Show Buddy Active hardware questions
What DMX hardware interface do I need?
Show Buddy Active can control one universe of DMX lighting via any Enttec PRO or Open DMX compatible hardware interface.
To control multiple universes, an Art-Net node is required.
We recommend using Art-Net if you intend to run professional shows. As a network based protocol, Art-Net takes a little more effort to configure compared to a USB interface, but offers better reliability. Simple Art-Net interfaces like the Chauvet DMX-AN2 give multiple universes of DMX output at a reasonable price point.
Enttec USB PRO compatible boxes are reliable and convenient. However, you are limited to only one universe of DMX output.
Open DMX interfaces (the original Enttec box, or a compatible 3rd party interface) are mainly designed for hobby applications. They are an affordable way to experiment with lighting, but don’t have the reliability & feature set of the more expensive PRO boxes.
How do I send video to a projector?
With a Show Buddy Active Projection license, you can play video as well as control DMX lighting.
This is easy to set up – simply connect your projector to your computer as recommended by the manufacturer. As most projectors tend to use HDMI or VGA connectors, you will often need to use a suitable adaptor cable (e.g. to connect to the USB-C port on your laptop).
Once connected, setup macOS or Windows to use your projector as an extended desktop. Then, click on the ‘monitor’ icon (top-right in the Show Buddy Active visualiser) to open the video window, and drag that window onto the projector section of the desktop. Finally, click anywhere in the window to make it full-screen.
I use a footswitch connected to the DMXIS box. Where did the footswitch settings go in the software?
Hardware support in Show Buddy Active has changed significantly, since the DMXIS interface box is no longer available to purchase. The footswitch socket of the old DMXIS hardware is no longer supported.
Show Buddy Active now supports a wider range of generic DMX interfaces (see above), and footswitch control is now via the new “Remote Control” button. You can use any generic PC USB foot pedal or a MIDI footswitch to remotely control Show Buddy Active.