The LOR system is extremely flexible so you can adjust it to
be as big or as small as you want. The software is available
in different license versions: demo, basic, basic plus,
standard and advanced. In addition to the software suite Lor
also offer hardware to convert usb to the RS485 protocol, a
version of DMX512. As well as the interface lor also sell 8
and 16 way dimmer packs, stand-alone show directors, FM
transmitters, and intelligent LED strips.
The concept is great, but the software has some flaws. The
most prominent flaw was the channel layouts, they cannot
be grouped as like items eg: mini trees red, and RGB items
cant be combined into a single channel like other programs
similar. The other flaw major flaw I found was the display
visulaizer, which only allows one viewing angle. (I admit I
was using the S2 version and Light-O-Rama has recently
released S3, which apparently fixed some of these
problems).
Programming a sequence starts off as simple you chose
whether you want a musical or animation sequence if
choseing a musical sequence its as simple as loading a MP3
in the file and clicking the boxes where you want certain
lights to turn on and off. In addition to just on or off you have
different effects like fades, shimmers and intensities. The
problem is that the grid timing is a bit frustrating, as you can
only set certain sizes of grids. Although you can set a grid to
adjust to the beats of the music by using the taper wizard, or
set a standard grid setting a constant timing but I found
myself creating as many grids as I did intensity chases. The
taper wizard has the ability to tap your own beat or tap
where you want things to happen, and it will build a grid
based off that so you can place effects and fades exactly
where you want them.
Building the show was also quite simple as it was just as
simple as selecting what sequences you want, there order
and starting/ending time. In the suite there are other
programs but today I am only covering the simple show
builder and the sequence editor
After a couple of weeks I managed to get the hang of lor and
really appreciated the VU meter, programming sequences
using lor is quite easy although if you have ever used a
commercial lighting desk like the Jands Vista it does put lor
to shame a bit.
This is a decent product especially for a budget the
advanced license will set you back around $130 and with
two RS485 converters it would set you back about $220.
Compared to commercial products that cost around $1800
with only support for one network lor is a great deal