In addition to USB DMX interfaces, two
network protocols ArtNet and sACN have become established in lighting
technology.
Both ArtNet and sACN exchange DMX values between the computer and an ArtNet or sACN device over a network connection.
In the ArtNet device or sACN device, the received data is converted to DMX values. Conversely, it is also possible to send DMX values from the ArtNet or sACN device to the computer.
Such ArtNet or sACN devices can have several DMX inputs and/or outputs, there are also lamps with network connection that have ArtNet or sACN installed.
With ArtNet as well as with sACN the DMX values of a DMX universe are addressed via internal LAN universes (-numbers).
With sACN the LAN Universes numbers (1 - 65535) are given directly, with ArtNet the LAN Universes numbers (0 - 32767) are calculated from three specifications (Net-Switch, SubNet-Switch and Port Address).
If you are not familiar with network settings, please read these rudimentary explanations: Network Settings.
The advantage of sACN and ArtNet is that the communication happens over a network connection and you don't have to deal with USB drivers and it works in principle on all operating systems.
But there are also disadvantages:
The important differences are listed below:
In the liveSHOW software click in the menu 'Settings' on 'DMXHardware Settings'. In the 'DMX Hardware Settings' window, click on the icon
on the left..
A window opens where you can add a new DMX hardware. There you select 'ArtNet - sACN' and confirm this with a click on
.
Now a window opens in which you can configure LAN devices. For later changes you can click on
.
For each sACN device that you use, you must create a device in the software.
For each input and output of your sACN device, you must also create inputs and outputs in the software.
Note: It is recommended to add only one 'ArtNet - sACN' hardware, respectively one for each network interface (LAN, WLAN,..), in the liveSHOWsoftware and to manage all sACN and ArtNet devices there!!!
Step 1 create a new sACN-Device:
You can create a new sACN device by clicking on the icon next to the list of LAN devices.
A new sACN device appears in the list. Double-click on the name or description to change these details.
Opens the settings of the selected sACN device.
deletes the selected sACN device from the list
Step 2: Create inputs and outputs and assign a LANUniversenumbers
If the corresponding sACN device is selected in the list of LAN devices, you can create a new input or output by clicking on the icon next to the list of inputs/outputs.
By default, an output is created, by clicking on 'Output' you can change the output to an input.
The name of the input/output and the number can be changed by double-clicking on it, this is only informal information.
Now you must assign a LANUniversenumber. You can enter a number by double-clicking on the table cell 'Universe'. A virtual LANUniverse is created according to the LANUniversenumber and displayed in the right-hand list.
Outputs create a LANUniverse 'Ouput' + LANUniverse number.
Inputs create a LANUniverse 'Input' + LANUniverse number.
Alternatively, you can also do this via (Settings of the device).
Note: The LAN universe numbers must of course correspond to the LAN universe numbers set on the hardware device! The LAN universe number should be in the range (1..65535)
Note: If you assign the same LANUniversenumber to multiple outputs, only one LANUniverse will be created in the liveSHOWsoftware. And the connected liveSHOW DMXUniverse sends the DMX values to all these outputs (like a DMX splitter).
deletes the selected input or output of a sACN device.
Step 3: Check the IP setting of the computer with the IP setting of the sACN device
At the top of the configuration window all network interfaces of the computer are displayed. You can activate or deactivate them by clicking on the box on the left. Additionally, all IP4 addresses of the respective network interface are displayed.
However, the network interfaces are only displayed if a network connection has been established. One network interface is displayed per network card (LAN/WLAN) that is installed or connected in the computer.
For the network transfer from the computer to the sACN device to work, both devices must be in the same network.
Example: Let's assume your computer has a LAN(Ethernet) interface and the IP4 address 19.168.0.20 (SubnetMask 255.255.255.0) is set under the adapter options.
So the sACN device must have an IP4 address of 192.168.0.xx (SubnetMask 255.255.255.0), where xx is a number between (1 and 254) and is different from the corresponding computer IP4 address (so it must not be 20).
The manufacturers of sACN devices usually offer software or a web interface that can be used to change the IP4 address and the respective LAN universe number on the device. Some devices have a display and allow the change to be made directly on the device.
ArtNet automatically detects the existing devices in the network, so there is no need to create them manually.
Note: Not all hardware manufacturers adhere to the ArtNet protocol specifications!!! The liveSHOWsoftware tries to compensate this if possible, but this does not work in every case.
If e.g. ArtNet devices send the messages over the limited broadcast address '255.255.255.255', the ArtNet device is recognized under Windows, but not under the MAC OS or Linux! In addition, messages to this address are not forwarded by a router! Normally ArtNet devices (according to ArtNet protocol) should broadcast the messages via Direkted Broadcast address (e.g. 2.255.255.255), then everything works also on Mac OS and Linux and the messages are then also forwarded by routers.
Note: It is recommended to add only one 'ArtNet - sACN' hardware, respectively one for each network interface (LAN, WLAN,..). For example, the ArtNet protocol only knows the ArtNet or sACN send protocols Another send protocols cannot be transmitted via ArtNet.
Note: Some ArtNet devices offer complex setting options (e.g. other network protocols for inputs/outputs) that cannot be mapped via the ArtNet protocol.
Step 1: activate ArtNet
At the top of the configuration window, 'ArtNet' must be checked.
Note: If a network conflict occurs because another software or another ArtNet / sACN hardware interface of the liveSHOW software uses the ArtNet protocol via the same network adapter, all affected IP addresses of the computer are listed in red.
Step 2: Netzworksettings
At the top of the configuration window, all network interfaces of the computer that have an active network connection are displayed.
You can activate or deactivate the network interfaces by clicking on the box on the left. Additionally, all IP4 addresses of the respective network interface are displayed.
With ArtNet, each device is assigned an IP address. By default an IP4 address calculated from the MAC address is set for an ArtNet device. For some devices this IP4 address can be changed on the device or, if a connection exists, reprogrammed via ArtNet.
For some devices it is not possible to change this IP address.
According to the ArtNet specification the standard IP4 addresses are in the range 2.x.y.z (SubNet mask 255.0.0.0) or in the range 10.x.y.z (SubNet mask 255.0.0.0). The numbers x, y and z could be calculated in the device from the MAC address.
But ArtNet also allows to use any IP address.
To get a connection to a device, your network interface on the computer should be assigned additional IP4 addresses (e.g. 2.0.02 and 10.0.0.2 SubNetMask is 255.0.0.0 each, or an IP4 address and subnet mask that corresponds to the IP4 address set on the device)
Note: The IP4 address on the computer must be different from each IP4-address of the devices, the subnet mask must be the same on all devices. The front part of the IP4 address must be the same everywhere. Which part must be the same is determined by the SubNetMask. For example, if the front two numbers of the SubNetMask are 255 (255.255.0.0.) then the front two numbers of the IP4 address must be the same everywhere (e.g. 192.168.y.z).
Note: In the computer, several IP addresses can be assigned per network interface. However, DHCP (Obtain IP4 address automatically) must not be set in the adapter options on the computer, the first IP4 address must be set statically. You can find instructions on the Internet or here: Network.
Note: If you use IP4 addresses such as 2.x.y.z or 10.x.y.z (SubNetMask 255.0.0.0) via WLAN, the computer should not have an Internet connection, otherwise the local network routing may not work.
If everything is set correctly, all ArtNet devices present in the network will automatically appear in the LAN device list. If a LAN device is selected, its inputs and outputs are shown in the table below.
Opens the settings of the selected ArtNet device.
Note: ArtNet can manage up to 32,768 (0..32767) universes. Of course, these cannot be fully utilized. How many universes can be used simultaneously depends on the computer capacity and the network speed.
In contrast to the sACN devices, you cannot change anything in the tables, as everything is reported automatically by the device. However, the properties of an ArtNet device can be reprogrammed - see below.
If you select a LAN universe (input/output) and select a liveSHOW DMX universe, you can connect the two with one click on
.
.
Further information about the inputs/outputs
Click on
near the LAN devices to open the settings window of the selected
sACN/ArtNet device. Here you can see more information about the
inputs/outputs and change settings.
ArtNet also allows reprogramming of a hardware device.
Note Not all ArtNet devices allow reprogramming. If in doubt, simply try this out.
Not all properties of an ArtNet device can be changed here!!!
Some devices offer more complex possibilities that cannot be configured via the ArtNet protocol.
The properties of the ArtNet device and all inputs/outputs are displayed.
Device properties:
In-/Outputs:
Note: The above settings are only possible if the ArtNet device provides information about itself and its inputs and outputs to the liveSHOWsoftware.
In Artnet, ArtPoll messages are sent at regular intervals and all ArtNet devices send information about themselves as ArtPollReply messages. Unfortunately, some devices do not follow this ArtNet standard.
If the ArtNet device only sends DMX values without providing information about itself, the liveSHOWsoftware will title the complete ArtNet device as virtual (ARTNET VIRTUAL IN).
If there is no information about a DMX input, it will be titled as virtual.
If an ArtNet device has a DMX output, information must be sent from it to the liveSHOWsoftware, otherwise the output is not listed.
Both ArtNet and sACN exchange DMX values between the computer and an ArtNet or sACN device over a network connection.
In the ArtNet device or sACN device, the received data is converted to DMX values. Conversely, it is also possible to send DMX values from the ArtNet or sACN device to the computer.
Such ArtNet or sACN devices can have several DMX inputs and/or outputs, there are also lamps with network connection that have ArtNet or sACN installed.
With ArtNet as well as with sACN the DMX values of a DMX universe are addressed via internal LAN universes (-numbers).
With sACN the LAN Universes numbers (1 - 65535) are given directly, with ArtNet the LAN Universes numbers (0 - 32767) are calculated from three specifications (Net-Switch, SubNet-Switch and Port Address).
If you are not familiar with network settings, please read these rudimentary explanations: Network Settings.
The advantage of sACN and ArtNet is that the communication happens over a network connection and you don't have to deal with USB drivers and it works in principle on all operating systems.
But there are also disadvantages:
- The network settings on the sACN/ArtNet device and the computer must match - see Network Settings.
- ArtNet does not provide information about the send protocol
(ArtNet/sACN) for inputs. The liveSHOWsoftware tries to compensate for
this by obtaining protocol information from the corresponding output
information.
This may not work with every ArtNet device - see below 'More information about inputs/outputs Reprogramming an ArtNet device'. - Unfortunately, not all manufacturers of ArtNet devices adhere to the ArtNet specification, for whatever reason.
The following problems have been noticed with some ArtNet devices:
- Sometimes the correct number of inputs/outputs are not reported.
- Some ArtNet devices do not send the messages to the IP
address of the liveSHOWsoftware computer, but use a so-called 'Limited
Broadcast IP address (255.255.255.255).
This has the effect that the devices are recognized under Windows, unfortunately they are not recognized under MacOS and Linux.
(as of September 2023, the ArtNet devices from ShowTec Net-8 and Net-2 are known to me for this behavior, on a request to the Dutch distributor 'Highlite', I unfortunately did not get an answer)
Here it helps to change the inputs/outputs in the ARtNet device to the sACN protocol and to create an sACN interface in the liveSHOWsoftware. - Some ArtNet devices do not send a response (ArtPollReply) to a request (ArtPoll), but simply transmit DMX values.
This works in the liveSHOWsoftware, but it is not nice.
The important differences are listed below:
| USB DMXInterface | sACN | ArtNet |
| The device is connected to the computer via USB cable. | The device is connected to the computer via network cable or WLAN. | The device is connected to the computer via network cable or WLAN. |
| USB drivers are required | No drivers are required, but the network settings must match. | No drivers are required, but the network settings must match. |
| The IP address and the subnet mask are set in the sACN device. In order for the computer (liveSHOWsoftware) to communicate with an sACN device, the computer must have an IP address from the address space of the sACN device or a corresponding additional IP address must be added to the computer - see Network Settings. |
The IP address and the subnet mask are defined in the ArtNet device. By default, an ArtNet device uses the IP address space 2.x.y.z and the subnet mask 255.0.0.0. However, the address space 10.x.y.z or a self-defined IP address is also possible. In ArtNet, a unique IP address can be calculated from the MAC address of the device's network interface. Some ArtNet devices do this by default. For the computer (liveSHOWsoftware) to communicate with an ArtNet device, the computer must have an IP address from the address space of the ArtNet device or a corresponding additional IP address must be added to the computer - see Network Settings. |
|
| The device must be entered in the software. | The device must be entered in the software. | The device is automatically found on the network. For this purpose, the software sends a device query via broadcast to the network. All devices that receive this broadcast message send a response to the software. This reply contains the description of the ArtNet device (IP address, inputs/outputs, ...). This question-answer game is repeated at regular intervals. If an ArtNet device no longer answers, the software assumes that the device has been removed. |
| The transmission from the computer to the device is done via the USB interface using a device-dependent protocol. One DMXUniverse can be connected per input / output of a device. |
The transmission is done via the network using the sACN protocol. One DMXUniverse can be connected per input / output of a device. Since several DMXUniverses can be transmitted over the network, a virtual LANUniversenumber is defined for each input / output. The sACN device uses the LANUniversenumber to decide which input / output the DMX values are present at. To be more precise: each sACN device has its own IP address by which it is connected to the computer. In sACN a Multicast IP address is calculated from the virtual LAN universe number and the sACN device joins this Multicast IP address. If a sACN device has multiple inputs/outputs that have been assigned different LAN universe numbers, the sACN device will also join multiple multicast IP addresses. In principle, each input/output has its own Multicast IP address. Multicast means that a message is sent to multiple devices on the network. To avoid network overload, the devices join a multicast IP address. A message is therefore not sent to all other devices, but only to those that have joined the multicast IP address. For insiders: In sACN the multicast IP addresses are in the range (239.255.xxx.yyy), where xxx and yyy are determined by the LAN universe number. |
The transmission takes place via the network using the ArtNet protocol. One DMXUniverse can be connected per input / output of a device. Since several DMXUniverses can be transmitted over the network, a virtual LANUniversenumber is defined for each input / output. The ArtNet device uses the LANUniversenumber to decide which input / output the DMX values are present at. More precisely: Every ArtNet device in the network has its own IP address (at least it should), which is used to connect it to the computer. Each input/output of an ArtNet device is assigned a virtual LAN universe number. The DMX data of a DMXUniverse are only sent to those ArtNet devices (unicast) whose virtual LAN universe number is assigned to the DMXUniverse in the software. In order to find ArtNet devices automatically, ArtPoll messages are sent to all devices in the network at regular intervals. When an ArtNet device receives an ArtPoll message, it sends back a response (ArtPollReply message). The IP address (subnet mask) of the device is usually preset, this is calculated based on the MAC address of the device. However, the IP address can often be changed. |
| In the software the inputs and outputs of the USB device are displayed and a liveSHOW DMX universe can be connected to an input or output. | In the software, a LAN universe is created and displayed
using the virtual LANUniversenumber. A liveSHOW DMX universe can be
connected to a LAN universe. When the DMX values of a liveSHOW DMX universe are transmitted, the software sends the data to all relevant multicast IP addresses. The sACN fixtures that have joined these multicast IP addresses receive the data and know by means of the LAN universe number/multicast IP address at which access the DMX values should be present. So the same LANUniversenumber could be assigned to several devices or inputs/outputs and the DMX values of a liveSHOW DMXUniverse would be sent to both devices (a kind of DMX splitter). |
In the software, a LAN universe is created and displayed using the
virtual LANUniversenumber. A liveSHOW DMX universe can be connected to
a LAN universe. When the DMX values of a liveSHOW DMX universe are transmitted, the software sends the data to all relevant ArtNet devices. The virtual LAN universe number is also sent. The ArtNet devices then know which output the DMX values should be present at based on the virtual LAN universe number. So the same LANUniversenumber could be assigned to several devices or inputs/outputs and the DMX values of a liveSHOW DMXUniverse would be sent to both devices (a kind of DMX splitter). |
| Since ArtNet 4 it is possible to assign the
sACN protocol to one or more outputs of an ArtNet device. This means
that the device itself is found via ArtNet but the transmission of DMX
values is done via sACN. |
||
| Some devices can switch connections between DMX input and DMX output. This can be set in the liveSHOWsoftware. | Setting / reprogramming of an sACN device can be done via built-in menu and/or manufacturer's software (extra software or web interface). | Setting / reprogramming of an ArtNet device can be done via
built-in menu and/or manufacturer's software (extra software or web
interface). In addition, there is also the possibility to change certain parameters via the ArtNet protocol, if the manufacturer has implemented this. |
In the liveSHOW software click in the menu 'Settings' on 'DMXHardware Settings'. In the 'DMX Hardware Settings' window, click on the icon
on the left..A window opens where you can add a new DMX hardware. There you select 'ArtNet - sACN' and confirm this with a click on
.Now a window opens in which you can configure LAN devices. For later changes you can click on
.
sACN
sACN does not offer automatic device recognition, so the devices must be created manually in the software.For each sACN device that you use, you must create a device in the software.
For each input and output of your sACN device, you must also create inputs and outputs in the software.
Note: It is recommended to add only one 'ArtNet - sACN' hardware, respectively one for each network interface (LAN, WLAN,..), in the liveSHOWsoftware and to manage all sACN and ArtNet devices there!!!
Step 1 create a new sACN-Device:
You can create a new sACN device by clicking on the icon
next to the list of LAN devices.A new sACN device appears in the list. Double-click on the name or description to change these details.
Opens the settings of the selected sACN device. deletes the selected sACN device from the listStep 2: Create inputs and outputs and assign a LANUniversenumbers
If the corresponding sACN device is selected in the list of LAN devices, you can create a new input or output by clicking on the icon
next to the list of inputs/outputs.By default, an output is created, by clicking on 'Output' you can change the output to an input.
The name of the input/output and the number can be changed by double-clicking on it, this is only informal information.
Now you must assign a LANUniversenumber. You can enter a number by double-clicking on the table cell 'Universe'. A virtual LANUniverse is created according to the LANUniversenumber and displayed in the right-hand list.
Outputs create a LANUniverse 'Ouput' + LANUniverse number.
Inputs create a LANUniverse 'Input' + LANUniverse number.
Alternatively, you can also do this via
(Settings of the device).Note: The LAN universe numbers must of course correspond to the LAN universe numbers set on the hardware device! The LAN universe number should be in the range (1..65535)
Note: If you assign the same LANUniversenumber to multiple outputs, only one LANUniverse will be created in the liveSHOWsoftware. And the connected liveSHOW DMXUniverse sends the DMX values to all these outputs (like a DMX splitter).
deletes the selected input or output of a sACN device.Step 3: Check the IP setting of the computer with the IP setting of the sACN device
At the top of the configuration window all network interfaces of the computer are displayed. You can activate or deactivate them by clicking on the box on the left. Additionally, all IP4 addresses of the respective network interface are displayed.
However, the network interfaces are only displayed if a network connection has been established. One network interface is displayed per network card (LAN/WLAN) that is installed or connected in the computer.
For the network transfer from the computer to the sACN device to work, both devices must be in the same network.
Example: Let's assume your computer has a LAN(Ethernet) interface and the IP4 address 19.168.0.20 (SubnetMask 255.255.255.0) is set under the adapter options.
So the sACN device must have an IP4 address of 192.168.0.xx (SubnetMask 255.255.255.0), where xx is a number between (1 and 254) and is different from the corresponding computer IP4 address (so it must not be 20).
The manufacturers of sACN devices usually offer software or a web interface that can be used to change the IP4 address and the respective LAN universe number on the device. Some devices have a display and allow the change to be made directly on the device.
ArtNet
Art-Net™ Designed by and Copyright Artistic Licence Holdings Ltd
Art-Net is a royalty free protocol developed by Artistic Licence (www.artisticlicence.com)
Art-Net is a royalty free protocol developed by Artistic Licence (www.artisticlicence.com)
ArtNet automatically detects the existing devices in the network, so there is no need to create them manually.
Note: Not all hardware manufacturers adhere to the ArtNet protocol specifications!!! The liveSHOWsoftware tries to compensate this if possible, but this does not work in every case.
If e.g. ArtNet devices send the messages over the limited broadcast address '255.255.255.255', the ArtNet device is recognized under Windows, but not under the MAC OS or Linux! In addition, messages to this address are not forwarded by a router! Normally ArtNet devices (according to ArtNet protocol) should broadcast the messages via Direkted Broadcast address (e.g. 2.255.255.255), then everything works also on Mac OS and Linux and the messages are then also forwarded by routers.
Note: It is recommended to add only one 'ArtNet - sACN' hardware, respectively one for each network interface (LAN, WLAN,..). For example, the ArtNet protocol only knows the ArtNet or sACN send protocols Another send protocols cannot be transmitted via ArtNet.
Note: Some ArtNet devices offer complex setting options (e.g. other network protocols for inputs/outputs) that cannot be mapped via the ArtNet protocol.
Step 1: activate ArtNet
At the top of the configuration window, 'ArtNet' must be checked.
Note: If a network conflict occurs because another software or another ArtNet / sACN hardware interface of the liveSHOW software uses the ArtNet protocol via the same network adapter, all affected IP addresses of the computer are listed in red.
Step 2: Netzworksettings
At the top of the configuration window, all network interfaces of the computer that have an active network connection are displayed.
You can activate or deactivate the network interfaces by clicking on the box on the left. Additionally, all IP4 addresses of the respective network interface are displayed.
With ArtNet, each device is assigned an IP address. By default an IP4 address calculated from the MAC address is set for an ArtNet device. For some devices this IP4 address can be changed on the device or, if a connection exists, reprogrammed via ArtNet.
For some devices it is not possible to change this IP address.
According to the ArtNet specification the standard IP4 addresses are in the range 2.x.y.z (SubNet mask 255.0.0.0) or in the range 10.x.y.z (SubNet mask 255.0.0.0). The numbers x, y and z could be calculated in the device from the MAC address.
But ArtNet also allows to use any IP address.
To get a connection to a device, your network interface on the computer should be assigned additional IP4 addresses (e.g. 2.0.02 and 10.0.0.2 SubNetMask is 255.0.0.0 each, or an IP4 address and subnet mask that corresponds to the IP4 address set on the device)
Note: The IP4 address on the computer must be different from each IP4-address of the devices, the subnet mask must be the same on all devices. The front part of the IP4 address must be the same everywhere. Which part must be the same is determined by the SubNetMask. For example, if the front two numbers of the SubNetMask are 255 (255.255.0.0.) then the front two numbers of the IP4 address must be the same everywhere (e.g. 192.168.y.z).
Note: In the computer, several IP addresses can be assigned per network interface. However, DHCP (Obtain IP4 address automatically) must not be set in the adapter options on the computer, the first IP4 address must be set statically. You can find instructions on the Internet or here: Network.
Note: If you use IP4 addresses such as 2.x.y.z or 10.x.y.z (SubNetMask 255.0.0.0) via WLAN, the computer should not have an Internet connection, otherwise the local network routing may not work.
If everything is set correctly, all ArtNet devices present in the network will automatically appear in the LAN device list. If a LAN device is selected, its inputs and outputs are shown in the table below.
Opens the settings of the selected ArtNet device.Note: ArtNet can manage up to 32,768 (0..32767) universes. Of course, these cannot be fully utilized. How many universes can be used simultaneously depends on the computer capacity and the network speed.
In contrast to the sACN devices, you cannot change anything in the tables, as everything is reported automatically by the device. However, the properties of an ArtNet device can be reprogrammed
- see below.Connect the liveSHOW DMXUniverse with a LANUniverse
If you close the configuration window, the DMX hardware settings window is displayed again. The ArtNet-sACN hardware should be listed now.If you select a LAN universe (input/output) and select a liveSHOW DMX universe, you can connect the two with one click on
..
Further information about the inputs/outputs
Reprogramming an ArtNet device
Click on
near the LAN devices to open the settings window of the selected
sACN/ArtNet device. Here you can see more information about the
inputs/outputs and change settings.ArtNet also allows reprogramming of a hardware device.
Note Not all ArtNet devices allow reprogramming. If in doubt, simply try this out.
Not all properties of an ArtNet device can be changed here!!!
Some devices offer more complex possibilities that cannot be configured via the ArtNet protocol.
The properties of the ArtNet device and all inputs/outputs are displayed.
Device properties:
| Name | Here is always "ARTNET" or "ARTNET VIRTUAL IN" and can not be changed. "ARTNET VIRTUAL IN" means that the device does not provide ArtPollReply messages (answers) to an ArtPoll request, but simply sends DMX values (ArtDMX). in such a case, the liveSHOWsoftware does not receive any information about the ArtNet device. |
| Description | Cannot be changed |
 |
Here the network settings of the ArtNet device can be changed, if the device manufacturer has provided for this. In the software an ArtNet device is identified by its IP address. If you change the IP address, the ArtNet device disappears in the software and reappears as a new device. Please only change the network settings if you know exactly what you are doing. See - Network. The DHCP checkbox is only visible if the device also supports DHCP.  saves the changes of the network |
In-/Outputs:
 |
BindIndex IIn ArtNet 1-3, a maximum of 4 inputs and/or outputs are available per device. If an ArtNet has more than 4 inputs/outputs, it appears as several devices. Since ArtNet 4 the BindIndex was introduced, with this it is possible to manage more than 4 inputs / outputs per device. BindIndex: In ArtNet 1-3 only one BindIndex 1 is specified. In ArtNet 4 multiple BindIndex sections can be displayed. Up to 4 inputs/outputs can be managed per BindIndex. Node Name: Here you can enter a name per BindIndex (maximum 17 characters). Description: Here you can enter a description per BindIndex (maximum 63 characters). ArtNet Netswitch (0-127) and ArtNet SubSwitch (0-15): This information is used to calculate the LANUniverse number. The LANUniverse number is calculated as follows: NetSwitch * 256 + SubSwitch * 16 + port address (see below) of an input/output Per BindIndex there is the possibility to change NetSwitch (0-127) and SubSwitch (0-15). |
  |
Input - Output Note: ArtNet does not allow reprogramming between input and output. Name: This cannot be changed and is assigned by the liveSHOWsoftware, in principle the name corresponds to the connector on a device. Port Address: This is used to calculate the LANUniverse number - see above Netswitch/SubNetswitch. Send protocol: Here you can set which protocol (ArtNet or sACN) is used to forward DMX values from the device or to send received DMX values to the computer. In the case of an input, the ArtNet protocol does not provide any information about the send protocol (sACN/ArtNet). The liveSHOWsoftware tries to find out the send protocol via the information of the corresponding output. This does not work with every ArtNet device! Therefore with an input the send protocol is indicated with yellow font and question mark. Should stand here 'ArtNet ???' and in the device however sACN is adjusted, you must create an extra sACN interface with appropriate input in the liveSHOWsoftware. In the case of an output, the send protocol (ArtNet, sACN) and the merge mode ( -, HTP, LTP) can also be set. MergeMode: If several controllers (liveSHOWsoftwares, hardware mixers,...) are connected to the same ArtNet device and send competing DMX values to the same output, you can set how the output merges the DMX values. '-' no merging HTP' (Highest Takes Preference) the highest value wins. LTP' (Latest Takes Preference) the last changed value wins. |
Note: The above settings are only possible if the ArtNet device provides information about itself and its inputs and outputs to the liveSHOWsoftware.
In Artnet, ArtPoll messages are sent at regular intervals and all ArtNet devices send information about themselves as ArtPollReply messages. Unfortunately, some devices do not follow this ArtNet standard.
If the ArtNet device only sends DMX values without providing information about itself, the liveSHOWsoftware will title the complete ArtNet device as virtual (ARTNET VIRTUAL IN).
If there is no information about a DMX input, it will be titled as virtual.
If an ArtNet device has a DMX output, information must be sent from it to the liveSHOWsoftware, otherwise the output is not listed.