ONYX Version 4.6 will introduce many changes to the library format that we are very excited about.
Obsidian Control Systems has partnered up with the industry leading AtlaBase Library Supplier, which is also the force behind the powerful Capture Visualizer. We are moving away from an on-demand request system to a proactive approach. Libraries are refreshed every day and new fixtures on the market are automatically added as soon as the information is released by the manufacturers. Library requests can of course be made, but most fixtures should simply be there already for you!
The AtlaBase library also provides us access to many new datapoints that will improve the parameter feedback when working with ONYX, for example real world information like Zoom Degrees, Pan/Tilt Ranges, Rotation Speeds or Strobe Frequencies. Once the migration is complete the ONYX team will over time try to utilize more of the new available data as well, like fixture symbols for the 2D plot or color and intensity level information. The detailed real-world values and function names from AtlaBase will improve the programming experience with ONYX even further.
The new library provides many advantages for ONYX:
- Guaranteed year-round service from a dedicated team of library engineers
- Maximum turnaround time of 3 working days (if all fixture info is provided)
- Daily Library Builds on the support page
- Changes from a “by request” format to a proactive library database that is constantly enhanced
- Almost every known fixture in the market is already included
- Detailed Gobo Images for any known fixture
- New fixtures introduced to the market are automatically added
- New compressed and encrypted file format (not a setup file)
- Drastically improved ONYX installation time
- Faster ONYX Startup and Fixture Browsing in Patch
- Perfect fixture synchronization with Capture due to shared Library IDs and identical profile data
- Enhanced real world values for many parameters and functions
ONYX has one of the most complete and refined fixture libraries in the industry, and with this partnership with AtlaBase we will improve it even further.
Of course, such a transition will take a bit of time, and we encourage all users to start by checking the library for missing fixture types, so we can already add them to the library while the team is finishing the transition.
The library team is monitoring all incoming tickets and will try to address them as soon as possible. Everyone at Obsidian and AtlaBase is dedicated to providing the best console library package in the industry, and with your input and feedback you help making it even more precise and easier to use for all users.
Soon we will add the library to a 4.5 ONYX beta version for more detailed feedback and testing.
FAQ
Who is AtlaBase?
AtlaBase is a comprehensive database for lighting fixtures in the entertainment industry. Its fixture data powers the Capture Visualizer as well as many other lighting control products. AtlaBase engineers have extensive experience with modeling of DMX fixtures over the past 15 years and work closely with all manufacturers to provide complete and accurate data. For information about AtlaBase please visit www.atlabase.com
Why the change?
While ONYX always had great libraries and very fast turnaround times we wanted to enhance the data quality even further and move to a proactive approach. We now have a larger team of engineers dedicated to creation and maintenance, and every day an updated library is automatically posted. ONYX has continually increased its powerful interconnectivity with Capture, sharing the same database provides perfect sync and accuracy to all users for a seamless experience.
What about my current show files?
Existing showfiles will continue to use the previous libraries as they are part of the show. ONYX allows to exchange the fixtures to the new library if desired in the patch window.
There will be no further fixes or improvements to the current library after the release of 4.6. New fixtures added to the patch will access the new library, and of course all new showfiles will utilize the latest library package.
Can I still create my own fixtures?
Yes, the Fixture Editor is unchanged and works as before.
I am missing a fixture, what do I do?
Fixture Requests can be made just as before on the support page. Please provide accurate information to speed up the library creation process: New Fixture Request
My fixtures looked and worked better before, how do I get it corrected?
With the transition we tried to replicate the information of the ONYX library as good as possible and of course have enhanced it further with the advanced data set of AtlaBase. Due to the massive amount of fixture types it is impossible to be perfect and we need your help in fine tuning the library.
Please be as detailed as possible, include screenshots and explanations of any corrections or improvements you require. Use the same form as fixture requests and check the “correction” dropdown. We value all feedback and encourage to report every minor detail. This ensures the library quality is great for everyone. Don’t fix it for yourself in the editor, let us do the work for you! Never assume that we know about a specific issue, please report them all.
You will help us make ONYX a better product for everyone. Once 4.6 is released or you are participating in the beta program, please use Fixture Library (4.6 Preview)
How do I update the library?
As before, the file is available for download from the support page.
In ONYX access the Menu/System/Update Management and import the file.
What about Ofer?
Ofer has been the driving force behind ONYX libraries for over a decade and we thank him for his excellent work. He is actually helping us with the review of the new libraries, and he will stay involved with the ONYX team in development, support and user assistance.
What about the Onyx Fixture Finder?
The new ONYX library is encrypted to prevent unauthorized use of the AtlaBase information. Unfortunately, this also means the library is no longer accessible to anyone except our own software and the ONYX Fixture Finder can’t be updated in the future. A general list of all provided library types is on the bottom of the download page.
What about legacy M-Series and Maxxyz Consoles?
M1, M2GO and Maxxyz consoles are not compatible with new library system. Users can create required profiles in the legacy fixture editor of the last release OS.
