ETC: Integrating Lighting and Control Systems for Greater Efficiency and Creativity

What Integration Means at ETC

ETC products are designed to communicate effortlessly, no matter the ecosystem they’re in. While we adhere to industry standards so that our products work universally, we also build them to work exceptionally well with each other, offering advantages that other setups simply can’t match. For example, if you have an ETC lighting console and a rigging controller, you can integrate hoist position data directly into the 3D model on your lighting desk. Our consoles also have in-depth knowledge of our fixture color profiles, making it simpler to control colors and create the exact lighting atmosphere you envision.

Other integrated capabilities include configuring network gateways through the console and enabling easy transfer of control between architectural and stage lighting systems. These are just a few examples of how ETC’s products support an ecosystem that makes your workflow as smooth as possible, ultimately saving time and reducing complexity.

How ETC’s Integration Journey Began

ETC began focusing on integration as soon as we expanded our product line beyond lighting consoles. Having pioneered many of the standards that the industry uses today, we always kept an eye on how different product groups could collaborate to solve larger challenges. When engineers from various specialties work together, ideas emerge that go beyond isolated functions. Statements like “Wouldn’t it be useful if…?” are often the spark for innovative features that offer real solutions.

For instance, while ETC’s fixtures are renowned for their color quality, the real magic happens when they’re paired with our Eos or Hog color control systems. These systems take the complex work of balancing different wavelengths of LEDs and simplify it with a user-friendly interface. This synergy is only possible because we design and engineer all parts of the system in-house, giving us a unique advantage in delivering a seamless experience.

Key Product Areas That Enhance Integration

ETC offers a wide array of integrated products, all designed to work together for the best user experience. Here are a few ways our products connect:

1. Console and Fixture Compatibility: ETC’s consoles allow for seamless control over our fixtures, particularly in areas like color. DMX gateways can be configured directly from the console, and our power controllers can report their status in real-time, giving feedback through architectural controllers or consoles.

2. Architectural and Control Systems: ETC’s architectural control platforms are designed to scale with different systems. For example, our Echo platform, known for its simplicity, can integrate with the Paradigm system for added management capabilities. Similarly, the Mosaic system’s ability to handle large pixel counts complements Paradigm’s customizability and advanced control logic.

   
   
3. Network Gateways and Firmware Updates: With tools like Concert or UpdaterAtor, updating firmware across your ETC fixtures is easy. Even DMX opto-splitters can play a role, linking the network gateway and fixtures in a unified update process.
   
   

4. Augment3d and Position Data Integration: At this year’s Prolight + Sound, we demonstrated how our Augment3d software integrates with our rigging controllers. This feature enables the console to track lighting positions in real-time, even when the lighting bar moves – another example of how ETC products work together for a smoother experience.

   

Expanding Remote Control and System Management

ETC is committed to remote management and offers a suite of apps and software tools for on-the-go configuration, monitoring, and control. For example, our Concert software provides a full view of your space’s configuration, enabling you to save and reload setup configurations easily. This means you can return to a standard setting after a visiting company has left, ensuring continuity and simplicity.

We also offer apps like Set Light, which enables fixture configuration via NFC, and MyETC: Photometrics, which gives quick access to luminaire data right from your mobile device. Whether adjusting power control modules or changing fixture modes remotely, ETC’s apps empower users to manage systems more efficiently from any location.

How ETC Technology Supports Professionals in the Field

ETC’s products are created to address specific needs in the lighting industry. Our goal is to simplify the lives of theatre techs, installers, rental companies, and managers, allowing them to focus more on creativity and less on technical hurdles. For instance, as many venues transition from tungsten to LED lighting, ETC provides tools and support to make the shift smoother, helping users adopt new workflows suited to LED technology without unnecessary stress.

Whether managing lighting in theatres or supporting large educational facilities, ETC offers solutions that cater to diverse needs. By making our products intuitive and integrated, we ensure that lighting professionals can focus on the art of storytelling, not just on the technicalities.

What’s Next for ETC in Integrated Systems

As the industry moves toward smarter, more integrated technology, ETC is continuously evolving. We are committed to developing new features and expanding integration across all product lines. The future of professional lighting is more interconnected than ever, and we’re excited to keep pushing the boundaries, creating tools that enhance user experience and expand the possibilities of lighting design.

ETC’s integration philosophy isn’t just about connecting products; it’s about creating an ecosystem that allows lighting professionals to do their best work. We build the tools, but it’s your artistry that brings them to life.

Explore the ETC Project Portfolio for examples of our lighting, control, and rigging solutions integrated into various installations.

This article is based on an interview with Rory Fraser-Mackenzie, Market Manager for ETC.