Chamsys vs LightFactory

[cw4u]

What are your opinions about both pieces of software?

I have prior experience with Chamsys in a theatrical environment. (all traditional dimming)

The rig at it's max would be 144 channels of traiditional dimming, 4 moving heads, and 4 RGB bars. Over the next two or three years, we might be adding 23 universes of Art-Net in for a seasonal event. (I know it's a lot! All pixel mapping) which would force us to not go with Chamsys. But I could redesign that system to be used in a matrix configuration which would cut it down to 2 universes.

I can get the Enttec Programming Wing, Playback Wing, 2 Universe License, 2 Art-Net converters for around $2500.

For about $3100, I can get the PC Wing for Chamsys with 2 DMX outputs and free art-net.

As far as rider friendliness, we haven't had anyone come in that brought their own LD so I'm not too concerned about that. It's more about user friendliness, stability, and expandability.

[Esoteric]

I believe that you can do 32 universes in Art-Net with Chamsys. But I could be wrong. It has been a while.

But I have zero experience with LightFactory. Chamsys does everything I have needed to do (but at the most I have done 12 universes) so I stuck with it when I am not using my MA.