DMX screens and DMX lights overview

Background

The Disguise software DMX functionality was motivated by the need to control RGB LED pixel-based fixtures that were DMX-driven. In this view, a DMX-controlled pixel is no different from a DVI-controlled pixel; it is simply controlled using a different type of signal. This led to the implementation of the DMXScreen, which is identical to the normal screen type except that it outputs the RGB information via DMX instead of via the Feed system. For more information on the different screen types please see the Screen types overview sub-chapter.

Over time, this idea of lights being simply pixels extended to the control of traditional lighting fixtures, with the conversion from RGB to CMY colour spaces and the addition of moving head bases. This led to the creation of the Fixture System, which allows more complex fixtures to be modeled.

Using Disguise software for controlling DMX-fixtures is recommended for tasks involving highly sculptural lighting arrangements where the individual lights/pixels are being looked at, rather than lighting another surface. The Disguise software is particularly suited for RGB LED pixel fixtures, since these have no personalities as such and therefore have zero setup time.

However, Disguise does not replace traditional lighting desks where typical tasks such as lighting a performer or surface is a requirement.

Current status

At the time of writing, Disguise software has the following limitations when dealing with DMX fixtures:

  • The visualiser shows light beams but does not model how light falls on surfaces or smoke/fog.

  • Shadows are not visualised.

  • CMYK fixtures can be driven, as can RGB , RGB+Amber and RGB+white fixtures. However, fixtures that are controlled via colourwheel are not supported.

  • Disguise software does not have a fixture personality library. This means that when using Disguise to drive a new fixture, you need to create and validate a fixture personality (the Disguise term is Fixture Driver) that specifies which channel numbers have which functions. This is usually a simple process; however, it can take some time to get the driver working correctly and this time must be calculated into the project planning.

  • Moving head fixtures are supported via the Target layer and Target2 layer. These allow groups of lights to be aimed at points in stage space. However, Disguise software does not provide as much control over aiming as a standard lighting desk would do.

  • While Disguise software can control non-colour parameters such as iris, gobo, focus and zoom, a lighting desk is still recommended for controlling such parameters.