Course

Show Network and Control Systems

Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Department
Performing & Fine Arts
Course code
PEFA 3400
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 Weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This course explores the concepts of computer networking and show control systems within the context of the live performance industry. Students will learn how to design, configure, and manage computer networks that serve audio, video, lighting, and other entertainment systems. Students will also learn how to build show control systems that allow these various elements to interact. This course will combine classroom learning with hands-on training using industry-standard equipment and software.
Course content

Data Communication

  • Numbering systems (binary, decimal, hexadecimal)
  • Character encoding
  • Data rate and bandwidth
  • Error detection

Network Systems

  • Network layers and topologies
  • Transfer Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Internet Protocol (IP)
  • IP addresses and subnets
  • Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
  • Local Area Networks (LAN) and Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN)
  • Physical networking (routers, switches, and hubs)
  • Cabling (category cable and fibre optic)
  • Wireless networks

Entertainment Networks

  • Serial data networks (e.g. RS-232, RS-485)
  • DMX 512 lighting protocol
  • DMX over IP protocols (e.g. Artnet, sACN)
  • Audio over IP protocols (e.g. Dante, AES67)
  • Video over IP protocols (e.g. NDI, SMPTE 2110)
  • Control networks
  • System design principles
  • Redundancy and backup systems
  • Managing multiple systems within the same network

Show Control Systems

  • Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)
  • MIDI Show Control
  • Open Sound Control (OSC)
  • Timecode (e.g. MIDI and SMPTE)

Live Streaming

  • Navigating the advantages and disadvantages of various streaming platforms
  • Optimizing audio and video systems for streaming
  • Streaming hardware and software
  • Managing network bandwidth
Learning activities

Students will receive a combination of lecture and lab-based learning, including hands-on practical experience working with network and control equipment.

Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule will be presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course. 

Students are expected to be self-motivated and to demonstrate professionalism, which includes active participation, good attendance, punctuality, effective collaboration, and ability to meet deadlines. 

Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation in the course as part of the student’s graded performance. Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the instructor’s course outline.

Sample Grading Scheme:

Research Project  15%
Collaborative Show Control Exercise    15%
Quizzes and Exams  30%
Network Design Project  20%
Attendance and Professionalism   20%
  100%
Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Understand the principles of data communication and computer networking;
  • Design, configure, and manage a small-scale entertainment networking system;
  • Apply industry best practices when setting up show control networks;
  • Collaborate effectively when designing interdependent systems;
  • Choose the best method to solve real-world networking and control system challenges;
  • Setup and operate audio and video systems for live streaming.
Textbook materials

A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided on the Instructor’s Course Outline, which is available to students at the beginning of each semester. For example:

Huntington, John. Show Networks & Control Systems. 2nd Edition, Zircon Designs Press, 2017.

Requisites

Prerequisites

Completion of one of the following programs or permission of the instructor:

  • Stagecraft and Event Technology Diploma
  • Music Technology Diploma

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for PEFA 3400
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

There are no course offerings this semester.