates and Ferren, Thoughtful Designs/PRG, and the Tribeca Film Festival. He has had more than 40 articles published in magazines such as Entertainment Design, Lighting and Sound America, Live Design, Lighting Dimensions, TD&T and Theatre Crafts. He is a full Professor at New York City College of Technology/CUNY, and an adjunct Professor at the Yale School of Drama. He consults through his company Zircon Designs, is a member of IATSE Local #1, and was a Subject Matter Expert for the ESTA ETCP Entertainment Electrician certification exam. He lives and works in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 3 edition (August 21, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240809378
• ISBN-13: 978-0240809373
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #569,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great reference., July 7, 2010

By 

Jonathan Pav "Let there be light (and sound)" (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Control Systems for Live Entertainment, Third Edition (Paperback)

This book is comprehensive in its coverage of the topic.

It's very well written and focuses on individual control standards with a few examples of how they can be implemented to work as part of an integtrated live control system in the entertainment industry.

Improves with each edition!

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Book, January 31, 2010

By 

Palmer Jankens (California, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Control Systems for Live Entertainment, Third Edition (Paperback)

The title says it all. If you're looking for info on this topic, it's the perfect book.