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 reorganised 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, www.controlgeek.net
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."
(Jim Evans)
