Introduction to Show Networking

Introduction to Show Networking covers the basics of how Ethernet networks provide a platform for entertainment control and audio/video media distribution for concerts, theatre productions, corporate and special events, cruise ship revues, wrestling shows, houses of worship, museum presentations, fountain spectaculars—any kind of show presented live for an audience.

The book’s bottom-up approach was designed with show technicians in mind, starting with the basics and then moving up through cables, network switches, and layering, and on through Ethernet, and network components like TCP, UDP, IP and subnet masks, all with a practical focus. More advanced concepts are introduced, including broadcast storms and VLANs, along with show networking best practices and a network design process demonstrated through practical, real-world examples for lighting, sound, video, scenic automation, and show control networks. An appendix covering binary and hexadecimal numbers is also included.

About the Author: John Huntington is a Professor of Entertainment Technology at New York City College of Technology, also known as Citytech, which is part of CUNY. Through his company Zircon Designs, Huntington freelances as an author, entertainment and show control systems consultant, and sound engineer. He is also an award-winning photographer.

Mr. Huntington has written more than 40 published articles. He has sound designed over 20 productions in New York City and regional theatres like Seattle Rep, and has given more than 50 master classes, workshops, presentations, papers, and talks at conferences and trade shows throughout the United States.

Mr. Huntington studied technical design, production, theatre engineering and sound at the Yale School of Drama (MFA) and Ithaca College (BFA). He lives in New York City and is a member of Local #1 IATSE.