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Show Laser Glossary, Definitions & Explanations This Glossary shall provide general definitions for terms used on this website as well as give some background information on terms and topics used in show laser and entertainment industry.
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Glossary - Terms and DefinitionsGlossary - Terms and Definitions

API ("Application Programming Interface") refers to an interface at source code level which allows two software applications or hardware systems to communicate in real time. Each API consists of predefined rules to standardize communication and data transfer.

The term "automatic mode" or "stand-alone mode" is a general term for various modes that allow lights and show lasers to output pre-programmed content without manual control ("stand alone"). Show lasers with ShowNET offer two stand-alone modes:

  1. Auto mode: In this mode, the ILDA files stored on the SD card are displayed in sequence. Once the end of the file list has been reached, playback starts again from the beginning.
  2. Demo mode: Also in demo mode, the ILDA files on the SD card are displayed one after another. In addition, the content will be animated using various effects.
  3. Single file playback mode: In this mode, only certain selected ILDA files are displayed in sequence.

A show laser generates animations by reproducing several individual images (frames) in sequence at a certain speed. Animations can be used for graphics, logos or texts. When it comes to lasers, the quality of an animation depends on the scanner speed, the beam divergence and the colour modulation of the individual laser system.

In addition to simply trigger factory-made animations via DMX, users can create and display custom animations. To do this, a laser software, and a show laser with an intelligent mainboard (e.g. ShowNET) or ILDA support (and an additional external interface) are required.

ArtNet is a network protocol for sending DMX512 and RDM data via Ethernet in an IP-based network. Compared to sending DMX via a XLR cable, with ArtNet users can transfer multiple DMX universes simultaneously via a single cable.

In combination with show lasers, ArtNet allows for convenient control via a lighting console or any other ArtNet-capable hardware controller. This also enables laser systems to be easily integrated into extended network environments. The ShowNET laser mainboard can be controlled directly via ArtNet. This means that most laser products from Laserworld fully support ArtNet.

AVB (also named TSN for industrial purposes) stands for “Audio Video Bridging” and describes a standard for real time, lip synchronous digital transmission of audio, video and similar signals. AVB uses a network/Ethernet infrastructure to transmit time critical signals from a sender (talker) to dedicated receivers (listeners) . In contrast to TCP/IP or UDP connections, AVB uses reserved bandwidths for this critical signal transmission, which means that even if a multitude of devices get connected to the network, the connection between the sender and the receivers always stays stable. AVB uses special managed network switches that allow for this kind of bandwidth management, however setup and operation of an AVB network is super easy since the management intelligence is already built into the switches.

Especially when used in the laser context, data signals require a high level of stability. If it comes to high professional applications, the laser data signal often need to be transmitted over longer distances, package drops or glitches are not acceptable. This is where AVB has an advantage over classic network transmission protocols, but AVB and legacy TCP/IP live happily on the same network hardware.

But there is even more to the AVB standard: As AVB transmits data as an audio signal, it is also possible to simply record the laser show signal, edit it with normal audio editing software and play it back again. For laser shows this means it is possible to simply record parts or an entire show as an multi-channel audio file and play it back with using any audio software over AVB. This also applies for other signals sent over AVB, like for video or lighting control.

Creative people familiar with software packages, like Touch Designer, Ableton live or Max MSP, can easily create their own laser performance and stream it through AVB.


Laser systems that are compatible with AVB e.g. are: LaserAnimation Sollinger PHAENON accurate

The Accessible Radiation (AR) specifies the laser power that is emitted form a laser system directly at the unit. The Laser Class assignment refers to the accessible radiation of a laser.
The accessible radiation is different to the MPE, which specifieds the power in a certain viewing distance.

See this video for the explanation of the difference between AR and maximum permissible exposure (MPE):

What is Analog Modulation?

In the show laser industry 'analog modulation' defines the ability of a laser source to "dim" the output power of the laser beam, which means that the output power can be adjusted without stepping. Thus, it is possible to display up to 16,7 million different shades of color with multi color laser systems (systems with more than one laser source color). Depending on the technology of the laser source, brightness can be controlled linearly to a great extent. Thereby mixed colors can be created specificly.
For professional laser shows, only laser systems with full analog color modulation are used.

What is TTL Modulation?

Counterpart of analog modulation is TTL-modulation (abbreviation for: Transistor-Transistor Logic -> this means: on/off only).

Can I use TTL Modulation with an analog system?

It does not damage an analog laser device, if it is triggered with a TTL signal (or the other way round).
A TTL RGB laser can only display 7 colors and no fading effects via analog signal are possible.

See this video for the differences between TTL and analog modulation

AOM is the abbreviation of "Acousto-optic Modulator". In the show laser industry this term defines a component which makes a static, non-modulating laser beam an analog modulated laser system. This way of creating an analog modulation was used for gas laser systems, whereas it mostly isn't any more for contemporary show laser systems, because the single laser sources themselves normally can modulate very much more efficiently.
An AOM is a glass or crystal with a Piezo-transductor (of sound waves) on one side and an (sound waves) absorber on its other side. Incident light is deflected from its actual direction by the (moving phase) diffraction grating, generated by the sound waves, traversing the glass/crystal. The itensity depends on the frequency.
An AOM is also called 'Bragg cell'.

See PCAOM as well.
"Audience scanning" means a volitional, momentary projection of visible laser light into the crowd of spectators. It is used for special effects like laser tunnels and the like - in order to visually integrate the spectator into the show.
Dependent on the respective country, audience scanning is handled very differently. Because of security concerns, this form of beam show is considered critically in the USA.
Nevertheless, audience scanning laser shows are safe for the spectator - if safety precautions and physical law are observed.

The following applies generally for all audience scanning laser shows worldwide:
- Only use continuous wave lasers (cw), never use pulsed lasers
- Do not exceed the MPE value (maximum permissible exposure)
- Always observe the minimum height and distance to the spectators

Factors deciding on the safety of an audience scanning laser show:
- Distance to the audience
- Rotational speed of the laser beam, in combination with the point rate
- "Hot Points", where several points are matching in one point
- Beam widening (divergence)
- Safety zones

Other terms for audience scanning are "public scanning" and "crowd scanning".

What is an Animation Laser?

The term "animation laser" denotes a show laser system which is able to create animated effects, graphics and texts. To create non-flickering, vivid animations it is important to have a fast scanner systems width good angle stability. Besides that it is helpful to have analog modulated laser sources to create a wide variety of colors. Good beam specifications help to create crisp projections and reduced blur around the beam.
The very software used is the essential core factor for creating nice shows with an animation laser: Depending on the resolution and the capabilities of the hardware output interface, the animation laser projection can look nice - or not. There are some software solutions in the market, that are not that suitable for animation laser projections.

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#Animation Laser

ILDA or DMX for Animation Lasers?

The best control option for an animation laser is via software. The ILDA protocol is used for such control and is possible to create own animations and logos for laser light shows.
For beam shows nice, for animation laser projections not that suitable is integrated DMX: Some animation lasers come with several pre-programmed animated effects, which may be selected through DMX. The display options are very limited in terms of animation projections.

More information on Animation Lasers

More Articles ...

  1. Beam Show
  2. Blanking
  3. Beam Attenuation Map
  4. Brightness Map
  5. Colour Correction
  6. CW Laser
  7. Corneal Reflex
  8. Continuous Wave Laser
  9. Club Laser
  10. Color Balance
  11. Digital-to-Analog Converter
  12. DPSS
  13. Daisy Chain
  14. DMX512
  15. DMX
  16. DJ Laser
  17. Disco Laser
  18. DAC
  19. Divergence
  20. Event Laser

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Buy Show Laser Light Systems

Laserworld is a world leader in the field of manufacturing and distribution of show laser light systems. The product portfolio ranges from small, entry level laser light systems (effect lasers, club lasers, party lasers) up to high end professional lasers. Every product and product series targets a certain customer group, so the laser systems in the Laserworld product portfolio complement each other, which results in heterogeneous customer groups: musical equipment retail stores, music stores as well as nightclubs, amusement parks, rental and production companies are just a small extract of them.
Laserworld runs an online store for show laser light systems on sale. It is possible to buy laser light systems directly there or purchase them at one of our countless distribution partners. Commercial customers are encouraged to register as dealer.

Rent Laser Systems

It does not always make sense to buy, but to rent laser show systems. Laserworld holds a large stock of laser systems for rent.. The rental laser systems are available for worldwide shipping and can also be rented together with professional laser operators. We only rent out high professional laser show equipment, mainly built by RTI. So products of the PIKO, NANO and NEO Series are available. And of course we offer Showcontroller, Pangolin and Lasergraph DSP laser show control systems for rent as well.
Laserworld holds larger stock of RGB white light laser systems with 10W and more. The online rental price list helps in selecting the right laser for rental and helps to calculate the rental price. It is also possible to select laser accessories for rent, such as haze machines, smoke machines or MIDI controllers.

Laser Show Production

Long year experience of show partners and many references from past laser show and multimedia show projects where lasers manufactured by the Laserworld Group came into action, make us the right partner for any type of laser show production or laser show project. No matter if it’s a fixed installation of laser systems or multi-media projections, or if it’s a temporary show: Our experts help in laser show planning, design, on-site implementation and laser show production. We offer turn-key multimedia show solutions as well as Laser Show productions in part or embedded to other show productions, like it happens at big stage shows, festivals or concerts. Time-coded, pre-synchronized shows can be done as well as live laser shows: We have experts for both types, they can handle even extremely complex synchronization scenarios.
It is also possible to do small-scale laser shows for little money: Just tell us about your plans for your laser show and we help you in specifying a show that meets the show budget.

Laser Show References

Many references of laser shows and multi-media shows where laser systems manufactured by the Laserworld group came into action accumulated over the past years, so we documented them in pictures and videos in our portfolio section. Of course, these references only show a small part of the laser shows and multi-media shows our partners have done throughout the years, as many of our customers did not want us to show their project in our references – mainly as these were commercial laser applications or corporate laser shows, which were not meant to be publicly shown. Nevertheless we prepared a good number of references, and we keep on adding more.
The partners of the Laserworld Group did laser shows and multi-media projects at many different occasions and for many different applications. Most common places laser shows are displayed at nightclubs, festivals, amusement parks and at corporate shows. Also many famous artists and musicians rely on laser show and multimedia support for their stage shows. Besides that, lasers were used at weddings, for product presentations or for architecture and mapping.

Distributed brands:

Distributed Brand LaserworldDistributed Brand tarmdistributed brand Ray Technologies
Distributed Brand Laserworld ShoweditorDistributed Brand ShowcontrollerDistributed Brand PangolinDistributed Brand coherent