grandMA2 Software Release Version 3.3: More Powerful Features

MA Lighting announces another significant software release for its flagship grandMA2 lighting control platform. With version 3.3, not only are there many new features but also the help and fixture library systems have been fully re-imagined, the company says.

Based on feedback from the grandMA2 user community, hundreds of smaller improvements have also been incorporated to assist smoother workflow for the operator and programmer making more time for creativity.

With the new software, the MA Lighting fixture library is now available online via the Fixture Share service. After logging in, users can add their own fixture files or download the latest versions of fixture files which were not available at the software release moment, ensuring a fully up to date fixture library for all MA Lighting users. Additional search and rating functionality allows users to generate their own favorite fixture library. You can find the fixture share here: https://fixtureshare.malighting.com

Another development with the grandMA2 version 3.3 software is the fully re-worked partial show-read functionality which simplifies and streamlines the process of getting a touring showfile to output correctly across any lighting system, making it ideal for touring and festival situations, the company says. Offset for all Pan/Tilt functionality is now incorporated and several MIB workflow improvements have been added.

There are now several new modes of DMX output function for the MA Network Nodes, allowing for a wider behavior range for fault situations. RDM via Art-Net is implemented.

With the grandMA2 version 3.3 software, the MA VPU (Video Processing Unit) now has a completely reworked Warper functionality, including pixel-exact U/V mapping, and much higher resolution for more precise adjustments. A snapshot / masking tools has been added allowing a screenshot of a user's preferred output to become a mask for their daily content. More creative layer mixing modes have been added that allow different ways of "blending" between layers.

Additionally, the grandMA2 help system has been re-worked completely. A new look and feel with improved search functionality gives even more online and offline support. All topics have been revisited and updated to the current status for best workflow support.

The MA Network Switch offers network stability and ensures the MA support team can cover the entire lighting network. It uses entertainment industry protocols and makes the network management easier for users without specialist networking experience.

The new software release version 3.3 adds the powerful feature called link aggregation (LAG) functionality for better redundant networks. This functionality if fully compatible with any standard Ethernet network switch and can be used in meshed installations. Furthermore, the RSTP status will be displayed for firsthand information about the link status of any port. According to MA Lighting's claim: Take control of your network -- you don't need to be a nerd to keep it under control.

All software packages are available via the MA Lighting homepage: www.malighting.com/en/support-downloads/software.html