Network control of Epson projectors via QLab

[A. Johnson]

I’m wondering what the current best practice is for network control of modern Epson projectors. 

We’re currently demoing a pair (EB-PU2216B and EB-PU2010B) and moving toward a purchase but I want to make sure I know how to remotely control power and shutter from QLab as needed.

In the past (which is to say QLab 4) I’ve worked in venues that did this via Script cues using “do shell script” with curl commands. It looks like that will work with these as well (per the ESC/VP21 specs) but I’m wondering if there’s a better way. 

It appears this model will take Art-Net but that’s a protocol that’s foreign to me and we don’t have a Lighting license, though it looks like that might mean I can use TCP commands from a Network cue? I’ve used Network cues to remote control rented Christies in the past and would be glad to go that route if it’s feasible. Unfortunately, it looks like there’s no native network command library for Epson in QLab the way there is for Christie RS-232.

We’re currently using AppleScript to ProjectorManager to control a 15-year-old Eiki projector via PJLink, but I’d prefer not to need an additional app between QLab and the projector, and I’m concerned about the long term viability of that as a solution.

What’s worked for you?

Thanks,

~~~AJ

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Adam W. Johnson
Audio and Video Supervisor

[micpool]

You get 16 channels of Artnet with every version of QLab, so  Artnet Control of your Epson MAY be possible. You will probably have to set the Artnet to Broadcast in QLab preferences (not settings) ,  The Epson is an 18 channel device, but you can copy the lighting definition and remove the last two parameters to get it down to the free 16 channels. You'll lose light source control and content playback, but intensity, shutter, lens position, H & V lens shifts  r fade in and fade out and power  are all available.

Mic