Frankfurt, Germany – Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) entertainment lighting brand Vari-Lite today announced that they are previewing a new version of the popular ZerOS console software at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt. The update adds integration with Vision.Net, Color Kinetics KiNet, and Philips Hue, making it easier for small to mid-sized theatres, houses of worship and schools to connect to other lighting systems in the facility with minimal infrastructure impact.

“Most theatrical spaces have multiple systems to control the various luminaires inside and outside their facility, and because these systems don’t talk to each other, there is typically no way to initiate a single lighting cue for an event, such as a show start, across all the systems at once,” explains Jon Hole, Global Product Manager, Vari-Lite Controls and Systems at Signify. “Instead, lighting adjustments need to be made on each system separately. ZerOS 7.12 is designed to address that.” The new update allows consoles running ZerOS to natively connect with other Signify lighting systems in the facility, ensuring multiple systems from a single manufacturer can work together.

ZerOS 7.12 includes the ability to accept input from a Vision.Net control system via Ethernet. Users can press a button on Vision.Net user interfaces such as touchscreens, control stations, or the web-based Gateway-on-the-Go Interface to recall or adjust a cue on a ZerOS-based console without needing to interact with the console itself.

Thanks to integration with Philips Hue, designers can use also Philips Hue Smart Plugs and Smart Light Bulbs using the lighting desk. “Smaller theatrical venues want to add functionality to their system without a lot of additional cost,” explains Hole. “They want to adjust the ambience of house and lobby lighting, or control practical lighting or set elements on stage. With Philips Hue integration in ZerOS, facilities can have these capabilities with their existing house lighting fixtures rather than undergoing expensive refits or losing functionality.”

ZerOS 7.12 also includes support for Color Kinetics KiNet, ensuring users can control their architectural lighting systems with KiNet, but then connect the system to the console for control during certain applications. Designers can control Color Kinetics luminaires from the console when they need to, while retaining the remote maintenance capabilities and Interact Landmark integration that KiNet provides.

“Prolight + Sound marks the first time Zero 88 will be joining Vari-Lite in a global tradeshow. So, it’s fitting that we’re demonstrating yet another expanded integration between Signify brands,” adds Hole. “The new update builds upon previous updates that improved support for our fixtures, such as expanded fixture libraries and added support for multicell and multichromatic luminaires, among other advancements. We are continuing to look for ways to better integrate with Vari-Lite and the rest of Signify.”

An interactive demo of ZerOS 7.12 is available on the Vari-Lite booth at Prolight + Sound, Hall 12.0, Stand D95. The software update is expected in the second quarter.