At PLASA 07 Pharos Architectural Controls introduced the LPC X, a big brother to the LPC1 and LPC2, both winners of PLASA innovation awards in 2005 and 2006. A powerful lighting playback controller, it offers capacities up to 100 DMX universes from a single unit, taking control for large installations to a new level. The LPC X supports a variety of control protocols to suit different project needs, including DMX-over-Ethernet standards such as Pathport, ArtNet, ETCNet2 and Streaming ACN. Also provided are DVI and Firewire DV outputs for integrating with arrays of fixtures that require video-based control. There is also a framework in place to support custom protocols for bespoke projects.
Uniquely, multiple different protocols can be output simultaneously from a single unit giving synchronised control across an installation and making the LPC X a highly flexible solution for large-scale control. Pharos also announced support for Color Kinetics proprietary Ethernet control protocol for direct control of networked CK power supplies. Pharos is the only third-party
controller to offer this support.
The LPC X is a 2U 19” rackmount unit and is an entirely solid-state solution – no fans, no hard disks – giving the same reliability as the DIN-rail mounting LPCs. It works seamlessly with other Pharos controllers and remote devices on the network and has a variety of onboard triggering options including RS232, Ethernet, DMX input and realtime clock. And like the other Pharos controllers it also supports remote management via a built-in web interface. Programming is easy using the existing timeline-based Pharos Designer software with integrated simulation and pixel-mapping of media.
Another new feature is the ability to take a live video input (via Firewire) and pixel-map it in real time. This opens up yet more interesting opportunities for interactive and themed attractions, alongside the show control features that already exist within the Pharos software. |