Author, educator, and industry veteran
John Huntington
has released
Show Networks and Control Systems
, the completely updated and revised edition of his industry standard reference text, which was previously titled,
Control Systems for Live Entertainment
. The book includes an in-depth examination of the control and networking technology used in lighting, lasers, sound, stage machinery, animatronics, special effects, and pyrotechnics used in concerts, theme parks, theatre, themed retail, cruise ships, museums, interactive performing arts, and special events.
“With the increasing impact and ubiquity of networking in our market, I felt a new edition with an expanded networking focus was important,” comments Huntington. “So, I completely reorganized the content; checked, updated, and expanded the information; and added a lot more information. And, to reflect the changes in the market I also changed the title.” There are 30 new pages of material including dramatically expanded show networking technology along with real-world examples for reference and graphical aids have been added to help navigate through the information, as well as a glossary. Huntington has presented the information in a form readable straight through by motivated, independent readers, while also making the structure modular enough to be useful for working professionals, educators, and students. In addition, Huntington is now posting supplemental video lectures for each chapter on his website,
As in the previous editions, he focuses not on gear, which constantly becomes obsolete, but on techniques and standards, because Huntington thinks it’s critical that people know not only the ‘what’ but the ‘why’ of entertainment technologies. “Though I’ve tried not to be extremely technical, this is a field of ever-increasing technological complexity,” comments Huntington. “It’s important for the average technician to learn how to put together reliable systems and make sure the show actually happens.”
The well-received book is quickly becoming an industry ‘must read’ for both working professionals and educators, as noted in much of the praise of Show Networks and Control Systems:
“We also tell our newly hired engineers that they should be conversant with the entire contents of this book because it covers the core knowledge commonly needed in the design of show control systems.” –
Glenn Birket, P.E.
, President, Birket Engineering, Inc.
“This book is the definitive guide for designing and using network technology across a wide range of live performance applications. It’s a must-read for designers, technicians, and engineers of all experience levels.” –
Steve Terry
, VP of Research & Development Electronic Theatre Controls
“Most technicians can learn to use show networking and control equipment. They accomplish this by reading manuals and taking classes. Exceptional technicians understand how their gear works inside and out. They accomplish this by reading John Huntington’s book.” –
Jason Potterf
, Cisco
“John Huntington’s book provides an invaluable introduction to networking for entertainment systems, helping students build a foundation and vocabulary for systems integration across lighting, sound, media, scenery, and more.” –
David Boevers
, Professor, Carnegie Mellon School of Drama
“This book presents these indispensable techniques and concepts in clear, concise terms and examples. It’s easily the best resource for anyone needing a better understanding of where entertainment control technology is today and where it’s headed in the future.” –
Scott Fisher
, President, Fisher Technical Services
Show Networks and Control Systems
retails for $50 USD and is available through John Huntington’s website at
.
Book Information
List Price: $50.00
7.5″ x 9.25″ (19.05 x 23.495 cm)
Black & White bleed on white paper
492 pages
Zircon Designs Press, ISBN-13: 978-0615655901
About the Author
John Huntington, a trusted expert in the field of entertainment and show control, is a professor at New York City College of Technology/CUNY (“City Tech”), and has worked with major companies and venues throughout the entertainment industry, including The Metropolitan Opera, Radio City Music Hall, Production Arts Lighting, Associates and Ferren, Thoughtful Designs/PRG, the Yale School of Drama, and the Tribecca Film Festival. Huntington has had more than 40 articles published in magazines such as Lighting and Sound America, Protocol, Live Design, Lighting Dimensions, TD&T, and Theatre Crafts. He is a member of IATSE Local #1, has a CCENT certification, a New York State Class B Laser Operator’s Certificate of Competence, was a Subject Matter Expert for the PLASA ETCP Entertainment Electrician certification exam, and is an ETCP Recognized Electrical Trainer. He lives and works in New York City and blogs at
.
