This has just been posted on the LSP forum
Dear LSP Community;
Hope all is well and thank you for choosing LSPro. Additionally a sincere thank you for your patience as we finalize our planned sequencer re-write. As we begin the final stages of the re-write, we do want to provide a brief update/refresher in terms of the objectives and the timeline.
Objectives
The objective of the sequencer re-write has always been, and remains, … re-engineer its foundational structure to; (1) optimize current user efficiencies in producing light shows, (2) optimize its API to efficiently accommodate for future enhancements such as LSPro initiated macro development, third party plug-ins/add-ons, and the like, and (3) accommodate 3D mapping (xyz axis) (...year 2016 planned rollout) and other advanced functions. We feel our structural enhancements which allows us to efficiently handle the above-referenced advanced functionality, will take LSP software to the next level. Specific 2015 planned enhancements follow:
1. Ease of Use – One of our primary goals is to allow anyone that wants to have a light show be able to use our software. In the past we have heard the comments about LSP having a large learning curve and it scares people away, especially those new to the hobby or business. The new software suite will have a very easy to use feel while still retaining the advanced RGB capabilities.
2. Object based Sequencing – Object based sequencing has been a dream for a lot of users. The ability to sequence and not worry about how many channels an object has makes it easier to create the effects and show. Also with object based sequencing the ability to share sequences becomes even easier. Mapping layers to objects and having the software figure out how effects need to be generated is a major step forward in the new version coming out.
3. Live Control (feature will be implemented after release most likely) – The ability to play effects and macros during a live show will allow users to “wow” their audience. No longer will you have a “blind” light show going on while a band is playing. Queuing, pre-created effects, sliders, etc. will be available to users to allow them to create a great live experience.
4. Multi-server Explorer – With the ability to now run our service in Linux (i.e. Raspberry Pi), servers for playback will be easier to have remote. The new server explorer will allow you to keep a listing of playback servers that can be configured and scheduled from an easy to use interface. No longer will you have a separate scheduler and have to set up I/O mapping twice. One place, one configuration, done.
5. Smart Effects – On, ramps, etc. have always been classified as simple effects. What about the ability to place any type of effect on a layer and have the software map to the channels accordingly? You will still have the ability to dive down to the channel layer for hard core users, but smart effects will make it easier for users to place the effects they want quickly. This will also be what makes sharing sequences so much easier. And, the software will automatically re-generate channel effects when layers and objects affecting those channels change.
6. Multi-color Effects – Why be limited to an On effect with only a start and end color? With the addition of the smart effects, multi-color effects will be available to allow the user to create a “macro” like effect without actually using a macro. “Simple” effects will have the ability to have multiple color changes just by placing a single effect.
7. Efficient Storage – Gone are the long loading times of XML-based sequence files. With database storage, we only load the data we need. Searching through the data is much more efficient and faster.
8. Properties Editor and Enhanced Ribbon – We’ve minimized the use of right click pop-up windows. Quickly make changes to effect properties, drawing objects, etc. with a new properties editor and enhanced ribbon.
9. Faster macro generation – We have all waited patiently, or impatiently, for the macro to finish completing so we can move on to our next effect. We plan on those waiting times to be significantly reduced or even gone.
10. Multi-core Processing – We have optimized the software to be run on multi-core machines. You can still run on single core, but the experience is truly better on a multi-core.
11. New Matrix Tool – No more single clicking squares. Now you can “draw” on the matrix tool to fill in the squares just by dragging your mouse. Also, the matrix tool will be smarter. No longer should you have to know the exact channel count of your matrix object. The software will be able to interpolate to your channel count as necessary.
Timeline
We expect beta testing to begin mid July with completion in September. Our introductory plan also includes a team viewer session(s) for interested parties to understand the product and to ask questions regarding its functionality, and offer suggestions. After our scheduled release in September, we do plan scheduled updates during the fall to address features not initially ready at release, and to address user feedback.
In closing, again we sincerely appreciate your patience during this process and trust you will be pleased with the results.
LightShow Studio’s LLC, managers of LightShowPro
Dear LSP Community;
Hope all is well and thank you for choosing LSPro. Additionally a sincere thank you for your patience as we finalize our planned sequencer re-write. As we begin the final stages of the re-write, we do want to provide a brief update/refresher in terms of the objectives and the timeline.
Objectives
The objective of the sequencer re-write has always been, and remains, … re-engineer its foundational structure to; (1) optimize current user efficiencies in producing light shows, (2) optimize its API to efficiently accommodate for future enhancements such as LSPro initiated macro development, third party plug-ins/add-ons, and the like, and (3) accommodate 3D mapping (xyz axis) (...year 2016 planned rollout) and other advanced functions. We feel our structural enhancements which allows us to efficiently handle the above-referenced advanced functionality, will take LSP software to the next level. Specific 2015 planned enhancements follow:
1. Ease of Use – One of our primary goals is to allow anyone that wants to have a light show be able to use our software. In the past we have heard the comments about LSP having a large learning curve and it scares people away, especially those new to the hobby or business. The new software suite will have a very easy to use feel while still retaining the advanced RGB capabilities.
2. Object based Sequencing – Object based sequencing has been a dream for a lot of users. The ability to sequence and not worry about how many channels an object has makes it easier to create the effects and show. Also with object based sequencing the ability to share sequences becomes even easier. Mapping layers to objects and having the software figure out how effects need to be generated is a major step forward in the new version coming out.
3. Live Control (feature will be implemented after release most likely) – The ability to play effects and macros during a live show will allow users to “wow” their audience. No longer will you have a “blind” light show going on while a band is playing. Queuing, pre-created effects, sliders, etc. will be available to users to allow them to create a great live experience.
4. Multi-server Explorer – With the ability to now run our service in Linux (i.e. Raspberry Pi), servers for playback will be easier to have remote. The new server explorer will allow you to keep a listing of playback servers that can be configured and scheduled from an easy to use interface. No longer will you have a separate scheduler and have to set up I/O mapping twice. One place, one configuration, done.
5. Smart Effects – On, ramps, etc. have always been classified as simple effects. What about the ability to place any type of effect on a layer and have the software map to the channels accordingly? You will still have the ability to dive down to the channel layer for hard core users, but smart effects will make it easier for users to place the effects they want quickly. This will also be what makes sharing sequences so much easier. And, the software will automatically re-generate channel effects when layers and objects affecting those channels change.
6. Multi-color Effects – Why be limited to an On effect with only a start and end color? With the addition of the smart effects, multi-color effects will be available to allow the user to create a “macro” like effect without actually using a macro. “Simple” effects will have the ability to have multiple color changes just by placing a single effect.
7. Efficient Storage – Gone are the long loading times of XML-based sequence files. With database storage, we only load the data we need. Searching through the data is much more efficient and faster.
8. Properties Editor and Enhanced Ribbon – We’ve minimized the use of right click pop-up windows. Quickly make changes to effect properties, drawing objects, etc. with a new properties editor and enhanced ribbon.
9. Faster macro generation – We have all waited patiently, or impatiently, for the macro to finish completing so we can move on to our next effect. We plan on those waiting times to be significantly reduced or even gone.
10. Multi-core Processing – We have optimized the software to be run on multi-core machines. You can still run on single core, but the experience is truly better on a multi-core.
11. New Matrix Tool – No more single clicking squares. Now you can “draw” on the matrix tool to fill in the squares just by dragging your mouse. Also, the matrix tool will be smarter. No longer should you have to know the exact channel count of your matrix object. The software will be able to interpolate to your channel count as necessary.
Timeline
We expect beta testing to begin mid July with completion in September. Our introductory plan also includes a team viewer session(s) for interested parties to understand the product and to ask questions regarding its functionality, and offer suggestions. After our scheduled release in September, we do plan scheduled updates during the fall to address features not initially ready at release, and to address user feedback.
In closing, again we sincerely appreciate your patience during this process and trust you will be pleased with the results.
LightShow Studio’s LLC, managers of LightShowPro