Already well-known for its expertise in DMX/RDM and ethernet-based lighting controls, Artistic Licence has been quick to respond to a growing need for DMX/DALI conversion products and DALI tools. While developed with fluorescent ballasts in mind, DALI is enjoying a much greater reach as designers and specifiers recognise the possibilities of combining it with DMX systems.
However, DALI remains an unknown quantity to many - a situation that Artistic Licence founder and CEO, Wayne Howell, aimed to remedy in his extremely well-attended seminar, When DMX Gets Surreal - Bringing DALI into the Picture. A show of hands at the beginning revealed an audience well-versed in DMX systems, but lacking an appreciation of what can be achieved with DALI and how to integrate it successfully. Judging by the Q&A session at the end, many came away with a much improved understanding of the pros and cons of working with DALI, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
On the Artistic Licence stand, the company's comprehensive range of DMX splitters and LED drivers were on show alongside dVnet, Artistic's digital video-to-network converter. Aimed at architectural or retail installations where the complexity of a media server is not required, dVnet is proving more and more popular as customers come to appreciate its remarkable flexibility and functionality.
Proving the lasting appeal of gadgets, nanoScope was clearly a big hit among visitors to the stand. Displayed at the show in prototype form, and due to be released for sale in the coming months, nanoScope is a handy pocket-sized DMX tester with an intuitive, colour-coded informational display. While the final pricing has yet to be set, it will be under £60, making it a must-have item for every lighting technician.
(Jim Evans)
