Project 347: Why Dedicated Hardware Still Matters in Modern Show Control
By Show Systems International (SSI)
Software has transformed the entertainment industry.
Today's lighting consoles, media servers, automation platforms, and visualization tools provide incredible flexibility.
Yet sometimes the fastest solution isn't another software window.
It's a button.
Project 347 demonstrates why dedicated hardware interfaces continue to play an important role in modern entertainment engineering.
Instant Access
When commissioning a venue, engineers frequently perform repetitive tasks.
Turn on a lighting universe.
Trigger a maintenance cue.
Verify a fixture.
Check an output.
Test an interface.
Using a physical control panel eliminates unnecessary steps and allows technicians to work more efficiently.
Reliable DMX Generation
At the core of Project 347 is a dedicated DMX output engine.
Each button recalls a predefined DMX scene or command, allowing entertainment equipment to respond immediately.
Applications include:
- Static lighting looks
- Maintenance scenes
- Equipment verification
- Programming support
- Fixture troubleshooting
- Demonstration modes
- Installation testing
Because the commands are preconfigured, every test is repeatable and consistent.
Built for Expansion
Project 347 was designed with flexibility in mind.
Future versions may include support for:
- Ethernet-based lighting protocols
- Remote monitoring
- Web-based configuration
- Custom trigger scripting
- Network diagnostics
- Programmable button layouts
- Integrated touchscreen displays
- Logging and event history
This modular approach allows the platform to evolve alongside increasingly complex entertainment systems.
Supporting the Engineering Process
Project 347 isn't intended to replace professional lighting consoles or automation platforms.
Instead, it complements them by providing technicians with a fast, dependable hardware interface for common engineering tasks.
At SSI, we believe the best engineering tools are the ones that simplify the job without adding unnecessary complexity.
Project 347 is a perfect example of that philosophy in action.
Building Something This Ambitious?
From single venues to entire resorts, SSI engineers entertainment platforms that operate as one. Let's talk about your project.