Show Cue System

Hello -

Sorry complete newb here with some questions:

I'm looking to purchase cue software for my band that will:

1. Play multiple backing tracks at the same time thru a multi-out interface.
2. Display lyrics
3. Make patch changes on my midi guitar processor and possibly control other midi gear.
4. Control lights...if this is possible, what kind of control is possible?
5. Play video if needed
6. Will SCS do surround sound?

Planning on doing this thru a laptop....any concerns with this?

To do the above, what version would I need?

I've searched around looking at different software, and it appears SCS will do most of the above, but wanted to make sure...

Thanks! for any input...

1. Play multiple backing tracks at the same time thru a multi-out interface.
OK.

2. Display lyrics
SCS doesn't specifically support the display of lyrics. However, it would be possible to display one or more image files (eg JPG's) containing lyrics, and set them up in a multi-image video/image cue.

3. Make patch changes on my midi guitar processor and possibly control other midi gear.
Yes, you can use 'Control Send' cues to send MIDI commands. Another option is to run a MIDI file containing all the patch changes etc.

4. Control lights...if this is possible, what kind of control is possible?
Lights can also be controlled using 'Control Send' cues, which may send MIDI, RS232 or Telnet commands. You cannot currently send DMX. Regarding lighting, SCS can be used to recall scenes etc on a lighting board, but SCS does not have facilities to design a lighting plot.

5. Play video if needed
OK. We are still some limitations on video playback, but most videos play without any issues, provided you are using Windows 7 (haven't checked Windows 8 yet).

6. Will SCS do surround sound?
Yes.

Planning on doing this thru a laptop....any concerns with this?
No concerns at all. Just make sure you use a good external sound interface as that helps eliminate mains hum problems.

To do the above, what version would I need?
SCS Professional or higher. (SCS Professional Plus would be required if you want to use Telnet.)

Also, have a look at this Topic posted by Martin Norris: SCS - Used for Everly Brothers Tribute Show.

THANKS MIKE!

btw, one of the enhancements planned for SCS may take care of the lyrics. SCS currently has a 'Note' cue type but that just enables you to have a single-line note which is the content of the 'Cue Description'. But there have been several requests for longer notes and for being able to display notes in a separate movable window.

So an enhancement planned is:

• Change 'Notes' from just being cues to being sub-cues so they can be included within other cues.
• Allow Note sub-cues to be multi-line and have font control (eg select font name, size, color, bold, underline, etc).
• Notes will be displayed in a separate movable window with a nominated background color.
• You will be able to specify how long you want the Note displayed. The Note sub-cue will be terminated when that time is completed, or if another Note sub-cue is displayed, thereby replacing the current Note sub-cue, or when an SFR cue stops the Note sub-cue.