Re: [LCtalk] Re: Lanbox dissatisfaction (1)

[Rob]

Hi Natty,

Thanks for your extensive answer. I agree with some of the points you 
mention, but certainly not all. I agree when you say that it takes 
time to learn working with either a console or a DMX converter like 
the LCE or a DMX-converter like the Enttec or others. But there are 
two main differences. First is, with a dedicated console you can 
start straight away and after a few hours you can do a show on most 
of them. I've worked on several consoles (Compulite Micron, Spark, 
Photon, various Strand computers, various ADB computers) and with 
most that is true. Granted, it takes time to get to know all the 
details. With the LCE/LCedit it is not. Partly because of the bad 
manuals (and too many, you don't know wich one is for your box), but 
also because of the way the software has been made. It is not 
intuitive. Part of my attraction to the Macintosh platform is the 
intuitive way most of the programs work.

With most Mac programs you don't have to read a manual to get it 
started straight away. With the consoles I mention that is the same. 
I am not interested in software with which the user has to program 
around a problem to get it working (like in LCedit the split-time 
fades for instance; or the way the patching is the wrong way around). 
Being on the road I don't have the time for that, nor do I like that.

2. You make a point that CDS is just a small outfit. And that the 
users should send their wishes and comments to Fokko and Matthijs. 
That would be very well if they would say up front to be a small 
outfit and charge their prices accordingly. There are a few software 
programmers that do it that way, they say they are still developing 
the software and ask a small price for it or even give it away as 
freeware.

CDS acts like they are a big firm. The first time I heard about the 
LanBox was trough the internet, I looked at their website, wich has a 
very professional feel. And the prices. When you charge 405 euros for 
a LanBox (I mentioned a wrong amount in my first mail), or even more 
than 700 for the LCX you can expect a lot. I think those are steep 
amounts, compared to other DMX-converters that are only 60 or 70 
euros with free software. The comparison with a console is not a true 
one, with the LanBox you have to bring your own computer and the 
downside is, you don't have any faders or buttons. I would not mind 
paying the money that CDS charges if the software was as good as they 
claim in their website and in the tutorials. It just isn't. First is, 
it's obviously not ready yet, and second, it lacks a lot of things 
that I would want in it to be usefull in my situation. You suggest I 
should send messages for improvements in software or manuals. Sure, I 
could do that if we were a group of friends who had a hobby of making 
software work. But when I have payed 400 euros I expect a proper 
product.