Thursday, 13 June 2013

What One Should Comprehend About A DMX Merger

By Teri Farley


A person might decide to go to the theater with a group of friends to enjoy a play or some other production. What they may not realize is that their ability to enjoy a show depends upon the lighting that is used on the stage. This is why lighting technicians play a very important role in these productions. It is also important for them to have a DMX Merger as this tool allows them to do more with their lighting equipment.

Most things are control digitally and this includes lighting of various kinds. The lighting that is used in the opera house and on stage is also controlled digitally which allows for creativity. This is how an audience can see lights focused on one performer, or various color changes from time to time. In order to achieve these effects, a system has to be used.

The standard for digital communication networks is known as DMX512. The lighting and fixtures that one sees on any stage is controlled using this system. It involves a controller in the form of a PC and fixtures which emit light. The PC is used to control how the light functions and its various effects. The name DMX stands for Digital MultipleX and involves 512 different channels.

The number 512 shows that this is the number of channels that are involved in this network or universe. Each channel controls a specific function of the lighting fixture. There are also various values on each channel which allows a specific effect to show different results. So one channel might control the color wheel of the light.

It is important to know that each channel has a number of qualities that can be applied to a lighting fixture. Most fixtures have a head that can move in various directions, with lights that can change colors and create many other effects. A channel has various levels or values as was mentioned earlier, and each level is connected to the result of that specific effect.

The DMX Merger makes this easier for the technician by merging two or more sources together for greater control. These sources only apply to DMX512 and the merge unit requires a certain amount of power for its operation. The two devices used should only have an out signal, since the output through the merge will come out as one.

There is lots of work that goes into stage production where lighting is concerned. In order to create the depth that is also seen in movies and television, lighting technicians have to manipulate the lighting that is used on stage for a live performance. They are probably the most important group of workers in this field even though they mostly work behind the scenes.

Lighting technicians play a significant role in the production of shows that take place in theaters, theme parks, and any other artistic shows. They are able to do this with the aid of the DMX512 network and also the DMX Merger that is used with it. As a result, many people are able to see their favorite stage performances and have an enjoyable experience.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment