Ready to upgrade to the latest version of Light-O-Rama software? ShowTime 5 (aka: S5) combines Sequence Editor, Pixel Editor and Visualizer into one application called Sequencer. Here’s a guide to help you step into the latest software with all the enhanced features.
What is ShowTime 5 (aka: S5)?
The 5th generation of LIght-O-Rama Showtime Sequencing Suite is:
- Easier to use
- Combines S4’s Sequence Editor, Pixel Editor and Visualizer into one cohesive experience
- Hub supports SD card creation for Director units and replaces Simple Show Builder
- Easier to create high channel count shows
- Tighter integration with SuperStar
- Complete, built-in documentation
S5 computer requirements
- Windows 7, 8, or 10 (Windows XP and/or Windows Vista are not supported)
- Minimum RAM memory: 4 GB
- Minimum Disk Space: 64 GB (total including Windows, Light-O-Rama Software Suite, and sequences)
- A Solid State Disk (SSD) drive is optional, but will greatly improve performance
- Cannot be run side-by-side with another version of the Light-O-Rama Showtime Sequencing Suite
License requirements
To check whether your current Light-O-Rama software license covers this version:
- Find out about your current Light-O-Rama software license. Open Sequence Editor and in the top menu bar goto Help > About Light-O-Rama to find your license level and license key
- Another way to find out about your license is to look it up on-line: Find Your License
- Enter your email address (the one used when purchasing the original license)
- An email will be sent to you with information about your license. If the “Summary” section of the email says…
- Your license covers the latest version, 5.X — then your license already covers this version. You can use it without making any additional purchase.
- Your license does not cover the latest version, 5.X — then your license does not cover this version.
If your license has not been renewed in over a year you’ll need to renew to gain access to the latest. You might also consider upgrading your license to a higher level to get more features.
- Purchase an upgrade (this counts as a renewal) License Upgrade
- Purchase or upgrade a SuperStar license (this counts as a renewal) SuperStar Upgrade
- Purchase a license renewal License Renewal
- or you can choose not to upgrade
Uninstall the old version of ShowTime 5 software
Your sequences will stay in place during a reinstallation. However, now would be a good time to make a BACKUP, if you don’t do so regularly.
- Reboot your computer. After the reboot, make sure no LOR software is running. In particular, if the LOR Control Panel is set to load on computer startup, you will need to right-click on the light bulb icon (blue arrow) in the system tray, then select “Unload Light-O-Rama” (red arrow).
- Uninstall the current version. In Windows 10, this is done from Windows Settings > Apps. In prior versions of Windows, go to the Control Panel > Programs and Features.
- Verify that all LOR programs have been removed. If running a 64-bit version of Windows, go to “C:\Program Files (x86)”. On 32-bit versions, go to “C:\Program Files”. If there is still a “Light-O-Rama” folder there, delete it.
Download S5 from the Light-O-Rama website
Download the latest version of the Light-O-Rama Sequencing Suite Download ShowTime 5
Install the new version of ShowTime software
- Reboot the computer again and make sure you’re logged in with the administrator privileges
- Find the file you downloaded earlier and run it
- Follow the prompts
Start the Sequencer
- Click the Windows Start button (typically in the lower left corner of your screen) then scroll to Light-O-Rama > Light-O-Rama Sequencer (see 1)
- You may need to re-register the software if you purchased an upgrade or renewal. (see 2 below)
- Select Help > Register or Upgrade Light-O-Rama from the Sequencer menu
The Sequencer main window looks not-quite-right
Because Sequencer now incorporates the old Pixel Editor and Visualizer it might look a little different than what you’re used to.
S5 Sequence processing takes a new approach
In the past all the channel assignments were done in the sequencing grid. If you had multiple sequences you would have to update every one of them manually if a new prop was added to your display. In S5 all the channel assignments are done in the preview and the preview is shared with your sequences. Add a prop to your preview and now all your sequences know the channel assignments.
S5 Sequence files are also different
- The S5 Sequencer uses a new file format with a new “.loredit” file extension.
- Your legacy sequences (.las and .lms) and S5 sequences (.loredit) can be stored in the same folder.
- In S5, you can open an LMS or LAS file from S4 (or any prior version) and you will be guided through the process of upgrading the file to the new S5 format.
Sequence upgrade when loading older sequences
The following screen appears when opening a legacy sequence (LMS or LAS file)
S5 is based around the preview
Unfortunately, your old channel assignments and descriptions might make sense to you but the computer can struggle as it tries to match things up in the S5 world.
How is a sequence upgraded and the preview created?
Items are intelligently matched based on the original S4 channel assignments and definitions in Visualizer.
During this process sometimes not all the channel assignments can be assigned for a variety of reasons. Instead of throwing them away they become archived. They still exist but are moved out of the way. We call them Archived Props.
What are archived props?
-
@ symbol means an archived prop (click to enlarge) Archived props are an inactive part of the sequence.
- They contain effects and can be displayed on the sequence grid (they are shown with an “@” symbol as a prefix).
- Each archived prop has its own prop definition that is not part of the preview
- Archived props are not shown in the playback window when the sequence is played and they cannot control real lights.
- Archived props are a benefit because the sequencing on old props/channels is preserved, allowing you to decide what action to take and when.
When are archived props created?
If you upgrade a sequence, and the preview does not contain all of the channels in the sequence, then the missing channels will be archived.
Common causes of archived channels:
- Using an imported Visualizer file that does not contain all of the channels in the sequence
- Using an imported Sequence Editor animation that does not contain all of the channels in the sequence
- Using an upgraded Pixel Editor preview that does not contain all of the channels in the sequence
- Using a preview that contains changes for next season
Manage archived props
- Check the boxes next to the archived props you want to take action on.
- After you have selected the desired props, take action by clicking one of the 3 big buttons
Where is Visualizer?
Remember, in S5 the old Visualizer program is built into the new Sequencer and is called a preview. Visualizer no longer exists. In the screen shot below notice the preview is front and center but you have the option of moving it to a more convenient place.
Where are all the available previews?
Look for the ‘Previews’ tap along the upper right side of the screen.
Where’s the Pixel Editor?
In S5 the old Pixel Editor program is built into the new Sequencer. Motion effects are still applied as in the past but in the same timing grid as all other effects. The old stand-alone Pixel Editor no longer exists.
What’s up with the toolbar?
The tool bar is similar to earlier generations but more extensive and refined. Hover your mouse over a toolbar button to see what it does.
Don’t worry. The basic look and feel is still there.
Shifting to a preview-centric environment is worth the effort. Once there sequencing is similar to earlier versions but now everything is in one place.
I want to learn more. Now what?
Where’s the best place to learn about ShowTime 5? Online help, of course.
