Saturday, 15 June 2013

What One Should Know About A DMX Merger

By Teri Farley


There was a time when the lights that are used on stage in theater and opera were controlled by hand. This means that if one wanted to created different effects from different sources, this was done manually. Today, things are made easier using a DMX Merger that allows a lighting technician to have greater control over the operation of lighting fixtures that are used in various productions.

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.

There are 512 channels that are used to communicate with the light fixtures, Hence the name DMX512. Each channel has several values that range from 0 to 255. A DMX merger is able to bring two or more channels to a merge so that they operate as one. If the electronics of the box is high, then it can even go to the highest values of the channel.

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.

One also has to realize that a DMX Merger only merges two or more DMX512 sources together. So a DMX USB interface can merge with a DMX lighting controller as long as they both have an out signal. This gives an individual greater control of the lighting that is used on stage in various performances such as the theater or opera.

Lighting technicians make use of this system and they are responsible for all of the effects that one sees on stage. There is lots of planning involved in these productions, even for the lighting. This is why having a good network is important, as this allows the technician to have the control they need to create the effects desired.

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.




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