Osram

Based on advanced timeline programming, e:cue SYMPHOLIGHT combines easy fixture and project set-up, content creation, automation and execution control in a single application. With powerful scripting capabilities, visual automation tools, and remote control via any web browser, e:cue SYMPHOLIGHT provides easy and playful design experiences even for the most sophisticated lighting and media applications.

Challenge

The main challenge of this project was to realize DirectX 9-support and improved performance. Our old solution was written in C++ using the DirectX 10 feature “instancing”. This worked very well on newer machines, but not on older PCs or virtual machines. With the requirement of being able to run in virtualized environments, e.g. for the QA department, or Mac users, we have to support DirectX 9. On top we wanted to increase the performance, too.

Results

After the first iteration of our implementation, we have achieved a performance increase of approximately 200%. In addition, the software can now run on virtual machines and older computers.

To do this, we reduced the number of vertices used by our scene by almost 99% by introducing new custom shaders. For our second iteration, we enabled the WaveEngine’s Batching functionality, which resulted in an almost unbelievable performance gain of 2700%.

Main features

  • Patching, device setup, programming and execution in one single application
  • Easy control of both DMX and DALI fixtures
  • Full integration and support for all e:cue SYMPL Modular Controller Range devices and many classic e:cue devices, like Butlers and Glass-Touches
  • Powerful “Workflow Designer”, a visual automation tool for easy and extremely versatile automation of any kind of internal or external data and source.
  • 3D support for advanced projects with more than just a flat surface
  • Easy programming even for complex routines without usage of scripting languages
  • Simulation capability for both design and execution stages
  • HTML5-based Graphic User Interface (GUI) Editor for wired or wireless show control via any web browser on any device or Operating System