ETC Moves into the Stage Manager's Desk with CueSystem

As part of an ongoing partnership with the UK-based GDS, ETC is now shipping CueSystem, a dedicated cue light network that scales effortlessly for any show or venue. CueSystem is backstage communication done right, providing hands-on cue light control and advanced, pre-programmed playback options. With American manufacture, distribution, and support now handled by ETC, CueSystem is poised to help venues across the region keep shows on track, the company says.

With CueSystem, users don't have to trust the crucial moments of their production to a homemade cue light circuit or to chance. The network-based system of controllers and outstations facilitates safe, bi-directional communication; pressing a blinking "standby" button on a CueSpider outstation alerts the stage manager that the operator is in place and ready for the "go" command.

Setup and customization of CueSystem is easy. Components connect using a standard Ethernet switch, creating a flexible and scalable cue light system that can work with a venue's existing network hardware. CueSpider outstations require only a power-over-Ethernet cable run, and they can be daisy-chained together for larger shows. The other CueSystem hardware and software offerings can be mixed and matched to provide the perfect playback and control setup for any size production. With the free, downloadable PC application, patching is a point-and-click process.

The simplest CueSystem network consists of a control Desk and a series of outstations. Desks come in three sizes, with buttons that directly control the "standby" and "go" lights on four, eight, or twelve cue light channels. CueSystem Desks are available in desktop or rack-mount configurations to make the most of a crowded stage manager's station, and multiple Desks can be added to the network as production needs increase.

Working on a long-running or complex show with multiple cues firing at once? The CueSystem software lets users create pre-programmed cue stacks, the company says. Simply select the "standby" and "go" lights to be triggered, add a descriptive name to the cue, and record it to the stack. Information about current and upcoming cues is displayed on each CueSpider readout display, allowing backstage operators or onstage presenters to keep on track without the use of headsets. Advance the cue list from the PC with a click or a keystroke, or opt for the security of a dedicated Playback Unit. Either way, users can standby for a smooth show.