Vectorworks, Inc. Announces GDTF 1.0 Availability
COLUMBIA, Md. (PRWEB) March 28, 2019 -- On its first anniversary, the entertainment industry’s open file format, General Device Type Format (GDTF) version 1.0 is here. Through collective feedback from the GDTF founders, MA Lighting, Robe lighting and Vectorworks, Inc., as well as other participating manufacturers, the file format has received numerous updates since it was first introduced and can now be used by manufacturers around the world. GDTF 1.0 and the My Virtual Rig (MVR) file format — which creates a two-way connection between planning, previz and console systems — are now implemented with Vectorworks 2019, Vision 2019 and grandMA3.
“A driving force for creating the GDTF was to fix a glaring problem of disconnected workflows for professionals within the entertainment community,” said Dr. Biplab Sarkar, CEO at Vectorworks, a global design and BIM software solutions provider. “With this latest version of GDTF, it marks a monumental step of this initiative with GDTF and MVR in our products.”
Most recently, revisions to the new file format include improvements to the following:
• DMX mode
• Geometry type
• Physical descriptions of emitters, filters and color space
• Date and user stamp on all uploaded GDTF files
Further, official documentation now lives online and offers GDTF and MVR file descriptions, GDTF tutorials, an MVR portable library and more.
Previously in private beta, the web-based fixture builder, which allows manufacturers to create GDTF files for their fixtures, is updated in GDTF version 1.0 and available at https://gdtf-share.com/. The fixture builder also allows manufacturers and end users to create GDTF files for lighting fixtures. Manufacturers interested in moving forward with creating GDTF files for their fixtures can receive access to the fixture builder and a private beta of grandMA3 onPC xPort Node and grandMA3 onPC software to import GDTF and MVR files for testing their build process with real output.
“We’ve covered a lot of ground quickly since the GDTF was announced at last year’s Prolight + Sound to support the needs of the entertainment industry,” said Gerhard Krude, managing director of MA Lighting Technology. “We’ve also made substantial progress with implementing GDTF and MVR and are excited to share that we have working versions of GDTF 1.0 and MVR implemented with our grandMA3 console line. Moreover we have decided to also develop and provide a converter to take advantage of the GDTF database also for our renowned and commonly used grandMA2 series. We look forward to sharing the groundbreaking advancements during demonstrations at the upcoming Prolight + Sound show.”
This announcement comes a week after Vectorworks 2019 Service Pack 3 was released with significant advancements to the MVR connection between Vectorworks’ products. Now, you can import and export MVR in Spotlight and import MVR into Vision, providing a more efficient workflow to designers.
“As a moving lights manufacturer, the intense collaborative development of the General Device Type Format in the past year has been crucial for achieving the goal of having a unified, technically sound, comprehensive specification for lighting fixtures, as well as sharing all of the intricate details of our devices with our customers, planners, designers and operators,” said Josef Valchar, CEO of Robe lighting. "The fixture builder has been yet another important milestone in the whole process, and it provides an accessible way of creating the GDTF files. Besides the fresh 1.0 version, the news about MA Lighting planning to provide a converter from GDTF to grandMA2 series is the most exciting news I've heard since we started developing GDTF itself.”
GDTF 1.0 and MVR will be on display during the Prolight + Sound show in Frankfurt, Germany at Hall 12.0, C51 (Vectorworks), Hall 12.0, C69 (MA Lighting) and Hall 12.1, D10 (Robe lighting). Media interested in learning more should contact Vectorworks Senior Media Relations Manager Lauren Meyer at lmeyer(at)vectorworks.net to book a press interview.
Currently, twenty manufacturers have signed on to support the GDTF. Other manufacturers interested in participating should email info(at)gdtf-share.com or post in the GDTF forum.
ABOUT VECTORWORKS, INC.
Vectorworks, Inc. is a global design and BIM software solutions provider serving over 675,000 professionals in the architecture, landscape and entertainment industries. Since 1985, we've been committed to helping designers capture inspiration, nurture innovation, communicate effectively and bring their visions to life. With our cross-platform software, designers can build data-rich, visual models without sacrificing the design process, while collaborating efficiently throughout the project life-cycle. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, with offices in Newbury and London, England and Vancouver, Canada, Vectorworks is a part of the Nemetschek Group. Learn how we empower designers to create experiences that transform the world at vectorworks.net.
ABOUT MA LIGHTING
MA Lighting International as master distributor is responsible for worldwide sales and marketing of the professional lighting control solutions of MA Lighting Technology. The product range offers the grandMA3 and grandMA2 series, the dot2 range and the MA Network Switch. Today, MA Lighting is respected for its technical knowledge and has achieved a unique international reputation for its operational philosophy. The company offers several decades of experience and strictly follows a professional user-centric approach, getting as close as possible to the market via its own international offices and support centers in the UK, North America, Latin America, the Middle East/India, Asia Pacific and Scandinavia/Eastern Europe/Russia – supported by a world-wide distribution and service network.
ABOUT ROBE LIGHTING
Robe lighting is based in the Czech Republic and manufactures innovative, high quality moving lights and digital lighting products. Central to the company’s philosophy is the practice of working as closely with our business partners and end users as possible, listening to their needs, thoughts and wishes and understanding their markets and requirements. Knowing our business is based on the talent and imagination of numerous individuals, we endeavor to meet as many of them face-to-face as possible. Building the "Robe Family" means that all comments and feedback are welcome. The future is full of ambitious plans and ideas. Robe continues to focus on designing and producing well-engineered products utilizing the very latest available technology to meet the creative, technical and practical demands of our wide range of users and investors.
Lauren Burke Meyer, Vectorworks, Inc., +1 (443) 542-0294, [email protected]
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