The Automated Lighting Programmer's Handbook (Paperback)

by Brad Schiller (Author) "The automated lighting programmer must have many skills beyond knowledge of simple programming syntax..." (more)
Key Phrases: lighting programmer, automated lighting consoles, automated lighting fixture, Red Open (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"For all those who want to be the guy behind the moving light console this book is a great first step on the road. For all those who are already that guy, this book has some good tips and tricks from one of the best." --Mike Falconer, A.C.T Lighting, Inc. -- Review

Review
"For all those who want to be the guy behind the moving light console this book is a great first step on the road. For all those who are already that guy, this book has some good tips and tricks from one of the best." --Mike Falconer, A.C.T Lighting, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 1 edition (December 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240806026
• ISBN-13: 978-0240806020
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #352,003 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars yes. Yes. YES! Buy it., January 17, 2004

By	Tracy S. Fitch "mthespian" (Madison, WI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The author spells out, in common terminology, the basics of programming moving lights for theatre, concerts, television, festivals, and industrials.

I teach at a University and our lighting intro class should be reading the first three chapters even without any need for the automated fixture information. This book has the clearest explanation I've ever seen in print of the difference between tracking and cue-only lighting consoles.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Competent, but a bit thin..., September 7, 2005

By	Bruce Wheaton "Video Programmer" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Buying this book to expand my knowledge into this area, I found it a bit thin. It feels stretched to me - like a padded long article. The info about cue types was good, but I'm sure it's covered in user manuals, and the insistence on avoiding mention of specific products diluted the rest of it too much for my liking. I think picking a console and fixtures, even if it's one per chapter, would allow a little more detail. As it is, readable, but unsatisfying.

Certainly room for another edition, hopefully with more detail. I should note that I'm not a beginner, I've been programming other aspects of shows for decades. Possibly a beginner would get more out of it. I gave it more stars because it covers the exact topic I was looking for.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than a headfull, January 9, 2007

By	Richard Cadena "Swami Candela" (Austin) - See all my reviews

Hands down, this is the best book for aspiring and practicing automated programmers available today. It's full of very useful and practical ideas, tips, observations and recommendations. Any programmer who is mindful of raising their game should have a copy and read it regularly.