Q1 - How many fixtures can LightFactory control?

LightFactory currently supports up to 32,768 output channels (64 DMX Universes). If you are using intelligent lighting you will find that each fixture uses several channels to control it. If for example each fixture uses 14 channels then a maximum of 2340 fixtures can be controlled.

Q2 - What is DMX and how is it used in a lighting system?

DMX 512 is the standard protocol by which lighting control desks communicate with lighting equipment. The DMX 512 protocol is a stream of data that is sent via a cable system connected between the data transmitter (LightFactory) and a data receiver, which could be anything ranging from a basic (generic) light to intelligent lights, smoke machines, etc

Q3 - What hardware do I need to output DMX with LightFactory?

LightFactory uses the standard DMX 512 protocol to communicate with the equipment it controls. The LightFactory software can be connected to a DMX system via either USB or Ethernet interfaces. See the hardware page for further information.

Q4 - What does LightFactory cost?

LightFactory is priced depending on the number of DMX universes you require. For full pricing information click on the "Pricing & Sales" link.

Q5 - Is there a demo version of the software?

LightFactory only requires a registration code to communicate with DMX hardware. The full install of the product can be downloaded from this web site and used free for demo purposes or training purposes. Click here to download the software. First time installations will operate with full DMX output for 12 hours of continuous runtime.

Q6 - I only have a slow internet connection, can I get a demo sent to me on CD?

We are happy to post you a demo CD containing the full install of the software. Please use the "Contact" page and send us your full postal address and details.

Q7 - What is the minimum PC requirements for running LightFactory?

The minimum system requirements for LightFactory are:
Pentium III processor or greater,
128Mb RAM,
Greater than 200Mb of free hard disk space,
Video card and monitor capable of producing 1024 x 768 resolution or greater.

Operating system requirements:
Windows 98, NT4, 2000, XP (SP1 and SP2)

Recommended system specification
Pentium 4 processor 1GHz or greater
512Mb RAM
Dual monitor display system with minimum resolution 1024x768

Q8 - Does LightFactory have any visualization tools included with the software?

LightFactory does not have any built in visualization tools but includes native support and full integration with Light Converse, Cast software's WYSIWYG and Capture.

Q9 - How can I add external submasters to the software?

LightFactory supports up to 1000 submasters. These can be access on screen or by connecting any DMX lighting desk to the system with the USB DMX-IN box or Ethernet DMX in. The faders on the lighting desk can then be used to control the submasters. Submasters are access through 10 pages. E.g. If you connect a 48 channel desk to LightFactory, 480 submasters are available across 10 pages.

Q10 - What is the difference in USB hardware. Why are some more expensive than others?

There are a number of USB hardware options can be used to get DMX out of your computer.

Some interfaces are significantly cheaper than the others, as they trust the PC to generate DMX data - other devices use a separate microprocessor to generate DMX. On a lightly loaded PC, with LightFactory we can generate DMX at 40 frames/second. The standard has a maximum of 44 frames/second.

The Cooper Controls, Enttec USB Pro, Soundlight and Sunlite devices all have their own microprocessor to generate the DMX output and are not reliant on the PC. A constant frame rate will be generated regardless of the PC speed or load.

Q11 - What is the LightFactory upgrade policy?

Purchase of LightFactory entitles you to free upgrades within minor version changes or for 90 days from the date of purchase. If the major version number has not changed you are still entitled to free upgrades regardless of when the software was purchased. If the major version number has changed then you are entitled to upgrade for free if the purchase date is less than 90 days ago. Thereafter upgrades to a major new version are available at a discount to existing customers.
The major version number is the first number in the set of four (4). i.e. In the version number 1.2.2 the major version number is 1.