From the Team
Insights & Engineering
Deep dives into the systems, software, and engineering philosophy behind the experiences we build.
Project 542: Engineering the Next Generation of Immersive Resort Entertainment
Rather than treating audio, video, lighting, special effects, networking, and automation as separate systems, Project 542 was engineered as a single unified entertainment platform capable of operating an entire destination resort.
Read the Article →Project 542: Building the Digital Backbone of an Immersive Destination
SSI designed an entertainment network that functions as the resort's nervous system—moving commands, media, monitoring data, and synchronization information between thousands of devices in real time.
Read the Article →Project 542: Why Modern Entertainment Requires Custom Software
Lighting consoles, media servers, PLCs, and audio platforms are more capable than ever — but they were never designed to work together. That is where custom software becomes essential.
Read the Article →Project 347: Engineering a Custom Attraction Show Interface
A custom hardware control panel designed by SSI to give technicians immediate access to entertainment equipment during programming, testing, commissioning, and maintenance.
Read the Article →Project 347: Why Dedicated Hardware Still Matters in Modern Show Control
Today's lighting consoles, media servers, and automation platforms provide incredible flexibility. Yet sometimes the fastest solution isn't another software window. It's a button.
Read the Article →What Is Q-SYS? The Platform Behind Modern Entertainment Control
While many people know Q-SYS as a digital signal processing platform, it has evolved into a comprehensive control ecosystem — and a key component in building reliable, scalable entertainment experiences.
Read the Article →Why SSI Uses grandMA3 for Professional Entertainment Lighting
A single lighting cue can transform an environment, guide guests through a space, or synchronize perfectly with music, video, fountains, and special effects. To achieve that level of precision, SSI relies on grandMA3.
Read the Article →Allen-Bradley PLCs in Themed Entertainment: More Than Industrial Automation
Programmable Logic Controllers have powered industrial facilities for decades. Today, they're also becoming an essential part of modern themed entertainment.
Read the Article →Ignition: Bringing SCADA Technology to Entertainment Operations
Servers, lighting systems, media playback, fountains, special effects, networking equipment, and facility infrastructure all produce information operators need to understand quickly. This is where Ignition excels.
Read the Article →Fountain Automation: Engineering Water Into a Storytelling Medium
Modern fountains are dynamic performance systems capable of synchronizing with lighting, music, video, fire effects, and live events. SSI approaches fountain automation as a show system — not simply a plumbing system.
Read the Article →Designing a Modern Show Control System
Every unforgettable entertainment experience depends on one invisible component: show control. It's the system that coordinates the technologies that bring stories to life.
Read the Article →Show Scheduling: Automating Entertainment Throughout the Day
Dozens — or even hundreds — of events occur throughout the day at a modern entertainment destination, each requiring precise coordination between multiple systems. Effective show scheduling turns that complexity into seamless guest experiences.
Read the Article →PLC vs. Show Controller: Understanding Their Roles in Entertainment Systems
Can a PLC replace a show controller — or vice versa? Not entirely. While both platforms automate systems, they are designed for different purposes and perform best when working together.
Read the Article →Ready to Engineer Your Next Experience?
Tell us about your project and our engineering team will show you what a fully integrated show system can do.